Kia SportageMotoring with Ger LeahyThe Latest Kia Sportage is a very slick modern vehicle , stylingis great it seems it was styled by a group of Kia people inCalifornia. Well the styling is as flash and modern as anything outthere and this is a match for its rivals from Ford and Nissan. Onentering the Sportage there is a good feel inside with good qualityplastics and great space up front for the driver and passengerThe Sportage is like nothing before this is comfort and style allrolled into one there is also that 7 year warranty and loads ofspace for kids and luggage .The engine is a massive improvement on what was previouslyavailable in the old Sportage. It's quicker, has a higher top speedand is yet is more economical and has lower emissions. On longjourneys this is a great drive with all controls for radio phone etcall on the steering wheel.With sun roof and all the extras this issome SUV .The ride is comfortable and the seating is very goodoffering good back support ,on the road the Sportage performswell and one would drive this SUV for hours and feel totallyhappy.Every Kia just gets better and better but you have to drive this oneto see its more than an evolution it a bit of a revelationreally.Sportage good points, price, stylish, engines, low emissions,7 year warranty . Go test one at Kia Motors <strong>Youghal</strong> .The Kia Sportage has been named CarBuyer's Car of the Year .10 Kia Soul Dsl10 Kia Proceed Dsl09 Kia Rio 1.409 Kia Picanto 1.008 Kia Sorrento Comm08 Nissan Tida Auto08 Kia Rio 1.5 Dsl08 Renault Laguna 3 1.5Dsl07 Mazda 6 Exec07 Ford Mondeo 1.8 Dsl07 Hyundai Coupe07 BMW 318i07 Kia Sportage Dsl07 Nissan Almera SXE06 Toyota Avensis 1.606 Renault Laguna 2 1.9Dsl06 Renault Scenic 1.405 Renault Megane05 Renault Clio 1.204 Renault Megane04 Suzuki Wagon R+03 Lexus IS 200 Sport03 Audi A1 1.603 Seat Ibiza 1.003 Citroen Berlingo Van01 Skoda Octavia 1.42 YEARS FREESERVICING ONALL CARS FOR<strong>MAR</strong>CHMind u TyresDrivers are being advised that they can minimise the damagingeffects of driving over potholes by making sure their tyres are correctlyinflated. Hitting a pothole can cause serious internal tyredamage, which may result in dangerous sidewall bulges, or resultin cuts to the tyre which may expose cords, rendering it both dangerousand illegal. Potholes can cause significant damage towheels and tyres. It's therefore important for drivers to ensure theirtyres are properly inflated to reduce any potential damage. If theydo suffer the misfortune of hitting a pothole, drivers should makesure both their wheels and tyres are thoroughly inspected by a professionalfor signs of damage. This may occur in the form of cutsor bulges in the tyre or in increasing cases hairline fracturesappearing in alloy wheels.In fact, whatever time of year it is motorists should always checktheir tyre pressure at least once a month and especially if they areplanning any long journeys.Other effects of hitting a pothole include wheel misalignment. Ifthere is significant misalignment the car may pull to one side orcause vibrations in the steering wheel which can be distracting andmake the vehicle difficult to control. In less severe cases this cango unnoticed by the driver yet still result in increased or irregulartyre wear and higher fuel costs. Many garages and tyre dealersoffer free tyre safety inspections for drivers. Properly equippedworkshops can also perform some quick and simple checks tomake sure the wheels are properly alignedHow to check your tyre pressurescorrectly:1. Check your tyre pressures atleast once a month.2. Tyre pressures should bechecked against the vehicle manufacturer'srecommended levelwhich can be found in the vehiclehandbook and on a platewhich is often located inside thefuel filler cap or on front doorsills or pillars.3. Check the pressure when tyresare cold (i.e. when you havetravelled less than two miles).4. If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or willbe towing a trailer or caravan, pressures should be increased inline with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.5. Ensure a reliable and accurate gauge is used.6. Check the pressure in all four tyres not forgetting the spare.7. When checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visualinspection. Remove any stone or other objects embedded in thetread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.8. If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre conditiontake your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to aqualified specialist.
<strong>YOUGHAL</strong> AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY ALERT MEETING <strong>MAR</strong>CH 2011By Christy ParkerThe March meeting of <strong>Youghal</strong> and District Community Alert washeld at 11 am in the Red Store on Tuesday March 1st. Guest speakerson the occasion were Peter Butler form TASK, a communitycare organisation that supplies, installs and monitors socially monitoredalarms and Desmond Davis of the local Care and Repairservice.Crime figures Community Garda Peter Queally the crime statisticsfor the previous month. There were 29 persons stopped andsearched for drugs and four premises searched under warrant. Tenpersons were found in possession of drugs for personal use andtwo with intent to supply. The total street value of drugs seized€3,500.There was one assault causing harm and one common assault at ahouse party. No statements were forthcoming. A file had been forwardedto the DPP regarding an assault in a licensed premises inJanuary. Of two reported burglaries, investigations were ongoinginto theft from a holiday home in Cork Hill, while a man was incustody following a burglary at a licensed premises in whichapproximately €200 had been stolen.There were seven public disorder incidents, with six arrests andsix reported criminal damage cases with one detection. Tworeported thefts involved a Lithuanian gang targeting a pharmacyand the gang were in custody. Secondly, high-powered batterieswere stolen from a road sign in Garryduff.ScamsRetailers were warned of 'a change scam' in which foreign nationalshave confused shop staff with requests to change notes in asynchronised, complex that leaves victims confused and conned.Also, ATM's are targeted in which a plastic device known preventsthe cash from exiting, before the criminal removes both it and themoney.Socially monitored alarmsTASK representative Peter Butler reviewed the availability andfunctionality of socially monitored alarms thus: grant funding isavailable for over 65's living alone or in couples with a landline.They can also be purchased privately @ €250 (TASK price). Anannual maintenance fee of €66 is required and not grant aided.The base unit is usually installed in a hallway. It permits a twowaycommunication with the unit's Dublin-based central monitoringstation. This is achieved by pressing a device (or 'panic button')usually of a neck pendant or wristwatch. The station callsthree phone numbers representing family/house key holders, inorder of preference and the gardai if these options prove unsuccessful.Mr Butler stressed the importance of wearing the pendant/watchat all times, to offset the unexpected.Other aspects of the alarm units include 10 year batteries and afacility to warn the householder if the house temperature fluctuatesdangerously. The signal operates up to 100 metres extendingto outdoors. .Smoke and CO2 alarmsMr. Butler said our sense of smell ceases during sleep. The monitoredsmoke alarms work similarly to the accident equivalent,except smoke activates the system. The service was also valuablewhen a householder was absent from home. These alarms cost €75but again grant assistance is available through the Seniors AlertScheme. The criteria of 'living alone' was not compromised byregular or overnight visits from family members etc. He advisedthat smoke alarms not be located in kitchens, where heat detectorsare more appropriate.Also featured were carbon monoxide detectors. Mr, Butler saidgas and oil posed a risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Hedescribed various ways by which to lessen the danger; a) cleanchimney, b) have boilers regularly serviced and beware of blackdeposits, c) ensure house is well ventilated. He said there werevarious levels of exposure -two hours' exposure of 200 parts CO2might cause headaches, 400 parts induce nausea also, while 800parts could cause unconsciousness. The detector sets off a signalonce exposure surpasses 300 parts. This alarm could be purchasedprivately for €100 but grant-aid was available for the over 65's.(All three alarms can be acquired with grant assistance under theSenior Alert programme. Any grant application needs submissionof quotes from three distinct companies. The €66 annual maintenancefee covers any or all alarm systems and is not grant-aided)Application forms for all devices are available at <strong>Youghal</strong> gardastation (Tele: 024-92200). Mr Buler concluded his address withadvice on how to minimise risk of falls: i) get eyes tested; ii)makes sure floor space is uncluttered; iii) wear safe shoes and iv)provide adhesive maths in bathroom.Senior Alert SchemeThe Senior Alert Scheme is a project under which voluntarygroups register for grant aid on behalf of individuals. Other servicesprovided under the scheme include exterior home securitylighting (€120), with dawn-to-dusk systems preferable to the sensoronly version that a wandering cat is liable to activate! TASKcontact number: (01) 8435889; Peter Butler 086-0568155; net:www.taskltd.com.Caring and RepairingIn a comparatively brief address, Mr. Desmond Davies, of<strong>Youghal</strong> Care and Repair service spoke. The Repair and Care initiativebegan some months ago and presently 15 volunteers -including females- participate. Mr Davies explained that the workersundertake minor jobs on behalf of the elderly (65+) and themore vulnerable members of society. Exemplary chores includelawn mowing, changing bulbs, tacking carpets, installing locks,curtain hanging, etc.The householder provides the work materials and the volunteersprovide the free service. "We work in pairs and members are givengarda clearance," Mr Davies elaborated. The service does notundertake professional type tasks like plumbing and electricalwork and is not an alternative to trades people. Those wishing toavail of the Care and Repair service are asked to contact Cumannna Daoine on (024) 91900. Further volunteers are very welcome.The next Community Alert meeting is on Tuesday April 5th in theWalter Raleigh Hotel at 7.45 pm. At which a Garda representativewill presents talk on drugs, including exhibits.Jack Dempsey, <strong>Youghal</strong> community alert group and Peter Butler from TASKPictured at the community alert morning in the Red Store- Volunteer KathleenO'Shea, Sheila Whyte, Community alert group, Lorainne Hogan from Rapid, Cllr.Barbara Murray, Sandra McLellan TD, Cllr. Michelle Hennessy and Helen O'Brienfrom Rapid