Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mains Flushing to Dunshaughlin Water Supply - Wednesday 22nd February to Wednesday 29th February 2012 (incl.)
Public Notice
Mains Flushing to Dunshaughlin Water Supply
Meath County Council will carry out watermains flushing Dunshaughlin Water Supply network from Wednesday 22nd February to Wednesday 29th February 2012 (incl.).Mains flushing is being undertaken to improve the quality of water supplied to our consumers. Consumers in areas where flushing will take place may notice temporary discolouration to their water but this discolouration should clear when allowed to run for a few minutes.
Water users in Dunshaughlin and Environs may experience a reduced level of service for the duration of these works.
Meath County Council regrets any inconvenience caused.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Lawnmower/Strimmer and Amenity Grant Scheme 2012
Meath County Council is making available grants under the above headings to Community Groups and Residents Associations.
Applications forms for the above Grants are available on the Council’s website at http://www.meath.ie/ or from the Environment & Water Services Section, Meath County Council, County Hall, Railway Street, Navan, Co Meath.
Separate Application Forms will be required for each grant applied for and each form should be e-mailed to amenitygrants@meathcoco.ie or lawnmowergrants@meathcoco.ie or returned to the Environment & Water Services Section, Meath County Council, County Hall, Railway Street, Navan, Co. Meath on or before 4pm on Friday 30th March 2012.
Applications forms for the above Grants are available on the Council’s website at http://www.meath.ie/ or from the Environment & Water Services Section, Meath County Council, County Hall, Railway Street, Navan, Co Meath.
Separate Application Forms will be required for each grant applied for and each form should be e-mailed to amenitygrants@meathcoco.ie or lawnmowergrants@meathcoco.ie or returned to the Environment & Water Services Section, Meath County Council, County Hall, Railway Street, Navan, Co. Meath on or before 4pm on Friday 30th March 2012.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Meath must benefit from IDA targets – Doherty
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that Meath must benefit from the target set by IDA Ireland to have 50% of foreign direct investments based outside Dublin and Cork. In response to a Parliamentary Question tabled by Deputy Doherty, the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, said that IDA Ireland has been marketing a number of large towns, including Navan, as key locations for such investments.
“Tackling the jobs crisis is top of the Government’s list of priorities. The Action Plan for Jobs launched earlier this week will help companies in Meath to do business and create jobs. The Plan will improve access to finance for small businesses, reduce costs and red tape, and improve supports for exports, management and innovation.
“I was very encouraged to learn that employment continued to grow in the 172 Enterprise Ireland supported companies based in Meath last year. More than 5,100 people work in these companies and I hope this number will continue to grow this year. Since 2007, funding of over €20m has been approved by Enterprise Ireland to companies based in Meath, helping them to retain and create employment. Last year, businesses supported by Meath County Enterprise Board created 358 full-time jobs and 120 part-time or seasonal jobs.
“The reforms introduced in the Action Plan for Jobs will make it easier for companies and entrepreneurs in Meath to get the support they need to start up and expand. A new ‘one-stop-shop’ micro enterprise support structure will be established by dissolving County Enterprise Boards and replacing them with Local Enterprise Offices in each local authority. This will give firms an enhanced service with direct access to Enterprise Ireland’s expertise and the broader business services of the local authority.
“At the moment, 16 IDA Ireland supported companies in Meath employ about 1,300 people. I am determined to see this number grow. According to Minister Bruton, the agency is encouraging these companies to continue to re-invest within the region. I will be pursuing this issue with the agency, to ensure Meath receives its fair share of potential investment.”
“Tackling the jobs crisis is top of the Government’s list of priorities. The Action Plan for Jobs launched earlier this week will help companies in Meath to do business and create jobs. The Plan will improve access to finance for small businesses, reduce costs and red tape, and improve supports for exports, management and innovation.
“I was very encouraged to learn that employment continued to grow in the 172 Enterprise Ireland supported companies based in Meath last year. More than 5,100 people work in these companies and I hope this number will continue to grow this year. Since 2007, funding of over €20m has been approved by Enterprise Ireland to companies based in Meath, helping them to retain and create employment. Last year, businesses supported by Meath County Enterprise Board created 358 full-time jobs and 120 part-time or seasonal jobs.
“The reforms introduced in the Action Plan for Jobs will make it easier for companies and entrepreneurs in Meath to get the support they need to start up and expand. A new ‘one-stop-shop’ micro enterprise support structure will be established by dissolving County Enterprise Boards and replacing them with Local Enterprise Offices in each local authority. This will give firms an enhanced service with direct access to Enterprise Ireland’s expertise and the broader business services of the local authority.
“At the moment, 16 IDA Ireland supported companies in Meath employ about 1,300 people. I am determined to see this number grow. According to Minister Bruton, the agency is encouraging these companies to continue to re-invest within the region. I will be pursuing this issue with the agency, to ensure Meath receives its fair share of potential investment.”
Monday, February 13, 2012
Road works to facilitate East West Interconnector
Road works to install the East West Interconnector will be taking place in the Ashbourne area.
The Interconnector cables will come ashore at Rush North Beach, Co. Dublin, and then continue underground to Woodland in Co. Meath.
EirGrid has liaised with Meath County Council to ensure traffic disruption is kept to a minimum.
Week commencing 13th February 7am to 7pm and is expected to take 7 days
Rath Roundabout (Marriott Hotel)
Single Lane traffic management towards the roundabout from the Slane direction and also within the roundabout including single lane traffic management towards the Ashbourne direction.
The L22091
A full road closure commences on Thursday the 2nd of February on the Rainstown lane (L22091) from the R147 (Old N3) to the L2209 just outside Batterstown.
Ballymadun to Ashbourne road
Traffic management will be in place locally between Ballymadun and the Ashbourne road.
Project Hotline 1890 36 46 56
To receive text updates on works in the Meath area in general, text Meath to 51500.
The Interconnector cables will come ashore at Rush North Beach, Co. Dublin, and then continue underground to Woodland in Co. Meath.
EirGrid has liaised with Meath County Council to ensure traffic disruption is kept to a minimum.
Week commencing 13th February 7am to 7pm and is expected to take 7 days
Rath Roundabout (Marriott Hotel)
Single Lane traffic management towards the roundabout from the Slane direction and also within the roundabout including single lane traffic management towards the Ashbourne direction.
The L22091
A full road closure commences on Thursday the 2nd of February on the Rainstown lane (L22091) from the R147 (Old N3) to the L2209 just outside Batterstown.
Ballymadun to Ashbourne road
Traffic management will be in place locally between Ballymadun and the Ashbourne road.
Project Hotline 1890 36 46 56
To receive text updates on works in the Meath area in general, text Meath to 51500.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Get your household charge forms in on time
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, is encouraging local residents in Ratoath and others from across Co. Meath to pick up their household charge forms at her office, if they have not already registered for the charge.
“You have until the end of March to register your details and pay for the household charge. For those who haven’t yet done so, and who find the prospect of going online daunting, I will have hard copies of the necessary form in my office.
“I know this isn’t a popular charge and it isn’t easy for people to stomach. The Government plans to put a fairer system in place next year, and in the meantime we are asking homeowners to pay this charge to fund local services like roads, emergency services and lighting.
“We’ve tried to incorporate some flexibility into the scheme, so if you cannot afford to pay upfront there are instalment options, to allow you to pay in four instalments of €25. If you want to use this method, you need to register your details by the end of this month.
“We are one of the last countries in Europe that does not fund local services through locally-based property charges. The introduction of a charge is also required under the terms of the EU/IMF agreement.
“Many people are exempt from the charge, including those in council and social housing. There are also waivers for people receiving the mortgage interest supplement, and people living in designated unfinished housing estates.
“Late payment fees and interest penalties will apply to those who fail to pay the charge by the due date. I am encouraging Ratoath residents to get their forms filled out now, and get the charge out of the way.”
“You have until the end of March to register your details and pay for the household charge. For those who haven’t yet done so, and who find the prospect of going online daunting, I will have hard copies of the necessary form in my office.
“I know this isn’t a popular charge and it isn’t easy for people to stomach. The Government plans to put a fairer system in place next year, and in the meantime we are asking homeowners to pay this charge to fund local services like roads, emergency services and lighting.
“We’ve tried to incorporate some flexibility into the scheme, so if you cannot afford to pay upfront there are instalment options, to allow you to pay in four instalments of €25. If you want to use this method, you need to register your details by the end of this month.
“We are one of the last countries in Europe that does not fund local services through locally-based property charges. The introduction of a charge is also required under the terms of the EU/IMF agreement.
“Many people are exempt from the charge, including those in council and social housing. There are also waivers for people receiving the mortgage interest supplement, and people living in designated unfinished housing estates.
“Late payment fees and interest penalties will apply to those who fail to pay the charge by the due date. I am encouraging Ratoath residents to get their forms filled out now, and get the charge out of the way.”
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Latest Meath Local Sports Partnership's Ezine News Bulletin
In this issue:
·Mind over Matter Conference
·Sports Psychologist backdue to popular demand
·Operation TransformationWalk
·Date for your Diary:Royal County 5k
·MLSP Facebook Page
·Get Ireland Active
·An Post Meath HeritageCycle Tour 2012
·Fitwalk Fleetfeet
·Meet ‘n’ Trains/Learnto Run
·Meath Running Group
·SHINE
·Link2B Active
·Mature Movers—ParticipantProfile
·Training Courses
·Games for Life
·Mature Movers
·Schools Programmes
·Be Active ASAP
·FAI Programmes
·Disability Sport
·Calendar of Courses andEvents
The Ezine can be downloaded from their website here
·Mind over Matter Conference
·Sports Psychologist backdue to popular demand
·Operation TransformationWalk
·Date for your Diary:Royal County 5k
·MLSP Facebook Page
·Get Ireland Active
·An Post Meath HeritageCycle Tour 2012
·Fitwalk Fleetfeet
·Meet ‘n’ Trains/Learnto Run
·Meath Running Group
·SHINE
·Link2B Active
·Mature Movers—ParticipantProfile
·Training Courses
·Games for Life
·Mature Movers
·Schools Programmes
·Be Active ASAP
·FAI Programmes
·Disability Sport
·Calendar of Courses andEvents
The Ezine can be downloaded from their website here
Real time info on way for Co Meath bus passengers
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, that real time passenger information (RTPI) is to be installed at bus stops in Co Meath towns.
“This is great news for commuters in Co Meath. Minister Varadkar has confirmed that RTPI signs will be installed at bus stops in Ratoath, Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin, Kells, Meath, Navan, and Trim. It’s hoped they will be operational by the summer.
“Having real time information at bus stops will be hugely convenient for customers. It means that instead of waiting at the side of the road with no idea of when your bus is going to arrive, you will know exactly when the next service is due.
“The RTPI system has been successfully rolled out across the Dublin Bus network in recent months, with positive feedback from customers. Bus Éireann will make up the majority of the services on the Co. Meath signs and I understand that the company has been working intensively with the National Transport Authority on the technical aspects of the scheme.
“This scheme is all about making public transport more efficient and more attractive. It helps to ensure that customers are getting the best service possible, and it will hopefully encourage more people to leave the car at home and take the bus.
“Work is now underway to identify the stops where signs will be installed; this will be followed by the necessary civil engineering and electrical works. I know commuters in Ratoath and across Co. Meath will welcome the benefits provided by this new service.”
“This is great news for commuters in Co Meath. Minister Varadkar has confirmed that RTPI signs will be installed at bus stops in Ratoath, Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin, Kells, Meath, Navan, and Trim. It’s hoped they will be operational by the summer.
“Having real time information at bus stops will be hugely convenient for customers. It means that instead of waiting at the side of the road with no idea of when your bus is going to arrive, you will know exactly when the next service is due.
“The RTPI system has been successfully rolled out across the Dublin Bus network in recent months, with positive feedback from customers. Bus Éireann will make up the majority of the services on the Co. Meath signs and I understand that the company has been working intensively with the National Transport Authority on the technical aspects of the scheme.
“This scheme is all about making public transport more efficient and more attractive. It helps to ensure that customers are getting the best service possible, and it will hopefully encourage more people to leave the car at home and take the bus.
“Work is now underway to identify the stops where signs will be installed; this will be followed by the necessary civil engineering and electrical works. I know commuters in Ratoath and across Co. Meath will welcome the benefits provided by this new service.”
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Taoiseach and Minister Creighton Launch new Blue Star Programme for Primary Schools
This afternoon, the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD and Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD launched a new pilot programme for primary schools which focuses on the EU, called the Blue Star Programme.
The idea of the Programme is simple, to foster better understanding and knowledge of the European Union and how it affects our lives amongst Irish primary pupils through classroom projects and activities. The Blue Star Programme will introduce participants - pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community to the EU, what it means and how it works. Primary Schools all over Ireland will be challenged to get creative and think about Europe by carrying out projects in relation to the History, Geography, Culture and Institutions of the EU.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said at the launch: “I very much welcome this imaginative and timely initiative. Over the past forty years, our membership of the European Union has helped to transform Irish life and at the same time has allowed Ireland to play an active and constructive role on the wider European stage. The EU remains central to our economic and social development and it is vital that our citizens understand how the European Union works and how it can guarantee our freedoms and prosperity in the future.”
Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton also said: “Eleven months ago, when I was appointed by the Taoiseach as Minister for European Affairs, I made the goal of informing young Irish people about Europe and Ireland's' engagement with Europe, a key priority of mine. There is an information and communication deficit in Ireland when it comes to Europe, yet European affairs impact on every aspect of our lives. We need to cultivate an interest in and understanding of European history, culture and the EU institutions amongst the Irish people. The first step is getting children involved and I believe that the Blue Star programme, which I have pioneered through the Dept of An Taoiseach, provides and excellent formula for this. I believe that pupils will really enjoy connecting with the cultures and histories of other countries and the whole school community can benefit from discovering their role in Europe.”
All participating primary schools will be provided with a resource pack and resource materials such as wall-charts and EU country guides which give tips on what kind of projects the pupils could undertake and help the teacher in how best to facilitate the pupils. At the end of the school year all successful schools will be awarded an EU flag and a Blue Star.
Primary schools across Ireland are invited to take part in the Pilot Year of this exciting new project, further information available via http://www.europeanmovement.ie/ or bluestar@europeanmovement.ie.
The idea of the Programme is simple, to foster better understanding and knowledge of the European Union and how it affects our lives amongst Irish primary pupils through classroom projects and activities. The Blue Star Programme will introduce participants - pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community to the EU, what it means and how it works. Primary Schools all over Ireland will be challenged to get creative and think about Europe by carrying out projects in relation to the History, Geography, Culture and Institutions of the EU.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said at the launch: “I very much welcome this imaginative and timely initiative. Over the past forty years, our membership of the European Union has helped to transform Irish life and at the same time has allowed Ireland to play an active and constructive role on the wider European stage. The EU remains central to our economic and social development and it is vital that our citizens understand how the European Union works and how it can guarantee our freedoms and prosperity in the future.”
Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton also said: “Eleven months ago, when I was appointed by the Taoiseach as Minister for European Affairs, I made the goal of informing young Irish people about Europe and Ireland's' engagement with Europe, a key priority of mine. There is an information and communication deficit in Ireland when it comes to Europe, yet European affairs impact on every aspect of our lives. We need to cultivate an interest in and understanding of European history, culture and the EU institutions amongst the Irish people. The first step is getting children involved and I believe that the Blue Star programme, which I have pioneered through the Dept of An Taoiseach, provides and excellent formula for this. I believe that pupils will really enjoy connecting with the cultures and histories of other countries and the whole school community can benefit from discovering their role in Europe.”
All participating primary schools will be provided with a resource pack and resource materials such as wall-charts and EU country guides which give tips on what kind of projects the pupils could undertake and help the teacher in how best to facilitate the pupils. At the end of the school year all successful schools will be awarded an EU flag and a Blue Star.
Primary schools across Ireland are invited to take part in the Pilot Year of this exciting new project, further information available via http://www.europeanmovement.ie/ or bluestar@europeanmovement.ie.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Ministers Rabbitte and Quinn announce rollout of high speed Broadband toall second level schools
All second level schools are to get high speed(100Mbps) broadband, the Minister for Communications, Energy & NaturalResources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. and the Minister for Education and Skills, RuairíQuinn T.D. announced today.
The national roll-out will be completed over threestages with 200 schools being connected by September 2012, a further 200 beingconnected next year and the remaining 250 schools being connected in 2014.
The programme follows on from the successful pilotproject that has been running since 2009. The pilot involved 78 second levelschools where the use of broadband has been shown to have improved both teachingand learning.
Speaking at the launch inColáiste Bríde, Clondalkin, one of the schools involved in the successful pilotproject, Minister Rabbitte commented“Our secondary schools need industrialstrength broadband. Students’ experience of using technology in their everydaylives must be reflected in their learning experiences in schools. Use of ICT isno longer a separate subject - We must encourage students and teachers tointegrate the use of ICT with the traditional teaching methods for all subjects.In this way we will prepare the digital workforce of the future.”
The Department of Communications, Energy &Natural Resources is funding all of the capital costs of this project,estimated to be approximately €11m as well as contributing some €10m in currentcosts for the years 2013 to 2015. The Department of Education & Skills(DES) will fund the remaining current costs (estimated to be some €20m up to2015). DES will also fund the on-going costs on an annual basis into thefuture.
Commenting on the launch, Minister Quinn said “we need to ensure that appropriate digitaltechnology and high-speed internet are in place in our schools as a basicbuilding block to deliver a 21st Century learning experience to all learners”.
“This major ICTinvestment in our education system follows on from the commitment in theProgramme for Government to incorporate the integration of ICT in teaching andlearning across the curriculum and investing in broadband development to ensureschools have access to modern high-speed networks”, he added.
Minister Rabbitteheralded the school’s excellent use of high speed broadband - “The opportunity this morning to see how class roomlearning can be revolutionised by the availability and adoption of high speed broadband,strengthens my conviction that we are delivering a strategic and worthwhileproject that will deliver significant long-term results from both an economicand social perspective. Despite our current economic difficulties, thissignificant investment in our current and future generation of school-childrenis money well spent.”
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