Dell Boss To Sign Off

Dell boss Nicky Hartery (left) is logging off after eight years at the helm in Raheen, the company has confirmed.

The Limerick Leader reports today that the Waterford man is to be replaced by Sean Corkery, who has led the establishment of Dell's manufacturing plant in Lodz, Poland, for the past three years.

Mr Hartery, the PC giant's most senior executive in its Europe/Middle East division, is leaving to pursue unspecified other interests. His tenure is due to come to a close at the beginning of October.

Limerick Females Live Shorter Lives

Roscommon has the highest life expectancy for men and women in the Republic, according to a new study undertaken by the Institue of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).

Life expectancy at birth in the county is 75.6 years for men and 82.4 years for women. This compares to a national average of 75.6 years for males and 80.6 years for females. The Irish Times reports today that Leitrim has the lowest life expectancy for males at 72.8 years while Limerick has the lowest life expectancy for females at 79.3 years.

The new study marks the first time that male and female life expectancy has been made available at county level in the Republic of Ireland, according to the IPH.

Second tragedy for Limerick family

A Limerick family are mourning the loss of their second son who died tragically over the weekend, according to the Limerick Leader newspaper.

Private Alan Boyce, whose body was found in a river in Kilkenny city on Friday night was a private in the Army serving with the 12th Infantry Battalion in Kickham Barracks, Clonmel. 21 year olf Pte Boyce joined the Army less than a year ago and only recently completed his military training.

His older brother, Thomas, who was also in the Army, died in a car crash in Tipperary in 2000. Both men had followed in the footsteps of their father, grandfather and great-grandfather by joining the Army.

Above Left Image: Funeral of of Private Alan Boyce took place in Limerick yesterday evening (pic by Irish Independent)

Residents of Limerick city urged to attend Limerick Show

Organisers are expecting close on 20,000 visitors to Limerick Racecourse on the 23rd and 24th of August for the forthcoming Limerick show.

The event which is the largest in Munster is determined to beat the bad weather. Already FOUR shows throughout Ireland have been cancelled including the Tullamore Show. New events such as the farmers market and goats will join the line up which includes showjumping, horse and cattle showing classes along with trade stands and craft stalls.

Speaking to Limerick's Live 95FM, Chairperson of the Limerick Show, Councillor Leo Walsh paid tribute to the volunteers and organisers which make the show possible.

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

Boil Notice Issued Following Freak Flooding Incident In County Limerick

Limerick County Council has issued a public drinking water notice affecting hundreds of customers in Newcastle West and its environs.

The boil notice has been issued following the serious flooding experienced by the West Limerick town as a result of recent heavy rainfall. The Council confirmed that 93mm of rainfall, equivalent to a month’s rain, was recorded near Newcastle West over a five hour period late last night and early this morning.

The areas affected by the boil notice include Newcastle West, Coolcappagh and Rathcahill, as well as the Ballyine, Dually, Reens Kilscannell, Old Mill Road, Killoughteen and Killeline Group Water Supply Schemes.

According to Donal Brennan, A/Director of Services Transportation & Water Services, Limerick County Council, ‘Due to the recent extra-ordinary flooding, the production of water at the Newcastle West Water Treatment Plant is severely restricted. Limerick County Council is currently taking all steps to re-commence full production at the plant. The water in the service reservoirs, which was produced before the flooding, is almost exhausted.’

He added, ‘As the Water Services Authority for County Limerick, we wish to advise members of the public that water being supplied from now until further notice should not be used for human consumption except under a number of conditions and for certain purposes.’

Mr. Brennan said, ‘The Council wishes to thank the public for their support to date. A further notice will be issued in due course.’

Boil notice conditions:
Water for drinking purposes, brushing teeth and food preparation should be boiled. Boil the water to ensure a rolling vigorous boil and then allow it to cool. Cover it and store it in a fridge or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic filters will not guarantee that water is safe to drink. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers. Use water that has been prepared for drinking (i.e. that is boiled) for preparing foods that will not be cooked, e.g. for washing salads. It is safe to drink commercial bottled mineral water’, he explained.

Baby feeds should be prepared with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been reboiled several times. If tap water is unavailable, use bottled water that has been brought to the boil and cooled. Avoid using water that is fizzy, unless boiling has removed all the fizziness. Check the label: water in bottles labelled “natural mineral water” is not required to meet all the standards of tap waters. Do not use natural mineral water with concentrations greater than the following for infant feeding: sodium –200mg/l; Nitrate –50mg/l; Nitrite –0.5mg/l; Sulphate –250mg/l. Water may be used for flushing of toilets and for personal hygiene and bathing. Water may also be used for flushing of internal house plumbing.

Further information and advice is available from the following phone numbers: (061) 496326 (9.30am – 4.30pm Monday - Friday) or (061) 419226 (after hours).

Meanwhile, the Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has praised the response of the emergency services to this morning’s freak flooding incident in Newcastle West. Cllr John Gallahue complimented the combined response of Limerick County Council, Limerick Civil Defence, the Valentia Coast Guard, Limerick County Fire and Rescue, the ESB, the HSE, An Gardai Siochana and other emergency services.

“Thankfully no lives were lost during the incident, which is one of the most serious to have taken place in County Limerick for many years. The effective and coordinated response of the emergency services to this incident should be noted and complimented’, added the Cathaoirleach.

Public Drinking Water Conservation Notice Issued in Flood-Stricken Newcastle West

Limerick County Council has this afternoon issued a public drinking water conservation notice affecting hundreds of customers in Newcastle West and its environs.

The notice has been issued following the serious flooding experienced by the West Limerick town as a result of recent heavy rainfall. The Council confirmed that 93mm of rainfall, equivalent to a month’s rain, was recorded near Newcastle West over a five hour period late last night and early this morning.

According to Donal Brennan, A/Director of Services Transportation & Water Services, Limerick County Council, ‘Due to recent flooding, the production of water at the Newcastle West Water Treatment Plant has been temporarily ceased. Limerick County Council is currently endeavouring to re-commence production at the plant. In the interim, we would ask members of the public in the affected areas to conserve water usage.’

‘The Council wishes to thank the public for their support to date. However, in the meantime the public are asked to conserve water in the areas supplied by the Newcastle West Water Treatment Plant. A further update will be issued to the public and media later this evening’, added Mr. Brennan.

The areas affected by the water notice include Newcastle West, Coolcappagh and Rathcahill, as well as the Ballyine, Dually, Reens Kilscannell, Old Mill Road, Killoughteen and Killeline Group Water Supply Schemes.

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’.”

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.

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.”

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.”

Technology to protect lifebuoys in Limerick

Response Group, one of Ireland’s leading water and wastewater treatment companies, today announced that it is to provide Limerick County Council with remote text alert technology on lifebuoys in the Limerick region.

Response Group is to contribute technical assistance for the development and rollout of this pilot project as part of an ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The Water Safety initiative will involve the purchase and installation of telematic technology to be fitted to lifebuoys at six locations in Limerick County. The technology will work to prevent lifebuoys in the region from being stolen or vandalised. When a lifebuoy is moved from its location, the telematic technology will send a text message to Limerick County Council alerting them to what has happened and allowing them to resolve the situation. Response Group has committed financial assistance towards the development, installation and integration of the necessary equipment.

Speaking on behalf of Response Group, Geoff O’Sullivan Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist Limerick County Council with this project and we are looking forward to providing and maintaining the technology and range of services necessary to make this project a success. I’d also like to commend our technology partner Mike Mc Ennis from Celtrak for his work on this initiative.”

John Leech, Irish Water Safety CEO, said: “Lifebuoys are crucial to preventing drownings in Irish waterways. Removal of lifebuoys from their set locations endangers lives and this new technology will greatly improve the ability of Limerick County Council to ensure lifebuoys are in their correct locations when they are needed.”

"The message we constantly try to get across to the public is 'a stolen ringbuoy means a stolen life'”, stated Kevin Sheehan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council.

He added, “The Council provides and maintains lifebuoys at more than fifty locations. Some are respected properly, but regrettably some others are frequently vandalised. Anyone who interferes with a lifebelt is endangering a life, and deserves punishment by the rigours of the law for their recklessness. I hope this new technology will enable us to catch these vandals in the act, in cooperation with the Gardai, and I hope it will serve as a warning to them to desist from damaging our vital life-saving equipment'.”

The Irish owned Response Group provides water and environmental services for both public and private clients throughout Ireland. Response offers a wide range of turnkey solutions for the water industry, based on its track record in the design, construction and operation of treatment plants and operating facilities.

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.