Meath took four of the top prizes in the All-Island IPB Pride of Place Competition at a gala awards ceremony in Thomond Park, Limerick, atthe weekend.
Third Age, Summerhill, scooped the prize in Category eight, which a special award category for Active Elderly in the Community.
The judges said: 'This group has long since recognised the value of older people engaged and contributing in their own communities for as long as possible. Responsive and dynamic, the impressive number of services on offer continues to evolve as needs emerge and change. A local project has developed into a sophisticated, efficient and resourcefuloperation modelling a community where older people are valued, remain in the mainstream of life and enjoy good and effective relationships across the generations'.
Meath were also runners-up in three categories. Kilmessan, Co Meath took runner up prize in Category 4, for populations of between1000 and 2000, while Julianstown Community Garden, Co Meath took runner up prize in Category 7, a single issue category for Community Gardens. Hillview Estate, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath was runner up in Category 9, a single issue category for Housing Estates.
It was also announced that Julianstown Community Garden was nominated for the 2013 International Livcom Competition.
At the event the winners were congratulated and presented with their award by Jan O'Sullivan Minister of State, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, Christopher Moran Chairman Co-operation Ireland, Tom Dowling, Chairman of the Pride of Place Committee and IPB Chief Executive Ronan Foley.
More that 400 representatives from practically every county in Ireland attended the event where the winners of the 10th consecutive annual competition revealed. They were announced by Will Leahy, 2FM presenter.
During the evening, the Minister paid tribute to all the participating groups who work tirelessly to create and promote pride in their cities, towns and villages.
The All-Island Pride of Place Competition recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It differs from other similar projects in that they specifically recognise the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration including, promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage and environmental awareness.
The competition is run by Co-operation Ireland in conjunction with the Pride of Place Steering Committee. This year the competition has been renamed the 'All-Island IPB Pride of Place Competition in association with Co-operation Ireland' thanks to the sponsorship from Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Monday, November 05, 2012
New initiative to generate jobs strategy for rural Ireland
Pat Spillane to Head Up New Commission
The Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, announced today (5.11.2012) that Pat Spillane will be the Chairman of the new Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA).
Minister Hogan said: “Getting people back to work remains this Government’s number one objective. Building on the Action Plan for Jobs, Jobsbridge and the new initiatives I announced inPutting People First which empowers Local Government to drive economic development and create jobs at a local level, I am now establishing a new Commission that will generate a jobs strategy for rural Ireland. Too often policy is created at central government, I believe it is the people on the ground, who often have the answers to the challenges we are facing. The Commission will examine the non farming, “outside the farm gate”aspects of economic development in rural areas and undertake an extensive public consultation on the future economic potential of rural Ireland and how best to channel funding and resources between 2013 and 2025.”
“The differential degree of economic development and the variable impacts of the economic downturn between urban and rural areas will be examined in detail by the Commission in order to ensure that appropriate measures are identified to inform the development of strategies that support rural Ireland into the future. This new Commission is particularly relevant given that unemployment has increased more in rural areas particularly in small towns since the economic crisis began.”
A number of commitments relating to economic development contained in the Programme for Government, in particular, commitments to encourage job creation and sustainable enterprise development, are reliant on the ability of all parts of Ireland to contribute to economic growth going forward.
The Commission will involve 3 stages:
Commenting on the appointment of the Chairman, Minister Hogan said: “Pat Spillane is the ideal candidate to act as Chairman of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas. He has been a leader throughout his life, whether it be on the sporting field, where he won 9 All-Star awards, in his professional life as a School Principal in St. Gobán's College, Bantry or in his media career. Coming form a rural area Templenoe in County Kerry, where he lives with his wife and three children, and helping since his childhood days in running the family pub business, he has direct experience of the challenges facing rural Ireland. He is a passionate, enthusiastic and non-partisan champion of rural issues. Pat will do a great job in working with the Commission to deliver recommendations to create jobs in rural Ireland.”
Welcoming the CEDRA, Minister Simon Coveney TD, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine said: “The Government is determined to pursue policies that can keep young people in their Communities in rural Ireland. This Rural Commission is about talking and listening to people living in rural parishes across the country as the basis of policy development to maximise the potential for jobs and rural communities. We have a very clear development and growth plan for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food sector but there are other areas that need to be supported and developed in rural Ireland- that’s what this Commission is all about.”
Pat Spillane on accepting his role said:“I am delighted to be able to accept this important appointment. The unemployment situation is the real national crisis, affecting people deeply, the length and breadth of the land. It has particularly affected young people, who are struggling to get employment, many of whom are being forced to emigrate, decimating the fabric of rural society. I look forward to working with the members of the Commission to try to come up with ideas that will help to alleviate this situation.”
The Commission is established under the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and will be supported by an Executive led by Prof. Cathal O’Donoghue, Head of the Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme in collaboration with officials in the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and the Western Development Commission for the research and consultation process.
Commenting on his lead research role, Cathal O’Donoghue said: “Teagasc and I are honoured to be able to support the Commission. We in Teagasc have previous experience in providing research support to the Food Harvest 2020 Committee that developed the Agri-Food Strategy. Together with our partners, we will provide whatever support we can to facilitate the mission of the Commission. The work of the Commission is particularly relevant for our stakeholders as Farm households have been particularly affected by the down turn with the off-farm employment rate of farmers falling back to late 1990’s levels. On the other hand the Food Harvest 2020 strategy for the Agri-Food sector has a target to generate 25000 new jobs and thus the sector can make a substantial impact on rural job creation.” The focus of the Commission’s work will be on “outside the farm gate” dimensions of economic development.
A practical contribution of the Commission will be the recruitment of a group of interns under the Job Bridge programme, who will train with the Commission and get skills in Event Management, Research, Web technology, Media, Administration and Project Management.
The Commission has a defined remit and timeframe and its main output will be a report that aims to inform medium term economic development of rural areas for the period to 2025. The report will be short and specific and will take a multi-sectoral approach. The Public Consultation process will include 17 public meetings to be held all over the country in January, March and April of 2013. The full Commission will also meet each month (except March) until October 2013 when it is planned to publish the report. Outside of the public consultation process there will also be a number of individual stakeholder meetings with civil society organisations representing among others, Youth, Farmers, Women, Older people, Academic Institutions and Government Departments and relevant state agencies.
The Minister will announce the membership of the Commission later in the week. The membership will represent a broad set of people from different backgrounds, with significant experience and expertise in the Rural Economy. The membership comprises both public and private sectors, bringing practical, government and research experience.
The Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, announced today (5.11.2012) that Pat Spillane will be the Chairman of the new Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA).
Minister Hogan said: “Getting people back to work remains this Government’s number one objective. Building on the Action Plan for Jobs, Jobsbridge and the new initiatives I announced inPutting People First which empowers Local Government to drive economic development and create jobs at a local level, I am now establishing a new Commission that will generate a jobs strategy for rural Ireland. Too often policy is created at central government, I believe it is the people on the ground, who often have the answers to the challenges we are facing. The Commission will examine the non farming, “outside the farm gate”aspects of economic development in rural areas and undertake an extensive public consultation on the future economic potential of rural Ireland and how best to channel funding and resources between 2013 and 2025.”
“The differential degree of economic development and the variable impacts of the economic downturn between urban and rural areas will be examined in detail by the Commission in order to ensure that appropriate measures are identified to inform the development of strategies that support rural Ireland into the future. This new Commission is particularly relevant given that unemployment has increased more in rural areas particularly in small towns since the economic crisis began.”
A number of commitments relating to economic development contained in the Programme for Government, in particular, commitments to encourage job creation and sustainable enterprise development, are reliant on the ability of all parts of Ireland to contribute to economic growth going forward.
The Commission will involve 3 stages:
- A nationwide consultation of rural stakeholders including employers, unions, farm bodies, community organisation and the public sector
- Research and analysis of economic factors affecting rural areas
- The preparation of a report supporting the medium-term economic development of the Rural Areas for the period to 2025
Commenting on the appointment of the Chairman, Minister Hogan said: “Pat Spillane is the ideal candidate to act as Chairman of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas. He has been a leader throughout his life, whether it be on the sporting field, where he won 9 All-Star awards, in his professional life as a School Principal in St. Gobán's College, Bantry or in his media career. Coming form a rural area Templenoe in County Kerry, where he lives with his wife and three children, and helping since his childhood days in running the family pub business, he has direct experience of the challenges facing rural Ireland. He is a passionate, enthusiastic and non-partisan champion of rural issues. Pat will do a great job in working with the Commission to deliver recommendations to create jobs in rural Ireland.”
Welcoming the CEDRA, Minister Simon Coveney TD, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine said: “The Government is determined to pursue policies that can keep young people in their Communities in rural Ireland. This Rural Commission is about talking and listening to people living in rural parishes across the country as the basis of policy development to maximise the potential for jobs and rural communities. We have a very clear development and growth plan for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food sector but there are other areas that need to be supported and developed in rural Ireland- that’s what this Commission is all about.”
Pat Spillane on accepting his role said:“I am delighted to be able to accept this important appointment. The unemployment situation is the real national crisis, affecting people deeply, the length and breadth of the land. It has particularly affected young people, who are struggling to get employment, many of whom are being forced to emigrate, decimating the fabric of rural society. I look forward to working with the members of the Commission to try to come up with ideas that will help to alleviate this situation.”
The Commission is established under the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and will be supported by an Executive led by Prof. Cathal O’Donoghue, Head of the Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme in collaboration with officials in the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and the Western Development Commission for the research and consultation process.
Commenting on his lead research role, Cathal O’Donoghue said: “Teagasc and I are honoured to be able to support the Commission. We in Teagasc have previous experience in providing research support to the Food Harvest 2020 Committee that developed the Agri-Food Strategy. Together with our partners, we will provide whatever support we can to facilitate the mission of the Commission. The work of the Commission is particularly relevant for our stakeholders as Farm households have been particularly affected by the down turn with the off-farm employment rate of farmers falling back to late 1990’s levels. On the other hand the Food Harvest 2020 strategy for the Agri-Food sector has a target to generate 25000 new jobs and thus the sector can make a substantial impact on rural job creation.” The focus of the Commission’s work will be on “outside the farm gate” dimensions of economic development.
A practical contribution of the Commission will be the recruitment of a group of interns under the Job Bridge programme, who will train with the Commission and get skills in Event Management, Research, Web technology, Media, Administration and Project Management.
The Commission has a defined remit and timeframe and its main output will be a report that aims to inform medium term economic development of rural areas for the period to 2025. The report will be short and specific and will take a multi-sectoral approach. The Public Consultation process will include 17 public meetings to be held all over the country in January, March and April of 2013. The full Commission will also meet each month (except March) until October 2013 when it is planned to publish the report. Outside of the public consultation process there will also be a number of individual stakeholder meetings with civil society organisations representing among others, Youth, Farmers, Women, Older people, Academic Institutions and Government Departments and relevant state agencies.
The Minister will announce the membership of the Commission later in the week. The membership will represent a broad set of people from different backgrounds, with significant experience and expertise in the Rural Economy. The membership comprises both public and private sectors, bringing practical, government and research experience.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Curraha Juvenile GAA - Table Quiz
Table Quiz
Curraha Juvenile GAA
Are Holding a
Quiz Night
In
Swans Lounge
Curraha
Fri 23 November @ 8:30pm
Ciaran 0872253778 Tomas 0866078914 Brian 0876275100
Padraic 0874126976 Cecil
0862445247 Denis 0866003334
Table
four €40
Taking the next step with education
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement of the Education Open Day on Friday 9th November at the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan. “If you are wondering what to do next or thinking about going to college or returning to education, this open day is the ideal opportunity to receive valuable information and advice on the next steps, including guidance on CV/s, careers and rights and entitlements”. All the top Universities, Colleges and Institutes of Technology will be at this event and on the day attendees will be able to meet and chat with the Colleges and Institutions, find out about all the courses they offer; discover the special HEAR and DARE entry routes for eligible candidates and find out about the CAO application process.
Taking the next step with education
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement of the Education Open Day on Friday 9th November at the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan.
“If you are wondering what to do next or thinking about going to college or returning to education, this open day is the ideal opportunity to receive valuable information and advice on the next steps, including guidance on CV/s, careers and rights and entitlements”.
All the top Universities, Colleges and Institutes of Technology will be at this event and on the day attendees will be able to meet and chat with the Colleges and Institutions, find out about all the courses they offer; discover the special HEAR and DARE entry routes for eligible candidates and find out about the CAO application process.
“If you are wondering what to do next or thinking about going to college or returning to education, this open day is the ideal opportunity to receive valuable information and advice on the next steps, including guidance on CV/s, careers and rights and entitlements”.
All the top Universities, Colleges and Institutes of Technology will be at this event and on the day attendees will be able to meet and chat with the Colleges and Institutions, find out about all the courses they offer; discover the special HEAR and DARE entry routes for eligible candidates and find out about the CAO application process.
Friday, October 26, 2012
EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT: The Bellewstown Bridge
EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT: The
Bellewstown Bridge - Closure is due to structural concerns about Bellewstown
Bridge.
Emergency Road Closure: Bellewstown Bridge
The L-56172-0 Road has been closed to through traffic at Bellewstwon bridge. The emergency closure is necessary due to structural concerns regarding Bellewstown Bridge. The road will remain closed as a precautionary measure until further notice.
Meath County Council would like to thank road users for their cooperation.
Alternative Route:
North Bound Traffic – Take the L-5617-10 eastward, at the next crosswords turn left onto the L-1615-0, head north along this road until you reach the R-150-109, this is the end of the diversion
South Bound Traffic – Travel in an eastwardly direction along the R-150-109, at the next junction turn right onto the L-1615-0, heading south along this road until the reach the next crossroads at this point turn right onto the L-5617-0, travelling in a westwardly you will reach the junction of the L-56172-0, this is the end of the diversion.
Emergency Road Closure: Bellewstown Bridge
The L-56172-0 Road has been closed to through traffic at Bellewstwon bridge. The emergency closure is necessary due to structural concerns regarding Bellewstown Bridge. The road will remain closed as a precautionary measure until further notice.
Meath County Council would like to thank road users for their cooperation.
Alternative Route:
North Bound Traffic – Take the L-5617-10 eastward, at the next crosswords turn left onto the L-1615-0, head north along this road until you reach the R-150-109, this is the end of the diversion
South Bound Traffic – Travel in an eastwardly direction along the R-150-109, at the next junction turn right onto the L-1615-0, heading south along this road until the reach the next crossroads at this point turn right onto the L-5617-0, travelling in a westwardly you will reach the junction of the L-56172-0, this is the end of the diversion.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Daly needs to get her facts straight about JobBridge success
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) called on Clare Daly to get her facts straight in relation to the success of the JobBridge programme which has seen over half of those who completed the programme gain paid employment. Deputy Daly’s remarks in the Dáil on Wednesday (October 24th) claiming that ‘not too many people’ had gained employment are wholly inaccurate.
“Deputy Daly should do her homework and get her facts straight about JobBridge and the amount of people who have found gainful employment on completion of the programme. Misleading the public is irresponsible and demonstrates a preference for spouting incorrect information simply to bolster their populist profile.
“The clear facts are that JobBridge has been a highly successful initiative. Since its introduction in July 2011 by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, a total of 11,246 have taken part in JobBridge and there are currently 5,145 people currently participating in the programme. An Indecon report published this week shows that 52% of those that completed JobBridge are currently in paid employment since finishing their internship; 51.6% of non-graduate interns have secured employment; and 89.3% of interns felt that JobBridge had given them new skills. The findings of this report clearly show that JobBridge has achieved its goal of getting people off the live register and into gainful employment.
“These figures clearly show that more than ‘a few hundred’ people have gained employment as claimed by Deputy Daly. I cannot understand where she got her figures from and how she can stand by them when an independent review clearly highlights how successful the programme has been. I hope that Deputy Daly will pay more attention to the facts as they stand in future.”
“Deputy Daly should do her homework and get her facts straight about JobBridge and the amount of people who have found gainful employment on completion of the programme. Misleading the public is irresponsible and demonstrates a preference for spouting incorrect information simply to bolster their populist profile.
“The clear facts are that JobBridge has been a highly successful initiative. Since its introduction in July 2011 by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, a total of 11,246 have taken part in JobBridge and there are currently 5,145 people currently participating in the programme. An Indecon report published this week shows that 52% of those that completed JobBridge are currently in paid employment since finishing their internship; 51.6% of non-graduate interns have secured employment; and 89.3% of interns felt that JobBridge had given them new skills. The findings of this report clearly show that JobBridge has achieved its goal of getting people off the live register and into gainful employment.
“These figures clearly show that more than ‘a few hundred’ people have gained employment as claimed by Deputy Daly. I cannot understand where she got her figures from and how she can stand by them when an independent review clearly highlights how successful the programme has been. I hope that Deputy Daly will pay more attention to the facts as they stand in future.”
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Monster energy drinks should be removed from shop shelves immediately
Caffeine-laden drinks should only be available in off licence section of shops
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) called for an immediate removal of Monster energy drinks from shop shelves, following the death of a 14 year old girl in the US who consumed two 24-ounce cans over a two-day period, containing 480mg of caffeine in total.
“Following the news that a fourteen year old girl died after consuming two of the high caffeine cans of energy drink Monster, and that a further four cases are being investigated in the US, I am calling for the immediate removal of these drinks from shop shelves across the country so that children and young people do not have easy access to them. They should instead be sold in the off licence section of the shop.
“I have written to the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, and the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, requesting that immediate legislation be drawn up to protect our children from these types of drinks. The rise in consumption of soft drinks and junk food in general in this country is extremely worrying, especially among children, and there is an onus on us, as legislators, to ensure that we are protecting our children from having easy access to these types of drinks.
“A typical can of Monster contains 160mg of caffeine which is an obscene amount of caffeine contained in one drink, and there are many more similar such drinks on the market that young people have easy access to. Not only does excess caffeine pose a serious health risk, the sugar and other ingredients in these drinks are extremely unhealthily. With the ever increasing levels of diabetes, heart disease and obesity in this country, it is imperative that we tackle this problem immediately before it gets any worse.”
Monday, October 22, 2012
Doherty welcomes comments from Down Syndrome Ireland on impacts of ‘Yes’ vote in Children’s Referendum
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) welcomed the comments from Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) in relation to the positive impact of a Yes vote in the Children’s Referendum. DSI has launched an easy to read guide on the Referendum, and is encouraging all of its members to get out and vote.
“I was very glad to hear DSI Chief Executive, Pat Clarke, say that there are distinct advantages for children with disabilities and their families if there is a Yes vote in the Children’s Referendum. The Referendum will enshrine children’s rights in the Constitution for the first time. By voting Yes, we will be making a clear statement as a nation that we value all of our children.
“I also welcome the fact that DSI is encouraging all of its members to make their voices heard by voting on November 10th. So far, the public has been responding positively to the proposed changes put forward in this Referendum, with very little opposition emerging. So what is essential at this point is that everyone recognises how important it is to vote. We want this Referendum to pass, and to pass convincingly, to show we are serious about vindicating and protecting the rights of our children.
“A Yes vote on Saturday, November 10th will help to protect vulnerable children from abuse and neglect, and it will help to support families by underpinning early intervention. It will also address shortfalls in our adoption law, ensuring all children can be treated equally in adoption. I commend DSI for producing this easy to read guide, and for encouraging their members to vote. Political decisions affect us all; so I would encourage everyone to get informed before you cast your vote on Saturday, November 10th.”
“I was very glad to hear DSI Chief Executive, Pat Clarke, say that there are distinct advantages for children with disabilities and their families if there is a Yes vote in the Children’s Referendum. The Referendum will enshrine children’s rights in the Constitution for the first time. By voting Yes, we will be making a clear statement as a nation that we value all of our children.
“I also welcome the fact that DSI is encouraging all of its members to make their voices heard by voting on November 10th. So far, the public has been responding positively to the proposed changes put forward in this Referendum, with very little opposition emerging. So what is essential at this point is that everyone recognises how important it is to vote. We want this Referendum to pass, and to pass convincingly, to show we are serious about vindicating and protecting the rights of our children.
“A Yes vote on Saturday, November 10th will help to protect vulnerable children from abuse and neglect, and it will help to support families by underpinning early intervention. It will also address shortfalls in our adoption law, ensuring all children can be treated equally in adoption. I commend DSI for producing this easy to read guide, and for encouraging their members to vote. Political decisions affect us all; so I would encourage everyone to get informed before you cast your vote on Saturday, November 10th.”
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