Clare clubs participate in Twinning Sports Exchange with Newry & Mourne

Over 100 sportsmen and women from County Clare recently returned from the Newry and Mourne District in County Down having participated in a sports exchange as part of a long standing twinning initiative. 

Carers Welcome Publication Of Strategy

Caring for Carers Ireland’s, which represents 109 carers groups across Ireland, has welcomed the publication today (Thursday, 19 July 2012) of the country’s first National Carers Strategy by Minister For Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People, Kathleen Lynch, T.D.

Clare Hosts Twinning Sports Exchange Weekend

 

Over 100 sportsmen and women from the Newry and Mourne District travelled to County Clare at the weekend as part of a long standing twinning initiative.

High Profile Speakers Confirmed For National Tourism Conference

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny, Aer Arann chairman Mr Padraig O Ceidigh and F.A.I. Technical Director Packie Bonner will join tourism interests from across the island of Ireland at the National Tourism Conference, details of which were announced today.

The Clare Tourist Council - in conjunction with Clare County Council – will host the 22nd annual conference at The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, County Clare, from 25-27 November.

The annual event will be attended by hundreds of tourism industry officials and members of Local Authorities, County Enterprise Boards, partnerships, and all public and private bodies involved in the promotion of tourism on the island of Ireland.

This year’s conference, entitled “Achieving World Class Tourism”, also will see some of Ireland’s leading tourism operators pledge their support for the Cliffs of Moher’s bid to be named one of the ‘New7Wonders of Nature’. The iconic County Clare landmark was shortlisted in July 2009, along with 27 other sites, from over 440 participants representing over 220 countries.

Speakers scheduled to address the conference include: Aer Arann chairman Mr Padraig O Ceidigh (The Importance of Access); Gerard Dollard, Director of Services Clare Co Council and Ennis Town Manager (Raising the Bar – The Role of local Authorities); Geraldine McGahey, Chief Executive, Larne Borough Council (Learning from the advantages of networking: The Pathway to Success); Samantha Williams, Cantata Project Coordinator, Denbighshire County Council (Developing an authentic tourism experience); and Bodil Alver Moen, Lillehammer Kommune, Norway (World Class Tourism: The Importance of Exchange Programmes, from Inside and Outside the E.U.).

The Football Association of Ireland (F.A.I.) will also be represented at the conference as it prepares to hold its own annual conference in County Clare next summer. Former goalkeeping international and current F.A.I. Technical Director Packie Bonner will address conference delegates on the issue of “Football in Clare: The Key to Success”, while F.A.I. delegate from Clare Jim Madden will speak about the importance of networking within clubs.

Commenting on the upcoming conference, Mr. Flan Garvey of the Clare Tourist Council said: “The interest shown in this year’s event indicates the very real commitment among all tourism agencies and operators to participate in a unified approach to addressing common issues facing the sector. Tourism has been hit badly by the downturn in the economy and it can only survive and prosper if operators in the sector exchange ideas and collaborate.”

Mr. Garvey noted that the conference has in previous years attracted tourism representatives from all over Ireland to Ennistymon to share their views on the best way forward for the sector.

“For over two decades this event has promoted the benefits of adopting a collaborative approach to developing tourism on the island of Ireland. The Clare Tourist Council is committed to engaging with tourism providers and promotional agencies throughout the island in reinforcing the country’s status as a domestic and international tourist destination alike. All political parties, including Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party, will also be participating in the event in the best interests of developing tourism”, he added.

Next month’s three-day conference will include the presentation of the Clare Tourist Council Tidy Towns Awards, sponsored by Fitzpatrick’s Supervalu Supermarket in Ennistymon, along with a site visit by delegates to the nearby Cliffs of Moher.

The Clare Tourist Council hosted its first national tourism conference, entitled ‘The Tourism Explosion - Implications for Ireland’, in 1989. Subsequent conferences have addressed a wide range of tourism issues like ‘Tourism for the ’90s’, ‘Tourism & the Environment’, ‘Let Tourism work for You’, ‘Keeping up with Changing Times’, ‘The Role Played by Local Authorities in Tourism’, ‘Positioning Tourism - Quality or Price”, “Promoting Co-operative Tourism Marketing”, and ‘‘Promoting Partnership In Tourism: 21 Years Of Progress”.

Deadline Extended For Isover Ireland Building Awards

The deadline for submitting entries to the Isover Energy Efficiency Awards (EEA) has been extended until October 11th.

The inaugural awards scheme is being targeted at building professionals including architects, engineers, builders and developers across Ireland who have built new and renovated buildings that have been built with a very low energy demand.

A €10,000 prize will be presented to the overall winner of the Irish finals who will go forward to represent Ireland at a European Awards ceremony in Madrid in May 2011. The winner will also be profiled in the internationally-distributed Isover ‘Best Of’ book.

The awards scheme acknowledges the considerable shift within the Irish construction industry towards energy efficient building design, explained Mr. Kieran Holohan of ISOVER Ireland.

Mr. Holohan explained that the awards will celebrate Ireland’s most energy efficient renovation and new construction projects, both in the residential and non-residential sectors.

He added: “The ISOVER Energy Efficiency Awards reflect two environmental issues that are at the very heart of our core objectives - protection of the environment in the face of climate change, and enhancing the quality of and physical comfort in the buildings where we work and live.”

Mr. Holohan pointed out that much of Ireland’s existing building stock continues to consume a considerable amount of energy for heating with significant emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels.

“New building regulations coupled with a change in consumer behaviour and attitudes has led to a significant increase in the number of renovation and construction projects embracing energy efficient design.

“Not only will this new awards scheme honour those who have excelled in the energy efficient building sector but it will also allow scheme participants to exchange and share knowledge and experience in the field. ISOVER Ireland is confident that this will help to highlight the importance of improving the energy performance of our buildings and, subsequently, the inhabitants' quality of life”, concluded Mr. Holohan.

The adjudication panel includes leading Irish experts in the field of green design and construction, namely Tomas O Leary, Passive House Academy Ireland; Jeff Colley, Editor of Construct Ireland and winner of the 2010 Green Leader Award; Jay Stuart RIBA, Sustainable Design Consultant; and Zdenka Debartoli, International Market Manager Building, ISOVER.

Projects entered in the competition must be fully completed by December 2010 and not more than 5 years old. Closing date for entries is Monday October 11th 2010. The Irish awards ceremony will take place in December 2010.

For more see www.isover-eea.com.

December Sales Boost For Irish Retailers

A survey carried out by researchers at Waterford Institute of Technology has found that December may give rise to optimism for beleaguered Irish retailers.

The study which was conducted by the RIKON Research Group, on behalf of AllGifts.ie, found that 73 per cent of Irish consumers will spend the same or more on Christmas gifts this year compared to previous years, while 63 per cent of those surveyed have indicated they will wait until December to do their Christmas shopping.

The face-to-face survey also reveals that online spending continues to grow in popularity among Irish shoppers. The main reasons given for shopping for gifts online were not price related, but rather convenience (60 pc of those surveyed) and time saving (22 pc), with online bargains accounting for a distant third (18 pc).

“Despite the current economic conditions, Irish shoppers have indicated that they are willing to open their wallets for a bargain,” said Gary Purcell, Managing Director of AllGifts.ie (ABOVE LEFT).

Mr. Purcell noted that the survey findings could be attributed to the introduction of pre-Christmas high streets sales and other special offers, as well as the 6.6 pc decline in consumer prices between January and October this year.

He added: “The results of this survey are very welcome news for Irish retailers who have experienced a considerable drop off in footfall over the last year. The vast majority of Irish shoppers are saying they will spend the same or more on gifts this year, with online shoppers leading the way. Online consumers are spending more even though their spending power is not as great as the non-online buyers”.

Survey results for consumers that do not shop online for Christmas gifts:
- The three major barriers to not shopping for Christmas presents online are (in order of importance): consumers do not have a credit card, they prefer to see items before they buy them, and they don’t like to wait for items to be delivered
- Over a third of these consumers will spend between 201-500 euro this Christmas (35 pc) with 24 pc indicating they will spend over 500 euro
- A large majority (69 pc) indicated that they will spend either the same or more than last year on Christmas presents
- A large majority indicated that they shop for presents in December (70 pc consumers)

Survey results for consumers that shop online for Christmas gifts:
- The three major reasons that consumers shop online for Christmas presents are: convenience (61 pc), save time (22 pc) and best place to find bargains (18 consumers)
- They are likely to spend 201-500 euro this year on their Christmas shopping (39 pc), with a further 31 pc indicating that they will be spending over 500 euro this Christmas on gifts
- They are likely to spend about the same online as previous years on their Christmas gifts (41 pc), yet a further 49 pc indicated that they would be spending more than in previous years
- 77 pc of online consumers will be spending the same or more this Christmas on gifts than the previous ones
- They are most likely to complete their Christmas shopping in December (58 pc)
- A slight majority does not expect to buy gifts online for children (56 pc).

AllGifts.ie sells 10,000 gifts and gift vouchers online from 175 Irish retailers. An estimated 50,000 shoppers are expected to visit the website during December.

The Top Ten Gifts purchased by the 8,500 registered users of the website in November are as follows (in order of popularity): (1) Airplane Flying Lessons, (2) Hotel Breaks for Two, (3) Restaurant Meal vouchers, (4) Netbook and Laptops, (5) Spa Treatment vouchers, (6) Helicopter Rides, (7) Gourmet Food Hampers, (8) Internet Radios, (9) Rally and 4x4 Driving Experience and (10) Oxfam Gift of a Goat.

For more on the Christmas Shopping Survey visit www.allgifts.ie.

Pride Of Place Success For Kilnaboy Youth Club

Kilnaboy Youth Club were last night named as one of the principal winners of Cooperation Ireland’s annual Pride of Place Competition 2009 at a ceremony held at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, County Down.

The North Clare organisation won the ‘’Youth’ themed Single Issue category. Three other local organisations, Lisdoonvarna Failte Ltd, O’Briensbridge Community Group and Clare Family Resource Centre, were also shortlisted in the all-island competition which aims to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that community groups make to society.

Pride of Place, which is run in conjunction with local authorities north and south of the border, was first piloted in the summer of 2003 and came from the Local Authority All-Island Steering Forum - a forum that encourages strategic, sustainable approaches to cross border co-operation.

Awarding the Kilnaboy Youth Club the overall prize in its category, the adjudication panel commented: “Kilnaboy Youth Club is an excellent example of a vibrant youth club developed over many years in a rural area. The judges were impressed with the commitment and drive of the leaders, but what marked this entry out as special was the manifest support of the wider community and the highly laudable endeavours of the youth club to provide services for the elderly. The breadth of available activities and the planned Astroturf pitch gives plenty of choice for all.” As the winner of the ‘Special Issue’ category, the Club received an exclusive crystal decorative memento and a cheque for 1,000 euro.

Speaking following the awards ceremony, Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy congratulated Kilnaboy Youth Club on achieving national success in the competition. He said the organisation was a great example of what could be achieved by adopting a partnership approach to improving community life.

Mayor Mulcahy continued: “The commitment and community spirit that has been demonstrated by members of the club is reflective of the enormous civic pride that exists among voluntary and community organisations throughout County Clare. I would like to compliment Kilnaboy Youth Club and Clare’s other participants in Pride of Place for their valuable work to further improve the lives of those who live in, work and visit their respective communities. They should also be commended for their commitment to working closely with the community, public representatives, local businesses, Clare County Council and other bodies.”

Judging for Pride of Place takes place in July each year. County Clare communities that have taken part in the competition in recent years include Kilrush, Kilkee, Labasheeda, Sixmilebridge, Ballynacally, Scariff, O’Briensbridge/Montpelier, Gleann an Óir in Tullyvarraga, Tuamgraney Development Association, The Burren Centre in Kilfenora; Obair Afterschool Project in Newmarket on Fergus, and Seanoirí Iaichtín Naofa based at the West Clare Resource Centre in Miltown Malbay.

According to Betty Devanny, Pride of Place Co-Coordinator “This competition focuses on local communities, both north and south of the border, coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area. Groups have the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and learn from others and further promote their activities. “

“This year we received expressions of interest from towns and villages all over the County, and the Council is delighted to see that one of its four nominees has achieved national success. This is especially gratifying considering that Tuamgraney Development Association was also named as one of the principal category winners in 2008”, added Ms. Devanny.

Northern Ireland Confirms Three More Swine Flu Deaths

Northern Ireland's Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has said he is terribly saddened to hear of the three latest swine flu related deaths in the region.

A second child from a school in Derry has died after contracting swine flu. Five Foyleview (left) pupils have now contracted swine flu, reports RTE News.

A 62-year-old man has also died in a hospital in the North. He was confirmed as having swine flu but it was not the cause of death. A third patient with swine flu and other complex health issues has also died in hospital.

Killeen Welcomes Major New Package On EU Fisheries Control

Mr Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today agreed a comprehensive fisheries control and inspection framework at the Fisheries Council.

Speaking in Luxembourg, Minister of State Killeen said: “My priority at Council was to secure measures that will give our fishermen confidence that there is real intent and the necessary tools in place that will address illegal fishing in the waters around our coast. These measures will help to deliver the level playing field on control that is necessary to rebuild fish stocks and protect the livelihood of our coastal communities which are fully dependent for their future on healthy fish stocks fished sustainable by all operators in our waters”.

Discussions on the new measures will overhaul the existing regime for fisheries control continued late into the night. The package of measures was finally agreed following intensive negotiations by Minister of State Killeen to ensure that Ireland's priorities and concerns were fully taken on board.

Minister of State Killeen continued: “I welcome these new measures which I believe are not a threat to Irish fishermen who have already moved substantially to a culture of compliance. As fisheries are a common resource it is vital that all operators from all EU fleets respect the rules. We must rebuild our fish stocks by implementing conservation measures and tackling illegal fishing by fleets in our waters which is the major cause of the decline in our fish stocks and quotas. With this package, we have now a better opportunity to stop the cycle of decline and secure a sustainable profitable future for our industry”.

The urgent need for a new control regime in European fisheries was clearly set down in a Court of Auditors report on data collection and control and enforcement under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The Court concluded that weaknesses in fisheries controls jeopardised the proper functioning of a fisheries management policy based on catch limitations. The objective of the new control regime is to address in a comprehensive way the shortcomings identified and modernise the delivery.

The new Regulation introduces a new and common approach to control, from net to plate. It will cover every stage in the process that sees fish caught, landed, brought to market and sold. Harmonised standards for inspection activities and procedures will help deliver uniform implementation. This new approach will make use of modern technologies and risk analysis. It will introduce systematic and automated cross checking of data collected at the catch, landing and sale stages, to make it easier to spot attempts to break the rules. These measures will be backed up by a comprehensive traceability system, so that all fish and fisheries products, whether imported or produced in the EU, can be tracked throughout the market chain.

Minister of State Killeen said: “I am satisfied that here early this morning we have delivered a strong and effective new regime that will support the accurate recording of fish catches and detect and help prevent infringement of conservation rules. For the first time the EU has moved closer to harmonised sanctions with the introduction of a 'penalty points system' to address persistent offenders against the rules. Those offenders will have their fishing licence suspended and eventually permanently withdrawn.”

“ I am satisfied that we have agreed a package of measures that will promote a level playing field across the EU and will foster a culture of compliance”, the Fianna Fail T.D. for Clare concluded.

DOWN - Economic Downturn Sinks Cunningham Stone

A long-established County Down stone-cutting firm faces closure after its administrator applied to have the company wound up.

Cunningham Stone had been in administration for some time, saying it had been forced to reduce operations due to the economic downturn reports build.ie. In papers submitted to the High Court the administrator, John Hansen of KPMG, has said there is no prospect of the company being saved.

Cunningham Stone supplied granite kitchen worktops and stone products.

Large Fishkill Reported In Down

Over 200 fish died after a suspected river pollution in Co Down, it was revealed tonight.

Salmon and trout were killed on the Shimna River below Fofanny Dam in the Mourne Mountains, a Department of the Environment spokesman told The Irish Times.

It was reported yesterday by a member of the public.

Man Arrested Over Rosstrevor Stabbing

Police in Northern Ireland have arrested a 58-year-old man in connection with a stabbing in Co Down last night.

A 36-year-old man was stabbed in the chest at around 9.30pm after becoming involved in a row between a man and woman at a car park in Rosstrevor reports breakingnews.ie. The victim is said to be in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Poundland To Create 200 Jobs

More than 200 jobs are to be created across Northern Ireland with the arrival of a discount retailer which sells everything for £1.

Poundland announced today it will open six stores in Northern Ireland by Christmas, creating a total of 210 jobs reports RTE. The first store will open in the CastleCourt shopping centre on Belfast's Royal Avenue on 8 October.

Meanwhile, Asda announced it will create 400 temporary jobs in Northern Ireland to help cope with the Christmas shopping rush.

Extension Of Public Intervention For Butter And Skimmed Milk Powder

Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen expressed delight that pressure from the Irish Government and other EU Member States had led to the European Commission’s decision today to extend public intervention for butter and skimmed milk powder.

“This measure reflects the view at high political level of the continued importance of the dairy sector to the EU and the EC’s commitment to providing as much support as possible to address the current volatile international dairy market situation”, stated Minister of State Killeen. He added: “While prices remain at an unacceptably low level, the Irish Government will continue to mobilise colleagues in the Council of Ministers for their continued support in favour of actions in the dairy market. Such action is absolutely essential to support the Dairy Sector through a difficult period. The Irish Government will continue to highlight the need to use in the most effective way possible all Market Management measures”.

Minister Killeen has also welcomed the decision of the Milk Management Committee to extend the private storage aid scheme for butter from 15th August, when the scheme would normally close, until 28th February 2010. The scheme was introduced in January this year, two months ahead of schedule because of the difficult market situation.

Meanwhile, Minister Killeen said that the Irish Government, principally, through Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith, would continue to press for an increase in export refunds for cheese, butter and skimmed milk powder. “My colleague Minister Smith this week pressed for the removal of impediments to support the export outside the Community of cheese products. In parallel with an increased level of refund, we also need to secure the suspension of the free-at-frontier price so that cheese refunds would actually benefit exporters. The export of quality cheeses from the EU would act as a stimulus to the market and generate much needed demand”, concluded the Clare T.D.

Minister Killeen Welcomes Pledge Of Support For Undocumented Irish

Minister of State Tony Killeen T.D. has warmly welcomed a pledge by a Congressional Delegation to support the case of the undocumented Irish in the United States.

The Chairman of the “Friends of Ireland,” Congressman Richie Neal, today offered the group’s support to the case of the undocumented and pledged to further assist efforts to foster economic relations between the US and Ireland. Mr Neal made his comments during bi-lateral talks between the Friends of Ireland Congressional Delegation and an Irish Parliamentary delegation.

According to Minister of State Killeen: “The status of the undocumented Irish remains an issue of the highest priority for me and one that I have raised at Government level both in Ireland and the US on numerous occasions. Indeed, I have previously met with Congressman Neal in Washington and am delighted that he has again offered to support the case of the thousands of undocumented Irish.” The County Clare Deputy added: “Many Irish people have settled in the USA but, unable to return home, they have been separated from their families and their homes for many years. I am particularly pleased that the Friends of Ireland Congressional Delegation have pledged their support to this important issue. The group’s commitment to advance the case of undocumented is very important and much appreciated".

This week’s bi-lateral talks centred on the case of the undocumented Irish in the US, the Northern Ireland Peace Agreement, Ireland-US relations, International Fund for Ireland and the World Financial Crisis. Commenting during his visit to Ireland, Congressman Neal said: “The need for a strong relationship between Ireland and the US is now more important than ever. The Friends of Ireland Congressional Group has a long tradition of cultivating and supporting links between Ireland and the US, and during our meetings with the Ceann Comhairle, Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Party Leaders we have undertaken to continue this support. We have also agreed to advance the case of the thousands of undocumented Irish in the US. Many of these people have made lives for themselves in America and contribute positively to the communities they live in. We feel a way must be found to accommodate the needs of this group of people.”

The Friends of Ireland is a group of United States Congressmen, which promotes Irish interests in the US Houses of Representatives and helps to foster trade and cultural links between Ireland and the US.

Dundonald resident benefits from NI water investment

A Dundonald, County Down resident has become the first person to benefit from NI Water's £10m infrastructural investment.

Belle Savage, from Gransha Road, often experienced flooding in her garden due to blockages in the communal septic tank. Now, following extensive upgrade work and her house becoming connected to the main sewerage system

Martin Gillen, NI Water's project manager for the scheme told Build.ie: "Despite NI Water clearing the tank on many occasions the system unfortunately kept becoming blocked. We were delighted to be able to resolve the problem with funding made available through the Rural Wastewater Investment Programme."

Teenager charged with Co Down arson

A 19-year-old man has been charged with eight counts of arson endangering life and is expected to appear at Newry Magistrates Court today.

The charges are understood to be connected to a fire at Mountview Terrace, Banbridge in the early hours of yesterday morning. In addition a 22-year-old man, also arrested in connection with the incident, has been released on police bail to return on a future date.

The fire it swept through a row of terraced houses, causing 25 people to be evacuated. Nine properties - two houses and seven flats - were damaged in the blaze. Source - RTE.

Man critical following Co Down accident

A man is critically ill after falling into a 30ft deep empty water tank in County Down.

The construction worker, 47, was at a water pumping site on Ashley Drive, Bangor, when the incident happened at around 8.30am today, reports breakingnews.ie. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital with head and back injuries after a rescue which took around an hour and a half. Paramedics, fire crews and a specialist rope rescue team were called.

Familes evacuated from Down homes

25 people have been evacuated from their homes in Banbridge, County Down, following an early morning fire.

Nine properties, two houses and seven flats, were damaged by the blaze, which broke out at 1.30am. People were evacuated to a nearby leisure centre where they took shelter. Source -RTE.

Double drowning tragedy in Dublin and Down

A teenage girl and a young boy have died following separate drowning accidents.

A 16-year-old girl drowned in the River Liffey in the Strawberry Beds area of Chapelizod, Dublin. The teenage girl from Clonsilla was walking along the side of Wrens Nest Weir when she lost her footing and fell into the river. She became trapped under a large piece of wood. Onlookers, firemen and gardaí tried to help her. She was taken to hospital in Blanchardstown but staff were unable to save her.

In Co Down, ten-year-old Daniel Andre died in hospital after being rescued from the River Bann. It is understood that he was swimming in the river with friends at Hilltown, near Rathfriland, when he got into difficulties shortly before 5pm yesterday. It is thought he may have been under the water for several minutes before rescuers found him.

Source - RTE News