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.

Robbery in West Limerick

Gardaí in Limerick are investigating an armed robbery that took place at a service station on Main Street in Foynes shortly before 11pm last night.

According to the Irish Times, a woman, who was in her car outside the service station, was approached by a man who took her out of her car and led her into the service station shop at knife point.

The man was then joined by two other raiders, both armed with shotguns. Two shots were fired during the robbery but nobody was injured. The raiders left the shop on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

Major New Public Park Opens In Limerick

A major new outdoor recreational facility has today been opened to members of the public in Castletroy, County Limerick.

Costing an estimated EUR2.2m to develop, ‘Castletroy Park’ is now one of the largest purpose-built public park and amenity areas in the Midwest Region. The delivery of the 17-acre development follows an eight-month long construction contract between Limerick County Council and contractor L&M Keating of Kilmihil, County Clare.

The development, which was designed by local company Nicholas de Jong Associates Urban Design, features 1.2 km of pedestrian pathways, a fully equipped children's playground, skateboarding area, circular cycle route, and central performance and exhibition area with covering structure. It also includes an array of natural habitats, including a 4,300 sq. metre lake, wetlands, wildflower grass areas and woodlands

The development, which is located opposite Castletroy College, is complemented by park furniture, ornamental planting areas, a public car park and main entrance feature. It will be open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours, and managed by Limerick County Council. Cllr. John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, said that the new facilities were a significant and welcome addition to Limerick’s outdoor recreational infrastructure.

‘The County Council has always been conscious of the growing population of the City Environs and the increasing demands for enhanced recreational facilities. To this end, therefore, the additional amenities being provided in this park will also be complemented by further recreational facilities in the Castletroy area and also a proposed new Neighbourhood Park at Ballykeeffe. This park will serve the population of the Southern Environs, including Ballykeeffe, Dooradoyle, Gouldavoher, Raheen and Mungret’, explained the Cathaoirleach.

Mr. Gerry Behan, Deputy County Manager, said the provision of sporting and recreational facilities and services is one of the core functions of Local Government. ‘Castletroy continues to experience growth in terms of developments and population. Therefore, it is imperative that this is matched by the provision of important infrastructure such as recreational amenities. The funding made available through the Development Levy Scheme, makes it possible for the first time to provide this state of the art recreational facility. I expect that this accessible and convenient setting for relaxation and recreation will become a focal point for the people of the locality and beyond’, added Mr. Behan

Limerick County Council has in recent months made significant progress in meeting its obligations under the County Limerick Play Plan 2006-2010 and National Play Policy – Ready, Steady, Play! Play facilities have been provided at Kilmallock, Cappamore, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale with further playgrounds planned for Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croom, Kilfinane, Castleconnell and Bruff. Elsewhere, the Council and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) are developing all weather soccer and multiuse facilities for young people in Abbeyfeale, Patrickswell, Hospital, Rathkeale and Cappamore. Earlier this year, meanwhile, President of Ireland Mary McAleese officially opened the Askeaton Pool And Leisure Centre, which has been established as a lasting tribute to Askeaton’s proud and lengthy association with organised swimming and water sports.

17-Acre Public Park To Open This Week In Castletroy, County Limerick

Limerick County Council will officially open a major new public park and amenity area in Castletroy later this week.

The development of ‘Castletroy Park’ follows an 8-month long construction contract between Limerick County Council and contractor L&M Keating of Kilmihil, County Clare. The EUR2.2m public park and amenity area, which is one of the largest purpose built public park and amenity areas in County Limerick, was designed by local company Nicholas de Jong Associates, Urban Design.

The development features 1.2 km of pedestrian pathways, a fully equipped children's playground, skateboarding area, circular cycle route and central performance/exhibition area with covering structure. It also features an array of natural habitats, including a 4,300 sq. metre lake, wetlands, wildflower grass areas and woodlands The development, which is located opposite Castletroy College, is complemented by park furniture, ornamental planting areas, a public car park and main entrance feature. It will be open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours, and managed by Limerick County Council.

Cllr. John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, who will officially open the new public park and amenity area this Thursday at 12 noon, said, ‘These new facilities are a significant and welcome addition to Limerick’s outdoor recreational infrastructure’. He added, ‘The provision of this state of the art public park demonstrates Limerick County Council’s commitment to further improving the quality of life for local communities. The development will be of particular benefit to the growing population of Castletroy and surrounding areas’.

Mr. Gerry Behan, Deputy County Manager, said the provision of sporting and recreational facilities and services is one of the core functions of Local Government. ‘Castletroy continues to experience growth in terms of developments and population. Therefore, it is imperative that this is matched by the provision of important infrastructure such as recreational amenities. I expect that this accessible and convenient setting for relaxation and recreation will become a focal point for the people of the locality and beyond’, added Mr. Behan.

In the past year alone, Limerick County Council has made significant progress in meeting its obligations under the County Limerick Play Plan 2006-2010 and National Play Policy – Ready, Steady, Play! Play facilities have been provided at Kilmallock, Cappamore, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Further playgrounds are planned for Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croom, Kilfinane, Castleconnell and Bruff.

Elsewhere, the Council and the Football Association of Ireland are currently in the process of providing all weather soccer and multiuse facilities at separate locations throughout County Limerick. The five separate Astroturf pitches for young people will be situated in Abbeyfeale, Patrickswell, Hospital, Rathkeale and Cappamore. Earlier this year, meanwhile, President of Ireland Mary McAleese officially opened the Askeaton Pool And Leisure Centre, which has been established as a lasting tribute to Askeaton’s proud and lengthy association with organised swimming and water sports.

According to Cllr. Patrick O’Donovan, Chair of the Environment Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), ‘Castletroy Park represents yet another step forward for the Local Authority in its continuing efforts to further improve the number and standard of recreational facilities available to members of the public. Through interaction with local groups, who possess an in-depth understanding of the needs of their locality, my colleagues and I will continue to press for further developments of this nature throughout the county’.

Eircom teams are engaged in West Limerick repairs

Hundreds of Eircom customers throughout West Limerick had their telephone service disrupted last evening as a result of the heavy rainfall in recent days, the company has confirmed.

Eircom said the worst affected areas include Newcastlewest and Askeaton.

“Eircom's storm response plan has been in operation since last Saturday with significant extra resourcing deployed to assist our repair teams,” a statement said.

Limerick County Council Vows To Enforce Burial Ground Policy

Limerick County Council has vowed to clamp down on the number of unauthorised permanent structures being erected at burial grounds throughout County Limerick.

The move follows the forced removal by the local authority of a headstone at a cemetery in West Limerick. The permanent structure at Relig Mhuire Burial Ground in Askeaton was found to be in breach of guidelines, as set out under the Council’s ‘Burial Ground Policy’.

According to Mr. Michael Griffin, Administrative Officer, Limerick County Council, “Permission was given to a local resident to erect a headstone at the cemetery in July 2007. It subsequently came to our attention that a cross was added to the headstone, bringing the overall height of the structure above the permissible height of 4ft. 6 inches. The Council removed the cross after numerous meetings and written submissions to the resident asking them to remove it proved unsuccessful.”

He explained, “The Council carried out an inspection of the cross prior to its removal. The instability of the structure meant that it was a threat to public safety. The Council is satisfied that the Monumental Sculptor did not erect the cross. The Council does not know who erected the cross or if they had the required insurances.”

Limerick County Council’s ‘Burial Ground Policy’ states that no tomb, monument, vault, headstone, tablet or permanent structure of any description or material shall be erected or constructed on any place of burial in the cemetery, unless and until the structure has been approved of, in writing, in the form of a Certificate of Permission by the Council’s Engineer, or such other Officer as the Council shall appoint for this purpose.

The Policy adds that a descriptive statement of what is proposed, together with a dimensioned drawing to a scale of not less than 1 is to 20 must accompany all such requests for approval. The heights of any structure proposed must not exceed 1.2 metres above beam level.

Mr. Griffin continued, “Limerick County Council will continue to investigate breaches of these regulations by conducting examinations of all newly erected permanent structures in burial grounds across County Limerick. Such inspections will be carried out in the interests of public safety and in accordance with guidelines set out under the ‘Burial Ground Policy’.”

Community Groups To ‘Play’ Direct Role

Community groups across County Limerick are set to take on a more direct role in developing playgrounds.

The move follows the launch by Limerick County Council of the ‘Community Playground Grant Scheme’, under which community groups rather than the Local Authority will steer the playground programme. Today’s launch also featured the unveiling of plans to develop a new playground in Askeaton.

Local Councillor and Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Kevin Sheahan, commented, “I am delighted to see that under the Community Playground Grant Scheme the Council will continue to offer advice and, where necessary, technical assistance to communities in developing playgrounds.” The Cathaoirleach expressed confidence that the new partnership approach to developing play facilities would play a significant role in improving the quality of life for local communities across Limerick.

“I would like to congratulate the county’s community groups on the vital role they have already played in developing playgrounds throughout County Limerick. Considering they are working on a voluntary basis it is important that they are supported locally in conjunction with Limerick County Council. The Council looks forward to this positive working relationship continuing into the future with the result that we are making the county a better places to live in and visit”, Councillor Sheahan added.

The process of making the provision of playgrounds more community led was progressed in February 2008 when a draft policy on the matter was endorsed by Limerick County Council’s Social, Cultural and Community Development Strategic Policy Committee. The initiative was referred to and endorsed by all 28 elected representatives of Limerick County Council in March.

Councillor Francis Foley, Chair of the Community & Cultural SPC, described the Community Playground Grant Scheme as a wonderful opportunity to show what can be achieved when the community and local authority worked together. He stated, “The community led playground programme is being fully supported by all local elected representatives, as it will empower community groups to drive the process forward. Under this scheme, the Council will continue to support community groups in delivering further improvements in the quality, quantity and safety of play and play areas throughout the county.”

Under the County Limerick Play Plan 2006-2010, Limerick County Council and local community groups have initiated numerous playground projects throughout the county. Play facilities have been provided at Kilmallock, Cappamore and Newcastle West, while new playgrounds are being constructed in Castletroy and Abbeyfeale. Further playgrounds are planned for Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croom, Kilfinane, Castleconnell and Bruff.

Ms. Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services, Community & Enterprise, stated that there were many benefits associated with a community-led playground programme. She commented, “Groups generally have undertaken fundraising in advance, in certain instances over a number of years, which allows Council funding to be allocated to more groups. A strong, dedicated community playground group exists prior to Council funding being allocated. Local groups have a better understanding of the needs of the locality. Groups manage and maintain the playgrounds after completion. It may be easier for community groups to get land to provide playgrounds and directly negotiate better deals with suppliers.”

Ms. Cotter Coughlan confirmed that Limerick County Council was now inviting expressions of interest from recognised community groups who wished to provide a children’s playground for their area. “Limerick County Council’s policy with regard to playgrounds is that it will assess applications for grants by assessing the benefit to the community and the geographical location of the proposed playground in relation to existing playgrounds. Meanwhile, the community association proposing the playground will be responsible for the design, planning, tendering and construction of the playground”, she concluded.

Limerick County Council will part fund each playground to a maximum amount of €55,000 or 70% of the total cost, whichever is the lower. It will liase with the groups through each of the steps of the process, and is available to provide advice and assistance to the groups.

Religious Figures Honoured In Limerick

Three pillars of religious life in County Limerick will be officially recognised by Limerick County Council at a Civic Reception later today.

Most Rev. Donal Murray, Bishop of Limerick, Right Rev. Michael Mayes, former Church of Ireland Bishop, and the Franciscan Order will receive the highest accolade that the Local Authority can award to an individual, group or organisation. Bishop Murray is being honoured in recognition of the silver jubilee of his Episcopal Consecration and his continuing service to the people of Limerick.

Educated at Blackrock College, Dr Murray studied for the priesthood at Clonliffe College, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, and the Angelicum in Rome, where he was awarded a doctorate of divinity. Ordained in May 1966 Dr Murray became the youngest member of the Hierarchy when appointed as auxiliary Bishop of Dublin in April 1982. Dr Murray is the first to be appointed bishop from outside of the Diocese of Limerick for two centuries. He was installed at St. John's Cathedral, Limerick, on Sunday 24 March 1996.

According to Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, “As a respected author in the areas of theology, ethics and social issues, Dr. Murray is cogently aware of the many issues facing members of his Church. This is very apparent in the way he comfortably, delicately and effectively handle matters of significance for members of the Church, as well as the wider community here in Limerick.”

He added, “By serving the public with thoroughness and honesty you have brought great acclaim to the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Limerick and those you have worked with you down through the years. Therefore, Limerick County Council is delighted to formally recognise you for your fantastic contribution to the Catholic Church and the wider community in Limerick.”

The Cathaoirleach said that Limerick County Council was also delighted to provide a Civic Reception for the Right Rev. Michael Mayes to mark his retirement as Church of Ireland Bishop of Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert after forty-three years in the ordained ministry. In April 1993, he was elected as Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh and in 2000 he was translated to the Diocese based in Limerick following the vote of the Electoral College. Since 2000, Bishop Mayes has taken special responsibility for the area of international development work.

Councillor Sheahan commented, “Since his arrival in the Midwest, Rev Mayes has served his Church members and the wider community well. By holding a Civic Reception in his honour, the Council is expressing its sincere appreciation of his ministry.” He continued, “Anyone who knows Michael Mayes is aware of his great intellectual ability, wise pastoral care and warm personality. He is greatly missed by the whole Church of Ireland and in particular by those who have served most closely with him. I wish him and his wife Beth many long and happy years in their retirement.”

Meanwhile, the Franciscan Order, which last week closed its main friary in Limerick, is being honoured in recognition and commemoration of more than seven hundred and thirty years of service to the people of the county. The Franciscan Order’s main friary was established in 1267 while the present church and friary were opened in 1886 and reconstructed in 1929. The friary on Henry Street provided an array of services, especially the sacramental services of Mass, Confessions, preaching, and parlour blessings.

Councillor Sheahan said the Franciscan Order also played a much broader role in society and its members were valued members of the local community. He stated, “Indeed, my own native Askeaton is immensely proud of its close ties with the Order. The Franciscan Friary there was built around 1400AD and to this day remains a prominent landmark and visitor attraction in the town.”

“I have no doubt that the Franciscan Order will continue to contribute valuably to all facets of life around Ireland and beyond for many years to come”, the Cathaoirleach concluded.

Today’s Civic Reception takes place at 4.30pm in Adare Manor, County Limerick.

50 Years Of Irish Credit Union Movement Celebrated In Limerick

The 50th anniversary of the founding of the Irish credit union movement was today marked by an official function at Limerick County Hall in Dooradoyle.

The Board of Directors of the Irish League of Credit Unions attended the event a day ahead of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting at the University of Limerick. There are currently 521 credit unions affiliated to the Irish League of Credit Unions with 2.9m members and €13.4m in savings. Credit unions can be found at 25 locations throughout Limerick City and County, including Askeaton, Bruff, Athea, Rathkeale, Castletroy, Glin, Castleconnell, Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock, Mungret, Ahane and Newcastle West.

Addressing those in attendance at today’s function, Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, commented, “It is heartening to see that in a world of global banking and other financial institutions that there is still a place and demand for community-driven cooperative financial institutions.” He said, “Credit unions in Limerick are extremely varied in their size, membership and in the range of services they offer. However, they all share a basic philosophy and set of principles. That is to offer members the chance to have control over their own finances by making their own savings work for them. By saving together and lending to each other at a fair and reasonable rate of interest, our credit unions continue that generations-old Irish tradition of co-operative self-help.”

The Cathaoirleach said he believed that that the success of the credit union movement contributed greatly to the development of the Irish economy. He explained, “We should not lose site of the fact that the Irish credit union movement was established in response to the scarce availability and poor management of money in this country. Long before Ireland became a prosperous nation, the Irish League of Credit Union Unions was developing a system whereby people were empowered to gain more control over their finances.”

“While the Celtic Tiger has been and gone and the financial burdens on families and individuals are greater than ever, there is no doubt that our credit unions will continue to provide a helping hand for members of the community for many years to come”, concluded Councillor Sheahan.

The Irish credit union movement was founded in 1958 as a result of the efforts of three dynamic, pioneering and entrepreneurial people namely Nora Herlihy, from Ballydesmond, a teacher based in Dublin; Sean Forde, an employee of Peter Kennedy Bakers, Dublin; and, Séamus P. MacEoin from Kilkenny a Civil Servant working in Dublin. The international credit union movement has its origins in mid-19th century Germany and now has affiliates in 97 countries.