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.

Avvio.com Deliver Keynote Address At Limerick Seminar

One of the world’s leading providers of web-enabled hotel software this week delivered the keynote address at a Breakfast Seminar, organised by the Sales Institute of Ireland Mid-West.

Brian Reeves, Managing Director of Avvio.com briefed those in attendance at the Absolute Hotel, Harry’s Mall, Limerick, on how the University of Limerick-based firm has evolved from being a small company to a multinational success. Avvio is the leading provider of online reservation and marketing software for hotels and serviced accommodation providers, working with over 700 hotel clients worldwide. In Ireland alone, the firm delivers online results for well-known hotels, including Ashford Castle, Dromoland Castle, The Merrion Hotel, The K Club, The Dylan and Moran Hotels.

Commenting on his keynote address, Mr. Reeves said, ‘the presentation looked at how the sales challenges evolved for Avvio, from a small company setting out to the complexity today of competing with Leading Multinationals. I spoke of some of the sales and commercial challenges the company has faced, as well as lessons learned along the way.’ Meanwhile, Mr. Reeves confirmed that Avvio.com would be looking to further extend its transnational operation when it attends the World Travel Market from 10-13 November 2008.

Staged annually in London, World Travel Market is a vibrant four-day business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to international travel professionals. ‘Avvio.com will host its own stand in the Technology and Online Travel section. This event is a unique opportunity for us to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with other players in the global travel trade market’, explained Mr. Reeves.

Founded in 2002 by two Limerick brothers, Brian & Frank Reeves, Avvio is on course to increase its turnover eight-fold in three years and has grown to employ over 40 staff in their offices in Limerick, Dublin & Germany. Going forward, the company has aggressive plans to increase their market share in the UK & Asian market, through direct sales and strategic partnerships. With a background in electrical engineering and psychology, Managing Director Brian’s insight into Internet user behaviour coupled with Frank’s background in software engineering, having previously worked for Sun Microsystems, earned the brothers a recent shortlist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

The company’s suite of software products, Avvio Suite, yielded in excess of EUR45million in accommodation bookings for clients in 2007. For more LoCall 1890 30 2000 or visit www.avvio.com

University Of Limerick Awarded EUR5M Grant To Combat MRSA

The University of Limerick has secured a EUR5M technology research contract aimed at significantly reducing MRSA infection rates in hospitals across the world.

The trans-European project team plans to use nanotechnology to develop MRSA-resistant textiles such as hospital gowns and beddings, which can kill bacteria and be self-sterilising. Project partners include nine other European agencies, as well as NUI Galway and Irish companies BeoCare and Cook Medical.

“The spread of drug-resistant germs such as MRSA is a major public health concern”, stated Dr. Tofail Syed, Project Coordinator. He commented, “A significant element of the MRSA problem arises from the use of conventional textiles such as hospital gowns, curtains, beddings and pillow covers. As a result, hospital sterility has been a major concern in countries like Ireland, Germany and Belgium. We intend to develop nanotechnology-derived textiles that will help hospitals in their fight against MRSA.”

In the EU alone, in excess of 3 million people develop an infection arising from hospital-based infections, resulting in approximately 50,000 deaths per annum. One in 10 patients entering a European hospital will develop an infection caused by drug-resistant microbes such as the hospital super bug, MRSA. Dr. Syed explained, “In Southern and Western Europe, over 40 per cent of hospitals have significant problems with the MRSA super bug. We are confident of redressing this statistic through our research and development of MRSA-resistant textiles.”

MRSA-resistant textile is one of the four major health issues that the UL-led consortium will address in the 3-year research programme funded by the European Commission under its Framework Programme 7 (Nanotechnology, Materials and Production). The other health issues include plaque-resistant cardio-vascular stents, urinary stents with less stone formation and bone implants that will heal more rapidly than their conventional equivalents.

According to Mr. Liam Brown, UL Director of Research Support, “The project addresses four major areas of European healthcare that affect the quality of life of European citizens and cost European states considerable amount of money. In particular, cardiovascular disease is the cause of half of deaths in Europe, accounting for in excess of 2 million deaths per year. Arterial thrombosis contributes significantly and the project will directly address this issue”.

Mr. Brown, who is also an Enterprise Ireland National Delegate on Framework Programme 7, added that bone diseases remained a major health concern for Europe due to the continent’s ageing population. He said, “Half of all chronic conditions of those aged 65 and over are caused by osteoarthritis and among the younger population, the occurrence of bone injuries is increasing because of more leisure activity and accidents. A direct output of the project will be the stimulating of bone growth by 30%.”

Limerick Households Face Long Cold Winter As Energy Costs Soar

Thousands of householders across Limerick City and County will be unable to adequately heat their homes this winter and will suffer health problems as a result, a leading renewable energy association has warned.

The Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet (RESS) claims that the combination of shrinking purchasing power, energy inefficient homes, an inadequate fuel allowance scheme and forecasts of a colder winter than last year will leave many Limerick families unable to afford the recent and imminent hikes in energy costs. The industry-led organisation says that on average a fill of a tank of home heating oil will cost householders EUR800, compared to EUR600 in 2007.

RESS has now called on the Government and Limerick Local Authorities to examine ways of alleviating the pressures on the elderly and low-income households to heat their homes during the coming months. ‘It is incumbent on the Government to ensure that vulnerable sections of the community are provided with as much assistance as possible. In particular, it should look at increasing the winter fuel allowance, which operates for 30 weeks from September to April’, said Johnny Flynn, RESS Chairperson. He continued, ‘The existing fuel allowance of EUR18 a week barely covers the cost of a bag of coal, which would not even keep the smallest of homes heated for a week. While RESS acknowledges that the fuel allowance has doubled since 2006, we would ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to consider a further increase to help alleviate the effects of fuel poverty.’

Mr. Flynn, who is an Environmentalist, Engineer and Town Councillor in Ennis, added, ‘The Government and Sustainable Energy Ireland should consider expanding the Greener Homes Scheme to include local authority rented accommodation units. Long-term tenants should be entitled to individually apply for grants to improve energy efficiency and to incorporate renewable technologies in their homes.’

Mr. Flynn pointed out that Limerick Local Authorities could also play a significant role in helping householders to heat their homes. He said, ‘RESS urges Limerick County Council and Limerick City Council to prepare contingency plans to assist tenants in meeting high-energy costs and heating their homes. This is particularly the case for known urban banks of poorly heated social housing units. The time to act is now and not when we are in the middle of this impending crisis.’

Meanwhile, RESS has warned that Limerick will struggle to achieve building efficiency ratings of 60 per cent within ten years, as envisaged by the EU. The organisation, utilising figures from a new report by the Irish Institute for International and European Affairs, said it would cost an estimated EUR2.17 billion for Limerick to achieve this target by 2018.

Dick Whelan, RESS Project Leader, said the introduction of environmentally sound construction methods and materials in the building of new homes was being undermined by the fact that approximately two thirds of Limerick homes built before 1997 were poorly insulated and energy inefficient, and nowhere near meeting national energy efficiency targets.

Mr. Whelan stated that householders across the country were continuing to waste millions of Euro each year on heating poorly insulated homes and the situation was unlikely to improve without intervention by the Government and Limerick Local Authorities. ‘Apart from reducing fuel and electricity bills, a more energy-efficient home will help Ireland to meet its legally-binding climate change commitments and provide greater protection for householders against future increases in fuel costs, as well as making the use of renewable energy technologies a more practical option’, concluded Mr. Whelan.

RESS was set up in 2004 to provide training and support to plumbing and heating contractors and related trades and professionals involved in the design, specification, installation and maintenance of Renewable Energy Heating Systems. The network offers FETAC accredited courses in Building Energy Rating, Biomass, Solar and Heatpump technologies as well as training in a wide range of other related topics.

Meanwhile, RESS will host the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference in The Shannon Shamrock Conference Centre, Bunratty, Co Clare on Friday 17th October 2008. The key focus of this year’s conference, which will feature a keynote address from Mr. Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation, will be the promotion of quality assurance within the renewable energy heating industry. National and international experts will explore its importance and benefits in the design, supply and installation of renewable energy heating technologies both in Ireland and abroad. Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and TD for Galway East, will also address the conference.

Persons interested in attending the Conference or any of the renewable energy training events provided nationally should visit www.renewableenergy.ie, call 061 514 598 or email info@renewableenergy.ie.

Council Praises Limerick’s Tidy Towns Participants

The Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council has congratulated Adare on receiving a Silver Medal in Category C of the 50th National Tidy Towns Competition.

Adare picked up the accolade at the National Awards Ceremony in Dublin on Monday evening, just 12 months after it was awarded a Bronze Medal and the Limerick County Award in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2007. The latest award success for Adare comes less than 2 months after it was named winner of the ‘Best Kept Small Town’ category in Ireland’s Best Kept Towns 2008 competition.

Adare also won the Limerick County Award this year while Galbally and Ardpatrick came second and third place respectively. Meanwhile, Kilbehenny received the County Endeavour Award and Moore's Pub in Doon won the Regional Shopfront Award. Most notably, Adare received 9 more points than it did last year while Galbally increased its 2007 tally by five points.

Commenting on Adare’s success, Mr. Mike Brennan, Chairperson of Adare Tidy Towns Committee, ‘I would like to sincerely thank the local community for their cooperation and the team effort involved over the past year. The awarding of a Silver Medal to Adare is evidence of the strong community spirit that exists among businesses and residents of the town and is also symbolic of the ongoing efforts being made within County Limerick to compete and succeed at national level.’ Mr. Brennan added, ‘To celebrate winning a Silver Medal, a function has been organised for the people involved in the Tidy Towns effort at the Woodlands House Hotel this evening in Adare at 8 o’clock.’

According to Councillor John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, ‘I am delighted to see that Adare, with the support of Limerick County Council, has won a silver medal and once again lead the way for County Limerick in this year’s competition’.

Complimenting the efforts of Tidy Towns volunteers across County Limerick, the Cathaoirleach said, ‘I have personally worked for many years 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. I also wish to commend the staff of Limerick County Council, along with the elected representatives for the invaluable support they have provided Tidy Towns committees throughout the year’.

Commenting on the achievements of Limerick’s Tidy Towns participants, Councillor Francis Foley, Chair of the Community & Cultural SPC, stated, ‘I would like to congratulate all 36 participants from Limerick who have done their county proud in this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition and, indeed, throughout the past 50 years. 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.”

Mr. Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager said that the achievements of County Limerick’s Tidy Towns participants was especially pleasing as Limerick County Council had this year launched two new environmental initiatives aimed at enhancing the appearance of towns and villages across County Limerick. He continued, ‘Not only did Limerick County Council assist the Tidy Towns Committees in increasing their overall marks this year, we also introduced two new environmental schemes that have helped participants prepare better for this year’s competition. The Council remains committed to providing support to community and voluntary organisations in this regard.’

‘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 Priming Grants Scheme and Limerick in Bloom Competition’, concluded Mr. Gleeson.

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.

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.

Alien Invaders Land In Limerick

Accelerated global warming evidenced by record temperatures and rainfall levels is having a profound impact on Limerick's wildlife with increasing varieties and numbers of alien invaders landing on our shores, it has been claimed.

A new six part documentary series, due to be broadcast on TG4 later this month, features over a dozen foreign species never before featured on Irish television. ‘Coimhtíoch Gan Cuireadh’ or ‘Alien Invaders’ takes a broader look at Irish wildlife and recounts the fascinating stories of how some of Ireland’s alien species ended up in Ireland. The species include the Chinese Mitten Crab, Bank Vole, Mourning Dove, Emperor Dragonfly, Natterjack Toad, Slow Worm, Trigger Fish and Slipper Lobster.

According to Newmarket-on-Fergus resident John Murphy, Wildlife expert and Director of Waxwing Wildlife Productions, ‘The documentary features species of wildlife many people rarely if ever encounter even though they are present all around them. One such species, the Greater White-toothed Shrew (pictured left) this year most likely slipped into the country in the roots of large imported continental-sourced trees. This mammal is thriving in counties Tipperary and Limerick and will spread throughout the country like the bank vole has done.’ Mr. Murphy added, ‘some of these invaders are relative newcomers to our country, while others have been with us for some time. These Aliens take the shape of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, plants, fish, marine life and freshwater aquatic life forms.’

He explained that increasingly extreme Mediterranean climates had resulted in a dramatic rise in the numbers of exotic species of birds and maritime fish arriving and settling in Ireland. ‘We are seeing more and more cases of alien species of birds appearing on our shores. The arrival and spread of the Collared Dove, Cattle Egrets and the melodic Blackcap are prime examples of this growing trend. Meanwhile, during filming on Inish Bofin in County Galway this year we documented the first every sighting in Ireland of a Mourning Dove, which had arrived from the USA’ commented Mr. Murphy.

Mr. Stan Nugent, Editor and Producer of ‘Alien Invaders’, stated that the documentary provided real evidence of how some foreign species were having a detrimental impact on the Irish environment and on native wildlife. He continued, ‘During filming we examined the presence of Chinese Mitten Crabs along the River Suir, which unlike the River Thames does not possess a tidal barrier to stop the invasive species from progressing hundreds of miles up stream. If left unchecked, these silent raiders will colonise our river systems to the detriment of other species. They will eat anything that comes their way including our native Crayfish and fish spawn. They put pressure on existing stocks of native fish stocks such as Brown Trout and Salmon. Mitten Crabs also live in holes, which they burrow out of the riverbank. This accelerates bank erosion.’

Mr. Nugent said that alien fish species were also appearing along Ireland’s coast in greater numbers. The Grey Triggerfish is a warm-water species with a normal range in the tropical Atlantic and the Mediterranean. However, in more recent times during summer months when the seas are at their warmest, they can be found in the waters around Ireland. The same can be said of sea creatures like the Slipper Lobster, which have only been caught in recent times in Lobster pots in the south of the country.

Meanwhile, the upcoming documentary focuses on the origins of many of Ireland’s newest wildlife species. The slow worm, which can only be found in the reclaimed meadow fringes of the Burren, where they were reportedly brought into Ireland by ‘new age hippies’ from Britain during the early 1970's. Elsewhere, it is widely believed that the Bank Vole was introduced to Ireland in the 1920s during work on the Shannon hydroelectric scheme when large machinery for this development was shipped from ports in the north of Germany to Foynes on the river Shannon and some other Irish ports.

Facts Uncovered By ‘Alien Invaders’ About Ireland’s Counties (more info available on request – see Notes To Editor below):
Antrim: Trigger Fish and other marine invaders may soon be common off the Antrim coast
Armagh: How long will it be before Little Egrets and other Mediterranean birds nest in Armagh
Carlow: Chinese Mitten Crabs could MARCH into Carlow
Cavan: The Red Grouse and Hen Harrier are threatened by the spread of Spruce plantations
Clare: Bank Voles were introduced to Clare during the construction of the Ardnacrusha Hydroelectricity Scheme
Cork: Dace, an alien species to our rivers, were accidentally introduced to the Blackwater in Cork in 1889 by an English pike angler
Derry: Trigger Fish and other marine invaders may soon be common off the Derry coast.
Donegal: Bird species like the Fulmar may disappear from County Donegal if fish stocks continue to decline
Down: How long before Alien Slipper Lobsters are caught off the Down coast
Dublin: Emperor Dragonflies may soon reach a pond near you
Fermanagh: Zebra Mussels, which are spreading throughout the Shannon-Erne waterway, originated in the Caspian Sea and came into Ireland on the hulls of pleasure boats
Galway: First ever sighting of a Mourning Dove in Ireland took place on Inish Bofin Island this year
Kerry: Ireland’s only Toad can only be found in isolated parts of Kerry
Kildare: Emperor Dragonflies may soon reach a pond near you
Kilkenny: Chinese Mitten Crabs could soon colonise the River Nore and threaten the native Crayfish
Laois: Greater White-toothed shrew, which appeared in Ireland for the first time this year, may soon be appearing in Laois
Leitrim: Alien flying insects may soon be seen around the lovely lakes of Leitrim
Limerick: The Greater White-toothed Shrew, which arrived in Ireland from the continent this year, is spreading rapidly throughout Limerick
Longford: The American Grey Squirrel was introduced to Longford and decimated its Red Squirrel population
Louth: Trigger Fish and other marine invaders may soon be common off the Louth coast
Mayo: The Great Skuas, which breed in the high Arctic, are being seen more frequently off the Mayo coast, and could become a menace to our breeding seabird colonies
Meath: Country hedgerows provide perfect breeding ground for bank voles
Monaghan: The Red Grouse may soon disappear from the countryside
Offaly: The native Pygmy Shrew is being threatened by the arrival of the Greater White-toothed shrew
Roscommon: Little Egrets making Roscommon their home
Sligo: How long before Alien Slipper Lobsters are caught off the Sligo coast
Tipperary: Ireland’s newest alien species is discovered in the Premier County
Tyrone: Emperor Dragonflies may soon reach a pond near you
Waterford: Chinese Mitten Crabs are colonising the River Suir and threatening native Irish fish
Westmeath: Snipe and Grouse disappearing from Westmeath
Wexford: Bird species like the Fulmar may disappear from the Saltee Islands if fish stocks continue to decline
Wicklow: Bank Voles could become a food source for Red Kites

‘Alien Invaders’ will be broadcast on TG4 for six weeks starting on Friday 26 September at 8.30pm. The series will culminate with a new book to be published in November. For more on ‘Alien Invaders’ see www.waxwingfilms.ie.

Limerick County Council Reveals Findings Of Severity And Impact Report Into Flooding Of Newcastle West

Limerick County Council has published the findings of a Severity and Impact report into the flooding events of August 1st 2008 in Newcastle West, County Limerick.

Details of the report, which was compiled by JBA Consulting, were revealed at a public meeting in the West Limerick town this evening. The meeting was attended by members of the local community affected by the floods, as well as representatives of the Office of Public Works and JBA Consulting, and Limerick County Council's Transport and Infrastructure, Environment and Housing sections.

Commenting on the background to the report, Mr. Gerry Behan, Deputy County Manager, Limerick County Council, stated, ‘Following the devastating flooding in Newcastle West in the early hours of the 1st August 2008, JBA Consulting was commissioned to compile a timely report to provide a basis for informed discussion and analysis between all stakeholders. The aims of the report were to assess the severity of both the rainfall event in the upstream catchment and the resulting flood in the River Arra, to provide a factual record of the impact of the flood and to identify probable ‘root causes’ of the flooding in order to make recommendations for future analysis.’

‘I would like to thank JBA Consulting for producing this detailed report. Limerick County Council, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, now looks forward to following through on the key recommendations outlined within the report. The report will be made available in full on the Limerick County Council website at www.lcc.ie from tomorrow morning’, added Mr. Behan.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Data Collection
Two walkover surveys were undertaken; the first immediately after the flood event, and the second once water levels had dropped and the clean up had begun. Data collected included river levels and rainfall totals, weather reports and radar images and photographs and video footage. Interviews were conducted with eyewitnesses to the event, including local residents and emergency personnel, and local engineers. Questionnaires were also distributed to gather the experiences of local residents. The collation and analysis of this data is to be undertaken following this report.

Mechanisms of Flooding
The investigations followed the source-pathway-receptor model, with particular attention paid to the pathways of flooding. The pathways through the catchment above the affected area are important because flooding is not always caused by rain which falls on the location affected directly. It can be caused by rain falling on the upstream catchment which then reaches the town via the drains, rivers and overland flow. The speed with which rain is transferred through and over the ground is determined by features of the catchment such as size, gradient, permeability and wetness, as well as the intensity and duration of the rainfall.

Newcastle West and the Arra Catchment
Newcastle West lies on the downstream reach of the River Arra, which is a tributary of the River Deel. The catchment is relatively small, at 43km2, and extremely steep in its upper reaches. The ground falls from over 350 mAOD to around 80 or 90 mAOD from the summit to the foot of the mountains lying on the western margins of the catchment. The ground then slopes more gently to Newcastle West, which is at an elevation of around 45 mAOD. The underlying geology of the catchment is impermeable, and is overlain by poorly draining soils. There are three main rivers in the Arra catchment which meet in Newcastle West; the Arra, the Dooally and the Mash.

Rainfall
The weather in the days leading up to the 1st August was very wet. Persistent rainfall had resulted in a saturated catchment, revealed by the soil moisture deficit for the area as calculated by Met Éireann.

Rain gauges in the vicinity of the catchment are all daily gauges, meaning they record total rain for the previous 24 hours. Thiessens analysis of the gauge data allowed a catchment average total rainfall to be calculated for the period 09:00 GMT 31st July to 09:00 GMT 1st August. The catchment average rainfall for the period was 85.9mm.
Eyewitness accounts and rainfall radar images indicate that that rain began at around 19:30 on the 31st July and continued until approximately 01:30 on the 1st August, giving a storm duration of 6 hours. Assuming a storm duration of five to six hours, this depth of rain equates to up to a 0.15% AEP (or a return period of up to 1 in 650 years).

River Level
As there are no recording gauges on the Arra a hydraulic model will be required to calculate the exact return period. However, there are two river level recording gauges on the Deel near the Arra at Deel Bridge and Grange. The levels and severity information for the Deel gauges show that water levels were well in excess of any previously recorded event; by 600mm at the Deel Bridge and 400mm at the Grange Bridge.

Description of the Event
Eyewitness accounts and evidence gathered on the site visit were used to establish the flooding sources and pathways. The saturated catchment was unable to absorb the rain and a deluge of water ran off the steep mountain side and over-whelmed the field drains and ditches, before reaching the main watercourses through the catchment, namely the Dooally, the Mash and the Arra. Water flowed through the town, both via the channel and the roads, inundating many properties and moving debris and vehicles in its path. Water depths of up to 1.8m above road level were recorded in the town.

Impacts of the flood
A large number of properties suffered from flood damage, both internally and externally. A more detailed count of those affected will be established following analysis of the questionnaires, but initial estimates suggest over 200 properties may have suffered from some degree of flooding. Although a number of people were rescued from property or vehicles, no-one was seriously injured during the event. Power and water supplies were also affected for a time after the event. Road closures, both as a direct result of the flooding and due to subsequent land slides, remain in place in some areas.

Conclusions
The Arra catchment is very steep with a dense river network upstream of the town. Newcastle West sits at the confluence of three main rivers; the Dooally, the Arra and the Mash;
- July was an exceptionally wet month which resulted in fully saturated ground conditions prior to the storm;
- During the storm, 10% of the expected annual rainfall fell in 5-6 hours giving a rainfall return period of up to 1 in 650 years;
- Water sheeted off the upper slopes, over-whelming field drains and ditches and forming overland flow routes upstream of Newcastle West town Some properties were flooded as a result of water returning to the channel;
- In the town itself, the river channel and structures were also overwhelmed. In response to public concern, it is noted that Mill Falls Apartment and the new Bridge of Tears have greater capacity to pass flow than other structures on the channel.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Available data on the channel and structures should be supplemented with additional channel topographic survey and structure survey as required;
- Further detailed hydraulic analysis should be undertaken, in conjunction with the OPW, to assess the capacities of the channel and individual structures in order to identify actual risk associated with each of them. This includes in particular Cullenagh Bridge, the Bridge Street crossing, the culvert below the Bedding Store, Mill Falls Apartments, Courtenay Bridge and the Bridge of Tears (both structures);
- JBA Consulting visually recorded wrack marks throughout the whole town. It is recommended that these marks be surveyed at a later date to give a more detailed analysis of flood levels;
- Flood outlines for planning should be produced for the 1% AEP and 0.1% AEP events to align with forthcoming Government Flood Planning Policy;
- Development of a detailed Digital Elevation Model (DEM), ideally using LiDAR, to produce a detailed flood event outline;
- Compilation and analysis of questionnaires, including further interviews should they be deemed necessary.

Wettest August since records began

It was the wettest August in parts of the county in more than 170 years, according to figures released by Met Éireann.

The heavy rain last month lead to flooding in many areas and misery for those hoping to enjoy the summer sunshine.

In Shannon, a 60-minute fall of 38.4mm of rain on August 6th was the highest for any month in the station’s 63-year history. The number of wetdays (days with 1mm or more rainfall) recorded during the month was also well above normal; there were between 14 and 21 wetdays at most stations this month compared with the August average number of between 10 and 14.

Limerick Tourists Stuck in the Sun

Over 250 Irish holidaymakers were stranded in Majorca yesterday by troubled Spanish airline Spanair.

The passengers were expected to fly home to ShannonSaturday morning at 8am, but instead were grounded due to a technical hitch.Earlier this month, another Spanair jet crashed on take-off at Madrid's Barajas airport, killing more than 150 people. It too had experienced technical glitches before taking off.

They arrived into Shannon safely Saturday evening from Palma airport, according to the Sunday Mirror newspaper, after tour operator Budget Travel organised alternative flights.

Job Fears in Limerick as Poultry Producer Goes into Liquidation

Fears are growing over the future of one of Ireland's largest poultry producers.

Cappoquin Chickens, which employs 150 full-time and 100 seasonal workers, is one of the largest employers in west Waterford. RTE News has reported that the company has gone into liquidation.

Cappoquin Chickens has been operating for nearly 50 years, run by generations of the O'Connor family from Cappoquin. Along with employees from west Waterford and east Cork, the company has cold storage depots in Dublin, Galway and Limerick.

Hilton Cuts Ties With Limerick

International hotel chain Hilton has pulled out of Limerick less than 18 months after arriving in the city, it was confirmed to the Limerick Leader this Monday morning.

The group - who manage what once was the Jury's Hotel in the city, on the the Ennis Road, adjacent to the Sarsfield Bridge - have reached an agreement to hand the management onto the Strand Hotel, which will take effect from next week.

The Hilton logo will be removed from the landmark location, and The Strand Hotel will begin to operate from next Tuesday. All the staff were informed of the takeover over the weekend, and it was confirmed that no jobs will be lost.