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.

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.

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’.

Adare’s Tidy Towns Win Augurs Well For National Tidy Towns Competition

The new Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has expressed confidence that Limerick can achieve regional and national success in this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition.

Councillor John Gallahue made his comment just days after Adare was named as winner of the ‘Best Kept Small Town’ category in Ireland’s Best Kept Towns 2008 competition.

The competition, which is organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, features towns that have reached the highest standards in Tidy Towns in the Republic of Ireland and Best Kept Awards in Northern Ireland. Participants are judged on criteria such as cleanliness, the outward appearance of buildings, the presentation of roads and public facilities and the natural environment. Meanwhile, judging in the 50th annual National Tidy Towns Competition is currently underway in towns and villages across County Limerick.

“I have every confidence that Adare, with the support of Limerick County Council, can once again lead the way for County Limerick in this year’s competition”, stated Councillor Gallahue. Adare was awarded a Bronze Medal and the Limerick County Award in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2007. Knockainey picked up the Best New Entry (Category B) Award, Galbally received the County Highly Commended accolade, Ardpatrick won the County Commended award, Glenosheen received the County Endeavour Award, N. Rainsford in Doon won the Regional Shopfront Award, while Scoil Athain in Lisnagry received the Regional Schools Award.

The Cathaoirleach stressed the importance of the work done by Limerick’s Tidy Towns volunteers and the Council’s ongoing commitment to providing support to community and voluntary organisations.

“I have many years of experience of working with Voluntary Organisations and, therefore, I recognise the huge effort required by community groups to participate in and achieve success in such competitions. I believe that the Tidy Towns Competition is truly a celebration of community spirit, teamwork and an awareness of the natural environment”, added Councillor Gallahue. The Kilmallock Electoral Area Councillor continued, “I would like to congratulate all participants from Limerick who have done their county proud down in the National Tidy Towns Competition through the years and, in fact, during the last half-century. I would particularly like to acknowledge the efforts made by new entrants to the competition and urge each new committee to retain the motivation to keep going and recruit more volunteers.”

The Tidy Towns competition is organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. SuperValu, and its 180 plus storeowners around the country, have sponsored the competition since 1992. The Tourism Division of Shannon Development administers and promotes the competition in the Shannon Region. Judging of entries takes place in June, July and August each year and the results are announced at the National Awards Ceremony in Dublin Castle in September. Aughrim, Co. Wicklow was named as Ireland's Tidiest Town for 2007.

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.

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.