Business Limerick Magazine 03/10 by Business Limerick

March 2010 € 3.50

“My main priority is jobs.” - Michael Noonan TD

Inside: • Tanaiste visits LIT • International Cycling Event Launched • Intergrating Limerick Launched

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........................................................................................ BL | EDITORIAL & CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR

March 2010

CONTENTS 04

08 16 29

BL COVER STORY

“My main priority is jobs.” - Michael Noonan TD BL NEWS Influential Tourism Group visits Limerick

BL FEATURE Wedding Guide

BL NEWS Flush Savings for Model School

BL GALLERY Out and About with BL

BL NEWS Scrappage Scheme Amended

Business Limerick

BL NEWS Shannon Development End of Year Report BL REVIEW Give Tullamore it's Dew!

Patrons

Business Limerick Magazine is a full participating member of the Press Council of Ireland and supports the Office of the Press Ombudsman. This scheme in addition to defending the freedom of the press, offers readers a quick, fair and free method of dealing with complaints that they may have in relation to articles that appear on our pages. To contact the Office of the Press Ombudsman go to: www.pressombudsman.ie or www.presscouncil.ie.

Business Limerick Editor Frank Collins frank@businesslimerick.ie Mobile: 086 245 1153 Advertising Manager Marguerite Finnan mags@businesslimerick.ie Mobile: 087 245 1153 Advertising Sales Yvonne Sheehan yvonne@businesslimerick.ie Mobile: 087 8578764 Business Journalists David Raleigh Photography Keith Wiseman

FOR BUSINESS LEADERS

Photographic Contributors Press 22 Kieran Clancy - PicSure Dave Gaynor Michael Cowhey Brendan Gleeson Contributors Mal Keaveney Mick Galwey Kevin Meaney Published by Business Limerick Publications Ltd. Directors Frank Collins Marguerite Finnan

Business Limerick 48 O'Connell Street, Limerick Tel: (061) 46 75 18 (061) 21 47 38 Fax: (061) 46 85 60 Email: info@businesslimerick.ie Web: www.businesslimerick.ie

Festival Time in the City! The organisers of the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations have excelled themselves this year with a host of family events and enjoyment for all ages. The festivities kick off on March 13th with the National Lottery Skyfest, a breathtaking fireworks display in the skies over King John’s Castle, compliments of Shannon Development. The following day the International Band Parade takes to the streets for the 40th year and a free concert will take place in Arthur’s Quay after the parade. Saint Patrick’s Day promises to be one to remember with the themed “I Love Limerick” parade expecting to attract over 60,000 people. Local rugby hero Keith Earls has the honour of leading the parade this year with over 3,000 participants. Let’s get out there and support this fantastic party event and show our appreciation of all the hard work that has gone into the organisation of this event. In the past Limerick has shown the capability to organise and enjoy these wonderful occasions and there is no doubt that this years celebrations will have the same support, goodwill and spirit that makes us proud of our city. To the Limerick Co-Ordination Office, Limerick City Council, Shannon Development, Futurama and all the sponsors, our message is keep up the good work! Beannachtai na Feile Padraig Slainte

Business Limerick Magazine is published monthly by Business Limerick Publications Limited. © 2008 Business Limerick. All Rights Reserved. The information contained in the magazine is believed to be accurate and authorative, however it is not intended to substitute for legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice. Statements and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Business Limerick. No responsibility can be assumed for any unsolicited materials and submission is construed as permission to publish without any further correspondence and the fee payable (if any) at our usual rates. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers.

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Frank Collins Editor frank@businesslimerick.ie

08/03/2010 11:13:32

“My main priority is jobs.” - Michael Noonan TD

Limerick East Fine Gael TD, Michael Noonan has confirmed to Business Limerick he will run in the next General Election, but also hinted it may well be his last outing on the national politics hustings. In an interview at his home in the Gouldavoher Estate, Fr Russell Rd, Noonan told David Raleigh, his immediate intention was to help take Fianna Fail out of office. “I’m ready now. If an election was called today, we’d (Fine Gael) have a very strong team out on the street immediately. This

place (Limerick) needs jobs!” Noonan is confident the economy can begin to patch itself up but only if Government, business people, and the general public, grab the bull by the horns and leap forward into the world of smart technology. “My main priority is jobs. This region is an unemployment black spot. Any set of policies for Limerick must be built around a centrepiece on jobs. The IDA must deliver

too. The focus, I believe, should be using the lower Shannon estuary.” The former Fine Gael party-leader, believes the Shannon Estuary that flows through Limerick is a haven for alternative energy investment that will bring thousands of jobs to the Mid-West. He adds the fruits of this emerging industry are all around the Limerick region and must be utilised. “A Spanish company recently bought an oil-fire power station from the ESB at

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Moneypoint/Tarbert. They’re going to refurbish it and change it into a gas station. It is going to create up to 500 construction jobs. There is a gas pipeline being built at Foynes, and Ballylongford, which borders Limerick and Kerry, which is looking at generating wind and wave energy. There is big potential for wind farms on the lower Shannon estuary. If I was in a role where I could make decisions I’d focus on this.” With big potential all around for the local economy, Michael Noonan admits that the potential gold lapping up on the shores of Limerick’s estuary, needs a strong wind from the Cabinet table to push it beyond the idea stage. “Limerick is the ‘third city’. For most of the time there has been a cabinet Minster here. We’ve had Willie O’Dea at the Cabinet table for a considerable time and I can’t name one Willie O’Dea project in Limerick,” he adds. With jobs being so important at the moment, has the Minister for Enterprise, Mary Coughlan, impressed him in any way? “She’s a nice person but way out of her depth. She has no competence and no background in economics and finance. She has a social studies degree. She could be good if she was placed elsewhere but she doesn’t have the basic store of information one needs to run an economics department. I think she should be kept on (in the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle), but at the moment she is totally misplaced. Most recently, we’ve seen this with Dell and the way she handled the Michael O’Leary Hanger Six debacle.” Surprisingly, Noonan has admiration for Fianna Fail’s Brian Lenihan, who is steering a large financial cargo through unchartered waters. “The Minister for Finance has impressed me. The way he’s handling budgetary matters, some points of which I’d argue with him, but I think he’s going in the right direction.”Studying last week’s Prime Time report on the future of Limerick’s Regeneration plan, Noonan sees things going one way or the other. “It seems they’ll build around 100 houses www.businesslimerick.ie

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this year, about 35 in the Moyross area, where they will house elderly people near Watchhouse Cross. Edward Street, which would be in the Ballinacurra Weston area is also earmarked for a second elderly housing project.” Noonan believes the Regeneration project is progressing but at a slower pace than previously hoped. One major cloud hanging over the project, according to the Fine

Gael TD, is that there is “no sign of private investment”. Even though it would go against the Government’s recent policy of removing tax breaks for those in the private sector, Noonan “would support” tax breaks for the sake of seeing home the Regeneration plan. “They’ll have to keep delivering something every year or else people’s hope will be lost forever. If the project 5

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goes beyond 15-years it will just end up ridiculous.” The plight of the 2,000 workers, who used to be employed at Dell’s manufacturing plant in Raheen up until last year, is a top priority for Michael Noonan. “Just last week, I met with the Dell workers and all the TDs in the region. We came together and met Minster Dara Colleary, who’s in charge of the EU Globalisation Fund. The controversy surrounding whether or not all the Dell workers will get their social welfare entitlements, because of the EU grant aid is not solved fully, but most of it is. There are a few issues at play. One is that the Government have designated FAS to drive the fund. Some of the workers aren’t happy with this. The majority of the workers will now get their full entitlements but there are a few, who for example now have a disability and are having problems getting their full entitlements, but there is a way to sort it out and I think Minister Colleary agrees.” Despite the €20m or so being made available to the workers through the EU fund, Michael Noonan believes the Government will only get to use about a third of the cash, because of a deadline Europe has put on allocation the money. Whatever money is not used by that date will be returned to Europe, as has been witnessed in other countries recently. On the banking enquiries, of which there are two currently underway, Noonan believes that any inquiries into how the banks behaved in boom times and how that behaviour may have led to Ireland’s financial burdens, must be held in public, or else there will be no public confidence in the investigations. Confirming he will run in the next General Election, Noonan hints that it may be the last, and he comes across as a man itchy to make his next possible role at the Cabinet table a successful one. “If we were talking after Christmas this year, then I’d say the present Government would stay on until 2012, but because of all the recent events like Willie O’Dea, Trevor Sargent, the Green’s looking to go on the Cabinet merry-go-round, I wouldn’t be heading to Paddy Power’s to back them. It’s gone very fragile. I’ll run 6

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in the next election but I wouldn’t predict what I’d do after that.”

the situation of the journalists phones being tapped.”

Noonan’s career has had many ups and downs, which can be discussed at a later stage, but according to himself his standout moment in politics so far came in 1982, when promoted to Minister for Justice, only months after he first got elected to the Dáil. “The day I was made a Minster for the first time has to be the standout moment for me. Garret Fitzgerald called me into his office and told me I was being made Justice Minister, I said ‘thank you’. I suppose that day and then getting the seal of office from the President. Garret said to me ‘we have a problem in the Department of Justice, and I want you to sort it out. That was the first time I’d heard of

Noonan revealed on January 20, 1983, that the previous Fianna Fáil government had authorised illegal phone tapping of the journalists Geraldine Kennedy, Bruce Arnold and Vincent Browne. Seán Doherty, a former Garda, signed warrants for the taps while Minister for Justice, and it eventually led to his resignation and the resignation of Charles Haughey as Taoiseach in 1992. Would Michael see himself in the same role again? “I don’t know. I’d be quite happy to do the job but that would be up to the party leader. I’m available, but there are others in the party that would have sights on that specific job.” www.businesslimerick.ie

06/03/2010 15:17:01

BL | News

The Tánaiste’s Visit Recognition of LIT’s Collaboration with SME Sector

New Appointment

Limerick’s Ciaran A. Gloster

Tanaiste Mary Coughlan TD Minister for Enterprise,Trade & Employment. visiting the Enterprise Acceleratiion Centre, at the Limerick Institute of Technology Limerick.

Dr Fergal Barry, Head of Development, LIT said “he was delighted to welcome the Tánaiste to Limerick Institute of Technology. The Tánaiste’s visit is due recognition of LIT’s collaboration with and support of the SME sector through our on campus business incubation centre established in 2006 with €3.1M of funding secured from Enterprise Ireland. The Enterprise Acceleration Centre (www.eac.ie) now hosts 20 companies with 60 staff. To date upwards of 150 companies have benefited from training, mentoring and assistance through STARTUP BOOT

CAMPs (1 day), the EnterpriseSTART programme (12 modules over 6 weekends), the SYOB - Start Your Own Business (10 modules over ten weeks); and the LEAP - Limerick Enterprise Acceleration Platform – programme (www.leap. ie - 1 Year). EAC clients benefit from a strong relationship with Enterprise Ireland, the Industrial Development Agency and the City Enterprise Board who are all represented on the Centre’s Advisory Board. The EAC is now recognised as the best address to start out in business in the Mid-west.”

Infineon & UL Initiate University Education Program Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY, The University of Limerick (UL) and IDA Ireland, announced a joint cooperation initiative to develop university programmes in supply chain management at the UL in Ireland. The first programme is a one year diploma in Supply Chain Management. The collaborative initiative is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. The courses comprise knowledge levels in Supply Chain Management from basic level to degree level on to master level over the course of the programmes. The foundation of these programmes is the SCOR®

Model and its application in High Technology Discrete Manufacturing. SCOR® from the Supply Chain Council (www.supply-chain.org) is the globally widely used standard for supply chain management. A combination of high market volatility, outsourcing collaboration and fast product ramps coupled with “fab lite” manufacturing, increases the importance of supply chain management for industry. The programme will be delivered online with two one-week sessions of on campus workshops and group work. www. ul.ie/ulearning/ulearn_courses/supply_ chain_management.html

Adhesives Research, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of highperformance pressure-sensitive adhesives, tapes, specialty coatings, films, and laminates, is pleased to announce the promotion of Ciaran A. Gloster, FCA to Managing Director of Adhesives Research Europe. In his new role, Gloster will oversee the overall management of the Adhesives Research Europe manufacturing facility, product quality, and research and development efforts. Additionally, he will guide the company’s international strategic direction by leading sales and marketing efforts to increase product sales and awareness for the company’s unique capabilities and technology offering. Gloster joined Adhesives Research in 1998 as Financial Controller for Europe when the company began expanding manufacturing capabilities to address the growing needs of its European medical and pharmaceutical customers. In 2005 he was appointed to General Manager for the European sales and manufacturing operations of the company. Prior to his employment at Adhesives Research, Gloster worked as a management accountant with Howmedica, a subsidiary of Stryker Corporation. He holds a degree in Business Studies from the University of Limerick, and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. Adhesives Research supports the company’s European customers with manufacturing and R&D facilities located in Limerick, Ireland, as well as sales and marketing offices located in Great Britain and Germany

Limerick’s Professional eyecare & Hearing Aids specialist specsavers is located at: Cruises Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 312 811

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Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle, Limerick. Tel: 061 302 120

05/03/2010 17:39:30

BL | news

Limerick’s Live 95FM Celebrate

Influential Tourism Group Visits Limerick

Members of the Irish Tour Operators Association(ITOA) recently visited Limerick. They visited Adare Manor with Pat Daly, Shannon Development, Ruth Andrews ITOA, Vincent Cunnane, Shannon Development, Fiona O’Sullivan ITOA and Eoghan Prendergast, Shannon Development.

Chief Executive Joe Nash

Limerick’s Live 95 FM remains the number one radio station in Limerick City and County. The latest independent audience figures have been released covering the period to the end of December 2009. The JNLR/MRBI survey shows that over 120 thousand people tune in to Limerick’s Live 95FM every week, which is almost 8 in every 10 listeners in the city and county. Chief Executive Joe Nash said “Limerick’s Live 95FM continues to compete effectively in an increasingly crowded and diverse radio market place. We do this by keeping focused on our central role, to reflect the needs and interests of the people of Limerick City and County. This is ultimately achieved through the hard work of our local team, not just on air but throughout the radio station. ” The radio station is currently giving away over six thousand euro worth of advertising, across the month of February in the ‘I’m switched on to Limerick’s Live 95FM’ competition and has just signed a new, two year agreement to sponsor the GAA Limerick senior hurling and football club championships. 8

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Over 30 members of the Irish Tour Operators Association (ITOA) were in Limerick recently, where they were briefed on new tourism attractions in the city and county by Shannon Development, the Shannon Region tourism authority. In an itinerary planned by the Company, the ITOA group were taken on a tour of Limerick City including Thomond Park. They stayed in Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort where they held their AGM. Speaking about the importance of the visit of the group, Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief

Executive, Shannon Development said, “The ITOA are a very influential group. They bring in over 465,000 holiday makers to Ireland from overseas each year and we were delighted to brief them on what’s new in Limerick. Shannon Development is currently undertaking a major drive to develop sports business and tourism for the City and grow Limerick’s reputation as Ireland’s sports capital. And ITOA members can help us considerable to get our message out to the international marketplace.”

350 Jobs Saved at LSI’s Plants The High Court has cleared the way for Linen Supply of Ireland to emerge from Examinership in a matter of weeks. LSI said it was delighted the High court had approved the Scheme of Arrangement drawn up by the Examiner, Kieran Wallace of KPMG. The company will officially exit Examinership on the 3rd of March. LSI provides a textile rental and cleaning laundry services to companies in the hospitality, healthcare and food industries as well as supplying sterile surgical supplies, washroom hygiene equipment and dust control mats. The move means that the jobs of the company’s 350 employees at its plants in Dublin, Cork and Spiddal as well as its service and logistics offices in Limerick, Galway and Sligo have been saved. The company employs 20 people at its logistics and services office in Rosmadda

Business Park, Ballysimon Road, Limerick. It also clears the way for the company to distribute a €5.4m redundancy fund to over 260 workers who were made redundant during the restructuring process. Linen Supply of Ireland ‘s Chief Financial Officer Jorg Lankers said the company was looking to the future with renewed confidence following the restructuring of the business. ‘As we pointed out back in September the hospitality and retails sectors were badly hit by the recession and this in turn led to a substantial decline in demand for our textile services. We had to consolidate our operations and cut our costs to match the new economic reality. We believed the best way of achieving those aims, while protecting our business and as many jobs as possible was through Examinership. That decision has now been vindicated’ Lankers said.

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05/03/2010 16:11:56

BL | news

Ryanair To Continue Shannon/ Liverpool And Edinburgh Service Minister of State and Clare Fianna Fail T.D. Tony Killeen says he has received notification from the Shannon Airport Authority that Ryanair has reversed an earlier decision to withdraw its services from Shannon to Liverpool and Edinburgh. Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State Killeen stated: “Ryanair’s services from Shannon Airport to Edinburgh and Liverpool will continue to operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays during the summer. These services have always been very popular and I am delighted that Ryanair has decided to continue operating them.” Minister of State Killeen also welcomed Ryanair’s confirmation that it will continue to operate services to London Gatwick, London Stansted, Malaga, Nantes, Palma, Paris Beauvais, Tenerife and Wroclaw up to the end of the end of summer 2010 at least.

SerCom Solutions Appointment Supply chain services specialist, SerCom Solutions, has announced the appointment of Javier Villamizar, as the company’s Head of International Sales. Javier will build on SerCom’s existing international business in Ireland, USA, Mexico, Poland and China and in particular, lead its drive for further growth in supply chain management for the Hi-Tech, IT & Telecom electronics markets. Javier has over 15 years experience in distribution, supply chain and logistics services for the telecom sector, having developed, sold, implemented and managed end-to-end supply chain outsourcing solutions for a range of telecom manufacturers and service providers globally. Javier will be based in USA and his role will primarily encompass SerCom’s presence

Javier Villamizar, SerCom Solutions

and expansion into the USA, Latin America and Asia. Prior to joining SerCom Solutions, Javier held senior executive management positions in Brightstar Corp., Motorola Inc. and Teleservice Corp.

Franchise of the Year (Service) Fastway Couriers have been named Franchise of the Year (Service) at the Irish Franchise Association Awards. The Awards, which are an established and anticipated event in the Irish franchise calendar, recognise excellence in franchising in Ireland. Michael O’Regan, newly appointed General Manager of Fastway Couriers (South West) said: “We are delighted to win this Award which recognises excellence in franchising as well as success in the courier industry. We had a tremendous year in 2009, particularly in the context of a 30% decline in the parcel www.businesslimerick.ie

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Michael O’Regan, General Manager Fastway Couriers

delivery sector last year. Apart from our business success and service to our customers, we also take pride in the support we provide to all our franchisees.”

Junior Chamber Host Charity Fashion Event Limerick Junior Chamber will host a fashion show in the Carlton Castletroy Park Hotel on Tuesday 23rd March @ 7.30pm in aid of the Special Olympics limerick 2010. Tickets are €15 and fill details are available from Anne-Marie on juniorchamberlimerick@eircom.net Or 087 3162251

Meeting Room Available at LYS Limerick Youth Service in Lower Glentworth are delighted to announce details of their meeting room facility. Theatre style seating - 50 people, Standing - 80 to 100 people and this room can be divided in two with adjacent self-catering kitchen. Board room hire is €120per day - Includes OHP, TV and video, flip chart and stand. Complementary tea and coffee, fully air-conditioned, WiFi and internet access are also available. A full-catering menu is available upon request. For more information please call Amanda Buston on 061 412 444 or amandab@limerickyouthservice.com

Fundraising Art Auction at Georgian House With previews throughout the day on Wednesday, March 24th and Thursday March 25th, Limerick Civic Trust offers the work of some of Limerick’s best artists for public auction. Auction takes place on Thursday, March 25th 7.30pm, Artists include Charles Harper, Walter Verling, Davi Lilburn Gavin Hogg, Des McMahon, Gabrielle Wallace-O’Donnell, Nora Hurley to name a few. Further information on Limerick Civic Trust’s Art Auction is available from Monica Spencer, Interim Manager: monica@limerickcivictrust.ie

05/03/2010 15:40:40

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St Gabriel’s are ARAMARK’s Nominated Charity ARAMARK Ireland has selected St Gabriel’s School & Centre in Limerick as the company’s 2010 nominated charity for the southern region. Throughout the year, ARAMARK employees nationwide will host and support a number of fundraising events to raise money for St Gabriel’s School & Centre as well as the other charities benefiting from the company’s Charitable Fund. ARAMARK Ireland employees from around the country were consulted selecting the nominate charities. St Gabriel’s School & Centre in Limerick is dedicated to providing education and a range of therapy services to children and young adults with physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities and or developmental delay. ARAMARK Ireland has also announced that the company raised over €100,000 for Irish Charity over the past two years through a number of fundraising initiatives including the ARAMARK Charity Cupcake Campaign, the Odlums National Pancake Party in aid of the National Children’s Hos-

pital in Tallaght and the Daffodil Day campaign in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Joan O’Shaughnessy, CEO of ARAMARK Ireland said, “We have had a fantastic result over the past two years which is a due to the commitment and support of ARAMARK staff and also the patrons at our facilities around the country. We are delighted to support St Gabriel’s School & Centre which provides such fantastic services and we very much look forward to another successful year raising much needed funds for worthy causes.” ARAMARK Ireland, whose operations include Campbell Catering, is a leader in the provision of award winning food and facilities management services to clients in the pharmaceutical, financial services, IT and manufacturing sectors, as well as institutions in the educational and healthcare sector. Employing almost 4,000 people throughout the island of Ireland, ARAMARK Ireland is headquartered in Dublin, with regional offices in Cork, Limerick and Belfast.

Joan O’Shaughnessy, CEO of ARAMARK and Kate Sheehan, St. Gabriels Centre.

Ray Cummins Picture Framing 15 Catherine Street Limerick

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Our talented and experienced staff will expertly frame your artwork and do it with the lowest custom framing prices guaranteed. We specialise in Oil Paintings, Water Colours, Prints, Posters, Tapestries and Certificates

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m: 087 9674482 www.businesslimerick.ie

05/03/2010 15:32:18

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Flowers Forever

Limerickman Rows Single-handedly Across the Atlantic

“Mothers Day - Sunday 14th March”

Limerick man Sean McGowan

Since January 4th last, Limerick man Sean McGowan has had a definite routine to his day. He has spent every waking hour since then rowing his 24-foot boat, Tess, singlehandedly across the Atlantic as part of the Woodvale Atlantic challenge. Sean is wellknown in Limerick through his work with Shannon Rowing club, and his many years in Dell before he left to join new consulting firm Progidium last year. He has just completed his MBA with the Kemmy Business School in UL, who also provided him with some sponsorship for his journey. Sean’s journey is the culmination of five years of planning, and is really in all senses the journey of a lifetime. So far he has dealt with whales, broken equipment, an over-friendly shark and the inevitable leak, but is battling on. He hopes to raise enough in donations to build a brand new nutrition centre in the township of Khay-

elitsha outside Cape Town. His chosen charity is Soweto Connection an Irish-registered charity (CHY. No. 16369) founded by Limerick couple Sheila Killian and John Lannon when they lived in South Africa in 2003. The group operates with no paid staff or overhead, so all money raised in Ireland goes directly to work in the townships among the people who need it most. Because Soweto Connection is recognised by the Irish Revenue Commissioners as an eligible charity under Section 848A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, donations of more than €250 in any one calendar year qualify for tax relief. You can follow Sean’s incredible journey most easily on facebook, under the name Atlantic09 . You can also keep track of his progress, send messages and make those all-important donations at http://www. sowetoconnection.org

Blowing Bubbles and Bursting Them The Kemmy Business School (KBS) recently hosted Professor John Fitz Gerald of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) for a seminar entitled; “Blowing Bubbles and Bursting Them: The Case of Ireland and Spain”. Professor Fitz Gerald said; “with the advent of EMU, monetary policy can no longer be used to prevent housing market bubbles in regional economies such as Ireland or Spain. However, fiscal policy can and should be used to achieve the same effect. This research shows that the advent of EMU relaxed existing financial constraints in Ireland and Spain, allowing a more rapid expansion of the housing stock in those countries to meet their specific demographic circumstances. However, the failure to prevent these booms turning into bubbles did lasting www.businesslimerick.ie

John Fitz Gerald of the Economic and Social Research Institute and Professor Donal Dineen, Dean Kemmy Business College

Why not surprise your Mother this

“Mothers Day” with a beautifully arranged bouquet by our design team at Flowers Forever, The Designer Florist.

Where Creativity is the Secret to our Success

damage to the two economies, damage that could have been avoided by more appropriate fiscal policy action.” The seminar was the first in a series organised by the Public Policy, Enterprise, Governance and Sustainability Research Group at KBS. For further details of upcoming events will be available on www. ul.ie/business 11

Contact us at Flowers Forever Raheen Roundabout, Raheen, Limerick Tel/Fax: 061 307123 Email: flowers4ever@eircom.net Web: www.flowersforever.ie

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Eco-Friendly Light on Limerick Business

Ronan O’Brien, MD and Founder of Ecopal, shining an eco-friendly light.

Ecopal, is a success story which brings a shining light to Limerick businesses in these tough times. The company was established in Limerick in 2005 and is now operating on a nationwide level with a healthy turnover which has doubled in the last year alone. Ecopal operates in the ever-growing green energy sector with eco light bulbs forming their core product offering. Ecopal’s eco-bulbs can now be found on sale in over 400 outlets nationwide. Ronan O’Brien, a local Clare man residing in Limerick is the founder and Managing Director of Ecopal and at only 28 years of age has made this business a great success. Ronan commenting on the success of his company said, “I have always had an interest in green energy and I‘ve done quite a bit of research in the area. Green energy is a growing market internationally and married with my interest, it seemed like a no-brainer to establish a green energy business. I am absolutely thrilled with our success to date. The Ecopal team and I are continually working to build on this success and make Ecopal a household name in Ireland.” The company is continuing to expand its reach even in these uncertain times and it’s positive impact on the environment, clearly a shining light for Limerick business. 12

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Limerick Carers Participate in European Research Project Over 30 Family Carers throughout Limerick City and County are actively participating in a European Commission research project aimed at improving training systems and good practices in the provision of care in the home. Ireland’s participation in the Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013, the Leonardo da Vinci Cosefamie Project is now entering its second year with partners from France, Corsica, Italy, Sicily, Slovakia, Belgium and Spain. The programme’s lead Irish agency, Caring for Carers Ireland says it hopes to double the number of Irish carers participating in the project in 2010 by holding a series of workshops throughout the country, including Limerick. According to Brigid Barron, Innovation and Programme Manager, Caring for Carers Ireland “We hosted a European Conference in Ennis last year from where a grid of skills was identified by our European partners and employers as prerequisites for the employability of Family Carers. It was acknowledged that to equip Family Carers with these skills an improvement in the quality of education generally is to be welcomed. Many Family Carers may have to leave the labour market prematurely or may not have the necessary training to reintegrate into the

workforce.” “Family Carers need to make additional efforts, not just on the job front, but also socially and psychologically, in order to have a chance of competing with those more fortunate than themselves and thus to boost their options of employment and harmonious living in society. Consequently, the Leonardo da Vinci programme continues to focus on vocational education and training to improve quality, foster innovation and promote the European dimension of training systems and good practices in the provision of care in the home. The requirements of today’s challenging labour market constantly calls for updating of knowledge and professional skills so, more than ever, life-long learning is essential for everyone”, she added. Caring for Carers Ireland, is a is a national non-governmental organisation supporting Family Carers. Its primary objective is to ensure that policy makers are aware of the key issues which impact on the lives of 161,000 Family Carers and influence their abilities to continue to provide care. For further information on the Leonardo da Vinci Cosefamie Project visit www. caringforcarers.org or contact 0656866515.

Congratulations to NUI Galway and UL on their Strategic Alliance Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, warmly congratulated NUI Galway and the University of Limerick on their Strategic Alliance which was announced recently. Dr Cunnane said “For many years, Shannon Development has been promoting the concept of an Atlantic Economic Corridor, as a counterpole to economic activity on the East Coast, and the coming together of the two Universities in this Corridor is exciting news for the

Shannon Region and for the entire Western Seaboard”. Dr Cunnane continued “The Strategic Alliance of these two highly respected Universities will provide a significant boost for economic development on the West Coast and Shannon Development looks forward to working with both Universities in the years ahead”.

www.businesslimerick.ie

05/03/2010 16:28:43

BL | NEWS

The Blue Box is Banking on your Online Support!

The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre has been selected by the AIB Better Ireland Awards to receive support from their programme this year. AIB has supported The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre over the last six years, recognising that the services provided by this charity are essential for so many children and young people in Limerick. Pictured during a visit to the Blue Box Creative Learning Centre are Conor Maguire, AIB Ennis Road, Mark Lloyd, Blue Box, Monica Ward, AIB Ennis Road and Mary Carmel O’Donoghue, Blue Box Creative Learning Centre.

The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre has been selected by the AIB Better Ireland Awards to receive support from their programme this year. AIB has supported The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre over the last six years, recognising that the services provided by this charity are essential for so many children and young people in Limerick. The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre is a Limerick charity that provides a therapy service for schools. The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre aims to create a service that is available, affordable and accessible for children and young people who need

this extra support. The service is 50% funded by State grants and the remainder has to be fundraised every year. Please help The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre by voting for us in the AIB Better Ireland Programme. Your votes will decide if we receive €2000, €3000, or €5000. Please vote now until March 15th! How to vote: Text ENNISRD, followed by a space, followed by an ‘A’ to 51303 (standard SMS rates apply). or Click on www. betterireland.ie, select Ennis Road Branch and choose ‘The Blue Box’.

‘I Love Limerick’ on March 17th

Children from senior infants in St Patrick’s Girls National School on the Dublin Road launched the theme of the parade ‘I Love Limerick’ with a giant green heart which they created and will enter as part of their festival entry for March 17th. www.businesslimerick.ie

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All sporting, cultural, community, business and social organisations are invited to take part in the event which takes place on Wednesday, March 17th. Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Kiely is appealing to everyone to get involved.

SAA Welcome Aircraft Pre-clearance Start

The Chairman and Board of Shannon Airport Authority welcomed the confirmation by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the US Ambassador, Mr. Dan Rooney, that the pre-clearance of US bound private aircraft at Shannon will commence on the 1st March. Chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA), Brian O’Connell said that “ Shannon pre-clearance for private aircraft represents a major act of commercial partnership between the US and Europe. This move is determined to expedite commercial connections between the two continents by the efficient implementation of security measures and by the introduction of fast and efficient immigration procedures. It marks a watershed in effective international safety and security.” Full US pre-clearance of aircraft allows passengers to make all the necessary immigration, customs and agriculture inspections at Shannon before departure to the US thus allowing a more efficient arrival process at their destination. Shannon Airport will be the first location outside of the US to offer preclearance to private aircraft. Director of Shannon Airport, Martin Moroney said, “We are very pleased that this unique facility will open next week. The response of international private jet operators has been extremely positive to this initiative and we are keen to develop this significant business prospect by allowing the world’s major private jet operators the opportunity to experience the benefits of the service firsthand”. 13

08/03/2010 11:14:18

BL | news

International Cycling Event Launched

L-R Karen Brosnahan, Shannon region Conference and Sports Bureau, Finbar Broughan, Regional manager Shannon Development Co Clare, Jo Dytch, IMG and Pat Daly, Tourism and Marketing Divisional Manager Shannon Development.

Ireland is set to become home to an annual international cycling event organised by the world’s largest sports, entertainment and media company. IMG in partnership with Sky, Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Clare County Council, announced details of the country’s first closed road cycle event. The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia will take place over an 80-mile (approx) course in County Clare on Sunday, August 22nd 2010. The event organisers expect to attract 2000 entrants from throughout Ireland and abroad this year, bringing significant economic benefit into the local economy, with numbers increasing considerably over the next five years. The mass participation event, which is being marketed internationally and nationally, is open to all standards of cyclists, aged 18-80. The cycle will start and finish in Ennis and travel through County Clare, taking in part of West Clare’s spectacular coastline. Sky, the UK and Ireland’s entertainment company behind the Sky Ride series of events, is the title sponsor of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. The sponsorship supports Sky’s aim to encourage one million more people of all ages and abilities to get cycling by 2013. Sky Ride consists of a range of initiatives to get people back on their bikes, 14

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with activities like mass city cycling events on traffic-free streets through to local group rides. As well as Sky Ride Etape Hibernia, IMG have extensive experience organising mass participation events including the internationally renowned events the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia, Tour de Suisse, Melbourne Marathon, The London Triathlon, Triathlon de Alpe d’Huez and UK Challenge Speaking about the rercent announcement Keith McCormack, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Business and Sports Tourism, emphasised: “As a national tourism authority, we are glad to be ‘in the saddle’ for the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. This event is a perfect fit for Fáilte Ireland’s sports strategy and our commitment to promoting all of Ireland’s regions as tourism destinations. This event allows us to harness the growing popularity of cycling to the natural charms and allure of County Clare and the Mid West. As well as bringing visitors and revenue to the area, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Shannon Region as both a cycling destination, in particular, and a tourism ‘must see’ in general.” Welcoming the event John King, Assistant Chief Executive of Shannon Development said, “Shannon Development, along with its partners, is delighted to have helped

secure this very prestigious event for the Shannon Region for the next five years. Winning this event helps us build on our campaign to promote the Region’s growing reputation as a leading sports and events destination. Etape Hibernia is one of a number of international events we are working on this year to bring additional visitors to the Shannon Region which have the potential to generate 10 million euro in new revenue for the Region. This new cycling event complements our strategy to secure more mass participation events, in particular sports events, which can be firmly rooted in the Shannon Region for many years to come.” Karen Brosnahan of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau noted: “Sports Tourism generates approximately 60 million euro for the Shannon Region annually. We, along with Shannon Development and Failte Ireland, have recently launched a Sports Ambassador Programme to capitalise on this lucrative market even further by getting local people involved in sport to help bid for events like Etape Hibernia that can become legacy events for the entire Shannon Region.” The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia was launched recently at an event in The Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co Clare. Details of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia are available from www.etapehibernia.com or info@etapehibernia.com. www.businesslimerick.ie

06/03/2010 14:50:46

BL | news

See Your Eyes in a New Light Limerick Optician Invests in New Imaging Technology Demonstrating her unstinting commitment to providing the most technologically-advanced eye care to her customers, Limerick optician Orlaith Ryan of Vision 2 Opticians, Henry St, Limerick has invested in a Fundus Retinal Camera, which will allow people to see their eyes in a completely new light. “The fundus camera is a specialised microscope with an attached camera, which photographs the interior surface of the eye. It allows the patient to see a real-life photograph of their eye, which heretofore was only visible to the opticians through using their ophthalmoscope,” explains Ms Ryan. “While we will continue to use these instruments for looking directly into the eye, the camera enables us to closely monitor the onset or progression of abnormalities in the eye itself. For example, we can more easily detect glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or medical conditions such as diabetes or heart

ailments, which can also affect the eye’s functioning. “People today are very health conscious and as progressive eye conditions are often an indicator of some underlying health problem, this new technology allows our customers to see how their eyes function. Words like retina, lens, or the eye’s blood

vessels take on a new meaning when they are visible in an on-screen photograph; they are more tangible. “The eye is more than just a pretty colour; it’s a critically important part of our overall anatomy and people should understand how it works and be mindful of observing age-related changes. Anyone with a family history of eye disease should make it a priority to have themselves checked out annually for the onset of similar conditions; most age-related illnesses can be hereditary,” advises Orlaith, She also sends out a word of caution to cinema goers and advises anyone who wears glasses to make sure they have the right strength in their lenses when they are watching a 3D movie. “If people don’t have the correct distance glasses when viewing a 3D movie, they can suffer from fatigue, headache, or maybe even dizziness. We would therefore advise them to make sure their distance vision is corrected as accurately as possible; the cinematic experience will become all the more real,” she adds. For further information on the latest eye care trends, call Orlaith Ryan at Vision 2 Opticians, Henry St, Limerick: Tel: 061 469310 or visit www.vision2opticians.ie

From left: Orlaith Ryan FAOI; Marie O’Keeffe FAOI; Trína O’Sullivan, optical assistant; and Nicole Connolly, student optometrist, demonstrate how the Fundus Retinal Camera sees the eye.

www.businesslimerick.ie

o’donnell + co Accounting & Business Solutions

Bryan O’Donnell

o’donnell+co Chartered Accountants (formerly Assist, Chartered Accountants), located on Barrington Street in the heart of Limerick, offer a full range of accounting, tax and financial services. With a variety of clients across a diverse range of sectors both in Ireland and overseas, their expertise covers Outsource Accounting, Management Accounts, Financial Statements, Company Secretarial Services, Debt Recovery Management and Taxation “I think that one of our strengths is that we always deliver practical solutions that work for each client” says Bryan O’Donnell, Principal of the firm. “That is why our services such as Interim Management and Outsource Accounting are very much in demand”. The Interim Management service means that interim CEOs and CFOs can be hired by businesses on an ad hoc basis while Outsource Accounting is hugely beneficial for clients because it can dramatically cut administration costs. “Flexibility in our service is really important, so whether a client wants to outsource all or just part of the finance function, we will design a package accordingly, working on-site or remotely as the situation demands”, adds Bryan. From the challenges of start-up, growth and survival of a business to the complexities of taxation and compliance, we can help you manage and sustain your strategic direction in today’s challenging environment. Call us on 061 317500 or browse our website at www.odonnellaccountants.ie. 15

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Gallery

Frank Larkin, Public Relations Manager, Dr Vincent Cunnane, Cheif Executive Shannon Development, John Brassil, Chaiman of Shannon Development and John King, Tourism Director, Shannon Development at the publication of the company’s 2009 end of year results in the Radisson Blu Hotel.

JP Ryan, Ballyclough, Theresa Ryan, Brian McEnery and Noel O’Sullivan, Bank of Ireland at the annual dinner of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA Ireland) at Thomond Park.

Pictured at Brian McEnery’s ACCA President’s Dinner with the partners of Horwath Bastow Charleton (L-R) Ger Blake, Pat Sheehan, EMEA Regional Director Bernard Delomenie, Francine Delomenie, Brian McEnery, Dr. Una Nì Bhroimèil, Con Quigley, Mary McKeogh, Liam Hession, Horwath HTL UK Principal Erlend Heiberg.

Leo the Lion was in the money as Limerick FC launched their new lotto. Joining him were DEclan Farmer, Assistant Manager, Limerick FC, Connall O’Ceide, locallotto. ie, Conor Brett, Ticketscan, Packie Bonner, FAI Technical Director & Pat O’Sullivan, Chairman, Limerick FC. The weekly lotto can be played online at www.limericfc.ie

Bernard Delomenie, Una Brommell, Francini Delomenie and Erland Heiberg at the annual dinner of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA Ireland) at Thomond Park.

Comedian, Pat Shortt with his 9 month old puppy Rosie’ joined fellow dog owners at the launch of the Limerick Carers Association & Petmania, National Dog Walk to take place on Easter Monday, April 5th starting from Petmania’s Shop in Jetland on the Ennis Road.

www.businesslimerick.ie

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FAI Technical Director, Packie Bonner, Dean Finnan, Limerick FAS Soccer Team and Minister, Peter Power last Monday in St Enda’s for the Football Association of Ireland, in co-operation with Limerick’s Regeneration Agencies, announcment for the launch of Soccer Skills Development Programme in Limerick.

Cainong Ou, Yanan Wang, Chinese Cultural Advisor to UL, Josephine Page, Manager of International Education Department, University of Limerick and Jing Jing Zhang, first class honours graduate, celebrating the Year of the Tiger for Chinese New Year at a banquet hosted for the Chinese students on campus in the Universtiy of Limerick in Chung’s Chinese Restaurant, Castletroy.

Mary Hamilton, Limerick City VEC, FAI Technical Director, Packie Bonner and Mary Donnelly, Mid West Regional Director FAS with the Limerick FAS Soccer Team last Monday in St Enda’s for the Football Association of Ireland, in co-operation with Limerick’s Regeneration Agencies, announcment for the launch of Soccer Skills Development Programme in Limerick.

Celebrating the Year of the Tiger for Chinese New Year at a banquet hosted for the Chinese students on campus in the Universtiy of Limerick in Chung’s Chinese Restaurant, Castletroy.

International student of the Year at EBC, Sohail Shahid with Brendan Heaphy and Nora Gallaher, directors of Ennis Business College, Limerick. Nora Gallaher, director of Ennis Business College, Limerick with Marina Podourovskaya and Claire Layton graduates from the FAS Business Administration and Managment course held at EBC.

Paula Rafferty, and Emer Toomey, Art Teachers at Limerick Prison with Tadhg O’Riordan, Governor, Limerick Prison admiring the ceramics exhibit titled Angles created in Limerick Prison and part of the exhibition OUT on display in the Hunt Museum in partnership with The Irish Prison Service. www.businesslimerick.ie

Tanaiste Mary Coughlan TD Minister for Enterprise,Trade & Employment. visiting the Enterprise Acceleratiion Centre, at the Limerick Institute of Technology Limerick. 17

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Tanaiste Mary Coughlan TD Minister for Enterprise,Trade & Employment , is greeted by Fergal Barry, Head of Development LIT (left) and Jerry Moloney, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland on her visit the Enterprise Acceleratiion Centre, at the Limerick Institute of Technology Limerick.

Tanaiste Mary Coughlan TD Minister for Enterprise,Trade & Employment. (2nd l eft) visiting the Shannon ABC (Applied Biomechanical Centre) at the Enterprise Acceleratiion Centre, at the Limerick Institute of Technology Limerick, wtih from left: Fergal Barry, LIT ; Jerry Moloney , Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland; Danny Walsh, Shannon ABC and Dr Miriam Moane, Shannon ABC.

Pictured at a business breakfast briefing, sponsored by O Donavan Caulfield Lavin, are from left, John Crowe, Shannon Development, Gaye Moore, Special Olympics Limerick and Richard Maguire, ODCL. The briefing was held to inform businesses in Limerick about volunteering, fundraising and sponsorship opportunities with Special Olympics Ireland. Savoy Hotel, Limerick.

2 March 2010; Pictured at a business breakfast briefing, sponsored by O Donavan Caulfield Lavin, are from left, Jim O’Donovan, ODCL, Fergal McNamara and Thomas Caulfield Junior. The briefing was held to inform businesses in Limerick about volunteering, fundraising and sponsorship opportunities with Special Olympics Ireland. Savoy Hotel, Limerick.

Pictured at a business breakfast briefing, sponsored by O Donavan Caulfield Lavin, are from left, Harry McNamara; Richard Maguire, ODCL, Matt English, CEO, Special Olympics Ireland and Tom Caulfield, OCDL. The briefing was held to inform businesses in Limerick about volunteering, fundraising and sponsorship opportunities with Special Olympics Ireland. Savoy Hotel, Limerick.

Laura Ryan Limerick Co-Ordination Office, Keith Earls Parade Marshal and Orla O’Connor Limerick Co-Ordination Office. 18

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100 of Ireland’s Top Wedding Suppliers were in the Crown Plaza Dublin this month to celebrate the finest in the business for the WeddingonLine Awards. The four star Armada Hotel in Spanish Point were among the finalists and was the only hotel to be nominated from Clare or Limerick by the brides and grooms of Ireland’s most popular wedding website. Other Clare finalists included Gavin Gallagher from Dreamcatcher Productions; Saurabh Jain, Wedding Co-Ordinator at the Armada and Kate Deegan from Perfect Details & Co-Ordination Made Easy. (l-r) Saurabh Jain, Pamela Burke, Gavin Gallagher, Fiona Buckley Kitt, Ivan Tuohy, Noralynne Murrihy and John Burke. www.businesslimerick.ie

08/03/2010 10:53:21

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Mayor of Limerick, Kevin Kiely with his wife Doreen and the organizing committee for the Thomond Rugby Club, Valentines Ball 2010 held in the Greenhills Hotel.

Mayor of Limerick, Kevin Kiely with Anne O’Neill, Lida Ledger and Olive McInerney at the Thomond Rugby Club, Valentines Ball 2010 held in the Greenhills Hotel

Sarah O’Meara, Tanya Fitzgerald and Treacy O’Dotherty at the Thomond Rugby Club, Valentines Ball 2010 held in the Greenhills Hotel.

Johanna Duggan, Emma Walsh, Sarah Quin, Natasha O’Rourke and Nicole Curtis at the Thomond Rugby Club, Valentines Ball 2010 held in the Greenhills Hotel.

Susan Quin and Noelle O’Donoghue at the Thomond Rugby Club, Valentines Ball 2010 held in the Greenhills Hotel.

David O’Rielly and Alison O’Donnell at the Thomond Rugby Club, Valentines Ball 2010 held in the Greenhills Hotel.

Theresa Meaher, Pauline Fitzgerald and Miriam Kearns at the Thomond Rugby Club, Valentines Ball 2010 held in the Greenhills Hotel

Rebecca and Jim Grimes at the Thomond Rugby Club, Valentines Ball 2010 held in the Greenhills Hotel.

www.businesslimerick.ie

BL | news

Justsplit.com (Limerick)

Limerick Accountant scores big with ACCA Ireland’s President’s Dinner

Former Taoiseach John Bruton and Brian McEnery ACCA Ireland president and newly appointed director of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) pictured at the annual dinner of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA Ireland) at Thomond Park.

New company, new image, fresh start! - But the same high quality service offered at 37 Roches Street. Former customers of Up and Go Holidays (Executive Travel Group) are delighted to see the return of a travel agency in the city run by familiar faces and from the same location, albeit under the new vibrant colours of the Justsplit. com logo. Opened in May 2009, after a brief gap following the closure of Up and Go holidays, Justsplit.com is a branch office of a Dublin based travel agency headed up by Hugh Lilburn and his staff Anne Dynan, Tara O’Brien, Orla O’Donnell, Tina Synan and Rosanna Flood. “We are delighted with the goodwill and loyalty shown by customers since we re-opened and we are very encouraged by the level of business experienced so far. Customers are comfortable booking holidays with a bonded agent and with staff they can trust to secure the best deals available on their behalf,” stated Hugh Lilburn. 20

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For once the lights of Thomond Park lit up the Friday night sky for the great and the good celebrating a different kind of homecoming. 300 people including former Taoiseach John Bruton attended Limerick man Brian McEnery’s ACCA President’s Dinner in Thomond Park on Friday February 19th. Apart from being the subject of Business Limerick Magazine’s February front page story, Brian is a well known partner with Limerick accountants and business advisors Horwath Bastow Charleton. He is also a member of the ACCA’s global Council. 2010 is already shaping up to be a very busy year for Brian McEnery – he was appointed a non-exec director of the National Asset Management Agency(NAMA) by the Minister for Finance in December 2009 and has recently launched a National Insolvency Unit in Dublin. At a time when so many businesses are rationalising Brian and his fellow partners in HBC have amalgamated their Dublin and Limerick insolvency departments. Brian scored a major coup when he secured Finian Loftus, former Head of Insolvency with the Revenue Commissioners, to act as a dedicated insolvency consultant to his new national insolvency unit. Finian will be working directly with Brian and Eoin Ryan, a director and experienced rescue & insolvency practitioner from HBC Limerick, who is moving to Dublin to manage the new insolvency unit.

Speaking about these major milestones Brian McEnery stated, “I cannot believe that I am over half way through my Presidency. It has indeed been a very busy time and I feel very honoured to have the opportunity to work with so many committed professionals who are putting huge effort into to keeping Ireland moving. My roles, particularly as ACCA President and the Partner-in-Charge of the HBC National Insolvency Unit mean that every week I am meeting people at the coalface of the recession – accountants, solicitors and business owners. All of whom are interested in keeping their businesses active and viable. I think 2010 is going to see a lot of movement in the whole area of Receiverships and Examinerships so we need to be on the top of our game. The banks and the Courts are really starting to address the cash flow issues companies are facing so business owners need to be able to present strong business plans or restructuring schemes.” Other guests at the event included Mayor of Limerick Kevin Kiely, Crowe Horwath’s Regional Director for the EMEA region Bernard Delomenie, Horwath HTL UK Principal Erlend Heiberg, ACCA Global President Brendan Murtagh, President of the Irish Taxation Institute Olivia Lynch, Michael Noonan TD, Kieran O’Donnell TD, Liam Irwin from the Revenue Commissioners.

www.businesslimerick.ie

04/03/2010 10:50:10

BL | News

Four in a Row for the Ambassador The Ambassador Dry Cleaners are delighted to be awarded with the ‘Sanitone Master Drycleaners 2010’ certificate for the fourth consecutive year.

a local workforce of 14 employees in the four shop outlets based in Caherdavin, Patrick Street, Dooradoyle and Raheen Industrial Estate.

Proprietor Mary Farrar is jubilant to accept this accolade on behalf of all her hard working staff in the company. “This is a most prestigious award within the industry and recognition of our high standards, using the best machinery available and the most up to date finishing techniques to achieve excellence, ultimately, customer satisfaction”.

“Listening to customer’s requirements, we introduced our very popular alteration service which has been a big success with our clients. We specialise in the highest care for Holy Communion dresses, confirmation and wedding dresses. All our outlets offer these services as well as dry cleaning, bedding, quilts and full laundry service with prompt professional turnaround guaranteed”, stated Mary.

Mary formerly managed well known upmarket fashion house, Ela Maria in Newcastle West, before establishing the Ambassador Dry Cleaning brand 20 years ago. “I suppose our ethos ‘we care for your clothes’ first evolved in Ela Maria’s and we have built our reputation on this foundation over the last 20 years”.

With the current economic climate in mind, the Ambassador introduced many special offers and ‘recession busters’ to help their customers cope I with the downturn, and at the same time, they have continued to ensure their high quality product as before.

She has seen her business develop into four shops with a purpose built central processing unit in Raheen. They employ

“In accepting this award, I would sincerely like to thank our valued customers for their loyalty over the past 20 years, and

Mary Farrer proprietor Ambassador Dry Cleaners

look forward to continue to uphold our high standards that they have become accustomed to”, said Mary

• 4 x 550 TVL 3.5mm - 9mm varifocal lens, IP66 IR camers • 1 x 17” Monitor • Install, Labour and Commissioning • Finance Packages Available

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06/03/2010 14:52:31

BL | PROFILE

Education & Business Training Company (EBC) No. 6 Pery Square, Limerick.

Tel: 061 446534 E-Mail: info@limerickcitycampus.com www.limerickcitycampus.com BLOG: www.ebclimerick.blogspot.com

• • • •

E.B.C (Limerick) was established in 2004 and has become recognised as a leading education centre in Limerick with a heightened public profile leading to increased demand for the educational programmes and services it offers. The courses are of the highest quality and meet or exceed industry standards. Based at No. 6 Pery Square, Limerick, and under the management and ownership of Mrs. Nora Gallagher and Mr. Brendan Heaphy, the college continues to grow with up to 300 students registering each year. The college is Department of Education and Science recognised, a FÁS approved training centre and accredited by a range of external awarding bodies with each one strictly monitoring and auditing the courseware being delivered. The college itself contains both large and small training rooms, networked I.T labs, wireless facilities and more which can be found detailed on the college website, www. limerickcitycampus.com

Back to Education Progression to Further Education Professional Business Training Entrepreneurs/Business Start Ups

E.B.C is playing its part in the up-skilling and re-training of students and those that have found them selves unemployed by offering a range of courses at discounted prices and flexible training schedules. E.B.C is focussing on both long term and short-term education and is conscious of individuals who have been out of the educa-

tion system for a long time. This can be a gradual process to re-introduce your self into the learning system and with the qualified and skilled lecturing team at EBC this process is made easier. E.B.C is offering long term courses in management, tourism, hospitality and computing along with short term courses in basic accounting, office procedures, ECDL, human resources, reception, team leading, computing, English and a range of business skills/knowledge courses relevant to industry today.

Programme Courseware • Professional Accounting Programmes

• Management & Business Programmes

• I.T/Computing Programmes

• Interview Techniques

Business Training • Bookkeeping • Employment/Contract Law • Health & Safety

• Professional Editorial Consultancy

• Presentation Skills • 1 to 1 Confidential Manager Training in I.T • Business Topics

• NERA Audit Compliance Training

• Business Training Reviews • Vat & Tax Returns Training

• Hospitality & Tourism Programmes • Post Primary & Third Level Tuition • E-Learning

E.B.C has diversified its educational programmes and services to specialise in the following areas:

Education & Business Training Company (EBC) Staff; Paul Coffey; Lecturer, Avril Collins; Administration, Sylvia Stanhope; Lecturer, Brendan Heaphy; Director and Nora Gallagher; Director. 22

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www.businesslimerick.ie

08/03/2010 14:33:34

BL | PROFILE

Angela Doyle, David Hughes and Nicola Kennedy receiving their FETAC Level 6 award from the FĂ S Business Management and Administration course at EBC.

Brendan Heaphy joined E.B.C (Limerick) in October 2006 as a Finance and Business Lecturer. In February 2007 he was appointed Company Financial Controller with responsibility for company financial management. He played an integral part in setting strong internal accounting, administration and academic systems and for setting secure company structures. He assisted in acquiring FETAC qualification for the college in 2008 and implementing an internal quality system. Brendan has 13 years of experience providing training in adult education. Brendan is a member of the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) and is a registered FAS and Enterprise Ireland trainer in the fields of accounting and finance. Brendan has helped lead E.B.C (Limerick) into new educational markets increasing programmes and services and establishing a reputable and professional image for the college. Brendan says the last 6 years have seen E.B.C grow and evolve and now with good internal controls and policies in place the college can continue to provide quality programmes relevant to industry standards. Nora Gallagher joined E.B.C (Limerick) in October 2005 as a business lecturer. The following September 2006, Nora filled the position of Academic Register for the college. In February 2007, she was appointed College Principal with responsibility for academic management. Nora has a BSc Management Econ (Hons) and a Grad Dip Ed Bs. Nora has training experience in both post primary and adult education and is a registered member of the Teaching Council. She is a member of the Institute of Training and Development (IITD) and is a FĂ S and

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Enterprise Ireland registered trainer in the fields of business and management. Nora has played an integral part in working with the external accrediting bodies and Department of Education in ensuring relevant courseware is being offered to potential learners across a wide area. Nora believes that E.B.C has built on its strengths and can offer a supportive environment to learners who are returning to education and those who are progressing to another stage in their educational lives. She is a firm believer in lifelong learning, it is never too late to learn and change your life for the better.

She believes in FAS training and in these times when FAS is under the spotlight the proof is there, that learners who have successfully completed higher level FETAC awards, have been given the opportunity to further their studies by joining in year 1 or 2 in LIT or UL. FETAC is a wonderful idea as it gives learners a second opportunity to avail of college courses other than the traditional leaving certificate method, learners can build on what they have already achieved. More information should be available to those who wish to return to education as there is a huge lack of what is available and possible routes to third level. In these days of increased unemployment people should take advantage of educational opportunities, especially when courses have decreased in price so dramatically. Things will improve. We need to be positive about this re emergence from recession and we need to retrain to take advantage when it does. The globalisation funding is a huge amount of money that is being given to one location, spent right this should give a renewed spirit to the area. At present it seems to be very vague as to what is being given to whom but if there is communication and effort on all sides, an efficient use made of the money and accountability at the end of it all. This money will be well spent eventually.

Education & Business Training Company (EBC) now under new ownership and management of Nora Gallagher; Director and Brendan Heaphy; Director.

08/03/2010 14:38:21

BL | news

New ‘BusinessFirst’ Seat in Ireland Continental Airlines unveiled its new BusinessFirst Flat Bed Seat to the travel industry in Shannon and Dublin recently. The new seat was previewed at Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Co Limerick on 23rd February. The Flat Bed Seat is currently being installed on the airline’s Boeing 777 and 757-200 fleets and the process is due to be completed over the next 12 months. Continental’s Boeing 757-200 aircraft operate its services from Dublin and Shannon to its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport. Speaking at the unveiling in Foynes, Yvonne Muldoon, Continental’s Irish sales manager said: “The new Flat Bed Seat takes our award-winning BusinessFirst offering to another level. It is further evidence that Continental continues to invest in improving our service as we strive to offer customers the very best in comfort and value. “The current 757-200 installation schedule indicates that 80 per cent of our fleet will have the new seat installed by the end of the year. Our Irish Busi-

Ciara Devanney, Shannon at the pre-launch of the Continental Airlines ‘flat bed seat’ at the Flying Boat Museum, Foynes, Co. Limerick.

nessFirst customers should start to see it regularly from the autumn, with all aircraft completed by February 2011.” The Flat Bed Seat on the 757-200 reclines 180 degrees, providing 6 feet 4 inches/1.93 metres of sleeping space in the fully-extended position. It measures up to 25 inches/63.5 cm in width when the adjustable armrest is positioned flush with the seat cushion. Electronic controls enable customers to easily move the seats to the custom position most comfortable for them.

The seats provide more individual storage space for personal items. Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer’s shoulder. iPod connectivity allows each customer to view their personal videos and enjoy their music, all while their iPod is charging. The new seats feature 15.4-inch/39-cm video monitors for customers to enjoy on-demand movies, music and games, and have a privacy shell that allows for seclusion from other travelers.

John King, Shannon Developmen with Lisa Buxton and Jacqui Cummins of Continental Airlines at the pre-launch of the Continental Airlines ‘flat bed seat’ at the Flying Boat Museum, Foynes, Co. Limerick.

Yvonne Muldoon, Sales Manager Continental Airlines with Brian Cullen, Chairman, Foynes Ciara Devanney, Shannon and Declan Power, Marketing Manager, Shannon AirMuseum t the pre-launch of the Continental Airlines ‘flat bed seat’ at the Flying Boat Mu- port at the pre-launch of the Continental Airlines ‘flat bed seat’ at the Flying Boat seum, Foynes, Co. Limerick. Museum, Foynes, Co. Limerick. 24

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www.businesslimerick.ie

05/03/2010 13:34:28

BL | GALLERY

Jerry Flannery with Ciara O’Shaughnessy from Limerick at the Guinness Area 22 Today FM Rugby Supporters Event.

Martin Crowley, Frankie Sheehan and Barry Prenderville at the Guinness Area 22 Today FM Rugby Supporters Event.

Mary Murphy from Newmarket and Geraldine Barry from Newcastlewest at the Guinness Area 22 Today FM Rugby Supporters Event.

Aonghus Meaney and Sharon Cavanagh from the Ennis Road at the Guinness Area 22 Today FM Rugby Supporters Event.

Stephen Scales and Colm Breen from Limerick at the Guinness Area 22 Today FM Rugby Supporters Event.

(l-r) Caitriona O’Connell, Aine O’Connell, Donal Cahill and Trish O’Mahony (all from Dooradoyle) at the Guinness Area 22 Today FM Rugby Supporters Event.

Valerie Power, Anthony Flynn and Elaine Burke at the Guinness Area 22 Today FM Rugby Supporters Event.

Comedian Pat Shortt, Anthony Foley and Frankie Sheehan at the Guinness Area 22 Today FM Rugby Supporters Event.

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BL | NEWS

Travel Tax Revenue for International Cargo Hub Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has been asked to invest some of the millions of euro in revenue generated by the 10 euro air travel tax into the development of an international cargo hub at Shannon Airport. The Mid-West Regional Authority (MWRA) and Mayors of the Region’s four local authorities met Minister Dempsey in Dublin to also highlight the need to develop a strong business plan for an autonomous Shannon Airport. The delegation stressed that that the airport could no longer survive on air passengers travelling to and from the facility and that the development of an international cargo hub was key to securing its future. Speaking following the hour long meeting, MWRA Cathaoirleach Councillor Leo Walsh commented: “We emphasised the requirement for urgent Government investment in the proposed cargo hub as an existing Memorandum Of Understanding between major international cargo handler Lynx and The Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) is due to expire in mid 2010. It is estimated that between 4-5 million euro are required to put the necessary infrastructure in place at Shannon to deliver the Lynx project.” MWRA Director Liam Conneally said: “Shannon’s unrestricted runway, roundthe-clock operation, efficient handling and the presence of many of the major global logistics firms provide air cargo/freight

options unavailable at any other Irish airport. There is no doubt that the construction and operation of an international hub by Lynx would consolidate the operations of existing multinationals in the region as well as help attract inward investment from other multinationals. The MWRA and the Region’s Mayors welcome the Minister’s commitment to investigating the potential for Government investment in the proposed facility”.

Councillor Bill O’Donnell, Leas Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council pointed out that the region’s local authorities were committed to engaging with Government in a positive and proactive way for the betterment of the Mid-West. “The new SAA board is working to develop a new business model while at the same time realising the fundamental role that the Airport plays in promoting regional development and jobs in the Mid-West. I informed the Minister, however, that our contacts with the Airport would indicate that it is difficult to ascertain what the Dublin Airport Authority’s vision for Shannon Airport is and the consequent difficulty the SAA board to plan for the future in such a business/policy vacuum”. Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy explained, “I reminded Minister Dempsey of the need for Government to support efforts to further develop and market

them, as well as expand on the 121 out of 480 of international airports in the US that are currently served by the facilities. On behalf of the delegation, I informed the Minister that without the specialist marketing of the pre-clearance facilities there is a danger that his vision and work to deliver this facility to the Shannon region will not be fully realised for the benefit of the region. I stressed that the importance of increasing Government support of specific marketing initiatives, such as the targeting of the Nordic countries, Lithuania, Austria and Poland which do not have direct transatlantic services and can pre-clear at Shannon.” Councillor Denis McCarthy, Deputy Mayor of Limerick City noted that the development of a marketing strategy for Shannon Airport supported by a dedicated fund was now a priority for the airport. He continued: “While the attraction of new airlines and route development is a must for the airport, tourism marketing and tourism product development is also necessary as is the specialised marketing of the customs and border control facility at Shannon. We told the Minister that to assist Shannon’s plight in dealing with ‘Open Skies’ the Shannon Airport Catchment Fund for 2010 should be dedicated to marketing the actual catchment area of the airport. We suggested that to maximise the effect of the fund the Shannon Airport Authority and Shannon Development partnership, as opposed to Tourism Ireland, should have control of the fund”. Meanwhile, Councillor Denis Ryan, Mayor of North Tipperary has asked Minister Dempsey to provide additional funding for local authorities in meeting the costs incurred during and after the recent extreme weather conditions. “I appeal to the Minister for the Department’s assistance to help local authorities in meeting these significant additional costs. An adequately funded and completed MidWest Road Restoration Programme is key to retaining quality access to Shannon Airport”, he said.

Cllr. William O’Donnell, Leas Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council; Cllr. Kevin Kiely, Mayor of Limerick City; Cllr. Tony Mulcahy, Mayor of Clare; Liam Conneally, Director of the Mid-West Regional Authority; Cllr. Denis Ryan, Mayor of North Tipperary; and Cllr. Leo Walsh, Cathaoirleach of the Mid-West Regional Authority;

The delegation also met with Aer Lingus Chief Executive Christoph Muller last month.

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BL | FINANCE

Horwath Bastow Charleton

Linen Case Cleans-Up Uncertainty Surrounding Repudiation of Leases In Examinerships.

By BrianMcEnery In December 2009 the Supreme Court made a landmark judgment regarding the repudiation of leases in an Examinership which removed the uncertainty around whether leases could be repudiated as part of a scheme of arrangement in an examinership. This uncertainty was primarily caused by conflicting judgments made by the Courts – e.g. in the Chartbusters case the Courts approved the repudiation of leases as part of the Examiner’s scheme of arrangement. Ultimately this allowed the company to successfully exit examinership and continue trading. While the subsequent O’Briens Sandwich Bars case, where the repudiation of leases was also a feature in the Examiner’s scheme of arrangement, Justice Ryan examined the relevant legislation and held that it could not be used to permit the wholesale repudiation of over 40 leases. The examinership failed and the company entered liquidation. Hence there remained confusion as to whether leases could be repudiated in an examinership process - until the recent Supreme Court judgment in the case of Linen Supply of Ireland. In this case, as part of his scheme of arrangement, the Examiner attempted to repudiate five leases which the company had entered into. The High Court (under Justice Brian McGovern) initially held that upon review of the relevant legislation it was not permissible to repudiate leases as part of an examinership scheme. Linen Supply of Ireland appealed the judgment to the Supreme Court, as a test case in order to get a definitive ruling. The relevant legislation referred to above concerns Sections 20 and 25B of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1990. Section 20 of the Act states that: “where proposals for a scheme of arrangement or compromise are to be formulated in relation to a company, the company may, subject to the approval of the court, affirm or repudiate any contract under which some element of performance other than payment remains to be rendered by both the company and the other contract party or parties.”

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The Supreme Court judgment confirmed that a lease falls into the meaning of “any contract” (as referred to in Section 20) and not only that but, by their very nature, leases require the performance of other obligations aside from payment and hence unreservedly comply with Section 20 of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1990. Leases can now be repudiated in an examinership process, subject to Court approval. In making its ruling the Supreme Court also referred to Section 25B of the 1990 Act, which sets out various prohibitions on varying the terms of a lease. The argument had successfully been made in the past that the wording of Section 25B meant that leases did not come within the term of “any contract” and hence could not be repudiated. In this ruling the Supreme Court specifically rejects this argument. The ruling puts to bed, once and for all, the uncertainty surrounding the repudiation of leases in examinerships and it now opens the door for trading, retail and other companies with loss-making / over burdensome leases to apply for Court protection and repudiate such leases. Not only did the landlords in the above case find their lease agreements repudiated as part of the Examiner’s scheme, but it was also ruled that the future rent lost by virtue of the repudiation could be included as part of the scheme. This saw the landlords’ compensation / value of future rent lost, receiving a dividend on par with other unsecured creditors. What are the commercial implications of this landmark ruling? I believe we will now see many more companies apply for examinership, with their main objective being to repudiate over-burdensome leases. Additionally the ruling, by proxy, significantly strengthens the hand of the Examiner when negotiating rent reductions with uncooperative landlords. While Section 25B of the 1990 Act prohibits the reduction of future rent attaching to a lease, save where the lessor consents in writing to such a reduction, I believe we will now see Examiners threatening landlords with repudiation unless they “volun-

tarily, in writing” agree to significant rent reductions. Given the exorbitant rents (in light of current market conditions) payable under many leases, especially those entered into during the boom years, this ruling now offers a lifeline to many Irish businesses. It offers them the opportunity to restructure their leasing obligations to more appropriate levels and align them with current market expectations. In summary it is fair to say that sometimes it pays to wash your dirty linen in public and I am sure there will be many companies and advisors thankful that Linen Supply of Ireland decided to do so! About the Author:

Brian McEnery

Brian McEnery (FCCA) is a Rescue & Insolvency Partner with Horwath Bastow Charleton in Limerick. He is the President of ACCA Ireland and a member of the ACCA’s global Council. Brian is one of the leading business rescue and insolvency advisers in the country and has just launched the Horwath Bastow Charleton National Insolvency Unit in Dublin. He is a member of the Consultative Committee of Accounting Bodies - Ireland CCAB-I (Insolvency), a member of the London Court of Arbitration, a member of the Turnaround Management Association and The Institute for Turnaround. Brian and his team can be contacted at 061 310 311 or email brianmcenery@hbcl.ie Website: www.hbcl.ie 27

06/03/2010 15:04:23

BL | CHAMBER

Chamber Welcomes Establishment of Boundary Committee Members of committee and Denis Brosnan as Chair Is a very Positive Sign The Chamber has today welcomed the long awaited unveiling by Minster Gormley of the members of the Limerick Local Government Committee. Limerick Chamber President Harry Fehily said, “The Chamber has been lobbying for a resolution to the Boundary issue for many years. We have always maintained that the issue of the boundary in Limerick is too politically sensitive to remain in the political arena and requires the objective consideration of an independent committee. We are very pleased with the make up of this committee. Along with the Chair Denis Brosnan the members are of the highest caliber and give us great confidence in what they will achieve.”

“The Boundary in Limerick is a critical issue as it has been negatively affecting business in the City and has seriously threatened the competitiveness of the entire region. Because it has been ignored for so many years by successive Ministers we now find ourselves in the position where our City centre is seriously underperforming compared to other urban centres across the country.” Mr. Fehily continued.

amount of retail on the outskirts of our City than is in the City Centre. This negligent planning has led us to the current critical situation where businesses are closing every day and those that remain are in fear of their future. These authorities have shown a complete lack of regard for the prosperity of the City and the Region and the citizens they are meant to serve. All they seem to be concerned about is protecting their own patch.”

“It is completely nonsensical that we have had the situation where three local authorities have responsibility for our urban area. Thanks to very bad planning and poor co-operation particularly between the two main authorities that oversee our urban area we have more than double the

We welcome the establishment of the Committee and in particular we are delighted that someone of the caliber of Denis Brosnan will be chairing it. We now call on them to act quickly and make firm decisions for the sake of our City and Region.” Mr. Fehily concluded.

Martina McGrath- Limerick Chamber, Maura McMahon- Limerick Chamber, James O’DonoghueVice President Junior Chamber.

Some of Limerick Chamber Board Of Directors: Eamon Dillon- QED Marketing, Gordon KearneyRooney Auctioneers, Harry Fehily- President of Limerick Chamber, Michéal Ó Laoide – Norman O’Leary and Co., Kieran MacSweeney- Vice President Limerick Chamber, Sean Lally – General Manager, The Strand Hotel

Kieran MacSweeney- Incoming President Limerick Chamber, Harry Fehily- President of Limerick Chamber, Maria Kelly CEO Limerick Chamber

Richard Leonard - Grant Thornton, Harry Fehily- President of Limerick Chamber, Michael O’Connor - Bank of Scotland Ireland

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04/03/2010 11:25:57

BL | news

AA Introduces Fuel Assist The latest addition to the AA Rescue fleet is a piece of kit which completely resolves what used to be just about the worst thing you could do to a car short of crashing it: putting in the wrong fuel and starting the engine. When a petrol engine is contaminated with diesel it can cause major damage. The old process for repair meant stripping down the entire fuel system and washing it with petrol.

or start the engine. First contact AA Fuel Assist at 1890 456226 and their specialist service will: • drain, flush and replenish your vehicle’s fuel system • ensure the contaminated fuel is recycled through a waste management company. Generally, a small amount of incorrect fuel should not damage the engine as long as you have not started the car and top up fully with diesel fuel

The AA has a piece of technology which can completely repair the car on the spot and can do so within an hour. The AA can now completely drain the fuel system, wash it clean and refuel it correctly so that the car can drive away. The AA now offers the service at a cost of €260 or €236 for anyone who is already an AA member. Nationally it is estimated that it happens about 5,000 times per year. Modern diesel cars are so quiet it’s easy to forget you’re driving one. If you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, don’t turn on the ignition

AA can drain the fuel from you car tank and have you back on the road with a fresh supply in about an hour. Miss-fuelling is becoming an increasing problem with estimated 5,000 cases per year in Ireland.

Scrappage Scheme Amended Since the car scrappage scheme was introduced at the start of the year, it was discovered that many people could not avail of scrappage as they were the owner of the vehicle but were only a named driver on their spouse’s policy. For example, up until now, if a husband was the registered owner of the car to be scrapped and his wife was the main policy holder of the insurance policy and he was a named driver, he could not avail of the scheme. Obviously this has been causing much frustration for those genuine consumers looking to purchase a new car through the scrappage scheme. The SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) brought this anomaly to the attention of the Government in order to get this issue resolved. The Society is now pleased that an amendment has been made to the scheme in order to accommodate a person and their spouse. This has been added to the Scrappage FAQ’s on the Revenue website (www.revenue.ie): My wife has an old car. I want to buy a new one, give her my old car and scrap hers. Am I eligible? www.businesslimerick.ie

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Love the Fairways… Lucinda Does!

“Yes, if the scrapped vehicle and new vehicle are registered in either your name or in the name of your spouse, and you are either the holder of the insurance policy or a named driver on the insurance policy of your spouse for the scrapped vehicle you are eligible for the scrappage scheme” I am a named driver on an insurance policy for my car. Am I eligible for the scrappage scheme? “Yes, if you are a named driver and your spouse is the insurance policy holder for the scrapped vehicle. You must either be the policy holder or the named driver on the insurance policy of your spouse for the scrapped vehicle for a period of 12 months in the 18 months prior to the date of scrappage. You are not eligible if you are the named driver on the policy of another family member, e.g. a father or sister.” If any member of the public has any questions in relation to the car scrappage scheme, they can contact the SIMI offices at 01 6761690 or email info@simi.ie

Limerick business woman, Joan McGowan and her husband Geoff Jones are hitting the headlines again. Lucinda O’Sullivan, Ireland’s most widely-read Food Critic has chosen their pub/restaurant near Nenagh Golf Club to feature in her Little Black Book of Great Places to Eat. Lucinda boasts of being the longest-standing Food Critic with any one newspaper, namely the Sunday Independent. Her Little Black Book features hotels and restaurants that Lucinda personally chooses to recommend. Chef/Owner Geoff Jones has only very recently secured the BIM Seafood Circle Award and since he bought the former “Lucky Bags” in 2006, the pub/restaurant has been included in the Georgina Campbell Good Food Guide. Geoff emphasises that the reason for this latest award for The Fairways is the consistency in the quality of the food. His lunch menu changes daily, with specials created to excite the palate. Regular visits to the fish mongers ensure that only the freshest of produce is used. “Any fresher and it’s still swimming”, Geoff jokes. For the staff of the Fairways, the mood is jubilant. For them, the customer is key and this is evident in the welcome each customer receives. Lucinda is renowned for featuring establishments whom she feels excel; those treasured places that one happens upon and chooses to remember. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, a visit to the Fairways is a must. Visit their website on www.thefairwaysbar.ie or phone 067 41444 for more information and bookings. Remember, Love Food….. Love the Fairways! 29

01/03/2010 22:16:42

BL | news

BlueBrick.ie Education Website Launched BlueBrick.ie, the new website from the Institutes of Technology Ireland (IoTI) allowing users to compare courses conveniently and register online, has been officially launched to the public by Sharon Ní Bheoláin. The website is a unique tool which will allow members of the public who are interested in developing their career opportunities to find a course to best fit their schedule. The site was developed by the 14 Institutes of Technology, and has already been recognised by the online community, as it has been nominated for a prestigious eGovernment award. The public nominated the eGovernment service websites that they considered to have made a considerable difference to Irish citizens. The website was created to fill the void that existed for supports and information for those who are interested in securing further qualifications on a flexible level. The site offers information on hundreds of courses in various formats, including online courses, distance learning, or classroom, all of which are flexible, thereby allowing the user to find a course which will fit in with their lifestyle and availability. Officially launching the website, Sharon Ní Bheoláin said “It’s great to be here to

RTE’s Sharon Ní Bheoláin and Dr. Richard Thorn at the bluebrick.ie launch

launch this impressive website which will be so valuable to people across the country who might feel that they’re trapped in their job, or that they really want to move forward in their career but don’t have the qualifications. BlueBrick.ie will show people that no matter how little time they think they might have with work and family commitments, there are hundreds of

courses available to them at a time that suits them. It’s a terrific resource, and it’s an honour to be here to announce its launch to the public.” BlueBrick.ie was established by the Institutes of Technology Ireland as part of the HEA Strategic Innovation Fund project: Flexible Learning. www.bluebrick.ie

Call for National Register of House Prices The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called for the establishment of a national register of house prices following the cancellation of the monthly ESRI/Permanent TSB House Price Index. The CIF has indicated its intention to work with the Minister for Housing and Local Services and other relevant parties to progress this matter.

the mortgage market. The CIF has been pointing this out for some time. Even at its height the Index, by its very nature, could only tell us what happened in the past. Given the centrality of the housing market in any domestic economy, a guide to house prices movements as they happen, as is available in the Northern Ireland, UK and US economies, is an absolute requirement”.

Tom Parlon said; “It has been obvious for some time that Ireland needs a register that captures, in real time, movements in house prices. Hitherto, we have been relying on lagging indicators that tells us what has happened as opposed to what is happening. The decision to cancel the monthly ESRI/Permanent TSB Price Index series was inevitable given the collapse in the survey sample as the lender withdraws from

“The CIF has asked Minister Finneran to bring together the relevant parties to deal with this as a matter of urgency. Until the information deficit is addressed we will have to rely on conjecture about what is happening in the housing market, which is potentially very damaging for the economy and, in the current environment, could actually delay Ireland’s economic recovery. In the US and throughout Europe, Governments

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have targeted housing market recovery as a means of stabilising domestic confidence and demand. In Ireland, the first thing we have to get right is the information about what is happening”. “Our own feedback from house building firms is that prices have reduced by nearly 50%. This is based on information supplied by those at the coalface, which we have made available to Government”. The CIF Director General added that the Minister would be asked also to address other areas of uncertainty and inconsistency arising from the lack of concrete housing market and house building data, including in respect of the vacancy rate and the actual level of residential construction at any given time. www.businesslimerick.ie

05/03/2010 15:59:44

BL | News

Minister Launches Integration Strategy for Limerick The Minister for Integration, John Curran, T.D. officially launched the Limerick City and County Integration Plan 201012 recently. “Integrating Limerick”, which has been developed by the Limerick Integration Working Group, is focused on actions supporting the integration of Limerick’s estimated 16,000 migrants into society. The priority actions outlined in this Plan include enhancing participation of all communities in the social and cultural life of Limerick City and County; improving representation of minority communities in local governance and representative groups; providing equal opportunities for all by improving accessibility to rights and services, information and training; and promoting the acquisition of English language skills by migrants and integration in the mainstream education system. For further information on “Integrating Limerick: Limerick City and County Integration Plan 2010-12” telephone 061480922 or visit www.limerickcdb.ie.

The panel for the discussion on Integration and the Recession at the launch of the Limerick City and County Integration Plan 2010-2012 in the Hunt Museum, were from left; Mr Michael McNamara, Director of HSI, Ms Justyna Cwojdzinska, JC English Language Institute, Businessman, Mr Pat O’Sullivan, Ms Cathy Halloran, RTE Mid-West Correspondent who chaired the panel and Mr William Fabian, Limerick Filipino Community

Profit from the Unknown. “There are known known’s. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknown’s. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknown’s. There are things we don't know we don't know”. Donald Rumsfeld (former US Defense Secretary)

For Cost Effective Market Research Analysis : martinm @ martinmcguire .com Tel 061 22 88 22 or 061 22 92 33 Mob 087 294 2616 www.businesslimerick.ie

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05/03/2010 17:25:25

BL | civic trust

The Georgian House is a Hidden Gem The Georgian House & Garden, located at No. 2 Pery Square Limerick can often be overlooked by visitors and locals. Few may know that that the house is a visitor centre, venue and space for hire. Beautifully restored by Limerick Civic Trust in 1996 it is a hidden gem in our city that can no longer be ignored. Guided tours of this Georgian marvel are available 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm Monday to Friday. The tour will take you through the finely restored rooms and stairwells dripping with examples of faithfully restored archi-

tectural details. The Georgian Garden at the rear is one of the few remaining of its kind in Limerick and was also faithfully restored. Groups of 10 people or more are advised to phone in advance for group booking rates. The House is also available for Civil Weddings and receptions. A tailor made competitive package will be drawn up to suit your needs by contacting manager Dorothy Meaney on 061314130. The Georgian House often host events to

suit all tastes including musical evening, exhibitions and profile nights that are open to the public. A full list of events can be found on www.georgianhouseandgarden.ie Most notably is the Art Auction and Sale taking place on Thursday March 25th at 7.30pm. Works from Limerickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest artists will be open for bidding. We are not forgetting these recessionary times and ensure that there will be art available to meet all budgets. Viewing of art work to be auctioned will open at 10am on Wednesday March 24th, in the 1st floor rooms of the house. Viewing times are 10-4pm on Wednesday March 24th and Thursday, March 25th. Funds raised from this event will go towards Limerick Civic Trusts projects that aim to improve our local environment. Aside from all of the action at the Georgian House, Limerick Civic Trust is in the throes of planning the 2010 annual Golf Classic that will take place on Thursday, May 27th. Applications from teams of 4 are welcome or alternatively we can create teams for individuals who apply.

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05/03/2010 11:10:19

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05/03/2010 14:16:46

BL | news

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Independent Directory Launched by Limerick Lady Homes and businesses across Ireland will receive their free copy of The Irish Independent Directory in the coming weeks following the launch of five dedicated directories for Dublin, Cork, Carlow & Kilkenny, Galway & Mayo, Limerick, Clare & Tipperary recently. The 2010 Limerick Clare Tipperary Irish Independent Directories, is being rolled out over the coming weeks, features a comprehensive A to Z listing of local businesses, a tasty restaurant guide, a Hotel and Getaway Guide, a Getting around guide with maps, bus and train timetables for each of the regions and of course the faithful pages of money saving coupons which potentially can save families thousands of euros. Also being celebrated at the launch is the 20th Anniversary of the first ever Irish Independent Directory for Dublin. In 1990, the Directory was an instant success- a local directory for Dublin and quickly became a part of Dublin life for the past 20 years. In 2006 it was decided to extend the directory into the rest of Ireland with local Irish Independent Directories for Cork; Limerick, Clare and Tipperary; Carlow and Kilkenny; Louth and Meath; Kildare and Wicklow and last year with the addition of the Galway and Mayo Directory. The Limerick Clare Tipperary Irish Independent Directory will also include for the third year running, a Jack & Jill freepost envelope which encourages mobile phone users to free post their old mobile phones for recycling to buy home nursing care for sick children nationwide. Since this partnership was formed 32,000 phones

Local model Adrienne Murphy from Adare, Co Limerick celebrating the launch of the 2010/2011 Limerick, Clare, Tipperary Irish Independent Directory.

were returned through the directories raising funds for home nursing care for eleven children for a whole year. The Irish Independent Directory for each region is a lot more than just an A to Z it is a comprehensive guide of useful information featuring: Fantastic Money Saving Coupons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; worth hundreds of euros in hundreds of categories from fast food to hair salons - Hotel and Getaway Guide for the whole island of Ireland listing accommodation for every county in Ireland - A-Z Guide with listings for all local businesses including; garages, plumbers, electricians, solicitors, colleges, etc. - Getting Around Guide including bus timetables from Bus Eireann and Train times from Iarnrod Eireann, maps for Limerick, Clare and Tipperary (with street indexes) and airlines/national airports information, etc - A Restaurant Guide listing all restaurants by cuisine within the Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. www.irishindependentdirectory. ie www.yourlocal.ie http://twitter.com/IID1 http://short. ie/0b3tm9 www.businesslimerick.ie

08/03/2010 14:53:56

BL | news

LEAP in 2010 to Turn your Business Vision into Reality Limerick Institute of Technology have launched their annual recruitment drive for the LEAP programme, an intensive 12 month milestone driven business development programme designed to support men and women entrepreneurs in their quest to establish growth oriented companies which deliver innovative products and services. “Building on our track record of success in our first three years, the LEAP programme is gearing up for its fourth intake of entrepreneurs. Limerick Institute of Technology recently received confirmation of funding to run the programme again in 2010/1. Closing date for applications is 15th March with a programme commencement date of Monday, 24th May following the formal interview stage in mid April.” This is according to Graham Royce, Manager of the LEAP – Limerick Enterprise Acceleration Platform – Programme speaking following a recent meeting of the Advisory Board of the Enterprise Acceleration Centre where he provided an update to the Board on the first three years of LEAP. Graham added that: “Our experience over the first three years of LEAP is that the programme offers 12 months of unparalleled supports for entrepreneurs at such a critical stage. The model has been proven to work. The combination of group training and network-

At the launch of the 4th LEAP programme, LIT’s business and management development programme, were from left: Ned Toomey, CEO, Limerick County Enterprie Board; Jerry Moloney, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland; Dr. Maria Hinfelaar,, Presdient LIT; Eamonn Ryan, CEO Limercik City Enterprise Board and Graham Royce, LEAP Programme Manager.

ing, one to one supports, business plan reviews and access to finance in addition to a base for each company in the Enterprise Acceleration Centre has proved to be a very powerful support for participant companies. A recent analysis highlights that of the 37 people who participated on LEAP over the first three years that there are now 30 sustainable businesses employing approximately 62 people.” Dr Maria Hinfelaar, President of Limerick Institute of Technology, stated that the LEAP programme and the Enterprise Acceleration Centre are focal points to support Mid-West entrepreneurs and start up companies within the context of the Institute’s remit to contribute to the economic development of the Mid West region. “Given the significant investment by

Enterprise Ireland in business incubation facilities across Ireland, soft supports provided by programmes such as LEAP are essential to deliver value for the Irish economy by assisting start ups to develop and grow. A key measure of success is the ability of these new start-ups to win the sales that will make their businesses profitable. Over the longer term this will create the platform for job creation in the region. LIT in 2010 will place greater focus in supporting our companies to establish international trade relationships.” Mr Royce concluded that the LEAP programme is an intensive year long programme designed to facilitate high calibre candidates who possess enthusiasm, confidence and determination and who wish to commit full-time to get a business

MarketLink Inaugural Open Forum On Thursday, 25th March 2010, MarketLink will host its inaugural MarketLink Open Forum at Limerick Institute of Technology from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

Maria Hinfelaar, President of LIT. The event is open to all LIT 3rd level students as well as the broader business community in the MidWest.

MarketLink is an eight-week multidisciplinary careers, innovation and entrepreneurship programme for 3rd Level students studying in LIT. The first programme ran during October and November 2009 and the second programme is scheduled for the same time this year.

By opening the event up to the broader business community, LIT is aiming to inform businesses of the benefits of the MarketLink programme and to continue to develop links between education and enterprise in the MidWest.

The inaugural MarketLink Open Forum will be chaired by Ronan O’Brien, Head of the Department of Business at LIT and the Official Welcome will be given by Dr. www.businesslimerick.ie

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Through a series of case studies on Branding and Marketing Communications from Impact Media, Meteor, technology company MobaNode and Munster Rugby , the MarketLink Open Forum will

address how companies utilise marketing as a key tool to drive successful business growth. A Shannon Consortium Initiative, the MarketLink programme is a collaboration between LIT’s Department of Business, Careers Office and the Enterprise Acceleration Centre. The programme is supported by the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and the Enterprise Boards in the MidWest Region. Attendees must book their place in advance by contacting MarketLink Co-ordinator, donncha.hughes@lit.ie, 061 490151. Further information and a detailed agenda is available on www.lit.ie/marketlink 35

05/03/2010 15:09:11

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04/03/2010 14:33:02

Wedding Guide

Setting a Date – What to Consider… When spreading the news of your engagement to family and friends the first thing you’re likely to hear after “Congratulations!” is probably going to be “When’s the big day?” so taking time to discuss a date before telling everybody your good news is crucial. Some couples know exactly when they want to marry but for many other couples its not as clear.

When considering a date there are certain things one must take into account. First of all, consider your own preferences. You may have always pictured a winter wedding, or, perhaps you would love your wedding to take place in summer time. If the time of year is important to you then start looking into the availability of your chosen church and reception venue. The most popular wedding months are May, June, September and October so it is

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important that you book at least a year in advance. Other factors that may effect the date of your wedding might be a family occasion that’s taking place at a certain time of year. Maybe you have your heart set on a particular church or venue that’s just not available on your preferred date. Many Brides have been known to plan their wedding date around the availability and season of a particular flower they wish to have at their wedding. Whatever the circumstance, it is important to be able to tell your friends and family a date for the big day, not just so they can start looking for their outfit but it will also help you, the Bride and Groom, to start planning. You will now know just how much, or perhaps how little, time you have to play with.

05/03/2010 11:51:50

BL | wedding guide

Choosing the right venue…

So now that you have a date in mind, its time to start looking for the right venue for your wedding. First and foremost, the type of venue you choose all depends on your budget and how many people you plan on inviting to your reception. You will need to consider how big or small your wedding party will be and if you will need accommodation for your guests. This will depend on the location of your chosen venue to a certain extent. It is important that your venue is not too far from where your service will be taking place and that guests know where they’re going. The setting and surroundings of the venue are also very important because everyone knows the wedding day is like one big photo shoot so the scenery and surroundings will probably feature in your photos if the weather is fine and if you’re being photographed outdoors. However, if the weather is not so fine, which is rather likely here in Ireland, you must also take into account the interior of the venue as a backdrop for your wedding photos. It is important to try to negotiate prices with the venue as

they may throw in some extras even if they don’t lower the price. Ensure that you can decorate the function room and that the room is spacious enough for all your guests. To make sure you are happy with the menu and standard of service given it is a good idea to go for dinner or even visit the venue when another wedding is taking place. However, you may not need to look further than your back garden for the ideal venue. A popular trend is to have the wedding reception at home, whether it be the Bride or Groom’s home. This is a nice idea if the home is suitable as it adds a touch of intimacy and makes the day that bit more special and personal. You may decide to have the whole thing outdoors in a marquee which can also be a fabulous venue for the wedding reception. Another popular trend is having the ceremony and reception abroad. This idea is growing in popularity as it is less stressful, less costly and if you have dreamt of getting married on a beautiful sunny day, your wish is much more likely to come true abroad.

• • • • • • • • •

Family Holidays Honeymoons Weddings Abroad Cruises Flights & Accomodation City Breaks Long Haul Packages Camping & Caravan Holidays Car Hire & Insurance We invite all our clients to drop in to see us on Roches Street and renew acquaintances. We can give you some interesting ideas and information on travel tips. Just send us an email or visit our website:

www.justsplit.com. 37 Roches Street, Limerick T: 061 - 481 360 Email: holidays@justsplit.com 38

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www.businesslimerick.ie

05/03/2010 12:05:42

BL | wedding guide

Who to invite…

Making the invitation list is probably one of the most dreaded tasks in organising your wedding, particularly when you’re sticking to a budget. The most important thing is to write out your family and friends that you cannot imagine your wedding without. It’s your special day so you probably want to share that with the people closest to you and not just everyone and anyone. Don’t feel obliged to invite anyone. This is your wedding day so invite the people you really want to share this special occasion with.

Flowers Forever The Designer Florist

Local and National Delivery Service

Where Creativity is the Secret to our Success Tel: 061 307 123 Phone in Credit Card Service

P.S. Don’t get married without us! Raheen Roundabout, Raheen, Limerick www.flowersforever.ie www.businesslimerick.ie

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06/03/2010 14:56:17

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05/03/2010 13:37:05

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05/03/2010 10:54:55

135289 Knappogue A4 Ad.qxd

29/06/2009

14:13

Page 1

Knappogue Castle

A truly magical experience

Knappogue Castle, Quin, set in the heart of County Clare, has everything to fulfil your dream wedding. The Castle boasts a proud history dating back to the 15th century. From the moment you arrive at Knappogue there is a sense of magic. Treasure the Castle with its magnificent rooms, great halls, and truly romantic gardens, providing the ideal setting for your wedding day. The State Room Bridal Suite with its five bedrooms and four bathrooms is beautifully appointed with historic furnishings, superb paintings and open fires. With its reputation and tradition for romantic splendour savour the rich ambience of this elegant wing. Our experienced and dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator will assist you with every detail of your wedding, allowing you to focus on yourselves and to relax while your wedding day is created as you always dreamed it would be...

Shannon Heritage, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, County Clare, Ireland. Tel: +353 61 360788 Fax: +353 61 361020 Email: reservations@shannonheritage.com www.shannonheritage.com

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08/03/2010 14:53:32

BL | FINANCE

FINANCE BILL 2010 – SOME KEY POINTS! Following the announcement of the Budget on 4th December last by the Minister for Finance, the publication of the Finance Bill represents the next step in giving effect to the new measures introduced along with providing an opportunity for the introduction of some additional measures. In this article, Paul Nestor explores some of the key changes and the rationale behind some of these changes.

High Earners – Limit on Tax Relief From 1st of January 2007 a provision was introduced a provision whereby certain reliefs are restricted for high earning individuals who heretofore had used various tax incentive schemes to partially or completely eliminate their tax liabilities. The legislation outlines the “Specified Reliefs” which will be restricted and include reliefs such as Urban and Rural Renewal Schemes, Student Accommodation, hotels, holiday cottages, BES Reliefs, Film Relief, Artist Exemption, Patent Distributions and donations to approved bodies such as charities. The individual taxpayer will add up the total specified reliefs for the tax year which he or she has. This total is then added to the taxpayer’s taxable income to give the adjusted income. From 1 January 2010 individuals with income in excess of €125,000 before specified reliefs will be restricted in the amount of allowances and relief which they can avail of where they also claim specified reliefs in excess of €80,000. Following this calculation, the increased taxable income figure will be subject to Income Tax and any unused specified reliefs can be carried forward. There is provision in the legislation for a tapered relief for individuals above the €125,000 limit but below €400,000. The purpose of the amendment is to increase the effective tax rate where specified reliefs are being used up to approximately 30%. In this regard, high earners will need to consider the impact of these

changes on their respective tax reliefs and their corresponding potential increased liability to tax. The impact of the restriction may impact how people consider investing in certain tax schemes. For example, if an individual had a salary of €300,000 and invested €150,000 in a BES scheme, in 2009 the full amount of the BES relief would be allowable. However, in 2010, only €80,000 would be allowable with the €70,000 carried forward to 2011. From a cashflow perspective, the individual may therefore only invest €80,000. This would appear to be counter-productive in relation to encouraging investment in companies.

Domicile Levy A new domicile levy is being introduced for Irish domiciled individual who are citizens of Ireland. The levy applies to a relevant individual who is an individual: •

domiciled and citizen of Ireland

•

has worldwide income greater than €1m

•

has a liability to Irish income tax of less than €200k

•

whose market value of Irish Property is greater than €5m.

The market value of the property is established on 31 December in each tax year. In calculating the market value shares deriving their value from Irish trading companies, or holding companies that derive their value from Irish trading companies are ignored. An unusual feature of the levy is that no credit is allowed for double taxation. So, for example, and individual working in the UK and paying UK tax could potentially be liable to the levy but get no credit for the fact he has being paying UK tax. It should also be

noted that both spouses can be liable to the domicile levy.

Rental Income The Finance Bill provides for a technical amendment in relation to the priority of offset of rental losses forward and current year capital allowances. Current year capital allowances must be used in priority to rental losses forward against rental profits. For example, an individual has rental profit of €30,000 before losses forward of €80,000 and current year capital allowances of €31,750. The capital allowances are in relation to an investment in a nursing home and are potentially available for offset against other income (e.g. salary). The legislation now provides that the €31,750 of capital allowances must be offset against the rental income in priority to the rental losses forward. Therefore, in this example, only €1,750 of capital allowances would be available to offset against other income. Also, it should be remembered, that any interest paid or payable after 7 April 2009 on mortgages to acquire, repair or improve residential investment properties will be restricted. Only 75% of in the interest will be allowable as a deduction against rental income. The interest will only be allowable where the requirements of the Private Residential Tenancy Board are met, which was a requirement for the tax year 2006 onwards. BDO are Ireland’s leading advisers to entrepreneurs and owner managed businesses. Paul Nestor is Partner in the Taxation Department of BDO, Limerick. He can be contacted on 061 414455 or pnestor@bdo. ie BDO will not accept any responsibility for loss or damage arising to any person as a result of refraining from acting as a result of the information contained in this

BDO Simpson Xavier are Ireland’s leading advisers to entrepreneurs and owner managed businesses. Paul Nestor is Partner in the Taxation Department of BDO Simpson Xavier, Limerick. He can be contacted on 061 414455 or pnestor@bdo-sx.ie BDO Simpson Xavier will not accept any responsibility for loss or damage arising to any person as a result of refraining from acting as a result of the information contained in this article. Professional advice should always be sought before acting upon any matter covered in this article.

Paul Nestor www.businesslimerick.ie

BL | news

Flush Savings for Model School One of the Mid West Region’s best known primary schools has moved to reduce its annual water and sewer charges by installing waterless urinal systems. The Model School in Limerick City invested in the systems, which were installed by brwaterless solution, to offset the scale of metered water charges that were introduced for all schools and educational centres in January. The Sligo-based company says that hundreds of schools around the country are unwittingly flushing money down the toilet by using conventional toilets instead of newer waterless urinals. The savings for the Model School has led brwaterless solution to develop the country’s first Pay As You Save (PAYS) programme for national schools interested in using the Waterless No-Flush systems. According to Ortwin Reintjes of brwaterless solution: “The country’s National Primary Schools have been severely affected by the introduction of metered charges as many are not equipped with urinals for male pupils, necessitating toilet flushes for urination. The absence of installed urinals means that it is very difficult to reduce the level of water usage and the corresponding water and sewer charges”. He explained: “The average conventional urinal uses between 50,000 and 150,000 litres of potable water per year. With only two Waterless No-Flush units installed, the Model School, based on its

male pupil population of 250, will benefit from savings on water and wastewater charges of up to 350 euro per year, based on Limerick City Council water charges of EUR2.30 per 1000 litres. Outside of the obvious water conservation and commercial benefits for the school, the urinals also lead to increased hygiene as well as a significant reduction of CO2 emissions and maintenances costs.” The urinals resemble conventional wallhung urinal fixtures, but do not require a water supply or flush valve for their proper functioning. Gravity helps the flow into the urinal trap and into the drain line. The urinals, which can even be made of approximately 30 per cent of soybean resin, not only save water but help save natural resources and promote sustainability as well. Due to the dryness of the fixture, bacteria growth is inhibited and odours are eliminated through the minimal use

of BlueSeal. Commenting on the environmental benefits of the scheme, Mr. Reintjes noted: “The world is becoming increasingly aware of the need to conserve water and to diminish waste water. Dwindling natural resources, climate changes, the need to reduce and/or conserve budget money plus behavioral changes have led to an increased awareness and desire to install water conserving fixtures. We intend rolling out the PAYS program to other schools throughout the country and look forward to the opportunity to speak with Boards of Management interested in finding out more about the systems and to save money.” For more on brwaterless solution’s PAYS (Pay As You Save) program see www.brwaterless.ie, telephone 071-9150622 or email ortwin@brwaterless.ie.

Limerick Projects to Receive Heritage Grants A number of heritage projects in County Limerick were awarded grants by the Heritage Council. The new grants will provide funding to heritage projects in County Limerick that support entrepreneurship, conservation and engagement within the community.

A quinquennial inspection of St. Mary’s Cathedral, inspecting and recording the condition of all key elements of the building fabric, and identifying repair and maintenance works to be carried out in order of priority, recording information in a standard format that is readily accessible to all users.

Examples of projects that will receive funding in County Limerick include; Wooden Boatbuilding School by AK Ilen Company. This project aims to teach traditional Irish spar-making skills to young people from Limerick regeneration areas.

A Survey of Fens in County Limerick 2010. The project will involve detailed ecological surveys and mapping of 28 reported fens in County Limerick that have not been surveyed to date.

A seminar at the Hunt Museum for the general public, which will explore the history, heritage, flora and fauna of King’s Island, Limerick. 44

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Creation of Lough Gur Self Guided Walks. These will be available to download from the website www.loughgur.com or via iTunes. For further information please see the Heritage Council website, www.heritagecouncil.ie www.businesslimerick.ie

04/03/2010 11:38:29

BL | FEATURE

Complete Laser Clinic making strides in city LIMERICK-based businesswoman Catherine Fitzgerald, is one of the Treaty City’s new breed of young, confident, up and coming, successful businesswomen, who is, in her own right, helping to make everyone else look their business best. With her trained eye firmly on the laser of the latest and safest skincare treatments the 30-year olds Complete Laser Clinic is just shy of celebrating her third year in business. “It’s been great. The business is growing all the time. The custom has grown and grown because people nowadays have no fears of laser treatment, which they might have had a couple of years ago, because it was new,” Catherine said.

Another major reason for the success of Catherine’s relatively new business, apart from its city-centre location, is the ethos of confidentiality, which is Catherine’s motto. “It’s all about confidentiality. The premises are private. I arrange all appointments halfan-hour apart so there’s no chance of client’s bumping into each other, while they are here,’ she added. Apart from women attending the Complete Laser Clinic, Catherine also gets as much male clients attending for treatments, mostly hair removal and acne. For more information or to book an appointment contact 061-481620 or visit www.info@completelasercare.ie

Catherine Fitzgerald.

Complete laser care is an accredited medical laser clinic offering a comprehensive range of treatments to cater for a wide range of skin types and conditions. So if you are Looking for a more permanent solution to treat unwanted hair or you want to improve your skin to get a younger more attractive look, book a free consultation now.

Have Beautiful Skin with BEAUTY DEFECT REPAIR as featured on TV3 “Expose” Inspired and Recommended by Doctors, Dermalologists and Plastic surgeons World Wide! Immediately after the 1st treatment your skin looks and feels firmer Safe alternative to injectable fillers. Also prolongs the results of injectable fillers and enhances plastic surgery. Effectively treats: • Wrinkles & Fine Lines • Loss of Elasticity & Sagging Skin • Age Spots • Sun Damage • Acne Scars • Crows Feet and much more…

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WRInklE REDUCTIOn new intense age defence Reduce wrinkles and improves skin texture without pain or injections requires for similar proceedures • • • • • • • •

Permanent Hair Removal Thread Vein Removal Skin Rejuvenation – Age Spots High Colouring, etc. Acne – Teenage / Adult Stretch Marks Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion Red Carpet Photo Facial Treatment

1st Floor, 43 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel: 061 481620 www.completelasercare.ie www.businesslimerick.ie

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05/03/2010 13:44:37

BL | RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

The Market Square is a Treat! In the Georgian sector of Limerick City, centrally located at the junction of O’Connell Street and Hartstonge Street, an attractive plant lined staircase leads down to an oasis of old world charm called The Market Square Brasserie. Old red brick walls and arches, plush red seating, white linen tablecloths, period lamps and discreet lighting congregate to create the ‘perfect’ atmosphere. The ambience here is tangible with this most impressive setting. Gary Constable is the ‘Maitre D’ in the Market Square who greeted and seated us with the warmest welcome. He was most helpful and knowledgeable in describing the treat ahead and the ‘specials’ of the evening. To start we had, Caesar Salad, Fresh Cos Leaves, Caesar Dressing, Bacon

Lardons and Parmesan Reggiano, Ketaifi Wrapped Goats Cheese with Warm Courgette Chutney, Grilled Portobello Mushroom, Stuffed with Local Black Pudding, Smoked Bacon and Duck Confit and Demi Glaze Dressing and Venison Tortellini, Herb Butter with Spinach and Aged Parmesan Reggiano. For maincourse, Surf and Turf, 6oz Fillet Steak with Tiger Prawns in a Tempura Batter and Tartare Sauce, Roast Duck Leg Confit with Port and Game Jus, Roast Supreme of Corn-Fed Chicken with Parma Ham and Onion and Thyme Stuffing, Roasted Garlic and Red Wine Jus and Prime Irish Sirloin Steak, Bernaise Sauce and Red Onion Compote. To Finish, White Chocolate Mousse with Wild Garden Mint and Berry Compote, Adare Farm Ice Cream Selection and Cashel Blue & Cooleeney with Biscuits. The Market Square has a reputation as a quality restaurant, a restaurant synonymous with excellent cuisine and fine wines. This reputation is well founded and it is refreshing to visit a restaurant with such high standards in Limerick. The attention to detail, presentation of food, excellent service and genuine friendliness

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from staff who obviously enjoy their labour, all combined to make this evening very special for all present. The Market Square team of true professionals must be highly commended for their inventiveness and flair in putting together such an inspired original menu. My colleagues and I felt privileged and indeed fortunate to be onboard this wonderful tour in the art of fine dining. I would highly recommend the Market Square Brasserie to our readers for any occasion or even to treat yourselves to a little pampering. To book your table, just call, 061 316311. Bon Appetite! www.businesslimerick.ie

08/03/2010 11:17:56

We are No. 1

The latest Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) figures just released confirm that the Limerick Independent Newspaper is the most highly distributed newspaper in Limerick and the mid-west.

Limerick Independent

25,000 25,821

Bulk Door-to-Door

Limerick Post

30,069 17,450

Bulk Door-to-Door

Limerick Leader

17,921

Paid

The Limerick Independent Newspaper. Working to make your Euro go further. First out every week.

Best cost-effective medium.

Wednesday is Limerick Independent day.

Audit Bureau of Circulation www.abcireland.ie

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04/03/2010 13:15:56

BL | news

Shannon Development Continuing to Plan for the Future “While 2009 proved another challenging year for business sectors across the Shannon Region, there were a number of positive outcomes achieved during the year,” said Dr Vincent Cunnane, CEO, Shannon Development, at the publication of the Company’s 2009 end of year results on Monday 15th February. “Shannon Development 2009 highlights were • €15.5m investment supports approved for Shannon Free Zone companies leveraging €57m in investments • €10.5 million invested in property solutions for foreign and indigenous companies • €4 million project at Tipperary Technology Park near completion • Shannon Development own tourism generated initiatives produce significant results • Shannon Development’s tourism campaigns yield almost 600,000 additional bed nights, generating €47m • New Limerick Development Division established to promote Greater Limerick Area • Shannon Development becomes the first state agency in Ireland to use Sat Nav to map tourist attractions “Shannon Free Zone (SFZ) companies performed well generating €3.5 billion in sales of which 94% were to export markets, en par with the previous year (2008 latest available statistics). Shannon Development approved €15.5 million in financial supports to SFZ companies in 2009. This support leveraged €57 million in investments, the largest of these was a €50 million R&D investment by Intel at SFZ. “260 new jobs were created at SFZ in 2009, and employment numbers at the Zone fell 11% year on year, from 7,107 in 2008 to 6,320. This decrease is in line with the national average and reflects the extremely difficult trading environment for industry at SFZ. 80% of these job losses were as a result of down sizing, and not closures. To help address some of the immediate challenges facing the SFZ business community during 2009, Shannon Development assisted 14 SFZ companies to secure €2 million support through 48

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Dr. Vincent Cunnane, CEO Shannon Development and John Brassil, Chairman Shannon Development.

the Government’s Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary). As a result, these companies have committed to maintaining 1,800 jobs,” stated Dr.Cunnane. “In December we undertook a similar exercise following the extension of the scheme to include tourism businesses. We actively worked with the tourism trade in the Shannon region to advise and assist potential applicants. A significant number of tourism companies applied for funding under the scheme and have committed to maintaining over 1,500 jobs. Between the two initiatives, it is hoped that a total of 3,300 people will continue to be able to support themselves and their families in this Region, and spend in the local economy,” he said. “To entice indigenous and foreign direct investment companies, it is essential to provide a pipeline of leading edge business property solutions ahead of demand. This is why we invested €10.5 million in a range of property developments around the Region in 2009. “Among these is a major €4 million expansion for Tipperary Technology Park (TTP), Thurles, Co. Tipperary, which is due for completion shortly. This will be the third building on the business campus and is part of the Company’s continued development of its Knowledge Network of five key business and technology parks around the Shannon Region. In total Shannon Development operates 57 business

and technology parks around the Region which offer a range of property solutions for business entrepreneurs. ” Speaking about Shannon Development’s continued contribution to regional development, John Brassil, Chairman Shannon Development said, “The Company makes a valuable contribution to the economy of the Region by spearheading a range of innovative programmes. In partnership with its Shannon Broadband company, Shannon Development completed an €18.5 million investment to make broadband connectivity a reality in eight Shannon Region towns and Limerick City; As part of its energy strategy, it helped secure the Shannon LNG project for its Kerry Deepwater Zone which will provide a significant part of Ireland’s projected future gas needs; the Company, working with North Tipperary County Council, became the first state agency and local authority in Ireland to use Sat Nav systems to map visitor attraction, activities and accommodation in the North Tipperary area.” Mr. Brassil referring to the European Entrepreneurial Region of the Year Award said, “Co. Kerry was one of only three regions throughout Europe to receive the Award which was presented in Brussels. Shannon Development, the Institute of Technology Tralee and Kerry County Council, were instrumental in securing this award for the County. This is the first European Award of its kind, and with competition from all over Europe this is a www.businesslimerick.ie

05/03/2010 15:12:06

BL | news

tremendous achievement” “Although figures are not yet available, visitor numbers in the Shannon Region will show a decrease in 2009. Against an extremely difficult global economic background, Shannon Development succeeded in signing 38 major tourism marketing agreements with key travel companies world-wide. These initiatives secured 315,000 visitors, over 600,000 bednights and boosted visitor spend in the Shannon Region by over €47 million,” said Dr.Cunnane. “During the year Shannon Development undertook focused advertising, e-marketing, travel media familiarisation trips and a range of domestic and overseas tourism trade campaigns. For example our tourism marketing team attended 46 national and international trade and consumer tourism events in nine countries to sell the Shannon Region as a tourist destination to over 2.6 million potential visitors. Shannon Development supports tourism entrepreneurs in the Region to develop a range of tourism projects and secure EU grant funding. Between 1989 and 2009, over 200 projects were assisted with grants of €54 million which secured a total investment of over €600 million. Highlighting key priorities for 2010, Dr. Cunnane said, “In 2010 Shannon Development will continue to build on its network of international tourism contacts in airline vacation companies and with tour operators in all key markets and seek out new business opportunities from national and international tourism markets. In 2010 we will also target the Irish market for similar deals with trade and consumer partners. “We will also focus heavily on developing international and national tourism and sports events for the Region. Sports tourism alone is worth in excess of €60 million annually and we will be exploiting this lucrative sector in 2010. Already this year we have secured three major events for Limerick and Clare - Skyfest, the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia international cycling event, and the Great Limerick Run- which combined have the potential to generate up to €8 million in additional revenue, “said Dr. Cunnane. “A strong region requires a strong core and Shannon Development’s objective www.businesslimerick.ie

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by establishing our new Limerick Division in 2009 to grow the Greater Limerick Area. The new Division will focus on key areas including the development of new business opportunities. The Limerick Development Division will work closely with key partners to develop and support marketing programmes and events aimed at offering diversity and quality in what the city offers to visitors and investors. The launch of the 2009 Sports Ambassadors Programme in partnership with the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau is expected to yield dividends in terms of greater sports driven tourism in Limerick in 2010 and beyond,” said Dr. Cunnane. In early 2009, in the wake of 1,900 job losses at Dell, Mary Coughlan T.D., Tánaiste, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, established the Mid West Task Force led by well known businessman Denis Brosnan. Dr. Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development, was appointed chief executive of the Task Force. Speaking about the work of the Task Force to-date, Dr. Cunnane said, “Presentations from 24 groups representing the major stakeholders and interest groups responsible for economic and social development in the Mid West were received by the Task Force last year. The Task Force completed its Interim Report in July. Among its recommendations were an acceleration of Limerick’s regeneration plans, the establishment of a commission to examine governance of the greater Limerick area, and government funding for the Lynx Cargo Hub project at Shannon Airport and marketing funds to promote the Airport as the gateway for international traffic to the Midwest and West of Ireland. We look forward to the comprehensive Government response which is due shortly.” “There are some signs that fragile green shoots of economic spring may be emerging. We need to ensure that these delicate shoots are nurtured. This will involve having the right mix of business supports and continuing to get the message into the international marketplace that Ireland is open for business, stocking the shelves, and keeping an eye on emerging business opportunities globally. This is where Shannon Development’s focus will be firmly rooted in the future.”

3 Appoints Business Account Manager

3 has appointed Claire Walsh as Business Account Manager - Post Sales for Limerick. Claire’s appointment is part of 3’s plans to aggressively target the business community within Ireland through the expansion of its nationwide network of dedicated business account managers. Claire has extensive experience managing business accounts in the telecommunications area, having worked in account management positions at Digicel Cayman Islands, BT Training Solutions and O2 Ireland. She holds a Marketing Diploma from DIT Mountjoy Square. Speaking about her appointment, Claire Walsh, Business Account Manager said, “I am delighted to be part of the 3 team. Right now Irish businesses are under pressure to manage their finances and reduce their cost base, and 3 provides an easy way to switch and avail of significant savings. I am looking forward to helping our business customers to get a great mobile service for less – no other operator is offering more to Irish businesses.” Business customers can avail of mobile broadband services, Skype services via mobiles and no roaming charges when customers use voice and data services, calling on a 3 network within a 3 territory. 3 is the only mobile operator to offer Skype for free on mobiles to help you cut your call costs - home and abroad. 49

05/03/2010 15:12:47

BL | rugBy

One hundred not out for ‘The Bull’ Hayes By LEN DiNNEEN JOHN ‘The Bull’ Hayes was given a de- cowboy. served standing ovation as he led the Irish The Bull is the strongest man in the Irish team out at Twickenham last Saturday. team and Paul O’Connell has never been The Bull has become a legend during his slow to praise him. long playing career following in the footLine out lifting has become a very imporsteps of another legend Peter Clohessy. tant part of the game and John, at 6 feet Will we ever see their like again? 4 and a half inches tall can put the 6 foot John Hayes farms in Cappamore with his 6 inch Paul high into the sky. father and you could easily picture him Line out jumpers normally work in pods of back in the days of the Wild West. three. The player who jumps for the ball He would be the cool, calculated hero, and the two lifters. perched on a bar stool in the corner of the bar, saying little, but taking everything in. The Bull can lift Paul and Donncha on his own and this has caused problems for the He would have avoided trouble, but if it opposition as they try to detect where the came his way he would have dealt with it ball is going. quickly, saying little, but letting his actions John would be quick to acknowledge that do the talking. front row play in the scrum is a long learnHe would be the Clint Eastwood figure, coming curve. manding respect wherever he walked. In his early days he has come up against Big Bad John would have made a great some tough journeymen props who have

Len Dinneen given him trouble in the tight. He learned the hard way, having a word now and again with ‘The Claw’ and now he is one of the best tight heads in the game. A remarkable achievement as John was 18 before he took up a rugby ball with Bruff rugby club and then moving to Shannon where he played in the second row. After a few years with ‘the parish’ side he decided to spread his wings and went to New Zealand for two years. He decided to go to Invercargill, a club situated at the most southern tip of the South Island. Ironically, some years before, Pat Murray, another Shannon and Munster man, had also gone to Invercargill for a year’s rugby. Pat was accompanied on that trip by my own son David who was then playing with Old Crescent. Dave was convinced both he and Pat were heading for tropical climes so he decided to make the trip in just a pair of shorts and tee shirt. The intrepid travellers arrived in Auckland and as they boarded the plane for Invercargill the two hostesses burst out laughing when they saw Davy’s attire.

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05/03/2010 11:13:27

BL | SPORT

Murray and Dinneen discovered the rea- so John is hardly ever at Press conferson for the ladies laughter when the plane ences. landed at Invercargill Airport, the temperature was minus 10 degrees. I have been lucky enough to interview the big man over the years and he has always The Bull relished the arctic conditions but been gracious and forthcoming in the the Invercargill coach decided to try him in chats but he just doesn’t like being in the the front row. limelight.

There was a time when tight head props were ridiculed and called donkeys and piano shifters by the glamour boys in the backs.

John was a bit dubious at first as in those I can imagine the problem Brian O’Driscoll days 6 feet 4 inches was a bit tall for a had in the Irish dressing room trying to prop. persuade Big John to lead the team out as it was his 100 cap at Twickers. However the New Zealand coach persisted and John began to adapt to his new role. Many years ago Willie Duggan was preLine out lifting was then introduced to the sented with the same problem when Moss game and the Bull found an exercise he ex- Keane was winning his 50th Irish Cap. celled in. He is now arguably the best line The venue was again Twickenham and Wilout lifter in the game. lie was Captain.

A good solid scrum paves the way for umpteen back row and back line attacking moves.

The Munster and Irish back room staff have also introduced a huge tractor tire to the weights session and John excels in lifting this. There is always a certain amount of mystery surrounding big front row men, the majority of whom are strong silent types. The Bull never pushes himself forward to talk to the media. Pat Geraghty the Munster PRO and Karl Richardson the Irish PRO recognise this, www.businesslimerick.ie

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Now in the modern game the wheel has gone full circle and the tight head is one of the most valuable men on the field.

Any team that doesn’t have a good number 3 are forced to adapt to a very limited game plan.

It explains why New Zealand tight head prop Carl Hayman has been able to command an annual salary of £300,000 from The chat in that particular Irish dressing the Newcastle Falcons. room must have been confusing as Moss kept throwing the ball to Willie saying “You The All Blacks seldom call up players who lead us out, you’re the captain” and Willie have gone to Europe but it looks like they throwing it back at big Moss. are going to make a strong effort to lure big Carl back home for the 2011 World Then you had Brendan Foley, Mosses sec- Cup. ond row partner, telling Moss “you better play well today or I’ll be dropped.” Big John may not command the same fee but he won’t worry if can remain fit and Ireland has been indebted to big John over keep his place on Irelands World Cup team. the years and the good news is that he does not intend retiring just yet. We may never see his like again. 51

05/03/2010 11:12:11

BL | news

Painless “Facelift” That’s Knife-free The Otto Clinic, is the only clinic in Ireland performing the “Mycells” Platelet Rich Plasma Rejuvenation treatment. Mycells has been hailed as the ‘holy grail’ of antiageing treatments because, like a facelift, it can turn back the clock and achieve amazing results but without the pain and inconvenience of surgery. The discovery of MyCells PRP is a massive breakthrough in the field of dermal fillers because, for the first time, we have a treatment that simply uses the patient’s own cells to create an all-natural solution to the problem of ageing skin – Goodbye synthetics, hello MyCells! This innovative technique involves taking a minimal amount of the patient’s blood which goes through a specialised process to separate the red blood cells from the platelet plasma. (Platelet enriched plasma is the component of blood that carries the body’s natural healing powers and has been proved to be highly effective in healing skin wounds and burns). The plasma is then re-injected into the chosen area. It can be used on the face, neck, hands and

all over the body with astonishing results: skin is re-plumped and rejuvenated; fine lines and wrinkles are reduced and skin contours are redefined to create a youthful, radiant bloom. It is highly successful in reducing crow’s feet and wrinkles around the lips, nose and mouth. The benefits of this treatment are multiple: No surgery/ no anaesthetic; Completely safe and natural – no synthetic substances/no danger of allergic reactions or infections; Walk-in Walk-out procedure - minimal disruption to your day; virtually painless plus fast results and fast recovery. “We introduced it in 2006 and all our patients are extremely happy with the results. Here at The Otto Clinic, we are dedicated to the discovery of ever safer, more natural techniques and one of the things we love about MyCells PRP is that it is harnessing the body’s natural healing power, not synthetic products, to turn back the effects of time – it’s safe and reliable,” said Ita Murphy, MD Otto Clinic. The Otto Clinic is one of Limerick’s lead-

Ita Murphy, MD Otto Clinic

ing aesthetic cosmetic centres and is a pioneer in the field of non-invasive beauty treatments which include skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, body reshaping and body contouring – check out the extensive range of treatments at www.theottoclinic.ie.

Gold Cup for the Special Olympics Limerick races are delighted to announce that this year our Cheltenham Gold Cup Lunch is in support of the Special Olympics Ireland. The Gold Cup is the blue Ribbon race in the national hunt calendar year and the eagerly awaited contest between Denman and Kauto Star is one not to be missed. This epic battle will be shown on a large screen alongside the remainder of the card live from Prestwick Park. Patrons will enjoy a 4 course lunch in the Greenmount Suite, with live racing, access to Ladbrokes betting and a FREE Racing Post newspaper to catch up on all the form. The price per person is €50 and each party will receive their own private table. Russell Ferris “We are delighted to have the opportunity to once again support the Special Olympics Ireland and we look forward to welcoming the athletics to Limerick in June” Matt English, Chief Executive Officer of 52

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Russell Ferris (Limerick Racecourse), Emily Hurley & Gaye Moore (Special Olympics)

Special Olympics Ireland said “This year is a hugely important year for Special Olympics with the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games taking place in Limerick from 9-13th June. This will be one of the biggest sporting events to take place in Ireland this year as well as one of the most exciting. I would like to take this opportu-

nity to thank the people of Limerick and Limerick Races for their ongoing support of Special Olympics and hope that the sun shines for us all in June!” Tickets are available on www.limerickraces.ie or by calling the ticket desk on 061 320000. Group rates apply. www.businesslimerick.ie

05/03/2010 16:10:58

BL | sport

Niland And Barry Impress On International Tennis Stage By Mal Keaveney COURTESY of Conor Niland and Sam Barry, Limerick’s reputation at producing quality international tennis players has been greatly enhanced. The pair made their mark at the year’s opening Grand Slam, the Australian Open, in Melbourne. Regular ITF performer Niland came agonisingly close to reaching the event proper only to fail in three sets against Ricardo Hocevar of Brazil in the third and final round of the preliminaries. “Obviously it’s disappointing but taking the positives from the experience at least I put myself in a position to qualify for my first Slam,” Niland, 28, reflected. “To qualify for such a tournament is something I’ve been working very hard at over the last while and I’m sure there will be opportunities in the near future.” Niland, who this month represents Ireland in the International Davis Cup Tournament against Turkey at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin, is now ranked inside the World’s Top 250. Meanwhile, teenager Barry has become the first-ever Irish player to win a match in the Australian Open Junior Championship. Barry, who hails from the Ennis Road defeated Russian Victor Baluda in three sets 6-7, 6-4, 6-3. A son of Michael and Jean, Barry has been a member of Tennis Ireland’s National Training Programme since September 2007 and he trains at the BNP Paribas National Tennis Academy which is operated by Tennis Ireland at DCU in Dublin. “Sam’s win at the Australian Open is hugely significant for us. He is the first player from the Academy to win a Grand Slam match and we have been working towards this day since we first opened the doors in 2005,” noted Des Allen, Tennis Ireland CEO. “To win his first match in his first Grand Slam is a huge achievement for Sam and his coaches, the Irish Sports Council and BNP Paribas, all of whom will take great satisfaction from this.” Barry is a first cousin of leading jockey Emwww.businesslimerick.ie

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mett McNamara, Rathkeale. LIMERICK’S generous Business Community has already pledged around half of the necessary €2.5 million necessary to stage the Special Olympics Ireland Games in the city next June (9th-13th). Primarily to be based around the internationally acclaimed University of Limerick Sports Campus, the event will cater for around 2,500 athletes and is expected to boost local tourism through an anticipated support base of upwards on 10,000. An ongoing volunteer recruitment drive is confidently expected to reach its 3,500 target. Rugby great Paul O’Connell stated: “It’s a big thing that we get the number of volunteers. To have the number of volunteers needed is very important to get it running smoothly. My aunt has Down’s Syndrome and has competed in the Special Olympics and through that I have developed a big interest and have been a volunteer in smaller events. “It is the most incredibly fulfilling experience, a most positive experience. People who volunteer don’t know how fabulous an experience it will be. It is an event so full of joy for everyone. It is all about winning what we do in rugby and there is a little bit of that in the Special Olympics as well, but it is mainly about fun and enjoyment and as it is incredibly fulfilling experience for the competitors, but also for anyone who gets involved on a volunteer basis.” Added Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland: This will be a tremendous opportunity for volunteers. It will be an event that they will remember for the rest of their lives. They will get so much back themselves. Special Olympics Ireland changes the lives of people with an intellectual disability by giving them a real opportunity to achieve in life, through sport. Belonging to Special Olympics has a powerful impact, not only on people with an intellectual disability but also on their families, volunteers and the

Sam Barry

wider community.” Kilmallock’s Emily Hurley is eagerly looking forward to Limerick’s staging of the Games. “I can’t wait for them,” she said. “It will make my family and club proud of me and to make lots of new friends. I know they’ll be the best Games ever because they’re taking place in the best county, Limerick!” And, Limerick Racecourse has announced that its upcoming Cheltenham Gold Cup Lunch (March 19th) will be in aid of Special Olympics Ireland, who will stage their national finals in Limerick later in the year. Admission to this attractive and worthy fundraiser is competitively set at just €50, with group rates also available. Visit www. limerickraces.ie for additional details. To obtain further information on Special Olympics Ireland, visit www.specialolympics.ie. 53

06/03/2010 14:53:55

BL | news

Rotary Shelter Boxes for Haiti Limerick Thomond Rotary Club are coordinating a campaign to raise funds for Haiti. To date, over 80 shelter boxes have been donated and forwarded to Haiti where up to 100 Rotarians are working on the ground. Just some of the items included in the ShelterBox are a ten-person tent, a children’s pack including drawing books, crayons etc; survival equipment including thermal blankets, insulated ground sheets, mosquito nets, means of water purification, basic tool kit, a wood burning or multi-fuel stove A special ShelterBox account has been opened at the Bank of Ireland, 94 O’Connell Street, Limerick to receive donations from the public in support of this campaign. Payments may be made to account number 42070429 – Sort Code 90 43 17.

St. Anne’s Community College, Killaloe, Co Clare organised a Fundraiser to sponsor two shelter boxes to Haiti. Pictured at the Presentation of a cheque at the school are :- Fintan O’Grady, Veronica Sheehan, Tony Brazil, President of Limerick Thomond Rotary Club; Mark O’Connor, President of Students Council; Brian McCarthy, Limerick Thomond Rotary Club.

Starting as the brainchild of one Rotarian with the support of his Rotary club in year 2000 – ShelterBox has grown to become the largest Rotary Club project in the 100 year history of the organisation. Rotarian support currently contributes an estimated 50% of ShelterBox donations. Around 5,000 rotary clubs worldwide have sup-

ported ShelterBox since it was launched. Recognising this worldwide support from the Rotary community, ShelterBox was designated as a Global Rotary Club Project in 2009. Logos with this designation will now appear on all ShelterBoxes, tents, blankets and ancillary materials.

Limerick Could be Home to Next World Class Zinc Mine The latest positive results from Connemara Mining’s Stonepark discovery have added further weight to the AIM listed company’s belief that the next world class zinc mine could be located in Limerick. Connemara’s Hole 36 intersected 5.35 metres at 13.2% zinc and 3.2% lead from 202.7 meters depth. This high grade zone occurred at the base of a thick interval of hydrothermal black matrix breccia that contains additional lower grade disseminated zinc-lead mineralisation. This overall interval has a grade of 4.67% zinc and 1.04% lead over a 21.25 metre interval from 186.8 m depth. Results from Stonepark suggest the presence of a continuous zone of zinc-lead mineralisation at approximately 200-220 metres depth. John Teeling, Chairman of Connemara Mining, commented, “The Stonepark zinc discovery in Limerick looks to have serious potential. Mineralisation in the holes is relatively shallow and there is growing evidence of a continuous zone of zinclead mineralisation. Though still an explo54

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ration project, the Stonepark discoveries, when allied to the adjacent Pallas Green discoveries, mean that we are hopeful that the next world class zinc mine in Ireland will be in the area.” Hole 36 is the seventh hole at Stonepark North and is located 100 metres north of drill hole 32 and 180 metres north of drill hole 26. Both holes 26 and 32 intersected significant zinc-lead mineralization at similar depths (see Table 1) suggesting the presence of a continuous stratiform zone of zinc-lead mineralisation within the host Waulsortian Limestone

unit. This zone is still open in a number of directions. The Stonepark North zone is located approximately 2 kilometres north of Connemara’s original discovery at Stonepark and appears to represent the shallower, up-dip end of a large mineralizing system on the Stonepark Project. The drilling programme at Stonepark is operated by Teck Ireland Limited, a subsidiary of Teck Resources Limited, Canada’s largest diversified mining company. Drilling is ongoing with two rigs currently on site. The 2010 drilling programme will comprise approximately 10,000 metres of diamond drilling. www.businesslimerick.ie

02/03/2010 17:04:49

BL | news

Munster women unite as ‘Pink Ribbon Walk’ Stylist Barbara McMahon and wives of Munster rugby greats will lead the charge as up to 1,000 to participate in 10k Pink Ribbon ‘Walk by the Lough’ at Ballina-Killaloe on June 19th next. One of the largest mass movements of Irish people in aid of the fight against breast cancer will take place on June 19th next when up to 1,000 people will gather for the inaugural Munster Pink Ribbon walk across the sister towns of Ballina-Killaloe. Announcing what will only be the second Pink Ribbon walk in Ireland, patron of the ‘Walk by the Lough’ Ms. Barbara McMahon appealed to women (and men) of all ages across the Mid-West and beyond to participate in the 10k walk and help raise up to €100,000 for the Action Breast Cancer charity. “The Mid-West and greater Munster region will send out a wonderful message of solidarity with the 2,000 plus women who are diagnosed with breast cancer annually if they come out in the huge numbers we expect on June 19th next. Latest figures show that in 2007 alone some 250 women across counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary were diagnosed with breast cancer.” she said. The ‘Walk by the Lough’ takes its lead from the inaugural Irish Pink Ribbon Walk in Kells, Co. Meath last year which was organised by Penny McGowan, mother of coordinator of the Ballina-Killaloe event Sara McGowan. “My mum was inspired

Nicola Wood, Olive Foley and Michelle Payne and Barbara McMahon are active committee members of the ‘Walk by the Lough’

by similar fundraising events across the UK, which raise €100,000s annually under the Pink Ribbon banner for cancer awareness and support, and got a team together to organise last year’s walk in Kells. Eight members of what is now our committee travelled up to Kells as the ‘Munster Team’ for that walk and vowed on the way home that we would like to replicate in Ballina-Killaloe what they achieved and here we are. This is a real team effort and we are getting plenty of inspiration and support in that regard from retired rugby stars, not least Keith Wood, Anthony Foley and Shaun Payne, all who live in this area, and whose wives Nicola, Olive and Michelle are among our

Sean Payne, Anthony Foley and Barbara McMahon in training for the Pink Ribbon ‘Walk by the Lough’, Kilaloe on June 19th www.businesslimerick.ie

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most active committee members.” Nicola Wood, wife of Munster, Ireland and Lions rugby great Keith Wood said: “There’s a lot of female Munster fans out there and as wives as former players we are, of course, making a particular appeal to them to get on board and support this cause, which impacts on so many families out there. It will be a fantastic day out for all and instead of red for a change, we will all be donning pink shirts for the day. It will be an amazing spectacle on the day to have hundreds of women wearing pink shirts walking across the Shannon and along by this picturesque route.” The 10km walk will commence at 2.30 p.m. at the Lakeside Hotel, Ballina – one of the two premier sponsors, with regional radio station SPIN Southwest – before crossing the River Shannon, traversing through scenic Clare coutryside and then culminating back at the hotel. The walk route will be well stewarded and is supported by local gardai and the Killaloe search and rescue services. There is a €20 registration fee to cover administration, insurance, health and safety etc. and all participants are asked to raise a minimum of €100 sponsorship. Registration forms are available at public libraries in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. For further information including online registration, fitness tips and fundraising ideas or to help with volunteering on the day, log onto www.killlaloepinkribbonwalk.com or email killaloepinkribbon@gmail.com or telephone : 085 2020434. 55

05/03/2010 15:56:22

BL | REVIEW

I recently visi ted Tullamore on housing O the kind invita mniplex cinem tion as a gues as and t of walking di the Bridge Hou st ance to the man se Hotel with y local the pubs and promise of a restaurants ne relaxing luxuri arby. ous break. Location is al so ideal when we The Bridge Hou m ention Tullam se Hotel is a fo ore itself, be ur less than 9 in star facility loca g 0 minutes from ted in the centre Limerof ick, Galway the thriving m or Dublin, bang idlands town of in the Tul- heart of lamore. In fact the Irish midla it is directly fa nds. Being cing so acce the town’s maj ssible, the Bri or shopping ce dge House ntre, Hotel is a very popular venue for co n fe re n ces and meetings and can cater for groups from 5 to 500 people.

Give Tullamore it’s Dew! The Bridge House Hotel has a very imposing presence with it’s spectacular entrance and elegant foyer, it’s magnificent marble stairway and striking crystal chandelier. The hotel is renowned for good food and hospitality, but the welcome we received from the staff was remark remarkable. In this grand surrounding we felt at home immediately and this willingness to go that extra mile for their clients, became more evident throughout the weekend. Our accommodation was the executive suite, a spacious luxurious ensuite bedroom with queen size bed, lavish duvet and feathery pillows, set in a classic theme. Every conceiv conceivable extra was on hand includ includ-ing lounge furniture, plasma screen television, complimentary broadband, jacuzzi bath with bath bathrobe and slippers. The backdrop from my window was a wonderful panoramic view of the fine town of Tullamore.

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05/03/2010 15:13:56

BL | REVIEW

We were greeted for pre-dinner drinks by operations manager Gavin O’Shea who gave us a brief history of the hotel. Gavin was delighted to tell us of the pending improvements to the hotel, with an investment of over €5Million. He was proud of the hotels reputation and their recent celebration of their Ruby Anniversary. Forty years in operation and An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD unveiled a plaque to commemorate the great occasion. The hotel houses four restaurant areas, the grill, the main restaurant, the most attractive Mezzanine restaurant located over the main foyer, and the carvery/ coffee shop. We dined in the main restaurant as guests of award winning head chef, Patrick Kennedy, where he prepared a seven course taster selection of his culinary creations in his exceptional menu. The meal was superb, a unique dining experience and it came as no surprise that Patrick and The Bridge House Hotel restaurant received their third consecutive Michelin Guide Recommendation. An extraordinary achievement and well deserved. Compliments to the chef! The hotel bar, boasts of free live entertainment and it was buzzing with locals and visitors enjoying the band. We later retired to the quieter library bar to complete the evening. The following day saw a visit to their ‘state of the art’ leisure centre which houses a

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20m pool, jacuzzi, fitness studio, sauna, steam room, outdoor hydro pool, gymnasium and the jewel in the crown, The Sanctuary Spa. My visit to the Sanctuary Spa left me rejuvenated and totally relaxed. There is a huge variety of spa and beauty treatments available including stones, body masks, massages and I personally recommend a visit to ‘The Egg’. Enter the egg capsule and unwind with the calming music while the soft massage action of the bed and twinkling stars relaxes you. Tullamore itself is a town with a lot to offer. The nearby shops, golf course, historic sites and a tour of the world famous Tullamore Dew distillery is a must. It has a fantastic selection of lively friendly pubs (which I personally inspected) including The Brewery Tap, The Wolftrap, Loughreys Bar and Colgans pub. Colgan’s caught my eye with a picture of the Munster Haka v All Blacks in his front window, you couldn’t pass it, right in the middle of Cowen’s country! I would highly recommend a break in Tullamore, it was an uplifting experi-ence and I intend to return to the Bridge House Hotel at my earliest opportunity! Check it out on their website: www.bridgehouse.com or dial 057 9325600 for details.

08/03/2010 11:19:08

BL | Arts

Voices from the Soul Cage Collective

Concert Hall ‘Host’ The Priests

An exhibition of new works by Gavin Hogg. Chart topping priests; Fathers Eugene O’Hagen, Martin O’Hagen and David Delargy.

Limerick Printmakers present Voices from the Soul Cage Collective, an exhibition of new works by Gavin Hogg on Thursday the 25th February which will run until Friday the 19th March. Gavin Hogg presents us with seventeen new works, including paintings and prints. The works are sumptuous pieces with bands of colour, rhythmic patterns and are woven in symbolic imagery. Hogg is intrigued with the language of visual art and the capacity a piece of work has to communicate with a viewer. He is very much interested in the physical presence of a piece, it’s tactile and sensual qualities, but also it’s imaginative intangibility. Gavin Hogg a long time Limerick resident divides his time between Ireland and Spain. He studied Painting in Limerick School of Art and Design and went on to achieve a Masters in Fine Art from the Birmingham Institute of Art. Since then he has exhibited extensively throughout Ireland and his work is held by many public and private collections both at home and abroad. This includes the Surihov Academy of Art, Moscow, Russia; New York Public Library Print Collection and The Hunt Museum, Limerick to name a few. The exhibition will run until 19th March 2010. Admission is free. 58

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Even in an industry that prides itself on having no rules, few pundits would have predicted that an unknown vocal group of practising priests from Northern Ireland, Fathers Eugene O Hagan and Martin O Hagan (brothers) and David Delargy would become million sellers. This is an overnight sensation that has been 30 years in the making, a dream story of world class talent wrapped up in an amazing true story spanning a turbulent lifetime of service, faith and music. It was at St. MacNissi’s College near Carnlough in Co Antrim, where Father Eugene O’Hagan, Father Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy met for the first time and realised their musical prowess as a singing trio. Nicknamed Holy Holy Holy by their peers due to their shared determination to enter the priesthood, it was a priest at their school who first noticed how talented they actually were. After 20 years of being parish priests, Eugene, Martin and David’s talent was soon recognised by Sony Music after a scout sent a demo to Sony’s head office. They signed a contract on the steps of Westminster Abbey in April 2008. The Priests were adamant to never allow their music commitments to stand in the way of their day jobs and parish obligations, and this is written into their contract.

Their debut album “The Priests”, and their second, “Harmony”, have sold over 2 million copies in more than 40 countries and topped the charts all over the world from New Zealand to Norway. Since the release of their first album, The Priests have scooped the Guinness World Record for ‘Fastest-selling UK debut for a classical act’ and have been nominated for two Classical Brits. They have played in venues across the world, playing live to 3,000 people in Sydney and to 6,000 people at a homecoming gig in Belfast in June 2009. Other accolades include a personal invitation to sing for The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall as well as a performance in the presence of Mary McAleese and HM The Queen, for a peace and reconciliation charity. Their rise to global stardom has been documented across the world, including headline features in the Washington Post, Time Magazine and Observer Music Monthly. They have appeared on TV shows worldwide with artists from Tom Jones to The Killers including the The Late Late Show, BBC’s coveted Jonathan Ross Show and the News at Ten with Sir Trevor MacDonald. University Concert Hall on Saturday 12th June 2010 at 8pm. www.businesslimerick.ie

05/03/2010 15:24:09

BL | Artrite

‘Limerick Musical Society’s Fiddler on the Roof ‘Limerick Musical Society pull out all the stops for their 10th Anniversary production. ‘This production with lavish costumes and vibrant sets will be a visually spectacular musical, and the chorus and costumes will add to the authenticity of this moving musical by Stein, Harnick and Bock’, according to Gerry Ryan, PRO of the society. Fiddler on the Roof is one of the all best loved stage and screen musicals of all time. The all time music-classic has captivated audiences around the globe since its original Broadway production in 1964. Winner of 9 Tony Awards, it broke the all time long running record with over 3,500 performances. It was made in an Oscar winning film in 1971. The story is timeless and Limerick Musical Socierty are delighted to have secured the rights for the region. The musical was revived on Broadway in 2004 to public acclaim. Limerick Musical Society with a large cast of over sixty are looking forward to bringing this wonderful classic tale to life on the University Concert Hall stage next month. Richie Ryan director explained at the recent launch: ‘The infects nature of the music has to be heard to be believed’. ‘This promises to be the musical theatre highlight in the University Concert Hall calendar for 2010. The talented cast have

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’ a production by the Limerick Musical Society scheduled for 11-13 March in the University of Limerick Concert Hall at the launch in Dolans are cast members Suzanne Hickey, Pat Noonan and Sorcha Carroll.

been in rehearsal over the last number of months and withe the production team are very enthusiastic about ‘Fiddler’. The dancing and singing is first class and the visual aspects of the production promise to be excellent’, concluded Richie. The multi-award winning group has represented Limerick City at the Waterford International Festival, accumulated twelve national awards from the Association of Irish Musical Societies presented nine full scale musicals and hosted Westend musical icon, Rebecca Storm to two sell-out concerts at the University Concert Hall. This musical is for all the family to enjoy. Musical direction is in the capable hands

Dolans Pub on the Dock Road hosted the Press Launch for ‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’ a production by the Limerick Musical Society scheduled for 11-13 March in the University of Limerick Concert Hall pictured with Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power are Hillary Bourke, Kaylie Bullman, Holy O’Donoghue as Tzeitel, leading lady, Roisin Walsh as Golde and Leading man, Martin McNelis as Teyve.

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of Marie Keary-Scanlon; choreography by AIMS award-winner, Niamh Twoomey; stage management, Frank Boland; costumes, Jacinta Florish; production manager, Caroline Campbell. Heading the cast are Martin McNielus in the title role of Tevye; Roisin Walsh, as Yente his wife and Nigel Dugdale as Motel. Other roles include Ian Collins as the Innkeeper; Tom Moore as Avram the bookseller; James Hopkins as the Rabbi and Paul Noonan as the Rabbi’s son. Mendel. Gradma Tzeital is Martha O’Brien. Callan Coughlan as the Fiddler; Moira Carroll as Shaindel, Motels Mother. Noel Dillon as the Russian Constable and Jon Ryan as Nachum, the Beggar. This first class local line-up is supported by a cast of over sixty from the age of 6 years to 99 years from the Limerick Musical Society chorus members. The Limerick Musical Society committee is chaired by Jon Ryan and includes many hard working volunteers in the background. Limerick Musical Society prides itself in being a community group dedicated to the production of quality shows and concerts within the city and county. Fiddler on the Roof will be staged from Thursday, March 11 to Saturday, March 13 at the University Concert Hall. Booking or www.uch.ie Tickets for this lavish production are expected to be snapped up, so immediate booking is advisable from the University Concert Hall on 061 331549. For further details patrons can contact the Limerick Musical Society direct line at 085-1985 784 or on their website www.limerickmusical.ie 59

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Aer Arann Announces Major Expansion Aer Arann has announced a significant expansion to its network with the launch of four new routes going on sale today to the UK direct from regional Irish airports. In Kerry, Aer Arann is re-introducing its Manchester link, operating four days per week from May 20th. The move sees the return of Aer Arann to Kerry Airport to due to popular demand. The airline has also launched two new services from City of

Derry to Manchester and Edinburgh, both also due to begin operating from May 20th. The Manchester service will operate seven days per week while the Edinburgh service will operate six days per week. In addition, the current City of Derry-Dublin service will now operate at the earlier time of 7.40am arriving in Dublin at 8.30am offering significantly better onward connecting options for passengers as well as earlier access to the city.

Welcoming the new routes, Aer Arann Corporate Affairs Director Andrew Kelly said: “We are delighted to introduce these new and returning links to Scotland and the North of England direct from regional airports in the North and South of the country. The routes are proof of our commitment to serving these regions as well as a sign of our growth in the Irish and UK markets. We have listened to our customers and responded to their needs and we look forward to welcoming both these existing and new passengers on our services in the coming months”. This is the latest development for Aer Arann following the recent announcement that the airline has signed a franchise agreement with Aer Lingus to operate 12 routes between Ireland and the UK under the brand “Aer Lingus Regional”. All new UK fares are now on sale from €39 one way including taxes. For further details on schedule times, great value special offers and to make a booking visit www.AerArann.com

Royal Dorbar

Finest Indian Cuisine starters (select one) Fish Pakora Vegetable Samosa Skewered Chicken Satay (Malaysian) Shish Kebab

mother’s day & st Patricks festival week sPecial dinner for two including comPlimentary bottle of wine `39.95 Early Bird 5-7pm 3 CoursE mEal `16.95 with FrEE Glass oF winE, BottlEd BEEr or soFt drink Take Away | Delivery | Reservation

main course (select one) Chicken Raj Deshi Chicken Jhinga Bhuna Paneer Sagwala Lamb Rogan Josh sundries (select one) Pilau Rice Basmati Rice Fried Rice Garlic & Coriander Nan Peshwari Nan Chips

Tel: 061 404 795 / 061 406 796 Unit 3 Corn Market Road, Limerick www. www.royaldorbar.ie 60

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08/03/2010 15:24:58

Silver Award for Green Caterer

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Corporate Catering Services Limited (CCSL) has received a silver award in the Green Hospitality Awards (GHA) for its environmental efforts at Vistakon at the National Techological Park in Limerick where the company caters for 800 staff on site. The Green Hospitality Awards (GHA) is recognised as one of the most successful programmes in Europe. It is a voluntary programme that demonstrates leadership in environmental management within the hospitality sector. Each successful member receives an award based on a set of strict criteria covering waste management, recycling and energy savings. CCSL received their award at a GHA awards ceremony held at Dromoland Castle on Tuesday 23rd February. Commenting on the award, Mary Healy, founder and managing director of the Clare-based catering firm, said:” At CCSL we do everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint by minimising waste, by recycling and by introducing energysaving initiatives throughout our staff restaurants nationwide. Our goal is to ensure that our commercial strategies go hand-in-hand with a keen awareness of our corporate and social responsibilities, including environmental issues. This is our first GHA award so we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised in this way”.

Mary Healy (founder and managing director of Corporate Catering Services Ltd); Mary King (general manager of CCSL); Ger Lane (CCSL catering manager at Vistakon); James Hogan (director of the Green Hospitality Awards); Margaret Austin (operations manager for CCSL) and Philippa King from the Regional Waste Management Office, all pictured at the Green Hospitality Awards in Dromoland Castle.

Corporate Catering Services Limited is based in Corofin, County Clare and is an independently–owned Irish company specialising in providing high quality catering management services to a range

of clients across business and industry, healthcare and education. Established by Mary Healy in 1991 at the height of a recession, the company is known for its personal service and high food standards.

Markets Urged to Sign Up to Code of Good Practice Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen, T.D., has urged Farmers’ Markets throughout the Mid West region to submit applications for the Code of Good Practice for Farmers Markets. 34 markets were awarded the good practice banner in 2009, including Nenagh Farmers’ Market in Tipperary, Ballyvaughan, Kilrush and Ennis Farmers’ Markets in Clare, and Abbeyfeale Market and Limerick Milk Market in Limerick. Minister of State Killeen said: “One of the Government’s commitments under the Programme for Government is to encourage more direct selling between farmers and consumers by restoring and promot-

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ing farm shops and a national network of farmers’ markets and country markets”. He added: “The awarding of this Good Practice Standard will give consumers more confidence in what local food markets stand for and provide Mid West food producers with a good route to market and opportunity to deal directly with local consumers. It is also a very good promotional tool for the market itself. Bord Bia will denote all Farmers’ Markets on its website and Good Food Ireland has also expressed interest in including the good practice markets in its guides”. “Markets operating to this standard receive a certificate and banner which they

can display to inform the public, that they are undertaking to hold markets regularly; to source a substantial proportion, ideally 50%, of local produce from the county or neighbouring counties; to accommodate seasonal and local garden/allotment produce and to comply with food safety/ labelling rules and criteria on good governance”, concluded Minister of State Killeen. Applications should be made to Bord Bia, Clanwilliam Court Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 on or before 31 March 2010. Further information is available at www. bordbia.ie or www.agriculture.gov.ie.

05/03/2010 15:51:46

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NUI Galway and UL Announce Strategic Alliance

Professor Don Barry, President of the University of Limerick

NUI Galway and the University of Limerick have announced a Strategic Alliance which will support the development of the wider region to encourage indigenous enterprises and foreign direct investment, strengthen research and industry partnerships, and further a shared commitment to academic excellence. The Alliance will have an international dimension, through a partnership with Georgia Institute of Technology in the US, in the exploitation of research from both Irish universities.

key building block for our Smart Economy project. The Government strongly supports increased collaboration between higher education institutions and between these institutions and industry. Our universities have a critical role to play as a dynamo energising our Smart Economy with new ideas and creativity. Increased collaboration among our universities joining forces - greatly helps us to up our game in the intense ongoing global competition to come up with new ideas, new products and new services.”

At a ceremony in Dublin involving An Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the Minister for Education and Science, the Alliance was announced to leaders from a wide range of community, public and political bodies as well as partners from academia and industry.

Key and immediate initiatives resulting from the Alliance include: -Furthering research and education to serve Ireland’s biomedical device industry – which employs 24,000 people. -Joining forces on research initiatives to provide scientific and technological breakthroughs in the ‘green tech’ sector. -Supporting Ireland as the biggest exporter of software solutions in Europe, by collaborating to remain at the forefront of software development and internet technology research. -Achieve economies of scale through jointly supporting technology transfer and

Welcoming the announcement, An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, T.D., said: “NUI Galway and the University of Limerick are demonstrating how working together means working smarter. It represents a 62

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commercialisation of research. -Working to establish a translational research centre with Georgia Institute of Technology for technology transfer. -Furthering commitment to 4th Level Education through joint development of structured PhD programmes. -Facilitating student exchange between the Universities on a modular or semester basis. -Creating a new Medical Academy at Portiuncula and Roscommon Hospitals. -Planning to facilitate joint academic appointments to maximise student choice. -Promoting active citizenship through projects such as urban renewal and regeneration. -Optimising resources through shared services and focused use of research, teaching and academic support services. Professor Don Barry, President of the University of Limerick, said: “By forming this Strategic Alliance, we are collaborating in very real and immediate ways, driving scientific and economic progress with a specific focus on industry partnerships and research in the areas of Biomedicine, Energy, ICT and Civic Engagement.

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04/03/2010 11:31:02

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Keith Earls to Lead Parade Munster, Ireland and Lions rugby legend Keith Earls will lead the 2010 Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade as Grand Marshal. This year’s festival is a showcase for the best that Limerick has to offer with the National Lottery Skyfest, the 40th International Band Parade and the huge St Patrick’s Day parade all taking place in the city. Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Kiely, said he is thrilled that 22 year old Earls would lead the parade. “We’re all very proud of Keith, he’s a fantastic ambassador for Limerick so he’s a natural choice for our Grand Marshal. I’m delighted to launch the 2010 festival and what a festival we have this year! We are asking everyone to come out and support our Limerick parade; it’s our national day after all and an opportunity for a fantastic family day out.” The festivities kick off on Saturday March 13th when the National Lottery Skyfest will light up the skies over Limerick with King John’s Castle providing a stunning backdrop to this year’s breathtaking fireworks display. Pre-show activity, provided by Shannon Development kicks off from 6pm and includes live bands, fire jugglers, painters and much more! The popular International Band Parade and Competition is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Marching bands from around Ireland, the USA, Germany, Africa and Northern Ireland will join Lim-

Keith earls, Munster winger tackled during their Heineken Cup, Round 2 match with Beneton Treviso in Thomond Park last year.

erick’s finest to showcase their talents with adrenalin pumping music for all the family to enjoy! The Band Parade will start in O’Connell Avenue and end in Arthur’s Quay Park with a free concert to the public. The Limerick’s St Patrick’s Day Parade looks set to once again be the largest parade in the country outside of Dublin with a huge number of colourful entries for 2010. The Irish Chamber Orchestra based at the University of Limerick will also take part in the parade as will the Expressive Arts Theatre Group, the Limerick Polish School, the Munster Indian Cultural Association and many other sporting, cultural, community, business and social organi-

sations who will give the parade a great splash of colour. Futureama Productions managing director Fran O’Donnell who is organising this year’s St Patrick’s Festival said: “We’re delighted with the interest in this year’s Festival from the public and especially the St Patrick’s Day parade. We had a phenomenal parade last year and this year’s event is gearing up to be just as successful. We’re very grateful to the generous support of our sponsors and we’re looking forward to a great few days of entertainment.” Further information on the Limerick St Patrick’s Festival is available from www. limerickcoordination.ie or check out www. shortbreaksireland.ie

Doug to Stay with Munster Good news in the Munster camp as Doug Howlett signed the dotted line which will see him remain with Munster for at least to see out the 2010/2011 season. Howlett has proved a major success for Munster since he arrived from New Zealand two years ago. The thirty-one year old is set to win his fiftieth Munster cap against Newport Gwent Dragons, as we go to press. He has scored twelve tries for Munster since his arrival and is immensely popular with the ‘red army’. Munster coach Tony McGahan said, “ I’m delighted we’re retaining the services of www.businesslimerick.ie

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a player of Doug’s proven calibre. Doug’s contribution to the squad and management on and off the field has been central to our success since he arrived here two years ago. Next season is going to be particularly challenging given it’s a World Cup season. With our commitment to the international squad we would expect to be introducing more and more of our emerging young players. So it will be very advantageous to have a player of his quality and experience to call on. Its great news for Munster Rugby.”

08/03/2010 16:41:24

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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ACCOUNTANTS BDO Business and Financial Advisors Four Michael Street, Limerick Tel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172 Email: limerick@bdo.ie Web: www.bdo.ie Grant Thornton Chartered Accountants, Mill House, Henry St, Limerick. Tel: 061 314622 / 061 312744 Fax: 061 317691 / 061 418038 Email: limerick@grantthornton.ie Web: www.grantthornton.ie HDS Partnership Registered Auditors – Accountants – Tax Consultants – Business Advisors 2nd Floor,RiverPoint, Lower Mallow Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 445000 Fax: 061 445060 E-mail: mail@hds.ie Web: www.hds.ie Horwath Bastow Charleton Accountants and Business Advisors Horwath House, The Red Church, Henry St. Limerick. Tel: 061 310311 Fax: 061 318899 E-mail: info@horwath.ie Web: www.hbcl.ie Moore Stephens Patrick McNamara Accountants and Business Advisors Pamdohlen House, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 229666 Fax: 061 302144 Email: info@msmcnamara.ie Web: www.mspatrickmcnamara.ie John Quirke & Co. Racefield House, Dooradoyle, Limerick. Tel: 061 301260 Fax: 061 307863 Email: jonhquirkeandco@eircom.net O’Donovan Caulfield Lavin 1 Mt. Kenneth Place, Henry St, Limerick. Tel: 061 411000 Fax: 061 411001 E-mail: info@odcl.ie O’Hurley Blair Irwin 3rd Floor, Mount Kenneth House, Henry St, Limerick. Tel: 061 401122 Fax: 061 401144 E-mail: info@obi.ie Web: www.obi.ie Joe Littleton & Co. Dangan Tulla Co.Clare Tel: 065 6835407 Fax:065 6835407 Email: josephlittleton@eircom.net

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Web: www.jflconsultancy.com Sage Accredited Trainer ACCOUNTANCY COURSES BPP Professional Education 89 O’Connell Street. Limerick Tel: 061 310884 Fax: 061 310984 Email: limerickreception@bpp.com Web: www.bpp.com/ireland ADVERTISING AGENCY Southern Advertising Killoran House, Catherine Place, Limerick. Tel: 061 310286 Fax: 061 313013 Email: info@southernadlimk.com Web: www.southernad.ie ARCHITECTS & BUILDING ENERGY RATING ASSESSORS Brian O’ Donoghue Tait Business Centre, Dominic St., Limerick. Tel: 061 410318 Fax: 061 414315 Mob: 086 8122271 E-mail: architecturalservices@eircom.net ARTISTS Una Heaton Tel: 086 3735015 Email: unaheaton@eircom.net Web: www.unaheatonart.com AUCTIONEERS DTZ SHERRY FITZGERALD Hibernian House, 105 Henry Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 418111 Fax: 061 418112 Email: limerick@dtz.ie Web: www.dtz.ie BAR, BISTRO & NIGHTCLUB Aubars 49-50 Thomas Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 317799 Fax: 061 317572 Email: info@aubars.com Web: www.aubars.com BICYCLES The Bike Shop O’Connell Avenue, Limerick Tel: 061 315900 BUILDING CONTRACTORS Ace Services Glenameade Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 393 049 or 061 393 982 Fax: 061 393 303 Email: aceservices@eircom.net

BUILDING SUPPLIERS Ballysheedy Building Supplies Ballysheedy, Co. Limereick (next to ‘ Weigh In’ bar) Tel: 061 445660/ 061 445666 Mob: 087 2490666/ 087 6983444 BURGLAR ALARMS & SECURITY SYSTEMS Clifford Security Alarms 16 Wickham Street, Limerick Tel: 061 313033 / 440151 Fax: 061 317412 Email: info@cliffordsecurity.com Web: www.cliffordsecurity.com BUSINESS BANKING Bank Of Ireland 125 O’Connell St; Limerick Contact: Denis Minihane Regional Business Banking Manager T: 061 419791 F: 061 418554 E: Denis.Minihane@boimail.com W: www.boi.com KBC Bank Ireland plc, Riverpoint, Bishops Quay, Limerick Tel: 061 448600 Fax: 061 468468 Email: damien.quigley@kbc.ie Web: www.kbc.ie Ulster Bank Midwest Business Centre 14 Henry Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 316757 Fax: 061 312971 E-mail: midwestbusinesscentre@ulsterbank.com Web: www.ulsterbank.com BUSINESS COACHES Action Coach Business Coaching Unit 1 C, Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Limerick. Tel: 061 338682 Fax: 061 338682 Email: joepower@actioncoach.com Web: www.actioncoach.com/joepower BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS Limerick Chamber 96 O’ Connell St, Limerick Tel: 061 415180 Fax: 061 415785 Email: info@limerickchamber.ie Web: www.limerickchamber.ie Shannon & District Chamber of Commerce Shannon Business Centre, Shannon, Co. Clare Tel: 061 360611 Fax: 061 360440 E-mail: admin@shannonchamber.ie Web: www.shannonchamber.ie

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BUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEMS Lantel Networks Ltd Roselawn House, National Technological Park, Limerick. Tel: 061 350350 Fax: 061 350360 Email: info@lantel.ie Web: www.lantel.ie CAR DEALERS Clareview Motors Ennis Road, Limerick Tel: 061 221000 Fax: 061 221060 E-mail: info@clareviewmotors.com Web: www.clareviewmotors.com CARPETS & FLOORING Provincial Floor Coverings Raheen Business Park, Raheen, Limerick. Tel: 061-227100 Fax: 061-227000 E-Mail: sales@pfl.ie Web: www.pfl.ie CATERING Masterchefs Hospitality Epicurean House, Robert Street, Limerick Tel: 061 411522 Fax: 061 402021 Email: sales@mhm.ie Web: www.mhm.ie CCTV & SECURITY Advanced Monitoring No.2 Pillar House, Little Ellen St. Limerick Tel: 061 319 375 Fax: 061 311 805 Mobile: 087 2596955 / 087 2395039 Email: advancedmonitoring@eircom.net CLEANING Clean Habit B2 Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare. Tel: 061 361461 Fax: 061 361868 Email: mandy@cleanhabit.com Web: www.cleanhabit.com ISS Facilities Unit 11, Ashbourne Business Park Dock Road, Limerick

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Tel: 061 500300 Fax: 061 500301 Contact : Brian Kelly Mobile: 087 9159108 Email: brian.kelly@iss.ie Web: www.iss.ie

Unit 1, Clondrinagh Industrial Estate, Ennis Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 325757 Fax: 061 325700

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE SERVICE Elite Cleaning Service Rose Cottage, Woodpark, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 372133 Fax: 061 372627 E-mail: elitecleaning@eircom.net Web: www.elite-contract-cleaning.com

EVENT MANAGEMENT Funireland Event Management Childers Rd Enterprise Centre Limerick Tel: Limerick 061 437000/320292 Tel: Dublin 01 4741888 Email: info@funireland.com Web: www.funireland.com

COMPUTER NETWORKING SALES & SUPPORT Action Point Unit 8B, Plassey Enterprise Centre, National Technology Park, Limerick. Contact: David Jeffreys Tel: 061 337 632 Call-Save: 1850-ACTION/ 1850 228 466 Fax: 061 301 924 Email: info@actionpoint.ie

Woulfe Event Management, Tower View House, Glenview Avenue, Farranshone, Limerick. Tel: 061 321979 Mob: 087 7631999 Email: woulfeeventmanagement@eircom.net Web: www.woulfemanagement.ie

Fitzpatrick Computer Group Mill House, Henry Street, Limerick Tel: 061 493300 Fax: 061 417219 Email: sales@fcg.ie Web: www.fcg.ie O’Connor Network Services (ONS) Ardnataggle, O’Briens Bridge, Co. Clare Tel: 061 343412 Fax: 061 749842 Mobile: 087 8118690 E-mail: info@ons.ie Web: www.ons.ie CONSTRUCTION Roadbridge Ballyclough, Ballysheedy, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 419855 Fax: 061 414767 E-mail: headoffice@roadbridge.ie Web: www.roadbridge.ie DISPLAY SignLynx Contact: Jack O’Loughlin Franklin Motor Yard, Cahernorry, Ballysimon, Limerick. Tel: 061 333736 Mob: 086 8094420 Fax: 061 333737 Email: jackoloughlin@signlynx.ie Web: www.signlynx.ie DRAINAGE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Walsh Environmental Services Drainage & Environmental Specialists

FINANCIAL CONTROL / ACCOUNTING / BOOK-KEEPING SERVICES Hogan Financial Management Ltd 50 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel: 481444 Fax: 061 481445 Email: info@hoganfinancial.ie Web: www.hoganfinancial.ie FINANCIAL CONTROL / ACCOUNTING / BOOK-KEEPING SERVICES Complete Financial Management 38 Roches Street Limerick Tel: 0818 333 680 Fax: 1890 886803 Email: enquiries@completefm.ie

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

BUSINESS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS CompuCount Ltd. 18 Cois Luachra, Limerick. Tel: 061 305033 Fax: 061 305291 Email: sales@compucount.ie Web: www.compucount.ie

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS Prestige Detection Systems Limited Rathpalatine, Feohanagh, County Limerick Phone: 063 84920 Fax: 0865 254 5347 Email. Dave.enright@pdsl.ie Web: www.pdsl.ie FLORIST Flowers Forever Designer Florist Rachel & David Hannon Raheen Roundabout, Limerick. Tel: 061 307123 Fax: 061 307123 Email: flowers4ever@eircom.net Web: flowersforever.ie GLASS AND MIRRORS Mirror and Glassworx Unit 1b, Annacotty Business Park, Limerick. Tel: 061 333630 Mob: 087 2808184 Fax: 061 333631 Email: info@mgwx.ie Web: www.mgwx.ie

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THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTANCY Optic Nerve Design Group The Mill, Glentworth Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 316955 Fax: 061 316965 E-mail: info@opticnerve.ie Web: www.opticnerve.ie GRAPHIC, WEB & WEB MARKETING IDF Marketing Ltd. Marine Village, Killaloe,Co.Clare Tel: 061 375412 Mob: 086 8176337 Email: info@idf.ie Web: www.idf.ie GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN Customer Care Solutions Anne Sheehan, Harbour House, Locke Quay, Limerick. Mobile: 087 6684819 E-mail: info@customersolutions.ie Web: www.customersolutions.ie HOME FURNISHINGS Limerick Paint Supplies Pennywell Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 411292 Thomondgate, Limerick. Tel: 061 329828 Fax: 061 415874 Mob: 087 2503448 HOTELS Abbey Court Hotel, Lodges & Trinity Leisure Spa. Dublin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Tel: 067 41111 Fax: 067 41022 Contact: Matthias Muller M.I.H.I. Email: sales@abbeycourt.ie Web: www.abbeycourt.ie Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Revas Spa Adare, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 605100 Fax: 061 396073 Email: reception@woodlands-hotel.ie Web: www.woodlands-hotel.ie HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE ASSESSORS Auray Assessors Specialists in Property Claims Tel: 061 317264 Fax: 094 9541723 Email: aurayassessors@eircom.net Web: www.aurayltd.com HR CONSULTANTS The HR Channel Contact: Fiona O’Carroll Ballycarney, Clarina, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 353154 Mobile: 086 2051727 Email: fionaocarroll1@eircom.net

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HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT AND EXECUTIVE & BUSINESS COACH Elaine Ryan & Associates 17 Ballycasey Manor, Shannon, Co.Clare. Tel: 086 2381555 Email: elaineryanhr@eircom.net Web: www.elaineryanandassociates.com

Email: ldwan@brownthomas.ie Web: www.brownthomas.com

INK REFILL & TONERS Ink Refill Depot 7B Denmark Street, Limerick Tel: 061 446446 Fax: 061 446456 Email: Brendan@inkrefilldepot.ie Web: www.inkrefilldepot.ie

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS Profiles at Work Executive Coaching, Training, Psychometric Testing Ballyheefy, Killaloe, Co. Clare Tel: 061 376461 Fax: 061 375496 Mob: 087 2640028 Email: amckles@eircom.net Web: www.profilesatwork.com

INSULATION Aerobord Ltd. Askeaton, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 604600 Fax: 061 604601 Email: mail@aerobord.ie Web: www.aerobord.ie IT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT Avocent International Avocent House, Shannon Free Zone, Shannon, Co. Clare. Tel: 061 471877 Fax: 061 471871 Email: info-europe@avocent.com Web: www.avocent.ie INVESTMENTS, PENSIONS & MORTGAGES Moore Stephens Patrick McNamara Financial Planning & Mortgage Solutions Life & Pensions – Mortgages – Investments – Wealth Management Pamdohlen House, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick Tel: 061 229666 Fax: 061 302144 Email: fsinfo@msmcnamara.ie Web: www.mspatrickmcnamara.ie LIFE & BUSINESS COACHING Pathfinder 31b Cecil St. Limerick Tel: 061 215750 Mob: 086 8123834 E-mail: pathfinder@o2.ie LIFT SERVICES Mid Western Lifts Corcanree Business Park Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 400123 Fax: 061 400121 Email: info@mwls.ie Web: www.mwls.ie LUXURY DEPARTMENT STORES Brown Thomas 16 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel: 061 417222 Fax: 061 412191

MARQUEE HIRE O’Donovan Marquees Birdhill, Co. Tipperary Tel: 061 379328 Fax: 061 379328 Email: podmarquees@eircom.net Web: www.odonovanmarquees.com

MARKETING Customer Care Solutions Anne Sheehan, Harbour House, Locke Quay, Limerick. Mobile: 087 6684819 E-mail: info@customersolutions.ie Web: www.customersolutions.ie Molly D Marketing Castlecrine, Sixmilebridge, Co.Clare Tel: 061 369898 Mob: 086 2371508 Email: dympna@mollydmarketing.ie Web: www.mollydmarketing.ie MARKETING CONSULTANTS AND MARKETING RESEARCH Martin McGuire & Associates Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 228822 or 061 229233 E-mail: martinm@martinmcguire.com Web: www.martinmcguire.com MODULAR CONTAINERS, CABINS & OFFICES Ballysimon Containers Eastway Business Park Ballysimon Road, Limerick Tel: 061 312530 Fax: 061 313520 Email: morgan@asp-ire.ie Web: www.asp-ire.ie MODULAR OFFICE ACCOMODATION Asp-ire Advance Space Providers Ireland Eastway Business Park Ballysimon Road, Limerick Tel: 061 312530 Fax: 061 313520 Email: morgan@asp-ire.ie Web: www.asp-ire.ie

www.businesslimerick.ie

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Redmond Mortgages & Pensions 1A Hartstonge Place, Upper Hartstonge Street, Limerick Tel: 061 446629 Fax: 061 446809 Mobile: 087 8290736 E-mail: tommy@redmondmortgages.com NEWSPAPERS Limerick Independent Newspaper 48 O’Connell Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 404900 Fax: 061 404940 E: info@limerickindependent.com W: www.limerickindependent.com OFFICE EQUIPMENT Gerry Webb Office Equipment 72 Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick Tel: 061 467380 Fax: 061 467380 Mobile: 087 2625768 Email: webfurniture@eircom.net OFFICE EQUIPMENT / PRINTING & STATIONERY Curley Copy Centre Little Ellen Street, Limerick. Contact: Eileen Tel: 061 315331 Fax: 061 315171 Email: jhcurley@eircom.net OFFICE FURNITURE & SUPPLIES G & A Manifold (Showrooms) Unit 6E, Docklands Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 312777 Fax: 061 313434 Email: info@gamanifold.ie Web: www.gamanifold.ie PACKAGING IPS Industrial Polythene Solutions Contact Name: Sean O’Carroll Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Limerick. Tel: 061 508980 Fax: 061 508984 Email: sean.ocarroll@ipslimited.ie Web: www.ipspackaging.ie

2nd Floor, Riverfront Building Howleys Quay, Limerick Tel: 061 318701 Fax: 061 318702 Mobile: 086 2602326 Email: karl@karldaly.com Web: www.karldaly.com or www.ssiaideas.ie PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURER Schwarz Pharma UCB (Schwarz Pharma Ltd) Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare. Tel: 061 714100 Fax: 061 714101 Email: info@ucb-group.com Web: www.ucb-group.com PHOTOCOPIERS MJ Flood (Ireland) Ltd. (Sales & Service) 23 John Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 312211 Mob: 087 7815252 Fax: 061 415595 Email: limerick@mjflood.ie Web: www.mjflood.ie PHOTOGRAPHY Brendan Gleeson LIPPA NUJ 25 Cherry Avenue, Caherdavin Lawn, Limerick Tel: 061 453253 Mobile: 087 2159325 Email: gleesonphoto@eircom.net www.bgleesonphoto.com PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS Able Marketing 50 Thomas Street, Limerick Tel: 061 417575 Fax: 061 410055 Email: sales@ablemarketing.ie Web: www.ablemarketing.ie PUBLIC RELATIONS Echo Marketing 5 The Mews, Hartstonge Street, Limerick. Mob: 087 9892463 Email: aileen.galvin@echomarketing.ie Web: www.echomarketing.ie Molly D Marketing Castlecrine, Sixmilebridge, Co.Clare Tel: 061 369898 M: 086 2371508 Email: dympna@mollydmarketing.ie Web: www.mollydmarketing.ie

PAINTING AND DECORATING Keith Larkin Clonlara, Co. Clare. Residential, Commercial, Industrial. 087 2333772 email: larkink@eircom.net

MKC Communications The Archway, 4A Lower Pembroke Street Dublin 2 Tel. +353 1 703 8600 Fax. +353 1 678 8331 Email: info@mkc.ie Web: www.mkc.ie

PENSIONS & INVESTMENTS Karl Daly Pension & Investment Ltd.

O’Brien Communications 30 Ashbrook Grove

www.businesslimerick.ie

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Ennis Road, Limerick Tel/Fax: 061 457999 Mobile: 086 6019214 Quinn Communications Contact: Niamh Quinn MPRII 38 Roches Street, Limerick. M: 087 1220119 F: 1890 886803 E: niamh@quinncommunications.ie PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUS SERVICES & PRIVATE HIRE Bus Eireann Colbert Station Limerick Tel: 061 313333 Fax: 061417166 Email: info@buseireann.ie Web: www.buseireann.ie PUBLIC RELATIONS & EVENT & MEDIA MANAGEMENT Woulfe Event Management Tower View House, Glenview Avenue, Farranshone, Limerick. Tel: 061 321979 Mob: 087 7631999 Email: woulfeeventmanagement@eircom.net Web: www.woulfemanagement.ie RADIO STATIONS (NATIONAL) Limerick Live 95 FM P.O Box 295 Radio House, Richmond Court Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 461 900 Fax: 061 41 95 95 Email: mail@live95fm.ie Web: www.live95fm.ie

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

MORTGAGE & FINANCIAL SERVICES ODCL Financial Services and Mortgages 1 Mount Kennett Place, Henry Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 411000 Email: financial@odcl.ie

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BL | DIRECTORY

RTÉ lyric fm Cornmarket Square, Limerick. Tel: 061 207300 Fax: 061 207390 Email: lyric@rte.ie Web: www.rte.ie/lyricfm Contact: Aodán Ó’Dubhghaill & Julie Knight RECRUITMENT Irish Recruitment Consultants Charlotte House, Charlotte Quay, Limerick. Tel: 061 313744 Fax: 061 417553 Email:admin@irishrecruitment.ie Web:www.irishrecruitment.ie Richmond Recruitment/CPL, 10/11, Steamboat Quay, Dock Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 221701 Email: Midwestjobs@cpl.ie Web: www.richmond.ie Staff Solutions Unit 2 Belfield House, Ennis Road, Limerick Tel: 061 329250 Fax: 061 329252 E-mail: info@staffsolutions.ie Web: www.staffsolutions.ie

05/03/2010 14:08:44

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BL | DIRECTORY

RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS Work Access Ltd. 1st Floor, Pillar House, Little Ellen Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 493095 Fax: 061 409345 Email: info@workaccess.org Web: www.workaccess.org RESTAURANTS The Cornstore 19 Thomas Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 609 000/ 609 001 Fax: 061 409 334 Email: reservations@cornstorelimerick.com Poppadom Award Winning Indian Cuisine Unit 2C, Robert Street, Corn Market Square, Limerick Tel: 061 446644 www.poppadom.ie SECURITY SHREDDING & CONFIDENTIAL WASTE DGD Papers Ltd. Bay M1, Raheen Business Park, Limerick Tel: 061 491333 Fax: 061 491335 Email: info@dgdpapers.com Web: www.dgdpapers.com

SOLICITORS Holmes O’Malley Sexton Bishopsgate, Henry St: Limerick. Tel: 061-313222 Fax: 061-310414 E-Mail: info@homs.ie Web: www.homs.ie TAXATION BDO Personal and Corporate Tax Advisors 4 Michael Street, Limerick Tel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172 Email: limerick@bdo.ie Web: www.bdo.ie TEAM BUILDING Funireland Team Building Specialists Childers Rd Enterprise Centre, Limerick Tel: Limerick 061 437000/320292 Tel: Dublin 01 4741888 E: info@funireland.com W: www.funireland.com WATER COOLERS & DISPENSERS Crystal Clear Leamy House, Hartstonge St: Limerick. Tel: 061-454962 Fax: 061-454449 Mobile: 087-2561239 E-Mail: info@crystalc.ie

WASTE MANAGEMENT & DISPOSAL Mr Binman Luddenmore, Grange, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 351127 Fax: 061 351918 Email: info@mrbinman.com Web: www.mrbinman.com WEDDINGS AND EVENTS Rebecca May Weddings and Events Childers Rd Enterprise Centre, Limerick Tel: Limerick 061 437000/320292 Tel: Dublin 01 4741888 Cell: 087 4178516 E: rebecca@funireland.com W: www.funireland.com W: www.irelandweddings.ie WINE RETAILERS Fine Wines Fine Wines Group, Tipperary Road, Ballysimon, Limerick. Tel: 061 417784 Fax: 061 417276 Email: mdaly@finewines.ie Web: www.finewines.ie The Wine Buff 17 Upper Mallow Street, Limerick. Proprietor: Mike O’ Mara Tel: 061 313394 E-mail: mike.omara@thewinebuff.com Web: www.thewinebuff.com

SIGNAGE SignLynx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contact: . . . . . .Jack . . . O’Loughlin ......................................................................................... BL | XXXXXX Franklin Motor Yard, Cahernorry, Ballysimon, Limerick. Tel: 061 333736 Mob: 086 8094420 Fax: 061 333737 Email: jackoloughlin@signlynx.ie ½Ú íãé Øãâ è ÜÕêÙ èÜÙ èããàç èÝáÙ ãæ èÜÙ äÕèÝÙâ×Ù Web: www.signlynx.ie

§ø¿ĪĨ³¿Ï÷Ĩ§ĲĠÿõĪĲĠÜĨ ĢĢÜûÆøķĨ §ĂĠĨóĂûÜÒĨĂååõÏÜĨĂĠĨì¿ĠÕÜÿĖ

Early Bird Special

àÙè áÙ äæãêÝØÙ Õ ÚÕçè ÚæÝÙâØàí ÙÚÚÝ×ÝÙâè çÙæêÝ×Ù Úãæ íãé¢ Sign It Ltd €19.95 3 courses Unit 6, Eastway Business Park, µÀÀ èíäÙç ãÚ 3 courses vegie €17.95) Ballysimon Road,ÜøÜÏĪĠõÏ¿øĨĵĂĠ÷ Limerick. Tel: 0615469900 Õàçã ×ÕææÝÙØ ãéè Fri - Sat to 7.20 pm

Unit 2c Robert

Fax: 061 417502 Öí ÙìäÙæÝÙâ×ÙØ Email: Sales@signit.ie åéÕàÝÚÝÙØ ¹àÙ×èæÝ×ÝÕâ¢ Street, Market Square, Limerick Web:Corn www.signit.ie

(tel) 061 44 66 44 ÄÜ »ÙææíĨ¯°» ¡ ĺÝĥĨĦĬĥĀççİ Signsplus Unit 7,Eastlink Business Park, Ballysimon Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 437950 Fax: 061 437940 Email: sales@signsplus.ie Web: www.signsplus.ie

* Design is ba in EPS form sed on a logo at su by your com pplied pany.

Tel: 061 304 599 • 086 106 3744 www.creativewavedesign.com

Photography by Michael Cowhey Tel: 061 227640 Mob: 087 2581318 SOFWARE DEVELOPMENT Action Point Unit 8B, Plassey Enterprise Centre, National Technology Park, Limerick. Contact: David Jeffreys Tel: 061 337 632 Call-Save: 1850-ACTION/ 1850 228 466 Fax: 061 301 924 Email: info@actionpoint.ie

Ferndale, Ballinacurra, Limerick Email: michaelcowhey@eircom.net www.mikecowhey.com 68

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Rubber Stamps - Printing - Stationery - Laser Engraving

We Don't Just Sell Stamps We Make Them! 14 Lower Gerald Griffin St., Limerick, Ireland Tel. 061-417855 Fax. 061-410845 info@shamrockstamps.ie www.businesslimerick.ie

STOP! ºàëð ºÜåëéÜ

05/03/2010 14:08:46

Don’t throw it out!

www.businesslimerick.ie

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Tel: 061 500300 Fax: 061 500301 Contact : Brian Kelly Mobile: 087 9159108 Email: brian.kelly@iss.ie Web: www.iss.ie

Unit 1, Clondrinagh Industrial Estate, Ennis Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 325757 Fax: 061 325700

EVENT MANAGEMENT Funireland Event Management Childers Rd Enterprise Centre Limerick Tel: Limerick 061 437000/320292 Tel: Dublin 01 4741888 Email: info@funireland.com Web: www.funireland.com

Woulfe Event Management, Tower View House, Glenview Avenue, Farranshone, Limerick. Tel: 061 321979 Mob: 087 7631999 Email: woulfeeventmanagement@eircom.net Web: www.woulfemanagement.ie

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

BUSINESS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS CompuCount Ltd. 18 Cois Luachra, Limerick. Tel: 061 305033 Fax: 061 305291 Email: sales@compucount.ie Web: www.compucount.ie

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BL | DIRECTORY

05/03/2010 14:08:43

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BL | DIRECTORY

64-68 Business Directory.indd 58

Email: ldwan@brownthomas.ie Web: www.brownthomas.com

INK REFILL & TONERS Ink Refill Depot 7B Denmark Street, Limerick Tel: 061 446446 Fax: 061 446456 Email: Brendan@inkrefilldepot.ie Web: www.inkrefilldepot.ie

MARQUEE HIRE O’Donovan Marquees Birdhill, Co. Tipperary Tel: 061 379328 Fax: 061 379328 Email: podmarquees@eircom.net Web: www.odonovanmarquees.com

www.businesslimerick.ie

05/03/2010 14:08:43

PAINTING AND DECORATING Keith Larkin Clonlara, Co. Clare. Residential, Commercial, Industrial. 087 2333772 email: larkink@eircom.net

MKC Communications The Archway, 4A Lower Pembroke Street Dublin 2 Tel. +353 1 703 8600 Fax. +353 1 678 8331 Email: info@mkc.ie Web: www.mkc.ie

PENSIONS & INVESTMENTS Karl Daly Pension & Investment Ltd.

O’Brien Communications 30 Ashbrook Grove

www.businesslimerick.ie

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THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

MORTGAGE & FINANCIAL SERVICES ODCL Financial Services and Mortgages 1 Mount Kennett Place, Henry Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 411000 Email: financial@odcl.ie

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BL | DIRECTORY

05/03/2010 14:08:44

THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BL | DIRECTORY

§ø¿ĪĨ³¿Ï÷Ĩ§ĲĠÿõĪĲĠÜĨ ĢĢÜûÆøķĨ §ĂĠĨóĂûÜÒĨĂååõÏÜĨĂĠĨì¿ĠÕÜÿĖ

Early Bird Special

Unit 2c Robert

Fax: 061 417502 Öí ÙìäÙæÝÙâ×ÙØ Email: Sales@signit.ie åéÕàÝÚÝÙØ ¹àÙ×èæÝ×ÝÕâ¢ Street, Market Square, Limerick Web:Corn www.signit.ie

* Design is ba in EPS form sed on a logo at su by your com pplied pany.

Tel: 061 304 599 • 086 106 3744 www.creativewavedesign.com

Ferndale, Ballinacurra, Limerick Email: michaelcowhey@eircom.net www.mikecowhey.com 68

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Rubber Stamps - Printing - Stationery - Laser Engraving

We Don't Just Sell Stamps We Make Them! 14 Lower Gerald Griffin St., Limerick, Ireland Tel. 061-417855 Fax. 061-410845 info@shamrockstamps.ie www.businesslimerick.ie

STOP! ºàëð ºÜåëéÜ

05/03/2010 14:08:46

Don’t throw it out!

S P A D A Y

ESCAPE

The Ultimate Day Spa & Treatment Rooms e: info@escapebeauty.ie

FREE ONSITE PARKING

www.escapebeauty.ie

The Ultimate Spa for the Ultimate You…

the lash bar

europe’s largest selection of false lashes

Introductory offer:

Romantic Escape:

Get Glowing Skin Like never Before, reduce the appearance of Scars,fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and impurities with our microdermabrasion treatments... 0nly `70.00

Relax and Unwind Together… in our exclusive Couples Treatment Room. Thermal Suites Lu’lur Balinese Massage (with Mandi Susu Foot Soak) 0nly `99.00 per person

H A I R Womens Shampoo Cut & Blow dry ....`40.00

S A L O N

Mens Shampoo & Style ........................`20.00 20.00 Dry cut ..............................................`10.00 10.00

Shampoo & blowdry.................`25.00 Colour, Cut & Blowdry ..........`75.00 Children Now taking ............................... 12.00 Bookings for 12 week blowdry .......................`250.00 Girls dry & cut...............................`12.00 ..................................`10.00 10.00 Boys dry cut .................................. Communion & Treatment .......................................`15.00 Girls wash, cut & blow dry `25.00 25.00 dry....`25.00 Confirmation T-bar Hi-lites ................................`60.00 60.00 open from 8am T-bar Hi-lites & cut ...................`70.00 70.00 Open 7 days a week for appointHalf Head lites .............................`75.00 75.00 ments Monday – Friday: 10am to 8pm Half Head lites & cut ...............`85.00 85.00 Saturday: 10am to 7pm Full Head lites ...............................`90.00 Full Head lites & cut .................`100.00 Sunday / Bank hols 10am – 5pm Upstyles ...........................................`35.00 A S K

A B O U T

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Europes largest selection of Lashes Strips from...................`12-20 Application..................`8.00 Individual lashes including application.............. `30.00 See instore for our full collection

E X T E N T I O N S

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ESCAPE SPA GROUP Escape Spa Absolute Hotel Sir Harrys Mall Limerick 061 463608 Escape Spa Woodstock Hotel Spa and Golf Resort Ennis 065 679 7507 Escape Spa Jurys Cork Hotel Western Road Cork City 021 427 2027 69BL201003.indd 1

05/03/2010 17:10:38

. . . . . . . . . ................................................... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BL | TECHNOLOGY BL | XXXXXX

The New Google Buzz How will Buzz affect Twitter & Facebook? To date, Google has failed to launch a successful social networking product. Google Wave is an interesting concept, but it has proven too abstract to catch on to the mass market quick enough. The question is will Buzz, Google’s new Twitter and Facebook like social stream, win Google a dominant place in the social web market? Buzz’s success could depend mainly on Integration with existing social networks — especially Facebook. It is unlikly that Buzz will achieve significant success without Facebook integration. When Google launched Buzz it was announced that the app will share your Twitter updates with your Buzz followers. This is good news but there will be no integration with Facebook (as of yet). When you post a new tweet using Twitter, Google can import that tweet and send it out to your Buzz followers with the rest of your Buzz updates. You won’t have to get over any obstacles to make it happen. Twitter is officially supported by Buzz — the same is true for other social products such

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as Flickr, Picasa, Blogger and YouTube. While Buzz and Twitter have some connectivity, there’s very little between Buzz and Facebook to date. Buzz doesn’t import your Facebook status updates. It doesn’t post updates to your Facebook feed. It doesn’t display your friends’ feed updates. There’s no Facebook Connect integration at all. When asked about it, Google said it had nothing to announce at that time. It will prove difficult for Google to build a user base when everyone who has a Facebook profile is concerned that they can’t see their connections updates. They’ll have to keep using Facebook to stay in touch with their Facebook friends. With more than 400 million users, Facebook is the world’s largest social network, Twitter by contrast has only 18 million or so. Gmail’s unique visitors numbered around 36 million as of last year. Clearly, Facebook is dominating. Google is attempting to challenge that dominance with Buzz, but Facebook is at

By Kevin Meaney, IDF Marketing

the same time planning to move just as aggressively into Google’s territory. Facebook now dominates the social web so completely that it’s difficult to imagine an exodus to a competing service, unless that service offered some ground breaking new features that Facebook couldn’t possibly match, at the moment Buzz doesnt. One Scenario that could happen is a service that aggregates other services’ features and content, and then offers up its own set of unique benefits that make the social web experience better. People would feel comfortable switching for the extra benefits, because they wouldn’t have to leave their existing connections behind. The outlook could change if Buzz integrates with Facebook the way it does with Twitter. Unless that happens, though, you’re better off keeping your bets on Facebook. IDF Marketing Ltd Tel: 061 375412 Email: info@idf.ie Web: www.idf.ie

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05/03/2010 11:17:41

Bentleys Bar Issac Taylor Orchard Garden 101 Club

BENTLEY’S

BENTLEY’S “THE VENUE”

FOR ALL OCCASIONS

EVERY FRIDAY LIVE:

SUNSTONE

ST. PATRICK’S EVE:

TONY ROCHE

DE LOREAN SUITE DJ MICK GEOGHAN PRESENTS BEATS FOR PEEPS

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

AFTER PARADE 2:30 - 5:30 PM - IN THE GARDEN LIVE MUSIC:

FERGAL DEEGAN & FRIENDS AID OF: SOLITUDE INLOURDES YOUTH GROUP AND MSADA

ST. PATRICK’S NIGHT: LIVE MUSIC:

WIRED FM GIG – LIVE BANDS AND DJS ALL NIGHT

BENTLEY’S THE VENUE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

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101 - 102 O’CONNELL ST, LIMERICK TELEPHONE: 061 214 625 EMAIL: kieran@bentleysbar.net 08/03/2010 16:16:08

The Cream Room Newly Re-oPeNed

souThCouRT hoTel, RaheeN · 061 487 487 One Of the mOst pOpular and lOng-standing dining, sOcial and business hubs in limerick city has just gOt a majOr bOOst, when it re-Opened under new management. Boru’s Porterhouse Bar, the Cream Room restaurant and the International Convention Centre at The South Court Hotel has re-opened, with respected Mid-West hospitality figure Paul Adams at the helm. With ample car parking and easy access, patrons of the premises will find a wonderful new world of dining and hospitality at the venerable Limerick establishment. The Cream Room The opening of the stylish Paul Costellodesigned Cream Room Restaurant is a major showcase for the new management at the venue. Re-opened for dinner, the Cream Room will have a new dinner menu for €24.95, as well as a special ‘Two For One’ offer for all of March. The sumptuous starters in the dinner menu include: creamy Soup of the Day; pan-seared Clonakilty Black Pudding, with Champ Rosette, Dijon & Whiskey Cream; New England Bay Chowder served with Smoky Bacon & Thyme and Crispy Bread; Smoked Salmon Plate, Red Onion & Dill Finished with Horseradish Cream; and Garlic Crostini with Saute Chive Potato, Parmesan Shavings, Sun Blushed Tomatoes,

Parsley Pesto. The impressive mains (all served with fresh vegetables and potatoes) include: Grilled Sirloin Steak, Garlic Crostini and Roasted Field Mushrooms finished with Jack Daniels Cream; Pan Fried Fillet of Salmon wrapped in Parma Ham with Pea Puree and Lemon Chive Butter; Lightly Poached Lemon & Thyme Chicken, Courgette Slice and Ratatouille; Oven Baked Double Cur Pork Chop, Red Onion Marmalade, Glazed Apple Wedge and Calvados Sauce; and Sliced Aubergine Roulade filled with Vegetable Bolognese and Champ Mash The menu also includes a selection of tasty desserts, and freshly brewed coffee or tea. Boru’s Porterhouse Bar Boru’s Porterhouse Bar offers a full range of food from 7am to 9.30pm daily, with breakfast served from 7-10am. The tasty snack menu, available 10am-noon, includes such mouth-watering items as Toasted Bagel with Cream Cheese and Crispy Bacon, Scones, Croissants and Speciality Coffees and Teas.

Carvery Lunch is available from noon to 3pm, while there is also a gourmet sandwich menu open from noon to 9.30pm, as well as a bar food selection from 3-9.30pm. As a further incentive to try out the food at Boru’s Porterhouse, there is 10% off all food for the month of March. New Management Paul Adams brings over 30 years in the hotel and tourism sector to his new role at the helm of Boru’s Porterhouse Bar, the Cream Room restaurant and the International Convention Centre at The South Court Hotel. His previous posts include General Manager of Shannon Heritage in Bunratty, and General Manager of Shannon Oaks Hotel, Portumna. Paul is also a Limerick man through and through, having been chairman of Garryowen FC Under-age team for four years, chairman of North Munster Youth Committee, a member of the Munster Age Grade Committee, as well as a member of Limerick Thomond Rotary Club.

2 meals for the price of 1 for March