Limerick/Clare/Kerry Region Joins European Recycling Society

 

The Limerick/Clare/Kerry Region, through the Regional Waste Management office, has signed up to participate in a European wide waste recycling project. 

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.”

Limerick Clare Kerry Region Looks To Beat Waste

A musical performance at the iconic Cliffs of Moher by the Kilfenora Ceili Band, accompanied by bin-beating members of the public, will be the unlikely setting for the launch of European Week for Waste Reduction (EWRR) 2010 at 11am on Saturday 20th  November next.  

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.

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.

Sunderland To Take On Munster XI On ‘A Day For Shane’

Premiership side Sunderland AFC will take on the first ever Munster XI soccer side in a competitive challenge game at Thomond Park on July 13th next, it was announced today.

‘A Day For Shane’, which is being held in aid of the Shane Geoghegan Trust, will feature a day-long programme of sporting events of all codes, the centre piece of which will be the star-studded soccer match at 7.45pm.

Organisers also hope to attract a number of established international footballers with links to Munster to be part of the XI selection. The remainder of the side will comprise of players from League of Ireland and Senior Club sides throughout the Province.

Details of the game were announced at an official press launch in Limerick today by Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn, Munster Rugby President Declan Madden, CEO of Munster FC and Limerick FC Pat O’Sullivan, and Tony Geoghegan of the Shane Geoghegan Trust.

Speaking in Thomond Park, Sunderland AFC Chairman Niall Quinn said he was looking forward to bringing the club to Limerick in July. He continued: “The SAFC Foundation, the club’s official charity, has already been over to Limerick to assist the Trust as it rolls out programmes that will help young people to make better life choices and to have enhanced aspirations in the area that Shane lived.”

“We are now bringing the team over to support the ongoing work that the Shane Geoghegan Trust so valuably carries out. All funds from the night will go to this marvellous initiative and we hope to continue supporting it for a long time”, Mr. Quinn added.

John Cantwell, Stadium Director of Thomond Park noted: “It is fitting that Thomond Park, the home of rugby, can play its part to ensure that this unique event is delivered. We would encourage everybody to support this special day and in doing so contribute to a worthwhile and positive initiative.”

Pat O Sullivan CEO of Munster FC & Limerick FC said he was delighted to be asked if Limerick could organise a select Munster team to play against one of England’s top soccer teams. “Limerick FC are delighted to be able to assist the Shane Geoghegan Trust as the goals of both organisations are very similar in relation to their commitment to the local community”, he explained.

According to Declan Madden President Munster Branch IRFU said: “Munster Rugby are delighted to be associated with such a worthy project and to be able to make Thomond Park available to host the Sunderland game. It is appropriate that Munster Rugby supports the Shane Geoghegan Trust as Shane was a true rugby person who played and loved the game, was a great clubman with Garryowen F.C., and embodied all the qualities of heart and spirit which makes Munster Rugby what it is.”

Tony Geoghegan, Chairman of the Shane Geoghegan Trust described the fixture as “a day for Shane”, a day for Munster and a day for fun, and urged the people of Munster to come out and support their team.

Mr. Geoghegan expressed his gratitude to the many organisations and individuals who were making the event possible.

He singled out Niall Quinn and Sunderland AFC’s incredibly generous gesture, bringing the club to Thomond Park, and Pat O’Sullivan of Munster FC for providing a competitive team made up of the best of Munster’s League of Ireland players augmented by Premiership and other top quality players. He also thanked John Cantwell of Thomond Park and Munster Rugby for their help together with the support of IRFU, FAI, GAA, The Limerick Leader and Limerick’s Live 95FM.

Commenting on the possible inclusion of other internationally renowned footballers in the Munster XI side, Mr. Geoghegan stated: “We also launched a worldwide granny search today in a bid to identify any international footballer with family connections in Munster. To date we have identified only one player that need not apply, Thierry Henry”.

Organisers say ‘A Day For Shane’ will be about participation and as such it will encompass all the sporting codes across Munster. Events will include the Shane Geoghegan Trust Schools Long Puck Competition, a celebrity penalty shoot-out, mini-rugby and hurling, celebrity Sumo Wrestling, schoolchildren partaking in a Parade of Sport, and the Stars of Munster competing for the title of the ‘Quickest 100 Meters Runner in Munster’.

Day tickets are priced at €20 (adults) and €5 (children).

For more see www.sgt3.com.

Older Adults Inter County Festival Takes Place At UL

Over 100 people from Limerick County, Limerick City, Clare, North Tipperary and Kerry recently took part in the inaugural Older Adults Inter County Festival at the University of Limerick Sports Arena.

This event was a joint initiative coordinated by the Mid West Network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSP’s) and featured 20 participants from each of the five areas.

The participants, who were kitted out in their respective ‘County’ colours, were chosen from Older Adults groups based on participation in previous LSP events and local community programmes.

Activities included golf, boccia, target throw games, speed stacks and box hockey. The Limerick County team were the overall winners of the event.

Addressing competitors on the day, Richard Farrell of Go For Life Ireland noted how physical activity was important for all age groups, and how it was great to see everybody participating in this event.

Festival participants described the days activities as “closely contested and good humoured”.

Meanwhile, the Mid West Network of Local Sports Partnerships has confirmed that the Older Adults Inter County Festival is to become an annual event.

Clubs interested in taking part are asked to contact their Local Sports Partnership:
- Limerick City Sports Partnership - www.limerickcitysports.ie, 061-468542
- Kerry Local Sports Partnership - www.kerrylsp.ie, 066-7184776
- County Limerick Local Sports Partnership - www.cllsp.ie, 061-496463
- North Tipperary Sports Partnership - www.ntsp.ie, 067-43604
- Clare Sports Partnership - www.claresportspartnership.ie, 065-6865434

Killeen Launches Forestry Review Process

Mr. Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with responsibility for forestry, today launched the Forestry Review process.

Referring to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to review state forestry policy, including the role of Coillte and its functions and operations, and the effectiveness of current forestry grant schemes Minister of State Killeen said: “I am pleased to invite submissions for this wide ranging review and I encourage people to avail of this opportunity. It is particularly appropriate that the consultation phase commences during National Tree Week.”

The theme of this year’s National Tree Week, which takes place from 7th to 13th March 2010, is ‘Twenty Ten – Plant Again’ to encourage people to make a renewed effort to go out and plant more trees during the week. This year, 15,000 trees sponsored by Coillte, will be distributed to community groups by local authorities all over the country. Events planned to mark National Tree Week include forest walks, tree planting ceremonies, workshops, talks and competitions.

Commenting on the theme of this year’s National Tree Week, Minister of State Killeen stated: “A lot of people now recognise and appreciate the many non-timber benefits of forests but it is also important to acknowledge that the forestry sector, encompassing growing, harvesting and processing of forest products, employs significant numbers, especially in rural Ireland. Afforestation - the planting of new forests - is required for the continuity of this sector and the many other benefits derived from forests so I would also encourage people to make a renewed effort to plant forests.”

In relation to the Forestry Policy review, three groups have been formed to look at specific aspects contained in the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government. The terms of reference of the three groups, background papers on Irish Forestry and on Coillte are available on the Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/forestryreview.

Submissions may be sent by email to forestryreview@agriculture.gov.ie or by post, marked Submission on Forestry Review, to Forest Service, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford. It should be noted that submissions received will be made publicly available on this website.

Killeen Launches Ireland's Proposals On The Reform Of The Common Fisheries Policy

Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today launched Ireland's proposals on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.

Following the launch of the EU Commission's Green Paper on the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, Minister Killeen appointed Dr Noel Cawley to co-ordinate consultation with stakeholders. Dr Cawley organised an extensive consultation process which involved meetings around the coast, an open call for submissions and a Seminar organised by the Federation of Irish Fishermen.

Minister Killeen paid tribute to the Federation of Irish Fishermen and other stakeholders for “their invaluable contribution to the preparation of Ireland's submission on the CFP reform which is strongly informed by the formal submissions received”. He continued: “I found the meetings around the country organised by the FIF critically important in getting a full understanding of fishermen's experience and ideas for change. I also found the seminar organised by the FIF last October was very useful in scoping the issues and bringing forward ideas for change. I also sought and received submissions from a range of other stakeholders both from the fishing industry and elsewhere. I also met separately other stakeholder bodies including the Irish Fishermen's Organisation, the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association, IFA Aquaculture and the Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership."

Ireland's submission on the CFP reform sets down a number of informed recommendations that the Minister believes must be incorporated into the new Common Fisheries Policy.

The changes include:
- New focus on addressing discarding of fish at sea with a complete ban being introduced for stocks in a depleted state;
- The retention of a management system based on national quotas supported by increased flexibility and a rejection of the mandatory privatisation of fish quotas or the introduction of international trading of fish quotas;
- Access to coastal waters to be re-examined with a view to an extension of the coastal limit to 20 miles with new management arrangements in place to strengthen coastal communities dependant on inshore coastal fisheries;
- New measures to strengthen the market for EU producers and increase quay side prices;
- Reinvigoration of European aquaculture with continued structural support and a roadmap that establishes a route for growth in harmony with Community environmental law.
- New regional structure to decision making at EU level with increasing industry responsibility and the development of a culture of compliance.

Minister Killeen continued: "I am satisfied that the changes Ireland is seeking are essential to deliver a seafood industry that is strong, sustainable and profitable and supports fishing and related economic activities in the coastal communities. I believe that these communities must be allowed maintain jobs in the catching, supply and processing sectors in order to prosper. It is not just the activities of the smaller, inshore fleets that support this vital activity but, in Ireland's case, the operation of family owned, locally operated larger boats are the primary mainstay of activity in our fishing ports in many cases."

Minister Killeen has formally sent Ireland's submission to Commissioner Maria Damanaki who has taken over the new Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Directorate. He stated: "I have requested a meeting with Commissioner Damanaki to outline the key elements of Ireland's CFP Review submission and explain the changes that we consider are essential. I have also invited Commissioner Damanaki to visit Ireland to see at first hand the workings of the fishing industry here and perhaps take the opportunity of meeting industry in their own environment."

The report in its entirety and all formal submissions received are available on www.fishingnet.ie.

Applications Deadline Reminder For University Language Programme

Junior Minister Tony Killeen has reminded Clare students and teachers that the deadline for applications for the Ireland Canada University Foundation’s Irish language awards is Friday March 5th next.

According to the Clare T.D.: “This excellent programme offers students and academics a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable teaching practice, to experience living in Canada and to use their Irish in a new and exciting environment. It will help to make the academic community in Canada more aware of the Irish language and its rich heritage as one of the oldest vernacular languages in Europe. It will place the language on a par with other European languages being taught abroad.”

Funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Foundation is providing Irish-language teaching assistantships and visiting lectureships at Canadian universities that offer courses in Irish. The third-level institutions involved are Concordia University in Montreal in Quebec and St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In addition, the Ireland Canada University Foundation is calling for applications for a Visiting Irish Language Professorship at the Department of Celtic Studies at the University of Toronto.

“Clare students and teachers have just over a fortnight to submit their application and make the most of this opportunity, so I strongly urge them to hurry and apply for these exchange scholarships for universities across Canada”, added Minister of State Killeen.

The Programme is funded from Ciste na Gaeilge (The Irish Language Fund), which is used to support Irish language organisations and Irish language projects. The goal of the fund is to promote the use of the Irish language.

Further information about the awards is available from www.icuf.ie or email info@icuf.ie.

2020 Strategy Welcomed By Killeen

The development of a long-term strategy for the agri-food, forestry and fisheries sectors will place the industries at the forefront of the country’s export-led economic recovery.

That is according to Junior Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Tony Killeen, T.D., who was speaking following the appointment of a Committee to lead the process and has also established a web-based public consultation process. The 2020 Strategy Committee, chaired by Dr Sean Brady, is broadly based and possesses a wide range of skills and experience. It is drawn from senior experts and participants in all aspects of the sector.

According to Minister of State Killeen: “The Committee has been tasked with drafting a short, sharp document which sets out the key strategies required for the future development of the sector. I believe that the very high calibre of the committee members will ensure that the output from this exercise will be both bold and practical and will set a clear path forward for the sector. The Committee has been asked to report by June 1st next”.

The Clare Fianna Fail T.D. noted that the agri-food, forestry and fisheries sectors were hugely important to the Irish economy and society as a source of jobs, exports and regional development. He expressed his belief that the sector could contribute significantly to Ireland’s economic recovery and provide long-term growth into the future.

Minister of State Killeen said that in order to facilitate and target consideration of key issues, a series of discussion and background papers had been prepared.

He continued: “These papers, which may be viewed on the Department website www.agriculture.gov.ie, outline the current situation and challenges facing the sector but equally importantly, pose a series of questions, the answers to which will form the core of our future strategy. Relevant stakeholders are invited to submit their views on how best to deal with some of the critical issues arising from these discussion papers”.

Details on how to make submissions are given HERE.

Ireland Secures Annual International Cycling Event

Ireland is set to become home to an annual international cycling event organised by the world’s largest sports, entertainment and media company.

IMG today, in partnership with Sky, Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Clare County Council, announced details of the country’s first closed road cycle event. The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia will take place over an 80-mile (approx) course in scenic County Clare on Sunday, August 22nd 2010.

The event organisers expect to attract 2000 entrants from throughout Ireland and abroad this year, bringing significant economic benefit into the local economy, with numbers increasing considerably over the next five years. The mass participation event, which is being marketed internationally and nationally, is open to all standards of cyclists, aged 18-80. The cycle will start and finish in Ennis and travel through County Clare, taking in part of West Clare’s spectacular coastline.

Sky, the UK and Ireland’s leading entertainment company behind the Sky Ride series of events, is the title sponsor of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. The sponsorship supports Sky’s aim to encourage one million more people of all ages and abilities to get cycling by 2013. Sky Ride consists of a range of initiatives to get people back on their bikes, with activities like mass city cycling events on traffic-free streets through to local group rides.

As well as Sky Ride Etape Hibernia, IMG have extensive experience organising mass participation events including the internationally renowned events the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia, Tour de Suisse, Melbourne Marathon, The London Triathlon, Triathlon de Alpe d’Huez and UK Challenge

Speaking at today’s event launch in Spanish Point, County Clare, Jo Dytch of IMG said: “The popularity and growth in road cycling is very exciting. Along with our partners we are looking to lead the way in providing a prestige event for cycling in Ireland and to establish a major fixture on the Irish sporting calendar delivering a significant boost to the local economy. This event will bring a welcome boost to the tourism in Clare annually and will see the most scenic parts of the County and its coastline exposed to the world’s cycling enthusiasts and media.”

Ms. Dytch continued: “Sky Ride Etape Hibernia is Ireland's first closed road cycle event and is open to the general public. It affords cyclists with the unique opportunity to cycle safely on closed roads, whilst rising to the physical challenge at the same time. We expect to draw enthusiasts, the health conscious, challenge-seekers, charity fund-raisers and lapsed cyclists. For the inaugural Etape Hibernia, we hope to attract as many as 2000 entrants and plan to grow this number considerably by 2014. IMG are grateful for the support of the title sponsor Sky, and regional sponsors Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, Clare County Council, and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, without whom staging this event in Ireland would not be possible and we look forward to making it a legacy event for the region”.

Mark Deering, Director, Sky Ireland said, “We are proud to be the main sponsor for the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. Our Sky Ride initiatives last year encouraged thousands of people to get on their bikes. We hope, through events and sponsorships such as this, that 2010 will provide more opportunities and inspiration for people to get cycling.”

Speaking about today’s announcement Keith McCormack, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Business and Sports Tourism, emphasised: “As a national tourism authority, we are glad to be ‘in the saddle’ for the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. This event is a perfect fit for Fáilte Ireland’s sports strategy and our commitment to promoting all of Ireland’s regions as tourism destinations. This event allows us to harness the growing popularity of cycling to the natural charms and allure of County Clare and the Mid West. As well as bringing visitors and revenue to the area, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Shannon Region as both a cycling destination, in particular, and a tourism ‘must see’ in general.”

Welcoming the event John King, Assistant Chief Executive of Shannon Development said, “Shannon Development, along with its partners, is delighted to have helped secure this very prestigious event for the Shannon Region for the next five years. Winning this event helps us build on our campaign to promote the Region’s growing reputation as a leading sports and events destination. Etape Hibernia is one of a number of international events we are working on this year to bring additional visitors to the Shannon Region which have the potential to generate 10 million euro in new revenue for the Region. This new cycling event complements our strategy to secure more mass participation events, in particular sports events, which can be firmly rooted in the Shannon Region for many years to come.”

Mr. King noted that the Lonely Planet ‘Best in Travel 2010’ guide’s inclusion of Clare in its top 10 list of ‘Super Cycling Routes in the World’ was a great endorsement of the County’s cycling product. “This endorsement is a testament to the amount of work that has gone into the development of the tourism cycling product in Clare in recent times. We look forward to working with IMG and our partners to ensure the success of this event in terms of delivering additional visitors and revenue”, concluded Mr. King.

Karen Brosnahan of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau noted: “Sports Tourism generates approximately 60 million euro for the Shannon Region annually. We, along with Shannon Development and Failte Ireland, have recently launched a Sports Ambassador Programme to capitalise on this lucrative market even further by getting local people involved in sport to help bid for events like Etape Hibernia that can become legacy events for the entire Shannon Region."

Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy said the economic and tourist benefits associated with the event for County Clare and the wider region were significant. “I have no doubt that the people of Clare will support the event by joining Clare County Council in welcoming thousands of cyclists to the County, which will allow us to showcase all we have to offer. I especially welcome IMG’s commitment to working with local people to maximise the economic return of the event for all local people”, stated Mayor Mulcahy.

The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia was launched today at an event in The Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co Clare, which was attended by media outlets from throughout Ireland the United Kingdom. A number of attending journalists also took part in an arranged cycle of a 10-mile stretch of the proposed event route.

Details of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia are available from www.etapehibernia.com or info@etapehibernia.com.

Above images of ETAPE Caledonia by Ian MacNicoll.

Long Term Stability For Ireland’s Mackerel Stock

Tony Killeen, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with special responsibility for Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine, has welcomed the conclusion of EU/Norway consultations on fisheries in Brussels yesterday which gives long term stability for the mackerel stock.

Minister Killeen expressed his relief that measures were agreed with Norway on a number of fronts which will put Ireland’s fisheries on a more stable footing for future years. “These talks which are normally complex and cover a number of management issues relating to joint fish stocks, control, setting TAC's and exchanges in fishing opportunities, were further complicated by the irresponsible fishing activities of Iceland on the mackerel stock, demands by the Faroe Islands for more mackerel quota and most importantly a dispute between Norway and the EU on access arrangements for the mackerel fishery”, he stated.

The Minister continued: “In the final analysis reaching agreement hinged on the mackerel issue and I am heartened that as the two largest shareholders of this most important stock, Norway and the EU, now have a common understanding and more importantly a comprehensive 10 year deal on mackerel arrangements. This separate agreement to the normal bi-lateral arrangements on fishing opportunities commences in 2011, and will provide much needed stability and security for our fishermen and processors into the future".

The long-term mackerel arrangement cements relative sharing ratios between the EU and Norway, sets out specific reciprocal access arrangements, deals with areas of control and other key management issues. A separate interim arrangement has been put in place for 2010.

According to Minister of State Killeen: "Economically speaking mackerel is our most important stock and it is imperative that we protect the sustainability of the fishery. This deal will have the added benefit of placing both parties in a position of unified strength before commencing future talks with the Faroe Islands and Iceland on the mackerel fishery With regard to the regular arrangements with Norway on exchanges of fishing opportunities, Ireland benefits little from the transfers of whitefish such as cod, plaice and sole in the North Sea and Arctic cod. Our main imperative therefore is to limit the transfer of pelagic stocks to Norway in exchange (especially Horse Mackerel and Blue Whiting) for Arctic cod. Ireland also contributes significantly to the transfer arrangements with the Faroe Islands for no appreciatiable benefit.”

Minister Killen said "I fought hard at the December Fisheries Council for a recognition of the unfair treatment of Ireland in the transfer process and succeeded in getting the Commission to state in writing to the Council that they would make every effort to limit the negative impact of the exchange, particularly on Ireland. I am happy to say that my efforts have borne fruit and the Commission have made good on their commitment and when considering the Faroes and Norwegian agreements together our overall contribution in Horse Mackerel will be down by nearly 50% with a small drop in our Blue Whiting transfer. There is still further work to be done on this, and I will be seeking a fundamental review of the process as part of the Common Fisheries Policy review".

"I wish to thank the Federation of Irish Fishermen for their valuable advice and support and acknowledge Sean O Donoghue, Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermens Organisation, who was in attendance at all the negotiations and was available at all times to advise on the impacts of the proposed arrangements on the Irish fleet. I would also like the thank Commissioner Borg and the Commission officials for honouring the commitment they gave at the December Council. The agreement signed yesterday has been the culmination of an arduous negotiation process with compromises on both sides. I am convinced that the result will put our respective fishing sectors on a sound footing, will heal the strained relationship which has existed in recent months between EU and Norway and most importantly will send a signal to other parties that the EU and Norway are singular in their determination to maintain a sustainable mackerel fishery for future generations", Minister of State Killeen concluded.

Milk Promotional Campaign To Be Rolled Out From April

A new nationwide campaign to promote the nutritional benefits and consumption of dairy produce milk will be rolled out from this April, Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen has announced.

Minister of State Killeen said the ‘Milk in Action’ programme, which is co-ordinated by the National Dairy Council (NDC), aims through linkage with sport to increase milk consumption by young people in particular.

He continued: “The programme will also inform women of the nutritional benefits of milk and milk products, in particular cheese and yoghurt, in the battle against osteoporosis. This initiative is especially timely as studies show that 43 per cent of Irish teenage girls and 23 per cent of Irish teenage boys do not have enough calcium in-take in their diet and that 23% of Irish women do not have sufficient calcium intake in their diets.”

The campaign is being implemented under EU Council Regulation 501/2008 on funding promotion and information programmes for agricultural products in the European Union.

Minister of State Killeen confirmed that the EU will shortly agree to co-fund the programme. Funding from Irish industry at 30 per cent or 145,000 euro a year approximately was a prerequisite to EU co-financing and the Department will contribute up to 20 per cent or 100,000 euro a year. “I wish to compliment the National Dairy Council which has drafted the proposal in co-operation with partners in Northern Ireland, England and Wales, and which will be responsible for overall management of the project”, concluded the Minister of State.

Wintry Weather Tightens Grip On Midwest

Motorists throughout Clare and the wider Mid West region are being urged to drive with extreme caution during the current spell of wintry weather.

Heavy snowfall across many parts of the County is expected to lead to extremely difficult driving conditions while the return to sub zero temperatures at night will remain in place until the early days of next week at least.

Clare County Council said that seven road gritting crews have been covering 580 kms of road network during the Christmas period. Treated roads include all national, primary and secondary routes, as well as heavily trafficked regional roads. The Council said it hoped to replenish salt supplies later this evening.

According to Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy: “I wish to compliment the outdoor staff of Clare County Council for working throughout the Christmas period in often extremely difficult circumstances to ensure that as many roads as possible were salted and gritted. Motorists should keep to gritted routes where possible.”

Meanwhile, the Mayor has called on neighbours, family and friends of older people to ensure that the elderly, particularly those living alone, are kept warm and have sufficient food during the current period of cold weather.

Mayor Mulcahy noted that fuel poverty affected more than seven per cent of all pensioner households, and older people were sometimes reluctant to use up their electricity and fuel allowances. “Therefore, it is important that people across the County do their bit to assist elderly neighbours and family members”, he added.

Mayor Mulcahy continued, “According to figures from Age Action Ireland some 1,500 to 2,000 more people die in the winter months compared to the rest of the year, due largely to poor housing standards. The percentage of excess deaths in Ireland is 19 per cent, but it is ten per cent in Finland. These figures highlight the importance of checking on elderly relatives and neighbours to make sure that they are warm, have enough food and adequate heating.”

He added: “Older people, particularly those living in isolated areas, are more vulnerable during colder spells of weather. There are a number of simple measures that can be taken by the general public in order to reduce the risk to old people during cold and inclement weather”.

The Mayor explained, “Those who are elderly and living alone should be checked on by neighbours, morning and evening. A special check should be made on those elderly or disadvantaged who are housebound. Practical help can be given by bringing in solid fuel, ensuring the water supply is sufficient and checking that there is sufficient food in the house, including non-perishable foods. Where neighbours are concerned or worried they should contact the appropriate emergency services including the health services.”

Councillor Mulcahy referred members of the public to Age Action Ireland’s website ageaction.ie, which he said featured practical tips and advice.

Killeen Seeks Simplified CAP Rules And Procedures

Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen has backed calls for a simplification of the rules and procedures involved in operating the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The Clare Fianna Fail T.D. was speaking following a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Brussels. He stated: “Proposals for simplification measures were made last May by a group consisting of Ireland and 12 other countries. In reviewing progress on these proposals, the Council agreed that while there had been useful work done, further efforts were needed. The Irish Government is now insisting that efforts to simply the rules and procedures are intensified, and I am delighted to see that there is strong agreement for this from other counties.”

Minister of State Killeen continued: “Officials will now continue the very detailed work involved in this and report to Ministers on a regular basis. In addition to this immediate work, I was also particularly pleased that a suggestion by my colleague Minister Brendan Smith that policy simplification should form a fundamental plank of our consideration of the shape of the CAP after 2013 was reflected by the Swedish chairman in concluding the debate. We need a simple EU agricultural policy - simple to justify to EU taxpayers, simple for farmers to understand and operate and simple for Member States to implement and enforce".

Among the other issues considered at the meeting of Agriculture Ministers was the CAP after 2013, and in particular the Rural Development or "Pillar 2" aspects of the common policy. Pillar 1 of the CAP consists of the Single Farm Payment and market support measures.

Commenting on the agriculture elements of Rural Development, Minister Killeen said that the Irish Government supported a move towards supporting competitiveness and sustainability in our farming systems. “Measures which promote competitiveness will perform a pivotal role in encouraging efficiency and innovation in farming for the future. These measures are critical to the future of Irish and European farming and should be maintained and enhanced”, he concluded.

Killeen Welcomes Introduction Of Dairy Efficiency Programme

Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen has welcomed the announcement of a new three-year Dairy Efficiency Programme under which EUR18 million will be spent in encouraging significant efficiency gains on Irish dairy farms.

The Programme will support the transfer to milk producers of technology and knowledge that will help them to adopt best practice in the running of their enterprises.

Commenting on the background to the new programme, Minister of State Killeen said: “The dairy industry, while open to great opportunities, faces also many challenges as it prepares for quota abolition and the realities of competing in a global marketplace. At producer level the focus must be on maximising efficiency in order to compete and to cope with periods of severe volatility like that which we have recently experienced. The Government's commitment to the development of the Smart Economy is therefore as relevant to dairying as it is to any other sector of the economy. Initiatives like the Dairy Efficiency Programme exemplify that commitment, and indeed are vital in ensuring that the fine work being done in agricultural colleges around the country is carried through to full-time careers in farming."

Commenting further on the programme, the Clare Fianna Fail T.D. indicated that EUR6 million will be made available in each of 2010, 2011 and 2012 to encourage the participation by dairy farmers in the programme. The groups which will operate under the programme will be formed and assisted by facilitators who have been trained by Teagasc to a FETAC-accredited standard, will place particular emphasis on the adoption of best practice in relation to grassland management, breeding and financial management. Participants in the programme will have their progress monitored by their facilitator, and they will be required to meet certain standards in relation to attendance and project completion. In return they will receive a payment at the end of each year, with the level of payment determined by the participation rate in the Programme.

Minister of State Killeen added: "The availability of unspent Single Payment Scheme funds arising from the Health Check agreement provides an opportunity to further reinforce the initiatives that the Department has undertaken to help the dairy industry to look to the future with optimism. The Dairy Efficiency Programme will complement the innovative approach already taken to the Milk Quota Trading Scheme, to the modernisation of the milk quota regulations, to the encouragement of Milk Production Partnerships, to the allocation of quota to new entrants and to the support of future-oriented dairy research.”

Further details in relation to the Dairy Efficiency Programme, which will be up and running as will be up-and-running as early as possible in 2010, will be made available shortly”, he concluded.

Farmers Receive Upland Sheep Scheme Payments

Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has confirmed that special payments to eligible farmers under the new Upland Sheep Payment Scheme have commenced.

Minister Killeen confirmed that he expected that Upland Sheep Payment Scheme payments worth in the region of 5 million euro would be made by the end of the month with the remaining 2 million euro being paid in early 2010. A further 54 million euro will be made available over the next three years in unused CAP funds to support incomes in the sheep sector.

The Clare T.D. said: “The Uplands Sheep Payment comprises unused funds from the Single Payment National Reserve. By creating this payment, the Government has recognised the difficulties and costs, including compliance costs, facing the sheep sector.”

“In addition to the 7 million euro payments being made over the coming weeks, the Department has allocated an additional 8 million euro for sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities to assist sheep farmers in reducing labour input, as part of a new targeted on-farm investment scheme”, added Minister of State Killeen.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State also confirmed that payments under the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme are continuing to issue, as individual cases are cleared for payment.

Minister of State Killeen added: “To date, the combined value of the payments that have issued under these two Schemes is in excess of EUR1.462 billion. Payments due to the small number of participating farmers under the Protein Aid Scheme, worth in excess of EUR220,000, have also begun issuing”.

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.

Holiday Group Backs Tourism Ireland Plans To Target UK Visitors

One of the UK and Ireland’s largest self-catering holiday operators has welcomed Tourism Ireland’s multi-million euro strategy to boost visitor numbers to Ireland in 2010.

Imagine Ireland, which promotes over 1000 individually vetted properties throughout the country, said a refocusing of marketing efforts to target growing consumer confidence in the UK would reap dividends for Irish tourism.

Imagine Ireland, however, has cautioned the Irish tourism industry against complacency as other worldwide destinations similarly would be actively targeting any resurgence in demand.

“The need to constantly drive value for money throughout pubs, shops, transport providers and attractions, combined for example with Tourism Ireland's efforts at maintaining a prevalent brand presence across key markets particularly the UK, Ireland's closest and largest overseas market, is critical to Ireland's emergence from its current tourism downturn”, stated Annette Collins, Joint Managing Director of Imagine Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of Imagine Ireland's new holiday programme for 2010, Ms Collins said: “We believe that tourism numbers, particularly UK visitors to Ireland, will return to 2008 levels by the end of next year. Our predictions are predicated on three factors: the increasing value for money for UK tourists in Ireland, the UK general election and the bottoming out of the UK's recession."

“There is an ongoing adjustment within the cost base of the Irish economy which combined with salary cuts and declining domestic demand will see a 10% fall in products and services over the course of 2010 countering the recent rises in the value of the Euro versus Sterling. There also are green shoots beginning to emerge within the UK economy as the banks are stabilized and the economic upheaval of the past 12 months settles. This in turn will encourage banks to start lending, companies to start investing and companies to start employing in turn putting more spending power back into the UK economy as consumers recover the confidence to spend” added Ms Collins.

Commenting on the Imagine Ireland’s bid to generate 11,000 self catering holidays in 2010, Ms. Astrid Nitzsche, Strategic Director, Imagine Ireland: “Our business is well-established thanks to our relationship with our owners and our holidaymakers. That said we take nothing for granted particularly as the tourism market has become global due to the internet while the self-catering market in particular has seen an upsurge in competition from non-traditional sectors such as hotels and serviced apartments. We have, for example, invested this year in our brand while our marketing activity is being repositioned to target our predicted lift in tourists' propensity to travel, hence our recent re-launch of Imagine Ireland against the backdrop of the world's largest trade fair, World Travel Market, which took place in London earlier this month”.

Imagine Ireland was established in 2003 by Annette Collins and Astrid Nitzsche.

For more see www.imagineireland.com.