Householders and businesses are being asked to "Do One More Thing" in 2015 to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, to boost recycling rates and to prevent food waste.
Showing posts with label Kilkenny. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kilkenny. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
Family Carers asked to put their life story on the line
Family Carers throughout Ireland are being invited to put pen to paper and compose a poem as part of Caring for Carers Ireland’s annual nationwide poetry competition.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Kilkenny to host Repair Café
The people of Kilkenny and surrounding counties are being urged not to discard broken household items but instead bring them along to a free pop-up fixing clinic taking place at the MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre on Saturday November 1st from 2-5pm.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Irish Water regional office to be located in Limerick
The announcement today by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government of its decision to locate one of its eight regional Irish Water offices in Limerick has been welcomed by the Mayor and Cathaoirleach of Limerick.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
‘All-Ireland Music Competition’ Final Acts Announced
16 acts from all over Ireland will participate in the final stages of the All-Ireland Music Competition on January 4-5th next, organisers of the inaugural contest announced today.
Monday, October 01, 2012
Significant Drop in Fire Fatalities during 2012
New figures from the Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) show a dramatic reduction in the number of deaths from fires in Ireland so far this year.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Homecoming Celebration For Clare U21 Hurlers
Ennis Town Council will host a homecoming for the Clare Under 21 Hurling Team, win or lose in Saturday’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC final against Kilkenny in Semple Stadium, Thurles.
Monday, September 27, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Minister Killeen Visits Stephens Barracks In Kilkenny
The Minister for Defence, Mr Tony Killeen TD, yesterday (Thursday 29th July 2010) paid his first official visit to Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny.
On arrival at Stephens Barracks, the Minister was greeted by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Dave Ashe, General Officer Commanding the Southern Brigade, Brigadier General Paul Pakenham and the Acting Officer Commanding the Barracks.
Minister Killeen reviewed a Guard of Honour of members of the 3rd Infantry Battalion and was then briefed by senior military personnel and shown around the facilities at the Barracks. The Minister met members of the Battalion who are currently engaged on weapons training. He also met with members of the Reserve Defence Forces who are attending full time training at the Barracks.
Speaking during the visit the Minister said “The personnel at Kilkenny Barracks make an important and positive contribution to the tasks performed by the Southern Brigade. We all as citizens gained an appreciation of the value of our Defence Forces
Stephens Barracks consists of 14 acres of land. It was built between 1800 and 1803 by James Switser a local contractor on a site provided by Walter Butler, Earl of Ormond. This Barracks was one of a number of military posts constructed throughout the country subsequent to the 1798 rebellion at a time when the British government seriously considered the possibility of a French Invasion of Ireland.
Other Barracks built at that time were McCann Barracks, Templemore, the present Garda Training Depot and Columb Barracks, Mullingar. Most of Stephens Barracks was built at that time. A garrison church was constructed in 1852 and no other construction was done until the present catering centre was built in 1988. The Barracks was named in 1969 after James Stephens the famous Fenian leader.
The Units currently in the Barracks include the 3rd Infantry Battalion and the Reserve Infantry Battalion and the area of operations covers counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Laois and East Waterford.
The 3rd Infantry Battalion has a proud sporting tradition and is home to hurling stars Lieutenant Steve Molumphy, Captain of the Waterford senior hurlers, Private Eoin Larkin, the Kilkenny hurler and Lieutenant Kieran Kennedy, the Wexford footballer.
On arrival at Stephens Barracks, the Minister was greeted by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Dave Ashe, General Officer Commanding the Southern Brigade, Brigadier General Paul Pakenham and the Acting Officer Commanding the Barracks.
Minister Killeen reviewed a Guard of Honour of members of the 3rd Infantry Battalion and was then briefed by senior military personnel and shown around the facilities at the Barracks. The Minister met members of the Battalion who are currently engaged on weapons training. He also met with members of the Reserve Defence Forces who are attending full time training at the Barracks.
Speaking during the visit the Minister said “The personnel at Kilkenny Barracks make an important and positive contribution to the tasks performed by the Southern Brigade. We all as citizens gained an appreciation of the value of our Defence Forces
Stephens Barracks consists of 14 acres of land. It was built between 1800 and 1803 by James Switser a local contractor on a site provided by Walter Butler, Earl of Ormond. This Barracks was one of a number of military posts constructed throughout the country subsequent to the 1798 rebellion at a time when the British government seriously considered the possibility of a French Invasion of Ireland.
Other Barracks built at that time were McCann Barracks, Templemore, the present Garda Training Depot and Columb Barracks, Mullingar. Most of Stephens Barracks was built at that time. A garrison church was constructed in 1852 and no other construction was done until the present catering centre was built in 1988. The Barracks was named in 1969 after James Stephens the famous Fenian leader.
The Units currently in the Barracks include the 3rd Infantry Battalion and the Reserve Infantry Battalion and the area of operations covers counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Laois and East Waterford.
The 3rd Infantry Battalion has a proud sporting tradition and is home to hurling stars Lieutenant Steve Molumphy, Captain of the Waterford senior hurlers, Private Eoin Larkin, the Kilkenny hurler and Lieutenant Kieran Kennedy, the Wexford footballer.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Minister Killeen Attends Corofin Show
Minister for Defence Mr Tony Killeen, T.D., today attended the Annual Corofin Show in North Clare.
The Show remains a solid fixture on the local events calendar and attracts large crowds from the surrounding areas.
Showjumping is an integral part of the Show and this year two riding officers from the Army Equitation School, Second Lieutenant David Power from Kilkenny and Second Lieutenant James Heelan from Limerick were participating at the event.
The Army Equitation School was established in 1926 to promote the Irish horse abroad through participation in international competition.
The School has continued to discharge this task by competing in national and international events in showjumping. Army riders have represented Ireland at Olympic, World and European level in Showjumping. With wins in many competitions at the World Championships, Army riders on Irish bred horses have indeed been and continue to be a powerful force in advertising and promoting the sale of Irish horses abroad.
Through the participation of its riders in various national equestrian bodies, the Army Equitation School aids in the development of riding and general equestrian development by passing on the invaluable training and experience gained by its competitive riders.
Speaking at the Corofin Show Minister Killeen said “I am delighted that the Army Equitation School are participating today. The Corofin Show is a very important event for our community and attracts large crowds each year who thoroughly enjoy the day. I am always impressed by the horsemanship and skill of the riders participating.”
The horses participating at the Corofin Show were Derryinver, a 13-year-old gelding ridden by 2/Lt Power and Kilmichael, an 11-year-old gelding ridden by 2/Lt Heelan. Riding Officers from the Equitation School will participate in a number of shows over the coming weeks including Aston Le Walls in the UK, Dungarvan, the Dublin International, the National Championships, Kildare, Harpury in the UK and several locations in Spain and Germany.
Previous Riding Officers from County Clare include James Neylon, Michael Tubridy and John Quinn.
James Neylon, from Corofin, was a member of the first officer cadet class and served as a Riding Officer in the Equitation School from 1932 – 1952. He recorded 16 international wins and was a member of 8 winning Nations Cup Teams during this period at prestigious shows in Boston, New York & Lucerne, amongst others. James Neylon rode a number of horses during this period including “Kilmallock”, “Miss Ireland “, “Limerick Lace” and “Duhallow”. During the period 1958 – 1968 Col Neylon was the Commanding Officer of the Equitation School and also performed the role of Chef d’Equipe to the Irish Teams.
Michael Tubridy was a member of the first Post War Cadet Class and served as a Riding Officer in the Equitation School from 1946 – 1953. He was also a Clare GAA Football player and won an All Ireland medal with Cork. He had numerous victories during his time competing for the School including; winner of Dublin Grand Prix 1946 & 1953, winner of New York Grand Prix 1950, member of Aga Khan winning Team in 1949, member of winning Nations Cup team in New York in 1953. Michael Tubridy rode a number of horses during this period including “Kilkenny”, “Ballynonty”, “Rostrevor”, “Lough Neagh” & “Bruree”
John Quinn, an uncle of Jim Quinn, organiser of Ennis Show, was a Riding Officer in the Equitation School during the 1940/50’s. One of the prizes awarded during Ennis Show is the “Tubridy Cup” named in memory of Michael Tubridy.
The Show remains a solid fixture on the local events calendar and attracts large crowds from the surrounding areas.
Showjumping is an integral part of the Show and this year two riding officers from the Army Equitation School, Second Lieutenant David Power from Kilkenny and Second Lieutenant James Heelan from Limerick were participating at the event.
The Army Equitation School was established in 1926 to promote the Irish horse abroad through participation in international competition.
The School has continued to discharge this task by competing in national and international events in showjumping. Army riders have represented Ireland at Olympic, World and European level in Showjumping. With wins in many competitions at the World Championships, Army riders on Irish bred horses have indeed been and continue to be a powerful force in advertising and promoting the sale of Irish horses abroad.
Through the participation of its riders in various national equestrian bodies, the Army Equitation School aids in the development of riding and general equestrian development by passing on the invaluable training and experience gained by its competitive riders.
Speaking at the Corofin Show Minister Killeen said “I am delighted that the Army Equitation School are participating today. The Corofin Show is a very important event for our community and attracts large crowds each year who thoroughly enjoy the day. I am always impressed by the horsemanship and skill of the riders participating.”
The horses participating at the Corofin Show were Derryinver, a 13-year-old gelding ridden by 2/Lt Power and Kilmichael, an 11-year-old gelding ridden by 2/Lt Heelan. Riding Officers from the Equitation School will participate in a number of shows over the coming weeks including Aston Le Walls in the UK, Dungarvan, the Dublin International, the National Championships, Kildare, Harpury in the UK and several locations in Spain and Germany.
Previous Riding Officers from County Clare include James Neylon, Michael Tubridy and John Quinn.
James Neylon, from Corofin, was a member of the first officer cadet class and served as a Riding Officer in the Equitation School from 1932 – 1952. He recorded 16 international wins and was a member of 8 winning Nations Cup Teams during this period at prestigious shows in Boston, New York & Lucerne, amongst others. James Neylon rode a number of horses during this period including “Kilmallock”, “Miss Ireland “, “Limerick Lace” and “Duhallow”. During the period 1958 – 1968 Col Neylon was the Commanding Officer of the Equitation School and also performed the role of Chef d’Equipe to the Irish Teams.
Michael Tubridy was a member of the first Post War Cadet Class and served as a Riding Officer in the Equitation School from 1946 – 1953. He was also a Clare GAA Football player and won an All Ireland medal with Cork. He had numerous victories during his time competing for the School including; winner of Dublin Grand Prix 1946 & 1953, winner of New York Grand Prix 1950, member of Aga Khan winning Team in 1949, member of winning Nations Cup team in New York in 1953. Michael Tubridy rode a number of horses during this period including “Kilkenny”, “Ballynonty”, “Rostrevor”, “Lough Neagh” & “Bruree”
John Quinn, an uncle of Jim Quinn, organiser of Ennis Show, was a Riding Officer in the Equitation School during the 1940/50’s. One of the prizes awarded during Ennis Show is the “Tubridy Cup” named in memory of Michael Tubridy.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Code Of Practice For The Welfare Of Pigs Is Launched
A new booklet produced by the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) on a Code of Practice for the Welfare of Pigs has been launched.
The booklet aims to encourage all pig farmers to maintain the highest standards of animal husbandry and continue to practice responsible management on farms.
Commenting on the importance of good welfare practices, Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Tony Killeen said: “If farmers follow this Code of Practice, it will help them to meet the necessary welfare standards. Without competent, diligent stockmanship, the welfare of pigs cannot be catered for adequately.”
He added: “The booklet provides advice on maintaining good bio-security and animal health status within the herd and on ensuring appropriate welfare by having proper procedures in place for dealing with sick or injured animals. Advice on herd management and on the requirement for pigs to have access to suitable material to enable proper investigation and manipulation activities is addressed.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State Killeen confirmed that the Department will shortly announce details of the new Sow Housing Scheme, being implemented shortly as part of the revised Rural Development Programme, which will provide 13 million euro to producers to assist in conversion to loose housing for sows.
The booklet is available on the FAWAC website at www.fawac.ie or from the FAWAC Secretariat - email FAWAC@agriculture.gov.ie.
The booklet aims to encourage all pig farmers to maintain the highest standards of animal husbandry and continue to practice responsible management on farms.
Commenting on the importance of good welfare practices, Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Tony Killeen said: “If farmers follow this Code of Practice, it will help them to meet the necessary welfare standards. Without competent, diligent stockmanship, the welfare of pigs cannot be catered for adequately.”
He added: “The booklet provides advice on maintaining good bio-security and animal health status within the herd and on ensuring appropriate welfare by having proper procedures in place for dealing with sick or injured animals. Advice on herd management and on the requirement for pigs to have access to suitable material to enable proper investigation and manipulation activities is addressed.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State Killeen confirmed that the Department will shortly announce details of the new Sow Housing Scheme, being implemented shortly as part of the revised Rural Development Programme, which will provide 13 million euro to producers to assist in conversion to loose housing for sows.
The booklet is available on the FAWAC website at www.fawac.ie or from the FAWAC Secretariat - email FAWAC@agriculture.gov.ie.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
The Big Freeze Set To Return To Ireland
All indications are that Ireland is set to see a return of bitterly cold conditions from the colder continent early next week.Daytime temperatures are likely to be in low single figures by midweek and will struggle to rise much above freezing during daylight hours by the end of next week. Present indications are that the cold spell will last for at least five days before the Atlantic restores milder weather over the country.
Local authorities throughout Ireland will be keeping a close eye on the weather situation over the coming days and will be hoping to avoid a prolonged wintry spell that will put further pressure on salt and gritting stocks. Snow is likely at times but sharp to severe frosts can be expected.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Russia Lifts Temporary Ban On Irish Pigmeat
Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has warmly welcomed the decision by the Russian Federation to reopen its market to Irish pigmeat with effect from the beginning of February.
The market has been closed since the dioxin incident in December 2008. According to Minister of State Killeen: “The temporary ban on imports of Irish pork and pork products has been lifted as from the 1 February 2010 and in this regard pork and pork products produced after that date can be exported from Ireland to the Russian Federation.”
Minister of State Killeen said the announcement was hugely significant as Russia previously was a significant market for pigmeat producers in Ireland. He noted: “The Russian pigmeat market was valued at over 12 million euro in 2007. I have no doubt that that Russian market for Irish pork products is one that has considerable potential to grow. “
Minister of State Killeen added: “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, together with Bord Bia and the Irish Embassy in Moscow, has been working vigorously to regain access to this important market. The reopening of the market is recognition that the production of pigmeat in Ireland is subject to extremely rigorous controls and reflects the importance we place on high standards for food safety. The Department’s intention as always is to ensure access to as many international markets as possible for all Irish meats and meat products”.
The market has been closed since the dioxin incident in December 2008. According to Minister of State Killeen: “The temporary ban on imports of Irish pork and pork products has been lifted as from the 1 February 2010 and in this regard pork and pork products produced after that date can be exported from Ireland to the Russian Federation.”
Minister of State Killeen said the announcement was hugely significant as Russia previously was a significant market for pigmeat producers in Ireland. He noted: “The Russian pigmeat market was valued at over 12 million euro in 2007. I have no doubt that that Russian market for Irish pork products is one that has considerable potential to grow. “
Minister of State Killeen added: “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, together with Bord Bia and the Irish Embassy in Moscow, has been working vigorously to regain access to this important market. The reopening of the market is recognition that the production of pigmeat in Ireland is subject to extremely rigorous controls and reflects the importance we place on high standards for food safety. The Department’s intention as always is to ensure access to as many international markets as possible for all Irish meats and meat products”.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, November 30, 2009
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.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Upland Sheep Scheme Payments To Be Made In Early December
Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has confirmed that special payments amounting to approximately 7 million euro will be made to 13,000 hill sheep farmers over the next two months.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 year 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 next two months, 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.
The 2009 Upland Sheep Payment will be payable to farmers who declared their sheep under the 2007 and the 2008 Sheep Census; declared Mountain Type Grazing under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme; and were eligible for and were in receipt of payment under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. The maximum area payable is 15 hectares of mountain type grazing.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Crop Variety Evaluation Programme Review Is Completed
Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen has confirmed that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has completed an in-depth review of the Crop Variety Evaluation programme.
Among the key recommendations of the review are restructuring within the Department to reduce costs, greater collaboration with Teagasc, changes to the cereal and grass trialling protocols and introduction of some cost recovery.
As part of Ireland's Statutory obligation under EU Legislation for the marketing of agricultural plant varieties, the Department carries out National List trials on all of the major crops being grown in Ireland including cereals, grasses, oilseed rape and potatoes. In addition to the Statutory function carried out with respect to National List trials, the Department goes a step further and carries out an enhanced programme of Recommended List trials. These trials provide a comprehensive guide for Irish farmers in choosing the most suitable varieties for growing in Ireland.
According to Minister of State Killeen: “The Crop Variety Evaluation work provides an independent service whereby farmers can be confident that the recommended varieties perform well under a wide range of growing conditions. The contribution of improved varieties to increased production of wheat and barley is significant. Today, Ireland is among the highest yield of cereals per hectare in the world.”
The local T.D. noted the importance of exploring every opportunity to make savings, improve efficiencies, and improve the competitiveness of Irish agriculture production through the availability of the best varieties of cereals and grasses.
He added; “Crop variety trialling costs will be reduced by over 20% by amalgamating two Divisions within the Department - Crop Variety Evaluation and Seed Certification Divisions - and redeploying a number of staff to other areas of work. Department officials are in on-going discussions with Teagasc on making changes to both the grass and cereal evaluation protocols."
It is planned to introduce the new protocols in 2010. The grass trials will put greater weighting on grazing reflecting the increasing emphasis on low cost extended grazing systems for dairy and beef production. For cereals, the Department has agreed to include a number of Teagasc BETTER tillage farms as sites for trialling which will facilitate improved knowledge transfer to the commercial cereal growers. The review also recommends a contribution from industry towards the annual costs of providing the service. Charges for crop variety evaluation are in place in other EU Member States. The Department will continue to carry a proportion of the burden of cost.
Among the key recommendations of the review are restructuring within the Department to reduce costs, greater collaboration with Teagasc, changes to the cereal and grass trialling protocols and introduction of some cost recovery.
As part of Ireland's Statutory obligation under EU Legislation for the marketing of agricultural plant varieties, the Department carries out National List trials on all of the major crops being grown in Ireland including cereals, grasses, oilseed rape and potatoes. In addition to the Statutory function carried out with respect to National List trials, the Department goes a step further and carries out an enhanced programme of Recommended List trials. These trials provide a comprehensive guide for Irish farmers in choosing the most suitable varieties for growing in Ireland.
According to Minister of State Killeen: “The Crop Variety Evaluation work provides an independent service whereby farmers can be confident that the recommended varieties perform well under a wide range of growing conditions. The contribution of improved varieties to increased production of wheat and barley is significant. Today, Ireland is among the highest yield of cereals per hectare in the world.”
The local T.D. noted the importance of exploring every opportunity to make savings, improve efficiencies, and improve the competitiveness of Irish agriculture production through the availability of the best varieties of cereals and grasses.
He added; “Crop variety trialling costs will be reduced by over 20% by amalgamating two Divisions within the Department - Crop Variety Evaluation and Seed Certification Divisions - and redeploying a number of staff to other areas of work. Department officials are in on-going discussions with Teagasc on making changes to both the grass and cereal evaluation protocols."
It is planned to introduce the new protocols in 2010. The grass trials will put greater weighting on grazing reflecting the increasing emphasis on low cost extended grazing systems for dairy and beef production. For cereals, the Department has agreed to include a number of Teagasc BETTER tillage farms as sites for trialling which will facilitate improved knowledge transfer to the commercial cereal growers. The review also recommends a contribution from industry towards the annual costs of providing the service. Charges for crop variety evaluation are in place in other EU Member States. The Department will continue to carry a proportion of the burden of cost.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Killeen Welcomes New Long Term Strategy For Agri-Food Sector
Tony Killeen, Fianna Fail TD for Clare, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has confirmed that submissions on a long term strategy for the development of the agri-food and fishing sector will be invited by the end of November.
The new strategy for the period up to 2020 is currently being developed and is expected to be completed around the middle of 2010. The Department and five State Agencies - Bord Bia, Teagasc, Enterprise Ireland, BIM and the Marine Institute - are jointly involved in the preparation of a series of papers on the main sectors, which will give an informed basis to a web-based public consultation process and request for submissions.
According to Minister of State Killeen: “It is clear that a new direction is needed for the Irish agri-food sector. A number of the chief executives of major food companies share the view that there is a need for a long-term strategic plan for the future of the industry, for which there is so much potential, especially given the projections for population growth over the next few decades.”
He continued: “The Department is keen to seen all those with a stake in the Irish agri-food sector participating actively in the process, which I hope will stimulate debate and provide some answers. There are no easy answers, but we must do everything possible to maximise the potential of the sector.”
“The strategy will represent a new departure and will set out what is needed to reposition Irish farming and food for growth in the years ahead”, the Minister of State concluded.
The new strategy for the period up to 2020 is currently being developed and is expected to be completed around the middle of 2010. The Department and five State Agencies - Bord Bia, Teagasc, Enterprise Ireland, BIM and the Marine Institute - are jointly involved in the preparation of a series of papers on the main sectors, which will give an informed basis to a web-based public consultation process and request for submissions.
According to Minister of State Killeen: “It is clear that a new direction is needed for the Irish agri-food sector. A number of the chief executives of major food companies share the view that there is a need for a long-term strategic plan for the future of the industry, for which there is so much potential, especially given the projections for population growth over the next few decades.”
He continued: “The Department is keen to seen all those with a stake in the Irish agri-food sector participating actively in the process, which I hope will stimulate debate and provide some answers. There are no easy answers, but we must do everything possible to maximise the potential of the sector.”
“The strategy will represent a new departure and will set out what is needed to reposition Irish farming and food for growth in the years ahead”, the Minister of State concluded.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Munster To Team Up With Connaught For Aviva Stadium Opening
The first game to mark the opening of the redeveloped Lansdowne Road will be held on August 7 next and will see a composite Leinster/Ulster team face a Munster/Connacht selection, the IRFU announced today."To mark the opening of the Aviva Stadium, the Irish Rugby Football Union today confirmed that the first game to be played in 2010 will be an historic rugby match between two composite provincial teams," reports breakingnews.ie. Leinster and Ulster were the first representative teams to play in the old Lansdowne Road nearly 133 years ago on December 16, 1876. Both provinces were also on hand to play the final game in the stadium on New Year's Eve 2006, when Leinster beat Ulster 20-12 in the Magners League.
The game will form part of the provincial preseason calendar. The Aviva Stadium will also play host to some of the top teams in world rugby during the Guinness Series in November next year. Ireland is scheduled to play four internationals for the first time during that period against World Champions South Africa, followed by games against Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Department Of Health Confirms Tenth Swine Flu Related Death
A woman in the south has become the tenth person to die from human swine flu in the Republic of Ireland.The Department of Health and the HSE confirmed this evening that the woman died from the H1N1 virus reportS RTE. The woman had an underlying health condition, but the department have not released any further details relating to her death.
Minister for Health Mary Harney has offered her sympathy to the family and friends of the woman.
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