Latest news with #DIFE


Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Satey measures needed at Hacketts Cross in Clogherhead
Calling for an update on the roadworks programme, he highlighted 'massive potholes" in the centre of Clogherhead. He also appealed for traffic measures at Beaulieu Bridge, saying if there was a yield or stop sign at each end of the bridge it improve traffic safety. Cllr. Eric Donovan raised concerns about the condition of the main street in Tullyallen. "Once it rains it is a no go area for children, it turns into a lake. I know there has been potholes filled up, and patches here and there, but it doesn't cut it.' He called for the council to consider installing a drainage system, and asked if there were any plans for the area. Wattery Lane in the village is also suffering from erosion, with broken kerbs evident, he added. "The road is turning into a very dangerous, risky place to drive.' He called for traffic measures on the R166 from Clogherhead to Dunleer, adding: 'We've had reports that speeding on that road is atrocious, and it's very dangerous. Traffic calming measures to encourage drivers to slow down would really help.' Cllr. Power also added to calls for a timeline to be given for works in Tullyallen. Cllr. Debbie McCole said residents of Windmill Road had called for improved signage in the area. Along the Twenties, the route linking the boxing club and DIFE college, residents had called for double yellow lines as traffic difficulties were being reported with vehicles parking on footpaths. ADVERTISEMENT Cllr. McQuillan highlighted the need for monitoring of drains to prevent any blockages during the more frequent 'flash flooding' that had been occurring in recent years. A council spokeswoman said the local authority would look at the issues raised, including the yellow lines along a section of the Twenties. She added that a contractor would be clearing drains again of leaves etc, and acknowledged the potential for flooding in some areas. Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michelle Hall supported calls for signage at Beaulieu bridge, which she added had been raised 'for many years by councillors.' She also expressed concerns around councillors not receiving responses to queries they raise with Louth County Council. Director of Service, David Jones, said the local authority were rolling out a new system, which should feature a tracking element, and would improve response times for councillors. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme


Irish Independent
05-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Louth college, DIFE, provides life skills for graduates
Graduates were awarded qualifications across a wide range of disciplines, receiving QQI Level 5 and Level 6 Awards, as well as certificates and diplomas from other awarding bodies including NECF, City & Guilds of London, CIBTAC, ITEC, IAOT, and the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses. The ceremony was generously sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union, continuing its long-standing partnership with DIFE in supporting student achievement and community education. Graduates were recognised across diverse fields such as Culinary Arts, Art & Design, Business, Pre-University Courses (including Arts, Law, and Science), Construction Studies, Beauty Therapy, Multimedia, Photography, Sport & Leisure, Nursing, Childcare and Applied Social Studies, Travel & Tourism, Healthcare Support, Dental Nursing, and Pharmacy Technician studies. The graduation was presided over by DIFE Principal Mr. Davy McDonnell, along with Deputy Principals Orla Morrissey, Shane Williams, and Mark O'Sullivan. The event was organised by Pauline Sheeran and her graduation committee, whose efforts were acknowledged and appreciated by all in attendance. Distinguished guests included Martin O'Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB, Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training for LMETB, Sharon Tolan of the DIFE Board of Management, Sheena Kierans and Finbarr Murphy representing Drogheda Credit Union, Hubert Murphy CE Drogheda Chamber, Colin Cooney Programme Director DKIT, and Mick Toner, who attended to congratulate this year's graduates. Special guest at the ceremony, Mayor of Drogheda Paddy McQuillan, who himself is a past student of DIFE, also addressed the graduates. In presenting the awards, he congratulated the students on their achievements, stating: 'At DIFE, you gain life skills that stay with you for your whole life. DIFE provides opportunities for all who walk through its doors.' In his address, LMETB Chief Executive Martin O'Brien congratulated all graduates and commended the institute's role in providing high-quality education and training. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of DIFE, he spoke about lifelong learning, which takes each graduate to the next level — and in turn, lifts Drogheda to the next level. DIFE offers a wide variety of courses with clear progression routes to Higher Education in Ireland, the UK, and Europe, as well as employment-focused qualifications across sectors such as childcare, healthcare, beauty therapy, pharmacy, animal care, dental nursing, health and fitness, and more. Applications for upcoming courses are now open. For more information, visit: