Minister Of State Killeen Launches ‘Forestry & Timber Yearbook 2010’

Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with responsibility for Forestry, today officially launched the ‘Forestry & Timber Yearbook 2010’, the annual yearbook published by the Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA).

Speaking at the launch, which took place at the Department of Agriculture offices in Kildare Street, Minister of State Killeen commented: “I am pleased to launch the ‘Forestry & Timber Yearbook 2010’ as it is a major source of information to forestry growers and, indeed, to everyone in the forestry sector. Not only does it contain a contacts directory and useful reference material including forestry statistics, there are also a number of informative articles on issues which are relevant to growers”.

The Minister of State welcomed the allocation of 120 million euro for forestry announced in the recent Budget as it makes provision for a planting programme of 7,000 hectares of new forests in 2010 as well as the support schemes including forest roads and thinning and tending grants. Referring to the substantial allocation for the afforestation programme, he added: “It is a recognition of the contribution that forestry is making and the further potential that exists to develop the industry on an ongoing basis”.

Minister of State Killeen noted that this allocation is continued evidence of the Government’s commitment to forestry and acknowledgement that “forestry offers benefits for farmers and other landowners, sustains employment, contributes to industrial development and provides recreational facilities while also being a key component in environment protection and carbon sequestration”.

Minister Killeen Announces Grants Of EUR24k For Clare Animal Welfare Bodies

Mr Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, today announced the award of ex-gratia payments of 24,000 euro to animal welfare bodies in County Clare to assist them in their work during the coming year.

The allocations form part of payments totalling 1,185,000 euro being made to animal welfare bodies throughout the country to assist in their work in 2010. The Clare recipients of funding are Mandy Ellis - 1,000 euro, Second Chance Animal Rescue Ltd. (SCAR) - 12,000 euro, Clare Animal Welfare Ltd. Ennis - 5,000 euro, and Clare SPCA, Clonoghan - 6,000 euro.

Minister Killeen commented: “I am in no doubt that the money will be put to good use by the organisations in County Clare in providing the best possible service towards animals in their care”.

Minister Killeen said that the funding for animal welfare organisations was evidence of the Government’s commitment in the area of animal welfare and he emphasised the contribution that animal welfare organisations make to assist animals in need. He continued: “As the grants being announced do not cover the full costs of the increasing demands being placed upon organisations, these groups still require the ongoing generous financial support of the general public to enable them fulfil their mission to promote animal welfare and relieve animal suffering”.

Minister Killeen appealed to parents and others to think responsibly when considering giving a pet as a present. He urged people to heed the warnings and advice offered by the animal welfare organisations in this regard.

Work Underway On New Kilmallock Fire Station

Limerick County Council today signed a 1.3m euro contract with M. Fitzgibbon (Builders) Ltd to construct a new Fire Station in Kilmallock.

The contract involves the provision of a three-bay Fire Station with ancillary areas and a 13m-high drill training tower on a green field site at the junction of the Bruff and Bruree Roads, adjacent to Kilmallock Business Park. Construction work commenced earlier this month and is expected to be completed in autumn 2010.

The contract is being funded by the Fire Services and Emergency Planning Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government which is providing 1.6m euro for all costs, including Construction Costs and Design Fees.

Today’s contract signing ceremony at Limerick County Hall was attended by the Limerick County Manager, Chairman of Limerick County Council, Chief Fire Officer for County Limerick, Kilmallock Fire Station Officer and Substation Officer, members of the Kilmallock Area Committee, and representatives of the successful contractor and the Design Team, which comprises Gilroy McMahon Architects, Mulcahy McDonagh Quantity Surveyors, Muir Associates Structural Engineering Consultant, and Varming Mech and Elec Consulting Engineering.

Commenting on the commencement of works at Kilmallock Fire Station, Cllr. David Naughton Quinn, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council said, “‘In spite of the current economic climate, it is pleasing to see that investment in our emergency services is continuing. The commencement of construction work represents a very positive development for Limerick County Fire and Rescue Service as well as the people who live in, work in and visit Kilmallock and its environs.”

“I would like to compliment County Limerick Fire And Rescue Service personnel who provide a professional service at all times. Their invaluable contribution to making our communities safer should not be understated, he added.

Limerick County Manager Edmond Gleeson noted: “The development of this modern and well-equipped Fire And Rescue facility represents yet another significant boost for the infrastructure of Kilmallock and surrounding areas, which last month benefited from the opening of the new 6m euro Kilmallock Area Office and Regional Library. Most importantly for members of the community, the fire fighting capability of the local service will be greatly enhanced through the provision of the new fire station.”

Carmel Kirby, Chief Fire Officer, Limerick County Fire and Rescue Service said the new station would enhance the Service’s capability to deal with fire incidents in Kilmallock and its environs.

She added: “For the first time ever, the Fire Service will be self sufficient in the Kilmallock Area. There is no question that the welfare, health and safety of fire officers will be further improved by the provision of this new facility. The development of Kilmallock’s first training area and drill tower, along with a service area for Breathing Apparatus Equipment, also will further improve the Service’s ability to respond to emergency incidents.”

Ms. Kirby confirmed that four fire fighters were recruited in Kilmallock in 2009, which are in addition to the existing eight locally based fire fighters. Meanwhile, two Class B Fire Appliances, a Water Carrier and Four-Wheel Drive are currently located in Kilmallock.

Limerick County Fire and Rescue Service is currently made up of 10 Senior Fire Officers, 1 Wholetime Brigade Mechanic and 72 Retained Firefighters in six stations throughout Limerick, including Kilmallock, Foynes, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Rathkeale and Cappamore. The Service also provides financial support to its counterpart service in Limerick City, to provide fire cover to the city environs in County Limerick.

The Service fleet consists of 30 vehicles, including 12 Class B Fire Appliances, 4 Water Tankers, 1 Emergency Tender, 1 Aerial Rescue Vehicle and 3 Four-Wheel Drives. The Service also possesses 3 Spare Class B appliances and six additional support vehicles. The Service this year retained the quality management standard ISO 9001:2008, which is subject to an external audit each year.