Community

  This series of five programmes introduces the listener to the organisers, trainees and instructors of Water Safety Ireland – Louth. The locations were in the Aura Centre Dundalk, the Co Louth beaches and the Regional, National and European Surf Life Saving Competitions. The series highlights the character building activities and friendships that start on the Irish beaches and continue throughout life. Water Safety is not an expensive sport but does demand that the participants commit a large amount of time. Parents tell us that there is a lot of planning to do to get the children to the beaches and that this has created a reliance on each other to car share and look out for each other’s children. They describe how their children have been brought up through Water Safety Ireland – Louth events and training. We hear about how they bring along the equipment each week to the training – the mannequins and the defibrillator. They also tell us how the sport brings out the teacher in teenagers because they learn to coach and mentor the younger trainees. It teaches them communication skills and how to handle responsibility and it gives them confidence so that they can carry themselves in an interview assured that their knowledge and skills have been certified by Water Safety Ireland. Some of the parents help out at the competitions. They measure out the space for the Flag events and put down the flags. Other jobs include taking the fins from the surf board, helping to transport the equipment for competitions and organising refreshments and snacks for instructors.              

The Community Foundation for Ireland is supporting Dundalk FM’s Community Call Radio Series. Open for streets/residents associations/community and voluntary organisations/sports groups to record a show as part of our Summer Community Call Series. Community Call will be broadcast each Sunday at 5.00 pm. See the listing below for the series schedule. Liz Carville has been in contact with over 100 local community groups, 30 of which have agreed to take part in the series. The recordings are underway and the series will be broadcast starting in December 2020 – times and dates will be announced shortly.   Community Group and Broadcast Date – all shows are on Sunday at 5pm. Fatima Residents Association 13/12/20 Dundalk Musical Society 20/12/20 Tuites Lane 27/12/20 An Grupa na Leabharlanna 03/01/21 Family Addiction Support Network 10/01/20 Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust 17/01/21 Louth Mavericks American Football Club 24/01/21 Dundalk Railway Heritage Society 31/01/21 Carlingford Tidy Towns 07/02/20 Dundalk Muslim Community 14/02/20 Russian Bridge Club 21/02/20 Redemptorist Church 28/02/21 Dundalk Toastmasters 07/03/21 Dundalk Outcomers 14/03/21 Dundalk Youth Centre 21/03/21 disAbility Louth 28/03/21 Louth Film Makers Society 04/04/21 Here is the 1st programme in our Community Call series….Tuites Lane hosted by Daniel Deery, Sound Engineer John Englishby… https://www.mixcloud.com/DundalkFMMixcloud/community-call-1-tuites-lane-part/ Fatima Community Call Programme In this programme, Maryrose Muckian talks with three long-time residents of Fatima, Dundalk.  Paddy McCourt, Pearse Campbell and Kevin Maguire share memories of their lives and times in the estate, of growing up and raising their families in the area.  They also share some of their favourite songs as they remind us what it was like living in Dundalk in those bygone days. This programme is hosted by Maryrose Muckian and was recorded under social distancing rules in Fatima at the clubhouse of Dundalk Northend Pigeon Club on 7th July, 2020.  The recording and editing were carried out by Philip O’Brien with the help of Cathal McCooey.   https://www.mixcloud.com/DundalkFMMixcloud/community-call-fatima-dundalk-part/   Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust This programme was hosted by Seamus Murphy and Kieran McCourt and they chat to John Woods, Patricia Morrissey, Gerry McAlinden, Harry McCarthy, Lorena Rafferty and Linda Stevens about what it was like growing up in Carlingford and how the village has developed, the achievements of the Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust, the Thosel and Station House, what its like to be a tour guide, how the Carlingford Heritage Centre promotes arts, music, history, festivals and events and plans to engage more families to take a day trip or stay over.     https://www.mixcloud.com/DundalkFMMixcloud/community-call-carlingford-lough-heritage-trust-part/ Louth Mavericks American Football Club This programme was hosted by Alex Simms Pro and Player and he chats to Declan Mulvihill – Club Secretary & Player,  Robbie Caldwell – Flag Football Coach & Player, Meg King – Flag football defensive captain and David Lynch – Player.   https://www.mixcloud.com/DundalkFMMixcloud/community-call-louth-mavericks-part/   Carlingford Tidy Towns Committee In this programme we hear from Joanne Redpath – Secretary, Stephen Callan – Treasurer, Gerry Mc Garitty- liaison with Louth County Council. member of Carlingford Community Forum and Denise Creggan-member of Carlingford Community Forum. Dundalk Muslim Community In this programme we heard from Imam Nuh, Saheed Yusuf and Amina Mayo from the Dundalk Muslim Community. We heard about the daily devotions, Ramadan, giving to charity, counselling others and helping member sin need, language interpretation, celebrations, cross border programmes, cultural and sports programmes cross community projects. The plans for 2021 will be to continue to provide these services, collect donations to complete the Muslim Centre, to create a fund for people in need, improve the education facilities, strengthen the interactions with community and statutory agencies and to engage with Dundalk’s community radio station service for the development of their members.   Russian Bridge Anastasia McCabe, Tatiana Zaiceva, Ina Vanickin and Andrey Soldatkin took part in this programme explaining how the community group was founded after a Round Table Discussion with Sarah Smith, a lecturer in Russian and Slavonic Studies from Trinity College Dublin in 2007. They tell us about the Russian Film School and Summer Camps in Carlingford, their hiking club, the Pushkin Festival, Charity Ball, the International John Field Piano and Vocal Competition and the dramatisation of Blue Bird in a Táin Arts Centre Dundalk.           Community Call Radio Promo Script Have you ever been on Dundalk FM? What was it for? – to promote your community group, or a fundraiser, a sports event on behalf of your school or maybe it was to record a music programme. Have you ever called us on nine three, nine five, one hundred or texted us on oh eight seven, zero nine, zero nine, seven nine one to send in a request or dedication for a favourite song. We are here for you when you need us. Your radio is so powerful that a song can bring back memories of a person, or of a place or of a time. The thing is right now, during this time, we need you to help us with a new programme – Community Call. A one off show for every street and estate in the town. Join us on a Video Chat, like Zoom, to remember the old times, growing up on the street and in the fields behind the streets! It will be pre- recorded during June and aired in July and August. And it is dedicated to raising the spirits of our friends and neighbours. We need to get back to sharing the treasures of life. To join in the video chat for your street phone nine three, nine five, one hundred email talk@dundalkfm.ie or look at the notice on our Facebook Page. This is a Community Foundation for Ireland Covid19 Response Project in support of Dundalk FM. C’mon Dundalk FM listeners – we want you to do the talking!     Community Call will be a twice weekly programme dedicated to raising the spirits of our friends and neighbours in Dundalk. We need to get back to sharing the treasures of life. The aim is to ask old friends and neighbours to reminisce for the listening pleasure of our mainly middle aged and elderly audience.

    October 2020 Level 3 Precaution and Control Measures We are reducing social contact at the station. The Main Studio can accommodate 1 person at a time instead of 3. A second presenter could contribute from the Production Studio (Evenings & Weekends only). Daytime, Evening and Weekend Self Operated Music Shows can continue as normal or a presenter can send in a pre-record/broadcast live remotely. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYONE ENTER THE STATION IF THEY (OR ANYONE THEY LIVE WITH OR HAVE CLOSE CONTACT WITH) HAVE COLD, COUGH, FLU SYMPTOMS OR ARE WAITING ON RESULTS FOR COVID-19 TEST.   Covid-19 Prevention and Control reminders for our presenters. Please take in your own Headphones. Please sign in and out and record your temperature Please wash your hands regularly and use the Hand Sanitizer. Mic Foam Covers are available from any member of staff. Please wipe down the sound desk, phone, mouse, keyboard, CD buttons and trays, the general desk surface and chair before and after use. Guests may come into the Main Studio – make sure that they sign in, take a temp reading and observe the 2m social distancing restriction. Only 1 person can be in the Production Room. Thank you. Stay Safe. Alan Byrne Manager 30/06/20     Pre-return to Work Form 20200605 Pre-return to Work Form 20200605   Covid-19 Compliance Officer, Alan Byrne 086 792 5171. HSE 1850 24 1850.   Dundalk FM Return to Work Safely Protocol – Managing the Risk of Covid-19. 3rd June 2020 Dundalk FM will carry out a Risk Assessment and update our Safety Statement in line with the 2005 Safety Act and HSE guidance on the prevention the spread of Covid-19. We must not have a Covid-19 case in the offices or studio even if a person is being tested. If there is a case in the station the HSE might send everyone home for 2 weeks. From June 8th, presenters are can broadcast live under the following conditions. 1. The completion of a Pre-Return to Work Form. 2. They can demonstrate an understanding of how to prevent Covid-19 from spreading i.e. cleaning using wipes, hand sanitizer, personal headphones, mic covers, maintaining social distance. 3. They can demonstrate an understanding of the control measures that Dundalk FM have in place i.e the Contact Log, what to do if there is a suspected case. Name 3 symptoms of Covid-19. Fever – 38 degrees Celsius and above – any type of cough, not just a dry one – shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, loss of taste or sense of smell. The Board of Directors are responsible for the following: Appoint a Covid-19 response management team. Have regular engagement with staff about Covid-19 and preventative measures in the workplace. Appoint one lead worker representative who must receive the necessary training – Alan Byrne is the Covid-19 Compliance Officer and completed iSafe/Dundalk Chamber Training and Certification in May 2020. Update the Covid-19 Response Plan. Update the Risk Assessment and Safety Statement and address the risks. Have contingency plans in the case of worker absenteeism sick leave and changing work patterns. Keep a Contact Log. Provide induction Covid-19 training for all workers and volunteers. They have to complete this before they get back on air. Create and issue a pre-return to work form. Identify a designated isolation area – Fire Assembly Point. Review the role of the Safety Representative and Health and Safety Policy. Update the Work From Home Policy. Update the Sick Leave Policy. Enable workers to work from home where possible. There may be a member who has a vulnerable family member. Support workers and volunteers who may be suffering from anxiety or stress.   Covid-19 Response Plan Prevention All staff and volunteers must sign and date a Return to Work Form and complete Induction training at least 3 days in advance of returning to work. Staff will receive induction training in the use of cleaning materials, contact log, and what to do if there is a suspected case of Covid-19. Communications/Signage The Notice board at the lobby contain up to date advice and the phone number of the Covid-19 Compliance Officer, HSE posters, anyone who has a cough is not to come in – signs and symptoms. Instructions – what to do if a case is suspected. Bathroom Facilities Poster – how to wash your hands correctly. Email and SMS to members with a link to a webpage. Update the response plan at staff meetings. Regular meeting with board/staff. Everyone should have their own personal headphones, own mic foam covers and pens. You can collect your mic foam cover at the station. PPE There is a shelf with gloves, masks, wipes, hand sanitizer, spray, a bin for clinical waste and bags. We need sneeze guards at reception. At the lobby there is hand sanitizer, a waste bin with a lid and paper towels. The lobby door is kept closed. Air Conditioning The Units will be serviced in September and February each year. We may use a Rota if necessary so that the offices and studios can ensure social distancing requirements. We should be working remotely as much as is reasonably possible. Temperature Testing is required and a log will be maintained. Cleaning Regime – the first and last person in the station is responsible for performing a general clean down. We have UV Light in the Main Studio for use when it is vacant. You may wear a face covering if you wish. It will not protect you against airborne infectious agents but will help stop the spread if you have Covid-19. You may wear gloves if you wish. Everyone is responsible for cleaning up. Risk Assessment – reviewed at monthly staff meetings and discussed at board meetings. How/Where could people be exposed to Covid-19? Where are the high risk areas? Office Surfaces Door Handles Telephone Mouse/ Keyboard Handrail Light Switches Radio Fridge Microwave Kettle Bin Bags Toilet Wash basin These are cleaned using an anti bacterial wipe by the first

Your contribution will pay for new equipment for Dundalk’s community radio studio and on location broadcasting service. The equipment list is two digital sounds desks – one for the main studio and one for the production studio 5 x sound processing and studio PC’s 6 x Mic Arms a studio digital link for outside broadcasts a portable outside broadcast sound desk two OB headsets a studio clock In October we secured 75% funding from Louth Leader Partnership and to purchase this amazing equipment we need to raise €5,681.00 on our own and hope to achieve this before December 31st 2018. Having brand new studio equipment will be a wonderful way to begin our 10-year licence in 2019. One out of every 250 people in Dundalk have been part of making radio since we started in 2002. This is a great opportunity for us to invest in for the next 15 years. It will be of enormous benefit for our community radio volunteers of all ages and especially for live match commentaries OB’s from community halls and events studio panel discussions providing certified radio training courses and summer camps recording radio documentaries and radio dramas In addition to continuing the wonderful rage of programming you hear the new studio equipment will bring Dundalk’s non-profit public service station up to national broadcast standard. Thank you for helping along the way.   To make a contribution to Dundalk FM click 97.7 Dundalk FM GoFundMe Page    

  Here’s a snapshot taken of the Brunch show on Saturday 18/04/20.   Here’s our presenters and radio team pre-recording the Fadó Fadó show on Friday afternoon.     To listen to our podcasts click on the Mixcloud icon below.        [podcast title=”Covid 19 by Noel Sharkey read by Mary Rose Muckian.”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Noel-Sharkey-Covid-19.mp3[/podcast] [podcast title=”Barry Sheelan in Sardinia talks to Marissa Lucchesi.”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200323_Barry-Sheelan_Sardinia-mono.mp3[/podcast] [podcast title=”Grainne Loughran, Communications Officer with Alone talks to Marissa Luchesi.”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200316_Grainne-Loughran_Alone-mono.mp3[/podcast] [podcast title=”Ann Larkin from Women’s Aid Dundalk talks to Pat Byrne”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200318_Ann-Larkin_Womens-Aid-mono.mp3[/podcast] [podcast title=”Are You Here?”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Are-You-Here-.mp3[/podcast]  [podcast title=”20200318 Covid 19 Public Service Notice”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID19-Notice0200319-Caroline-vo.mp3[/podcast]  [podcast title=”20200311 Orla McLaughlin in Venice talks to Pat Byrne”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200311_Orla-McLoughlin_Venice-mono.mp3[/podcast]  [podcast title=”20200312 Pat Hamilton speaks his son Ciaran in Shanghai”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200312_-Ciaran-Hamilton_Shanghai-7m20s.mp3[/podcast] [podcast title=”20200313 Sean Fegan talks to Kevin Morrison in Sydney”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200313_Kevin-Morrison_Sydney-mono-.mp3[/podcast] [podcast title=”20200313 Nadia Biondi in Lucca speaks to Marissa Lucchesi”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200313_Nadia-Biondi_Lucca-mono.mp3[/podcast]  [podcast title=”20200313 Dr Peter Finnegan talks to Marissa Lucchesi”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200313_Dr-Peter-Finnegan-mono.mp3[/podcast] [podcast title=”20200313 Karen Thornton, KT Travel talks to Marissa Lusschesi”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200313_-Karen-Thornton_KT-Travel-mono.mp3[/podcast] [podcast title=”20200313 From Milan, Donald Robin speaking to Marissa Lucchesi”]https://dundalkfm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200313_Robin-Donald_Milan-mono.mp3[/podcast] Advice to all Members 10th March 2020 If the station is closed down we will ask presenters to send in a show if they can or else we will play edited backups and work remotely. Introduction The safety and well-being of our members, staff and visitors is very important and we are monitoring advice provided by the Irish authorities – Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs and the HSE – regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19. We are adopting a policy of high-compliance and seek to adopt further measures to minimise the risks where it is appropriate to do so. General Instructions. In order to minimise the risk of the spread of COVID-19 at the station, at Outside Broadcast Events, meetings and training, you are asked to do the following: Travel If you or a member of your household is returning from any of the areas identified as high-risk by the HSE or the Department of Foreign Affairs; whether or not symptoms are evident, we request that you do not come into the station. Notification Please contact a member of staff immediately if you believe that a risk of transmission of the virus has arisen for any reason on Dundalk FM premises. Hygiene When at the station, events or meetings, please observe the personal hygiene recommendations. Meticulous hand washing. Covering coughs and sneezes in the correct manner to avoid the spread of infected water-droplets. Safe disposal of used tissues and cleaning of infected surfaces. Wipe the desk faders and desktops – wipes are provided in the studio. Go to https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html for up-to-date advice, description of symptoms, etc. Cancellations Dundalk FM may cancel live programming at short notice in order to avoid the risk of transmission of the disease. We will broadcast similar programmes where it is possible to do so.  Also, please notify us in advance of non-attendance due to COVID-19 concerns so that we can put on alternative programming. Dundalk FM will endeavour to keep you up to date and ask you to follow public health guidelines at all times. Thank you for your co-operation. Alan Byrne Manager