Poetry Puts Spring In The Step Of Family Carers

Pictured at the Ennis Book Club Festival in County Clare at the conclusion of the Caring for Carers 2nd annual poetry competition: (Back L-R) Terri O’Mahony (Competition runner up from Ballinacurra Gardens, Limerick City) Tracy King Kinlan (Runner up from Quilty, Co Clare), Noelle Dalton (Competition winner from Askeaton, Co Limerick) Brigid Barron and Mary McMahon of Caring for Carers Ireland; (Front L-R) Poets Joseph Woods (Director of Poetry Ireland) and Paula Meehan. Photograph by John Mullins

 

 

Family Carers throughout Ireland have participated in the second annual Caring for Carers Ireland poetry competition, the winners of which were announced at the Ennis Book Club Festival in County Clare during the weekend. 

Increase In Fire Fatalities Could Have Been Prevented - CFOA

The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) has called for greater fire safety awareness in light of the recent increase in domestic fire fatalities across the Republic of Ireland.

The Association has released figures showing that 18 fatalities occurred in December and January, representing almost 50% of the entire figure (40) for 2010.

9 fatalities were recorded last month in Cork (2), Clare (2), Wicklow (2), Tipperary (1), Dublin (1) and Donegal (1) in January 2011. 

The CFOA said smoke alarms were either not present or working in the majority of cases.

Michael Raftery, Chief Fire Officer in Galway and Chairperson of the Chief Fire Officers Association of Ireland said: “40 to 50 people have died in accidental house fires every year over the last 20 years and this trend has continued this winter. Sadly many of these fatalities could have been prevented.”

“Many more have been injured as a result of dwelling fires while there are a huge number of properties that have been damaged by fire. The increase in fire deaths serves as a stark reminder to us all of the importance of installing working smoke alarms and the need to have an escape plan should it become necessary to evacuate”, he added.

Mr. Raftery noted that there are a number of steps that can be taken by householders to reduce the risk of fire in the home.

He continued: “The CFOA urges the public to check smoke alarms, not only your own, but also those of elderly relatives or vulnerable neighbours. Householders should always make sure that flammable materials are kept as far away from sources of heat as possible, and that all forms of heating appliance, be they electrical or gas are well maintained. The public should never use any appliance that may be faulty."

The CFOA comprises the Chief Fire Officers of Ireland’s 34 Local Authorities.  The Association is also a member of the Federation of European Fire officers Associations and attends their twice yearly meetings.

Further Fire Safety advice is available from www.firesafetyweek.ie. For more on the CFOA  visit www.cfoa.net.  

Ireland’s Shannon Region Secures Prestigious World Biking Event

Ireland’s Shannon Region has won the right to host the 2011 Single Speed World Championship.

The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail, located on the borders of counties Limerick, Tipperary and Cork, will host the event which will feature an estimated 500 competitors from more than 30 countries around the world.

The Championships are being hosted by Sports Academy International with the support of Shannon Development.  The event takes place on Saturday, 27 August 2011.

Tomas Madigan: Joint CEO of Sports ai explained: “We successfully beat off competition from around the world to host the annual event, which was held this year in New Zealand.  Since 1999 the event has attracted participants from throughout the globe and we are delighted to be able to bring hundreds of competitors to the southwest next August, bringing a much needed boost to the local economy.”

Speaking about the importance of the event Dr. Vincent Cunnane, CEO of Shannon Development said: “Winning this prestigious and colourful event for Co. Limerick continues to endorse the Shannon Region as a premier sports and event destination, which brings over EUR60 million in revenue annually. With Limerick City’s designation as the European City of Sport for 2011 and the array of events already secured for the Region, 2011 is going to be a fantastic year”.

The Single Speed World Championship, or SSWC, is an annual event. It is only open to bicycles with a single gear ratio. Those bicycles can be either singlespeeds or fixies. Most of the bicycles used in these races are mountain bikes. However, many people take part in the race on cyclo-cross bicycles, racing bicycles and bicycles defying easy categorization.

Karen Brosnahan from Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau said: “Tomas Madigan from Sports ai is a true ambassador for the Shannon Region. He competed in a sports event in New Zealand to win this event for Limerick beating South Africa and Italy his worthy opponents. We are very proud of his efforts and all the more as he was one of the first people to sign up to the sports ambassadors’ programme we operate in partnership with Shannon Development.”

Irish Homeowners Could Save Thousands Of Euro With Passive Housing

People planning to build a new home could save themselves thousands of euro each year by developing a passive house.

That is according to the Passive House Association of Ireland (PHAI), a low energy design initiative comprising passive house designers and contractors. The Association, which was officially launched in Dublin this week, will operate in tandem with the ‘International Passive House Association’.

Passive house is the term used for a house which has no heating system installed, but whose occupants, rely on maximum heat gains from sunlight, high insulation and draught-proofing levels, for a comfortable and healthy lifestyle.

“Passive houses are leading the way toward a carbon-neutral future by producing more energy than they use and radically reducing fuel bills and C02 emissions”, explained PHAI Chairman Martin Murray.

He continued: “The Government's Building Regulations have lead to some improvements in energy efficiency in Ireland, but remain a minimum guide. Those in the construction industry and prospective homeowners, however, need to take the lead and invest in proper design. By doing so their homes will be energy efficient, therefore, helping to reduce their energy bills along with reducing overall CO2 emissions. The infrastructure required to implement such designs is available and affordable in Ireland, despite claims to the contrary from elements within the Irish Construction Industry.”

Mr. Murray added: “The idea of passive house construction is not new, as there are now over 30,000 examples built world-wide. These include many other types of building besides houses, such as, office-blocks, apartment-blocks, schools, and just recently a Tesco supermarket in Tramore, County Waterford. In each case, the building occupant has made considerable savings by not having to invest heavily in heating oil, gas or other fuel.”

He continued: “Extensive monitoring of these buildings is on-going and the results show that not only are the occupants saving money, but are, in general, hugely satisfied with the product which they have invested in.”

“The role of the association will be to develop the Passive House concept of construction within Ireland and attune it to the technologies and market practices prevalent within the country. The experience in other countries is that, such low energy initiatives only flourish, where National Associations take on a leadership role of research, promotion and education”, he concluded.

Individual and Corporate Membership of the Association is available and it is hoped that the Association will be of benefit to the construction industry as a whole.

The PHAI was launched during the annual SEAI/RIAI sponsored 'See the Light Conference' in Croke Park yesterday, 9th September 2010.

Minister For Defence Attends Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony In Cork

Minister for Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen, TD today attended the Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony of the 48th Naval Service Cadet Class at Haulbowline in Cork.

The Minister was welcomed to the Naval Base by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Major General Ralph James and the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, Commodore Frank Lynch.

Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony for 5 members of the 48th Naval Cadet Class, Minister Killeen said: “Today’s ceremony is the culmination of two years of hard work and dedication by these five young people. Over the last two years they have undergone a rigorous training programme, covering both professional and academic subjects, and of course hands on experience on the high seas. The training they have received has equipped these young professionals with the skills necessary to face the many and varied challenges they will encounter in the course of their military careers. They have successfully achieved the high standards required of them in a wide variety of activities and I have no doubt that they will be at the helm of the development of the Naval Service long into the future.”

Minister Killeen added: “As you will all be aware, my colleague the Minister for Finance and I were very pleased to be able to announce during our recent visit to the Naval Base that Government approval had been granted for the purchase of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Naval Service.

“The Government's decision is of course subject to the negotiations with the preferred bidder, Babcock Marine, reaching a satisfactory conclusion. Today, I am delighted to report that very good progress has been made since the announcement and I am confident that I will be in a position to formally place a contract within a number of weeks.

“It is indeed very heartening that such positive news for the Naval Service coincides with the commissioning today of this new class of cadets. These young officers can look forward to careers which will be served on these modern new vessels.

“The Naval Service makes an important contribution across a wide variety of roles assigned by Government. The success of the Naval Service in the areas of fishery protection, search and rescue and the provision of aid to the civil power is clear for all to see. These high profile roles have the added benefit of conveying the importance of the Naval Service to the wider community. In this context, as Minister for Defence, I am committed to continuing the development of the Naval Service to ensure that it is capable of fulfilling the full range of tasks assigned to it by the Government. To this end there is a Cadetship competition currently being held in order to recruit a total of thirty Cadets, six of whom will join the Naval Service. It is anticipated that their training will commence in December of this year.

“I would like to pay tribute to the Naval College staff involved in preparing these cadets for officer duty. Today however, belongs primarily to these new officers. They are charged with providing leadership and guidance to others, a responsibility, I have no doubt they will discharge with excellence”, the Minister concluded.

First All-Island Cricket Sixes Tournament Is Launched

Sports Academy International, supported by Cork Harlequins Cricket Club and Cricket Ireland, today announced details of the first all-island Cricket Sixes tournament.

The inaugural ‘Cork Cricket Challenge’ will take place in Cork Harlequins Cricket Club on Saturday, September 11th.

Tomas Madigan, CEO of Sports AI said: “We are delighted to bring the inaugural Cork Cricket Challenge to life. Cricket Sixes is a fast, energetic and fun version of the game that will test the best of cricketers. A great day is guaranteed with teams from all over Ireland battling it out to become the first ever Cork Cricket Challenge Champions.”

Mr. Madigan continued: “Cricket in Ireland is on the crest of a wave. With the national team bursting on to the international scene in the last three years, and the domestic game growing at lightning speed, Irish cricket has never been stronger. For example, the national team this week moved into 10th position on the ICC one-day standings following their win over the Netherlands.”

He noted: “The sport’s rise in popularity here is evident in the huge increase in the number of clubs being established across the country. There are now more than 50 registered clubs all over Ireland, including counties Wicklow, Laois, Kilkenny, Offaly, Roscommon, Carlow, Kildare, Galway, Dublin, Donegal and Meath. In Munster alone clubs have been established in Cork, Shannon, Lahinch, Lismore, Limerick, Clonmel, Waterford, Midleton, Douglas, Dunmanway and Adare.”

Mr. Madigan encouraged cricket teams from throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to participate in the event stating that the prizes, sponsored by Maher Sports, and the family atmosphere will be second to none for this type of event in Ireland.

The Cork Cricket Challenge takes place on Saturday, September 11th at Cork Harlequins Cricket Club, Harlequin Park, Farmers Cross, Co. Cork.

For more visit www.corkcricketchallenge.com.

Local Authority Welcomes Opening Of Limerick Tunnel

The opening of the Limerick Tunnel by Taoiseach Brian Cowen today has been welcomed by Limerick County Council, the lead local authority in the development of one of the largest infrastructural projects ever undertaken in the Mid-West region.

Construction work on the project, which commenced in August 2006 and for which Limerick County Council acted as lead authority through the planning phases, has been completed over a month ahead of the scheduled completion date of September 2010.

This €660m project represents the second phase of the Limerick Southern Ring Road Scheme, connecting the N7 at Rosbrien to the N18 Ennis Road at Cratloe Castle (just beyond the Radisson SAS Hotel). The 10km section of new road and tunnel will provide improved access times for commuters to the various industrial estates, as well as access to outlying towns and to Shannon Airport, Galway Dublin and Cork.

Cllr. Richard Butler, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council described the delivery of the project, which was first conceived in the early 1970’s, as “truly world class”.

He explained: “This project is the most significant infrastructural project completed in the Mid West Region since the Shannon Scheme, and I expect its impact on the region will, in time, be seen to match that of the Shannon Scheme. It facilitates interconnectivity between all the national routes converging on Limerick City, and will significantly reduce journey times for traffic wishing to cross the Shannon.”

“With the potential to remove up to 40,000 vehicles a day, which would otherwise clog up existing routes and which lead to gridlock now experienced by many on a daily basis, the completion of the project presents great opportunities for the people of Limerick city and environs, including the easing of traffic congestion, improvement in air quality and scope for further pedestrianisation of city centre streets and development of bus corridor schemes”, added the Cathaoirleach.

Edmund Gleeson, Limerick County Manager said the delivery of the project was the result of many years of collaboration and co-operation in the planning, design and construction phases and was testament to the vision and farsightedness of those who conceived the project almost forty years ago.

Mr. Gleeson continued: “I wish to acknowledge the very significant effort of all those involved in the project, and particularly our own Mid West National Road Design Office based in Lissanalta House. This was the first such Design Office to be established in the country, and became the model and the means by which the significant national roads programme was delivered in collaboration with the National Roads Authority in recent years.”

“The benefits of this project will be evident to all those travelling the route through shorter and safer journeys and the removal of traffic from the City Centre will greatly improve the environment for those frequenting the City Centre. I am delighted to have been involved in the project and congratulate all concerned on the completion of the scheme ahead of schedule”, he concluded.

According to Cllr. Maria Byrne, Mayor of Limerick: “The project will reduce very significantly the volumes of traffic moving through the city centre, thus enabling the City Council to advance its City Centre Strategy, involving pedestrianisation and significant upgrading of the public realm. The attractiveness of the City as a place in which to do business will be greatly enhanced. There will also be benefits in reduced costs and travel time for our citizens and businesses on both sides of our great river.”

Cllr. Christy Curtin, Mayor of Clare added: “The scheme will greatly improve connectivity within the Limerick Shannon Gateway and facilitate much improved access to Shannon Airport, South Clare and the rest of the country. In addition, there will be significant reductions in journey time and improved road safety for all road users. The timely delivery of the project was facilitated by the cooperation of all involved, especially contractors, landowners, the National Roads Authority and the three local authorities.”

The Limerick Tunnel Project was procured as a PPP (Public Private Partnership) Scheme. A 35-year concession to carry out detailed design, construction, operation and maintenance of the tunnel and road was awarded to a company called DirectRoute (Limerick) Ltd. by the National Roads Authority. DirectRoute will operate the tunnel and derive the benefit of the tolls payable until 2041.

DirectRoute (Limerick) Ltd. (the PPP Co.) comprises of six shareholders, including John Sisk & Son Ltd., Roadbridge, Lagan, Strabag, AIB & Meridiam Infrastructure Finance.

The detailed design and construction was carried out by a Construction Joint Venture Company (CJV) comprising of the four contractors listed above. The CJV, in turn, awarded design contracts to Roughan O’Donovan (Roads & Structures), Capita Symonds (Tunnel), White Young Green (Environmental) and Strabag SAT (M&E). Design Check contracts were awarded to Fehilly Timoney Ramboll, AGEC, Eachtra and Peter Monger. The CJV also awarded specialist contracts to Dutch company, Van Oord, for dredging and tunnel immersion. In addition, there was a significant number of other large and smaller sub-contractors and suppliers involved.

Government To Finalise Negotiations For Purchase Of New Naval Service OPVs

The Minister for Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen, TD, with his cabinet colleague the Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Lenihan, TD, were today, at the Naval Service Base in Haulbowline, Cork to welcome home the Naval Service vessel the L.E. Niamh from her ten week mission to Latin America.

This deployment was in support of the strong cultural and heritage links between Ireland and South America, to mark the celebration of the bicentenaries of independence by Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, and to promote Ireland and Irish trade links in these countries.

The Captain of the LE Niamh is Lieutenant Commander Kenneth Minehane, a native of Bantry, Co. Cork, and there were 46 crew on the mission.

Speaking on the LE Niamh in Cork Minister Killeen said “The trade and diplomatic mission to Latin America, which was undertaken by the LE Niamh, was a significant initiative from Ireland’s perspective and is an example of the continued effective inter-departmental cooperation, particularly in the area of trade. The Captain and crew of the ship have carried out excellent work on behalf of the State in furthering our national interests in the region. I would like to commend them on their achievements and thank them for their service.”

Minister Killeen continued “I am delighted to be able to announce today that following discussions with my cabinet colleague Mr. Brian Lenihan, T.D., Government approval has been received for the Department of Defence and the Naval Service to enter into discussions with UK based shipbuilder Babcock Marine, with a view to finalising negotiations for the purchase of two new Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

The decision to proceed with the final award of the contract to purchase the OPV’s is subject to these negotiations reaching a satisfactory outcome. I hope to be in a position to make a formal announcement regarding the award of the contract for the new OPV’s by November 2010. However, as you can appreciate, as negotiations are ongoing it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on them at this time except to wish the officials in the Department of Defence and the Naval Service well in these negotiations”.

Minister Lenihan said “I am also pleased to be here in Haulbowline this afternoon with Minister Killeen for this major announcement. I am especially pleased that in agreeing the Defence Estimates for 2011 it has been possible to provide for this key defence priority.”

The older naval ships have a nominal lifespan of 30 years. By 2015, all but two of the current flotilla of eight Naval vessels will be at least 30 years old (which is the normal maximum lifespan of such vessels). The continued use of older vessels is expensive in terms of both maintenance and, more importantly, loss of days on patrol. Notwithstanding increased inspections, maintenance and repair, it is not recommended that any vessel should remain in service beyond 35 years.

The three oldest vessels, LE Emer commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife commissioned in 1979 and LE Aisling commissioned in 1980, remain in service through a programme of continuous planned and preventative maintenance and inspections. These inspections have recently resulted in extensive repairs being carried out to all three vessels with holes in the hull plating of each being detected and repaired in the course of dry docking. All three vessels were out of service for approximately 6 weeks.
Minister Killeen added “The acquisition of two new modern vessels will ensure that the Naval Service continues to be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the State’s sovereign rights over our waters and our fisheries and meeting Ireland’s obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection. I am acutely aware of the difficulties for Irish fishermen arising from the damage inflicted by over fishing of some key stocks off our coast. The Naval Service plays a significant role in helping to return these stocks to sustainability.”

Citylink Awards €30M Outsourcing Contract To Callinan Coaches

Citylink Ireland announced today that it has outsourced its operations to Galway-based Callinan Coaches Ltd, in a deal worth in excess of €30m.

Under the terms of the five-year contract, Callinan Coaches will carry in excess of one million passengers each year on 85 daily Citylink routes, connecting Ireland’s major cities and international airports.

Claregalway-based Callinan Coaches currently employs 35 drivers and a number of maintenance staff to operate 14 Non Stop services for Citylink, as well as a number of domestic and continental services. An additional 39 drivers will be employed under the terms of the new contract.

Callinan’s fleet of 15 coaches, all of which are 5-Star Failte Ireland approved, will operate the new services along with Citylink Ireland’s fleet of luxury 24 coaches.

Commenting on the contract, Cathy Cullen, Managing Director of Citylink said: “The awarding of this outsourcing contract is an integral part of Citylink’s strategy to secure the financial stability of the company and to reaffirm our long-term commitment to the Irish market. The deal is great news for the travelling public as it consolidates the level and quality of services currently being provided, while it also enables Citylink to refocus its marketing strategy going forward”.

“Citylink are confident that Callinan Coaches, which has been named ‘Intercity Coach Operator Of The Year’ for two years in succession, will operate their scheduled services to the highest standard. Callinan and Citylink share a strong commitment to providing excellent customer care and consistency in the delivery of a first class service”, Ms. Cullen added.

Tommy Callinan, Founder of Callinan Coaches Ltd. stated: "We look forward to continuing our work with Citylink Ireland, delivering a service that allows the company to concentrate on launching new routes and expanding its scope throughout Ireland."

Callinan Coaches, on behalf of Citylink, will operate the following services under the outsourcing agreement:
- 15 multi-stop Galway to Dublin and 15 multi-stop Dublin to Galway services daily
- 14 non-stop Galway to Dublin and 14 non-stop Dublin to Galway services daily (Callinan Coaches currently operates these services under contract for Citylink)
- 5 multi-stop Galway to Cork and 5 multi-stop Cork to Galway services daily
- Daily services from Galway to and from Clifden
- Daily services from Galway to and from Shannon International Airport

For more visit www.citylink.ie.

Department of Defence Launches Biodiversity Action Plan

The Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen T.D., this week published the Sectoral Biodiversity Action Plan for the Department of Defence.

The United Nations has designated 2010 as International Year of Biodiversity and this is currently National Biodiversity Week.

Action 1 of The National Biodiversity Plan requests “Relevant Government Departments and State agencies to prepare, with stakeholders, their own Biodiversity Action Plans in line with agreed guidelines to ensure and promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.”

Minister Killeen said “I am delighted to publish this plan during National Biodiversity Week. Biodiversity is not just about animals and plants, it is also about the places in which these animals and plants exist and how these places are impacted by humans.”

The Department of Defence’s property and infrastructure portfolio consists of almost 100 sites including 23 permanently occupied military barracks, together with lands comprising about 21,000 acres. The major land holdings include the Curragh, Co. Kildare, Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow and Kilworth, Co. Cork.

In administering these large tracts of land the Department acknowledges that there is a requirement to take account of biodiversity issues. By their nature, the elements comprising the larger training lands are wilderness areas that are generally restricted in terms of public access. As a result these areas and the biodiversity contained within them can be maintained and encouraged to flourish whilst balancing the training needs of the Defence Forces.

The targets and actions contained in the Department of Defence’s Sectoral Biodiversity Action Plan are set out in a number of main categories:

• Land Use and Management
• Habitats
• Identification and Monitoring
• General Measures and sustainability
• Managing Biological Data

Minister Killeen said “Military training lands are located in predominantly remote areas with limited access. The level of activity on certain areas of the military training lands has ensured that biodiversity is conserved to a much greater extent than would otherwise be the case. The introduction of this plan, the first by any Government Department, shows the commitment of the Department to a range of issues that would not normally be associated with Defence policy.”

The Plan is available on the Department’s website at www.defence.ie

Killeen Praises Military For Flood Relief Efforts In Cork

Minister for Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D today travelled to Cork on his first official visit to both Collins Barracks and the Naval Base in Haulbowline since his appointment as Minister for Defence.

On arrival at Collins Barracks, the Minister was greeted by the Acting Chief of Staff, Major General Dave Ashe, General Officer Commanding the Southern Brigade, Brigadier General Paul Pakenham and the Officer Commanding the Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Quirke. He then reviewed a Guard of Honour of members of the 4th Infantry Battalion. Minister Killeen was briefed by senior military personnel and shown around a display of military equipment.

Minister Killeen then travelled to the Naval Base in Haulbowline where he was met by the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, Commodore Frank Lynch and inspected a Guard of Honour of members of the Naval Service.

Following a briefing by senior naval service officers, the Minister was brought on a tour of the Naval Base which included a tour of the National Maritime College of Ireland, a 3rd Level Institution which caters for the non-military education and training needs of the Naval Service and the education and training of Irelands Merchant Navy.

Commenting on his visit to Cork Minister Killeen thanked all the Army and Naval personnel for the excellent work they did in support of the frontline services during the severe weather emergencies “Cork was hit particularly badly during the recent flooding and I know the whole community welcomed the reassurance of having the Defence Forces on the scene providing their professional support to alleviate the worst effects of the flooding”, the Minister said.

In Cork City, over 200 Defence Forces personnel were deployed to assist the local authority with engineer support (Lee Fields pumping station), and to support distribution of drinking and sanitation water on the North side of the City and to the Mercy Hospital. The LE Orla provided back up assistance, including communications and catering. Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) were provided to support river searches. The Defence Forces also assisted in the provision of a whole range of heavy vehicles, sand bags and portable lighting.

Minister Killeen continued “This was a major response by the Defence Forces and I know they were ready and on standby to provide even more support should this have been required. On behalf of the Government and the community at large, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Defence Forces personnel for their individual and collective efforts. I know the protection of the community lies at the heart of the ethos of the Defence Forces and it certainly showed here in Cork during the severe weather crises.”

Civic Honours For Two Limerick Club Hurling Teams

Two Limerick hurling clubs received Civic Receptions from Limerick County Council at County Hall, Dooradoyle, today.

The South Liberties Intermediate Hurling Team won the Munster Intermediate Club Hurling Championship while Blackrock Junior Hurling Team became the first Limerick Club to win the All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship in February.

Addressing players and management from both clubs today, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council Cllr. David Naughton said: “A Civic Reception is the highest accolade at the disposal of Limerick County Council for any individual, group or organisation and one that is, for those in receipt of it this evening, thoroughly deserved.”

Commenting on South Liberties 2009 season, Cllr. Naughton stated: “For the Parish of Knockea/Donoughmore and the villages of Ballyneety, Ballysheedy and Drombanna, 2009 was a year to remember. Despite their defeat in the All Ireland semi-final, the South Liberties club successfully managed to re-establish itself as a force to be reckoned with on the club scene.”

“The hurlers and management team of South Liberties should be proud of their achievements, none bigger than instilling a great sense of pride among members of the local community. By providing the GAA Club with a Civic Reception, Limerick County Council is acknowledging the efforts of a spirited and successful group of individuals who have brought great honour to their community and the entire County”, he added.

South Liberties’ long awaited Munster Final win followed defeat in six finals in the past 12 to 13 years, including one in a replay.

After their win over Ballybrown in a thrilling 2009 County Final, South Liberties went on to defeat Whitegate before launching a dramatic second half comeback against Douglas of Cork to capture the Munster Championship title. They travelled to Ruislip in London to take on St Gabriels in the All Ireland quarter final before their memorable journey came to an end - narrowly losing out to eventual All-Ireland winners St. Lactan's of Freshford.

Meanwhile, Cllr. Naughton paid tribute to the members of the Blackrock Junior Hurling Team who he said were “an enormous source of proud for everyone in the Parish of Kilfinane and Ardpatrick”.

He continued: “At the beginning of 2009, few of the club members or supporters would dared to have dreamed of contesting an All Ireland final. Winning the County Final was a significant achievement for the club but what followed will forever go down in the club’s history as a milestone.”

“Furthermore, the players and management have acted as wonderful ambassadors for Limerick and have proven that success can be achieved with the right mix of team spirit and effort. Sport has a wonderful ability to bring people together and also provides us with inspiring stories of individuals and teams overcoming seeminginly insurmountable challenges”, added the Cathaoirleach.

The ‘Rockies’ journey to the All-Ireland Final began in the summer when they came through 7 games in the South Junior Championship, before seeing off the challenges of Feohanagh, Doon and Effin in the quarter final, semi final and county final respectively.

Just two weeks before Christmas the club captured the Munster title thanks to a last minute win by a point over Fermoy of Cork. The club had previously beaten Aherlow of Tipperary in the semi-final.

The hurlers then went on to defeat Black and Whites of Kilkenny by 1-18 to 1-11 in late January before two weeks later claiming Limerick hurling’s first ever All-Ireland junior club hurling championship crown with a 1-18 to 0-9 defeat of Tyrone’s Naomh Colum Cille at Croke Park.

Minister Launches Mid West Economic Fact File

An economic profile of the Mid West region has been launched by the Minister for Defence Tony Killeen, T.D.

The document, which outlines the key infrastructure and enterprise supports in place in the region, has been prepared by the Mid-West Regional Authority (MWRA) in conjunction with Shannon Development, Forfas, the wider business community and the region’s four local authorities.

Speaking at today’s launch of ‘Mid-West Region of Ireland: A Proven Region Of Excellence For Business’, Minister for Defence and Mid West T.D. Tony Killeen noted that the future economic development of the Mid West depended on the region’s ability to attract foreign direct investment as well as the continued development of the necessary supports for existing indigenous and multinational operations.

He said: “The newly produced fact file outlines the considerable progress that has been made in the Mid West regarding the establishment of a solid support structure and operating environment for prospective companies wishing to invest in the region. The collaborative approach adopted in the preparation of this profile report further strengthens the Mid West’s status as a progressive region and an attractive investment location.”

“I will be holding a series of meetings with the MWRA and regional agencies in the coming weeks and months with a view to exploring and promoting the job potential of the Mid West at Government level. As a Minister based in the region, I will be urging the Government to continue to work with agencies in the Mid West in order to protect and nurture the competitiveness of the region as an attractive location for inward investment”, added Minister Killeen.

MWRA Cathaoirleach Councillor Leo Walsh stated: “Not only is this document a reminder that the Mid West is a proven region of excellence for business but also it sends out a clear message to the wider business community that the region can and does offer multinational firms real opportunities for expansion and investment.”

Councillor Walsh explained that Shannon Airport with its many links to Europe and North America, along with the US Customs & Border Protection Pre-clearance and Agile Logistics Freight Hub potential, presents internationally trading companies with quality connectivity to key international markets.

He continued: “Significant improvements in our road, air and rail infrastructure have provided ease of access to Dublin and the rest of the country. The Limerick Institute of Technology and the University of Limerick provide a vast pool of highly educated graduates, while they also support research and development for multinational companies presently operating in the region. Furthermore, the provision of high-bandwidth broadband enables companies to conduct business with international markets”.

The fact file outlines to prospective investors the key reasons to establish operations in the Mid-West. They include:
- Heavy investment in education and skills training which creates a pool of highly talented and qualified people
- A strong legal framework for development, exploitation and protection of Intellectual Property rights
- World class access road and rail infrastructure linking the ‘Atlantic Gateways’ of Cork, Limerick/Shannon, Galway and Dublin
- Highest potential in Ireland for generating capacity of renewable energy
- An advanced telecommunications infrastructure, with stateof- the-art optical networks and international connectivity
- Ireland’s corporate tax regime which ranks among the lowest in Europe at 12.5%
- Significant Business Support agencies such as Shannon Development, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland
- 100km deepwater Shannon Estuary which can accommodate the largest unitised cargo ships in the world
- Excellent quality of life and low cost of living
- Collaboration strengths

According to Liam Conneally, Director of the MWRA: “The Mid West presents an ideal operating environment for multinational companies, as evidenced by investments in the region by global leaders such as Avocent, Digital River, GE Capital, Ingersoll Rand, Intel, Lufthansa Technik, Microsemi, Mentor Graphics, Molex, RSA Security and Symantec.”

Mr. Conneally said the fact file has been circulated to all regional development and employment agencies, while the IDA and Enterprise Ireland have committed to promoting the region’s profile at trade fairs.

“Powered by a strong economic outlook, good connectivity, pro-business regulatory environment and cosmopolitan work environment, the Mid-West region is one of Ireland’s stand-out business locations, one that we look forward to promoting through this fact file in the coming months”, he concluded.

The main functions of the Mid-West Regional Authority are to promote the co-ordination of public service provision, and to monitor the delivery of the National Development Plan and EU Structural Fund assistance in the Mid-West region. The Authority coordinates between the four local authority areas of Counties Clare and Limerick, as well as North Tipperary and Limerick City.

Ennis Book Club Festival Is Launched

An estimated 3,000 literary enthusiasts and some of Ireland and the UK’s best known writers will descend on Ennis, County Clare, for the 2010 Ennis Book Club Festival this weekend.

Supported by Clare County Library, the three-day programme of events is expected to attract Book Club members and book lovers from all over Europe and North America. The Festival programme features author visits, readings, lectures and workshops, exhibitions, walking history tours, musical entertainment and chocolate tasting in various venues around Ennis. It also includes Ireland’s first ‘Book Club of the Year Award’ and a professional development workshop for library staff.

Among the contributors to the fourth annual festival will be Lionel Shriver, prolific journalist and Orange Prize-winning author of ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ and ‘The Post-Birthday World’; Joseph O’Connor, journalist, screenwriter and author of ten Irish number one bestsellers including ‘Star Of The Sea’, ‘Cowboys and Indians’, ‘Desperadoes’, ‘The Salesman’ and ‘Inishowen’; Tim Pat Coogan, biographer, historian, journalist and writer of “Michael Collins” and ‘Ireland in the Twentieth Century’; Diarmaid Ferriter, author, historian, and university lecturer; Paul Howard, journalist, author and creator of the cult character Ross O'Carroll-Kelly; and Fiona Looney, columnist, playwright, scriptwriter and media personality.

Other participants include multi-award winning poet, Paul Durcan; Irish historian, crime novelist, journalist and broadcaster, Ruth Dudley Edwards; Irish author of ‘Tenderwire’, Claire Kilroy; US essayist, poet, short stories writer, funeral director and winner of the American Book Award and The Heartland Prize for Nonfiction, David McWilliams, Economist, Broadcaster and Journalist and author of “The Pope’s Children” and “Follow the Money: The Tale of the Merchant of Ennis”; Joe Duffy, Presenter of RTE Radio One’s popular daytime show ‘Liveline’; Thomas Lynch; historian and author of 1916 Rising novel ‘Blood Upon the Rose', Gerry Hunt; American poet Knute Skinner, Irish journalist, columnist and politician, Senator Eoghan Harris; poetry group Clare Three-Legged Stool Poets; editor of Irish magazine ‘Rí-Rá’, Aidan Courtney; Ennis-based graphic novel analyst David O’Leary; and journalist, broadcaster, author and founder of Grow-It-Yourself Ireland, Michael Kelly.

Academic contributors to the festival include Dr. Paul Delaney, School of English at Trinity College, who will lead a discussion on popular writer Colm Tóibín's work; Alan Titley, author, playwright, poet and Professor of Modern Irish and Head of Department at University College Cork; and Niall MacMonagle, reviewer, editor and English teacher at Dublin’s Wesley College, who will present a workshop entitled ‘How to Read a Novel’.

Claire Keegan, award-winning short story writer and author of “Antarctica” and “Walk the Blue Fields” in reading and discussing her writing with join Clare-based author Niall Williams. One of the highlights of the festival weekend will be The Sunday Symposium, during which Tim Pat Coogan, Ruth Dudley Edwards Senator Eoghan Harris and Diarmaid Ferriter will partake in a panel discussion on the subject of “Reading History”. The session will be chaired by experienced broadcaster, journalist and communications consultant, Caimin Jones.

Meanwhile, the Festival is inviting library staff nationwide to a free workshop on how to start, develop and challenge a Book Club. The professional development workshop, which will be presented by Anne Downes of Opening the Book, has been designed specifically for library staff who are interested or involved in book clubs and will cover areas such as managing group dynamics, injecting new life and bringing new ideas to reading groups”.

The 2010 Festival also features Ireland’s foremost ‘Book Club of the Year Award’, which has been won by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) Audio Book Club from County Dublin.

According to Festival Chairperson Frances O’Gorman there has been a surge in membership among new and existing book clubs throughout Ireland. She added: “This weekend’s festival is a wonderful social and literary event that brings together Book Club members, readers and authors from all over Ireland and beyond. This coming days present a unique opportunity for all literary enthusiasts to share their joy of reading, to meet authors, to discuss books, and to have a weekend break with friends.”

The inaugural Ennis Book Club Festival was held in 2007. Past participants include Patrick McCabe, John Boyne, Carlo Gébler, Edna O’Brien, Joanne Harris, Brian Keenan, Roddy Doyle, Diarmuid Gavin, Hugo Hamilton, Allan Guthrie, Jennifer Johnston, John Connolly, Dermot Bolger, Salley Vickers, Fintan O'Toole, Gerard Donovan, Lorna Landvik, Gerry Adams and the late Nuala O Faolain. Previous festivals have attracted literary enthusiasts from all over North America and Europe, including members from many of Ireland’s 150 Library Book Clubs and more than 300 Private Book Clubs.

Tickets for all events are on sale at Glór Box Office 00353656843103 / boxoffice@glor.ie. Further details on ticket prices and the festival are available from (web) www.ennisbookclubfestival.com, (t) www.twitter.com/ebcf, (e) info@ennisbookclubfestival.com and (t) 087-9723647 /085 7842822.

25 Restaurant Jobs Created In Clare

25 jobs are to be created in Ennis with the opening of a Milano restaurant in May.

The new 100-seater restaurant will be located on O’Connell St, Ennis. The company is currently recruiting for chefs, hostesses and waiting staff.

Milano has 11 restaurants in Ireland, located in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Killarney and Limerick.

An Economic Liveline For Ennis Book Club Festival

Radio broadcaster Joe Duffy and leading Irish economist David McWilliams have been added to the line up for the 2010 Ennis Book Club Festival which takes place in the Clare County capital from March 5-7.

Supported by Clare County Library, the three-day programme of events is expected to attract hundreds of Book Club members and book lovers from all over Europe and North America. The Festival programme features author visits, readings, lectures and workshops, exhibitions, walking history tours, musical entertainment and chocolate tasting in various venues around Ennis. It also includes Ireland’s first ‘Book Club of the Year Award’ and a professional development workshop for library staff.

Economist, Broadcaster and Journalist David McWilliams is the author of “The Pope’s Children”, which was the best selling Irish non-fiction book in 2006. His new book “Follow the Money: The Tale of the Merchant of Ennis”, chronicles the story of the dooming of the Celtic Tiger and its aftermath. Mr. McWilliams will read from his latest works as well as participate in a questions and answers session from 10 to 11am in The Temple Gate Hotel Ennis on Saturday 6th March.

Meanwhile, presenter of RTE Radio One’s popular daytime show ‘Liveline’ Joe Duffy will host ’10 Books You Should Read’ with Fiona Looney from 11.30am to 1pm in Glór on Saturday 6th March.

Among the contributors to the fourth annual festival will be Lionel Shriver, prolific journalist and Orange Prize-winning author of ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ and ‘The Post-Birthday World’; Joseph O’Connor, journalist, screenwriter and author of ten Irish number one bestsellers including ‘Star Of The Sea’, ‘Cowboys and Indians’, ‘Desperadoes’, ‘The Salesman’ and ‘Inishowen’; Tim Pat Coogan, biographer, historian, journalist and writer of “Michael Collins” and ‘Ireland in the Twentieth Century’; Diarmaid Ferriter, author, historian, and university lecturer; Paul Howard, journalist, author and creator of the cult character Ross O'Carroll-Kelly; and Fiona Looney, columnist, playwright, scriptwriter and media personality.

Other participants include multi-award winning poet, Paul Durcan; Irish historian, crime novelist, journalist and broadcaster, Ruth Dudley Edwards; Irish author of ‘Tenderwire’, Claire Kilroy; US essayist, poet, short stories writer, funeral director and winner of the American Book Award and The Heartland Prize for Nonfiction, Thomas Lynch; historian and author of 1916 Rising novel ‘Blood Upon the Rose', Gerry Hunt; American poet Knute Skinner, Irish journalist, columnist and politician, Senator Eoghan Harris; poetry group Clare Three-Legged Stool Poets; editor of Irish magazine ‘Rí-Rá’, Aidan Courtney; Ennis-based graphic novel analyst David O’Leary; and journalist, broadcaster, author and founder of Grow-It-Yourself Ireland, Michael Kelly.

Academic contributors to the festival include Dr. Paul Delaney, School of English at Trinity College, who will lead a discussion on popular writer Colm Tóibín's work; Alan Titley, author, playwright, poet and Professor of Modern Irish and Head of Department at University College Cork; and Niall MacMonagle, reviewer, editor and English teacher at Dublin’s Wesley College, who will present a workshop entitled ‘How to Read a Novel’.

Claire Keegan, award-winning short story writer and author of “Antarctica” and “Walk the Blue Fields” in reading and discussing her writing with join Clare-based author Niall Williams. One of the highlights of the festival weekend will be The Sunday Symposium, during which Tim Pat Coogan, Ruth Dudley Edwards Senator Eoghan Harris and Diarmaid Ferriter will partake in a panel discussion on the subject of “Reading History”. The session will be chaired by experienced broadcaster, journalist and communications consultant, Caimin Jones.

Meanwhile, the Festival is inviting library staff nationwide to a free workshop on how to start, develop and challenge a Book Club. The professional development workshop, which will be presented by Anne Downes of Opening the Book, has been designed specifically for library staff who are interested or involved in book clubs and will cover areas such as managing group dynamics, injecting new life and bringing new ideas to reading groups”.

According to Festival Chairperson Ciana Campbell (available for interview on 00353-872262259) there has been a surge in membership among new and existing book clubs throughout Ireland. She added: “The festival is a wonderful social and literary event that brings together Book Club members, readers and authors from all over Ireland and beyond. This year’s event presents a unique opportunity for all literary enthusiasts to share their joy of reading, to meet authors, to discuss books, and to have a weekend break with friends.”

Ms. Campbell says the significant increase in interest in book clubs is the focus of a questionnaire by the Ennis Book Club Festival Organising Committee. “We are inviting people to complete the questionnaire on our website, which aims to gather information on the scale and nature of book club activity across Ireland”, she commented.

The inaugural Ennis Book Club Festival was held in 2007. Past participants include Patrick McCabe, John Boyne, Carlo Gébler, Edna O’Brien, Joanne Harris, Brian Keenan, Roddy Doyle, Diarmuid Gavin, Hugo Hamilton, Allan Guthrie, Jennifer Johnston, John Connolly, Dermot Bolger, Salley Vickers, Fintan O'Toole, Gerard Donovan, Lorna Landvik, Gerry Adams and the late Nuala O Faolain. Previous festivals have attracted literary enthusiasts from all over North America and Europe, including members from many of Ireland’s 150 Library Book Clubs and more than 300 Private Book Clubs.

Tickets for all events are on sale at Glór Box Office 00353656843103 / boxoffice@glor.ie. Further details on ticket prices and the festival are available from (web) www.ennisbookclubfestival.com, (t) www.twitter.com/ebcf, (e) info@ennisbookclubfestival.com and (t) 087-9723647/085-7758523.

Literary Figures Book In To Ennis Festival

The growing interest in book clubs throughout Ireland is reflected in the line-up for one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the literary calendar, details of which were officially unveiled today.

Tickets go on sale this Friday for the 2010 Ennis Book Club Festival which takes place in the Clare County capital from March 5-7.

Supported by Clare County Library, the three-day programme of events is expected to attract hundreds of Book Club members and book lovers from all over Europe and North America. The Festival programme features author visits, readings, lectures and workshops, exhibitions, walking history tours, musical entertainment and chocolate tasting in various venues around Ennis. It also includes Ireland’s first ‘Book Club of the Year Award’ and a professional development workshop for library staff.

Among the contributors to the fourth annual festival will be Lionel Shriver, prolific journalist and Orange Prize-winning author of ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ and ‘The Post-Birthday World’; Joseph O’Connor, journalist, screenwriter and author of ten Irish number one bestsellers including ‘Star Of The Sea’, ‘Cowboys and Indians’, ‘Desperadoes’, ‘The Salesman’ and ‘Inishowen’; Tim Pat Coogan, biographer, historian, journalist and writer of “Michael Collins” and ‘Ireland in the Twentieth Century’; Diarmaid Ferriter, author, historian, and university lecturer; Paul Howard, journalist, author and creator of the cult character Ross O'Carroll-Kelly; and Fiona Looney, columnist, playwright, scriptwriter and media personality.

Other participants include multi-award winning poet, Paul Durcan; Irish historian, crime novelist, journalist and broadcaster, Ruth Dudley Edwards; Irish author of ‘Tenderwire’, Claire Kilroy; US essayist, poet, short stories writer, funeral director and winner of the American Book Award and The Heartland Prize for Nonfiction, Thomas Lynch; historian and author of 1916 Rising novel ‘Blood Upon the Rose', Gerry Hunt; American poet Knute Skinner, Irish journalist, columnist and politician, Senator Eoghan Harris; poetry group Clare Three-Legged Stool Poets; editor of Irish magazine ‘Rí-Rá’, Aidan Courtney; Ennis-based graphic novel analyst David O’Leary; and journalist, broadcaster, author and founder of Grow-It-Yourself Ireland, Michael Kelly.

Academic contributors to the festival include Dr. Paul Delaney, School of English at Trinity College, who will lead a discussion on popular writer Colm Tóibín's work; Alan Titley, author, playwright, poet and Professor of Modern Irish and Head of Department at University College Cork; and Niall MacMonagle, reviewer, editor and English teacher at Dublin’s Wesley College, who will present a workshop entitled ‘How to Read a Novel’.

Claire Keegan, award-winning short story writer and author of “Antarctica” and “Walk the Blue Fields” in reading and discussing her writing with join Clare-based author Niall Williams. One of the highlights of the festival weekend will be The Sunday Symposium, during which Tim Pat Coogan, Ruth Dudley Edwards Senator Eoghan Harris and Diarmaid Ferriter will partake in a panel discussion on the subject of “Reading History”. The session will be chaired by experienced broadcaster, journalist and communications consultant, Caimin Jones.

Meanwhile, the Festival is inviting library staff nationwide to a free workshop on how to start, develop and challenge a Book Club. The professional development workshop, which will be presented by Anne Downes of Opening the Book, has been designed specifically for library staff who are interested or involved in book clubs and will cover areas such as managing group dynamics, injecting new life and bringing new ideas to reading groups”.

The 2010 Festival also features Ireland’s foremost ‘Book Club of the Year Award’. The winning Book Club (up to a maximum of six people) will receive a prize of free weekend passes to festival events and overnight accommodation at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis.

According to Festival Chairperson Ciana Campbell (available for interview on 00353-879723647) there has been a surge in membership among new and existing book clubs throughout Ireland. She added: “The festival is a wonderful social and literary event that brings together Book Club members, readers and authors from all over Ireland and beyond. This year’s event presents a unique opportunity for all literary enthusiasts to share their joy of reading, to meet authors, to discuss books, and to have a weekend break with friends.”

Ms. Campbell says the significant increase in interest in book clubs is the focus of a questionnaire by the Ennis Book Club Festival Organising Committee. “We are inviting people to complete the questionnaire on our website, which aims to gather information on the scale and nature of book club activity across Ireland”, she commented.

The inaugural Ennis Book Club Festival was held in 2007. Past participants include Patrick McCabe, John Boyne, Carlo Gébler, Edna O’Brien, Joanne Harris, Brian Keenan, Roddy Doyle, Diarmuid Gavin, Hugo Hamilton, Allan Guthrie, Jennifer Johnston, John Connolly, Dermot Bolger, Salley Vickers, Fintan O'Toole, Gerard Donovan, Lorna Landvik, Gerry Adams and the late Nuala O Faolain. Previous festivals have attracted literary enthusiasts from all over North America and Europe, including members from many of Ireland’s 150 Library Book Clubs and more than 300 Private Book Clubs.

Tickets for all events are on sale at Glór Box Office 00353656843103 / boxoffice@glor.ie. Further details on ticket prices and the festival are available from (web) www.ennisbookclubfestival.com, (t) www.twitter.com/ebcf, (e) info@ennisbookclubfestival.com and (t) 087-9723647/085-7758523.

Dangerous Driving Conditions Reported In County Clare

The Clare Local Authorities and An Garda Síochána are appealing to all road users to drive with extreme care following overnight snowfall across County Clare.

Many routes are said to be in a dangerous condition, particularly in elevated areas of the County where up to 4-6 inches of snow fell during a 24-hour period. Road conditions are expected to remain dangerous overnight as temperatures once again drop close to or below freezing.

ROADS UPDATE:
- Main Kilkee to Kilrush road remains dangerous as black ice has been covered with a layer of snow. The Cooraclare, Kilrush and Doonbeg roads are very dangerous and snow remains on all roads
- In the Shannon area all roads are passable with care but byroads in the Sixmilebridge area remain dangerous
- Corkscrew Hill, located between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan, is closed and many minor roads are impassable in North Clare. Main roads in the Ennistymon area also passable but the side roads remain slippery
- All roads on the Killaloe area are in a dangerous condition following fresh snowfall overnight. Caution is required on all roads, especially on hills. Main Street and Hill Road in Killaloe are closed. The hill on the bad bend at Bodyke is very dangerous.

The Clare Local Authorities (including Civil Defence and Fire and Rescue Service) are working with other public service authorities – the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Gardaí and the Health Services Executive to ensure a co-ordinated approach for dealing with the various issues. Links have also been established with Met Éireann, AA Roadwatch, Road Safety Authority, Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority to ensure that up-to-date information is available.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued safety advice as the cold weather looks set to continue and this advice should be heeded. Extreme caution should be exercised in all cases and particularly around frozen lakes and water. People are reminded to check on older people, people living alone, people with disabilities and other vulnerable people, as this cold spell continues.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council has announced it will be shutting off public water supplies at numerous locations this evening in an effort to conserve water. Demand has increased by approximately 20 per cent with most of the Council’s water treatment plants at or near production capacity.

Public water supplies will be affected between 8pm and 8am, until further notice, in areas including Scarriff, Tuamgraney, Tulla, Sixmilebridge, Newmarket on Fergus, Shannon Town (all areas), Cratloe, Bunratty, Kilmurray and Kilkishen (parts of Quin will also be affected).

Elsewhere, the public supply in numerous areas of Ennis will be shut off from 11pm to 6am to improve supply to the Clarecastle area and nearby parts of Ennis. Numerous housing developments will experience reduced water pressure each morning. Areas of the County Capital affected include:
- Turnpike Area including MacNamara Park, Turnpike Road, Dalcassian Park, Dalcassian Avenue, Collins Park, Glen Gardens, St. Patrick’s Terrace, Greenpark and all adjacent areas
- Avondale, Maiville, Phoenix Court, Military Barracks, Cahercalla Estate, Cahercalla Heights, Woodlands, Woodhaven, Cahercalla Road, Cahercalla Drive and all adjacent areas
- Cootes Cross to St. Flannan’s College Roundabout including Iniscarra, College Grove, College Green, Springfield Riverside, Clonroadmore Road and all adjacent areas.
Public water supply also will be restricted in the following areas between the hours of 8pm and 8am, commencing again tonight Monday 11th January until further notice:
- North Clare: Ennistymon, Liscannor, Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna and Doolin – water restrictions on a rotational basis as required.

Clare County Council is providing static standpipes at strategic locations in Ennis and Shannon. The standpipes are in operation from 8am to 8pm today and until further notice.

Static Standpipes:

Ennis
- Gort Road Industrial Estate
- Cahercalla Estate, Kilrush Road
- White Park, Cappahard, Tulla Road
- Clarecastle Day Care Centre

Shannon
- Fire Station
- Shannon Lodge Hotel, Ballycasey
-
North Clare
- Ennistymon at the Council Offices until 5pm
- Lisdoonvarna at the Square between 2pm and 4pm.

Water Tankers are deployed at the following locations:
- Newmarket on Fergus, at the church from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Sixmilebridge, at the church from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Quin, at the church from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

People should contact their local area offices during office hours (9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.) in relation to queries or anybody seeking advice pertaining to weather/roads related issues. For roads emergencies outside of office hours the council operates an emergency telephone and (087-4169496). For water services emergencies outside of office hours, members of the public should visit the Water Services section of Clare County Council’s website www.clarecoco.ie.

Contact numbers (9am-5pm):
- Ennis area office - (065) 6869534
- Ennistymon area office - (065) 7071017
- Kilrush area office - (065) 9051047
- Scariff area office - (061) 640815
- Shannon area office - (061) 362319
- Clare County Council Corporate Headquarters, Ennis - (065) 6846337

Road Gritting Operations Continue In Clare

Over 550 kilometres of County Clare’s road network have been salted and gritted on a daily basis since the outbreak of the current cold period of weather in mid-December 2009.

That’s according to the Clare Local Authorities who confirmed that National Primary and Secondary Roads, along with heavily trafficked Regional routes, will continue to be treated as freezing conditions are expected to last into the early days of next week.

All main roads in the County are currently passable with the exception of the N67 (Lisdoonvarna to Ballyvaughan at Corkscrew Hill). Motorists are advised to avoid the main Doolin to Ennistymon road and the High Road in Doolin (near Hearrity’s Cross) due to extremely icy conditions. Also, the roads around Ruan are very dangerous and should be avoided. In West Clare, the Carrhue Hill (going up to Cooraclare GAA pitch) is very dangerous. Road users are advised to exercise extreme caution on all other routes.

Nora Kaye, Director of Services, Clare County Council stated: “The Council continues to implement the salting and gritting programme and have been salting since the beginning of the current cold spell, which began on 18th December. Seven salting vehicles are in operation as well as other methods, including the use of pick–up vehicles at area level. The main roads continue to be the Council’s priority and every effort is being made to keep these main routes passable. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued safety advice as the cold weather looks set to continue and this advice should be heeded. The Council has been proactive in managing supplies of salt and a further delivery is expected in Limerick today.”

“People are reminded to check on older people, people living alone, people with disabilities and other vulnerable people, as this cold spell continues. Also, residents in housing estates are encouraged to clear their driveways and footpaths”, added Ms. Kaye.

The supply of grit to a number of locations around the county is currently being finalised and more details of the specific locations will be updated on the Council’s website.

Ms Kaye noted that weather conditions were unlikely to improve over the weekend. She continued: “There are still several days of cold weather to come, with Met Éireann predicting that this will last until at least the middle of next week and that temperatures may drop as low as minus 10?C at night. It is possible that further areas may be affected by low pressure or loss of supply, and that further areas may need to have supplies shut off at night to allow reservoirs to recover. If further supplies need to be rationed or shut off, we will advertise these details on local radio”.

The Clare Local Authorities, including Clare Civil Defence, Clare County Fire and Rescue Service and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, are working with An Garda Síochána and the Health Services Executive to ensure a co-ordinated approach for dealing with the various issues. Links also have been established with Met Éireann, AA Roadwatch, RSA, the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority to ensure that up-to-date information is made available to the Local Authorities.

Clare County Council Water Services update:
The extended period of cold weather has led to a 20 per cent increase in demand in all the Council’s water supplies. Most of the Council’s water treatment plants are at or near production capacity (see below water supply notices). Customers are requested to deal with leaks and bursts immediately, and to conserve supplies as far as possible. Water is rationed in some areas.

Clare County Council Water Services (the effects of increased demand are currently most acute in the following areas):
- Scariff & Tuamgraney: Supply restrictions are in place. At present the water supply is shut off between 1.00 am to 7.00am. This will reviewed later today. However, it is likely that the restriction will remain in place until early next week.
- Tulla: Supply restrictions are still in place. At present the water supply is shut off between 8.00 pm to 7.00am. This will reviewed later today. It may be necessary to continue shut-offs for some more nights, but the duration of shut-offs may be shorter.
- O’Briensbridge: Customers in elevated areas of the supply network, notably Kildoorus and Ardnataggle are experiencing low water pressure. In order to improve their supply Clare County Council are adjusting pressures in parts of the network.
- Cratloe: Parts of Cratloe are affected at different times, and the Council continues to seek leaks in the area and to balance the pressures between the different areas at different times of the day to improve water flows. A leak in the Ballymorris area has been fixed and this may lead to an overall improvement in the situation.
- Sixmilebridge: Water supply restrictions are in place. Water will be shut of between 8.00pm and 8.00 am until further notice. This restriction will remain in place until early next week, when a review of operations will be carried out.
- Newmarket-on-Fergus: Water supply restrictions are in place. Water will be shut of between 8.00pm and 8.00 am until further notice. This restriction will remain in place until early next week, when a review of operations will be carried out.
- Ballybeg-Rockmount area between Ennis and Clarecastle and higher elevated areas in the Ennis / Clarecastle environs may experience water supply loss or reduced pressure due to increased demand on the supply system. A number of properties throughout Ennis have no water supply due to stopcocks freezing. This situation is reflected throughout the county.
- Water demand to parts of North Clare supplied from the Ballymacraven treatment plant in Ennistymon is in excess of treatment plant capacity. Water conservation measures are in place, with some areas having a restricted or no supply on a rotational basis at night. Areas affected include Ennistymon, Liscannor, Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna and Doolin. Notifications of planned supply restrictions will be made through local radio advertisements.
- Watermain between Kilkee and Moyasta has been temporarily repaired, although supply from the main is restricted. The water treatment plant at Lislanaghan is in operation to cater for increased demand in the Kilkee area. Generally all areas in West Clare are receiving water, however some local restrictions in pressure and supply may occur.

Members of the public seeking advice pertaining to roads/water services related issues should contact their Local Area Office during office hours (9am-5pm). For out-of-office hours emergencies, persons may contact the Council’s 24-hour emergency telephone 087-4169496. Clare County Council’s website www.clarecoco.ie also is updated on a daily basis.

Local Area Office contact details:
• Ennis area office - (065) 6869534
• Ennistymon area office - (065) 7071017
• Kilrush area office - (065) 9051047
• Scariff area office - (061) 640815
• Shannon area office - (061) 362319
• Clare County Council Corporate Headquarters - (065) 6846337

Milk Quota Allocated To Innovative Teagasc Project

Junior Agriculture Minister, Tony Killeen, T.D., has welcomed the allocation of milk quota to a major research project aimed at the development of profitable, expanding dairy farms as the sector moves towards quota abolition.

The project is being undertaken by Teagasc’s Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre, located near Fermoy in Co Cork, in collaboration with Glanbia, the Agricultural Trust and AIB Bank.

Minister of State Killeen noted that the allocation of milk quota to the project will help generate valuable information on low cost, efficient milk production that will be made available to all dairy farmers through Teagasc’s advisory service. He added: “The project also will help dairy farmers to adjust to the new trading environment over the coming years. The dissemination of the relevant information and data, in a timely manner, to dairy farmers is of the utmost importance.”

“The abolition of milk quotas in 2015 and increased exposure to global market forces is expected to lead to a significant increase in milk production in Ireland. Dairy farmers must be ready to respond. In particular they need to plan for, and manage, a profitable expansion of their businesses. I believe this project will help to equip them with the best tools for this purpose”, added Minister of State Killeen.

The Clare T.D. indicated that quota allocations are expected to be of the order of 125,000 litres in the current milk quota year, rising to just under 3m litres in 2014/2015 as the three farms involved in the project increase production.

“They also complement to some extent the recent allocation of 200,000 litres of quota to each of 70 new entrants to dairying, in that Teagasc is developing a further research programme to assist the latter’s successful transition to milk production”, concluded Minister of State Killeen.