tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2071608051506168452024-03-05T23:34:41.709+00:00Irish Business Today- Your Business is Our BusinessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger854125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-22282600960968188212016-01-26T15:31:00.001+00:002016-01-26T15:31:08.432+00:00Ann Norton calls for HSE direct role in mental health service delivery<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ann Norton</td></tr>
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<b>Independent General Election Candidate in Clare, Councillor Ann Norton says the HSE needs to assume a more direct role in the provision of mental health services to counteract the "epidemic" of suicide cases in Ireland.<a name='more'></a></b><br /><br />Cllr. Norton said that the number of officially reported suicide cases in Ireland was a "mere scratching of the surface" in terms of the actual number of deaths occurring because of suicide. <br /><br />She noted that prevalence of cases was compounded by the lack of any mental health services for children and adolescents combined with the Government's "shirking of its responsibility" regarding service delivery.<br /><br />"Suicide is a growing problem in this country irrespective of what the Central Statistics Office figures show," said Cllr. Norton.<br /><br />"Depression does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, gender or social circumstances. It can affect any one of us at any time," she added. "Self harm and death by suicide along with the fact that many thousands of Irish people struggle with mental health issues on a daily basis is tragically an issue that few families have not experienced in this country. It is an issue that needs to be highlighted and addressed at the highest level."<br /><br />Cllr. Norton continued, "As a society we have made considerable progress in relation to a number of sensitive issues such as gay marriage and divorce, but successive Governments have failed to develop a mature and proactive response to the growing mental health issues. Our Health Service expects charities to do the work without providing any significant financial assistance. The bottom line is that Government needs to take a similar direct and proactive approach to addressing mental health issues in this country as it has done with its comprehensive road safety and anti-smoking campaigns."<br /><br />Councillor Norton is calling for safety checks to be introduced to help identify people who are potentially most at risk and services put in place accordingly to provide urgent care.<br /><br />"The revolving door policy of our mental health institutions is in essence plastering over the cracks in a health system that fails to recognise the scale of the problem. Instead, such institutions need to be empowered by Government to work with those suffering from mental health issues, as well as their families and loved ones, to ensure all help that is requested is provided," she explained.<br /><br />"The Government and the HSE must also focus on shortcomings in service delivery for children and adolescents because a lot of people forget this is an issue," stated Cllr. Norton. "There are few services for younger people. For example, there is no bed capacity in Limerick for young people with mental health issues, there is a considerable waiting list for mental health assessments, and there is an absolute lack of available Counsellors publicly or privately for young people. The Government cannot on one hand claim that the young people are the future of this country and on the other hand ignore their plight."<br /><br />"As a nation, it is incumbent on the Government of the time to protect all of its citizens and to ensure that the most basic rights, in this case access to comprehensive mental health services, is provided. Sadly, Ireland is failing its citizens in this regard and all the while our loved ones, friends and neighbours are continuing to suffer," she added.<br /><br />Cllr. Norton concluded by praising the work carried out by charity organisations and high profile individuals such as Limerick TD Dan Neville, musician Niall Breslin, and GAA figures Conor Cusack and Maurice Shanahan in highlighting mental health issues. "They have certainly helped in highlighting the issue but public awareness does not negate the Government's own responsibility to tackle the issue." <br /><br />Ann Norton is an Independent candidate in the upcoming General Election in the Clare constituency. Ann manages the Clare Crusaders Children's Clinic on a voluntary basis. She is a mother of 3 and her oldest daughter Nicole has Cerebral Palsy.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-8188314300439955732015-11-23T13:17:00.001+00:002015-11-23T14:20:28.547+00:00Carsten puts wonders of the Burren in the frame<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The unique landscape of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is the subject of a new book by one of Ireland's leading photographers.</b><br />
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This Is The Burren, Carsten Krieger's photographic ode to the world-famous region, will be launched by Rose Hynes, a native of North Clare and Chairperson of Shannon Group plc, in Hyland's Burren Hotel, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, this Sunday (November 29th).<br />
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The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, which was last week designated UNESCO Global Geopark status, is amongst Ireland’s most enigmatic and magical landscapes.<br />
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The 176 photographs featured in This Is The Burren capture the essence of the Burren, including its weathered karst landscape, the ever-changing light; the exotic flora; the elusive wildlife; the tombs, cairns, forts and churches, and the people who call the Burren their home. <br />
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Carsten Krieger, who was born in Germany, visited the Burren after learning it was the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth. More visits followed before he and his wife finally decided to move to County Clare to be close to the unique landscape. <br />
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After publishing his first book, Carsten moved on to other projects, but said, "The Burren always stayed close to my heart and in all the books I have made over the past decade the Burren pops up in each of them in one way or another."<br />
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Carsten returned to the Burren to take more photographs in 2011, a project that turned into his new book. "Although four years sounds like a long time I could easily have spent another couple of years exploring and photographing the Burren, and most likely will do so. Every trip brings something new and unexpected and a reason to return another time," he said.<br />
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Cllr. James Breen, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council described the new book as "a valuable photographic record of one of the jewels in the Irish tourism crown."<br />
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He added, "Carsten's photographs illustrate perfectly how remarkable the landscape of the Burren really is and why the work of organisations such as the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark in heritage management and sustainable development throughout the region is critical. The book also is a tribute to how man and nature are deeply entwined in the Burren and have shaped each other over the millennia."<br />
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"We are delighted to have been able to support Carsten and the publication of this book which demonstrates the enormous wealth of history and geological significance associated with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher," commented Carol Gleeson, Project manager, Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.<br />
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She continued: "Since 2006, Clare County Council has been working in the Burren to develop a truly sustainable tourism destination that gives direct benefits to the local community, promotes and celebrates local culture and produce, preserves the environment and provides a great experience for our visitors. Carsten's photographs gives credence to this amazing landscape and the wide range of fantastic work that is ongoing throughout the Burren through sustainable practices."<br />
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Carsten Krieger's This Is The Burren, which is introduced by local author and broadcaster P.J. Curtis, will be launched in Hyland's Burren Hotel, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, this Sunday (November 29th) at 5.00pm. The launch event will also feature musical entertainment from Jim McKee & Band and the Jaskane Café Trio.<br />
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This Is The Burren (The Collins Press) is available in all good bookstores and online at www.collinspress.ie.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-28650169785264678962015-11-23T10:50:00.001+00:002015-11-23T10:50:45.073+00:00Major touring Irish Art Exhibition to be launched in Ennis<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>One of the most significant exhibitions of Irish artists in recent years, 30 Years, Artists, Places will be launched in glór Ennis on December 7th ahead of an extensive nationwide tour. <a name='more'></a></b><br /><br />The exhibition marks 30 years since Local Authorities embarked on providing for the arts locally, featuring 30 artists and 30 places. <br /><br />Renowned artists such as Tony O’Malley, Alice Maher, Robert Ballagh, John Kindness, Norah McGuiness, Sean McSweeney, Sean Lynch and John Shinnors alongside emerging artists Cora Cummins, Cleary Connolly, Lisa Fingleton, Jenny Brady, Vanessa Lopez and David Stephenson and many others feature in the exhibition, which is being funded by the Arts Council.<br /><br />In tandem with the exhibition opening, the Association of Local Authority Arts Officers has organised a seminar for December 7th looking at the current challenges facing local arts development and examining the rationale behind the exhibition. <br /><br />Key contributors include Dr. Ciarán Benson former Chairperson of the Arts Council, Pat Cooke Director of the MA in Cultural Policy at Arts Management at UCD and Martin Drury Strategic Development Director with the Arts Council. Muireann Ni Chonaill, Laois Arts Officer and exhibition curator will be speaking about the exhibition along with Lynn McGrane from the National Gallery of Ireland, who devised the accompanying education programme.<br /><br />"Clare was the first county to appoint an arts officer in 1985 Kay Sheehy, who is now a RTE producer" says Siobhan Mulcahy the current Clare Arts Officer and Chair of the Association of Local Authority Arts Officers. "It is therefore fitting that this major exhibition is beginning in Clare from where it will tour the length and breadth of the county over the next two years."<br /><br />She added, "The collection being exhibited speaks of places, people and home which reflects upon local authority arts development as just that, of a place and of a people, of rural and urban Ireland, of home in a changing island where we are bold with new ideas but rooted in our past."<br /><br />Clare is represented in the exhibition by Ireland 1972 by the late Theo McNab, which was purchased by Clare County Council in 1983. The county is further represented by a work entitled Burren Shore by artist Roisin McGuigan from the Kerry County Collection. <br /><br />"This is a must see, not just for the extraordinary line up of Irish artists who rarely find themselves exhibiting together but for the stories of how they each came to be purchased, commissioned or acquired by local authorities, therein lies the real narrative; the quiet, genuine and imaginative support for Irish artists demonstrated by our local government for the past 30 years," stated Ms. Mulcahy.<br /><br />The exhibition also features an education programme aimed at both primary and secondary children and schools are welcome to bring in a class to see the show. In conjunction with glór, there will be a family day workshop on Saturday, January 9th and guided tours for schools by artist Marie Connole are available on Thursday January 14th and 21st. All are free but booking is advised through glor at 065 6843103. <br /><br />The Association of Local Authority Arts Officers seminar begins at 2pm on December 7th and is free but advanced registration is required via glór. Tel: 065 6843103 boxoffice@glor.ie Insert glór contact details.<br /><br />Visit www.localartsireland.ie or Facebook (www.facebook.com/events/751346118344565) for further details.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-27958711379600358822015-11-23T10:35:00.000+00:002015-11-23T10:35:12.790+00:00Limerick pitches in for FreeTrade Ireland Reuse Day<b>The people of Limerick are being invited to pass their unwanted items on to new owners as part of FreeTrade Ireland Reuse Day at Mungret Civic Amenity Centre this Saturday (November 28th).</b><br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />The Southern Region Waste Management Office (SRWMO), Limerick City and County Council and FreeTrade Ireland are promoting the event and are inviting the public to drop in to the recycling centre and learn about the free online reuse service, FreeTradeIreland.ie.<br /><br />Reuse through FreeTrade Ireland is free of charge meaning householders and businesses avoid costs associated with skip hire or other disposal costs. <br /><br />“FreeTradeIreland.ie is a smarter resource option for everyone involved. It benefits all users involved in terms of time and cost savings, ensures quality items live longer and serve more people and it reduces the need to use new raw materials for make more new items,” said Pauline McDonogh, Regional Waste Prevention Co-ordinator, Southern Waste Region. <br /><br />“The service is completely free to use whether you want to post a free ad offering an item or whether you are looking to obtain an item for free. ‘Do One More Thing’ is the theme of our recently launched Southern Regional Waste Management Plan and reuse through FreeTrade Ireland is a classic example of something simple that the people of Limerick can do to prevent waste and reuse resources while saving money too.<br /><br />"We want householders and business in the Southern Region to start thinking about the life span of their items and consider if they can have a second life by reusing their resources rather than disposing of them," added Ms. McDonogh.<br /><br />The FreeTrade Ireland team will be present at Mungret Civic Amenity Centre to raise awareness of the national reuse service. Already, FreeTradeIreland.ie members from the Southern region have reused almost 13,000 kg of items. This includes items such as suites of furniture, televisions, a garden shed, exercise equipment and much more. By using the online service members can save money between not having to purchase a new item and the disposal costs avoided by passing the item on instead of disposing or recycling it. <br /><br />“The items on the freetradeireland.ie site are ones that people no longer wanted but felt were simply too good to throw away”, commented Sinead McDonnell, Environmental Awareness Officer, Limerick City and County Council.<br /><br />“Using the service is easy and very effective. Once someone spots an item on the freetradeireland.ie site that they want, they simply contact the person offering the item and arrange to collect their new item. It saves the new owner the price of buying a new item and the member offering the item can save the time and money associated with taking it to the local recycling centre or disposing of it within a skip.<br /><br />Items can be posted up on the FreeTradeIreland.ie website and new owners found in minutes without the trouble of having to take the item anywhere or spend any money. It’s a win-win situation and it’s all for free," she added.<br /><br />Visit FreeTradeIreland.ie or southernwasteregion.ie for more. FreeTradeIreland items may also be viewed on Facebook or on the free FreeTrade Ireland App, available on all mobile platforms.<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-56038646015284367822015-09-10T14:04:00.001+01:002015-09-10T14:04:46.884+01:00Reagecon Targets Annual Export Revenues of €50 Million<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><b>Reagecon, one of the largest producers of physical and chemical standards in the world, has targeted annual export revenues of €50 million by 2020 and the creation of 40 new jobs over the next 12-24 months.<a name='more'></a></b><br /><br />Founded in Shannon in 1990, the Irish-owned company develops, manufactures and exports physical and chemical standards and reagents for laboratories worldwide.<br /><br />The products are developed and manufactured in Shannon and sold through distributors in 150 countries and directly to end users in Ireland and China through Reagecon's sales offices in Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland, and Shanghai, China.<br /><br />John Barron, Managing Director and Chairman of Reagecon explains that the new jobs form part of "an ambitious programme of scaling". <br /><br />Mr. Barron confirmed that all of the 40 new jobs, 15 of which have recently been filled, are high value Chemist positions. The company presently operates from a 64,000 square foot facility in Shannon and employs 86 people, over half of which are scientists.<br /><br />"Since the beginning of 2011, we have developed a major pipeline of new products and we now have a broader and more comprehensive range of physical and chemical standards than any other producer worldwide," stated Mr. Barron. "An investment of more than €3m in our R&D capability has further enabled us to grow our marketable product range and diversity and as a result, expand our global customer footprint."<br /><br />Reagecon was founded in 1990 by Barron and three others and initially specialised in the development of Electrical Conductivity Standards. In 2011, John and Brigid Barron concluded the buyout of the other co-founders and with the help of BES funding and retained profits and embarked on a major R&D programme.<br /><br />According to Mr Barron: “This process has been transformational and combined with a clear vision and strategy, we have developed over 5000 new products covering 21 product ranges targeted at several new market niches”.<br /><br />"Since 2011, the company has spent €3M on R&D and will spend a further €4M between now and 2016 and plans to create a further 25 new jobs in addition to the 15 already created in recent months. Since 2011, the new product development continues to yield a massive output of patentable inventions, innovations, features and benefits that confers significant competitive advantage over our competitors.’’<br /><br />Mr Barron continued: “We have been very lucky with the product development areas we have selected, the high calibre of management and staff that work with us and the support we continue to receive from our stakeholders EI and Ulster Bank."<br /><br />"For a company like ours with unlimited ambition to scale, the ecosystem in terms of grant supports and tax credits is very attractive here in Ireland at the moment and we have a pipeline of new projects planned that will bring us up to 2020 and generate revenues of €50M," he concluded.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Reagecon will host an International Distributor Seminar being at the Oakwood Arms, Shannon, Co. Clare, on October 1st and 2nd, 2015. More than 80 delegates representing 44 companies from 23 countries are registered for the event. Further information is available on www.reagecon.com.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-41773253062531582442015-06-12T10:21:00.001+01:002015-06-12T10:21:48.556+01:00Holy Island Is Taken Into Public Ownership<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Clare
County Council has announced a comprehensive plan relating to the future
tourism development and visitor management of the "Jewel of The Lough
Derg", Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) on Lough Derg, County Clare.</b></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At
a ceremony in Mountshannon today, the Local Authority confirmed it has acquired
41 acres on the island which, together with the 2 acres already in the
ownership of the Office of Public Works (OPW), now means that the entire island
is, for the first time, in public ownership.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
Council also announced its intention to procure professional experts to prepare
a Visitor Management and Tourism Development Plan for Holy Island which will
provide a framework, in consultation with key stakeholders, for tourism
development and visitor management of the Island, whilst also ensuring the
cultural heritage and natural assets that contribute to the Island’s uniqueness
are maintained and protected.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Still used as a burial ground,
the ruins and buildings still standing on Holy Island date back as far as the
7th century when the monastic site was established by St. Caimin. Buildings on
the island include a 24-metre high Round Tower, an Oratory, and a number of
churches. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Speaking
at a function in the Mountshannon Hotel, following a visit to Holy Island, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cllr. John Crowe, the Cathaoirleach of
Clare County Council</b> said “<span style="color: black;">Holy Island is one of
the most important historical and ecclesiastical sites in Ireland, and it has
important links to Brian Ború. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is on the UNESCO world heritage site
tentative list for Ireland as an early medieval monastic site along with Clonmacnoise,
Durrow, Glendalough, Kells and Monasterboice."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"It
is the jewel in the crown for East Clare and I am delighted that Clare County
Council has now concluded the purchase of 41 acres on the Island so that the
Island is now in public ownership," he said.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
purchase of the Island has been funded by Clare County Council from its own
resources and additional funding towards the production of a Visitor Management
and Tourism Development Plan has been provided by the Lough Derg Marketing and
Strategy Group. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"Clare
County Council has invested significantly in tourism product at the Cliffs of
Moher, the Burren, Doolin, Loop Head and now we have a tremendous opportunity
to make available one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland to a
wider audience," stated the Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Tom
Coughlan.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"We
fully understand and appreciate the significance of this site and the necessity
to ensure that any proposals are sensitive to the natural environment and
cultural heritage of the site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look
forward to working with all stakeholders as we progress the development of the
Visitor Management and Tourism Development Plan," he added.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-87841166665536320062015-05-11T14:33:00.001+01:002015-05-11T14:33:54.887+01:00Burren Slow Food Festival to begin next week<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The rising popularity of the Slow Food movement in Ireland will be demonstrated in County Clare this week when Michelin Star chefs and food producers come together once again for the Burren Slow Food Festival 2015.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Supported by the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark, the highlight of the festival is the weekend gathering in the Lisdoonvarna Pavilion on the weekend 23rd-24th May, with daily food events taking place from May 16th at various locations throughout the Burren. <br /><br />The theme of this year's festival is 'Land and Sea', which will be the central focus of a cookery demonstration hosted by Michelin Star chefs Derry Clarke of L'Ecrivain, JP Mc Mahon of Aniar in Galway and Ross Lewis of Chapter One. Using local ingredients Burren Beef & Lamb and New Quay Lobsters & Crab, the chefs will highlight the range and quality of local food produce available in the Burren.<br /><br />Other highlights in Lisdoonvarna include a talk by Sally and John McKenna of McKennas' Guides (formerly The Bridgestone Guide), a Food Producers Forum, a guided walk outlining the history of family farming in the Burren, a Wild Food Foraging Walk, a Farmers Market, a Food History Lunch focusing on the history of food preservation in Ireland, and a family Grow It Yourself (GIY) Demonstration and workshop.<br /><br />Now in its 9th year, the Festival extends for the first time over a full week, from May 16th-24th. In partnership with the Burren Food Trail, the extended Burren Slow Food Festival in 2015 will feature 3 food events per day at various locations around the Burren such as Tubber, the Cliffs of Moher, Ballyvaughan, Inagh, Doolin, Aillwee Cave and Fanore where each morning the public can meet a producer of the trail and uncover the secrets and history of food production in the region, as well as meet the providers each afternoon and sample one of the many evening dining experiences in the Burren. The week is rounded off with the flagship weekend taking place in Lisdoonvarna Pavilion Theatre. <br /><br />Other festival participants include local award winning chefs John Sheedy and Aidan McGrath, Richard Donnelly of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), UCC-based food historian and food writer Regina Sexton, Lamb Producer Donal Monaghan, Erik Robson from the Ely Restaurant Group, Craft Butcher Neil Hawes, Oonagh O'Dwyer from Wild Kitchen, Kasia Connolly of Hazel Mountain Chocolates, Master Brewer Peter Curtin and Thomas Galvin of Moyasta Oysters.<br /><br />"Slow Food is all about finding and enjoying the very best and freshest local food," said Birgitta Hedin-Curtin, founder member of Slow Food Clare and the Burren Slow Food Festival.<br /><br />Ms. Hedin-Curtin, who recently received a prestigious Irish Food Writers Guild Award for her 'Notable Contribution to Irish Food', added: "Our festival aims to promote the Slow Food cooking method enabling members of the public to rediscover the flavours and savours of regional cooking. By doing so, we also hope to showcase the Burren's established local producer and supplier network and how it is utilised and promoted by local businesses."<br /><br />"This is the first time the festival has extended to a weeklong event and we are looking forward to hosting locals and visitors right around the Burren region, highlighting the breadth and scale of activity ongoing in the Burren as well as the prospering local food tourism sector," she concluded. <br /><br />"The Burren Food Trail is delighted to support the Burren Slow Food Festival. The pioneering work of Birgitta and Slow Food Clare over the past decade has raised the profile of slow and sustainable food, which is fast becoming the hallmark of what we offer in the Burren” commented Tina O’Dwyer, Burren Food Trail Co-ordinator. <br /><br />“This Festival provides a platform for all Burren food producers to showcase themselves to the local community and tourists alike, while at the same time having an opportunity learn from the experiences of industry experts from outside the region," said Ms. O'Dwyer.<br /><br />Visit www.slowfoodclare.com of Facebook (slowfoodclare) for more on the Burren Slow Food Week Festival 2015.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-41582263764552119922015-03-13T12:43:00.001+00:002015-03-13T12:43:51.159+00:00€305,000 allocated to Limerick Sports Partnership<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG_aItMy1_ViCopRxOelIvo_Ruxsgy-DjxHwSRxCYwtWg2i29ZscPnlTjlEhwS1I1klB1zbWivQ8DFTFYT3NQttnSMsRLB7Q3apjUdhOOXyqHi3uQh_1P5R7pyQg4phcyOf1LGyTrhIs/s1600/IMAGE+LSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG_aItMy1_ViCopRxOelIvo_Ruxsgy-DjxHwSRxCYwtWg2i29ZscPnlTjlEhwS1I1klB1zbWivQ8DFTFYT3NQttnSMsRLB7Q3apjUdhOOXyqHi3uQh_1P5R7pyQg4phcyOf1LGyTrhIs/s1600/IMAGE+LSP.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phelim Macken (Sports Coordinator, Limerick Sports Partnership) photographed (left) with Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD, John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, and Una May (Director of Participation and Ethics at Irish Sports Council).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Minister of State for Sport, Michael Ring T.D., has announced an investment package of €305,000 from the Irish Sports Council to support Limerick Sports Partnership (LSP).</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The funding will be used by the LSP to increase levels of participation in sport throughout Limerick, especially amongst specific target groups such as older people, girls & women, people with disabilities, unemployed people, and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities. <br /><br />Nationally, €5million will be allocated to thirty LSPs for core, general programme and disability funding. This investment also includes HSE funding of €60,240 for the Get Ireland Active programme and €14,080 for the continued roll out of the Be Active After Schools Activity Programme. The Council will also allocate €115,000 to support the Women in Sport programme.<br /><br />Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD said: “I believe it is extremely important that people are encouraged and given opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity. Participation will lead to a healthier society and an overall improved quality of life."<br /><br />Speaking at the announcement John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council commented: “The Council has always placed a particular emphasis on ensuring sport is progressive and attracts participants from every corner of Ireland, from every age group and from all social backgrounds. This is a fundamental principle of the Local Sports Partnerships which aim to remove any barrier that prevents participation in sport”.<br /><br />Welcoming the news, LSP Sports Coordinator Phelim Macken stated: "The Government funding will allow Limerick Sports Partnership to continue to provide educational and whole of life physical activity opportunities for people in local communities throughout Limerick. This allocation is in recognition of the excellent work achieved to date by the LSP Staff and Partnership support from the LSP Board members.”<br /><br />Visit www.limericksports.ie for more on Limerick Sports Partnership.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-77455372479409566992015-03-02T10:29:00.000+00:002015-03-02T10:29:22.355+00:00Doolin Folk Festival line-up announced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCxkPPWDNMaX8_pwSopYaJVI5T5_kY-JvAGAs_HDGMjY0Hqt8tsiqaupvhEXSLyf-OOYOGxbbukwAERWTdNi1ymmoXzi9KRk67TJ5B90u8FpeSVp0iHXmixrn3Spc0o4BbSgObKtEPjI/s1600/Doolin+lineup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCxkPPWDNMaX8_pwSopYaJVI5T5_kY-JvAGAs_HDGMjY0Hqt8tsiqaupvhEXSLyf-OOYOGxbbukwAERWTdNi1ymmoXzi9KRk67TJ5B90u8FpeSVp0iHXmixrn3Spc0o4BbSgObKtEPjI/s1600/Doolin+lineup.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
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<b>Mick Flannery, Sharon Shannon, Stockton's Wing and Declan O'Rourke are included in the line-up of music acts for the 2015 Doolin Folk Festival, which was announced today.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Other confirmed performers include O’Sahara, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, We Banjo 3, Paddy Keenan & Daoiri Farrell, Aldoc, Moxie, Fiddlecase, Dermot Byrne & Floriane Blancke & Brendan O’Reagan, Four Winds, Fiddlers’ Bid, Tóla Custy & Cyril O’Donoghue, The Lost Brothers, David Hope, Simon O’Reilly, Brian O'Leary & Friends, NoCrows, and Fiach Moriarty.<br /><br />Taking inspiration from the great festivals of the 1970s and 1980s, such as the nearby Lisdoonvarna, and from Clare's deep musical roots of the County, the Doolin Folk Festival will again present powerful music in the intimate setting of the Hotel Doolin Marquee from June 12th-14th.<br /><br />“One of the key aspects of the festival for us is that it has the feel of a community," commented Festival organiser and Hotel Doolin manager, Dónal Minihane.<br /><br />"We know from last year that we have all the ingredients in place – the right location, beautiful scenery, great restaurants and pubs and attractions, a full range of accommodation, great local support, and the music of course," he said.<br /><br />"It’s early days yet, but there is already a great sense that people will join us here every year and just pick up where things left off. And that’s got to be true for both the musicians and the audiences or we’re not doing our job," said Mr. Minihane.<br /><br />Commenting on the festival, broadcaster and musician Philip King pointed out, “Human contact is at the heart of traditional music in this country. Festivals like Doolin are clearly filling a void in our virtual age. We may be more connected than ever before but we are also more disconnected in other ways. Out there on the edge of the country, Doolin allows both musicians and audiences to reconnect, to take a rest from media and experience that unbroken but changing nature of our rich and nourishing music.”<br /><br />Day and Weekend Tickets for the Doolin Folk Festival, running from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June are on sale from www.entertainment.ie. More information is available on www.doolinfolkfestival.com or by contacting Lisa Fearon at lisa@hoteldoolin.ie <br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-61849673623068966822015-02-24T14:41:00.000+00:002015-02-24T14:41:27.066+00:00Fairtrade Fortnight launched in Limerick<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Chairperson of Fairtrade Africa, the network representing 860,000 Fairtrade certified producers in Africa, was among the special guests in attendance at the launch of Fairtrade Fortnight in Limerick today (Tuesday, 24 February 2015).<a name='more'></a></b><br />Chief Adam Tampuri from Ghana joined Fairtrade supporters from across Limerick and Ireland for the launch of the annual initiative which features a programme of talks and community events aimed at promoting awareness of Fairtrade and Fairtrade-certified products.<br /><br />There are over 1.4 million producers, farmers and workers spread across more than 70 countries in the world participating in Fairtrade. Limerick City is this year celebrating its 10th anniversary as a Fairtrade City having been awarded the status in 2005 as a result of the concerted efforts by local people to ensure that Fairtrade produce was made widely available.<br /><br />The Limerick Fairtrade City Committee, supported by the Environment Section of Limerick City and County Council, is hosting a number of Fairtrade Fortnight 2015 events and activities highlighting the good work and challenges faced by Fairtrade producers, farmers and supporters. The programme commences this evening with a lecture on development education by Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe of Mary Immaculate College's Geography Department. The event at Mary I will be followed by a celebration of the College’s 5th Fairtrade anniversary.<br /><br />On Wednesday 25 February, a Fairtrade Committee of students from Laurel Hill Secondary School and Laurel Hill Coláiste will host a display of crafts from the Philippines and Brazil in Laurel Hill. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish will host a Coffee Morning in Garryglass House from 11am to midday on Thursday 26 February. <br /><br />On Monday 2 March, Mary Immaculate College's One World Society will create a cardboard tree using Fairtrade teabags as leaves, which students will be encouraged to take home. The Sit n Sip Café at Our Lady of Lourdes Community Centre in Rosbrien will host a Blind Tea and Coffee Tasting Challenge between midday and 2pm on Tuesday 3 March. <br /><br />On Wednesday 4 March, Mary Immaculate College will hold a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, as part of ongoing efforts by the Limerick Fairtrade group to introduce children to the concept of Fairtrade. Meanwhile, Fennessys Pub will be the venue for a Fairtrade Fortnight Quiz Night on Wednesday at 8pm. Other Fairtrade Fortnight events include a Fairtrade Display in the Augustinian Church, and Fairtrade Poster displays at Corpus Christi NS in Moyross and at Mary Immaculate College.<br /><br />This week's launch of Fairtrade Fortnight also saw the winners of the Limerick Fairtrade City Committee’s Poster Competition being announced. Targeted at schools and community development groups, first prize in the competition was awarded to Kamila Szymacha (Presentation Primary School, Sexton St), Aislinn Walsh (Desmond College, Newcastle West) and Ellen Henry / Meg Tomlinson (Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Roxboro) in second and third place respectively. <br /><br />A number of other students received ‘Highly Commended’ Medals, including Roisin Murphy (Desmond College), Ben Sheehan (An Mhodhscoil, O Connell Avenue), Niall Roche (Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh), Yvonne Stack and Adam Murphy / Heather Linehan / Marco di Vito (Scoil Mhuire, Broadford), Lia Flanagan (Knockea NS), Rosemary Francis (Our Lady of Lourdes NS, Rosbrien), Abbey O’Keefe (Presentation Primary School), Millie Dwane and Isabelle Meaney (Donoughmore NS, Co Limerick), Adam Sheahan (Scoil Fhionáin, Kilfinane), Donal O'Farrell (Brothers of Charity Fairgreen Services), John Costello (St Nessans, Moylish), and Courtney Quinn, Nicole McNamara, Leon Daly and Jack Reddan / Jude Kennedy (Corpus Christi PS, Moyross).<br /><br />Speaking at the launch event in Dooradoyle, Mayor Michael Sheahan, Metropolitan District of Limerick said: "I wish to congratulate the Limerick Fairtrade City Committee for their terrific efforts on behalf of producers in developing countries, as well as acknowledge the Committee's continued engagement with the wider public. The Poster Competition is a good example of this and serves to teach our younger people a very important lesson about the importance of supporting Fairtrade producers."<br /><br />"As important as it is to teach our children about eating healthy food, I think it is equally important that they be taught about where the food is sourced and who produces it. Our children are our future. By teaching them well they will lead the way for the next generation. Children nowadays are more worldly wise than previous generations and I have huge confidence in their capacity to embrace the Fairtrade ideal," he added.<br /><br />“The theme of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight - ‘'Power in your Pocket' – highlights the power of consumers to instigate change," said Dolores O’Meara, Chairperson of the Limerick Fairtrade City Committee.<br /><br />"Surveys have shown that the majority of people recognise the Fairtrade symbol. Our next step is to put some Fairtrade items in the shopping basket. We have the power in our pockets to change lives. We can support farmers and workers in developing countries who are trading their way out of poverty. We can do it one purchase at a time," added Ms. O'Meara.<br /><br />Speaking at today's launch Chief Adam Tampuri, who is also a serving board member of Fairtrade International, outlined the success and benefits of the Fairtrade movement in West Africa where 70% of the world's supply of cocoa is produced.<br /><br />"In my home country of Ghana, Fairtrade brings together farmers and producer organisations from small communities across the country. In these communities, which are some of the most deprived in my country, Fairtrade premiums have led to the construction of new schools and clinics and the establishing of cooperatives that finance women seeking to develop small businesses within their communities," stated Chief Tampuri.<br /><br />Meanwhile, this year's Fairtrade Fortnight campaign in Ireland focuses on the banana supply chain.<br /><br />"We are asking all of the main retailers to be more transparent about how many Fairtrade bananas they supply. We are also asking retailers to commit to supplying more Fairtrade bananas," said Melanie Drea, Project Manager with Fairtrade Ireland.<br /><br />"Here in Ireland, we consume about 5 million bananas every week. Unfortunately, only one in 12 bananas is Fairtrade Certified. One of the actions for our campaign is to send a message to the retailers by using a specially designed banana postcard, available on fairtrade.ie, which you can drop into your local store. You can also order your free Fairtrade Fortnight pack, which includes a selection of posters, postcards and the banana fact sheet on our website," she added.<br /><br />Fairtrade Fortnight 2015 continues until 8th March. For more information www.fairtrade.ie or www.facebook.com/FairtradeIreland.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-70570290277939455292015-02-24T12:25:00.001+00:002015-02-24T12:25:29.619+00:00Ennis landmarks to turn green for St Patrick's Day<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Clare County Council's Corporate Headquarters building, Áras Contae an Chláir and the O'Connell Monument in Ennis will be illuminated in green light in the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.<a name='more'></a></b><br />The well-known Ennis landmarks will be joining the Niagara Falls, London Eye, Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Colosseum in Rome, Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland Paris and dozens of other iconic sites around the world as part of Tourism Ireland’s annual ‘global greening’ initiative.<br /><br />Clare County Council is also encouraging businesses and building owners, particularly of high profile well known buildings around the County, to support the initiative by turning their properties green for Ireland's national holiday.<br /><br />Welcoming the decision to illuminate some of the town’s best-known landmarks in the days leading up St Patrick’s Day, Mayor of Ennis Cllr Johnny Flynn said: "Famous buildings and locations all over the world will be lit up as part of Tourism Ireland’s drive to grow overseas tourism to Ireland. I am delighted Ennis is participating in this initiative and in illuminating the O’Connell Monument and Áras Contae an Chláir. The Clare capital and the people of the County will also be able to showcase their national pride to the world."<br /><br />Meanwhile, St. Patrick’s Day 2015 in Ennis promises to be a major celebration this year with large crowds expected on the streets of the county capital. The centre piece of the day’s festivities will be the annual parade, the theme of which is “Celebrating Our Community”. The Parade commences at 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 17 March.<br /><br />Special traffic management arrangements will be in place involving road/street closures, restricted access to the parade route and traffic diversions. <br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-826223797755001582015-02-20T15:12:00.001+00:002015-02-20T15:12:13.908+00:00Burren tourism sector to tell its story<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b>Shannon Airport Chairperson Rose Hynes, award winning travel writer Mark Graham and Fáilte Ireland's Fiona Monaghan have been confirmed as guest speakers at an information and network event showcasing the activities, adventures, food and heritage of the Burren Region.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark, in conjunction with the Burren Ecotourism Network, will host The Burren Tourism Story 2015 at the Pavilion, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, on Wednesday 4th March from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.<br /><br />Tourism providers and members of the local community are being invited to attend the event which will feature information stands highlighting the variety and quality of visitor attractions and activities on offer in the Burren, as well as food stalls hosted by the region's established producers and restaurants.<br /><br />The event will also feature the launch of a new book on the geology of County Clare. 'Banner Rocks', which is based on a 2004 survey of Clare's geological sites, will be launched by Cllr. John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Dr. Fidelma Millane, member of the Board of The Heritage Council.<br /><br />"The primary aim of this annual showcase event is to highlight the variety and quality of visitor attractions and activities on offer in the Burren," explained Tina O'Dwyer, Sustainable Tourism Co-ordinator, Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark.<br /><br />"Sustainable tourism has experienced considerable growth throughout Ireland in recent years. The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and the Burren Ecotourism Network are delighted to have played a central role in this process locally by promoting sustainable practices in the areas of food and tourism development. We have shown that through a community-centred approach to promoting responsible tourism coupled with a strong sustainability ethos, significant economic and social benefits can be delivered for those who live in and visit a particular area," said Ms. O'Dwyer.<br /><br />Commenting on the variety of the tourism product on offer on the Burren, Ms. O’Dwyer stated: “The Burren Food Trail and new Burren Outdoor Adventure & Activity Trail are examples of innovative product development by the Burren Ecotourism group. For example, every Monday from Easter to October, the members and friends of the Burren Food Trail present a special food-themed event. At the same time, the Burren Activity & Adventure Events offers a unique outdoor guided event each Saturday from May through to September. These initiatives are all geared towards increasing tourist numbers and overall bed nights throughout the year.” <br /><br />Guest speakers at the upcoming event include Rose Hynes (Chairperson of Shannon Airport), Fiona Monaghan (Head of Programme and Delivery, Fáilte Ireland) and Mark Graham (award-winning travel writer and author of 'A year of festivals in Ireland').<br /><br />The Burren Tourism Story 2015 takes place at the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna on Wednesday 4th March from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. All are welcome. For more visit www.burren.ie. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-65566416347275560432015-02-19T10:22:00.000+00:002015-02-19T10:22:21.637+00:00Games Fleadh showcases Irish gaming industry<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3RxCkuKulkd6Aq-jhei6cYiDgLSz7rAxvfzZnGd0R_3KSm5uY9yh_cjr_npaj9BPHM1kBkRnCyY62QGeq7gkyKbDAP7lH6ABG6vqnviesnUK_h44n0qWTwFWmgoRCeIKPqhfLM9kDIg/s1600/games_fleadh_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3RxCkuKulkd6Aq-jhei6cYiDgLSz7rAxvfzZnGd0R_3KSm5uY9yh_cjr_npaj9BPHM1kBkRnCyY62QGeq7gkyKbDAP7lH6ABG6vqnviesnUK_h44n0qWTwFWmgoRCeIKPqhfLM9kDIg/s1600/games_fleadh_4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Cavern Nauts, Ger Stone and Joe Bentley from Tipperary pictured playing "Sourse Control" of exGamers Studios in LIT Thurles, which hosts Games Fleadh 2015 on March 11th. Pic Brian Arthur / Press 22</td></tr>
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<b>Some of the biggest names in the gaming industry will gather at the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) campus in Thurles later this month to participate in Games Fleadh 2015, an all-island games design and development competition for third-level students.<a name='more'></a></b><br />LIT Tipperary, whose alumni have worked on some of gaming's biggest titles including Call of Duty, StarCraft and Guitar Hero, has announced it will host Ireland's largest gaming event on Wednesday March 11th.<br /><br />Supported by Microsoft Ireland, EA Games and the Irish Computer Society, the 12th annual Games Fleadh will feature the 'Direct X' Endless Runner challenge, Robocode and the Game Studio 'Endless Runner' competition, the winners and runners up of which will present their games to Brenda and John Romero and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Greenlight Committee. <br /><br />Brenda and John Romero have each more than 30 years experience working in the gaming industry, over 150 game titles such as DOOM and Quake to their credit, dozens of awards and have collectively founded nine game companies.<br /><br />Games Fleadh will also feature games development and research talks by industry veterans such as Bryan Neider, who will assist in the judging process for the various under graduate competitions. Neider is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Electronic Arts (EA) labels, which collectively are responsible for producing some of the bestselling video game titles of all time including The Sims, FIFA, Battlefield and Madden NFL. <br /><br />“This is a fantastic opportunity for students to create a prototype game, meet people from industry and make a name for themselves within the Irish game sector,” said Dr. Liam Noonan, Lecturer at LIT’s Game Design and Development degree in Thurles at the launch of Games Fleadh 2015.<br /><br />“In terms of career development, participating in this competition is invaluable as students are adding to their portfolio of creative content and networking with students from other colleges and people from the games industry. It is these up and coming game developers and their innovative ideas that will act as the catalyst for job creation in the Irish game development sector," added Dr. Noonan.<br /><br />According to Dr. Noonan: “We were delighted and privileged to work with the Fulbright U.S. Specialist Award scholar Brenda Romero and her husband John back in September in our Thurles campus and they were very supportive of our Games Fleadh initiative. They suggested that the 2015 theme should be Endless Runner as this would allow students flexibility in designing either a 2D or 3D game."<br /><br />Commenting about Games Fleadh 2015, Brenda and John Romero said: "We are really excited to be involved in Games Fleadh this year. Having travelled all over Ireland and met hundreds of students and game developers, we know how much talent the country has and are looking forward to seeing this year’s results."<br /><br />Speaking ahead of his visit to Ireland, Mr. Bryan Neider stated: "I am looking forward to meeting the games design and development students at LIT Games Fleadh 2015, discussing their “Endless Runner” games and sharing our experiences at EA Games in the design and development of future titles."<br /><br />Stephen Howell, Academic Engagement Manager, Microsoft Ireland commented: “Microsoft is delighted to be on board sponsoring the Games Fleadh once again in 2015. We have demonstrated our commitment to the competition over the long term as it represents a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the immense third level games design talent in this country. It also plays a unique role in promoting knowledge-sharing, with international experts taking part and the latest research in the field up for discussion.”<br /><br />Games Fleadh 2015 is open to the public for free. Online registration is available at www.gamesfleadh.ie. For more visit www.twitter.com/gamesfleadh or search Twitter #gamesfleadh.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br />Brenda Romero is an award-winning game designer, artist, writer who has worked with a variety of digital game companies as a game designer or creative director, including Atari, Sir-tech Software, Electronic Arts, as well as numerous companies in the social and mobile space. She recently became the first game designer in residence at the Games and Playable Media Program of the UCSC and is presently Program Director of its MS in Games and Playable Media Program. <br /><br />John Romero is the Creative Director at UCSC's masters in games and playable media he is also a director, designer, programmer, and developer in the video game industry. He is best known as a co-founder of id Software and designer for many of their games, including Wolfenstein 3D, Dangerous Dave, Doom and Quake. www.romero.com<br /><br />Bryan Neider is responsible for managing five unique Labels: EA Sports, EA Games, Maxis, All Play and PopCap and the Central Development Services teams. www.ea.com<br /><br />LIT’s B.Sc. (Honours) in Games Design & Development (Level 8) is designed to produce graduates with an in-depth knowledge of the essential aspects of games design and development. LIT Thurles alumni have worked on AAA titles such as StarCraft, Guitar Hero and Call of Duty. Our campus enterprise centre facilitates and is host to game studios start-ups who are actively supported by Thurles Chamber Enterprise Centre business mentors. Further information is available at: www.lit.ie/Courses/LC418</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-90535205585188942042015-02-18T15:42:00.000+00:002015-02-18T15:42:39.033+00:00Councillors meet Transport Minister over Aer Lingus<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A delegation of County Councillors from the West of Ireland met with Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohue, T.D., in Dublin today to express their concerns about the proposed sale of Aer Lingus to IAG.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The meeting was organised by Cllr. John Crowe (FG), Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council who was joined in Leinster House by Damien Ryan (FF), Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council and Michael Fitzgerald (FG), Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council. <br /><br />While unable to attend this afternoon's meeting, the Mayors of Limerick, Galway and Kerry have also backed the message delivered to the Minister which outlined that Elected Members in the West rejected any commitment from IAG that does not "explicitly guarantee" Aer Lingus' long term commitment to services between Shannon Airport and London Heathrow, as well as transatlantic services.<br /><br />"At today's meeting we stressed the necessity of securing a 15-year guarantee from IAG in respect of Shannon's Heathrow slots and service levels as the 5-year guarantee proposed by IAG CEO Willie Walsh does not give sufficient confidence to companies seeking to invest in the region and does not assure the connectivity that is required for the West of Ireland. Furthermore, we asked the Minister to also relay to Cabinet that guarantees should be secured in respect of Aer Lingus' transatlantic services," said Cllr. Crowe.<br /><br />"Shannon Airport is thriving again thanks to the efforts of the new management and board in place at Shannon. The retention of existing and development of new Aer Lingus services is central to future growth at Shannon as well as maintaining existing activity and investment in industry and tourism," he added.<br /><br />"Minister Donohoe took our concerns on board and pledged to bring them to Cabinet as it discusses its options going forward in respect of the IAG's bid," concluded Cllr. Crowe.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-20501020318665321542015-02-17T19:49:00.000+00:002015-02-17T19:49:00.178+00:00Expert advice for Limerick TidyTowns groups at TidyTowns Seminar<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>The Chair of Kilkenny Tidy Towns, which guided the Marble City
to National TidyTowns success in 2014, was in Adare on Wednesday evening
to offer advice to over 150 TidyTowns volunteers from across Limerick.</strong><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Peter
Bluett was among a host of special speakers invited to address local
TidyTowns groups at Limerick City & County Council’s Annual
TidyTown’s Seminar in the Woodlands Hotel.<br /><br />Organised in
collaboration with West Limerick Resources and Ballyhoura Development
Association, the event also featured a talk by Tidy Towns Adjudicator
Anne O'Leary on what judges look for when visiting competing villages
and towns.<br /><br />There was also guest presentations from Pauline
McDonagh of the Southern Region Waste Management Office about
sustainable waste management and resource efficiency, Noel Earlie of the
JP McManus Benevolent Fund about 'Team Limerick Clean Up’, and Sinead
McDonnell of Limerick City and County Council's Environment section
about the supports available to TidyTowns Groups.<br /><br />"The expert
advice offered in Adare demonstrates that TidyTowns groups are not alone
when it comes to preparing their competition application," commented
Cllr. Kevin Sheahan, Mayor of Limerick City and County Council.<br /><br />"TidyTowns
success does not happen overnight nor does it evolve from the work
carried out by any one individual or group. Such success is the
culmination of careful planning and a community-wide effort," added the
Mayor.<br /><br />"60 Limerick TidyTowns Groups and hundreds of community
volunteers participated in the 2014 competition, which is testament to
City and County's proud and longstanding association with the
initiative. The work they are undertaking on a daily basis, all
year-round is making Limerick a more attractive and vibrant place to
live and visit," said Mayor Sheahan.<br /><br />Limerick's participants in
the 2015 National TidyTowns Competition will be hoping to emulate the
2014 successes of Adare (Gold Medal), Ardpatrick, Newcastlewest and
Galbally (Bronze Medal) and Elton (Special Endeavour).</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-15543474918575140122015-02-17T16:27:00.003+00:002015-02-17T16:27:48.284+00:00Ireland's newest music festival announced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pC8pwDH01GbHLbXZrLPeDyT4xF0GVOd7B-Q7YPIGCMVV26TVofAFSRPvbZgFK8L6ojvysm6ZfnPveGTMZ4vDmmDm2doT4dsW4I3l_x-D2FULoqSGTKA44JhZd02R8ViAZC6uy_zHu1c/s1600/InisFest+launch+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pC8pwDH01GbHLbXZrLPeDyT4xF0GVOd7B-Q7YPIGCMVV26TVofAFSRPvbZgFK8L6ojvysm6ZfnPveGTMZ4vDmmDm2doT4dsW4I3l_x-D2FULoqSGTKA44JhZd02R8ViAZC6uy_zHu1c/s1600/InisFest+launch+3.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>A top class line-up of Irish acts has been confirmed for INIS Fest, a music festival taking place in Ennis, County Clare, from June 26-28th 2015.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Organised by Impresario Events, the inaugural event features Damien Dempsey, Delorentos, Nathan Carter, The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Hermitage Green, Frankie Gavin and De Dannan, Finbar Furey and more acts to be announced.<br /><br />The three-day festival will see Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park being transformed into a world-class venue with a 3000-person capacity big top tent and an entertainment and leisure area featuring a Ferris wheel and food/drink stalls. <br /><br />Nightly (€27) and Weekend (€72) festival tickets go on sale from this Friday (20th February) at www.inisfest.com and directly through local charities Clare Crusaders, Lions Club of Ennis and Rape Crisis MidWest, each of which will benefit from the event. <br /><br />INIS Fest also includes a free family music event on Sunday afternoon in addition to the ticketed evening events of INIS Rock (Friday), INIS Country (Saturday) and INIS Trad (Sunday). <br /><br />Mayor of Ennis, Johnny Flynn has pledged his support to the event, which organisers claim is worth more than 1.5 million euro to the local economy.<br /><br />"INIS Fest is a real win for the people of Clare and surrounding counties, who now have a fantastic music festival right on their doorstep," he said.<br /><br />"The festival will deliver huge benefits for the local economy and the tourist sector, while it will also help to promote the Clare County Capital as a vibrant and interesting place to visit. I have heard that some Clare people abroad are planning to return home for the weekend which underlines the sense of community that this event will also bring," added Mayor Flynn.<br /><br />“The first INIS Fest will see three differently themed days allowing for a rich musical mix and allowing us to suit all ages and musical tastes," explained Darren Purtill of Impresario Events.<br /><br />"In addition staging a new large-scale music festival in Ennis, we are also happy to support Ennis and County Clare in celebrating Ennis’ 775 anniversary, give local bands an opportunity to play on a big stage, increase tourism to the area, support local charities through ticket sales, and work with the relevant stakeholders to further develop an event that becomes an annual feature on the local and national festivals calendar," said Mr. Purtill.<br /><br />INIS Fest is being sponsored by Dublin Bus (Official Travel Partner), Clare FM Radio (Official Media Partner), McDonalds Ennis and Shannon, Treacy's West County Hotel, Flynns Pharmacy, Knox Pub & Restaurant and Realprint, and supported by Clare County Council, An Garda Síochána and Clare Civil Defence.<br /><br />Tickets at www.inisfest.com priced from €27 for Day Tickets (€2 on each ticket will go to Charity) or €72 (€6 to charity) for full weekend. Visit www.inisfest.com, www.facebook.com/inisfest or Twitter search #inisfest for more.<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-16063892475427950102015-02-17T12:32:00.000+00:002015-02-17T12:32:52.053+00:00Clare Hotel Named Irish Wedding Venue Of The Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxhC3O8WvF3Xh6n-llUcGZoMdIp6DwmI79CnvCaiEEnl70aEtEXhCIzKrF6dKX9SBuFShIdBDytTAnpdE3co68SPMUjhtj6Pv7w2MJIhOu_HuZY_Sxz-TDK6XJhUfH0PJ18PoI8vZhn8/s1600/award+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxhC3O8WvF3Xh6n-llUcGZoMdIp6DwmI79CnvCaiEEnl70aEtEXhCIzKrF6dKX9SBuFShIdBDytTAnpdE3co68SPMUjhtj6Pv7w2MJIhOu_HuZY_Sxz-TDK6XJhUfH0PJ18PoI8vZhn8/s1600/award+pic.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>The Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, County Clare, has been revealed as Irish Wedding Venue of the Year at the weddingsonline 2015 Awards Gala Dinner in Dublin.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The Clare hotel has been named ahead of dozens of other wedding venues from across Ireland as winner of the prestigious award, which was the subject of a vote involving more than 28,000 brides and grooms nationwide. <br /><br />The Armada Hotel also picked up the Waterside Venue of the Year, Website of the Year and Venue Co-Ordinator of the Year awards.<br /><br />"This is a landmark moment for us as it rewards the hard work and creative input of the General Manager, the hotel Staff and other management, in establishing the facility as a leading wedding venue," commented John Burke, Owner of The Armada Hotel.<br /><br />”This awards scheme has been enormously important in recognising the successes, dedication and extremely high levels of quality and service given by the Irish wedding industry and therefore, it is hugely significant for us to be given official recognition not only by our industry peers but also by our customers," said Mr. Burke.<br /><br />Reacting to the news, Marita Morrissey, Wedding Coordinator with Armada Hotel commented: "I am personally honoured to have been named Wedding Coordinator of the Year, which is the result of the unique, tailor-made wedding experience offered by the hotel. This award is particularly special for us considering 2014 saw The Armada Hotel celebrate 30 years as a wedding venue."<br /><br />"The provision of a modern, award-winning hotel on the site of what was once the biggest hotel in Ireland and Britain during the 1800s has proven to be an attractive proposition to brides and grooms down through the years. More than three decades on from holding the first wedding of Nessa O'Brien and Brendan Sexton in 1984, The Armada is committed to planning wedding packages with one eye on The Armada’s historical soul and the other firmly set on the importance of adapting to ever-changing wedding trends, themes and fashions," said Ms. Morrissey.<br /><br />The Armada Hotel hosted 94 weddings during 2014 and is on target to host more than 100 weddings during 2015.<br /><br />For more visit www.armadahotel.com or www.weddingsonline.ie.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-91284336366521751592015-02-16T11:47:00.000+00:002015-02-16T11:47:02.877+00:00Positive response to Mayor's Charity Banquet<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr John Crowe has expressed his delight at the level of support being received by the Mayor's Charity Banquet.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />More than 400 tickets have so been sold for the charity fundraiser which takes place on Saturday, 28th February at Treacys West County Hotel in Ennis.<br /><br />All proceeds raised will benefit the Cathaoirleach's chosen charities of Carrigoran Day Care Centre and Clare Cancer Support Services, comprising Sláinte an Chláir and West Clare Mini Marathon Cancer Care Centres.<br /><br />"The people of Clare have so far shown incredible support for this event since it was announced in January. I am delighted with this response which underlines the high regard that people have for the named charities, each of which delivers important community -based health services here in Clare," said Cllr. Crowe.<br /><br />"Considering that a Mayor’s Charity event has not been held for a number of years, I am anxious that next week's fundraiser will make a very significant financial contribution towards supporting the work of the nominated recipients," he added.<br /><br />The Mayor’s Charity Banquet takes place on Saturday, 28th February in Treacys West County Hotel, commencing at 7.30 p.m.<br /><br />Tickets, at €70 each or €700 for a table of ten, are available from Siobhan Garvey (065-6846237/ sgarvey@clarecoco.ie or Kathy Lordan (065-6846429) / klordan@clarecoco.ie.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-56471066794471920512015-02-13T10:36:00.002+00:002015-02-13T12:58:13.176+00:00Doolin Writers' Weekend festival programme announced <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>One of Ireland's fastest growing annual literary festivals has announced its final line-up of participants.</b><br />
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The Doolin Writers' Weekend in Doolin, County Clare, takes place from March 27 to 29th.<br />
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Organised by Hotel Doolin, the third annual festival features workshops and readings by some of Ireland’s leading writers, including Booker Prize nominee Donal Ryan, playwright, screenwriter and director Peter Sheridan, poet Dave Lordan, and award-winning novelist and short-story writer, Christine Dwyer Hickey.<br />
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Other contributors include singer John Spillane, Hennessy Award winning writer Madeleine D’Arcy, author Catherine Dunne, novelist Marion Reynolds, and Anthony Glavin.<br />
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"We look forward to welcoming some of Ireland’s top writers back to Doolin next month, explained event organiser and Doolin Hotel General Manager, Donal Minihane.<br />
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"We’ll have readings from Donal Ryan, Christine Dwyer Hickey, Dave Lordan, workshops from Catherine Dunne, Madeleine D’Arcy, Anthony Glavin, as well as singer songwriter John Spillane, theatre with Peter Sheridan, a workshop with publishing whirlwinds Tramp Press and a plethora of local trad musicians, our own Dooliner Beer and some of North Clare's finest food to keep the whole thing moving," he added.<br />
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The Weekend also features the third annual Doolin Poetry & Short Story Competition, which Hotel Doolin is hosting in association with Tramp Press and Salmon Poetry, has announced details of the competition which for the first time includes a poetry contest having previously focused solely on short stories. <br />
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The prize fund for First Place in each both competitions is €1000, while the winners will also receive a publishing consultation with Tramp Press (short story) and Salmon Poetry (poetry).<br />
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The Poetry Competition, the closing date for which is Monday 2 March, will be judged by poet Jessie Lendennie, who is the founder and Managing Editor of Salmon Poetry. Novelist and short story writer Éilís Ní Dhuibhne is this year's Short Story judge. <br />
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Doolin Writers' Weekend 2015 programme:<br />
Friday 27th March<br />
8.00pm - Opening talk by Donal Ryan and announcement of Winner Of Doolin Short Story Competition<br />
9:00pm - Book launch<br />
10:00pm - Intimate gig with John Spillane<br />
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Saturday 28th March<br />
10am-2pm - Workshop: Advanced Fiction with Madeleine D’Arcy; Workshop: A Novel Idea with Catherine Dunne; Workshop: Poetry with Dave Lordan; Workshop: Song-writing with John Spillane<br />
2:30pm-5:30pm - Cliffs of Moher walk from Doolin with local farmer Pat Sweeney; Poetry recital at the Cliffs<br />
3pm - 5.30pm - The Writers’ Tent: Readings and music with Eoin O’Neill and very special guests Christine Dwyer Hickey, Dave Lordan, Eleanor Hooker, Graham Allen, Éilís Ní Dhuibhne and more.<br />
8pm - 9:30pm - Theatre Club: An Evening with Peter Sheridan<br />
10pm - Late - Trad Session<br />
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Sunday 30th March<br />
10am - 2pm - Workshop: Beginners Fiction with Anthony Glavin; Workshop: Publishing with Tramp Press; Workshop: Writing about family or local history with Marion Reynolds<br />
7pm - 9.30pm - Trad Session in Fitz’s Bar<br />
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All Weekend<br />
Photography Exhibition with Hanne T Fisker- ‘Storm & Still through the eyes of a Viking’<br />
Arts & Crafts Fair in Hotel Doolin/Marquee<br />
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Workshops or Events can be booked with Hotel Doolin at 065-7074111 / info@hoteldoolin.ie. For further details on the Doolin Writers' Weekend and to download an entry form for the Doolin Poetry & Short Story Competition visit: www.doolinwritersweekend.com.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-37797007523447173272015-02-10T13:36:00.001+00:002015-02-10T13:36:15.763+00:00Coláiste Muire launches 'Fresh Air Friday' <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Coláiste Muire in Ennis will launch its 'Fresh Air Friday' initiative this Friday (February 13th) as part of efforts to secure a Green-Schools Travel Flag.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Staff and students of the school will be leaving the car at home or a distance from the school to participate in the initiative, which is being facilitated by An Taisce Green-Schools and supported by Clare County Council.<br /><br />Having saved 2,650,000 litres of water from 2011 to 2014 while working on the Green-Schools Water Flag, one of three Flags held by Coláiste Muire, the school is now working on securing the Travel Flag.<br /><br />The Travel Flag encourages students, parents and teachers to walk, cycle, car-pool, Park N' Stride or use public transport on the school run. <br /><br />"At present over 65% of their 860 pupils at Coláiste Muire are arriving to school in a car so the school has taken on the Green-Schools Travel flag with great enthusiasm," commented Róisín Garvey, Travel Education Officer with An Taisce Green-Schools.<br /><br />Ms. Garvey, who works with all Clare schools that have progressed to their fourth Green Flag, the Travel Flag, continued: "I have been working with the school since last September running workshops on traffic congestion solutions and climate change with staff, parents and student groups. The staff have committed to cycle training and many teachers are making links in their curricular areas as well."<br /><br />"The Green-Schools committee has been working hard having designed posters, car stickers, a Facebook page and fundraisers to make their work on the Travel Flag successful. They are getting great support from the Student Representative council, Catriona Burke, the Green-Schools coordinator, Jean Pound the Principal, all the staff and the Parents Council at the school. Friday's Car Free Day event is a real opportunity to reduce the traffic congestion at the school gates," said Ms. Garvey.<br /><br />Barry Keating, Road Safety Officer with Clare County Council stated: "I commend the students of Coláiste Muire for embracing their fourth Green Flag and the staff for promoting the importance of Environmental Education and Awareness in the school. We have seen the positive effects of these types of initiatives at the Holy Family Schools and at Ennis National School which have helped to alleviate traffic congestion around the town during the morning drop-off time."<br /><br />"To encourage parents to do this Róisín Garvey and the Green-Schools committee have come up with a 'Fresh Air Friday' car window sticker featuring the school logo. Parents with this sticker will be provided with free car parking at Council carparks until 10am to support this initiative," concluded Mr. Keating.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-72632933261012831242015-02-09T16:21:00.000+00:002015-02-09T16:21:39.204+00:00Public asked to help plan future development of Clare<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Clare County Council will next week hold two public consultation events on the preparation of the new Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Members of the public have until March 9th to make a submission on the new Plan, which sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the functional area of Clare County Council over a six-year period. <br /><br />The preparation of the Plan will commence with two sessions of public consultation at Áras Contae an Chláir in Ennis on Thursday 12th February (4pm-7pm) and on Friday 13th February (11am-2pm).<br /><br />Meanwhile, an Issues Booklet aimed at initiating public debate on what broad planning and development matters should be included in the new Development Plan has been produced and is available online at www.clarecoco.ie, and at Council offices and libraries throughout Clare.<br /><br />The booklet highlights a number of what the Council describes as 'big picture' priority issues for County Clare over the next six years under a number of broad headings, including Housing and Population, Economy and Employment, Tourism, Rural Development, Infrastructure, Communications, Energy and Environment, and Heritage and Public Realm.<br /><br />"The County Development Plan is the single most important policy document for the County as it represents an agreed economic, social, cultural and environmental blueprint for the future planning, growth and development of Clare up to 2023. The new County Development Plan will therefore be a key strategy document setting the vision and direction for the future development of our County for the benefit of all its citizens," said Cllr. John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.<br /><br />"Public participation at the early stage is important, so that the final plan can address our aspirations for the county. In this regard, I encourage the citizens of Clare, and communities, organisations, businesses and stakeholders around the County to become involved and help us plan for the future of Clare as a great county to live in, do business and visit," added the Cathaoirleach.<br /><br />Gordon Daly, Senior Planner, Clare County Council explained that the making of a new County Development Plan will also include a review of the existing Clare Wind Energy Strategy and the Clare Renewable Energy Strategy both of which form part of the current County Development Plan. He noted that the new Plan is separate to the Draft Ennis and Environs Local Area Plan 2015-2021 but that both blueprints "will complement each other and the County in their objectives and implementation."<br /><br />He continued: "It is important that individuals and communities who have opinions on these issues make their views known early in the process. The strategies adopted as part of the County Development Plan provide a strong direction on how future planning applications such as wind farms for example, will be dealt with. "<br /><br />Commenting on the purpose of the Issues Booklet, Mr. Daly stated: "The Booklet sets out what are considered to be the main development issues facing County Clare between now and 2023 but the list is not exhaustive and the Council want to hear what the public think are the 'big picture' issues facing the County. Requests or proposals for zoning of land cannot be considered at this stage and there will be an opportunity to make submissions on zoning later in the process."<br /><br />The Plan-making process will take two years and will end with the publication in early 2017 of the Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023. Public displays and wide ranging consultation will take place throughout the two year process and regular updates on what is happening will be available on the Council's website, www.clarecoco.ie.<br /><br />Submissions regarding the preparation of the new Clare County Development Plan 2017–2023 may be made in writing to the Planning & Enterprise Development Department, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis. The closing date for receipt for submissions is 5pm on Monday 9th March 2015. All submissions received will be considered in the preparation of the Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023<br /><br />Further details are available at www.clarecoco.ie/planning </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-17989113684642722242015-02-09T11:15:00.000+00:002015-02-09T11:15:05.081+00:00Star-studded line up for Limerick Literary Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A star-studded line up of participants has been confirmed for the 2015 Limerick Literary Festival, held annually in honour of Limerick-born novelist and playwright Kate O’Brien.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Taking place from February 20th to February 22nd, this year's festival features author visits, readings, lectures and panel discussions at 69 O’Connell St (formerly The Belltable) and The Lime Tree Theatre at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick City.<br /><br />Festival organisers today unveiled a programme that features Edna O’Brien, novelist, memoirist, playwright, poet, short story writer and author of ‘The Country Girls’, as well as Man Booker Prize nominee Niall Williams, Poet, novelist, short-story writer and essayist Mary O'Donnell, poet John Montague, novelist Audrey Magee, and UL Frank McCourt Chair in Creative Writing Joseph O’Connor. <br /><br />Other contributors to the three-day festival include Niall Mc Monagle, poet and Editor of ‘Poetry Now’; Órfhlaith Foyle, short story writer; Pamela Cahill, travel writer; Dr Eimear O’Connor, Research Associate with the Irish Art Research Centre at Trinity College; Nick Barlay, novelist and short-story writer; Seán Rocks, presenter of RTÉ Radio 1's Arena programme; Dr Carolin Magennis, Lecturer in 20th and 21st Century Literature at the University of Salford; Elizabeth Wassel, author; and Dr Eugene O’Brien, Head of the Department of English Language & Literature in Mary Immaculate College.<br /><br />Meanwhile, this year's festival has been extended to include an all-day conference in Mary Immaculate College on the theme of “Loss in Irish writing”, which is open and free to the public. The inaugural Kate O’Brien Award will also be presented to the most popular Irish author.<br /><br />"The Festival began in 1984 to mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Kate O’Brien. The event continues to celebrate the life and works of the Limerick writer, while attracting prominent participants from all over the world," commented Sheila Deegan, Limerick Arts Officer and Festival Committee member. <br /><br />The Limerick Literary Festival continues to grow in ambition as evidenced by the introduction of the 'Literature of Loss' conference is to this year's programme. We look forward to welcoming even greater numbers of literary enthusiasts to Limerick, especially on foot of the wonderful turnout at the 2014 weekend, which was complemented by a hugely successful Limerick City of Culture year" said Ms. Deegan.<br /><br />The festival will be opened on Friday 20th February at 7p.m. by acclaimed author Joseph O’Connor in 69 O’Connell Street. It will be followed by 'As Music and Splendour' recital, which this year features Limerick soprano Sarah Dolan and Collete Davis, who is regarded one of Ireland's most after accompanists and repetiteurs.<br /><br />On Saturday 21st February, the Festival welcomes poet and short story writer Órfhlaith Foyle, novelist and memoirist Nick Barlay, author Elizabeth Wassell, the distinguish poet John Montague in conversation with Niall MacMonagle, Booker long-listed Niall Williams, best-selling author Audrey Magee, and poet and novelist Mary O’Donnell. <br /><br />On Sunday 21nd February, freelance writer and blogger Pamela Cahill will present Kate O’Brien’s Spain, while art historian Éimear O’Connor will give an illustrated talk on Limerick artist Séan Keating. The programme concludes at The Lime Tree Theatre with internationally renowned Irish novelist Edna O’Brien in conversation with RTE’s Séan Rocks. <br /><br />The Limerick Literary Festival, previously called the Kate O'Brien Weekend, is organised by the Kate O’Brien Committee and sponsored by The Arts Council, Limerick City and County Council, University of Limerick, No. 1 Pery Square, O'Mahony's Booksellers, Lawless Flowers, Country Choice, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Leahy & Partners Solicitors.<br /><br />For a full listing of all events and booking details visit www.limerickliteraryfestival.com. Booking for tickets can be made at the Lime Tree Theatre or at 69 O’Connell Street. Box office: 061-774774 or online at www.limetreetheatre.ie. Tickets are also available for purchase at the door for individual session.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-57666299354210097062015-02-09T09:58:00.002+00:002015-02-09T09:58:43.128+00:00Clare County Fire and Rescue Service retains international Health & Safety Standard<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Clare County Fire & Rescue Services has once again received national and international recognition for its ongoing efforts to protect the safety, health and welfare of its employees.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The “Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems' certification was first published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) in 2007 and sets out a preventative and proactive approach to identifying workplace hazards and assessing and controlling risk.<br /><br />Clare County Fire and Rescue Service was first awarded the OHSAS 18001:2007 - the only auditable international standard for health and safety - in 2014 and is one of only five Fire Authorities in the country that have attained the accreditation.<br /><br />Cllr. John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council has welcomed the announcement describing Clare County Fire and Rescue Service's commitment to maintaining health and safety standards to the highest level as “critically important for both Fire Service personnel and the general public whom they serve.”<br /><br />Tom Coughlan, Chief Executive of Clare County Council added: "From the perspective of promoting the Council’s Safety Management System, this is a very welcome development. Attaining and maintaining the accreditation means that the Fire Service is proactively managing the safety of its employees and contractors."<br /><br />"Clare County Fire and Rescue Service personnel are among the most highly trained in the country and are equipped with the most modern equipment and personal protective equipment - this accreditation underlines that staff are also committed to implementing the highest standards of health and safety throughout their operations," added Anne Haugh, Director of Services for Emergency Services.<br /><br />Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer commented: "The management of Health and Safety of personnel is a top priority for all Fire Service employees. The staff are delighted to retain the OHSAS 18001:2007 certification which will serve to remind us of how maintaining health and safety standards is central to the work we carry out on a 24-hour basis, 365 days of the year."<br /><br />The announcement was made at today's February Monthly Meeting of Clare County Council.<br /><br />For more on OHSAS 18001:2007 certification visit www.nsai.ie.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-1981007519981675672015-02-04T11:47:00.001+00:002015-02-04T11:47:36.434+00:00Increase in funding for local and regional roads in Clare<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Clare Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy has welcomed the increase in funding allocated to Clare County Council under the annual Regional and Local Roads Scheme.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The Local Authority has received €12,642,765 for 2015 up by over 2% from €12,376,300 in 2014. The 2015 allocation is boosted by an additional €415,000 Severe Weather fund.<br /><br />Senator Mulcahy said the increase reverses a trend that had been brought on by the economic crisis.<br /><br />"Due to a general reduction in Departmental Budgets in recent years brought on by the economic situation, Clare County Council, through no fault of its own, simply has not had the finances to regularly undertake even the required road maintenance works. This has led to deterioration of some roads, particularly in rural areas. The Government is cognisant of this and thankfully is better placed this year to increase the level of funding available through the annual Regional and Local Roads Allocation," he added.<br /><br />“It is crucial that we maintain and improve our local and regional roads. The works scheduled to take place under the Regional and Local Roads Allocation ensure that local people travel on safer roads and have a better driving experience. It is also particularly important for our tourism industry that visitors can access smaller towns and villages around the country on a well maintained road network," Senator Mulcahy concluded.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207160805150616845.post-9775425110996143472015-02-03T16:06:00.000+00:002015-02-03T16:06:27.134+00:00Clare to host IPB Pride of Place Awards for second year running<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Clare will once again host the IPB Pride of Place Awards, it has been confirmed.</b><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Co-operation Ireland and IPB Insurance, who run the annual competition in conjunction with local authorities north and south of the border, have informed Clare County Council of their decision to award the hosting of the 2015 event to Clare. <br /><br />It is the first time in the 12-year history of the all-island competition that the same county has hosted the ceremony two years running.<br /><br />Cllr. John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council welcomed the news adding that the local authority "looks forward to welcoming communities from all over the island of Ireland to the County later this year."<br /><br />"Clare County Council was delighted to have played a key role in organising a hugely successful event for Cooperation Ireland in November. As Cathaoirleach, it was fantastic to hear back so many positive comments from those in attendance about the event and our County," added Cllr. Crowe.<br /><br />Tom Coughlan, Chief Executive of Clare County Council stated: "The Council is once again happy to play its part in showcasing the positive contribution made by local community groups the length and breadth of Ireland to promoting the overall enhancement of their localities. The positive economic impact of this event for Ennis and the wider County is also significant and underlines the Council's commitment to attracting large events to Clare," added Mr. Coughlan.<br /><br />More than 750 people from all over the island of Ireland gathered at Treacys West County Hotel in Ennis in November for the 2014 awards ceremony, which saw Killaloe and Tuamgraney received Runner-Up prizes in their respective categories. Clare County Council meanwhile, won a special award for its contribution to the competition since it was first established in 2003.<br /><br />In their citation the judges said “Clare County Council has been to the forefront of Pride of Place since the beginning and has been a driver of the awards recognising the great value they are in motivating communities to work together. In addition this year despite managing the most significant changes ever in the history of local government and the extensive workload that entailed, the council still managed to organise with great attention to detail what I am sure you will all agree is one of the finest award ceremonies ever hosted.”<br /><br />Meanwhile, Clare County Council says it will shortly be inviting proposals from Clare groups interested in being considered for nomination in 2015. Details will be announced during the coming weeks.<br /><br />For more visit www.prideofplace.cooperationireland.org. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com