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.

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.

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.

Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon launch

The 2008 Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon was launched at Limerick County Hall last evening. The annual event takes place in UL on Sunday 5 October 2008.
- Nora O'Connor and Anne Byrnes, CARI, Phelim Macken, County Limerick Sports Partnership, Maria Browne and Bridget Kelly, mid west Attention Deficit Disorder support group at the launch of the Limerick Leader, Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon at County Hall, Dooradoyle (DG) Picture by Dave Gaynor
- Mary Burke, Caring for Carers, Limerick, Una Anderson-Ryan, Parkinsons Association, Eileen Reilly, Alzheimer’s Society and Patricia Fitzmaurice, Parkinsons Association at the launch of the Limerick Leader, Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon at County Hall, Dooradoyle (DG) Picture by Dave Gaynor
- Alan English, editor of the Limerick Leader, Cllr John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Tom Foley, race director Limerick Athletic Club, the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan and Joe Nash, Limerick 95FM at the launch of the Limerick Leader, Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon at County Hall, Dooradoyle (DG) Picture by Dave Gaynor
- The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Cllr John Gallahue and the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan get a lesson in marathon running from Cheryl-Ann Ryan, Corbally and Erin Murphy, Dooradoyle at the launch of the Limerick Leader, Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon at County Hall Dooradoyle
- Mayor of Limerick, Cllr John Gilligan and Cllr John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council

HSE steps in to aid flooding victims

Following last week'sunprecedented flooding in Newcastle West and surrounding areas, the services of the Health Service Executive were called upon to respond very quickly to the difficult circumstances in which people found themselves.

The Limerick Post newspaper reports that emergency accommodation was provided for a number of elderly people at St Ita's Hospital and the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle. Bed and Breakfast was also used for those who needed accommodation and this was funded through the Community Welfare Service.

The Environmental Health Service called to food premises in the affected area to advise on disposal of damaged food, clean up, sanitising operations and pest control. Advice was also given on food storage due to power cuts. The Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) liaised with Nursing Homes, the Health Centre and the Hospital, and were actively involved in checking chlorine levels in the public water supply throughout the town on Friday, August 1. Communication was maintained with Limerick County Council over the weekend regarding the potential threat to the public water supply due to flooding at the Water treatment plant.

A spokesperson for the Health Service Executive Mid-West said that EHO's continue to take phone calls from members of the public in affected areas regarding the clean up and to offer advice on public health issues where required. Monitoring of the public water supply is on going, she said.

Cathaoirleach Praises Participants In Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon

The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has praised the organisers and participants of the 2008 Limerick Women’s Mini-Marathon.

The race, the biggest annual sporting participation event in Limerick, will take place around the campus of the University of Limerick on Sunday 5 October next. Speaking ahead of this evening’s launch of the 2008 Limerick Women’s Mini-Marathon, Councillor John Gallahue said he was delighted to learn that so many people were yet again rolling up their sleeves for a charitable cause.

He continued, ‘The mini-marathon is more than just a competitive event. This memorable annual occasion is made extra special by the huge funds raised for various charities at local, national and international level. Thanks to people's extraordinary generosity, many charitable organisations are enabled to continue their invaluable work and, in turn, bring further untold benefits to members of the local community’.

‘In addition to the obvious competitive and fundraising elements to this mini-marathon, it is also a unique social event for women. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, housewives, office workers, company executives, endurance athletes – women from all walks of life – gather in the University of Limerick to take part in an event that engenders a spirit of hope and common goodwill’, he commented.

Praising the organisers and sponsors of the annual event, Councillor Gallahue stated, ‘From the registration of participants to the organisation of the race on the day, the extensive work that is carried out has made the event one of the largest and most successful of its kind in Ireland.’

He added, ‘The health and fitness benefits associated with this event should not be understated and I would like to compliment the event organisers, volunteers and sponsors for each year encouraging increasing numbers of women to take part. I would especially like to congratulate the Limerick County Sports Co-ordinator Phelim Macken for organising specific meet and train events in county towns. These events ensure that runners and walkers are aware of and prepared for the physical demands placed on their bodies by participating in October’s mini-marathon.’

The 2008 Limerick Women’s Mini-Marathon will be officially launched at a ceremony this evening in Limerick County Hall at 6 o’clock.

ABOVE IMAGE: Pictured at last year's mini-marathon in UL wereNational Breast Cancer ResearchInstitute fundraisers Standing: Dara Mahon,Tanya Carney, Elaine Moore, Michelle Carney, Mary Crowley, Caroline Sheary, "Stephanie" Mc Meel, Jennifer Hickey Kneeling: Dolores Mc Meel, Sharon Mc Meel, Paula Galvin

Limerick County Council Peddles Green Initiative

Limerick County Council today launched an initiative aimed at reducing the local authority’s overall carbon footprint.

Staff are being given access to bicycles and umbrellas to cut the number of car journeys being made between the Council’s two main buildings in Dooradoyle. High visibility jackets and safety helmets are also provided to staff wishing to peddle their way between Lissanalta House and Limerick County Hall.

Welcoming the initiative, Councillor Kevin Sheahan, outgoing Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council said, “I fully support any scheme that actively promotes ways of reducing carbon emissions. Limerick County Council plays a central role in changing the mindset of people in County Limerick regarding energy use. Therefore, it is appropriate that the Council is itself leading by example by encouraging staff to embrace more environmentally-friendly modes of transport.”

Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services, commented, “Like many people in Limerick, we have become too reliant on our cars. This initiative, however, aims to break the habit of using our cars all the time, especially for short journeys. A car journey from County Hall to Lissanalta House that can take up to 10-15mins at rush-hour now takes a couple of minutes by bicycle or less than five minutes on foot.”

Local Authority Gives Patrickswell Club A Lift

Patrickswell Powerlifting Club has been officially recognised at a ceremony in Limerick County Hall.

The Bruff Area Committee of Limerick County Council hosted the event in recognition of the club’s successful participation in the European and World Championships. Players and members were presented with individual ‘Recognition of Achievement Certificates’.

Powerlifting is a strength sport, consisting of three events: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. The sport resembles Olympic weightlifting because it involves lifting heavy weights in three attempts.

The call to honour Patrickswell Powerlifting Club was made at a recent meeting of Limerick County Council by Patrickswell native and Fianna Fail Deputy Niall Collins. According to Councillor John Clifford, Chairman of the Bruff Electoral Area Committee, “The achievements of Patrickswell Powerlifting Club are nothing short of outstanding when you consider the short length of time that the club has been in existence. The Patrickswell Powerlifters have not lost in any competition since their beginnings in 2004.”

He added, “Patrickswell Powerlifting Club continues to go from strength to strength, quite literally, under the watchful eye of their Coach, President and leading member, Gerard McNamara. I am delighted that this competitive and hugely successful sporting organisation is now being officially recognised by its own county.”

Patrickswell Powerlifting Club acquired their existing premises at Main Street, Patrickswell four years ago. The club consists of nine senior members, fourteen junior members and two ladies members. All members train four times a week, each session lasting approximately 90 minutes. Club members recently returned from the European Championships in the Czech Republic, having already achieved numerous successes at the World Championships in Canada.

Picture by Dave Gaynor: Members of the Patrickswell Powerlifting Club, front from left; Ger McNamara, Pat Slattery, Eoin O'Neill, Petra Stumpfova and Christy Moore who received scrolls in recognition of their achievement from Bruff area committee members Cllr James Cavanagh, Cllr Richard Butler, Cllr Deirdre Ní Chinneide, Cllr Rose Brennan, Cllr Cormac Hurley and Cllr John Clifford. Also in the picture are Paula McNamara and Mary Moore (DG). Missing from picture is Cllr Leonard Enright

Castletroy College Junior and Senior Rugby Teams Honoured At County Hall

The players and coaching staff of the Castletroy College Junior and Senior rugby teams were today presented with ‘Recognition of Achievement Certificates’ at Limerick County Hall in Dooradoyle.

The Castleconnell Area Committee of Limerick County Council hosted the event in recognition of the school’s historic Munster schools rugby double this year.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Councillor Marty Harty, Chairperson of the Castleconnell Area Committee, said, “Castletroy College has represented Limerick with distinction at provincial level, and has further enhanced Limerick’s proud sporting tradition and ability to compete at the top level. The fact that Castletroy College are only in their fifth season as Senior Cup participants makes this achievement all the more special.”

Commenting on Castletroy College’s meteoric rise to prominence in local school’s rugby, Councillor Harty stated, “Tall Oaks from little acorns grow and from its humble beginnings in 2000, with the opening of Castletroy College, Martin Bourke and Declan English started a rugby team with the first year students – the only class in the College at that point. Today the school proudly fields 10 teams and 12 coaches.”

She continued, “Behind these successful Junior and Senior teams is, of course, a stalwart bunch of coaching staff. The support and input of both teaching and administrative staff is also vital and has played a large part in the successes at Senior and Junior level, with non-coaching teachers providing cover for coaches who must be present at fixtures, and admin personnel assisting in arrangements for training, matches and much more besides.”

“Throughout the years, the local colleges game has produced some of Munster’s finest players. Looking ahead, I am confident that Castletroy will also become a source of rugby talent for local senior clubs and that this year’s fantastic achievement will generate a revival of schools rugby in Limerick”, Councillor Harty concluded.

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.

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.

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.