30kph Speed Limit to be Introduced Across Fingal Estates?

The council is to invite expressions of interest from the community on piloting 30kph speed limits within housing estates around the county.

The experiment is currently taking place in some estates in the Malahide /Howth area, and now, according to the Fingal Independent, Fingal County Council wish to extend the pilot schemes with the agreement of local residents and gardaí.

Director of services at the council's transportation Department, Michael Lorigan has said that the issue is being considered as part of an overall review of speed limits at the council's Strategic Policy Committee on transport.

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager

Grand Hotel Supports New Aviva Stadium

The Grand Hotel, Malahide has had a long relationship with the Football Association of Ireland. The Hotel is currently supporting the construction of the new home of Irish football at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin by buying a number of seats.

On Tuesday, 16th February 2010, we visited the stadium which is due for completion in August 2010. We were accompanied on the visit by Packie Bonner, our most famous national goalkeeper.

Pictured to the right in the stadium are: Ernie Brenner (Financial Controller - Grand Hotel / Marine Hotel); Packie Bonner (former Ireland International Goalkeeper); Matthew Ryan (Managing Director - Grand Hotel / Marine Hotel) and Al Ryan (Director - Grand Hotel / Marine Hotel).

Al Ryan - Director

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager

Up to 380 New Homes for Malahide

According to the Fingal Independent, councillors have voted in favour of a Local Area Plan (LAP) for lands in Broomfield in Malahide which could bring up to 380 new homes to the area.

The 30.8 hectare plot of land, located directly across the road from the main entrance to Malahide Castle, is divided into three main areas for the purposes of the plan.

There shall also be an allocation in the plan for a new home for the very active C.A.S.A. group in Malahide, which give respite breaks to people with severe physical and intellectual disabilities.

Construction on the site is not due to commence until after the report from the FEMFRAMS study is completed, which shall give the council important information on drainage and flood risk in the area.

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager

Proposed Malahide Shuttle Bus Service

According to the Fingal Independent, Malahide Coaches, a family-run business, have recently applied to the Department of Transport for a license to operate a shuttle bus service for the Malahide area.

Running from Robswall to Seabury every 15 minutes during peak hours, the service aims to encourage commuters to leave their cars at home when using the DART and bus services in Malahide village. If approved, it could be operating within 2 months time.

A group representing Malahide Community Forum, Malahide Chamber of Commerce and the council's transportation Department has been working to establish the route since last summer, which they hope will also alleviate parking and traffic congestion in the town.

The proposed service would offer a bus every 15 minutes during the morning and evening peaks, charging 1 each way, while O.A.P. passes would also be accepted.

The initial route will cover the Coast Road from Robswall to the village and a circuit on the west side, including Yellow Walls Road, Seabury, Estuary Road, Swords Road and Millview Road, before going back to the railway station.

If the license application is approved and the service proves to be a success, it may yet be extended to off-peak hours and to other areas in the town.

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager

J.C.I. Fingal Table Quiz

A J.C.I. Fingal Table Quiz shall take place on Thursday, 25th February 2010 at 8pm upstairs in Duffy’s, Main Street, Malahide.

Cost of entry is €40 for a table of 4, with great prizes to be won!

To book a table, please contact Joanna on 086-8778360 or email fingal@jci-ireland.org

Junior Chamber International is a worldwide nonprofit organisationwhich contributes to the advancement of the global community. JCI provides young people in their 20's and 30's with the opportunity to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship necessary to create positive change. For more information, please log onto http://www.jci-ireland.org/ or http://www.jci.cc/

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager

Tánaiste’s Presentation to Malahide Chamber of Commerce

The Malahide Chamber of Commerce shall host the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Mary Coughlan on Thursday, 18th February 2010, as she speaks on current economic matters. The schedule for this event is as follows:

Agenda
5.15pm - Assemble and registration in Tara Suite, Grand Hotel
5.30pm - Presentation of Malahide Business Awards
5.45pm - Address to the Chamber by An Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan 6.15pm - Refreshments served and opportunity for networking
7.00pm - Finish

All are welcome to attend.

For registration and further event details, please click on the following link:
http://mcoc-feb-18-2010.eventbrite.com/

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager

CityJet Marketing Director to Speak at JCI Fingal Open Evening

Colin Lewis, Marketing Director of Cityjet, shall speak about Guerrilla Marketing at the JCI Fingal Open Evening on Tuesday 9th February 2010 at 8pm in the Grand Hotel, Malahide.

This event is open to all and is free of charge. It will be of particular interest to anyone looking for a greater understanding of on-line marketing strategies and using social networking tools effectively.

Colin is currently Marketing Director of CityJet, which flies to seven countries across Europe, with forty aircraft and a turnover of over €400m. Previously, he was Head of Sales and Marketing for Aer Arann, where he was responsible for all brand, advertising, sales, PR, ecommerce and sponsorship. Colin won Marketer of the Year in 2008 for his work in Aer Arann.

As a voluntary organisation JCI is all about having fun while serving as a means for young people to socialise and network. Membership of JCI is open to anyone aged between 18 and 40. Members gain personally and professionally through training and self development programmes. This can be achieved through leading teams, organising events, increasing skills and networking.

If you would like to find out more about JCI, why not come along to the Open Night?

Alternatively email fingal@jci-ireland.org for more information.

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager

Malahide Man to Ski in Winter Olympics

Malahide man, and St. Sylvesters hurler, Shane O'Connor has been picked to represent Ireland in the men's alpine slalom at the Winter Olympics. Although he has represented Ireland in five World Championships, this is Shane's first Olympics. Alpine Slalom is one of two so-called "technical" disciplines (the other being giant slalom). It tests the skier in short radius turns, requiring balance, agility and quick reactions. Alternate blue and red gates are set between 4 and 6 metres wide.

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager

Walk on Wednesday Initiative

Despite cold and wet conditions, over 100 pupils from St. Oliver Plunketts, accompanied by their parents, walked to school this morning on one of the regular W.O.W. Days (Walk on Wednesday) which encourages children to think green and walk rather than drive to school.

The ‘Ollies Walking Bus’ started at Biscayne and by the time it left the Coast Road over 200 pupils had joined it en-route.

While the W.O.W. initiative and ‘Walking Bus’ are a regular happening, todays occurance had special significance. To raise funds for schools in Haiti, all children were allowed dispense with uniform for the day and wear tracksuits on making a contribution to this much needed appeal. Also cars on the route were encourage to make a donation.

As an added bonus, the scenes were filmed by R.T.E. for their programme ‘Operation Transformation’ as Malahide man Conor O’Connor is taking part in the show. Conor is also using the Arena Health and Fitness Club at the Grand Hotel, Malahide as part of his weight loss and fitness regime.

Ernie Brenner - Financial Controller
Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager

Valentines Dinner at the Grand Hotel

Why not surprise your special Valentine with an amazing meal served in the fabulous Coast Restaurant in the Grand Hotel this Valentines weekend. Our mouth watering four course set menu is priced at just €40.00 per person and is available on both Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th of February.

With beautiful romantic views over looking the Malahide Marina and Bay it truly is the perfect setting for any Valentines meal on this special weekend.

Contact the hotel directly on 00353 1 8450000 to make a reservation and take a sneak preview of attached Valentines menu to whet your appetite!

Jean Brophy - Sales Executive

Grand Hotel Wins at IASI Awards

Management and staff at the Grand Hotel are delighted to congratulate Joan Brennan (Accommodation Manager); Arpita Shekhar (Deputy Accommodation Manager); Dana McNamara (Accommodation Supervisor) and all the Accommodation Department in the Grand Hotel for winning two Gold Awards at the Irish Accommodation Services Institute Awards held on Saturday, 30th January 2010:

• Gold Prize for Best Four Star Property


• Overall Gold on the night for Best Hotel in Ireland

Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager