Man dies in Limerick collision

A 30-year-old man has died and another has been injured in a road crash in Co Limerick.

The accident happened at around 2.30am on the N21 at the Rathkeale Bypass, when a car collided with a parked truck. The victim, who was a passenger in the car, died at the scene.

RTE News reports that the driver was taken to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

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’.

Work On Mini-Pitch Scheme Kicks Off In County Limerick

Five all weather soccer and multiuse facilities are to be provided at separate locations throughout County Limerick.

Limerick County Council has signed a €623,500 contract with Emerald Pitch Developments Ltd, of Clonbullogue, Edenderry, Co Offaly, for the provision of the Astroturf pitches at Abbeyfeale, Patrickswell, Hospital, Rathkeale and Cappamore. Funding will be drawn from the Limerick County Council Development Contributions Fund, and from the FAI and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

Limerick County Council has teamed up with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to develop the facilities in each Electoral Area, as part of the UEFA/FAI Hat Trick mini-pitch scheme.

Under the scheme, launched in 2006 to mark the 50th anniversary of the foundation of UEFA, the FAI and the Department of Arts Sport and Tourism offered €35,000 per pitch to develop small sized all weather pitches. Primarily aimed at promoting soccer amongst school children, the pitches will also be lined to accommodate other sports such as basketball and futsal.

“The provision of these new facilities represents another major milestone in the ongoing development and promotion of soccer at local level”, stated Councillor Kevin Sheahan, outgoing Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council.

The Cathaoirleach added that the facilities would greatly assist the recently appointed Football Development Officer for County Limerick in carrying out his job.

“I look forward to seeing the results of the many progressive actions that are due to be implemented across the county, whether that is the implementation of coaching courses and the Schools Programme or the organisation of volunteer and parent workshops. I have no doubt that the Astroturf pitches will contribute to the success of these initiatives”, the Cathaoirleach commented.

According to Mr. Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager, “Limerick County Council is delighted to be able to work in partnership with the FAI in developing these facilities and looks forward to seeing them contribute to the development of the game here.”

Mr. Gleeson complimented the FAI for its continued work in improving standards within the game all over County Limerick.

He continued. “Along with the many other initiatives being rolled out across the county by the Association, I believe that great strides are being taken to increase participation in sport among young people though various soccer programmes. This is something that Limerick County Council is very supportive of as it is cogently aware that by participating in sport, children develop lifelong skills and disciplines that will help them lead active, healthy, well-balanced lives.”

“I hope the new pitches, which are due to be in place by the end of the year, will provide an enjoyable and safe sporting environment for young people in various locations throughout County Limerick”, Mr. Gleeson concluded.

Football Association of Ireland, Chief Executive Officer, John Delaney welcomed the announcement and paid tribute to all involved in the mini-pitch scheme in the Limerick area.

He said, “Just over a year ago Limerick County Council and the Football Association of Ireland formed a partnership at local level to recruit a Football Development Officer, Conor Nestor and I would like to thank Limerick County Council for their vision and purpose in investing heavily in fostering social inclusion using football as a tool in local communities in this area.”

Mr. Delaney added, “This is a very significant development for all involved in County Limerick. These five new mini pitches are the latest of 64 mini-pitches that are being rolled out across the country in conjunction with local authorities. These new facilities in the Limerick area will help the local community use sport, and football in particular, to address real issues such as active citizenship, obesity and social inclusion. The Football Association of Ireland is using football to tackle social issues and over the past three years we have increased our commitment to developing the game.”

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.