‘Recognition Of Achievement’ Certificates Presented At Limerick County Hall

A presentation ceremony marking the various achievements of groups and individuals from County Limerick took place this week at County Hall following a meeting of the Castleconnell Area Committee.

‘Recognition of Achievement’ certificates were presented to Pallasgreen Ballad Group, who won the Readoiri All Ireland 2008 competition; Cappamore Set Dancing Group, who recently won both Readoiri and Scór na nÓg All Ireland competitions; and Gillian Bourke, who was recently capped for the Irish Ladies National Rugby Team. Presenting the awards, Councillor Mary Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee, congratulated those being honoured for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

“By presenting these certificates today the Castleconnell Area Committee and Limerick County Council are acknowledging the efforts of individuals who have brought great honour to their communities and the entire county. We are honoured to celebrate the contributions of these exceptional individuals, who I know will continue to show pride and confidence in their own abilities while achieving further success for County Limerick at national and international level”, added Councillor Harty.

She continued, “Gillian Bourke’s outstanding record of achievement as a rugby player and coach is a tribute to her steadfast commitment to constantly improving her game. As for the singers and dancers, their respective achievements are testament to their tutors and families, as well as their own hard work. I am especially delighted to learn that both sets of young people have made lasting friendships and that their involvement in Scór na nÓg has been a catalyst for involvement in other healthy, enjoyable activities together.”

The certificate recipients and all seven members of the Castleconnell Area Committee attended today’s ceremony. Micheál O Riain, Chairman, County Board Scór na nÓg; Ms. Anna Jane Ryan, Tutor, Pallasgreen Ballad Group; Mr. Michael Shinners, Secretary, Scór na nÓg, Pallasgreen; and Ms. Pauline Hynan, Tutor, Cappamore Set Dancing Group, were also present. The ceremony featured a performance of the Cavan Reel Set by the Cappamore Set Dancing Group. Ranging from age 10-14 years, the group consists of Cian O'Flynn, Patrick Berkery, Anthony Foley, Aoife Foley, Joseph Lonergan, Laura Lonergan, Caroline Collins and Jennifer Charles.

The group boasts a very strong tradition of Set Dancing having won at several levels over the years including the World Fleadh in Portlaoise (2007); Readoíri & All Ireland, Scór na nÓg, Set Dancing (2001, 2004, 2007). Last month, the group picked up a number of prizes at the International Set Dancing Competition in Manchester. In August 2007 three members of the group auditioned for the RTE daytime television programme, Star Search and were successful in entering the competition. They are now into the 3rd round of the competition, which is broadcast on ‘The Den’.

Gillian Bourke from Scart, near Ballyneety, received her first international cap by appearing for the Irish women’s rugby team in February 2008. The UL Bohemians player and former show jumper has since made four international appearances and continues to train with the national side ahead of the Amsterdam 7s Rugby Tournament next month. Gillian began her rugby career in 2003 when she commenced her studies with UL. Since then she has played for, captained and now coaches the UL Ladies Rugby team. In 2005 Gillian joined the Connaught provincial squad before departing the following year to work with the Border Reivers Rugby Club in southern Scotland, as part of her 8-month co-operative education for her studies. Since graduating in 2007, Gillian has become the IRFU Youth Development Officer for the Galway region.

The Pallasgreen Ballad Group consists of Edel O'Driscoll, Maria Ryan, Elaine O'Dwyer, Paul Lawton and Willie O'Dwyer, all of who are 15-16 years of age. Like the Cappamore Set Dancers, the group practises up to three 3 times a week for about 1.5 hours. In 2002, the group won the All Ireland Scór na nÓg and Readoírí competitions. They have also reached the Munster Final and County Final competitions during this period.

Councillor Mary Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee presents Irish Womens Rugby International Gillian Bourke of Scart, Ballyneety, with a ‘Recognition of Achievement’ certificate at Limerick County Hall, 7th April, 2008. Also pictured are members of Gillian's family

Councillor Mary Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee presents members of the Pallasgreen Ballad Group with a ‘Recognition of Achievement’ certificate at Limerick County Hall, 7th April, 2008. Also pictured are family members and representatives the County Board Scór na nÓg

Councillor Mary Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee presents Ms. Pauline Hynan, Tutor, Cappamore Set Dancing Group, and members of the Cappamore Set Dancing Group with a ‘Recognition of Achievement’ certificate at Limerick County Hall, 7th April, 2008. Also pictured are family members and representatives the County Board Scór na nÓg

Cathaoirleach Of Limerick County Council Bemoans Lack Of Respect For National Flag

The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has expressed concern over the growing number of incidents whereby the National Flag was being disrespected.

Councillor Kevin Sheahan said that guidelines for use of the Irish Tricolour, issued by the Department of the Taoiseach, were being contravened because many people were unaware of their existence. He explained, “It saddens me to see so many examples of our National Flag being disrespected. Such examples are visible all throughout the country and include the flag being displayed in the open after sunset and the hoisting of a flag that is worn or frayed.”

“I am aware that observance of the guidelines is a matter for each individual because there are no statutory requirements. However, it is only reasonable to expect that the National Flag would be treated at all times with appropriate respect by those who use it”, added Councillor Sheahan.
The protocol for the flying of the flag contains 23 guidelines relating to its display, placing and precedence. Among them is the ruling that the National Flag is displayed in the open only between sunrise and sunset, except on the occasion of public meetings, processions, or funerals, when it may be displayed for the duration of such functions.

“This is one guideline that is commonly disregarded, whether it be unintentionally or knowingly”, stated Councillor Sheahan. The Cathaoirleach continued, “Should you drive through any village or town in Ireland after sunset you will see incidences of the Irish National Flag being displayed. Furthermore, flags that have been erected to celebrate sports events, National Holidays, festivals and commemorations, often remain attached to buildings and other structures for weeks on end. It is especially disheartening to see the National Flag touching the ground, trailing in water or becoming entangled in trees or other obstacles.”

Councillor Sheahan said that the Government should consider developing a media campaign aimed at educating Irish citizens about the guidelines and the importance of respecting the National Flag. He added that the Department of Education and Science should also contemplate ways of educating children about the guidelines.

“There is no doubting the patriotism of Irish people at home and abroad when it comes to celebrating their nationality. However, it is disappointing to hear visitors to Ireland comment about the many examples of disrespect for the National Flag. I would appeal to people to view the guidelines for displaying the Irish Tricolour on the Office of An Taoiseach’s website”, concluded Councillor Sheahan.

Limerick County Council Committed To Providing Quality Drinking Water Supplies

Limerick County Council today said that it had taken significant steps in recent months to further improve the quality of drinking water in local Public, Private and Group Water Schemes.

It outlined that it was continuing to implement a series of measures aimed at further improving and intensifying the monitoring of local drinking water supplies, some of which were included by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a Remedial Action List for Public Drinking Water Supplies. The list includes twelve separate schemes across County Limerick, which featured in an EPA report on drinking water quality issued earlier this year. However, Limerick County Council has already introduced corrective actions for the majority of schemes.

“Limerick County Council has forwarded specific ‘Actions’ items in respect of each item raised by the EPA to both the agency itself and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, with many of these already in place”, explained a spokesperson for the Council’s Transportation and Water Services Directorate.

The spokesperson added, “Some of the issues raised by the EPA relate to ‘one-off’ occurrences, which were not indicative of any systematic problem with the water supply or management of the schemes in question. Furthermore, Limerick City Council’s introduction of a new water treatment plant at Clareville has addressed drinking water quality issues for 45% of the population served by the schemes on the Remedial Action List.”

“Limerick County Council is continuing its investment in Water Services Infrastructure across County Limerick and has made the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government aware of its overall needs for funding in this regard”, concluded the spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the Transportation and Water Services Directorate has said that the introduction of a series of other corrective measures had meant that it was delivering on its objective of providing quality water supplies in a manner that safeguards public health and underpins the sustainable development of County Limerick. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government recently sanctioned the doubling of the number of staff engaged in monitoring in the Council's Environment Laboratory. In addition, sanction has been received for the recruitment of four process technicians to assist with the operational side of water production.

To supplement the improved levels of process control and monitoring, Limerick County Council is also planning to install new in-line monitors, which will give real-time indication of problems occurring in treated water and will alert Council staff to the need for early and timely intervention.

Official Opening of Limerick County Council Office Complex and Library HQ at Lissanalta House

Pictured at the official opening of Limerick County Council’s newest administrative building and office complex at Lissanalta House in Dooradoyle on Friday 28th April 2008 were (L-R) Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, T.D.; Mr. Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager; and Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council

Pictured at the official opening of Limerick County Council’s newest administrative building and office complex at Lissanalta House in Dooradoyle on Friday 28th April 2008 were (L-R) Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council; Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, T.D.; and Mr. Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager.

Improvements To Drinking Water Quality In Rural County Limerick

A major step has been taken towards resolving drinking water quality issues for 2,300 households in County Limerick following the rollout of a major Design Build Operate (DBO) project.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, T.D., today officially marked the completion of the project at a ceremony held in the Heritage Centre at Lough Gur. The €6 million project included a comprehensive programme of works on 18 privately sourced group water supply schemes across the county. The Lough Gur Group Water Scheme is the biggest scheme involved in the DBO project serving a total of 555 domestic houses, 120 farms and 61 other properties, including land and commercial/amenity activities.

The 17 other group schemes which have benefited from the project include: Baggottstown, Ballinvreena, Ballybricken, Ballyduff, Ballyorgan, Bulgaden, Newtown/Caherline, Cappagh, Carnane, Coshma/Killeen, Croagh/Farrendonnelly, Glenroe, Glenstal, Granagh, Griston, Kileedy and Kilfinny.

“The completion of this DBO project ensures that County Limerick remains to the fore in the national drive to eliminate sub-standard rural water supplies”, stated Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council. He explained, “As far back as 1998, the EPA highlighted difficulties with the quality of privately owned group water schemes across the country. Since then considerable time and resources has been targeted at remedying deficiencies in the group water schemes.”

Commenting on the contribution of Group Water Scheme personnel, the Cathaoirleach said, “The headway made in dealing with substandard water supplies has only been possible through their hard work, dedication and spirit of partnership. I would particularly like to acknowledge the contribution of group scheme activists across County Limerick who, for many years, have worked tirelessly for the betterment of their neighbours and communities.”

According to Mr. Paul Crowe, Director, Transportation & Water Services, Limerick County Council, “I am delighted to see that the implementation of the rural water programme in Limerick has been successful thanks to the vibrant partnership approach between the group sector and the local authority working together to achieve a common objective.” “I wish to congratulate everybody involved in the delivery of this project for their steadfast commitment, the eighteen groups involved, the DBO Steering Group, Staff of the Rural Water Programme with Limerick County Council, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and consultants T.J. O’Connor & Partners”, concluded Mr. Crowe.

The contract for the construction and long-term operation of water abstraction and treatment facilities was awarded to Electrical & Pump Services Ltd. (EPS) Mallow, Co. Cork. Works carried out included the provision of treatment plants, kiosks, refurbishment of existing pump houses, construction of concrete tanks, drilling of new source boreholes, and all associated site works and landscaping.

Along with the main DBO works of abstraction and treatment facilities construction by EPS, enabling works were carried out on a number of schemes for water conservation purposes. The works involved the refurbishment of critical sections of defective watermains on networks together with the installation of Universal Metering of connections to ensure that customers are vigilant in their water usage. A number of new concrete reservoirs are currently being built on three schemes.

Minister Gormley Officially Opens Limerick County Council Offices & Library Headquarters

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, T.D., today officially opened Limerick County Council’s newest administrative building and office complex at Lissanalta House in Dooradoyle.

The state of the art building accommodates six key local authority services, which 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.

Speaking at today’s official opening ceremony, Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, welcomed the relocation of six separate services to one central location. “Limerick County Council is acutely aware of the need to deliver a modern and comprehensive system of local government. Services must be accessible and responsive to the changing needs of the people they serve, as typified by what has occurred at Lissanalta House”, he added.

One of the outstanding features of the new building 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, to be installed over the coming weeks.

Commenting on the new facility, Mr. Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager, stated, “Limerick County Council is committed to meeting the needs and expectations of citizens and the business community. By centralising six principal services, the Council has established a one-stop shop for its customers in these key service areas.”

He continued, “County Limerick is now fortunate to have 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.”

Supporting County Limerick’s 25 Branch Library network and 116 primary schools, the Library Headquarters also features a Limerick Studies department that provides access to the county’s historical and archival records.

“As our society modernises and develops, we acquire an increased sense of our past and where we came from”, explained Damien Brady, Limerick County Librarian. He added, “This reference library and research centre is dedicated to the collection of material on all aspects of County Limerick, something I am sure will attract and engage all members of the local community, as well as academics from near and far. The facility brings together the written local history and archival records of County Limerick, as well as being home to the Limerick Family Ancestry service. Much of the material available at the Limerick Studies department has also been digitised and published online”

Among the other offices located at Lissanalta House is the Mid-West National Road Design Office, whose function it is to design and supervise roads construction of new National Roads in Limerick County, Limerick City, North Tipperary and parts of Clare. It is currently overseeing the construction of the Nenagh-Limerick dual carriageway and the EUR500m Limerick Tunnel, one of the largest infrastructural projects in the State.

The Limerick County Enterprise Board supports a range of new and existing small businesses. The supports vary from providing an initial ‘First Stop Shop’ service for information, advice, training and mentoring to financial supports. The Regional Waste Management Office represents the four local authorities in Limerick City and County, Kerry and Clare. Among its functions is to co-ordinate the implementation of the Regional Waste Management plan.

The Motor Taxation Office is responsible for a wide range of activities and services such as issuing of vehicle and driving licenses. The Environmental Laboratory is the water-testing laboratory for County Limerick. It undertakes tests of drinking water, river water, sewage treatment plants and groundwater to the various E.U. Legislation Standards.

Minco says Limerick dig expanding

Business World today reports that mining group Minco has said the latest results from two holes at the Pallas Green project, a joint venture with Xstrata Zinc, continues to expand the area of mineralization.

The precious and base metals exploration and development company said the results of Hole MN-2529-027 and MN-2529-028 confirm the high grade potential of portions of the Tobermalug prospect.

Terence McKillen, director of exploration and business development said: 'Ongoing drilling is focused on short step-outs to explore this emerging area of high grade mineralization while at the same time continuing with larger step-outs to the south where the main controlling structures are believed to be located. Four drills are currently active in the southern area.'

Agreement On Joint Approach To Promoting Shannon Airport’s Transatlantic Routes

The Mid West Regional Authority and Aer Lingus have agreed a joint approach to consolidating and expanding the flagship carrier’s transatlantic services at Shannon Airport.

During a meeting held in New York this week, both parties put forward a set of proposals geared toward boosting regional support for existing services with a view to developing new business.

Representing Aer Lingus at the meeting in Ireland House, Park Avenue, were Jack Foley, Executive Vice President in North America; Kate Kiernan, Director of Revenues & Business Development; and Helen Maguire, Director Consumer Sales.

Councillor Lily Wallace (Chairperson) and Liam Conneally (Director) represented the Nenagh-based MWRA. Representatives of Clare County Council and Shannon Town Council, including both Mayors, were also present. Councillor Wallace expressed delight that Aer Lingus had pledged its commitment to developing transatlantic services at Shannon Airport. She acknowledged that this commitment was based on the Mid West’s relevant agencies pulling together to market the region as a desirable tourist destination.

“During the meeting Aer Lingus indicated that it would be very interested in working with any parties that could assist in improving load factors on all routes. The airline pointed out that it was not involved with destination marketing but would be willing to work with the Mid West Region if suitable packages and promotional material could be put in place and provided by the region”, explained Councillor Wallace.

According to Mr. Liam Conneally, Director, “Aer Lingus is committed to providing competitive packages for air travellers as a result of the region working together to market its attractiveness, as well as developing competitive packages that complement Aer Lingus fares. Such an understanding presents a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Commenting on the meeting with Aer Lingus, Mr. Alec Fleming, member of the Regional Tourism Board and Designated Manager, Mid West Regional Authority, stated, “Aer Lingus were very open and expressed a willingness to open their books. I am specially delighted that those representing the airline indicated that they would travel to Mid West Region to further discuss how transatlantic services could be maintained, improved and expanded at Shannon Airport.”

“The Mid West Region has been presented a tremendous opportunity to work with Aer Lingus, which has expressed its willingness to engage in cooperative marketing initiatives. I would urge all relevant agencies, along with the Mid West’s business and tourism sectors, to continue to enhance the attractiveness of the region so as to further build on the co-operative relationship that has been developed with Aer Lingus”, concluded Mr. Fleming.

The Mid-West Regional Authority is one of the Republic of Ireland’s eight statutory regions and comprises the administrative areas of Clare, North Tipperary & Limerick County Councils and Limerick City Council. The Nenagh-based Authority has twenty-six elected representatives and has responsibility to promote the coordinated delivery of Public Services in the Mid-West Region. It is also Secretariat to the Government appointed Shannon Airport Marketing Consultative Committee (SAMCC).

IMAGE - Pictured at a meeting between the Mid West Regional Authority (MWRA) and Aer Lingus officials at Ireland House, Park Avenue, New York, USA, are (front L-R) Councillor Lily Wallace, Chairperson, MWRA; Jack Foley, Executive Vice President in North America, Aer Lingus; Liam Conneally, Director, MWRA; (back L-R) Kate Kiernan, Director of Revenues & Business Development, Aer Lingus; Alec Fleming, member of the Regional Tourism Board and Designated Manager, Mid West Regional Authority; and Helen Maguire, Director Consumer Sales, Aer Lingus.

Limerick participates in New York parade

Limerick Cllr. Lily Wallace, Chairperson of the Mid West Regional Authority leads the Limerick contingent in the St. Patrick's Day parade on 5th Avenue, New York. Also included in the picture are Christy Wallace and Cllr. Mary Harty.

Criminal grooming of children says ISPCC

The ISPCC says it is deeply concerned that children are being used to run drugs and guns in Limerick.

The comments come after a 15-year-old appeared in court in the city for handling a loaded handgun. According to breakingnews.ie, a senior Garda told the court that feuding gangs are grooming children in Limerick.

The ISPCC says the situation is very concerning from a child protection and welfare point of view.

Gunman tackled by customers at Limerick city pub

Gardai in Limerick are investigating an incident at a bar in the city Sunday night during which a gunman was tackled by a number of customers.

A man in his 30s is in garda custody at the Mid Western Regional Hospital, where he is being treated for injuries he received during the altercation. The Belfast Telegraph reports that the drama began at around 8.30pm, when a man entered Quilty's pub in Thomondgate brandishing a loaded sawn-off shotgun. He pointed the gun at customers as he moved through the bar in search of his intended target. However, he was overpowered by a number of customers in the bar, who managed to disarm him.

Gardai recovered the loaded shotgun at the scene and arrested a man before taking him to the Mid Western Regional Hospital for treatment.

Mayor Of Clare Calls For Reintroduction Of Direct Shannon-Chicago Service

The Mayor of Clare today said that the ending of Aer Lingus’s direct service between Shannon and Chicago had caused numerous problems for members of the Irish-American and business community in the US Midwest.

Making her comment following a series of meetings with political, community and business representatives in Chicago, Councillor Patricia McCarthy said that there was a clear demand for the direct service to be reinstated. Presently, all Aer Lingus passengers travelling between Chicago and Shannon must disembark at Dublin Airport.

Speaking from Chicago, the Mayor said, “I welcome the announcement by Aer Lingus that it intends to continue services between Shannon and the United States. Considering that it has secured support from local tourism groups, additional flexibility from staff and lower landing charges at Shannon Airport, I would urge the airline to now review its decision to axe the direct service between Shannon and Chicago.”

“Quite simply, if Shannon is to remain as the ‘gateway’ to the West of Ireland for North American traffic then it must be put in a position where it can benefit from direct services”, stated the Mayor. She continued, “Among the concerns raised with me by members of the Clareman’s Association in Chicago, for example, was that the elderly and those with young children are having to board at Shannon Airport and then disembark at Dublin to pass through US Immigration. While prolonging an already lengthy journey, this practice is extremely inconvenient and unnecessary considering Shannon also has a US immigration clearance facility.”
Mayor McCarthy said that Aer Lingus’s reintroduction of direct services between Shannon and O’Hare Airport would have positive consequences for the local economy in the West of Ireland. "Business interests in the US Midwest have for many years invested in the West of Ireland due to the provision of direct flights to the region. Likewise, US tourists have long travelled to the region because of available direct flights. If such services are not made available then I fear that the region's economy will suffer immensely with the potential loss of millions of euro and hundreds of jobs”, concluded Mayor McCarthy.

CAPTION - Pictured at a meeting of eleven Local Authority Mayors and Chairs at the Oakwood Arms, Shannon, County Clare: Alec Fleming, Clare County Manager and Patricia McCarthy, Mayor of Clare

US Link To Remain In Place At Shannon

It has been reported today that Aer Lingus will retain its winter services from Shannon to the US.

The development comes only months after airline controversially dropped its service from Shannon to Heathrow.

The airline today announced it was continuing the US routes after it secured support from local tourism groups and cost reductions. Aer Lingus's move to axe its Heathrow route led to difficult relations between the airline and the local tourism lobby. Last month the airline met tourism interests in the region.

RTE News reports today that Aer Lingus had said its routes to the US from Shannon in winter were in doubt in the absence of significant support from the industry. Today it announced it was continuing the routes to Boston, Chicago and New York from Shannon from October.