Council Publications by Laura Lukauskaite

Council Planning | Waste disposal | Energy | Government Supported by local councils

Fingal

raising council standards

Feature Inside

Interview With Cork County Manager

Martin Riordan

A Brand new image for Dun Laoghaire

Galway leads the Way

to Positive News about Ireland

w w w. c o u n c i l p u bl i c at i o n s . c o m

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the third issue of Council. It has been a historic and eventful few weeks with Ireland being host to two of the most high profile state figures in the world today. Queen Elizabeth and U.S President Barack Obama made two momentous visits to this country in what was a highly successful and emotional week for both appointments. County Councils, Gardai and many other public service departments did a fantastic job in making these engagements run seamlessly and made us all proud in representing our fantastic country. In this issue we talk to Cork County Manager, Martin O’Riordan on his journey to the rebel county, we cover Cork’s thriving tourism industry, the controversial second terminal in Cork Airport and the many accolades awarded to the council for its outstanding work. Croke Park is probably one of the most historically and politically important symbols of Ireland. It is a place we take pride in and a location hundreds of thousands of sporting fans bestow upon throughout the year in their droves. Cúl Green is an exciting joint initiative between the GAA and ESB, aimed at making Croke Park a carbon-neutral stadium. I spoke to Lisa O’Reilly of ESB Electric Ireland about its phenomenal success and the future for this partnership. In Council news, an incredible 2 million journeys have been taken on “dublin bikes” since the bike share rental scheme launched in September 2009. The 1 million milestone was reached in August 2010, meaning the pace at which the bikes are being rented has picked up even further this year with that record doubling in just 9 months. On Wednesday last 23rd March in Dublin Castle, Westmeath County Council was announced as a winner in the annual e-Government Awards. The Council was one of five short-listed candidates in the Local Government category and took the award for their suite of Online Services which includes a newly-redeveloped website, Rural Transport Initiative and Online Services for elected members. The Green County Council Award is given to a local authority which provides green-enabling services and encourages businesses and consumers to become greener in outlook and practice. Dublin City Council won the award for providing services such as recycling facilities, bicycle paths and environmental programmes to businesses and residents of the city. Dublin City Council was this year’s winner; Environmental Officer Sandra Smith tells Council how the council’s commitment to a greener way of living in Ireland is changing the city for the better. We thank you for reading Council and hope you enjoy this issue. We appreciate any feedback, requests or suggestions. You can email editor@councilpublications.com if you would like to get in touch.

Sally Harding O’Neill

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Contents

Page Editor

Sally Harding O’Neill editor@councilpublications.com Design design@councilpublications.com Sales sales@councilpublications.com Enquiries enquiries@councilpublications.com Circulation circulation@councilpublications.com Accounts accounts@councilpublications.com Graphic Design: Laura Lukauskaite Contributors: Cork County Council Clare County Council Fingal County Council Galway County Council Westmeath Borough Council Waterford County Council Kerry County Council NSAI COUNCIL Publications Ltd

www.councilpublications.com

Page

Cork County Manager, Martin Riordan

Cúl Green – A success story in making Croke Park carbon neutral

68 Launch of National Bike Week

Fingal raising council standards

69 Clare Design and Conservation

Prestigious accolade recognises Dublin’s green success

NSAI Supplement

NSAI - Enabling the enterprise and protecting the public

NSAI - ‘Your Standards, Your Say’

40 NSAI - National Standards Authority of Ireland

57 NSAI urges companies to use

Standards for business growth

61 Galway leads the Way to

Positive News about Ireland

62 Crescent College Comprehensive Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct, the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions or discrepancies. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of COUNCIL Publications Ltd. Happy First Birthday Alison

67 Clare County Council Publishes

Sporting Achievements Recognised

63 Lord Mayor congratulates

Diarmuid Gavin on Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal

64 EcoCert

Annual Financial Statement For 2010 and Galway Bike Festival 2011 Awards Scheme Is Launched

Westmeath County Council Wins e-Government Award

Kerry Tourism Showcases its Product

Queen Elizabeth II and Waterford City’s Royal connection

73 Business Awards Finalists are major employers in Wexford

74 News 79 A Brand new image for Dun Laoghaire

84 ‘Spirit of Enterprise Michael

Dee’ Award Goes To Calmast

85 Council announces winners of student ‘get active’ art competition

87 ESB Electric Ireland and eircom

announce €22 Million, Two Year Energy Supply Contract

88 Irish firms outperform most 2

European counterparts in innovation performance

Cork County Manager, Martin Riordan When you think of Ireland’s finest regions, Cork is one of the counties that instantly spring to mind. A vibrant, dynamic European city region in which to invest, work, visit and live, a premier location for business, investment and tourism, its attributes are endless making Ireland’s largest county an immense canvas of potential for any county manager. Sally Harding O’Neill talks to Cork County manager, Martin Riordan as he explains how he is taking full advantage of the scope and inspiration the rebel county offers. Mr. Martin Riordan took up the position of Cork County Manager in February 2007. Prior to his appointment he served terms as County Manager in Kerry and Laois he spent over 30 years in Public Service predominantly in Local Government. He began his career in Dublin City Council and has worked in Waterford City Council, South Eastern Health Board, Donegal County Council and most recently Cork City Council for a number of years. Although his career path started out in finance, it wasn’t too long before Mr Riordan’s desire for a management role where he could have some control over where the money actual went started to grow. “We all begin our career looking for different challenges and my initial ambition was to be head of finance but when I saw how the money was being spent and the diversity of things that county councils were doing, I began to look at the potential of getting into the management side where I could have a say on how the money could be spent and invested,” says the county manager, he adds, “ The more that I was in finance ,the more of an aspiration to get into management unfolded, where at times has its own stresses and strains, but it also has a great potential to direct resources to many worthwhile projects. And in a growth period like we’ve just been through you can get an awful lot done. ”

County of opportunity Apart from Dublin, there is probably not a county in this country that would allow such a huge opportunity for cultivation as Cork, from the county, major urban growth, village renewal to small rural areas and coastal regions, Cork has the whole package, but with this comes responsibility and a skill of wearing many hats. Mr Riordan’s roots lie in several counties, including Cork, due to his father’s role in banking. He tells me that his position as county manager is made all the more special because of his affection for the county. “There is great diversity in terms of what comes to your desk and I was very fortunate to get the job. My father has Cork connections and it was a fantastic opportunity to come back to a county with family history. It is a real pleasure working in a county that you have a connection with. We travelled the country as a child and I was born in Dublin. It was a bit of a wandering wagon,” he reflects. The Environmental Awareness Unit of Cork County Council was awarded the Green Community Award on Thursday 14th April. Their project engaged the village of Coolagown in North Cork. Households undertook waste prevention tasks, energy and water conservation changes in their homes.

Cork County Manager, Martin Riordan

Composting, food waste digestors and vegetable growing is now the norm and residual house waste to landfill is < 100 kg / annum. The community and the local authority merged together to develop this successful initiative and a team effort resulted in a magnificent reduction in household waste, showing what a little team effort can do. “We have a pro active environmental awareness unit that has a long history of working with communities and we have a number of initiatives in terms of tidy towns and pride of place and that pays back over a long period of time. It came from the residents themselves as they came looking to be involved in a community project and in return we had the staff in place that were enthusiastic to engage with the community and willing and able to take them along. It was a credit to both sides and it’s lovely to have a project that the whole community can get involved in,” he says, “Nearly 90 percent of the houses participated in the various actions. There is technology and ways of doing everything but we all need a helping hand and for someone to explain how to use it and show the end results. When a community gets together for any county council, it is a powerful force. It is very hard not to engage with a community that joins together and wants to do something. If there is a good idea for a project, you will always find some way of bringing it to success,” continued Mr Riordan.

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Energy for the future Cork Chamber in association with the CASP partners hosted a half day workshop in April which brought together the diversity of suppliers, customers, researchers and businesses involved with all aspects of the energy, green and sustainability related sector in the region. The overall objective of the workshop was to increase awareness of those working across the diverse energy sector in Cork as a step to building a unique identity for the sector in the region and develop ‘Energy@Cork’. The next phase is to establish a steering group to bring the idea forward and build on the critical mass of activity already in the region. “We work very closely with Cork Chamber, both and city and the county through the Cork Area Strategic Plan where we are always looking at economic development as a growth strategy for the county. The chamber had its own subcommittee looking at the energy sector and the opportunities in cork,” says Riordan, “About 2 years ago, it became apparent that energy was the next growth sector and we discussed how we could position Cork for that growth for the next 15 – 20 years. 90 per cent of all oil reserves in Ireland in the cork region. The objective of the workshop was to bring together everyone in the sector so we could come out of it with the certainty that everyone in the energy business, whether it’s a researcher in CIT, a person with an idea for a company or a big operator that in cork, that we are all sharing that knowledge and that we all get the best benefit we can out of our own knowledge.” We have already created an initiative called IT in Cork and its sector hold their own seminars which is great for exchanging information and discovering where the next business

opportunity will come from. That day was about bringing all of that together through a facilitated session.” The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2009 – 2020 is an initiative to identify measures and policies that can contribute to a reduction of 20% in energy demand across the Irish economy by 2020. The Irish Government has committed itself to this goal to be achieved through energy efficiency measures. In particular, the Government is aiming for 33% reduction in public sector energy use by 2020. This plan of action ties in well with the National Climate Change Strategy 2007 – 2012. This is also in line with the findings of the International Energy Agency, who recognise that while some GHG emission reductions can be achieved through technological progress, the majority of emissions savings will be achieved through better energy efficiency and deployment of existing renewable energy resources. The action plan targets the public, business, transport, residential, energy supply and research and development sectors. “Every public authority has this challenge. It will save money but also develop a business opportunity for someone to come up with a solution to reduce our energy. We want to make sure that with this we are creating business opportunities not for anywhere else, but for cork.”

Accolade for Engineer professionals The engineers Ireland CPD Employer Accreditation was awarded to Cork County Council following a successful audit of the lifelong learning practices for their engineering professionals. Cork County Council including Cork National Roads Office became the latest public sector

group to be awarded the prestigious CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Accredited Employer standard from Engineers Ireland. The award follows an audit of the Cork County Council’s lifelong learning practices for their engineering professionals. They are the 120th organisation to be presented with this much coveted Engineers Ireland honour. Cork County Council services a population of 324,767 and employs 263 engineers. The Cork National Roads Office was established by the NRA in the late 1990’s and has evolved to encompass the design and management of national road schemes in both Cork city and county. “The award recognises the council’s firm commitment to continuing professional development for our staff. Knowledge management and learning are key objectives of our corporate plan and the work undertaken in our application will form a template for the expansion of CPD throughout the organisation. “We a very large employer and in line with public sector reform programme we are all going through this managing development system and the engineering profession within the organisation took it upon them to ensure that their skills in every way were proficient. We are all living in a rapidly changing environment and you need to keep your professional skills up to date if you are going to respond to the needs of the future,” He comments, “they need to be up to current and modern performance development. We were very pleased to get that award, the best of professional people are in the public service and they are not allowing their skills to get out of date. What you need next week will be different to what you need next year.”

Gateway to Cork On 28 May 2010, An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, TD, officially opened the M7/M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill / Castletown PPP Motorway Scheme, the final section of the M8 Dublin to Cork motorway, four months ahead of schedule. It’s hard to believe that the journey from Dublin to Cork can be completed in a little over two hours, when the travel time pre motorway could be anything up to five. Cork is now so accessible for business and pleasure alike and rather than it being seen as a route to the capital, Mr Riordan sees it as being a gateway to Cork. “The first reaction might be that it’s great because you can get to Dublin more quickly. I’d say it’s the opposite, isn’t it marvellous that people living in Dublin can come to Cork! If you look at our tourism industry, I think that one of the growth areas is internal tourism and getting down to West Cork was always a bit of a trip. Now you can be down to Dublin in a little over two hours so I think it’s great for bringing people into Cork. Arriving in Dublin is one thing but getting around Dublin is the next problem where as when you arrive in Cork you can be in any part of the county in10 or 15 minutes with the inter change. “We invested over the years in a ring road and tunnel and now travelling around the city is extremely efficient. The recreational and tourism potential once you get to Cork is unbelievable. Most people that come to Ireland want to go to the capital city and now you can say to them that two hours down the road they can see Cork. It is a lot easier getting them to come to Cork if they have already come to Dublin.”

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Spike Island

Ireland’s heartland

In 2009, it was announced that the Government had agreed to the transfer of Spike Island from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to Cork County Council to enable the Council to explore the tourism potential of the Island. Cork Harbour is the second largest harbour in the world and is known for being the last port of call for the Titanic, home to three historic military installations, Spike Island & Fort Camden both open to the public along with Fort Carlisle. The Island played an important role in Ireland’s history and according to the county manager this will enable the Council to progress the development of Spike Island as a unique tourism, heritage and recreational product.

A good tourist guide would say that Cork is Irelands’ heartland – offering tourists a unique insight into what makes Ireland special in the 21st century. From the Blarney Castle(and its famous stone), Fota Wildlife Park and Kinsale to the city’s English Market and the many festivals that take place there every year, you definitely haven’t seen Ireland until you go to Cork. With such an array of tourism attractions I wondered how the council planned to nurture and develop its reputation as a must see location not just in Ireland but in Europe.

“Our initial priority was that the council officially owned it and had access to the Island. The summer after we took possession of it we opened it up and had a huge tourist attendance. That’s the first part achieved, the second part is that we have a steering group chaired by Brendan Twomey and with the likes of Failte Ireland and others around the table, we are out looking for an international consultant to come up with a master plan how we should develop over the next 25 years. “Our immediate objective would be to try and open up walking access tours as there is about a hundred acres of land on Spike. There are a lot of historic buildings that need to be interpreted and we are hoping by late this year we will have some of that work done but the real challenge is to have a 15 – 20 year plan. “A lot of people want to go out to the island and record what’s there. It is part and parcel of a bigger plan that we have for Cork harbour. If you visit any city in Europe you can take a harbour tour so we want to create one for Cork. “It’s going to take time and money but we succeeded when people told us we wouldn’t get access on to the Island so will succeed at this.”

“We are very lucky to have top quality accommodation around the city and West Cork. We have invested a lot of money along with Failte Ireland on the Mizen Bridge and we have a number of other products in development. The National Tourism Authority is trying to recapture the UK business as we have a huge history of treaty ports so we are trying to create a product line to bring back British tourists,” says Mr Riordan. “We have the beautiful Mallow Castle and a nice proposal for boating on Lake Inniscarra similar to Cumbria’s Lake Windermere. We have the major attractions like Blarney Castle and the Jameson Distillery in Middleton but we have to make sure have we have enough honey pots. What West Cork has, you can’t recreate and we have to be very careful to look after it. A huge European population would like to come and see west Cork but you have to explain it to them. Experts want to see bird life and the coastal marine life so we want to meet all of those markets.” There was some criticism recently over the second terminal at Cork Airport with the Colm McCarthy suggesting that it was too big for prospective traffic. When you consider the fact that Dublin’s terminal cost €600 million to build and Cork’s terminal having an investment of a €100 million in comparison, the suggestion doesn’t seem to have much substance. “If you look at a successful airport outside of Dublin, Shannon is struggling but I think Cork has the greatest potential to be the competitor and everyone wants an alternative airport. “ Our airport is located three kilometres

from the city and I don’t think there is one like that in Europe. If you have a terminal that size, the real challenge is how we get people through it and we have the infrastructure so we shouldn’t be arguing whether it’s too big or too small. I don’t think it could be big enough in terms of the ambition we have for Cork. If you are coming on holidays you want to come into a modern terminal. I don’t believe you want to come into a low cost model. The travelling public now expect a certain standard when travelling into a European City like Cork,” says Cork Manager.

Looking to the future Martin Riordan’s time as Cork County Manager has seen some of the best and some of the worst times in our economy and when I enquired what his proudest moment was, he told me that instead of focusing on the great things he and the council have achieved, he wanted all council’s proudest moment across the country to be that they will be recognised for having a hand in reshaping and reforming our current situation.

work with communities and make things happen. I think local authorities should be given the opportunity to change things for the better and we will do it in spades. If you take for example the Green Community Award which was created with relatively little money but managed to achieve so much. We have been given that opportunity by central government and will certainly not let them down. I hope that our proudest day will be that we were part of the recovery.” “In any situation there will be winners and losers. There will be people who will come out of the recession, see opportunities and grab hold of them. I think Cork by its nature has an independent frame of mind and that can help you in hard times. There is a self belief in Cork that you can do things that other can’t. Cork has got to be one of the gateway counties that are going to lead the future. We are thinking about the energy sector for the future and ways to develop our industries. Cork is thinking ahead rather than dwelling on the past and that will be our legacy.”

“Like every manager, you face different challenges every day of the week so my hope for councils and managers is that we will be recognised for what we can do in the national recovery. Everyone is looking for agencies and public authorities to step forward and make it happen. I think local authorities have been around for the past 100 years and they have seen the bad and good cycles and in many cases people rely on us more through the bad times. We have a very important role to play in the next tough few years to come but we are the one organisation that can

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Dublin

Cúl Green – A success story in making Croke Park carbon neutral Cúl Green is an exciting joint initiative between the GAA and ESB, aimed at making Croke Park a carbon-neutral stadium. Sally Harding talks to Lisa O’Reilly of ESB Electric Ireland about its phenomenal success and the future for this partnership. Croke Park is probable one of the most historically and politically important symbols of Ireland. It is a place we take pride in and a location hundreds of thousands of sporting fans bestow upon throughout the year in their droves. Bearing this in mind, it’s not really any surprise that Ireland’s famous stadium arena would be triumphant in showcasing the most important focus in the world right now – energy saving. The GAA and the ESB are playing their part having put in place a state of the art environmental-improvement programme covering the stadium’s electricity, waste and water management systems. An energy audit was carried out in June 2008 which identified approximately 60 possible options for energy savings. These options varied from the installation of renewable energy technologies to adjusting settings on plant and machinery within the Stadium to ensure efficient operation. ESB are providing expertise in environmental management as a specialist from the company has joined the Croke Park

team to achieve internationally-recognised best-practice environmental standards at the stadium. The Cúl Green project is supported and audited by the Carbon Reduction (CRed) Programme which was set up in 2003 by the University of East Anglia’s environmental scientists. Its purpose is to support, monitor and evaluate progress towards a lower carbon future. CRed supports a range of communitybased projects such as the Cúl Green initiative “It was a partnership that we agreed with Croke Park in 2008. It is an innovative and creative way of trying to encourage people to be more environmentally friendly and through the implantation of environmental management systems we are able to showcase to consumers and businesses what can be achieved,” says Lisa, she adds, “The Cúl Green initiative was developed through that principal and ESB’s ambition around sustainable future. It is a very new way to demonstrate and to get the engagement and attention from the public and consumers.”

Energy Monitoring & Control Initiatives Two of the main recommendations were to establish energy monitoring and to improve the overall control of energy usage. A decision was taken to focus in two main energy

Dublin saving projects for 2008/2009, the installation of an Energy Monitoring System and a Building Management System. Considering the vastness of the Stadium both of these projects have a certain degree of complexity and required significant capital investment by Stadium Management. The savings in energy usage is predicted to pay for the capital investment in three to four years.

Pledges involve fans pooling their transport to and from Croke Park, using public transport, switching off lights and electrical appliances when not in use and installing enhanced energy insulation in their homes and places of work. These efficiencies were netted against the residual carbon footprint for Croke Park using a methodology accredited by an independent assessor (CRed - University of East Anglia).

This project was approached in two phases. Phase one was completed and commissioned in Dec 2008. This involved rewiring of electrical circuits, installation of meters and installation of energy monitoring software. The Operations Team in the Stadium now have continuous access to the realtime electricity consumption within the Stadium.

“We had to develop a website that encouraged people to log on to Cúl Green through various online marketing initiatives. The first step was visiting the site and the next one was getting them to make a pledge on what they will do to deliver some of the carbon savings,” Lisa continues, “Over 120,000 people have visited our site and have gotten thousands of pledges. We are only in year three of the programme but we have already achieved two thirds of what we set out to do so we are ahead of target. We have been very successful and that is reflective of what has happened in Ireland and word wide in terms of the interest in the environment. People are acutely aware of what they have to do to protect the future”

The Stadium has been using the system since mid December to identify areas of the Stadium where there is non-essential use of electricity. In the first quarter of 2009 electricity consumption has reduced by approximately 13% compared to Q1 2008. In the second quarter of 2009 electricity consumption has reduced by 21.6% compared to Q2 2008. In the third quarter of 2009 electricity consumption has reduced by 3.4% compared to Q3 2008. Then in Q4 2008 electricity consumption was reduced by 7.65% compared to Q4 2008. These quarterly improvements have resulted in 11.69% less electricity used in 2009 compared to 2008. “Our environmental engineers worked very closely with the operations team in Croke Park to help them in terms of the energy management systems in place. We carried out an environmental improvement audit with them and the objective of that was to enable the stadium to reduce its electricity, the amount of waste it accumulated and its everyday water usage. These systems have to be absolutely maintained by the stadium to ensure that it retains its carbon neutral status,” commented Lisa. Alan Gallagher, Operations Manager, Croke Park says “We’re ashamed to say that we didn’t have our water, gas or electricity monitored. It was a case of starting with the basic steps. The first one was to slowly introduce re-cycling. We liaised with waste contractors. We got in expert advice from Repak. We developed a whole strategy,” We did simple things, adds Gallagher, “In lighting alone, we’ve used control and occupancy detection so if someone isn’t in a room for 10 minutes, the lights just turn off automatically. As soon as you walk in or open a door they come on immediately. It’s simple standard stuff that makes a huge impact. Sustainability is now central to our activities here at Croke Park.”

Fan Involvement There has been a huge response from fans to Cúl Green with over 125,000 visits to the website from more than 90,000 people since it launched and over 18,000 people having made a carbon saving pledge. In 2008 fan pledges saved 1,295 tonnes of carbon saved, in 2009 they saved 4,705 tonnes and in 2010 they saved 4,270 tonnes. In fact, on the Cúl Green website you can read stories posted by fans and see how energy saving pledges has reduced their energy bills, improved their health and helped towards making Croke Park carbon neutral.

Industry Recognition In May 2010 Croke Park recorded a global first by becoming the world’s first stadium to receive the coveted BS 8901 certificate making it one of the most sustainable sporting arenas anywhere. “It was a fantastic accolade giving the initiative huge recognition and a sense of achievement for all involved. It’s what Croke Park and ourselves set out to do and demonstrates the success of Cúl Green and what can be achieved with a really good innovative partnership. Getting that accolade for Croke Park was an enormous achievement. They had the will and determination to embrace all of this. The bottom line has meant huge savings for the stadium but now Croke Park is a completely green stadium and that is something to be very proud of.” In May 2009 the initiative was also awarded its ISO14001 certification. ESB, for their work on Cúl Green, were nominated for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the All Ireland Marketing Awards in 2010. Other

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Dublin awards for Cúl Green included winning a Golden Spider for Best Charity and Community Website, the Marketing Award at the eGovernment Awards and the Green IT Project Award at the Inspired IT Awards.

Sustainability Initiatives Croke Park’s BS 8901-related sustainability initiatives include: publishing comprehensive sustainability, environmental and health and safety policies setting targets for using less energy and water, and for more recycling procuring from suppliers committed to sustainability improving public transport to the stadium providing a quarterly newsletter for all staff and contractors appointing a community liaison officer, partly to develop Croke Park’s Community Fund Scheme producing an employee handbook hosting at least 10 on-site activity days a year for children from across Ireland.

be used, for example, as a case study as part of efforts to ensure the 2012 London Olympics are the world’s first fully sustainable games. Across the events industry BS 8901 is being used to drive continuous innovation, creativity and improvement. Venues can provide tickets for those who support community projects; event organisers can save paper and other materials by running events without free handouts; and on-site catering companies can offer menus based on lower-CO2 ingredients. BS 8901 is relevant to event organisers, venues, suppliers, contractors and trade associations or anyone who needs to consider the economic, social and environmental aspects of events.

Wider Potential

“Cúl Green is a brilliant case study to show what can be achieved for any business or organisation when you have a group of people there that care about and want to be educated on ways to help the environment. Particularly given the current environment with the recession it can deliver good cost savings to businesses. This is quite unique because it is a combination of us as a sponsor, Croke Park as the people who activate it with the added support of consumers. It has been great for awareness and a really good talking point on what can be achieved. The GAA have looked at doing conferences with clubs and organisations around the country to talk about CulGreen and see if there can be key learning that can be given back to clubs to recreate these energy ambitions. There is great potential for the future.”

Croke Park now demonstrates best practice in sustainability and will be an example for other stadiums to follow. It will

www.cúlgreen.ie

For Croke Park the benefits of BS 8901 include: an enhanced reputation, helping it to attract more events and sponsorship lower energy, water and waste handling costs clear strategies, processes and goals more integrated management decisionmaking stronger teamwork and a more motivated, focused workforce easier recruitment of top talent and increased retention.

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Dublin

Fingal raising council standards -Fingal County Council certified by NSAI-

Ann Riordan, Chairman, NSAI and President of the Institute of Directors; Ms Naomi Weir and Ms Grainne Booth, of Fingal County Council and John Perry, T.D, Minister of State with responsibility for Small Business

At a recent certification event hosted by NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland), Fingal County Council’s Human Resources department were awarded with the internationally recognised management standard, ISO 9001, by John Perry, T.D, Minister of State with responsibility for Small Business. Fingal Council Council’s Ms Grainne Booth and Ms Naomi Weir were invited on stage to collect the certification and were commended by NSAI and the Minister Perry for their success in pursuing a continuous improvement strategy for their business and the beneficiaries of their services. ISO 9000 is the internationally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world’s largest developer and publisher of International Standards. NSAI is one of the160 national standards institutes that make up the ISO global network. As one of the largest local authorities in the country with over 1,400 staff, Fingal County Council’s Human Resource Department were the first HR department in the local authority sector to achieve this standard following rigorous

independent assessment of their quality management system. This represented a commitment to quality services within the operations of the public sector. NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) is Ireland’s official standards and measurement body and the state agency vested with the responsibility to manage the policy instruments of Standards, Metrology and Conformity Assessment, (in the form of Certification and Agrément) on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. These instruments form the basis of Ireland’s basic trade infrastructure which enables people confidently to go about many aspects of their daily businesses and lives. Our work entails serving industry and protecting consumer interests through the setting of standards and issuing of certification in the quality and safety of goods and services. For over 50 years, the National Standards Authority of Ireland has been supporting enterprise, trade, consumers and government through the effective provision of services of the highest quality.

Dublin Speaking at the award event, held in NSAI’s Dublin office, Minister Perry said, “The question for Irish industry is not what you gain from standards and certification, it’s the business opportunities lost without them. Globally recognised standards such as ISO provides you with instant credibility, they differentiate your products, services and business. They improve efficiency, helping you to conserve money, manpower, time, facilities, and natural resources, as well as breaking down trade barriers and opening doors in new markets.” A recent Harvard study² of 1,000 Californian companies has shown that ISO 9000 adopters have a greater chance for survival, suffering less “firm deaths” than non-ISO adopters. Organisations that pursued standards had higher growth rates for sales, employment, payroll and average annual earnings. Sales were close to 10% higher and there was higher employment growth at ISO certified workplaces. In years one to three after certification, there was a 6% growth in employment. This rises to 32.5% growth in year’s seven to nine.

certification and standards as a means to achieving the best chance of commercial success for their own organisation.” Harvard Business School, Quality management and job quality: How the ISO 9001 standard for Quality Management Systems Affects Employees and Employers, David I. Levine & Michael W. Toffel, January 2010). Abstract: “Several studies have examined how the ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard predicts changes in organizational outcomes such as profits. This is the first large-scale study to explore how employee outcomes such as employment, earnings, and health and safety change when employers adopt ISO 9001. We analyzed a matched sample of nearly 1,000 companies in California. ISO 9001 adopters subsequently had far lower organizational death rates than a matched control group of non-adopters. Among surviving employers, ISO adopters had higher growth rates for sales, employment, payroll, and average annual earnings. Injury rates declined slightly for ISO 9001 adopters, although total injury costs did not. These results have implications for organizational theory, managers, and public policy.”

NSAI have certified more than 120 Irish companies in various ISO management systems last year. Mr Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI, said, “I urge Irish councils to look at Study at Harvard University

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Dublin

Prestigious accolade recognises Dublin’s green success The Green County Council Award that was recently awarded to Dublin City Council gives recognition to its many sustainable energy initiatives and displays how the council’s commitment to a greener way of living in Ireland is changing the city for the better. Scientific office with DCC, Sandra Smith talked me through their journey to success. The Green County Council Award is given to a local authority which provides green-enabling services and encourages businesses and consumers to become greener in outlook and practice. Dublin City Council won the award for providing services such as recycling facilities, bicycle paths and environmental programmes to businesses and residents of the city. The Council was also assessed on how these services are delivered and how it interacts with the people it serves to insure they are fully informed of the range of services provided. Dublin City Council is one of the largest local authorities in the country in terms of services and employees. It is the lead authority for waste management in the Dublin region. In 2009 in addition to increasing the number of Bring Banks to 125, it operated a domestic refuse collection with a Mixed Dry Recyclable (Green Bin) and Brown Bin collection for organic waste service. The City has two Civic Amenity Sites as well as nine Recycling Centres strategically located across its

administrative area. In 2009, as lead authority, it oversaw the successful opening and operation of the new Regional Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Ballymount. This facility, which is one of the biggest in the country, handled over 60,000 tonnes of mixed dry recyclables waste material from the Dublin region in this year.

Environmental events During last year Dublin City actively participated in national environmental events such as Green Schools, National Spring Clean and the Tidy Towns competition. It has also partnered with Repak in various initiatives including Repak National Recycling Week, the Green Christmas and Easter packaging recycling campaigns. In another new initiative the 2010 Dublin City Marathon went green. Dedicated receptacles were located at

National Spring clean participants

Dublin strategic points of the route and used for the collection of recyclable material. Several thousands of plastic bottles and containers were collected and recycled during this event. This was a joint initiative between Dublin City Council Council and Repak. This pilot was extremely successful and it is hoped to expand this initiative to other major sporting events during 2011.Dublin City was the first local authority to take a prosecution under the packaging regulations and since then has continued to play an active role to undertake compliance where it can. Sandra Smith, Scientific Officer with Dublin City Council commented on the accolade saying, “Dublin City Council are proud winners of the Green Local Authority Award, overcoming strong competition from the likes of Galway & Cork County Council. Winning such a prestigious award is a great achievement and one which the Local Authority is proud of, being the largest Council in the Country. The award recognises the City Council’s commitment to achieving a more sustainable Dublin for its Residents and the initiatives it has taken in promoting a greener city.”

Recycling & Waste

The green story

Household waste generated in Dublin City is collected, treated and disposed of through an increasingly integrated system. Householders have access to a kerbside green bin for mixed dry recyclables as well as a comprehensive network of recycling centres, community bring centres & glass bottle network. There are currently 2 full scale Recycling Centres operating within Dublin City and a further 9 are Bring Centres at a Community Level.

The City Council are involved with the Green Homes Programme, developed by an Taisce in partnership with the EPA under the National Waste Prevention Programme. Green-Home was developed as a framework to support and encourage all householders to reduce their environmental impact. We are now becoming very aware of how we have to make all aspects of our lives more sustainable. GreenHome can be undertaken by an individual householder or a household can be part of a community or school hub.

In January 2009 the Regional Material Recycling Facility at Merrywell Industrial Estate, Ballymount was officially opened. This facility was developed to process material collected from green bins throughout the Dublin Region (South Dublin County, Dublin City, Fingal County and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County) and has capacity to process 100,000 tonnes per annum of mixed dry recyclables. This state of the art facility is one of the largest and most sophisticated in Europe.

The City Council are actively involved with the green school’s programme with 81 primary schools, 12 secondary schools, 4 special schools & 1 College of Further Education (the first in the Country) been awarded with the green flag to date.

The City Council has engaged in sustained Educational & Awareness programmes to ensure that the quantity and quality of recyclables collected throughout its recycling systems, continue to increase.

Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council with funding from the EPA launched a Master Composter Programme in conjunction with the Botanic Gardens this spring. As a part of the training, volunteers built a home composting demonstration site that can be used to show people the various methods of composting and how to use compost around the garden that saves money while improving our environment.

Kerbside Brown Bin material collected by Dublin City Council is converted into a high quality compost and used as a soil conditioner in commercial agriculture, landscaping and during the summer months is made available free of charge to the general public at 4 of Dublin City Council’s Community Bring Centres. In addition to its brown bin service which has been rolled out to 105,000 householders across the City, the City Council support community groups in a number of local food waste prevention programmes for example community composter programmes.

International home composting expert, Craig Benton, known as Doctor Compost, led an action packed and exciting hands-on training program over four evening workshops and three weekend field days. “This training offered advice and education about how waste is managed in Ireland, how to prevent garden and food waste and how to compost using at least six different composting systems. As a part of the training, participants built a home composting demonstration site that is used to show people the various methods of composting and how to use compost around the garden,” commented Sandra.

Energy and water efficiency A hydro-electric water turbine has been installed at the intake to Vartry Waterworks to meet on site electricity requirements and to export the surplus to the National Grid. This reduces costs and CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, at the City Council’s Wastewater Treatment Plant at Ringsend, waste is being converted to energy with a value of approx €3 million per annum.

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“A user-friendly information pack is being distributed to all schools to enable students to monitor the school’s water consumption. Hippo bags and water butts are offered to schools free of charge as well as water conservation awareness workshops. “In addition to working with schools, 13,300 water meters for non-domestic consumers have been installed. By charging users based on consumption, water efficient practices are encouraged. Dublin City Council are also investigating trench-less technology for laying water pipes. This involves digging holes at intervals along a roadway and feeding a pipe between them to reduce waste, disruption and costs,” according to the council. As part of the MINUS 3% project, Codema, Dublin City Council’s Energy Agency has identified a series of actions to be undertaken by Dublin City Council such as a Switch Off campaign, Transport Eco-Awareness campaign, examination of the energy ratings of 30 Dublin City Council buildings and new-build energy efficient residential units. The Switch Off campaign has already resulted in a significant reduction in energy use.

Smarter Communities The Energy Smart Community is a scheme to facilitate homeowners within a defined geographical area to join

together in a buying club to improve the energy efficiency of their homes while availing of energy-saving grants from Sustainable Energy Ireland. It is a six step process to help local communities to join together to improve the energy performance of their homes, avail of energy-saving grants from the government and save money through a group of tender process with your neighbours. The Energy Smart Community is completely independent of all contractors and suppliers so our only interest is in getting the best price possible for you through a competitive group tender process. We act as facilitators and remove the hassle for the homeowner. By working together the Energy Smart Community puts the “buying power” back in the hands of the homeowner and the community. You also have the added security of being part of a group instead of going it alone. In these difficult economic times, teaming up with your neighbours could save as much as 45% off the total cost. That’s about 15% savings you can make on top of grants. Dublin City is one of largest councils in the country. With expectations for it to lead the way in innovative initiatives, all eyes are focused are firmly focused on its development strategies, however, with such an array of auspicious enterprises and progressions in place, Dublin City can take pride in the fact that this recognition of achievement is truly deserved.

Sandra Smith Environmental Awareness Officer, Peadar O Sullivan Head of Waste Management Services, Neil Mc Cabe Fire Fighter, City Manager John Tierney, Michael Stubbs Assistant City Manager, Joanne Grant Managing Director JCDecaux Ireland, Paul Heffernan Press Office & Michael Sands Communications Manager

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NSAI

INTRODUCING NSAI: PROV IDING TH E RIGHT ANSWE RS AN ESSEN TIAL PA RT OF E VERYDAY LIFE PUTT ING OUR SKILLS INTO PR ACTICE WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

NSAI is working for Ireland to enable enterprise & protect the public. As Ireland’s official standards body, NSAI aims to inspire consumer confidence and create the infrastructure for products and services to be recognised and relied on, all over the world. We do this by developing standards; issuing certification; monitoring and regulating metrology; and approving new materials and processes for Ireland’s construction industry.

Facilitating high standards We work at national and international level to ensure published standards define international best practice and reflect developments in science and technology. As a centre of excellence we also provide world leadership in certain standards. player in facilitating trade, both in Ireland and in global markets.

NSAI is a national resource of technical consultation processes we determine and help to verify optimal operating standards and measuring principles. for Ireland’s economic development and public protection, and a first port of call for guidance for industry, commerce and the public.

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NSAI

INTROD UCIN G NSAI: PROVIDING THE RIG HT ANS WE RS AN ESSEN TIAL PA RT OF E VERYDAY LIFE PUTT ING OUR SKILLS INTO PR ACTICE WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

NSAI is Ireland’s official body for standards and measurement.

In 1985, NSAI was established as a committee of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, and became an independent statutory agency in 1997. For over 20 years NSAI has focused on a range of core activities, applying our knowledge-based services and technical support on behalf of clients including government, consumers and industry.

We are our people Our people are highly regarded by our clients and our peers, and with good reason. NSAI people have an intelligence and vision that can help shape the development of future enterprise. We listen and monitor for new developments in every sector to make things better for everyone’s benefit. NSAI is a unique organisation, in that we have no vested interests. Our motivation is doing the best possible job, and we’re exceptionally thorough about every aspect of it.

Experience worthy of trust Everything that receives NSAI certification increases your confidence in its compliance of the highly respected and reliable repository of skills, knowledge and expertise in areas including: • Consultation on standards to help manufacturers and suppliers meet safety and consumer requirements • Providing information and training to help organisations attain higher standards through self-regulation • Enabling reliable and certified new innovations in the construction industry • Maintaining traceable and internationally recognised measurement standards.

Always asking questions We are inquisitive people – to maintain consistency and certainty in a marketplace and a world that is always changing and evolving. We are constantly asking, is it up to the mark? If it is, your confidence is assured.

that helps make things right. 1. 27

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NSAI’s work touches almost every aspect of our daily lives – from the functioning and growth of our businesses and economy, to the food we buy and eat, even the buildings we live and work in.

It may sound simple enough, but NSAI’s work is complex – our remit is comprehensive, and the development of an international standard or certification scheme, from inception to publication, takes time and is meticulous work.

Working for the nation NSAI participates in the development of procedures and processes aimed at breaking down technical barriers to trade and the free movement of goods and services. Commonly agreed standards and measures are a universal language, spoken by every trading nation – without them, trade would break down.

Once a new standard is published and introduced, it’s also up to NSAI to disseminate and promote it. We also ensure a framework of supports to organisations including training, so that their systems and processes meet the criteria. Our metrology work also helps protect the public. In the standardization and inspection of units of measurement, for example, we help ensure that products sold by weight are consistent, so that consumers receive exactly what they pay for.

economy, as our work helps Irish business to become a stronger commercial force. representing and presenting Irish input to international bodies and standards.

OUR DIVE RS E AND FOCUS ED RANG E OF SERVICES ARE PRO VIDED BY THE SE DEDICAT ED NSAI FUNCTIONS :

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NSAI

INTROD UCIN G NSAI: PROV IDING TH E RIGHT ANSWE RS AN ESSEN TIAL PA RT OF E VERYDAY LIFE PUTTING OUR SKILLS INTO PRACTIC E WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

NSAI is a multi-faceted organisation with a wide range of skills to manage the scope of work that we cover. We focus and channel our expertise through a number of NSAI functions, each working with groups of external experts – all dedicated to looking after public interests, and maintaining high levels of quality through their work.

NSAI Legal Metrology Service

NSAI National Metrology Laboratory

By checking measuring instruments or investigating the amounts of product contained in prepackaged goods, our Legal Metrology Service ensures that consumers can have confidence in the right measures – from a litre of petrol, to a kilogram of fruit. We are a behind the scenes guardian, upholding and enforcing accuracy and transparency in trade measures.

National Metrology Laboratory is the nerve centre of scientific metrology in Ireland, and the foundation of industrial we maintain national reference standards for a range of measurement units, and ensure NSAI standards are traceable and acceptable for international use. Our highly skilled personnel calibrate the instruments and measurement units that millions of us rely on every day – in industry, commerce, and society.

Commonly agreed standards are a universal language – and we speak it fluently.

NSAI Standards the development and publication of standards which enable organisations to provide products and services that meet a recognised and endorsed national or international benchmark. removes barriers to business on a global scale. We are meticulous in our analysis and documentation, and this reflects our role as a primary authority on generating and communicating standards.

NSAI Agrément Innovation in the construction sector happens so fast that international standards cannot always keep up. NSAI Agrément issues technical certification for new and innovative products and processes, in building and materials technology. Assessed against a range of important criteria, Agrément certification helps safeguard buildings, developments and the people who inhabit them.

NSAI Certification

NSAI Inc. [US and International arm]

NSAI Certification enables its clients to demonstrate achievement and continuous improvement by auditing and certifying products, services and organisations for compliance with recognised standards. We create, maintain and promote accredited certification, from business management systems to product approvals, and we are acknowledged as a global centre of excellence for the certification of medical devices sold on the European market.

NSAI Inc. extends our wide-ranging certification expertise to US and global clients. We act as an advocate for the highest international standards, and promote Ireland’s profile as a centre of expertise and a gateway to Europe. We are active in many sectors, and particularly focus on supporting the important medical devices industry.

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HELPING YOU SET THE STANDARD is to participate in recent years, and our goal in sed rea dec s ha tor sec landʼs water management in ISO 24512 the best Consumer confidence in Ire isation (ISO) has outlined ard nd sta for n tio isa an org we are encourag fidence. The international thority of Ireland (NSAI), the rebuilding of that con Au s ard nd Sta l na tio Na the support of this drinking water services. As d recognised standard. In an practises and procedures for e saf a to up ies ilit fac r water in the ndard in order to bring ou d invite all organisations ing the adoption of this sta ing water utility sector, an nk dri the to e em sch ion untary certificat we are now offering a vol ndards. sector to help us set new sta organisations tems standards which allow Sys ent gem na Ma al ent nm implementation of Enviro NSAI can also help with the ironment. ivities that impact the env act all l tro con d an ge na better identify, ma

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‘Your Standards, Your Say’ -NSAI launches online service to collect public opinionStandards are vital to business, trade and safe living. Whether we know it or not, standards are everywhere around us; from the food we eat, the clothes we wear to the technology and services we use. Today, NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland), have launched their new web based National Enquiry Portal, this initiative ‘Your Standards, Your Say’, is making vital information on standards in development easily accessible and, giving business and the public a chance to have their say on standards prior to them being finalised at www.nsai.ie/yourstandardsyoursay ‘Your Standards, Your Say’ online resource, is set to become one of the largest opportunities for public consultation in Ireland. Visitors can register a personal account and comment on thousands of draft standards pertinent to themselves, their businesses or industry. NSAI are the fifth standards body in the world to launch an online resource such as this, following the UK, Holland, Germany and France. Since the launch of these websites, their national commentary on draft standards has increased significantly, improving the development and implementation of even more effective standards across Europe. Speaking at the launch this morning, John Perry TD, Minister for Small Business, said, “With the launch of this new website, NSAI are continuing to take proactive actions to make the public, trade and enterprise in Ireland aware of the importance of standards. Smaller businesses will especially appreciate the website’s benefit of early market intelligence, as they can garner information of standards that apply to them and make comments on standards before they are published. They will now have a chance to have their say on the standards that affect their businesses, thus making standards work for companies of all sizes in Ireland. ” Also speaking at the launch, Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI, said, “NSAI have launched this website so that we can develop effective and appropriate standards drawing on the wealth of experience and expertise of the people that need them, implement them and are affected by them day to day. With thousands of standards for nearly every aspect of technology, society and business, we will use this feedback to communicate Irish input to the development of standards that ultimately will help create growth, open up global markets, reduce risks and facilitate trade for Irish business.” The ‘Your Standards, Your Say’ website will also serve as a vehicle for Irish business to engage in the standardisation process as companies can access Irish, European and International standards open for public comment and it will also have a facility to allow users to suggest changes to these standards before they are published. This website will be especially advantageous for small businesses, who unlike large organisations, do not have the resources to actively participate in standard’s development, especially International and European standards. Commenting on the new website launch this morning, Mark Fielding, CEO, ISME (Irish Small and Medium Enterprises

Association) said, “With this website our members now have the ability to proactively engage in the development of standards and request changes to standards that affect their business. This in turn will allow them to have an access route to secure new business and increase their national as well as international competitiveness.” SFA Director, Patricia Callan, in lending her support to NSAI’s launch, stated that “At a time when smaller firms require as much support as possible, this is a great tool to help the sector increase competitiveness and increase confidence. We are delighted that our members will now have access to standards information and can contribute to the development of standards that will ultimately help them survive, grow and create sustainable employment.” Maurice Buckley added, “NSAI see this as a way to provide greater visibility around how standards are devised and to engage with business and the public allowing them to deliver valuable input into draft standards that can improve and shape standards that affect them. Standards such as ISO 9000 are globally recognised and many people are aware of them, but equally important are the thousands of other standards that are developed each year that people don’t know about. These standards can range from services and manufacturing standards to standards that can affect the future of a business and people going about their daily lives, such as standards for mobile phones, sports equipment and toys.” For more information visit, www.nsai.ie/yourstandardyoursay

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NSAI - National Standards Authority of Ireland

As Ireland’s official standards body, NSAI aims to inspire consumer confidence and create the infrastructure for products and services to be recognised and relied on all over the world. They do this by developing standards, issuing certification, monitoring and regulating metrology and through its Agrément certification activity approves new materials and processes for Ireland’s construction industry. The construction sector in Ireland has seen unprecedented growth in recent years and although this sector has experienced a fall off in demand, where demand exists not only are the highest possible standards demanded but there is an increasing requirement for new and innovative environmentally friendly building products and processes. NSAI produce standards on a wide range of building and construction matters including materials, testing, health and safety, access and many of these are referred to in regulations. They are essential references for architects, developers, building owners, site managers, building contractors, structural engineers, materials specifiers and other interested parties.

External Insulation - Take Positive Action in Your Home In today’s climate, both natural and financial, the importance of a properly insulated home cannot be overstated. Ireland

experienced record low temperatures for a sustained period in December 2010, while the cost of home heating has increased substantially over the last few years, with further increases likely as the price of oil continues to rise. Homeowners may have as much control over the price of oil as they do over the weather, but they can take positive action in their own homes to reduce the impact of these factors by making sure their homes are adequately insulated, thus reducing the rate of heat loss through the building fabric. Average rates of heat loss in homes are as follows: • Roof 30% • Walls 25% • Ventilation 25% • Windows 15% • Floors 5% Correctly installed insulation will reduce heat loss through the fabric of the building, increasing the level of comfort for the homeowner in addition to reducing their heating bills. External insulation, also referred to as ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems), consists of insulation boards – usually expanded polystyrene (EPS), mineral wool/rockwool, or phenolic/PIR – which are fixed to the existing substrate and then covered with an external render with mesh reinforcement. While external insulation can be quite costly and is the most expensive of the insulation grant measures under the Home Energy Saving (HES)

scheme, it has various advantages which include improving the air tightness of a dwelling (i.e. elimination of unwanted draughts through the building fabric), being non-invasive, giving the dwelling a new façade, as well as having the scope to substantially increase the thermal performance of a dwelling without reducing the floor area.

Agrément and Importance of Certification and Installer Schemes There are a large number of insulation products on the Irish market which are promoted as leading to good Building Energy Rating (BER) values and a reduction in home heating bills. NSAI Agrément independently assesses and certifies such products as being fit for purpose and are in compliance with the Irish Building Regulations. Consumers can have added confidence that products with the NSAI Agrément certified logo will be fit for use, rather than taking a risk that an uncertified product will perform as stated by the manufacturer or salesperson. NSAI Agrément certification is designed specifically for new building products and processes that do not yet have a long history of use and for which published national standards do not yet exist, these products include Solar heating systems, radon membranes, roof underlays, building systems and external insulation to name but a few. Around the mid 80’s, the department of environment was left in a quandary as more and more innovative products were coming to market and although a lot of the products

had a European certification there was no way of knowing if they were fit for use for the Irish market. Robin Byrne of NSAI Agrément explains how vital it is to have a system that evaluates products and installers in compliance with the Irish Building Regulations. “We look at the fitness for purpose and installation as well as the product design. CE marking ensures that the product complies with the Construction Products Directive and allows the product to be placed on the market in all 27 member states,” he continues, “the product is manufactured to a particular standard, we take it at that level, make sure it meets the requirements of national building regulations and that the product performance is determined for all key product characteristics, and then we also take into consideration the installation process, product design and end use of the product or system.” The installation of an insulation product is critical to how it will perform over time, and NSAI Agrément run a registered installer scheme for external insulation, as well as schemes for full-fill cavity wall insulation and blown loft insulation. These schemes increase the level of confidence the homeowner will have in the product, as the insulation system has been independently tested and assessed as being fit for purpose and in compliance with the Irish Building Regulations, and the installer has been assessed that their workmanship is in compliance with the NSAI Agrément certificate. “At the moment, the way the grant scheme operates, the grant application won’t be approved unless the cavity wall or external insulation product is approved by NSAI Agrément and the installer is also NSAI Agrément registered. If the

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization Technical Committee participants: France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, UK.

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Galway

CRE-DEL INSULATION Homeowners - Insulate today and save up to 40% on your Fuel Bills New and Existing Buildings Unbelievable Results

Attic Insulation • Roof Insulation Cavity Wall Insulation

GRANT WORK UNDERTAKEN Phone Luke @ (086) 8440811 or Bernard @ (087) 8329727 Fully Insured & A Neat & Reliable Service Guaranteed

Fahy Insulation Cahernahoon, Cummer, Galway, Co. Galway

attic insulation roof insulation external insulation fully insured

M: 087 9884820

Currandulla, Co. Galway

New Construction Renovation External Insulation Commercial Fit-outs Interior Dry Lining & Attic Insulation

T: 087 4129925

Galway

Pat Coffey Ltd 3 Oakglen, Pollboy, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

External Wall Insulation systems patcoffeylimited@eircom.net www.patcoffeyinsulation.ie

ECO-FILL INSULATION

We provide dry lining board insulation, pumped insulation, and bead insulation. All our products are certified by the Irish Agrement Board. Whether you are building a new home or want to save some money on your current heating bills, we provide the service that you are looking for.

We are vastly experienced in all types of plastering but in recent years we are concentrating on new systems of external wall insulation for machine and hand applied coloured renders. We consider these to be the future of the plastering industry and intend to be market leaders in these areas. In these days of green technologies and energy efficient house building these products are currently the best available on the market and will bring your home up to the highest rating with BER Rating.

Phone: 090 9648800 Mobile: 087 2074277

First Class Insulation No 1, The Plaza, Headford Road, Galway

T: 091 760877 M: 087 6577666

Internal Insulation Work Cavity Wall Dry Lining Attic Insulation Fully Insured

Attic Insulation • Roof Insulation Ecopearl Cavity Wall Insulation Internal Dry Lining

Shantalla Co. Galway

M: 087 9709283 M: 086 2425269

HI-TECH C & D LTD

BUILDING CONTRACTS, SUSPENDED CEILINGS, METAL-STUD PARTITIONS

Attic Insulation Roof Insulation Cavity Wall Insulation External Insulation

www.hi-techinteriorsltd.com Unit 18, Claregalway Corporate Park, Claregalway, Co. Galway

BBA

BRITISH BOARD OF AGRÉMENT

CERTIFICATE 04/4161

Mob: 087 2375756 1. 43

Kerry

Cavity Wall Insulation

AB Teague Enterprises Ltd Ballyduff, Co. Kerry

Mountain Stage, Glenbeigh, Co Kerry

We specialise in surveying your property and applying for the grants for you, all free of charge. Simply contact us to see if you qualify for FREE insulation or a grant towards the cost. CavityWallInsulation.ie are registered installers covering Munster and Leinster for the Instagroup.

Tel: 087 7982555

Blown Cavity Wall Insulation • Loft Insulation www.cavitywallinsulation.ie

Cavity bead wall insulation (Existing & New Build) Roof Insulation (Existing & New Build) Internal Dry lining Insulation (Existing & New Build) Air Tightness (New Build) Building Energy Rating (BER) (Existing & New)

Tel: 066 7131955 Mob: 087 6974078

E-mail: abteague-enterprisesltd@hotmail.co.uk www.abteague-enterprisesltd.com

BBA

BRITISH BOARD OF AGRÉMENT

CERTIFICATE 04/4161

all all

For a fast & professional QUOTE quotation call

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Insulation & Energy or email us on enquiries@kingdominstallation.com

Kerry: 066 7135991 Reasons Insulate your Home Limerick: 061 to 320953 Reasons Insulate your Home Tipperary: 062to 72761 HEATING and COOLING account for 35 to 50% or email us on enquiries@kingdominstallation.com

HEATING and COOLING for 35 tohome. 50% of the ENERGY USED inaccount the average Irish of the ENERGY USED in and the average Irisharehome. Inadequate insulation air leakage GY Inadequate insulation and air leakage leading causes of energy waste in mostare homes. SGY compulsory leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Sres since 2007 INSUL ATION INSUL ATION • SAVES MONEY and our nation's limited energy resources

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Dunboy Greener Homes is a sister company of Dunboy Construction & Property Developers Ltd., a company that is a market leader in energy efficiency and one of the first companies to complete “A” Energy rated homes in both the Cork and Kerry region. We have a full complement of technical staff including Engineers, Energy Advisors and Insulation Technicians. We offer a comprehensive nationwide supply and installation serviceon for Conserving a complete range of insulation products. What Factors Depend energy

• SAVES MONEY and our nation'sblimited energy resources • Makes your house more comfortable y helping to maintain • Makesa UNIFORM your house more comfortableby helping maintain TEMPERATURE throughout thetohouse a UNIFORM TEMPERATUREthroughout the house • Makes walls, ceilings, and floors WARMER • in Makes walls, ceilings, and floors WARMER the winter and COOLER in the summer in the winter and COOLER in the summer

www.kingdominstallation.com 44

• Climate; the size, shape, and construction of your house •What the living habits of Depend your family on Conserving energy Factors the type the andsize, efficiency theconstruction heating & cooling • Climate; shape,ofand of yoursystems house andliving the fuel you of use. Once the energy savings have paid • the habits your family for the cost,ofenergy conserved is money • the typeinstallation and efficiency the heating & cooling systems savedthe& fuel saving willthe be even more important as • and youenergy use. Once energy savings have paid utility go up. cost, energy conserved is money for therates installation saved & saving energyAVAILABLE will be even more important as GRANTS utility ratesWALL go up.INSULATION • ATTIC INSULATION CAVITY GRANTS AVAILABLE

Attic Insulation Cavity Wall Insulation Chimney Closures Attic Stairs & Insulated Hatch

Woodlodge, Park Rd, Killarney, Co. Kerry Cavity wall grantgrant €400€250 Web: www.dunboygreenerhomes.ie Attic insulation

CAVITY WALL INSULATION • ATTICgrant INSULATION Attic insulation €250

IAB- Irish Agreement Board 08/0302

Dry lining grant €2500

Cavity wall grant €40034 35 36 Free-Phone: 1800

Dry lining grantHOMES €2500 FREE QUOTATION ON ALL KERRY 066-7135991 FREE QUOTATION ON ALL HOMES IAB- Irish Agreement Board 08/0302

LIMERICK 061-320953 KERRY 066-7135991 TIPPERARY 062-72761 LIMERICK 061-320953 fax: 066-7135677 TIPPERARY 062-72761 fax: 066-7135677

installer is not NSAI Agrément registered they cannot do grant approved work,” says Robin, he adds, “The home owner gets the added level of confidence that the product along with the installer is independently certified and continuously monitored.” The service that the NSAI provides cannot be underestimated and scheme’s recently introduced by bodies like the SEAI and Energy Action have insisted on NSAI Agrément certification.

Retrofit programme Work is currently underway on the National Retrofit Programme, which aims to deliver energy efficiency upgrades to one million residential, public and commercial buildings in Ireland over a 10 year period. This programme will incorporate current grant programmes, such as those operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). One such SEAI grant programme is the Home Energy Savings (HES) Scheme which provides grants to homeowners interested in improving the energy efficiency of their home. “The National Retrofit Programme is a much more ambitious scheme than the ones that have gone before where it is planned that an estimated 100,000 homes a year will be upgraded for a 10 year period. The initial ESB Halo Scheme had certain criteria requirements you had to adhere to as well as being an ESB customer, whereas anyone should be able to apply for these grants, just go online and see what measures you can avail of. ”

External Insulation – a new concept for Ireland External insulation has a long history of use throughout Europe, but is still quite new in Ireland, although its popularity is starting to grow. The technology of external wall insulation is well established in northern Europe, where it has been in use for many years. Robin explains that many construction initiatives originate in places like Germany and eastern European countries and they are eventually adopted here. “External insulation is relatively new in Ireland and Britain. The UK might be a year or two ahead of us but the grant schemes and the amount of work that has been done in Ireland in terms of installer schemes is actually a step ahead of them,” he also comments, “ people will go over to trade exhibitions around the continent and get the idea to bring the product to Ireland, they approach ourselves and the Department of the Environment and we make sure that they have a contract in place with the manufacturer ensuring that there are not numerous people distributing the same product resulting in each of them looking for a certificate for the one system. There are 15 certified product manufacturers and at the time of publication there are around 130 registered installers in Ireland.”

Training and registration process The first step in acquiring registration by NSAI Agrément is to get trained and approved by the certificate holder. An application form is sent to the NSAI filled out by the applicant and signed and stamped by the certificate holder. The certificate holder must approve the installer and stand over his/her work. As Robin explains the process of getting an installer registered is a thorough one with a minimum level of experience and a consistent high standard of work required. “With external insulation, the company notify us when they have a job scheduled and we make the necessary preparations to audit it. We go to that job when it’s about 60 -70 per cent of the way through allowing us to see how the installer installs the product in accordance with the certificate and the project’s specific design,” he adds, “with Retrofit, there is no such thing as a standard job as you won’t have a design that will be generic and suit everyone. We will check that the detail they used matched the design. If the reason why the design was changed is in writing and signed by the cert holder then that might be acceptable but we won’t approve an installer on a job until we are satisfied that the job has been done in accordance with the NSAI Agrément certificate and with our installer scheme document.”

Confidence for the homeowner For the homeowner, it’s reassuring to learn that a company registered by NSAI Agrément is continually monitored and assessed. A registration audit is carried out and registered installers are subject to annual surveillance audits. Annual surveillance audits will involve visiting the installer’s office where the assessor will pick through three or four completed jobs, go to them and confirm that they are following procedures. Installers are also obliged to possess key photographs of specific stages of jobs for review.

1. 45

Kildare

SILVERHILL PROPERTIES Killcullen, Co. Kildare

T: 086 0535811 All Insulation Work Undertaken Indoor, Outdoor, Roof, Attic Fully Insured

www.blackberryinsulation.ie

Cadamstown, Broadford, Co. Kildare

Cavity Wall Insulation Attic Insulation Gutter, Fascia, and Soffit Products Chimney Balloon Products Fully Insured

Ph: 046 9551808 Mob: 086 2679505

www.holtoninsulation.ie

Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

Ashley House, Blackberry Lane, Newbridge, Co. Kildare Blackberry Insulation Services have combined experiences of over 15 years in the insulation business using the highest performing Insulation Products – Pumped Graphite Bead 27 Plus and are approved installers for EnviroBead insulation.

Cavity Wall Bead Insulation • Wall Insulation Attic Insulation • Fiber Glass • Spray Foaming Ph: 045 435 408 Mob: 087 907 4540 Mob: 087 758 2385 Mob: 087 259 4447

External Insulation Internal Insulation All Plastering Work Fully Insured

Mob: 086 3839479 www.sfplastering.ie

Leitrim - Laois - Limerick

Precision Insulation Service Kilteragh, Co. Limerick

External Insulation All Insulation Work Undertaken Fully Insured

BBA Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick

BRITISH BOARD OF AGRÉMENT

CERTIFICATE 04/4161

Founded in 1999, Greenspan Products Ltd. has offices in Ireland and England. This is a company at the forefront of modern building technology using highly innovative specialist products to deliver a comprehensive range of solutions for the construction industry. External Insulation Systems AQUAPANEL Cement Board Systems E-Board Fibre Cement Board Insulated Panel Systems FIBEROCK® Brand Interior Panels

T: 087 1734103

www.greenspan.ie Tel : 00 353 69 82222 Fax : 00 353 69 82226

Pat Walsh Insulation

North West Insulation

Springfield, Ballylin, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

M: 087 2508432 T: 057 8755390

1a Speeks Green , Forest Park, Dromahair, Co Leitrim

Tel: 071 9134682 Mob: 087 2696580

All Insulation Work Undertaken Internal And External Insulation Attic Insulation Dry Lining Cavity Wall Insulation

Attic Insulation Roof Insulation Certainfil Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

1. 47

Limerick

Covering Limerick, Clare & Munster Regions Denis O'Grady Limited is a family owned and managed building company which has been in existence for more than 50 years. We are specialists in the application of external wall insulation (EWI) systems and machine applied render. Our experience covers both domestic and commercial external wall insulation (EWI) applications.

• Certified External Wall Insulation Installers • Preconstruction Consulting • Construction Management • Program Management Cullinagh, • Project Management Newcastle West, • Design-build Co. Limerick • General Construction • Building Maintenance

Tel: 069 76079

Homeseal Insulations is fully certified and specialise in the installation of cavity wall and attic insulation. Our team cover Limerick, Clare & Munster region. We are fully trained and provide a professional service to all our customers.

Insulate & Draft-seal The Attic Hatch Insulation Of Water Tank Cavity Wall Insulation Attic Insulation Pipe Insulation Dry Lining Fully Insured Contact Ray

O'Gorman today on 061 - 458785 or 087 - 0627393

www.homeseal.ie

Based in Limerick, Complete Insulation Services is a subsidiary of Flanagan Contracts Ltd.; a provider of plastering & building services since 1971

• Internal Wall Drylining • Cavity wall Insulation • External Wall Insulation • Cavity Wall Insulation • Attic Insulation • Floor Insulation Complete Insulation Services is a registered contractor under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.

T: 061 321998 www.completeinsulation.ie

Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick

Tel: 069 84092 Mob: 086 1594112 Cavity Wall Insulation Solutions Loft/Attic Insulation Solutions Dry Lining Solutions

Reduce heating bills by up to 60%

www.cosyfill.ie 48

It is worth noting that increasing the amount of insulation in a dwelling can increase the need for adequate ventilation, particularly in the case of external insulation where the air tightness of the dwelling can be increased substantially by installing the system. Some of the hazards associated with insufficient ventilation in a home include: Decrease in air quality, mould growth, increased risk of radon accumulation and increased risk of carbon monoxide accumulation, all the more reason to make sure your installer has been properly assessed and registered. The journey from application to approval of an installer is a rigorous one with only a 60 per cent success rate. “If an installer fails an audit they either get ten working days to resubmit correct paperwork to us, or a second visit may be required. It is definitely tough to pass our audits,” says Byrne, adding, “If they don’t rectify an issue, we won’t approve them and we notify SEAI of that, and depending on the review by SEAI, they may not be approved for the grant schemes for six months or longer.” NSAI Agrément charge €3000 plus VAT for the first audit and € 750 plus VAT for every additional cert and €1850 plus VAT every year thereafter. “We put a lot of time and work in with a company for the first audit because no one is expected to be perfect first time. As the building regulations change, we change the assessment/certification process continually. In October last year, we invited all external insulation certificate holders together to a forum for discussion and another

one is due to take place in the summer. We are in constant communication with certificate holders and installers and we understand there are plans by installers to set up a trade association,” says the NSAI Inspection Officer.

Tough assessments In a recession, people often think that verification goes out the window but in actual fact it becomes much more important. As a home owner you don’t have the money to spend and there is no job more expensive than the one you do twice. NSAI Agrément provides an essential role to the country by protecting the public, helping manufactures get certified and bringing products to market whilst also ensuring that products that are not fit for service don’t get certified. “During the Celtic tiger period, there was so much construction going on, that it was easier for people to bring products in and get them under the radar. Because there isn’t that level of construction, it’s actually easier for us to control. Installers know that they are going to be audited by two or three different organisations such as ourselves and SEAI so if they are not in compliance they can be taken off the grant list” insists Robin, “Even if a manufacturer has a European cert, they may have to get various characteristics re-tested if they don’t meet our requirements. Fire resistance has to be a particular classification, for example if you don’t have that minimum classification you can’t use that product

1. 49

within one metre of a boundary wall so if you don’t have that classification you can’t use it on a semi detached.”

within a building in the winter. The lower the U-value the greater the thermal performance of the window.

“The main gap between the European Technical Approval and a NSAI Agrément certificate is everything after the manufacture of the product.” The installation of the system plays a huge role in its performance. Each of the component parts whether it’s the boards, the mesh or windowsills, are all manufactured in quality controlled environments but it’s how they are all put together that determines how well they will work. The cert is based on the European Technical Approval which goes through various product characteristics that must be tested. We take that and build our own project plan around it regarding how the product will be installed to ensure its performance and design life.

THE SOLAR FACTOR (g window) or Solar Heat

WEP - Window Energy Performance Scheme NSAI Agrément has recently introduced an independent Window Energy Performance (WEP) Certification scheme for the Irish consumer market. The WEP rating is provided for a standard window to represent typical window sizes. This enables a comparison between different products. Each WEP rating label is specific to a unique window frame and glazing assembly from a single manufacturer. This WEP label is non-transferable. The WEP Certificate value combines the following characteristics to allow consumers to determine how well each window assembly will perform. The WEP Certificate will display an overall energy rating, similar to the Building Energy Rating label, for a defined window and window frame assembly, thus allowing consumers to make an informed selection. “ There are a lot of manufactures out there making various claims, the WEP certification scheme can verify that this is credible rather than buyer beware and just taking the salesman’s word for it,” says Robin.

THE THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE (U window)

is a measure of the insulation properties of the window assembly and allows the consumer to compare how effective each window assembly is at containing and conserving heat

Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. Heat gain can be beneficial in winter months but can also present consumers with additional cooling loads in summer months. The Solar Factor is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. A lower Solar Factor means less heat gain.

THE AIR LEAKAGE (L factor) is a measure of the

air tightness of a specific window assembly. Good quality windows tested to the appropriate standards should have no air leakage and therefore, makes little difference to energy performance however, for leaky windows, the impact is significant. The lower the air leakage value the greater the air tightness of the assembly. Currently the Irish Building Regulations require both new and retrofit windows to have a maximum elemental U-value of 2.0 W/m2K. Improvements due to be implemented this year to Part L of the Building Regulations will see this value drop to a U-value of 1.6 W/m2K. “The main benefit of using an NSAI Agrément certified installer is that we are the only body that certifies compliance with the Irish national building regulations. Not only can a homeowner have assured confidence that an independent Irish body has assessed the product/system, but that body is also reviewing the company and the system on a regular basis and in this climate, that level of comfort and confidence is invaluable.” Summary of Application Process for Registered Installer Schemes: • Contact the Certificate Holder of the NSAI Agrément certified system for training in installing that specific system. Search our database of Agrément Certified Products to download certificates covered by the relevant installer scheme and get contact information for the Certificate Holders. • Once training has been provided by the Certificate Holder, a completed Application Form must be

•

submitted to NSAI Agrément, along with a completed Installer Contract and the relevant Application Fee. The Application Form MUST be filled in by the Applicant and co-signed by the Certificate Holder. On receipt of the above documentation, the applicant shall be contacted by an NSAI Agrément Assessor to arrange an audit date. The applicant is subject to an assessment by NSAI Agrément prior to approval, and annual surveillance subsequently.

For information on how to register as a contractor for the SEAI HES (Home Energy Saving) scheme, go to the HES contractor webpage, call SEAI on 1850 927000 or email hescontractor@seai.ie

What is NSAI Agrément certification?

How is the assessment carried out? The criteria upon which NSAI Agrément certification is based vary from product to product, taking into account construction standards across a range of measures such as: • Safety • Habitability • Durability • Maintenance • Practicability.

The legal framework

NSAI Agrément certification confirms that new building products, materials, techniques and equipment are safe and fit for purpose and comply with the Irish national building regulations.

The NSAI Agrément Certificates we publish are in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations and the rules of the European Union of Agrément Institutes for Construction (UEAtc).

The process of NSAI Agrément certification applies to those products and processes that are not already regulated by existing building standards, either because they are innovative or because they deviate from established norms.

How do I arrange an assessment?

What is the procedure for certifying a new product?

NSAI Agrément’s assessment services are available to applicants on the payment of the appropriate fee. All parties involved in the assessment are subject to strict confidentiality requirements.

Agrément certification involves the following steps: • We process your application. • We develop a Technical Assessment Specification (TAS), which sets out the technical criteria for assessment and testing. • We assess the product to ensure that it conforms to the TAS. This might include laboratory testing, onsite evaluation and inspection of the production process. • Subject to the results of the assessment, we then draft an NSAI Agrément Certificate. • We publish the Certificate on the NSAI website www. nsai.ie

1. 51

Louth

www.gkpc.eu

VINNIE JOHNSON PLUMBING & HEATING Sillogue, Monasterboice, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Solar Panels Underfloor Heating General Plumbing Works Heating Control Upgrades High Efficiency Gas Boiler With Heating Controls Upgrades High Efficiency Oil Boiler With Heating Controls Upgrades

Ph: 087 7685443

1 Main Road, Tullyallen, Co. Louth

T: 041 9848319 M: 086 171 8422 • Dry Lining Insulation • Lime Rendering • Lime Spraying • Mud Rendering • Modern, Decorative & Cornice Plastering

REGISTERED

SEAI

CONTRACTOR

www.dcam.ie www.thebiggreen.ie Unit 18, East Coast Business Park, Matthews Lane, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Lynch's Cross, Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Mob: +353 (0)86 260 3303 Tel: +353 (0)41 981 9705 Campbell Cavity Insulation Limited (CCI) provides a nationwide insulation services for your home or business. Having CCI’s highly savings on your heating costs.

New House Builds • Extensions Attic Conversions & Renovations Roof / Cavity Wall Insulation

Ph: 041 9878778 / Mob: 086 0249837 The Big Green Team comprises of experienced Engineers, Building renewable energy technologies and water conservation. We believe that everyone would go green if it meant that they would save money, so we’ve used our green energy expertise to track down only the smartest solutions that make the most long-term economic sense for your home or business.

Heating Control And Boiler Upgrades • Solar Panelling• Fully Insured

The international role of NSAI Agrément

“Window Energy Performce Scheme”

NSAI Agrément is Ireland’s national representative in UEAtc. In this capacity, we help to develop Agrément product assessment specifications.

NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) is Ireland’s official standards and measurement body and the state agency vested with the responsibility to manage the policy instruments of Standards, Metrology and Conformity Assessment, (in the form of Certification and Agrément) on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Jobs, and Innovation. These instruments form the basis of our basic trade infrastructure which enables people confidently to go about many aspects of their daily businesses and lives. Their work entails serving industry and protecting consumer interests through the setting of standards and issuing of certification in the quality and safety of goods and services. For over 50 years, the National Standards Authority of Ireland has been supporting enterprise, trade, consumers and government through the effective provision of services of the highest quality.

NSAI Agrément is also the Irish representative in the European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA).

Board of NSAI Agrément

The board of NSAI Agrément is comprised of representatives from the following organisations: • NSAI Agrément • The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government • Enterprise Ireland • The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) • The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) • The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) • The Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI)

For further information visit www.nsai.ie

helping you set the standard ion materials, NSAI Agrément certification provides the ultimate reassurance that construct y assessed, products, systems and techniques have been meticulously and impartiall have complete confidence so construction industry professionals and end user consumers can e products to be quickly innovativ for allows also It t. in the products certified by NSAI Agrémen adopted and used safely and effectively. and are issued in accordance All products are certified under the current Irish Building Regulations tion (UEAtc). Construc for Institutes t Agrémen of Union European the of rules the with Check www.nsai.ie for an up-to-date register of certified products and apply for NSAI Agrément certification.

registered installers or to

For more information click on nsai.ie or call us on (01) 807 3800.

1. 53

Meath

Tel: 046 9249533 Mob: 086 1513284 • Attic Insulation • Roof Insulation • Cavity Wall Insulation • External Insulation • Spray Foam Rodstown, Balrath, Kells, Co. Meath

EEH Energy Efficient Homes Ltd 140 Blackcastle Demense, Navan, Co. Meath

External Insulation Solar Panels Heating And Boiler Upgrades Fully Insured

M: 087 4183605

www.rodstowninsulation.com

www.ecothermsolutions.ie 31 Carne Hill, Old Johnstown Village, Navan, Co, Meath At Snug As A Bug Insulations, we are able to insulate using a wide range of products and suppliers. Because we are not tied to any one product we are able to give you truly impartial advice about which product best suits your needs and your budget.

Blown Loft Insulation Cavity Wall Insulation

T: 086 290 0775 www.snugasabuginsulations.ie

Moynalvey Summerhill Co.Meath

T: 087 6666805 / 086 8780608 Cavity Wall Insulation Attic Insulation Spray Foam Insulation Insulation Of Water Tanks Pipe Insulation Insulate And Draft Seal Attic Hatch Airtightness Test Solar Panels Heat Recovery Systems Thermal Imaging & Boroscope Tests

Offaly - Tiperrary

Sean Leahy

Plastering & Insulation Leugh. Thurles. Tipperary

All Plastering Work Undertaken No Job To Small External Insulation Fully Insured

T: 0504 26448 M: 086 6054477

M: 087 7755877 Cavity Wall Insulation Attic Insulation Dry Lining Solutions Solar Energy Heating Control Upgrades Grant Assistance Home Improvements www.keyesinsulations.com

Carrick Road, Edenderry, Co. Offaly www.edeninsulationltd.com

Tel: 086 2574888 The customer comes first and no two houses are the same. Eden Insulation is the place to go if you want a warmer and more efficient home.

Bead Cavity Wall Attic Insulation BER Certification

Geashill, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Cavity Wall Insulation Dry Lining Insulation Fully Insured

Mob: 087 7773250 Tel: 057 9343803 www.covexireland.com

REGISTERED

SEAI

CONTRACTOR

1. 55

Tperrary

Greener Homes 32 Main St. Tipperary

T: 086 6652411

All Insulation Work Undertaken

Internal • Cavity Wall Attic • External Dry Lining Fully Insured

Clonmel, Co Tipperary Here at Clonmel Insulation , we are committed to offering only the right insulation systems. We are dedicated to upholding our strong reputation, as a team of experienced, knowledgeable and dependable installers.

Roof Insulation M: 087 7983033 Internal Dry Lining Cavity Wall Insulation External Insulation C2 Registered Fully Insured www.clonmelinsulation.ie

www.ecosy.ie

Unit 2D1 Ard Gaoithe Business Park, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Cavity Wall and Attic Insulation Experts Reducing heating bills by up to 50% and saving money 95% of our business is generated through recommendations from satisfied clients. Munster Insulation was formed in February 2007 by Gerry Heenan and Cathal Wall who between them have 30 years experience in the Insulation business. Since then, our Company has grown steadily and we now employ 11 Full time Staff who all work from our base in Clonmel.

Attic Insulation • Floor Insulation • Radon Barrier • Roof Insulation • Wall Insulation • Insulation Maintenance www.munsterinsulation.ie

061 376043 / 087 2781429

NSAI urges companies to use Standards for business growth -Less ‘firm deaths’, 10% increase in sales, higher employment with ISONational Standards Authority of Ireland) is urging Irish companies to pursue international management standards, such as ISO¹, as an essential business strategy in response to the continuing commercial pressures being experienced by Irish companies. Nearly 900,000 organisations in 170 countries have adopted the ISO 9001Quality Management System standard. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world’s largest developer and publisher of International Standards. NSAI is one of the160 national standards institutes that make up the ISO global network. A recent Harvard study² of 1,000 Californian companies has shown that ISO 9000 adopters have a greater chance for survival, suffering less “firm deaths” than non-ISO adopters. In addition, adopter organisations had higher growth rates for sales, employment, payroll and average annual earnings. Sales were close to 10% higher and there was higher employment growth at ISO certified workplaces. In years one to three after certification, there was a 6% growth in employment. This rises to 32.5% growth in year’s seven to nine. More than 20 Irish companies were presented with their ISO standard certification by John Perry, T.D, Minister of State with responsibility for Small Business at an event at

NSAI offices in Dublin this morning. Minister Perry said, “The question for Irish industry is not what you gain from standards and certification; it’s the business opportunities lost without them. Globally recognised standards such as ISO provides you with instant credibility: they differentiate your products, services and business. They improve efficiency, helping you to conserve money, manpower, time, facilities, and natural resources, as well as breaking down trade barriers and opening doors in new markets.” NSAI certified more than 120 Irish companies in various ISO management systems last year. Companies being certified at the event this morning included RTE, Batchelors Ltd and Glanbia Consumer Foods. Mr Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI, said, “The Harvard study shows us that growth in employment, sales and payroll was greater for smaller than for larger ISO adopters. This bolsters the argument that is Ireland’s small and medium size organisations that will benefit most from certification and standards. I would strongly encourage firms of all sizes, across all sectors, to call NSAI and speak with our staff on what standards or certifications are most suitable for their business.” www.nsai.ie

1. 57

Waterford - Wicklow - Westmeath

GRANTS

QUALITY WORK FROM A QUALITY COMPANY

AVAILABLE

CAVITY WALL INSULATION LOFT INSULATION & DRY LINING

Ballinderry Developments Ltd. • General Building Contractors • External Insulation • Dry Lining • Attic Insulation • Fully Insured BDL Retrofit Services is a one stop shop for retrofitting your home making it warmer and more energy eﬃcient.

Designed to meet New Regulations in a Standard Width Cavity

FULLY INSURED

Graphite ‘27 Plus’ Bonded Bead

NSAI CERTIFIED

Registered Contractor with the Home Energy Saving Scheme

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Wexford

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Galway

Galway leads the Way to Positive News about Ireland Telling the World that Ireland is Alive and Well and Working In the midst of natural disasters, economic crises and a constant stream of bad news it is vital to counterbalance the harsh realities of life with stories of recovery and growth with Ireland and to highlight the resilient, innovative, enterprising, resourceful, determined and creative spirit of the Irish. West of Ireland business strategist and author, Geoffrey Canavan has been invited to produce and present a 13 part weekly business-related series on US radio station VoiceAmerica. Geoffrey has decided to use this opportunity to enable selected indigenous Irish businesses to reach a potential audience of 27 million listeners and spread the word that Ireland is alive and well and working. Geoffrey’s series of weekly programs - entitled The Power of Realism - will be broadcast on the Business Channel. The focus of this series is to accentuate all that is empowering and inspirational about the way we all deal with adversity and seemingly impossible challenges in life and business. Each show will include a showcase section for all that is wonderful about Ireland and Irish people and the positive impact Irish people are exerting in so many different fields all over the world. A number of high profile contributors from the areas of business, health, technology, sport and art (at least one of

whom has been a regular contributor to the Oprah Winfrey Show) will also join Geoff on the broadcasts. Since 1999, the VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network has been streaming live Internet talk radio programs, broadcasting on seven genre based channels. Show hosts are hand-picked by the producers and include well-known names such as John Gray (author Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus), Dr John de Martini and Jordan Kimmel, Business expert on ABC, CNBC, & Fox Business News. Geoffrey Canavan is based in Galway and has been involved in business ventures all his adult life. His vast business experience has led to a deep understanding of the nature of success and to the belief that, regardless of circumstances, education, social status, history or any other outside influence, success is an inside job, inherent in, available to and attainable by everybody. Geoffrey Canavan is currently acting in an advisory capacity to several businesses, ranging from small local enterprises to companies with a global reach and is a regular and valued contributor to globally successful websites such as www.selfgrowth.com and www.ezinearticles.com.

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Crescent College Comprehensive Sporting Achievements Recognised The recent sporting achievements of Crescent College Comprehensive S.J. were given official recognition at Limerick County Hall in Dooradoyle last month. Cllr. Richard Butler, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council presented the school with a scroll on behalf of the members of the Local Authority and the people of County Limerick.

In soccer Crescent retained the North Munster U.18 and U.17 crowns. The U.18 team also travelled to Florida to contest and win the Weston International Cup. Crescents qualified for the Munster Youth Cup final but were defeated. At First year level Crescent won the Limerick and Munster futsal titles and lost in the All Ireland Final of that competition.

Speaking at the presentation, Cllr. Butler said: “I am delighted that Crescent College Comprehensive enjoyed their most successful year ever in terms of sporting achievement across a broad spectrum of sports. I wish to congratulate school Headmaster Nicholas Cuddihy, his staff and all the students of Crescent College Comprehensive for their outstanding achievements.”

In athletics Crescent also hit the high points in the Munster Schools track and field as Greg O’Shea, Jessica Coyne, Brona Croke, Lily Ann O’Hora, Aisling Croke and Mark Varley all secured a gold in their individual disciplines. The Athletes will hope for All Ireland success in Tullamore in June.

In rugby Crescent College Comprehensive successfully defended the Junior Cup, thus becoming the first Crescent team to retain the Junior Cup in the History of the school. Five squad members secured their second Junior Cup medal. They also won the Andy Joselyn Memorial Cup on a tour to England last October. To illustrate the depth of talent at Junior Level Crescent also won the Kidney Cup named after the current international manager which is a competition for second’s players. At first year level Crescent secured the Munster First year sevens crown. In hockey Crescent enjoyed a season which will be hard to beat. Crescent won all the main cups at Minor, Junior and Senior Level. The leagues at each level were also annexed. At senior level Crescent retained the Munster Cup and this allowed the school to host and compete in the All Ireland Kate Russell series. Hosted in the beautiful March sunshine Crescent finished third in Ireland and proved to be an inspiration to the younger girls who went on to achieve Minor and Junior Munster Cup success. Crescents were voted the Munster Schools Hockey School of the year 2011.

On the G.A.A. front Crescent won the Girls First year Blitz in Limerick, also a first for the school. On the golf Course Crescent also excelled with a Junior Munster Schools Championship victory for Clodagh Moloney and Nicole Power. According to Nicholas Cuddihy, Headmaster: “Crescent enjoyed a fantastic season and offers a chance to all its students to excel at a range of sporting disciplines. We pay tribute to the skills of all of the young people who have achieved so much and thank all the coaches who have harnessed and developed the potential of all of the players who represented Crescent this year and we look forward to continued success.” Aside from the team and individual successes Crescent had numerous players who represented the school at provincial and national level. In Rugby Sean Monaghan, Paul O’Sullivan, Padraic Ryan and Niall Horan represented the school at Munster Level. In Hockey Cara O’Sullivan and Karen Fitzgerald represented the school at Munster level. Roisin Upton and Clodagh Moloney represented the school at International Level. Roisin was recently crowned International Schools Player of the Year. Garbhan Coughlan represented the school at Irish schools soccer level.

Lord Mayor congratulates Diarmuid Gavin on Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Michael O’Connell recently congratulated Diarmuid Gavin on winning a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower show with the Cork Sky Garden. The winning entry forms part of a larger garden commissioned by Cork City Council and Fáilte Ireland for the Mardyke in Cork which is due to be unveiled in the summer of 2012. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, officially the Great Spring Show is a garden show held each year on five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London. It is the most famous such show in the United Kingdom, perhaps the most famous gardening event in the world[1] and part of London’s summer social season. Popular parts of the Chelsea Flower Show include the show gardens designed by leading names and the centrepiece of the floral marquee. The ‘Irish Sky Garden’, is suspended 82 feet in the air and contains 25 pools as well as grasses, photinias and bamboos. The eye-shaped garden is said to be inspired by Dublin animator Richie Baneham, whose visual effects for James Cameron’s blockbuster 3D movie Avatar were channelled into the design. The gold medal is Gavin’s fourth award at Chelsea; he won a bronze medal in 1995 and silver-gilt medals in 2004 and 2007. The Lord Mayor said: “We were extremely excited about bringing this garden to Cork but the Gold Medal is a wonderful bonus and hugely

deserved. Diarmuid has been knocking on the door for some time having won a number of silver gilts at Chelsea and I’m delighted that his extraordinary talent has now been recognised by Chelsea with their highest award.” The garden has generated enormous interest at this year’s show. The centrepiece of the Irish Sky Garden is a bright pink garden pod which is raised and lowered into the air by a crane - offering a unique perspective on the garden below. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, who visited the show, stopped off to chat to Gavin about his garden. He told of his conversation with the Queen saying “I said to the Queen, ‘thank you for coming to Ireland and as a reward I brought my garden over’. She said, ‘I had a brilliant time’.” The Sky Garden is the largest garden ever created for the Chelsea show and was inspired by the floating islands of Pandora in the movie ‘Avatar’. When the show concludes the Garden will be dismantled and shipped to Cork where work will begin on its permanent home. It is intended that the Sky Garden will form part of a horticultural tourism trail throughout the city and is expected to be a huge draw to gardening enthusiasts from all over Europe. The City Council is delighted to add this attraction to Cork’s tourism product and considers it a wonderful enhancement to the work of the new TEAM Unit. Work has already commenced on preparations to put the garden in situ and to market it at home and abroad.

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EcoCert Energy is the new buzzword in today’s world and you don’t have to be an environmental activist to benefit from sustainable energy initiatives. EcoCert tells Council Magazine how their innovative new programme will save businesses a fortune.

EcoCert was launched at a series of Green Business Seminars during European Week of Waste Reduction in November 2009. It was set up in a bid to help small businesses and other organisations to simultaneously reduce their costs and improve their environmental performance. The EcoCert scheme is a partnership between Laois, Offaly and Waterford County Councils, Waterford City Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and environmental consultants Econcertive. This programme is available to businesses and organisations of all types who wish to • Save on day-to-day operating costs • Improve environmental performance • Achieve formal recognition The EcoCert scheme provides an environmental advisor who identifies savings that can be made in the areas of waste, energy and water and then helps the organisation to establish a simple system to continue to improve. Once their system is in place the participating businesses are awarded a certificate to prove their environmental credentials. With these Local Authorities and the EPA subsidising EcoCert, participating businesses can expect to save more than they spend, while helping the environment. The EcoCert scheme was launched at a series of seminars to coincide with European Waste Reduction Week. The scheme is open

to all small and medium enterprises, including charitable organisations who qualify for an additional 50% discount. For an organisation of less than 40 people operating on a single site, with no unusual requirements, the subsidised service fee is fixed at €400 + VAT. For this, EcoCert promises to identify at least €400 of annual savings. If they don’t find savings, they will refund half the fee. Large and multi-site organisations should request a customised quote. Please see contact details below. Numerous businesses in Laois, Offaly and Waterford (retail, manufacturing and hospitality organisations) have signed up to participate in this new initiative.

Background EcoCert is designed, owned and operated by Econcertive, an independent company which was established by Managing Director Phil Walker in 2009. Phil is an engineer who started his career in the UK shipbuilding industry. Later he was based in South Korea, then China, developing businesses for an international certification body. This included providing ISO 9000 Quality Certifications and ISO 14001 Environmental Certifications for local and multi-national business clients. Phil passed his ISO 14001 lead assessor training in Tokyo in 1996.

He moved to Ireland with his family in 2004, and spent four years as the environmental advisor to Waterford Chamber. In this role he assisted more than 30 Irish companies to improve their environmental performance and achieve an environmental certification, notably to the Green Dragon and Green Hospitality Awards. Phil holds a first class honours degree in Naval Architecture; an M.Sc. in Production Technology; Diploma in Welding Technology; and a Fellowship in Manufacturing Management.

Econcertive

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Econcertive provides environmental support to businesses and organisations in all sectors, primarily by means of the EcoCert scheme. The company follows its own EcoCert principles and operates in an environmentally aware and responsible manner. • • • • • • • •

We monitor our own environmental performance and measure our carbon footprint We implement our own environmental improvements year-on-year We buy our electricity from the ‘greenest’ electricity supplier in Ireland We run fuel-efficient diesel vehicles We minimise travel by having home and office on the same site We recycle at least 70% of our waste We compost on site We use solar water heating

EcoCert Process •

• •

•

EcoCert has been designed to be as simple for you, the user, as possible. Almost no preparation is needed. The focus is on cost savings and improvements rather than paperwork. For the paperwork that is required, we draft most of it for you, and give you extra help if you need it. Application Complete the simple application form and email it to us (or post if you prefer) Contract We will email your contract agreement to you. When you decide to proceed, we arrange a visit date and you activate the agreement by paying the Year 1 fee. The only preparation you need for the visit is to dig out your recent energy, waste and water (if applicable) bills. Ideally going back one year, but if this is a problem, just pull together what you can. EcoCert Visit This is very informal (not an audit or inspection!) It should be hosted by someone in your organisation who is familiar with your arrangements for energy, waste and water and the day-to-day running of the site. Your EcoCert advisor will analyse your bills and then ‘walk and talk’ around the premises with you, looking for cost savings in energy, waste and water. Typically the whole visit takes around three hours. EcoCert Data Pack Your EcoCert advisor then goes away, and does any research or investigation needed, and then emails your data pack, which includes the improvements he recommends for you to consider. In each case, the expected savings are calculated and the implementation costs and pay-back times are estimated as applicable. The emphasis is on finding cost saving improvements which cost little to implement and which have fast pay-

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back times. Decision You decide which improvements you will implement, and return the completed Data Pack. Typically, your Data Pack will amount to five pages, four of which will have been provided in draft form by your EcoCert advisor. Your EcoCert advisor will also help as may be needed, either by phone, email or personal visit. Certification Once the completed Data Pack is returned and approved by the EcoCert Certification Manager, your EcoCert will be issued to you with a validity of three years. Annual Surveillance At the start of Years 2 and 3, you will be asked to pay your annual surveillance fee and to arrange a suitable time for your EcoCert advisor to call out. He will verify your certification, including your progress on your planned improvements, and also assist with finding further cost-saving improvements for the coming year. NB: You have the right to terminate your EcoCert agreement at any time, without penalty. You may just advise us of your decision and return your EcoCert certificate. It is our aim to ensure we provide such a good service that you will wish to stay with us rather than exercise this right.

ISO 14001 & Other Standards Stepping Stone to ISO 14001 or Other Standards If you have a longer-term objective of achieving an ISO14001 environmental certification (or EMAS etc.), EcoCert is an excellent way of making real and fast progress with minimal cost and effort. This can be especially important if, for example; • • •

Funding is not available for extensive consultancy support In-house resources are limited There is outside pressure (e.g. a customer expectation) to provide credible environmental ‘credentials’.

EcoCert shares the same core requirements as all recognised standards for environmental management systems, including ISO14001, EMAS and BS8555. For this reason it is well placed as a stepping stone to get you to your longer term objectives. You will achieve; • • • •

The normal EcoCert benefits, including savings in your energy, waste and water costs An EcoCert certification as interim proof of your commitment to environmental performance improvement The foundations for your chosen final certification A documented history of environmental responsibility which will stand well to you when it comes to your chosen final certification

For further information go to www.ecocert.ie

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66 Seán O'Neill Financial Ltd t/a Alchemy Financial is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Clare

Clare County Council Publishes Annual Financial Statement For 2010

Clare County Council’s Annual Financial Statement for 2010 shows that the local authority ended the year with a €112,694 surplus.

reduction in pay rates across the public service, the reduction in the number of staff employed by the Council in 2010 and the introduction of work practice efficiencies at local level.

The Council through the adjustment of work programmes to the reduced budgets in 2010 and effective budget control of both expenditure and income throughout the organisation has achieved this result.

The County manager Mr. Tom Coughlan acknowledged the support of the employees of Clare County Council in achieving these efficiencies and savings.

This is a positive outcome given the difficulties experienced in a number of areas in 2010. The realisation of payroll savings as a result of the nationally implemented pay reductions, the non replacement of staff and the introduction of work practice efficiencies at local level has counterbalanced these difficulties, together with additional income received from the Non Principal Private Residence Charge. Salaries, Wages and Pensions for 2010 were €42.2m for 2010, compared to €45.9m incurred the previous year, giving a reduction of €3.7m This arises from a combination of the

Head of Finance Noeleen Fitzgerald explained that the past two year budget processes have been particularly difficult requiring the Council to make expenditure savings in order to negate both the impact of reductions in the Local Government Fund and increased cost pressures in all service areas. Expenditure of €109 million in 2010 compares to €116m in 2008. Ms. Fitzgerald noted: “While the overall result is almost in line with the Adopted Budget, there is a continued requirement to implement strict budgetary control and collection measures in order to manage our capacity to deliver services.”

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Launch of National Bike Week and Galway Bike Festival 2011 The Galway Bike Festival 2011, as part of National Bike Week was launched in Eyre Square in May, Galway by Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D.- Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport. Now in its third year, the Galway Bike Festival promotes cycling for everyone, aims to increase the number of cyclists in Galway and supports a dynamic cycling culture in the city and county. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar praised the joint approach of Galway City and County Councils in developing the Galway Bike Festival, and he thanked the city for hosting the national opening event for Bike Week 2011, which runs this year from 18 to 26 June. “It’s no accident that Galway, with its track record in hosting festivals and events, was chosen to kick off our Bike Week celebrations,” Minister Varadkar said. “Cycling is a key priority right across my Department, which now encompasses Transport, Tourism and Sport. Cycling meets a wide range of goals: it’s a sustainable, healthy and low-carbon means of travel; it fosters more welcoming and people-orientated destinations for visitors; and it promotes engagement in sport. “Bike Week ticks all of these boxes, but it’s a perfect match for Galway, a premium tourism destination which provides superb backdrops, both city and rural, against which to showcase all that cycling has to offer. “And what cycling offers is a healthy, low-cost, environmentally-friendly and fun way to make those shorter journeys.” Speaking at the launch, Joe Tansey, Head of Galway Transportation Unit, Galway City Council commented, “We are delighted that the Opening Event of National Bike Week 2011 is taking place in Eyre Square, Galway. Working

with our numerous support partners, we have worked to maximise the opportunities stemming from this National event to showcase Galway as the future cycling capital of Ireland and to build and develop Galway Bike Festival as a cycling event in its own right” Joe added, “Galway is a perfect cycling city, with over 50% of the population living under 4km from their place of work or education. We in Galway City Council in partnership with our colleagues in Galway County Council have created a broad partnership to promote cycling with local stakeholders including, statutory bodies, educational institutions, sports organisations, community and voluntary groups, cycling businesses, cycling support groups and the media.” He continued “We are delighted to announce that Galway Bay FM and the Galway Advertiser will be our media partners for the Galway Bike Festival and look forward to working with them to make 2011 the biggest cycling event in Galway yet.” The National Opening Event in Eyre Square promises a day of festivities including a bicycle village here in Eyre Square, Live Music, street and children’s entertainment and a mass cycle to Salthill. Another unique offering will be the World Class Mall Demonstration. For the first time in Ireland, professional bike riders will demonstrate their skills by jumping on bikes down escalators and stairwells within the Eyre Square Centre Mallscape. Reflecting the support of the business sector to the festival, a shop front window competition on the theme of cycling will be on display during the week. The festival also includes a number of family cycles for children such as the Jarlath McInerney Criterium and the Treasure Hunt, both of which have already proven to be very popular events. For the more experienced cyclist the familiarisation cycle on the Ironman route is a very welcome addition to this festival which aims to deliver benefits in the inter-linked realms of sustainable transport, sport, tourism, health and the environment.

Clare Design and Conservation Awards Scheme Is Launched

Clare County Council recently announced the launch of its Design and Conservation Awards Scheme 2011 for the county. The Awards Scheme follows from and builds on a similar Awards Scheme held by Clare County Council in 2005. Buildings completed or refurbished in County Clare between 1st January, 2005 and 30th April, 2011 are eligible under the Scheme. Nominations or submissions will be open to any owner, designer, contractor, community group or other member of the public. “The main objectives of the Scheme will be to foster and reward excellence in the built environment and to raise public awareness of good design and conservation”, indicated Councillor Christy Curtin, Mayor of Clare He continued: “The Council recognises the importance of the quality of our built environment and that good quality design makes a significant contribution to our well being and quality of life. Over the past decade, architecture has enjoyed a period of achievement. A number of well-designed buildings including public buildings, schools, housing, commercial and leisure buildings have been developed. In addition, public interest in and appreciation of good quality design has grown.” Mairead O’Donovan, Administrative Officer, Clare County Council commented: “Good quality design of the built environment is a legacy for future generations. Clare County Council would like to encourage and promote good design. It is intended that the nomination and submission procedures will be kept as simple as possible in order to encourage members of the public to participate in the Scheme.”

• • • • • • • •

Category E: Best New Commercial Building Category F: Best New Civic Building Category G: Best Conservation Project Category H: Best New Infill Development Category I: Best New Shop Front/Refurbished Shop Front Category J: Best New Sustainable Development/Green Technology Category K: Best Innovation Awards Category L: Best Accessibility/Social Inclusion Awards

Entries will be judged by an independent panel of assessors. The assessment criteria will include the contribution to the quality of the built environment, build and workmanship quality, quality of professional design, functionality, sustainability, originality and innovation in approach and most importantly the extent to which the entry may serve as a role model. According to Ms. O’Donovan: “The quality of our architecture and built environment make a significant contribution to our well being. Good design does not have to be expensive or exclusive and should be accessible to all. “In particular, the Council would encourage applicants for one off houses in the county to seek good design advice. ‘There is a considerable difference between somebody who can draw plans and somebody who can design. It is an investment that will pay for itself many times over in terms of the enjoyment of the dwelling and its value.

“It is recognised that there are a number of Awards at a national level in the area of architecture and it is not intended to compete with or duplicate these but rather to reward at a more local level”, Ms. O’Donovan added.

“The Council through both its development control and planning policy functions has long since had a key role in this area but it also recognises that in addition it has a role to play in fostering and rewarding excellence in the built environment and it is within this overall aim that the Design and Conservation Awards Scheme sits”, she concluded.

There are a number of additional categories in the 2011 Awards Scheme as set out below: • Category A: Best New Single House in the Countryside • Category B: Best New Single House in a Town/Village • Category C: Best New Residential Development • Category D: Best Reuse/Refurbishment and/or Extension

The Awards Scheme has been prepared in consultation with the Council’s Strategic Policy Committee for Planning, Land Use and Transportation. The closing date for receipt of nominations is Friday 15 July 2011. For more contact the Planning section of Clare County Council on 065-6846401 or visit www.clarecoco.ie.

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Westmeath County Council Wins e-Government Award

Westmeath County Council Wins e-Government Award for its Online Services This year, Westmeath County Council was announced as a winner in the annual e-Government Awards a at Dublin Castle. The Council was one of five short-listed candidates in the Local Government category and took the award for their suite of Online Services which includes a newly-redeveloped website, Rural Transport Initiative and Online Services for elected members.

Redeveloped Website The Council’s website - www.westmeathcoco.ie - was redeveloped with the objective of providing a site that is customer focused and aligned to service delivery. The new site has a fresh new look with simplified navigation, improved easy to understand content and meets accessibility standards. The new site was launched in October 2010. Some of the additional features on the new site include online registration for the Register of Electors, additional options for paying online, online Contact-Us forms that feed directly to the Council’s internal Customer Contact Management/ tracking System and a new spatial/mapping service which have been provided for displaying spatial information about Council services.

Rural Transport Initiative Online Service Recognising the need for a collaborative approach to rural transport services within Westmeath, members of the Council’s Community & Enterprise Department met with representatives from the HSE, Irish Wheelchair Association, FAS, National Learning Network and the Westmeath Rural Transport Group to explore the possibilities around sharing

routes, collaborating on transportation services, identifying gaps and overlaps in rural transportation coverage. An online spatial application was developed and launched in October 2010. This application - http://www.westmeathcoco. ie/WestmeathRoutes_VB/ - shows the transportation routes of the various rural transportation providers as well as pickup points and links to the providers websites. As well as providing this information directly to the public, this application helps the groups to see the routes and agree on a common approach to transportation services.

Councillor Web Services The Council has developed the Councillor Web Services application which is an online portal connecting elected members with all of the ICT services which they require on a daily basis. Elected Members can login securely to the website portal and view all documentation in relation to upcoming and previous council and committee meetings. The online portal also provides an online calendar of meetings and events for members, access to Planning & Electoral Register applications, group SMS messaging and submission of notices of motion and questions for upcoming meetings. This suite of members’ services has eliminated the need to send paper correspondence to members and has considerably improved administrative efficiency in the management of meetings. All three online services were designed and developed inhouse by the ICT Department’s web services & design team, following a process of consultation with stakeholders. Responding to the news of the award, County Manager Daniel McLoughlin expressed his delight at receiving “independent verification that the work of the Council in the area of ICT customer services is among the best in the country“. He further confirmed that further initiatives of this nature will be advanced during the course of this year including additional e-payment options, access to environmental information and further enhancement of access to performance data.

Kerry Tourism Showcases its Product Building on the success of the Kerry Tourism Bus Promotion in the UK last month, Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Go Kerry - All Kerry Tourism and the wider tourism trade mounted a major one-day showcase of Kerry tourism activities, visitor attractions and product providers in The Malton Hotel, Killarney in May. Kerry is Ireland’s premier holiday destination with a range of cultural, heritage and activity attractions unmatched anywhere in Ireland. The aim of the showcase is to ensure that everyone involved in tourism in the county is fully aware of the activities and events that are available in Kerry, where they are located and how to access them. “What we are looking to do is to keep the visitor in County Kerry for as long as possible to maximise and distribute the economic benefit to everybody,” John Griffin, Kerry Tourism Officer explained. “Kerry attracts 1.2 million visitors a year and if just one in three of these would remain in the county for one extra night it would be worth an extra €20 million to the local economy.” According to Declan Murphy of Fáilte Ireland, “The Kerry Tourism Showcase is chance for accommodation providers to meet with activity providers, visitor attractions, family activity providers and all businesses that offer visitors friendly pursuits, to make them aware of what they offer and to create opportunities to increase business for all tourism providers in Kerry. “Key to this is ensuring that everyone involved in tourism, from B&B owners to hotel reception staff, from taxi drivers to coach operators, know what activities and events are available in the county, where they are, and who is operating them.” A steering group comprising of Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland South West, Go Kerry - All Kerry Tourism, the Regional Partnership Development Companies and marketing groups was established to oversee the event, which was the first of its size in the county. The original showcase

proposal came from the Kerry County Development Board, and following the success of the Kerry Bus project, the broadly based tourism group has decided on the Showcase as their next project. The County Development Board, according to its economic planning officer Noreen O’Mahony, “saw the showcase as an ideal opportunity for tourism providers in the county to network and collaborate with each other.” “Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, hostels and other accommodation providers were represented by their parent organisations, such as the Irish Hotels Federation,” Declan Murphy explained. “Additionally the local development organisations were also represented, to ensure that smaller tourism groups and businesses had a presence.” Mary Rose Stafford, Chairperson of Go Kerry – All Kerry Tourism group, is calling on the County to embrace and support this unique opportunity. “Tourism in Kerry is everyone’s business,” she explained. “We want everyone in Kerry to ‘know your county’ and to get out and experience what Kerry has to offer for themselves. This Kerry Tourism showcase is a very important event, giving every town and village in the county an opportunity to display the vast range of amenities and activities they have to offer, from Tarbert to Lauragh, from Valentia to Castleisland and from Dun Chaoin to Gneeveguilla. We can all promote Kerry by becoming tourism ambassadors for the county”. All visitor attractions, activity and festival organisers were allocated space within the exhibition area free of charge. Teachers, active retired groups and others organising group tours were also encouraged to visit the exhibition, and John Griffin called for accommodation providers, bars, restaurants, and those involved in the tourism sector to encourage their staff to visit the exhibition.

www.discoverkerry.com.

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Waterford

Queen Elizabeth II and Waterford City’s Royal connection Co. Waterford, Ireland — 19 May. 2011 — Queen Elizabeth II has viewed the earliest known contemporary portraits of a medieval king of England, King Edward III, (1327-1377) on her State Visit to Ireland. On Wednesday 18th May during the Queen’s courtesy call to the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Mr Enda Kenny at Government Buildings in Dublin, the Queen viewed the Great Charter Roll of the City of Waterford. Dating from 1372 and measuring some 4 metres in length, the parchment roll contains portraits of five medieval kings of England Henry II, John, Henry III, Edward I and two contemporary portraits of King Edward III. One of the illustrations shows King Edward III in armour, carrying a sword and shield and on horseback. In the second illustration the king is wearing a crown and a gold belt and is seated on a gilded throne holding a sceptre, a symbol of monarchy. These two portraits of the monarch are the earliest known contemporary portraits of a medieval king of England. The Charter Roll, a rare and fascinating survival, also features an illustration of the walled city of Waterford, the earliest illustration of an Irish city. Above the city is another representation of King Edward III, this time presenting the mayor of Waterford with a ceremonial bearing sword and the mayor in turn presenting the king with the keys of the city.

Also illustrated are nine medieval governors of Ireland, a medieval judge and the mayors of the four royal cities of Ireland shown in order of their importance at the time Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Limerick. The Roll containing royal charters dating from 1215 and other important documents was presented to King Edward III in London by the Waterford city fathers in an attempt to win the king’s support for the city’s claim to have a monopoly on trade entering Waterford Harbour. The Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures, Eamonn McEneaney, said “The Great Charter Roll is one of the great treasures of late medieval Ireland. It underlines the strong cultural, social, economic and political links between England and Ireland and particularly with cities like Waterford in the later Middle Ages.” In addition to the Charter Roll, the city of Waterford possesses some nineteen other illuminated royal charters ranging in date from 1215 to 1815. Waterford Museum of Treasures with the support of the Heritage Council has completed a twelveyear conservation programme of all the charters. Next year Waterford City Council will open a new medieval museum to house the city’s unique collection of charters, royal civic regalia and medieval cloth-of-gold vestments.

Wexford

Business Awards Finalists are major employers in Wexford The 62 shortlisted finalists for the 2011 Wexford Business Awards have combined annual sales close to €230 million and employ almost 2,500 people in Wexford.

The 62 shortlisted finalists for the 2011 Wexford Business Awards have combined annual sales close to €230 million and employ almost 2,500 people in Wexford.

that represent entrepreneurialism, innovation, diversity and the talent needed to drive a business in today’s challenging environment.

Shortlisted finalists range from start-ups to family businesses and well-known companies including retailers, manufacturers, training providers, tourism operators and tech businesses.

Winners in all 14 categories plus the overall Wexford Business of the Year Awards will be announced at a black tie gala awards ceremony on Friday, 17th June in Whites of Wexford. Tickets, priced €75 per person or €675 for a table of 10, to the 2011 Wexford Business Awards may be bought from Wexford Chamber by calling 053 9122226.

Over 115 entries were submitted for consideration, making the 2011 awards one of the most competitive ever held in Wexford. Commenting on the popularity of the awards Madeleine Quirke, CEO, Wexford Chamber said, “The record number of nominations received this year is evidence that Wexford business people are tough and capable of surviving drastic market changes. Our county is home to innovators, inventors and people with a natural entrepreneurial drive needed to succeed and prosper. Such positive profiling is necessary in the current climate and will be instrumental in building Wexford’s reputation as a centre of business and commerce.” The awards aim to recognise those individuals and businesses

A keynote address will be delivered at this year’s awards by Tom Savage, Director - The Communications Clinic and Chairman with RTE. Tom is Ireland’s leading expert in Emergency Communications Consultancy, advising Government Departments and multi-national corporations on the management of crises. Local morning radio host Alan Corcoran from South East Radio will perform master of ceremonies.

For more information on the awards see www.wexfordchamber.ie

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Comhairle Backs Cliffs Of Moher Seven Wonders Bid Members of Clare Comhairle na nóg visited the Cliffs of Moher this week to pledge their support for the visitor attraction’s bid to be selected as one of the ‘New7Wonders of Nature’. The iconic County Clare landmark was shortlisted in the New7Wonders of Nature competition in July 2009, along with 27 other sites, from over 440 participants representing 220 countries. In excess of one hundred million votes were cast in a global poll to determine the shortlisted sites. Among the other shortlisted sites are the Amazon Rainforest (South America), Table Mountain (SA), Bay of Fundy (CA), Black Forest (G), Vesuvius (IT), Galapagos Islands (EC), The Great Barrier Reef (AU) and The Grand Canyon (USA). Clare Comhairle na nÓg, a local forum for young people where they can discuss local and national issues of relevance to them, has given a commitment to promote the Cliffs of Moher in Primary and Secondary schools throughout the county. Established by the Swiss based New 7 Wonders Foundation the ‘New7Wonders of Nature’ contest is based on a global online vote that has been continuing since 2008. Organisers expect that a total of one billion votes will be cast over the course of the campaign. Votes can be cast in the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest for the Cliffs of Moher on www.new7wonders.com. Each voter gets seven votes. The results will be announced on 11th November 2011

Minister Hogan in Donegal to launch Volunteering in the Community Programme An exciting and newly devised programme promoting volunteerism in the community was officially launched in Donegal at the weekend by Phil Hogan TD, Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government. Devised by the Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. (DLDC), the programme is very much targeted at unemployed and socially excluded young persons from disadvantaged areas in the Donegal border area with a particular focus on equipping participants with the skills and motivation to pursue volunteering opportunities in the region and to explore life/career paths alternative to mainstream employment. Delivering his key note speech at the launch event, Minister Phil Hogan said: “It is great to see worthwhile initiatives such as this Cross Community Project being launched here today, which will target unemployed, disadvantaged and socially excluded young persons. Measures like this don’t happen by themselves they require a lot of thought, planning and hard work to bring them about, and I congratulate Donegal Local Development Company and the International Fund for Ireland for facilitating this project. “Volunteering is central to the ideals of democracy, social inclusion and active citizenship. It is also an expression of the individual’s involvement in their community. The giving of time for others strengthens the fabric of our societies and defines the communities in which we live. The ‘Volunteering in the Community’ Programme has been primarily funded by The International Fund for Ireland (IFI), who earlier this year committed €236,750 under its Community Based Economic and Social Regeneration Programme. The Volunteering in the Community Programme, which will integrate with the President’s Gaisce Awards Scheme, will be delivered in seven courses of 12 weeks duration over a two and a half year period. Each course will have a participant rate of 10 persons which will cover such topics as volunteerism, reconciliation at both the personal and community level and personal skills training. Today’s launch also marks the first IFI funded programme to be delivered by The Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC). “While some will progress into employment as a result, others will no doubt find that difficult for a period. This course will emphasise that employment is not the only path to personal and community fulfilment. It will allow those participating on the course to consider the benefits of volunteering, both for themselves and their communities and explore real, rewarding options in local volunteering.”

CityPOST set for significant increase in turnover Irish family-owned company CityPOST has signed a number of multimillion-euro deals which will see its turnover increase by 60 per cent this year. CityPOST now has the largest mail handling capacity in Ireland after An Post, and expects turnover to increase from €16 million to between €24 million and €26 million this year. Managing director Ian Glass said the company expected to make significant job announcements in Ireland and Portugal in the next few months. Within the last quarter, the company re-signed a €5 million contract to distribute telephone directories across the entire country for the next three years. In December 2010, the company was awarded a three-year contract worth close to €10 million to distribute the Portuguese telephone directories nationally. The company has a 28,000 sq ft facility in Queluz, on the outskirts of Lisbon and employs 120 people there, with around 450 independent contractors. In Ireland, CityPOST has a 26,000 sq ft facility and employs 188 staff. The company is currently looking at a larger facility in Ireland to bring its floor space up to between 45,000 and 50,000 sq ft. CityPOST was set up by Glass’ father, Sydney Glass, in 1987. The father and son remain the company’s only shareholders. The company has kept a low profile over the past two decades, but that is set to change, with a television advertising campaign being launched this week. visit: http://www.citypost.ie

14 Clare Schools Awarded Green Flags An Taisce awarded 14 green flags to Clare schools under the Green Schools programme at a special awards ceremony in Galway today, bringing to 34 the number of green flags awarded to Clare school in 2011. Clonmoney N.S. was awarded its first green flag for its work on litter and waste. A further 13 schools received green flags for their work on energy, water and travel including: Dangan N.S.; Holy Family Junior School, and Holy Family Senior School in Ennis; Lissycasey N.S., Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna; Scoil na Mainistreach in Quin, Tubber N.S., Clohanes N.S., Colaiste Muire in Ennis, Scoil Realt na Mara in Kilkee, St. Caimin’s Community School in Shannon, Querrin N.S., and Drumdigus N.S. Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Christy Curtin acknowledged the work the schools have undertaken commenting: “From today, 80 green flags will be flying high outside schools all over the county. Every one of those being awarded a green flag today truly deserves it. They have put a huge amount of work into the Green Schools programme and our county benefits hugely from this.” The Green Schools programme is an international environmental education initiative, environmental management system and award scheme that acknowledges long-term, whole school action for the environment. It is run by An Taisce in partnership with local authorities throughout Ireland. In a recent report by An Taisce, participating schools in Clare have in 2010 diverted waste from landfill of over 70 tonnes, reduced energy consumption by 178,560 kilowatt hours, cut water consumption by over 10 million litres and reduced CO2 emissions by nearly 180 tonnes. Schools have done Trojan work and should be highly commended”. Cathy Baxter, Green Schools Manager with An Taisce explained: “Across the country, An Taisce calculated that a combined overall minimum saving of approximately €3 million was achieved by awarded schools working on the Green-Schools programme during the 2009-2010 academic year, and it is estimated that when the cumulative effect of the programme is taken into account, an overall saving of in the region €8 million was achieved.”

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Wage Subsidy Available to Clare Businesses Clare Supported Employment is encouraging local employers to check if they can benefit from a generous subsidy of €5.30 per hour to employ a candidate who has a disability through their service. The service is available to meet with employers to explain how the subsidy works and to assist businesses to access the grant where possible. The grant is available to private sector employers, who employ a person who has a disability for 21 hours or more per week where there is a productivity shortfall. Team Leader with Clare Supported Employment, Alice O’Carroll explains how it can work. “The employee could be capable of carrying out most of the tasks involved but a physical disability might prevent them from carrying heavy boxes or from climbing stairs. In the case of a person with a hearing impairment, the person might be able to do everything perfectly except deal with customers on the telephone, for example”. Clare Supported Employment has already supported many local employers through the complete process, assisting in the pre-employment, job match, grant application and follow up mentoring phases. “We have over a hundred candidates, with various skills, abilities and experience, on our books at any one time and it is very possible that we have the right person for your business” continues Alice. To find out more about how the wage subsidy scheme can work for your business or if you are a person with an illness, injury or disability and wish to find out how the scheme could work for you, contact Alice or Karen on (065) 6844007 or email info@claresupportedemployment.ie or log onto www.claresupportedemployment.ie

Community Arts Event for social inclusion The Disability 1 Initiative has been developed by key Local Development Companies across Dublin who are working together to ensure that the needs of people living with disability remain high on their Social Inclusion agendas. Working directly with those living with disability, the Partnerships recently supported their participation in six local area Arts projects. A series of presentations of the artwork being displayed was the focus. Further discussions took place focusing on the role of area Partnerships in meeting the challenges of disability and Social Inclusion, the role the Arts can play in addressing barriers to inclusion for people with disability and societal attitudes to disability in Ireland today. The initiative and event was organised by six Local Area Partnerships based in Dublin who work across a range of issues relating to people with disability. Focusing on the art work created by the participants who have disabilities it provided an opportunity for them to display their work publicly and be the catalyst for further discussion and debate. People with Disabilities Ireland (PWDI) also supported this initiative, providing direct funding to the exhibition of the event. The event took place at the Woodquay Venue at Dublin City Councils Central Civic Offices where a series of presentations and discussions were on schedule for the morning, followed by open public access in the afternoon with the public encouraged to call in and see the work of those who participated. Maureen McGovern, Community Development Links Worker with Canals Community Partnership said “Over the last 20 years Ireland have seen a lot of positive changes to our environment to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities, but disabled people are not participating to any great extent because the biggest barrier of all has not been broken down yet and that is attitudes. To change attitudes, disabled people and non-disabled people have been working together across the City over the last few months to begin removing disabling barriers by producing art pieces together. The Partnerships will continue to work together under the Disability 1 Imitative to achieve the true inclusion of disabled people in communities”.

Dublin bikes reaches 2 million mark ahead of schedule. An incredible 2 million journeys have been taken on dublinbikes since the bike share rental scheme launched in September 2009. The 1 million milestone was reached in August 2010, meaning the pace at which the bikes are being rented has picked up even further this year with that record doubling in just 9 months. The 2 million mark was reached at 2.10pm on Thurs 12th May with a 7 minute journey from Parnell Square North to Smithfield North. In a recent survey by Dublin City Council (Your Dublin, Your Voice), it was revealed that 95% of people feel positive about dublinbikes and the proposed expansion of the scheme. Along with Luas, it emerged as one of the top initiatives in terms of positive impact on city life in the capital. Dublin’s Lord Mayor Gerry Breen says “The success of dublinbikes continues to exceed expectations. It took 11 months to reach one million journeys and now, just nine months later, we have reached the two million mark. The project has been a great partnership between Dublin City Council, JCDecaux Ireland and the scheme’s many members. It has re-introduced the bicycle as a form of transport in the city and has encouraged both Dubliners and visitors to get more active while supporting a green initiative.” Joanne Grant, Managing Director of JCDecaux Ireland said “reaching this milestone of 2 million journeys on dublinbikes demonstrates the overwhelming success of the scheme. Everyone at JCDecaux and Dublin City Council are very proud of what has been achieved in such a short space of time”. The dublinbikes scheme has received numerous awards including the Green Communications Award and the Excellence in Local Government award for Sustainable Development. There are now 44 stations and 550 bikes in the network and each db has an average rotation of 8.8 journeys p/day. A record 6, 043 journeys were taken on Fri 15th April; the busiest day so far in the history of the scheme. Dublinbikes has over 55,000 subscribers to date and is one of the most successful bike share rental schemes in the world.

Building Energy Ratings now issued to over 200,000 homes Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland reveals latest BER figures and calls on landlords to ensure BER ratings complete when letting properties. Figures released recently from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) reveal that Building Energy Ratings (BER) have now been issued to over 200,000 Irish homes. A total of 201,854 homes have been rated by BER assessors across the country, marking an increase of 100,000 since February 2010. Introduced in 2007 as part of the European Directive to improve the energy performance of homes, the rate of BER publications has steadily increased over the last two years since the introduction of a mandatory requirement for the inclusion of a BER certificate when selling or renting a home. A BER is an indication of the energy performance of a home, displaying an energy label on a scale of A1-G. An A1-rated home is the most energy efficient and will tend to have the lowest energy bills. A BER certificate is issued in conjunction with an advisory report which identifies how householders can improve the energy performance of their homes. Recent research, carried out by SEAI, shows that awareness levels of the BER Scheme has increased significantly over the last two years with almost six out of ten people expressing an awareness of the term BER in relation to homes and buildings. However while the research shows that there has been a rise in awareness amongst those looking to sell their homes (70% compared to 54% in 2009), those in the rental market remain the least aware at 42%. Commenting on the latest BER figures, Professor J. Owen Lewis, Chief Executive of SEAI, said: “The latest research figures on awareness levels, combined with the actual number of homes that have had BERs completed, indicate an increasing awareness of and compliance with the legislation. Despite the decline in property transactions, there has been a significant demand for BER ratings over the last two years. However those renting properties are still not aware of their entitlements to receive a BER. We urge those considering renting a property to demand a BER certificate, so they are fully informed of the energy performance of a dwelling before finalising any rent agreement.” In order to obtain a BER, a homeowner must have an assessment carried out by a certified BER assessor who is trained under the National Framework of Qualifications and registered with SEAI. There are currently 2,100 SEAI registered BER assessors across the country. A full list and further details are available at www.seai.ie/ber

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Dublin

A Brand new image for Dun Laoghaire The brand project was created to improve a number of towns across the UK and Ireland that have undergone physical/capital scheme regeneration works, but all have difficulties with the way in which they are perceived by their different communities. Elaine Carroll of Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council is a project officer with the initiative. She talks to Sally Harding O’Neill on the challenges faced by these areas.

Dun Laoghaire has a population of about 30,000, is a vibrant harbour town, steeped in heritage and culture, and claims wonderful vistas of Dublin Bay. Its 19th century Harbour is the largest man-made harbour in Western Europe, and it attracts about a million people a year to walk the pier. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the Sunday Market in the Peoples Park and it has a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants with a vibrant café culture. Dún Laoghaire has great sights on its doorstep, within 20 minutes you can be in Dublin City or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the mountains. With all of this in mind, it’s quite hard to imagine how the perception of this locality could be anything but idyllic, however regeneration works have resulted in a complicated relationship between the perception of the area and its residents and enterprises alike. Rhyl, Holyhead, Athy, and Dún Laoghaire are all towns that are participating in this project and as Elaine Carroll explains they all have one thing in common.

A pride among communities “The projects came about as these towns have seen regeneration, but have difficulties with the way in which they

are perceived by different sectors: residents, businesses, the tourism & hospitality sector, and external opinion formers. This affects community regeneration adversely,” says Elaine, adding “This is an EU Funded Interreg Project which is running for three years until September 2012. The aims of the Project are to develop & test a method of place rebranding re-engaging communities and create a toolkit of the methodology developed and make this available to other areas as a template for community regeneration” In today’s world, a tool to promote you is vital, not only for businesses but also for communities, towns and villages in a bid to attract investment, tourism and to build esteem amongst the locality itself. A positive aspect of our recent challenges is that everyone is prepared to rally for the cause in a way we haven’t seen for many decades. “Town branding would complement all the regeneration that has taken place in the four towns, and communicate some of this good work to external stakeholders, instilling a sense of pride within the four communities. Also, it adds value because it is an activity that has never been done before. Further, it adds value by engaging the community to assist the regeneration process by recasting the towns”

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Dublin images, adhering to the principle of engaging social capital to energise regeneration. The BRAND Project is about working with residents, business owners, and visitors to develop innovative and creative ways of boosting the reputation of Dún Laoghaire Town,” commented Brand’s project officer.” The Brand project says that it is crucial to engage with internal stakeholders, as they are ambassadors of the towns and will be integral in portraying a positive image to external stakeholders. The method is built around improving the reputation of the areas thus unifying all stakeholders and improving sustainability. We are in a real era of going back to basics, rebuilding our reputation over a magnitude of areas, having to work together to ensure our local enterprises are supported, promoted and ultimately successful. This programme is an EU community initiative that aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion by promoting international and cross-border co-operation. “To do this project, community engagement is key. A Local stakeholder group was developed to engage a variety of stakeholders including Harbour Company, Business community, Residents, Council, Tourism, Retailers, Education etc. Several Workshops were also held which were open to the public to attend and feedback was recorded to get their views on the future of Dun Laoghaire Town,” says Elaine, continuing “ I have regular progress meetings with the stakeholder groups and ensure that progress updates are communicated via council communications i.e. dlr Times, website etc. Bi-annual presentations are also made to Dún Laoghaire Councillors.”

What are the main objectives and have any of them been successful yet? There are key objectives the project is required to meet at an EU level, which are; • • • •

Identifying and developing the brand of each town Establishing a sustainable cross-border model for urban re-branding (development of a toolkit) Developing a community understanding of the need for sustainable development Devising new research and consultation processes

There is also an extensive Action Plan for each town which is formulated from the extensive consultation and research process at the beginning of the project. The BRAND project has a number of exciting projects taking place and/ or planned for 2011, which will raise the profile of Dún Laoghaire Town. Here are a few that are underway; •

•

A photographer was commissioned to take stunning photographs of the area and a new town logo or ‘graphic language’ has been developed. All of this will be available to businesses in the area to use free of charge in their work to promote Dún Laoghaire Town. Vacant retail space in the town centre is being made available to local entrepreneurs on a short-term, lowcost basis. The Pop-Up Shop Initiative will complement the existing and well established local businesses and

Dublin

•

boost footfall in Dún Laoghaire. The first tenant was the DLR Jewellery Designers which opened on 1st April in Parkhouse George’s St Upper. See www.dlrcoco.ie for more information. A business database of all businesses in Dún Laoghaire was compiled. This will be a searchable facility on the dunlaoghaire website in the coming weeks and will also aid communication between business stakeholders in the town. An ambassador scheme is due to be launched this year. This will aid front-line staff with customer service training and tourist information on the area. I am working with Dublin Tourism and Failte Ireland in its development A Marketing campaign for Dun Laoghaire will be launched in June. This will promote Dun Laoghaire as a key visitor destination for events over the summer period. This is will promote the new Dun Laoghaire brand, and generate footfall for the area.

A new Dún Laoghaire website was launched (www. dunlaoghaire.ie), which will help residents, businesses and community groups communicate more effectively with each other, as well as appealing to potential visitors to the town. There is also a Dun Laoghaire Town Facebook page. Both incorporate the new Graphic Language and will communicate a positive message about the place on a global scale.

“There has been a very positive response to the new website, and we are continuing the work on the site to improve it in the coming weeks. The business database is being added in the next few days so each business can be found by potential customers, and showcase what Dún Laoghaire has to offer in terms of products and services,” Elaine commented.

Towns involved in the project Rhyl The town of Rhyl is situated on the North Wales coast in the county of Denbighshire and has a population of around 27,000. Rhyl is a busy seaside resort, its sandy beaches stretch for miles eastwards from the mouth of the River Clwyd. The town itself endeavours to offer all the facilities of a modern coastal holiday setting and is well positioned just off the A55 main North Wales arterial route to provide access to the mountains of North Wales and the historic city of Chester. The North Wales coastal area has been a traditional destination for many years for holiday makers from the North-West of England and the Midlands. Like many traditional sea side resorts, in recent years Rhyl has seen a change in its role and there are many developments that have already modernised the resort with more to come over the next few years.

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Dublin

Holyhead Holyhead in North Wales is best known for being a ferry port linking Britain with Ireland, seeing some 2.2 million passengers each year. With 12,000 residents it is the largest town in the rural island county of Anglesey. Holy Island on which Holyhead is located is very popular with visitors in the summer due to its beaches, coastal scenery, heritage, water sports, caravan sites, and iconic lighthouse. Holyhead’s development was closely linked to the port and railways. Like many other port towns, it faces regeneration challenges, and has recently suffered industrial job losses. Recent investments include a retail park, yachting marina and business park, and several further developments are planned including a major waterfront scheme.

Athy

“So far the other towns have also had a very positive response to the project. The project is halfway through now, and is due to complete in September 2012”

So what is the future for Dun Laoghaire and the Brand project? “We are looking at the possibility of extending the BRAND project for a year to help the development of a maintenance or formal Town Management structure to aid its sustainability. This proposal is currently being assessed. The BRAND project is laying the foundations for a more positive future for Dun Laoghaire. The stakeholders will then have the tools to continue what the BRAND project has started and carry on the cycle of positive change.” – Elaine Carroll, Project officer.

www.brandproject.eu

Athy is a historic market town, in the south of Kildare in Ireland. The Grand Canal and River Barrow brought early benefits from trade and the twentieth century saw sustained industrial growth initially from the milling and malting industries. The population of Athy has risen from 6,049 in 2002 to 9,000 persons in 2009. This increasing population presents many opportunities and highlights the need for the residents and business community to combine their resources for the benefit of all. “We seek to promote Athy and its hinterlands as an attractive vibrant location to work, live and visit,” says the Brand Project.

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‘Spirit of Enterprise Michael Dee’ Award Goes To Calmast An organisation which encourages a greater interest among students in maths, science and technology are the worthy recipients of a major enterprise development award.

and technology in our schools and colleges across the SouthEast. These important skills will be a key cornerstone to economic and social development in the years to come.”

Calmast, the Centre for the Advancement of Learning of Maths, Science and Technology set up by Dr. Sheila Donegan and Eoin Gill in 2003, was presented with the ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ Michael Dee Award for 2011 at an awards ceremony this evening (May 12th).

The judging panel for this year’s awards included the President of N.U.I Maynooth, Professor Tom Collins, Joe Greaney, the CEO of WestBIC and President of the European BIC Network and Margaret Ryan, a Development Manager with Enterprise Ireland. The judges felt that Calmast deserved recognition for the role they play in highlighting the critical importance of mathematics, science and technology across schools and colleges, agreeing that their path-finding contribution is one which could, and should, be replicated by higher education institutions throughout the country.

Named after the late Enterprise Ireland executive, Michael Dee, the ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ Award was open to individuals, organisations and companies, who have furthered economic or social development across the South-East region. Ten nominees in total were shortlisted for the award, which is organised by the Steering Group of the SouthEast region’s ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ Forum. Representatives from the South-East Regional Authority, the South-East Business and Innovation Centre, the local County and City Enterprise Boards, the Institute of Technology in Carlow and the Waterford Institute of Technology are all members of the Steering Group. One of the directors of Calmast, Eoin Gill, was presented with the award by Eoin Dee on behalf of the Michael Dee family, Martin Shanahan, Chief Executive of Forfás and Michael Maddock from the Forum’s Steering Group. Michael Maddock congratulated Calmast at the ceremony, saying: “Through their various initiatives and events, Calmast are helping to foster long-term key skills in mathematics, science

Other high calibre nominees this year included Des Whelan from WLR FM and the Tall Ships Races organising committee, Dr. Willie Donnelly, the Head of Research and Innovation at W.I.T., Robert Leslie from Global Business Register in Waterford, Sam McCauley, founder of the pharmacy chain, Brendan Ennis from Innovation Wexford and the Wexford Enterprise Centre, Blaise Brosnan from the Management Resource Institute in Wexford, Clonmel Chamber in Tipperary, the South Tipperary Women in Business Network and St. Canice’s Kilkenny Credit Union. The ‘Spirit of Enterprise Michael Dee’ Awards ceremony took place at the Tower Hotel in Waterford, at the end of ‘Ireland and Wales Working Together’ conference, which is organised by the Sustainable Learning Networks in Ireland and Wales (SLNIW).

“Council announces winners of student ‘get active’ art competition

Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council in conjunction with DLR Sports Partnership is delighted to announce the winners of the annual “getting active” art competition for local primary school students. The popular competition asked students to come up with a catchy slogan and draw an A4 size poster focusing on “getting active”. The competition’s ‘active’ theme links in with the “Travel Smarter, Live Better” focus of the Council’s Sustainable Travel Unit. This year’s competition attracted entries from 75 schools across the County, and on Friday the 13th May 2011, the winning children in the art Competition and their families were invited to attend an award ceremony in County Hall where they were presented with their prizes and photographed with An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Lettie McCarthy. The winning entries were from Marcos Fernandez, Oatlands Primary School, Stillorgan, Hannah Foot, Rathmichael Parish School, Shankill, Louise Gamble, Our Lady’s Grove Primary School, Goatstown Road, Alan Mackey & Alice Treacey, Guardian Angels Primary School, Blackrock, Ruby

Butler and Amelia Stanley of Mount Anville Junior School, Mount Anville. Holy Trinity National School takes home the prize for overall school entry. All the entries have been uploaded to the Councils website at www.dlrcoco.ie/artcompetition. According to Gerry Flaherty, the Council’s Sustainable Travel Officer, “The children embraced the theme of the competition and have created slogans such as “Exercise isn’t just for Eyes”, “Don’t Stop, Skip or Hop” and “Be Wise Exercise”. The Council hopes that through this competition, it has encouraged the County’s young people to get active, think about sustainability and enjoy the benefits of outdoor activity.” Further information can be obtained at www.dlrcoco.ie/ artcompetition or by e-mailing the Sustainable Travel Officer at gflaherty@dlrcoco.ie or the Travel Plan Co-Ordinator at fgill@dlrcoco.ie.

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ESB Electric Ireland and eircom announce €22 Million, Two Year Energy Supply Contract ESB Electric Ireland has secured a €22 million contract with eircom Group Ltd which will see it service eircom’s strategic energy requirements over the next two years. ESB Electric Ireland has secured a €22 million contract with eircom Group Ltd which will see it service eircom’s strategic energy requirements over the next two years. As part of the contract, ESB Electric Ireland will supply electricity to 81 major telephone exchanges and installations and eircom’s new corporate headquarters at Heuston South Quarter, and support the company with long range energy procurement. Announcing the contract win today, ESB Electric Ireland Industrial & Commercial Business Manager Derek Russell said the company had developed a highly flexible, innovative contract which would help drive cost-savings and energy efficiency for eircom. “Volatility in wholesale energy markets, such has been the case in recent times, can make it difficult for large energy users to accurately forecast their long term needs and costs. “We have structured this new contract in a way which brings the client ‘inside’ our energy trading centre and enables them to leverage the expertise and experience we have in managing the gas, carbon and foreign exchange inputs that determine their final energy costs,” Mr Russell said.

ESB Electric Ireland has enjoyed a six year relationship with eircom during which time it has partnered with the company on internal eircom energy awareness campaigns; provided advice on cost saving opportunities; shared its energy auditing expertise and offered regular advice and updates on energy market developments including long range energy forecasts. Over the next 24 months, ESB Electric Ireland will be seeking opportunities to help eircom further exploit energy costsaving and efficiency initiatives through the installation of Energytracked, ESB Electric Ireland’s energy and environmental management system. Commenting on the new contract, eircom’s Director of Group Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Paul Quinn said:”We are very pleased to award this contract to ESB Electric Ireland. It gives us the flexibility to secure cost savings in what continues to be a highly volatile market. Energy is a significant cost to us in providing services to our customers. Our focus is to procure energy in a way that delivers savings and as much certainty as possible. ”

1. 87

Irish firms outperform most European counterparts in innovation performance Forfás recommends supporting small businesses to engage in innovation

A new report analysing Ireland’s innovation performance shows that although Irish firms continue to outperform most of its European counterparts in terms of engagement in innovation, an opportunity exists to stimulate export-led growth in small firms by encouraging innovation activity in the sector as a priority so that indigenous companies can grow and successfully exploit overseas markets.

small indigenous firms to begin and, in many cases, continue to innovate is imperative. Our analysis indicates that there is further potential for policies to encourage non-technological modes of innovation such as marketing and organisational innovation, which could be more effective and more affordable for small firms, essentially achieving more value for less investment.”

Analysis of Ireland’s Innovation Performance, published today by Forfás, Ireland’s policy advisory board for enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation, shows that just 38.9 per cent of small firms with between ten and 49 employees engage in either product or process innovation compared to 75.8 per cent of companies with 250+ employees. Similarly, 24.8 per cent of small firms engage in marketing innovation compared to 35.3 per cent in medium firms and 36.9 per cent in large firms. A considerable difference is particularly notable when it comes to organisational innovation where 28.4 per cent of small firms engage in this form of innovation, compared to 43.7 per cent of medium sized firms and 65.9 per cent of large firms.

The report also analyses innovation activity in various sectors across the Irish economy. From a sectoral perspective, firms are more likely to engage in innovation if they are exposed to international competition. For example, the manufacturing sector has seen a reduction in total numbers employed over the past decade, but maintains high levels of product and process innovation. 33.9 per cent of manufacturing firms, the highest percentage across all sectors analysed, are engaged in improving their methods of production. In contrast, the wholesale and retail sector, which is a domestically-trading sector, records levels of product and process innovation consistently below the economy-wide average, with only 19.6 per cent and 28.3 per cent of firms in these sectors engaged in product and process innovation respectively.

There are a number of factors that contribute to these different levels of innovation activity. Larger firms are more likely to have an allocated budget for product and service development, as well as having a greater number of operations and processes into which innovation, particularly process innovation, could be applied. Smaller firms are often lacking the resources - financial, physical and human - to engage in innovation. They also engage more in process innovation than product innovation, and to a greater extent than their counterparts in larger firms. This could reflect the fact that process innovations such as logistics or support activities are often on a smaller timescale, and often less capital and labour intensive, than many forms of product innovations. Presenting the findings of the report at the CSO’s 3rd Business Statistics Seminar in Dublin Castle today, Jonathan Healy, Senior Policy Analyst, Forfás said: “Now more than ever, Ireland’s small businesses need a supportive and competitive business environment so that they can thrive and grow. Developing innovation policy that will support

In terms of organisational innovation, a considerably higher than average proportion of firms in more highly-skilled service sectors such as information and communication, financial and insurance services, and professional, scientific and technical activities, are active in this innovation mode. The proportion of firms engaged in marketing innovations are fairly evenly spread across all the major sectors, with the exception of the information and communications sector, where a higher concentration of 43.7 per cent of firms are engaged in some form of marketing innovation. It is intended that the findings arising from the Forfás analysis will provide an important input to the overall assessment of the return of State investment in science, technology and innovation. It will also support the targeting of innovation policy into the future. The full report, Analysis of Ireland’s Innovation Performance, is available to download from the Forfás website, www.forfas.ie

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Due to the stagnant property market, householders who are finding it difficult to move house may find that this is an ideal time to upgrade their existing home. External Wall Insulation will certainly enhance any property and save you money in the long run. External Insulation Ireland provides an excellent all round service, which is borne out by the fact that they have priced around 200

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In 2002, the Government set up SEI as This very big construction company boasts all Ireland’s national and energy agency. Itsapproved mission is SEI Grants As Available an NSAI certified SEI system we supply 30 different registered contractors who have the knowledge and expertise to complete any project requiring an to promote and assist the development of susthe knowledge and expertise to complete any project requiring an Avail of a €4,000 grant to the knowledge and expertise to meet the tainable energy. necessary components to complete even the most challenge of any building project put before re-insulate your home. Contact There are a number of grants available for them. homes and business including a Home Energy us or SEI for more information upgrade of thermal performance of upgrade of thermal performance ofexisting existingor ornew newbuildings. buildings. complicated of projects. All our Listed Applicators have The company follows up leads straight Saving scheme (Insulation Grants). F away, and 14 working days from the date of attended A Parex LaHabra training course As required by F order, they are on site and ready to work their Grants Excellent service magic. jobs since Christmas. D1In 2002, the Government set up SEI as WE’VEeveryone just come through Supplying and installing Parex LaHabra EWI systems inin follow Supplying and installing Parex LaHabra EWI systems NSAI/IAB to Due comply with certification. We also give f course would like to one haveofa the much to the stagnant property market, houseSo the next time you are unnecessarily shivvery big construction company boasts Ireland’s SEI Grants Available C2 national energy agency. Its mission is 30This coldest in about manythe years. armer homewinters but what cost involved. holders who are finding it difficult to move ering in your home and feeling the extremities different registered contractors who have to promote and assist the development of susIreland since 1998, We have encountered and solved the Ireland since 1998, We have encountered and solved the Temperatures plummeted to minus 10 in places up technical support, on site training and project The good news is that Sustainable Energy house may find that this is an ideal time to Avail of a €4,000 grant to the knowledge and expertise to meet the of a winter similar to 2009/2010, remember tainable energy. C1 just after Christmas and we had our most proeland (SEI) provides grants to offset the cost. upgrade their existing home. External Wall challenge of any building project put before re-insulate your home. Contact There are a number of grants available for the dramatic impact thathouses External Wall longed cold snap since the 1960s. problems that might arise when EWI toto problems thatto might arise when retrofitting EWI houses C1 inspections ensure that all retrofitting External insulation/Parex them. rants As of well €4,000 are available forwith an icy External homes and business including a Home Energy Insulation could have on your home. us or SEI for more information as having to contend roads and Insulation will certainly enhance any property The company follows up leads straight Saving scheme (Insulation Grants). and save you money in the long run. all water Insulation. Also,there don’t forget thatproblem you are shortages was that old of Visit www.externalinsulation.ie for more B3 in the Irish market. in the Irish market. away, and 14 working days from the date of systems are fitted according to Specification and heating systems breaking down, houseExternal Insulation Ireland provides an aving as much as 40 per cent on leaving your heating information on this excellent product, which order, they are on site and ready to work their to which shiver while anxiously Grants Excellent service excellent all round service, which is borne out lls holders annually has towaiting be factored in for to any results in a win-win situation for you, your magic. repairs to be carried out. Parex LaHabra/External Insulation first EWI certification. Parex LaHabra/External Insulation werethe theand first EWIsystem system Of course everyone would like to have a much Due to the stagnant property market, housefamily the environment. by the fact that they have priced aroundwere 200 utlay. So the next time you are unnecessarily shivNow that the worst is over, it gives us a chance warmer home but what about the cost involved. holders who are finding it difficult to move arly ering in your home and feeling the extremities to take stock and prepare for the next cold spell, The good news is that Sustainable Energy to receive a retrofit specific IAB/NSAI certification for the to receive a retrofit specific IAB/NSAI certification for the house may find that this is an ideal time to of a winter similar to 2009/2010, remember which could strike at anytime with our unpreIreland (SEI) provides grants to offset the cost. upgrade their existing home. External Wall the dramatic impact that External Wall climate. 0% dictable of Grants of €4,000 are Wicklow available forand an External Insulation will certainly enhance any property External Insulation Ireland is based in Kilcoole, County has an office in Fairview. Irish Irishmarket. market. Insulation could have on your home. Case Study... eral However, did you know that there’s a company and save you money in the long run. Wall Insulation.(Wicklow) Also, don’t forget that you are(Fairview). Visit www.externalinsulation.ie for more that could have kept us much warmer, saved us For more information, phone 2811251 or 8316368 utGail Sinclair, estate agent at paying RemaxforPartners, Fairview, was asked to value a house in Kilbarrack before and after insulation work was External Insulation Ireland provides an saving as much as 40 per cent on your heating information on this excellent product, which large sums on heating bills and repairs, ion you can email Also, As NSAI supply all As an NSAIcertified certifiedand andSEI SEIapproved approvedsystem systemwe we supply allinfo@externalinsulation.ie excellent all round service, which is borne out bills annually whichor hasvisit to bewww.externalinsulation.ie factored in to any results in a win-win situation for you, your carried out to thean property and helped thebring environment to boot?from an F energy rating to a B3, which is the highest rating available to a second hand house. family and the environment. by the fact that they have priced around 200 outlay. External Insulation the country’s longest The original houseIreland, had kgCO2/M2/Yr emissions of 76.55, which dropped to 25.73 after remedial work, saving the householder 67 necessary components totocomplete necessary components completeeven eventhe themost most established External Wall (EWI)omissions compaper cent in energy billsInsulation and carbon in addition to helping the environment. ny, has been insulating houses all over Ireland ® The house in Kilbarrack is a three-bed semi-detached family home with a garage to the rear. since 1998. complicated ofofprojects. All our Listed Applicators complicated projects. All our Listed Applicatorshave have Case Study... In the good old days of the property boom, such a property would have commanded a price of around €500,000 with or without a favourable BER rating. How does itattended work? attended AAParex ParexLaHabra LaHabratraining trainingcourse courseAs Asrequired requiredby by Gail Sinclair, estate agent at Remax Partners, Fairview, was asked to value a house in Kilbarrack before and after insulation work was In these straightened times, the purchaser is King and is becoming more and more discerning about this, one of the most important carried out to bring the property from an F energy rating to a B3, which is the highest rating available to a second hand house. External Wall Insulation (EWI) is a composite buys in their life.comprised IfNSAI/IAB the property into walk-in condition, with a goodcertification. energy rating, it has a much better chance of being sold, number cladding system of suitableisinsulation NSAI/IAB with We also give follow The original house had kgCO2/M2/Yr emissions of 76.55, which dropped to 25.73 after remedial work, saving the householder 67 tocomply comply with certification. We also give follow andand, waterproof coating is applied to all the per cent in energy bills and carbon omissions in addition to helping the environment. one number two,which achieving a good price for the vendor. external walls of aup building. The The house in Kilbarrack is a three-bed semi-detached family home with a garage to the rear. technical support, site training and project up technical support, on training and project The contractor carrying outapplication the workofonEWI this house spent on a total ofsite €26,000 broken down as follows: reduces heating bills, and consequently, carbon In the good old days of the property boom, such a property would have commanded a price of around €500,000 with or without a emissions also. favourable BER rating. inspections to ensure that all External insulation/Parex inspections to ensure that all External insulation/Parex External Wall Insulation (EWI) is the most effiBER CO2 of upgrade Cost Grant Net Details In these straightened times, the purchaser is King and is becoming more and more discerning about this, one of the most important cient way to insulate an existing building. FACT. Achieved Emmissions Obtained Cost and buys in their life. If the property is in walk-in condition, with a good energy rating, it has a much better chance of being sold, number systems fitted systems fittedaccording accordingtotoSpecification Specification and It uses the fabric of the building likeare aare storage kgCO2/M2/Yr one and, number two, achieving a good price for the vendor. radiator. Because the heat can no longer escape Original house The contractor carrying out the work on this house spent a total of €26,000 broken down as follows: through the outer certification. layer of insulation, it isreport reflected. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€350 . . . . . . .€200 . . . . . .€150 . . . . . . . .F . . . . . 76.55 certification. BER Before/after survey & advisory back into the living areas, creating a constant

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The original house had kgCO2/M2/Yr emissions of 76.55, which dropped to 25.73 after remedial work, saving the householder 67 per cent in energy bills and carbon omissions in addition to helping the environment. The house in Kilbarrack is a three-bed semi-detached family home with a garage to the rear. In the good old days of the property boom, such a property would have commanded a price of around €500,000 with or without a favourable BER rating. In these straightened times, the purchaser is King and is becoming more and more discerning about this, one of the most important buys in their life. If the property is in walk-in condition, with a good energy rating, it has a much better chance of being sold, number one and, number two, achieving a good price for the vendor. The contractor carrying out the work on this house spent a total of €26,000 broken down as follows: Details of upgrade

BER CO2 Cost Grant Net Achieved Emmissions Obtained Cost kgCO2/M2/Yr Original house BER Before/after survey & advisory report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€350 . . . . . . .€200 . . . . . .€150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76.55

ootprint by cut.5 tonnes per

Warming to the task of keeping the hea

through exterr heating bills

Upgrade attic insulation to 300mm quilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€460 . . . . . . .€250 . . . . . .€210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73.34

on the inside eland can also t on its exterior. rformance of a ulation system, to create a e without the methods. ish system nish without nal systems.

EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€10,000 . . . .€4,000 . . . .€6,000 . . . . .

. . . . 50.26

. . . . . 39.22

Boiler & heating controls upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€2,700 . . . . . .€700 . . . . . .€2,000 . . . . . .

. . . . . 31.1

Addition of porch/Draught lobby3,750.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€3,750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€3,750

.....

. . . . . 30.78

Install 3m2 evacuated tube solar panel with 150L separate storage .€3,250 . . . . . .€900 . . . . . .€2,350 . . . . . .

. . . . 25.73

Change windows & doors to Munster joinery Double glazed PVC . . . .€5,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€5,500 . . . . . .

OVERALL COST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€26,010 . . . . . .€6.050 . . . . .€19,960

All the above prices are subject to 13.5% VAT

Gail’s valuation before the work in late 2009 was €280,000 with no guarantee of a quick sale or any sale at all. When she came back in early 2010, after the remedial work had been completed, she valued the house at €325,000 with an excellent prospect of selling quickly.

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Details of upgrade

Cost

Grant Obtained

Net Cost

warm home. Upgrade attic insulation to 300mm quilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€460 . . . . . . .€250 . . . . . .€210 . . . . . . . .F . . . . . 73.34

EXTERNAL INSULATION SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€10,000 . . . .€4,000 . . . .€6,000 . . . . .D1 . . . . 50.26 by up to 40WALL per cent.

Original house

BER Achieved

CO2 Emmissions kgCO2/M2/Yr

BER Before/after survey & advisory report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€350 . . . . . . .€200 . . . . . .€150 . . . . . . . .F . . . . . 76.55 When upgrading the Thermal performance of a building Upgrade attic insulation to 300mm quilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€460 . . . . . . .€250 . . . . . .€210 . . . . . . . .F . . . . . 73.34 year. Boiler heating controls . . .inside . . . . . .using . . . . . . . . .the . . . . . .External . . . .€2,700 . . . Insulation/Parex . . .€700 . . . . . .€2,000 . . . . . .EWI C1. . . . .system 31.1 you also As & well as having a huge upgrade impact on the EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€10,000 . . . .€4,000 . . . .€6,000 . . . . .D1 . . . . 50.26 of your home, External Insulation Ireland can also Addition of porch/Draught lobby3,750.00 . . .get . . . . . .the . . . . . .opportunity . . . . . . .€3,750 . . . . . . to . . . . create . . . . . . .€3,750 . . . . .C1. . .new . . 30.78 low maintenance have a dramatic and positive effect on its exterior. a Bright Change windows & doors to Munster joinery Double glazed PVC . . . .€5,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€5,500 . . . . . .C2. . . . . 39.22 When upgrading the Thermal performance of a building using the External Wallsolar Insulation system, Install 3m2 evacuated tube panel with 150L separatewithout storage .€3,250 . . . . .cost .€900 . associated . . . . .€2,350 . . . . . .with B3 . . . . 25.73 façade the conventional Boiler & heating controls upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€2,700 . . . . . .€700 . . . . . .€2,000 . . . . . .C1. . . . . 31.1 you are also given the opportunity to create a bright new low maintenance façade without the Addition of porch/Draught lobby3,750.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€3,750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€3,750 . . . . .C1. . . . . 30.78 All the above prices are OVERALL COST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€26,010 . . . . . .€6.050 . . . . .€19,960 cost associated with conventional methods. subject to 13.5% VAT It can also reduce your carbon footprint by cut-

Change windows & doors Double glazed PVC . . . .€5,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€5,500 . . . . . .C2. . . . . 39.22 ting your CO2 emissions by uptotoMunster 2.5 tonnesjoinery per

The company’s certified brick finish system

6 Renmore Business Park, Kilcoole Ind. Estate, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow.

Gail’s before thebrick work in late 2009 was €280,000 with no guarantee of a quick sale or any sale at all. When she came back in helpsvaluation replicate any existing finish without the cost associated with conventional systems. early 2010, after the remedial work had been completed, she valued the house at €325,000 with an excellent prospect of selling quickly.

Install 3m2 evacuated tube solar panel with 150L separate storage .€3,250 . . . . . .€900 . . . . . .€2,350 . . . . . .B3 . . . . 25.73

We manufacture and supply insulated cills, insulated cill All the above prices are OVERALL COST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€26,010 . . . . . .€6.050 . . . . .€19,960 ction subject to 13.5% VAT Tel: (01) 281 1251 Fax: (01) 281 1237 Email: info@externalinsulations.ie extensions, decorative mouldings for windows, doors,plinths, Gail’s valuation before the work in late 2009 was €280,000 with no guarantee of a quick sale or any sale at all. When she came back in nalExternal Save 40% on yearly early 2010, after the remedial work had been completed, she valued the house at €325,000 with an excellent prospect of selling quickly. Insulation Ireland is based in Kilcoole, County Wicklow and has an string office incourses Fairview. and gutter quoins stones, parapet cappings, heatingFor costs ulation 57 Fairview Fairview, more information, phone 2811251Strand, (Wicklow) or 8316368 (Fairview).Dublin 3. Tel: (01) 831 6368 Fax: (01) 831 9866 A typical home loses 40% of

corbels.

Also, youthe can email info@externalinsulation.ie or visit www.externalinsulation.ie is heat through exteral Masonry walls. Learn more about n External Wall Insulation Also available are a range of synthetic granite

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External Insulation Ireland is based in Kilcoole, County Wicklow and has an office in Fairview. For more information, phone 2811251 (Wicklow) or 8316368 (Fairview). natural stone Also, you can email info@externalinsulation.ie or visit www.externalinsulation.ie

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and finishes to give that touch of class to any project.

PAREX

Our certified brick finish system helps replicate any existing brick finish without the cost associated with conventional systems.

66Renmore RenmoreBusiness BusinessPark, Park,Kilcoole KilcooleInd. Ind.Estate, Estate,Kilcoole, Kilcoole,Co. Co.Wicklow. Wicklow. Tel: Tel:(01) (01)281 2811251 1251Fax: Fax:(01) (01)281 2811237 1237Email: Email:info@externalinsulations.ie info@externalinsulations.ie With our extensive range of colours that are mixed in 57 6368 (01) 9866 57Fairview FairviewStrand, Strand,Fairview, Fairview,Dublin Dublin3. 3.Tel: Tel:(01) (01)831 831factory 6368inFax: Fax: (01) 831 9866 Kilcoole Co,831 Wicklow ensuring the product delivered anywhere in Ireland within 24 hours thus eliminating long lead times.

www.externalinsulation.ie www.externalinsulation.ie All our finishes and Mouldings can be used on traditi

build without the cost and weight restrictions associa traditional methods.

Freephone 1800 655 655

Package Includes: