Drinking Water Boil Notice Issue In County Limerick

Limerick County Council, following consultation with the Health Service Executive, has this evening issued a boil water notice to 2,000 customers served by the Public Water Supply in Adare Town.

700 households are affected by the public water notice in areas including Adare, Tuogh, Kilknockan, Curraghbeg, Copay, Blackabbey, Gortaganniff, Graigue, Drehidtarsna, Boulabally, Beabus, Baurnalicka, Derryvinnane, Castleroberts, Lissaleen, Cloonaduff, Kilgobbin, Mondellihy, Rineroe, Knockanes and Caherass.

Mr. Donal Brennan, Senior Engineer, Water Services, confirmed that Limerick County Council has detected a deterioration in the water quality leaving the Water Treatment Plant in Adare. He explained, “The treatment efficiency of the plant has been reduced and while no adverse bacteriological samples have been detected there is an increased possibility of bacteria getting through the system. Therefore, it is necessary to issue a general boil water notice on the supply” “The reduced treatment efficiency has caused excess aluminium concentrations in the delivered water and vulnerable users such as those persons with poor kidney function, renal failure and, in particular, those on renal dialysis are advised not to drink the water, but to source alternative supplies,” he added.

Limerick County Council wishes to advise all other members of the public served by the Adare Water Supply not to drink the water except under the following conditions and for the following purposes:
- Water for drinking purposes, brushing teeth and food preparation should be boiled
- Boil the water to ensure a rolling vigorous boil and then allow it to cool. Cover it and store it in a fridge or cold place. (Tea or coffee made with water which has boiled is safe to drink)
- Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic filters will not guarantee that water is safe to drink. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers
- Use water that has been prepared for drinking (i.e. that is boiled) for preparing foods that will not be cooked, e.g. for washing salads
- It is safe to drink commercial bottled mineral water.

Prepare baby feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been reboiled several times. If tap water is unavailable, use bottled water that has been brought to the boil and cooled. Avoid using water that is fizzy, unless boiling has removed all the fizziness. Check the label: water in bottles labelled “natural mineral water” is not required to meet all the standards of tap waters. Don’t use natural mineral water with concentrations greater than the following for infant feeding: sodium –200mg/l; Nitrate –50mg/l; Nitrite –0.5mg/l; Sulphate –250mg/l. Water maybe used for flushing of toilets, internal house plumbing and for personal hygiene and bathing. Vulnerable users, those persons with poor kidney function, renal failure and particularly those on renal dialysis are advised to source alternative drinking water until further advised.

Members of the public are requested to advise the County Council of elderly or disabled residents, who may require special assistance. The Council has also asked for information on unoccupied residences and how the occupier or owner maybe contacted. Further information and advice is available from the following phone numbers: (061) 496326 (9.30am–4.30pm Monday-Friday) or 087-6295167 (after hours up to 11pm) or (061) 419226 (outside these hours)

Limerick Is Dreaming Of A Green Christmas

The Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan and The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Cllr John Gallahue got together at Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre to ask the citizens of Limerick city and county to spare a thought for the environment this Christmas (DG) Picture by Dave Gaynor

This Christmas season, Limerick shoppers will use 800 thousand metres of wrapping paper, enough to travel up and down the county more than 12 times.

That is according to Limerick City and County Councils, who today launched their annual Green Christmas campaign to urge householders to spare a thought for the environment this year while enjoying all the seasonal festivities. Pre-Christmas tips include sending e-cards to cut down on packaging, wrapping presents with recycled paper, turning Christmas lights off overnight and pooling Christmas shopping into fewer bags.

Shoppers are also encouraged to support local and fair trade producers. After Christmas, householders are advised to recycle all packaging, and take empty bottles and tins to one of Limerick’s many bring banks. “We all produce extra waste over Christmas so it is a perfect time to focus that bit more on all that unnecessary waste,” explained Lorraine Power, Environmental Awareness Officer, Limerick County Council. She added, “There are many ways to keep the festive season fun while reducing the negative social, economic and environmental impacts. We are urging people to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost to help us make a difference this Christmas.”

Sinead McDonnell, Environment Awareness Officer with Limerick City Council said that one of the main objectives of this year’s campaign is to encourage householders to recycle more of their used packaging than ever before. She continued, “We will all be busy rushing around doing the shopping and stocking up on food and drink over the next few weeks. By sparing a thought for our planet and taking a little time to plan ahead, we can slim our bins, save time and perhaps a few euro too.”

Top Ten Tips to Reduce Your Waste this Christmas:
1. Make a list and check it twice! Buy only what you need!
2. Cool cards – Send an e card, make your own unique one that won’t be forgotten!
3. Simple, stylish presents - Buy an eco-gift, voucher or charity gift to avoid unwanted gifts that will only end up as clutter. Shop local and/or look out for fair-trade gifts. If you’re broke, make a gift of your time!
4. Get Christmas wrapped up - Try alternative wrapping by buying recycled paper or making your own.
5. Do durable - Use reusable plates, cups and bags rather than throw away items. Buy loose vegetables, fruit, meat and cheese.
6. REUSE – give another life to all those nice gift bags and boxes you received during the year and make your gifts look even more impressive! Set up a REUSE box. Keep things like biscuit tins, boxes and ribbon that you can reuse during the year. Keep your favourite cards to make your funky personalised gift cards next year or to keep the kids busy on those wet winter evenings.
7. Start composting all those fruit and vegetable peelings, reduce your bin by one third! Compost bins available from Councils or local hardware stores.
8. Save your Energy - Invest in LED Christmas lights and battery chargers with rechargeable batteries for all those games. It will save you money in the long run. Recycle any used batteries at your local Recycling Centre or any retail outlet that sells batteries.
9. Get organised in the kitchen! Set up three bins in the kitchen - for recyclables, compostable and general waste.
10. During the party season - Recycle everything you can in your opti-bag or recycling bin - cardboard, gift wrap, greetings cards & envelopes, paper & plastic packaging, drink & food cans, biscuit tins, metal lids, juice cartons, plastic bottles & packaging. Remember to wash n’ squash!

New car tax for Limerick City

Minister Brian Lenihan yesterday admitted details needed to be "ironed out" as he announced details of the controversial new tax on employer-provided car parking -- to apply across Limerick and four other Irish cities.

Mr Lenihan said the tax would apply to parking in the borough areas of the five cities, and that he would further designate the zones involved.

"I will take into account the degree of congestion, the level of public transport available, and the value of the car parking spaces concerned," he said.

50 new jobs for Limerick

Up to 50 new jobs have been announced for Limerick.

They are being created by the entertainment technology company DTS which is to establish its European headquarters at the National Technology Park in the city.

The new Limerick company - DTS Licensing Limited - will have responsibility for licensing, management, administration, business development, marketing, sales, finance and potentially research and development and gaming.

Limerick Blooms At Award Ceremony

27 towns and villages throughout County Limerick were last night honoured for their participation in the inaugural ‘Limerick in Bloom’ competition.

Patrickswell was named overall winner while Kilmallock, Oola and Strand were named winners of their respective categories. Limerick County Council, in conjunction with Shannon Development, launched the competition earlier this year as a motivational mechanism for the many small local based groups throughout the county to enhance the visual impact of their settlements by means of flower, tree and shrub planting.

Speaking during last night’s awards ceremony at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare, Cllr. Francis Foley, Leas Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, stated, “Limerick In Bloom is truly a celebration of community spirit, teamwork and an awareness of the natural environment. Such attributes are alive and well here in County Limerick and are evidenced by the participation of 27 towns and villages in this year’s competition.” He said that the success of the competition was a fine example of what could be achieved when the local authority and local groups came together for the benefit of communities across the County.

“Each of the participating communities should be congratulated for helping to make County Limerick a more attractive location to live, work and visit”, added Cllr. Foley. Commenting on the competition, Josephine Cotter-Coughlan, Director of Services, said, “The concept of promoting community involvement in the improvement and enhancement of the local environment has been developed and strengthened over the years by Limerick County Council. This has further been enhanced through the considerable involvement of community groups, tidy towns committees, residents associations and local businesses in the first ‘Limerick in Bloom Competition’.”

Adjudication took place during July and considered such factors as colour, size, variety, location and appropriateness of the various planting schemes along with the management of litter. The judging panel included Mr. Luke Griffin, who is the Vice-Chairman of International Entente Florale and a former Chairman of the International Entente Florale Jury.

Categories were based on population size with a first, second and third prize in each category of EUR1100, EUR550 EUR300 respectively. Category 1 catered for towns and villages with a population in excess of 700. First was Strand (83), Loughill/Glenbrohane (82) came second while Croagh/Kilmeedy (80) finished in third place. Category 2 was for population centres of between 300 and 700 people with Oola (82) finishing first, Broadford (81) in second and Foynes (80) in third place. Category 3 featured villages with a population less than 300. Kilmallock (79) came first, Bruff (78) was second and Askeaton (75) finished third. Patrickswell (84), which featured in Category 1, was named overall winner and received a cheque for EUR1,500.

FULL RESULTS:

Category 1
Askeaton Heritage and Tidy Towns Committee - 75
Bruff Tidy Towns - 78
Hospital Tidy Towns - 62
Kilfinnane Tidy Towns - 74
Kilmallock Tidy Towns - 79
Newcastle West Tidy Towns - 73
Patrickswell Tidy Towns - 84

Category 2
Athea Tidy Towns - 79
Foynes and District Community Council - 80
Glin Development Association - 65
Knocklong Tidy Towns - 79
Oola Tidy Towns - 82
Broadford Development Ltd - 81

Category 3
Ardpatrick Community Council - 79
Croagh Community Council - 80
Glenbrobane Tidy Towns, Garryspillane - 82
Kileedy Parish Community (Ashford) - 68
Kilfinny Community Council - 70
Kilmeedy Community Group - 80
Muintir na Tire – Templeglantine - 70
Strand Community Development Ltd - 83
Tournafulla Tidy Towns Committee - 61
Carrigkerry Development Group - 62
Colmanswell Community Council - 62
Loughill Community Development Association - 82

Residents Associations
Sharwood Residents, Newcastle West - 58
Glenside Residents Association, Annacotty - 85

Overall Prize
Patrickswell (84)

Further information on ‘Limerick In Bloom’ is available from the Community and Enterprise section of Limerick County Council on 061-496454.

Limerick County Council First Local Authority In Ireland To Install Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Limerick County Hall and Library Headquarters have become the first state-owned buildings in the country to install Photovoltaic solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint and energy usage.

Limerick County Council estimates that the project, delivered by leading solar electricity provider Cool Power Ltd, will reduce the local authority’s fossil energy consumption in the buildings by 15%. Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight into electricity. The majority of existing solar technologies used in state-owned premises throughout the country use sunlight to heat water only.

“When Limerick County Council embarked in the construction of new corporate buildings, one of the key issues was sustainability,” stated Chris Barry, Facilities Manager with Limerick County Council. He added, “Environmental policies are constantly changing and, as a local authority, we need to advocate renewable technologies and how they can be used in an appropriate way. This project fits in with the overall energy strategy of the council and the Governments National Climate Change Strategy 2007-12, which aims to provide for 15% of electricity to be generated from renewable by 2010.”

Limerick County Councils’ new naturally ventilated state-of-the-art County Hall was opened in 2003 and, since then, Limerick County Council has been looking at ways of complementing its highly efficient design with new technologies to provide sources of renewable energy. In 2006, the Council started looking at different proposals to install PV arrays around the building, initially for the new County Hall. Mr. Barry explained that capital costs proved to be an important issue.

He continued, “Cool Power agreed to install the system and remain the owner of the arrays, while Limerick County Council buys the green electricity generated from the system, avoiding the upfront cost of the installation. In the end, we decided to install PV arrays not only in the County Hall, but also in the new Library headquarters, Lissanalta House where the council have also installed solar panels, which provide up to 70% of domestic hot water need.”

Limerick County Council will monitor the new system for the next year to get accurate data on energy consumption but it is estimated the Council will reduce it dependence on mains electricity by 10 to 15%, generating electricity seven days a week. “The system will definitely have an impact reducing our carbon footprint and for compliance purposes with future directives. It is a significant addition to other strategies we have in place to reduce our energy usage and we are proud to be the first local authority taking this step. For example, the Council provides staff bicycles for transport between both buildings utilising the existing cycle path network”, Mr. Barry commented.

He added, “Our model can be followed by other organisations. One issue worrying companies is the capital cost, so this route could be taken as an example and it might suit other organizations. Cool Power’s method is allowing us flexibility. Depending on new requirements and how it develops in real time, we have the option to buy the array over the period of its life span or keep buying the electricity produced.” “Getting this far is a great achievement for us and we are now happy to move forward, and replicate this in other areas and new buildings. The PV arrays installation allows Limerick County Council to add on more arrays in the future to meet demand, once the infrastructure is in place. We have built a strong relationship with Cool Power. Tim Cooper is remarkably flexible and his hard work and resilience has made this happen”, Mr. Barry concluded.

Commenting on the project, Mr. Tim Cooper, Managing Director of Cool Power, said, “This project represents the first large solar PV system install on state owned buildings; the first independently financed large PV system and the first sale of 100% renewable locally generated electricity to a large customer.” He pointed out that Cool Power was unique in that it had a license from the Central Energy Regulator (CER) to trade in electricity generated from a renewable source.

Limerick County Library Launches Countywide Assistive Technology Service

All 24 library branches across County Limerick have been upgraded to allow the elderly, people with learning difficulties and those with physical disabilities to gain easier access to library services.

Limerick County Library Service today launched its Assistive Technology Service, which includes a range of software and hardware. As well as availing of a comprehensive selection of large print books and talking books, library members can now benefit from Voice Dictation and Homepage Reader technology, Virtual and Braille Keyboards, Electronic Height Adjustable Computer Desks, Orthopaedic Chairs, Magnifying Machines and Induction Loops for the hard of hearing.

Limerick County Library sourced the new assistive technology hardware and software after receiving funding from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, under the National Disability Strategy. Meanwhile, the Library service has teamed up with the CitizenFirst Project and Mid-West Regional Authority to undertake a promotional campaign to highlight the new Assistive Technologies available in the County’s 24 Library Branches. The campaign involves the production of an instructional DVD on the new technologies and the loaning of laptops within each library (including the Mobile Library) to enable people to access Internet services using their Wi-Fi/3G networks.

Launching the countywide service at Dooradoyle Library today, Councillor John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council stated, “I would like to congratulate the Library service for making the benefits of assistive technologies available to library users throughout County Limerick. This initiative helps the County Library to fulfil its role of providing services that are accessible to all people.”

According to Damien Dullaghan, Executive Librarian, “This initiative is part of Limerick County Library’s on-going commitment to improving and developing library services for all the people of the community. It is anticipated that the Assistive Technology Service will enhance the independence of our users with disabilities in accessing our ICT Services.”

Assistive Technology Software provided in Branch Libraries:
- Text Readers - Reader Easy Office Text is a text reading application that can read scanned documents back to the user.
- Voice Dictation - Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 allows users to create documents, e-mails etc. all by speaking. Dragon Speak translates voice dictations into Microsoft Word and Excel, Corel WordPerfect, and virtually all Windows-based applications.
- Homepage Reader - IBM Home Page Reader is a talking Web browser designed for users who wish to access the Internet in a non-visual or combined auditory/visual way.
- IMG Screen Magnifier - The Magnifier is an Area Screen Magnifier that supports 2-10 times magnification. The Magnifier window can be set to automatically position itself, and can be set to float/track the mouse cursor which makes assists individuals that need visual assistance.
- IMG On Screen Keyboard – This virtual alternative to the physical keyboard appears on screen and can be used by clicking the keys with a mouse. It is particularly useful for those with limited mobility. The Roller Tracker ball mouse can be used in tandem with this product.

Assistive Technology Hardware provided in Branch Libraries:
- Trackerball Mouse - This alternative to a standard mouse is designed for users with moderate-severe motor skill difficulties.
- Big Keys Keyboard – Operates like a standard Windows keyboard and features extra large keys with high contrast letters in upper/lower case.
- Braille Keyboard - This QWERTY Keyboard has embossed Braille stickers on each key.
- Electronic Height Adjustable Computer Desk - The height of this desk can be adjusted, through a simple two-button operation. The desk is ideal for use by electric wheelchair users.
- Assistive Technology Chair - This chair has an adjustable headrest for neck support. It also has automatic locking castors, which lock when weight is applied (i.e. when someone sits into the chair).

The launch of the new Assistive technology Services is part of Limerick County Library’s ongoing expansion of services throughout the County.

Earlier this year, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley T.D., officially opened the 45,000 sq ft Limerick County Library Headquarters and Limerick Studies Centre at Lissanalta House in Dooradoyle.

Regarded as one of Ireland’s most comprehensive centres of its kind, the local studies facility brings together the written local history of County Limerick, the archival records of County Limerick, as well as being home to the Limerick Family Ancestry service.

An increasing amount of the material available at the Limerick Studies Centre has been digitised and published online at lcc.ie/library. Griffith’s Primary Valuation, which was published between 1847 and 1864 and was the first full-scale valuation of property in Limerick, was recently made available online. The Irish Times Online Archive has also been made available to library users across the county.

Meanwhile, Limerick County Library has confirmed that it will continue to expand its ‘Talking Books’ service for the visually impaired. In recent months, many titles catering for a wide variety of reading interests have been made available in mp3 format.

Other recent developments within the Library service include the provision of public internet connections at each of the county’s 24 library branches while a high-bandwidth Wi-Fi service has been installed at the five full time branches in Dooradoyle, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Adare and Foynes. Rathkeale library also provides the service.

For more on the Limerick County Library Service see www.lcc.ie/library or call 061-496526.

Avvio.com Deliver Keynote Address At Limerick Seminar

One of the world’s leading providers of web-enabled hotel software this week delivered the keynote address at a Breakfast Seminar, organised by the Sales Institute of Ireland Mid-West.

Brian Reeves, Managing Director of Avvio.com briefed those in attendance at the Absolute Hotel, Harry’s Mall, Limerick, on how the University of Limerick-based firm has evolved from being a small company to a multinational success. Avvio is the leading provider of online reservation and marketing software for hotels and serviced accommodation providers, working with over 700 hotel clients worldwide. In Ireland alone, the firm delivers online results for well-known hotels, including Ashford Castle, Dromoland Castle, The Merrion Hotel, The K Club, The Dylan and Moran Hotels.

Commenting on his keynote address, Mr. Reeves said, ‘the presentation looked at how the sales challenges evolved for Avvio, from a small company setting out to the complexity today of competing with Leading Multinationals. I spoke of some of the sales and commercial challenges the company has faced, as well as lessons learned along the way.’ Meanwhile, Mr. Reeves confirmed that Avvio.com would be looking to further extend its transnational operation when it attends the World Travel Market from 10-13 November 2008.

Staged annually in London, World Travel Market is a vibrant four-day business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to international travel professionals. ‘Avvio.com will host its own stand in the Technology and Online Travel section. This event is a unique opportunity for us to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with other players in the global travel trade market’, explained Mr. Reeves.

Founded in 2002 by two Limerick brothers, Brian & Frank Reeves, Avvio is on course to increase its turnover eight-fold in three years and has grown to employ over 40 staff in their offices in Limerick, Dublin & Germany. Going forward, the company has aggressive plans to increase their market share in the UK & Asian market, through direct sales and strategic partnerships. With a background in electrical engineering and psychology, Managing Director Brian’s insight into Internet user behaviour coupled with Frank’s background in software engineering, having previously worked for Sun Microsystems, earned the brothers a recent shortlist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

The company’s suite of software products, Avvio Suite, yielded in excess of EUR45million in accommodation bookings for clients in 2007. For more LoCall 1890 30 2000 or visit www.avvio.com

University Of Limerick Awarded EUR5M Grant To Combat MRSA

The University of Limerick has secured a EUR5M technology research contract aimed at significantly reducing MRSA infection rates in hospitals across the world.

The trans-European project team plans to use nanotechnology to develop MRSA-resistant textiles such as hospital gowns and beddings, which can kill bacteria and be self-sterilising. Project partners include nine other European agencies, as well as NUI Galway and Irish companies BeoCare and Cook Medical.

“The spread of drug-resistant germs such as MRSA is a major public health concern”, stated Dr. Tofail Syed, Project Coordinator. He commented, “A significant element of the MRSA problem arises from the use of conventional textiles such as hospital gowns, curtains, beddings and pillow covers. As a result, hospital sterility has been a major concern in countries like Ireland, Germany and Belgium. We intend to develop nanotechnology-derived textiles that will help hospitals in their fight against MRSA.”

In the EU alone, in excess of 3 million people develop an infection arising from hospital-based infections, resulting in approximately 50,000 deaths per annum. One in 10 patients entering a European hospital will develop an infection caused by drug-resistant microbes such as the hospital super bug, MRSA. Dr. Syed explained, “In Southern and Western Europe, over 40 per cent of hospitals have significant problems with the MRSA super bug. We are confident of redressing this statistic through our research and development of MRSA-resistant textiles.”

MRSA-resistant textile is one of the four major health issues that the UL-led consortium will address in the 3-year research programme funded by the European Commission under its Framework Programme 7 (Nanotechnology, Materials and Production). The other health issues include plaque-resistant cardio-vascular stents, urinary stents with less stone formation and bone implants that will heal more rapidly than their conventional equivalents.

According to Mr. Liam Brown, UL Director of Research Support, “The project addresses four major areas of European healthcare that affect the quality of life of European citizens and cost European states considerable amount of money. In particular, cardiovascular disease is the cause of half of deaths in Europe, accounting for in excess of 2 million deaths per year. Arterial thrombosis contributes significantly and the project will directly address this issue”.

Mr. Brown, who is also an Enterprise Ireland National Delegate on Framework Programme 7, added that bone diseases remained a major health concern for Europe due to the continent’s ageing population. He said, “Half of all chronic conditions of those aged 65 and over are caused by osteoarthritis and among the younger population, the occurrence of bone injuries is increasing because of more leisure activity and accidents. A direct output of the project will be the stimulating of bone growth by 30%.”

Limerick Households Face Long Cold Winter As Energy Costs Soar

Thousands of householders across Limerick City and County will be unable to adequately heat their homes this winter and will suffer health problems as a result, a leading renewable energy association has warned.

The Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet (RESS) claims that the combination of shrinking purchasing power, energy inefficient homes, an inadequate fuel allowance scheme and forecasts of a colder winter than last year will leave many Limerick families unable to afford the recent and imminent hikes in energy costs. The industry-led organisation says that on average a fill of a tank of home heating oil will cost householders EUR800, compared to EUR600 in 2007.

RESS has now called on the Government and Limerick Local Authorities to examine ways of alleviating the pressures on the elderly and low-income households to heat their homes during the coming months. ‘It is incumbent on the Government to ensure that vulnerable sections of the community are provided with as much assistance as possible. In particular, it should look at increasing the winter fuel allowance, which operates for 30 weeks from September to April’, said Johnny Flynn, RESS Chairperson. He continued, ‘The existing fuel allowance of EUR18 a week barely covers the cost of a bag of coal, which would not even keep the smallest of homes heated for a week. While RESS acknowledges that the fuel allowance has doubled since 2006, we would ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to consider a further increase to help alleviate the effects of fuel poverty.’

Mr. Flynn, who is an Environmentalist, Engineer and Town Councillor in Ennis, added, ‘The Government and Sustainable Energy Ireland should consider expanding the Greener Homes Scheme to include local authority rented accommodation units. Long-term tenants should be entitled to individually apply for grants to improve energy efficiency and to incorporate renewable technologies in their homes.’

Mr. Flynn pointed out that Limerick Local Authorities could also play a significant role in helping householders to heat their homes. He said, ‘RESS urges Limerick County Council and Limerick City Council to prepare contingency plans to assist tenants in meeting high-energy costs and heating their homes. This is particularly the case for known urban banks of poorly heated social housing units. The time to act is now and not when we are in the middle of this impending crisis.’

Meanwhile, RESS has warned that Limerick will struggle to achieve building efficiency ratings of 60 per cent within ten years, as envisaged by the EU. The organisation, utilising figures from a new report by the Irish Institute for International and European Affairs, said it would cost an estimated EUR2.17 billion for Limerick to achieve this target by 2018.

Dick Whelan, RESS Project Leader, said the introduction of environmentally sound construction methods and materials in the building of new homes was being undermined by the fact that approximately two thirds of Limerick homes built before 1997 were poorly insulated and energy inefficient, and nowhere near meeting national energy efficiency targets.

Mr. Whelan stated that householders across the country were continuing to waste millions of Euro each year on heating poorly insulated homes and the situation was unlikely to improve without intervention by the Government and Limerick Local Authorities. ‘Apart from reducing fuel and electricity bills, a more energy-efficient home will help Ireland to meet its legally-binding climate change commitments and provide greater protection for householders against future increases in fuel costs, as well as making the use of renewable energy technologies a more practical option’, concluded Mr. Whelan.

RESS was set up in 2004 to provide training and support to plumbing and heating contractors and related trades and professionals involved in the design, specification, installation and maintenance of Renewable Energy Heating Systems. The network offers FETAC accredited courses in Building Energy Rating, Biomass, Solar and Heatpump technologies as well as training in a wide range of other related topics.

Meanwhile, RESS will host the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference in The Shannon Shamrock Conference Centre, Bunratty, Co Clare on Friday 17th October 2008. The key focus of this year’s conference, which will feature a keynote address from Mr. Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation, will be the promotion of quality assurance within the renewable energy heating industry. National and international experts will explore its importance and benefits in the design, supply and installation of renewable energy heating technologies both in Ireland and abroad. Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and TD for Galway East, will also address the conference.

Persons interested in attending the Conference or any of the renewable energy training events provided nationally should visit www.renewableenergy.ie, call 061 514 598 or email info@renewableenergy.ie.

Council Praises Limerick’s Tidy Towns Participants

The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has congratulated Adare on receiving a Silver Medal in Category C of the 50th National Tidy Towns Competition.

Adare picked up the accolade at the National Awards Ceremony in Dublin on Monday evening, just 12 months after it was awarded a Bronze Medal and the Limerick County Award in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2007. The latest award success for Adare comes less than 2 months after it was named winner of the ‘Best Kept Small Town’ category in Ireland’s Best Kept Towns 2008 competition.

Adare also won the Limerick County Award this year while Galbally and Ardpatrick came second and third place respectively. Meanwhile, Kilbehenny received the County Endeavour Award and Moore's Pub in Doon won the Regional Shopfront Award. Most notably, Adare received 9 more points than it did last year while Galbally increased its 2007 tally by five points.

Commenting on Adare’s success, Mr. Mike Brennan, Chairperson of Adare Tidy Towns Committee, ‘I would like to sincerely thank the local community for their cooperation and the team effort involved over the past year. The awarding of a Silver Medal to Adare is evidence of the strong community spirit that exists among businesses and residents of the town and is also symbolic of the ongoing efforts being made within County Limerick to compete and succeed at national level.’ Mr. Brennan added, ‘To celebrate winning a Silver Medal, a function has been organised for the people involved in the Tidy Towns effort at the Woodlands House Hotel this evening in Adare at 8 o’clock.’

According to Councillor John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, ‘I am delighted to see that Adare, with the support of Limerick County Council, has won a silver medal and once again lead the way for County Limerick in this year’s competition’.

Complimenting the efforts of Tidy Towns volunteers across County Limerick, the Cathaoirleach said, ‘I have personally worked for many years with Voluntary Organisations and, therefore, I recognise the huge effort required by community groups to participate in and achieve success in such competitions. I believe that the Tidy Towns Competition is truly a celebration of community spirit, teamwork and an awareness of the natural environment. I also wish to commend the staff of Limerick County Council, along with the elected representatives for the invaluable support they have provided Tidy Towns committees throughout the year’.

Commenting on the achievements of Limerick’s Tidy Towns participants, Councillor Francis Foley, Chair of the Community & Cultural SPC, stated, ‘I would like to congratulate all 36 participants from Limerick who have done their county proud in this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition and, indeed, throughout the past 50 years. I would particularly like to acknowledge the efforts made by new entrants to the competition and urge each new committee to retain the motivation to keep going and recruit more volunteers.”

Mr. Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager said that the achievements of County Limerick’s Tidy Towns participants was especially pleasing as Limerick County Council had this year launched two new environmental initiatives aimed at enhancing the appearance of towns and villages across County Limerick. He continued, ‘Not only did Limerick County Council assist the Tidy Towns Committees in increasing their overall marks this year, we also introduced two new environmental schemes that have helped participants prepare better for this year’s competition. The Council remains committed to providing support to community and voluntary organisations in this regard.’

‘The concept of promoting community involvement in the improvement and enhancement of the local environment has been developed and strengthened over the years by Limerick County Council. This has further been enhanced through the considerable involvement of community groups, tidy towns committees, residents associations and local businesses in the Priming Grants Scheme and Limerick in Bloom Competition’, concluded Mr. Gleeson.

The Tidy Towns competition is organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. SuperValu, and its 180 plus storeowners around the country, have sponsored the competition since 1992. The Tourism Division of Shannon Development administers and promotes the competition in the Shannon Region. Judging of entries takes place in June, July and August each year.

Lissanalta House Shortlisted For Excellence In Local Government Award

Lissanalta House in Dooradoyle has been shortlisted for an award in Chamber Ireland's Excellence in Local Government Awards 2008.

The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI) established the awards in 2004 to acknowledge and encourage best practice and constructive initiatives by local authorities and also to enhance the positive relationships that already exist between chambers, businesses and their respective local authorities. Limerick County Council’s newest administrative building and office complex has been singled out in the ‘Outstanding Customer Service’ category, the winner of which will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on 6 November in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, County Dublin.

The state of the art building, which was officially opened last March, accommodates six key local authority services that were previously based at separate locations throughout County Limerick. They include the Mid West National Road Design Office, Motor Taxation Office, Regional Waste Management Office, Environment Laboratory and new Limerick County Library Headquarters, which is complemented by one of Ireland’s most comprehensive local studies centres.

Congratulating the Local Authority on being shortlisted, Councillor John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, stated, ‘With the opening of Lissanalta House, Limerick County Council has provided a one-stop shop facility to its public on a convenient, accessible site making available an integrated range of quality services.’

He continued, “The development of Lissanalta House has most notably resulted in the provision of what must be one of the most modern and technically best-equipped library headquarters in the country. This 45,000 sq ft development is not only a significant moment for the Council, but a milestone in the delivery of public services in this county.”

Mr. Gerry Behan, Director of Services, Limerick County Council, said the development of Lissanalta House formed part of Limerick County Council’s strong emphasis on providing accessible and convenient services to members of the public. Mr. Behan pointed out that the provision of quality customer service is a touchstone of the local government modernisation programme. He explained, ‘The delivery of high quality services, tailored to meet the needs of all our customers, is one of Limerick County Council's core objectives and is included in our Corporate Plan 2004-09. This quality service includes not only the level and quality of service given to our customers, but also the quality of our decision-making processes, the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, standard of our facilities and our ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment.’

Mr. Behan stated that Limerick County Council would continue to further enhance the delivery of customer services throughout County Limerick. ‘Work recently commenced on an integrated project with the Courts Services, the Library Service and an Area Office on a single site in Kilmallock, and will open to the public in 2009’, he added.

Lissanalta House has been shortlisted for Chamber Ireland's Excellence in Local Government Award based on its delivery of accessible and convenient services for the public. Convenient Access is provided to six services located at a central site in close proximity to a range of key local Government agencies, including Limerick County Hall, Limerick VEC, and Teagasc’s Headquarters. It is accessible by public transport or private car via the new South Ring Road. Free parking for customers is available. Also, cycle lanes serve the building from Dooradoyle shopping centre. A Single Reception Area is provided to serve all six departments affording a central point of contact for the customer. Private Meeting Rooms: are provided for the public to allow the customer to meet with Council staff regarding confidential business needs. A public coffee dock is available for customer convenience, which is especially beneficial for people who have travelled distances for meetings or to carry out full-day research.

One of the outstanding features of the building, which was designed by local architects Healy & Partners, is the promotion of modern energy design solutions. Numerous environmentally friendly installations have been incorporated including solar panels that provide 70% of domestic hot water to the building, high levels of fabric insulation that reduce energy consumption and natural ventilation to all offices. Already, the building has won a National Award from Gypsum Industries for the innovative use of plasterboard in ceiling design. Meanwhile, the Council has confirmed that up to 15% of the buildings’ total electricity needs will be generated by a Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric power system.

Alien Invaders Land In Limerick

Accelerated global warming evidenced by record temperatures and rainfall levels is having a profound impact on Limerick's wildlife with increasing varieties and numbers of alien invaders landing on our shores, it has been claimed.

A new six part documentary series, due to be broadcast on TG4 later this month, features over a dozen foreign species never before featured on Irish television. ‘Coimhtíoch Gan Cuireadh’ or ‘Alien Invaders’ takes a broader look at Irish wildlife and recounts the fascinating stories of how some of Ireland’s alien species ended up in Ireland. The species include the Chinese Mitten Crab, Bank Vole, Mourning Dove, Emperor Dragonfly, Natterjack Toad, Slow Worm, Trigger Fish and Slipper Lobster.

According to Newmarket-on-Fergus resident John Murphy, Wildlife expert and Director of Waxwing Wildlife Productions, ‘The documentary features species of wildlife many people rarely if ever encounter even though they are present all around them. One such species, the Greater White-toothed Shrew (pictured left) this year most likely slipped into the country in the roots of large imported continental-sourced trees. This mammal is thriving in counties Tipperary and Limerick and will spread throughout the country like the bank vole has done.’ Mr. Murphy added, ‘some of these invaders are relative newcomers to our country, while others have been with us for some time. These Aliens take the shape of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, plants, fish, marine life and freshwater aquatic life forms.’

He explained that increasingly extreme Mediterranean climates had resulted in a dramatic rise in the numbers of exotic species of birds and maritime fish arriving and settling in Ireland. ‘We are seeing more and more cases of alien species of birds appearing on our shores. The arrival and spread of the Collared Dove, Cattle Egrets and the melodic Blackcap are prime examples of this growing trend. Meanwhile, during filming on Inish Bofin in County Galway this year we documented the first every sighting in Ireland of a Mourning Dove, which had arrived from the USA’ commented Mr. Murphy.

Mr. Stan Nugent, Editor and Producer of ‘Alien Invaders’, stated that the documentary provided real evidence of how some foreign species were having a detrimental impact on the Irish environment and on native wildlife. He continued, ‘During filming we examined the presence of Chinese Mitten Crabs along the River Suir, which unlike the River Thames does not possess a tidal barrier to stop the invasive species from progressing hundreds of miles up stream. If left unchecked, these silent raiders will colonise our river systems to the detriment of other species. They will eat anything that comes their way including our native Crayfish and fish spawn. They put pressure on existing stocks of native fish stocks such as Brown Trout and Salmon. Mitten Crabs also live in holes, which they burrow out of the riverbank. This accelerates bank erosion.’

Mr. Nugent said that alien fish species were also appearing along Ireland’s coast in greater numbers. The Grey Triggerfish is a warm-water species with a normal range in the tropical Atlantic and the Mediterranean. However, in more recent times during summer months when the seas are at their warmest, they can be found in the waters around Ireland. The same can be said of sea creatures like the Slipper Lobster, which have only been caught in recent times in Lobster pots in the south of the country.

Meanwhile, the upcoming documentary focuses on the origins of many of Ireland’s newest wildlife species. The slow worm, which can only be found in the reclaimed meadow fringes of the Burren, where they were reportedly brought into Ireland by ‘new age hippies’ from Britain during the early 1970's. Elsewhere, it is widely believed that the Bank Vole was introduced to Ireland in the 1920s during work on the Shannon hydroelectric scheme when large machinery for this development was shipped from ports in the north of Germany to Foynes on the river Shannon and some other Irish ports.

Facts Uncovered By ‘Alien Invaders’ About Ireland’s Counties (more info available on request – see Notes To Editor below):
Antrim: Trigger Fish and other marine invaders may soon be common off the Antrim coast
Armagh: How long will it be before Little Egrets and other Mediterranean birds nest in Armagh
Carlow: Chinese Mitten Crabs could MARCH into Carlow
Cavan: The Red Grouse and Hen Harrier are threatened by the spread of Spruce plantations
Clare: Bank Voles were introduced to Clare during the construction of the Ardnacrusha Hydroelectricity Scheme
Cork: Dace, an alien species to our rivers, were accidentally introduced to the Blackwater in Cork in 1889 by an English pike angler
Derry: Trigger Fish and other marine invaders may soon be common off the Derry coast.
Donegal: Bird species like the Fulmar may disappear from County Donegal if fish stocks continue to decline
Down: How long before Alien Slipper Lobsters are caught off the Down coast
Dublin: Emperor Dragonflies may soon reach a pond near you
Fermanagh: Zebra Mussels, which are spreading throughout the Shannon-Erne waterway, originated in the Caspian Sea and came into Ireland on the hulls of pleasure boats
Galway: First ever sighting of a Mourning Dove in Ireland took place on Inish Bofin Island this year
Kerry: Ireland’s only Toad can only be found in isolated parts of Kerry
Kildare: Emperor Dragonflies may soon reach a pond near you
Kilkenny: Chinese Mitten Crabs could soon colonise the River Nore and threaten the native Crayfish
Laois: Greater White-toothed shrew, which appeared in Ireland for the first time this year, may soon be appearing in Laois
Leitrim: Alien flying insects may soon be seen around the lovely lakes of Leitrim
Limerick: The Greater White-toothed Shrew, which arrived in Ireland from the continent this year, is spreading rapidly throughout Limerick
Longford: The American Grey Squirrel was introduced to Longford and decimated its Red Squirrel population
Louth: Trigger Fish and other marine invaders may soon be common off the Louth coast
Mayo: The Great Skuas, which breed in the high Arctic, are being seen more frequently off the Mayo coast, and could become a menace to our breeding seabird colonies
Meath: Country hedgerows provide perfect breeding ground for bank voles
Monaghan: The Red Grouse may soon disappear from the countryside
Offaly: The native Pygmy Shrew is being threatened by the arrival of the Greater White-toothed shrew
Roscommon: Little Egrets making Roscommon their home
Sligo: How long before Alien Slipper Lobsters are caught off the Sligo coast
Tipperary: Ireland’s newest alien species is discovered in the Premier County
Tyrone: Emperor Dragonflies may soon reach a pond near you
Waterford: Chinese Mitten Crabs are colonising the River Suir and threatening native Irish fish
Westmeath: Snipe and Grouse disappearing from Westmeath
Wexford: Bird species like the Fulmar may disappear from the Saltee Islands if fish stocks continue to decline
Wicklow: Bank Voles could become a food source for Red Kites

‘Alien Invaders’ will be broadcast on TG4 for six weeks starting on Friday 26 September at 8.30pm. The series will culminate with a new book to be published in November. For more on ‘Alien Invaders’ see www.waxwingfilms.ie.