Clare Promotion Goes Stateside As Direct Flights Between Shannon And Chicago Are Reinstated

The Mayor of Clare will travel to the United States tomorrow to consolidate a major online promotion of County Clare as well as capitalise on Aer Lingus’ scheduled reinstatement of direct flights between Chicago O’Hare and Shannon International Airport.

Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn said she had received confirmation today that the airline will reintroduce thrice-weekly direct flights between the two airports from 31st March to 24th October. Since 2005, all Aer Lingus passengers travelling between Chicago and Shannon have had to disembark at Dublin Airport.

“The reinstatement of the service for the next seven months will provide a welcome boost to the local tourism and business sectors as well as consolidate Shannon’s position as the gateway to the West of Ireland for North American traffic,” commented Mayor Taylor Quinn.

She noted that the axing of direct services has had a negative impact on the West of Ireland economy in recent years. The Mayor explained, “Business interests in the US Midwest have for many years invested in the West of Ireland due to the provision of direct flights to the region. Likewise, US tourists have long travelled to the region because of available direct flights. The axing of the direct flights served only to prolong an already lengthy journey, which was extremely inconvenient and unnecessary considering Shannon also has a US immigration clearance facility.”

“I am delighted that Aer Lingus has committed itself to developing existing services between Shannon and the US despite the current economic conditions and the corresponding downturn being experienced by the aviation sector,” added Mayor Taylor Quinn.

The Mayor also announced today that Aer Lingus has agreed to promote County Clare on its US website during March by encouraging people to visit and stay in the Banner County when they travel to Ireland. The airline will also offer discounted rates on flights between the US and Shannon Airport during St Patrick’s Day and throughout next week. The promotional campaign arose out of a recent meeting between the Mayor of Clare, Clare Tourism Forum and Jack Foley, Executive Vice President of Aer Lingus North America. Mayor Taylor Quinn said she believed that such destination-marketing campaigns would encourage Aer Lingus to further commit to developing its operations at Shannon Airport.

“Clare County Council, the Clare Tourism Forum and other promotional agencies throughout the region, have assisted in promoting Aer Lingus’ transatlantic routes and securing increased visitors through Shannon Airport. I am aware of the huge amount of promotional work already being done in this area by the local business and hospitality sectors, and I fully appreciate that that such efforts must continue if the US routes are to remain viable for Aer Lingus,” she stated.

Maureen Cleary of the Clare Tourism Forum described the campaign as an aggressive discounted offer-led promotion from County Clare tourism providers that was coordinated and designed by the Forum. “Discounts on attractions, activities, shopping, accommodation and details of festivals and events happening in Clare are highlighted. To date there has been a significant increase in traffic reported on the Tourism Forum website, which will hopefully translate into increased North American tourist activity in the County over the coming months, “ she said.

Ms. Cleary expressed optimism that Aer Lingus would continue to dovetail marketing initiatives and promotional fares with local initiatives, such as the provision by accommodation providers of competitive packages. She continued, “Considering these difficult economic circumstances, I believe that collaboration is the key to ensuring Ireland’s competitiveness as a leading tourist destination.”

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Clare is scheduled to attend a number of engagements in Chicago and New York over the coming week. During her time in Chicago, Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn will meet with members of the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate to increase awareness of County Clare’s attractiveness as a tourism destination and an investment location for business. A similar message will be relayed during her scheduled meetings with the Irish Consul in Chicago Martin Rouine and members of the Irish-American community at a function in Gaelic Park before taking part in the Windy City’s annual Downtown and Southside St Patrick’s Day parades.

Next week, the Mayor will travel to New York where she is scheduled to meet with the Irish Consul Niall Burgess and attend separate briefings with North American officials from Aer Lingus, Failte Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. Mayor Taylor Quinn will attend the New York St Patrick’s Day Parade before returning to Ireland.

Clare Promotion Goes Stateside As Direct Flights Between Shannon And Chicago Are Reinstated

The Mayor of Clare will travel to the United States tomorrow to consolidate a major online promotion of County Clare as well as capitalise on Aer Lingus’ scheduled reinstatement of direct flights between Chicago O’Hare and Shannon International Airport.

Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn said she had received confirmation today that the airline will reintroduce thrice-weekly direct flights between the two airports from 31st March to 24th October. Since 2005, all Aer Lingus passengers travelling between Chicago and Shannon have had to disembark at Dublin Airport.

“The reinstatement of the service for the next seven months will provide a welcome boost to the local tourism and business sectors as well as consolidate Shannon’s position as the gateway to the West of Ireland for North American traffic,” commented Mayor Taylor Quinn.

She noted that the axing of direct services has had a negative impact on the West of Ireland economy in recent years. The Mayor explained, “Business interests in the US Midwest have for many years invested in the West of Ireland due to the provision of direct flights to the region. Likewise, US tourists have long travelled to the region because of available direct flights. The axing of the direct flights served only to prolong an already lengthy journey, which was extremely inconvenient and unnecessary considering Shannon also has a US immigration clearance facility.”

“I am delighted that Aer Lingus has committed itself to developing existing services between Shannon and the US despite the current economic conditions and the corresponding downturn being experienced by the aviation sector,” added Mayor Taylor Quinn.

The Mayor also announced today that Aer Lingus has agreed to promote County Clare on its US website during March by encouraging people to visit and stay in the Banner County when they travel to Ireland. The airline will also offer discounted rates on flights between the US and Shannon Airport during St Patrick’s Day and throughout next week. The promotional campaign arose out of a recent meeting between the Mayor of Clare, Clare Tourism Forum and Jack Foley, Executive Vice President of Aer Lingus North America. Mayor Taylor Quinn said she believed that such destination-marketing campaigns would encourage Aer Lingus to further commit to developing its operations at Shannon Airport.

“Clare County Council, the Clare Tourism Forum and other promotional agencies throughout the region, have assisted in promoting Aer Lingus’ transatlantic routes and securing increased visitors through Shannon Airport. I am aware of the huge amount of promotional work already being done in this area by the local business and hospitality sectors, and I fully appreciate that that such efforts must continue if the US routes are to remain viable for Aer Lingus,” she stated.

Maureen Cleary of the Clare Tourism Forum described the campaign as an aggressive discounted offer-led promotion from County Clare tourism providers that was coordinated and designed by the Forum. “Discounts on attractions, activities, shopping, accommodation and details of festivals and events happening in Clare are highlighted. To date there has been a significant increase in traffic reported on the Tourism Forum website, which will hopefully translate into increased North American tourist activity in the County over the coming months, “ she said.

Ms. Cleary expressed optimism that Aer Lingus would continue to dovetail marketing initiatives and promotional fares with local initiatives, such as the provision by accommodation providers of competitive packages. She continued, “Considering these difficult economic circumstances, I believe that collaboration is the key to ensuring Ireland’s competitiveness as a leading tourist destination.”

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Clare is scheduled to attend a number of engagements in Chicago and New York over the coming week. During her time in Chicago, Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn will meet with members of the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate to increase awareness of County Clare’s attractiveness as a tourism destination and an investment location for business. A similar message will be relayed during her scheduled meetings with the Irish Consul in Chicago Martin Rouine and members of the Irish-American community at a function in Gaelic Park before taking part in the Windy City’s annual Downtown and Southside St Patrick’s Day parades.

Next week, the Mayor will travel to New York where she is scheduled to meet with the Irish Consul Niall Burgess and attend separate briefings with North American officials from Aer Lingus, Failte Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. Mayor Taylor Quinn will attend the New York St Patrick’s Day Parade before returning to Ireland.

Clare Firm Develops Online Approach To Tracking Lost Baggage

The founders of BagPassport.com plan to generate up to 15 new jobs at their headquarters in Ennis, County Clare, over the coming months as they roll out the product to all major airports and rail stations throughout the world.

Designed, produced and packaged in Ireland, the Bag Passport is a global luggage tag possessing a unique 12-digit code that the owner can register online or by text message at the point of sale. Anyone who finds a missing bag enters the code along with the location and relevant contact details on Bagpassport.com. This action immediately activates a text message and email to the registered customer, telling them of the bags location and who to contact.

An estimated 42 million bags are mislaid, misdirected or lost worldwide every year, costing the global airline industry 3 billion Euro. In the USA alone, 7000 bags enter a warehousing facility for auction every day. According to John McCarthy of BagPassport.com, “We believe that this product has great potential and our plans are to make it available in 15 languages, in most major airports and rail stations throughout the world within the next 12 months. During this period of expansion we plan to create an additional 15 sales, marketing and R&D jobs.”

Mr. McCarthy said the versatile product could be attached to almost any item of luggage, from snowboards and golf bags to laptop cases. He continued, “In the current economic environment, it is better to protect what you have rather than having to replace it at a much greater cost. There is no need to rely on lightweight plastic or paper tags that can be easily be torn. Furthermore, this product caters for the majority of people that do not like having their personal information on display or having baggage handlers going through their personal belongings in an attempt to identify the owner. With our tag all personal details are stored behind the 12-digit code.”

“This product offers travellers complete peace of mind and allows them to simply sit back and enjoy their journey, safe in the knowledge that their bags are protected by our system,” Mr. McCarthy concluded.

The Bag Passports cost 9.99 euro and are available from selected retail outlets and online. For more see www.bagpassport.com or email info@bagpassport.com.

Clare Firm Develops Online Approach To Tracking Lost Baggage

The founders of BagPassport.com plan to generate up to 15 new jobs at their headquarters in Ennis, County Clare, over the coming months as they roll out the product to all major airports and rail stations throughout the world.

Designed, produced and packaged in Ireland, the Bag Passport is a global luggage tag possessing a unique 12-digit code that the owner can register online or by text message at the point of sale. Anyone who finds a missing bag enters the code along with the location and relevant contact details on Bagpassport.com. This action immediately activates a text message and email to the registered customer, telling them of the bags location and who to contact.

An estimated 42 million bags are mislaid, misdirected or lost worldwide every year, costing the global airline industry 3 billion Euro. In the USA alone, 7000 bags enter a warehousing facility for auction every day. According to John McCarthy of BagPassport.com, “We believe that this product has great potential and our plans are to make it available in 15 languages, in most major airports and rail stations throughout the world within the next 12 months. During this period of expansion we plan to create an additional 15 sales, marketing and R&D jobs.”

Mr. McCarthy said the versatile product could be attached to almost any item of luggage, from snowboards and golf bags to laptop cases. He continued, “In the current economic environment, it is better to protect what you have rather than having to replace it at a much greater cost. There is no need to rely on lightweight plastic or paper tags that can be easily be torn. Furthermore, this product caters for the majority of people that do not like having their personal information on display or having baggage handlers going through their personal belongings in an attempt to identify the owner. With our tag all personal details are stored behind the 12-digit code.”

“This product offers travellers complete peace of mind and allows them to simply sit back and enjoy their journey, safe in the knowledge that their bags are protected by our system,” Mr. McCarthy concluded.

The Bag Passports cost 9.99 euro and are available from selected retail outlets and online. For more see www.bagpassport.com or email info@bagpassport.com.

Former GP's jail term is struck out

A Judge struck out a two-month jail term imposed on former Clare GP Paschal Carmody yesterday after hearing that he snapped due to huge media pressure at the time he assaulted a summons server.

Mr Carmody (61) of Ballycuggeran, Killaloe, was appealing the severity of the conviction that resulted in a two-month jail term being imposed on him at Killaloe District Court last November. The controversial medic assaulted summons server, John Sommers on March 8, 2007 at his home as Mr Sommers was trying to serve High Court papers on behalf of a Dublin firm of solicitors.

Father-of-five Mr Carmody was accompanied to court yesterday by his wife Dr Freida Keane Carmody.

Former GP's jail term is struck out

A Judge struck out a two-month jail term imposed on former Clare GP Paschal Carmody yesterday after hearing that he snapped due to huge media pressure at the time he assaulted a summons server.

Mr Carmody (61) of Ballycuggeran, Killaloe, was appealing the severity of the conviction that resulted in a two-month jail term being imposed on him at Killaloe District Court last November. The controversial medic assaulted summons server, John Sommers on March 8, 2007 at his home as Mr Sommers was trying to serve High Court papers on behalf of a Dublin firm of solicitors.

Father-of-five Mr Carmody was accompanied to court yesterday by his wife Dr Freida Keane Carmody.

Killeen Welcomes Funding Boost For Three Clare Groups

Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister of State and Clare T.D. has welcomed the Government’s announcement of EUR33k grant aid to three community-based groups in County Clare.

The allocations to Caring for Carers Clare (EUR30,030), Tulla Senior Citizen Security Section (EUR3,198) and Ballyvaughan Community Alert (EUR400) will be used to help improve the security and social support of older individuals. The groups have been awarded the funding by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, under the scheme of Community Supports for Older People.

Minister Killeen said he was very aware of the hardships that that older people can face on a daily basis. He continued, “I welcome any initiatives that seek to improve confidence, security and comfort levels among older people in our society allowing them to continue to live independently.” The Junior Agriculture Minister added, “The security devices that older people may now benefit from under this scheme include smoke alarms, the once-off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems, security lighting, and window locks, door locks and door chains designed to strengthen points of entry to dwellings.”

A further 37 organisations throughout the country were allocated grants this week bringing the total number of groups to benefit to date this year to 73 under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The scheme for Community Supports of Older People is administered by local community and voluntary groups and funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Applications can be made throughout the year, thereby allowing applicants to benefit from the wide range of security aids available as the need arises.

Killeen Welcomes Funding Boost For Three Clare Groups

Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister of State and Clare T.D. has welcomed the Government’s announcement of EUR33k grant aid to three community-based groups in County Clare.

The allocations to Caring for Carers Clare (EUR30,030), Tulla Senior Citizen Security Section (EUR3,198) and Ballyvaughan Community Alert (EUR400) will be used to help improve the security and social support of older individuals. The groups have been awarded the funding by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, under the scheme of Community Supports for Older People.

Minister Killeen said he was very aware of the hardships that that older people can face on a daily basis. He continued, “I welcome any initiatives that seek to improve confidence, security and comfort levels among older people in our society allowing them to continue to live independently.” The Junior Agriculture Minister added, “The security devices that older people may now benefit from under this scheme include smoke alarms, the once-off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems, security lighting, and window locks, door locks and door chains designed to strengthen points of entry to dwellings.”

A further 37 organisations throughout the country were allocated grants this week bringing the total number of groups to benefit to date this year to 73 under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The scheme for Community Supports of Older People is administered by local community and voluntary groups and funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Applications can be made throughout the year, thereby allowing applicants to benefit from the wide range of security aids available as the need arises.