business limerick magazine

September 2009 € 3.50

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“LimerickYou'reaLady” -DenisAllen

We'relookingforwardtospendingtimewithour"NewFamily"in2009

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BL COVER STORYLimerick Your A Lady-Denis Allen

BL NEWSBL Feature Story- Libya is Open for Business

BL GALLERYOut and About with BL

BL NEWSBusy Times in Civic Trust

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BL NEWS'Limerick Firm wins Strata3'

BL REVIEWA Visit To Hampton Square

BL ARTSWin Dr. Hook & Micheal Jackson Tribute Tickets

BL DIRECTORYA-Z of Mid-West businesses

Business Limerick FOR BUSINESS LEADERS

C O N T E N T SSeptember 2009

FROM THE EDITOR

Limerick Host Special Olympics 2010The 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games were recently launched with Limerick as the host city, where more than 2,000 athletes are expected to travel here for the games. Over 900 coaches and officials, thousands of family members to support the participants, and an estimated 3,500 volunteers will descend on the UL Campus on June 9th to 13th next year.

The Special Olympics are a wonderful occasion and not just for people with intellectual disability. They benefit all our lives, both physically and emotionally. It is an occasion where great friendships are made and is a very rewarding experience for all concerned.

It is also an opportunity to raise Limerick’s profile through friendship and sport. It must be welcomed for the number of visitors it brings and will add a valuable contribution to the city’s local economy. It is a welcome beacon of life for our local tourism industry and a chance to showcase the many amenities in the Region to the estimated 7,000 visitors.

The 5 day schedule of events is expected to be the biggest national games yet with an approximate cost of over €2million. Special Olympics Ireland, like so many charities in the present climate, are finding times difficult, and welcome the many corporate sponsors who have already ‘dug deep’ to help out. Special Olympics receive a government grant from the Department of Sport & Tourism but this only meets 30% of the required funding, so any available corporate support is most welcome. The Special Olympics oath is “Let me win, but if I can’t win, let be me brave in the attempt” a philosophy we all support.

Frank CollinsEditor

[email protected]

Business Limerick Patrons

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

EditorFrank [email protected] Mobile: 086 245 1153

Advertising ManagerMarguerite [email protected]: 087 245 1153

Advertising SalesYvonne [email protected] Mobile: 086 8072088

Business JournalistsBrian [email protected]

Accounts ManagerMary [email protected]

Graphic DesignKevin MeaneyIDF Marketing Ltd.Office: 061 375412

PhotographyMichael Cowhey

Photographic ContributorsPress 22Kieran Clancy - PicSureDave GaynorKeith Wiseman

ContributorsMal KeaveneyMick GalweyKevin Meaney

Published byBusiness Limerick Publications Ltd.

DirectorsFrank CollinsMarguerite Finnan

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

Business LimerickPillar House,

Little Ellen Street, Limerick

Tel: (061) 46 75 18 (061) 21 47 38Fax: (061) 46 85 60

Email: [email protected] Web: www.businesslimerick.ie

In1979, John Loftus and Shay Kinsella organised a local festival, Limerick’s Ladies Fair and invited young singer song writer Denis Allen to pen a song to be sung by Tommy Drennan. Later after a gig at 3 o’clock in the morning, Denis wrote the song which was to become the anthem for the County and City of Limerick, ‘Limerick you’re My Lady’.

30 years later, speaking to Denis sitting at his Steinway Piano in his Rosbrien

recording studio, he recalled this defining moment in his career.

“I had written many songs recorded by Tommy Drennan and he already had a song he wanted to release at The Limerick Ladies Fair. So I decided to record it myself and I pressed 500 copies and released it on my own on ‘Middle 8 record label. I brought it to Dublin calling to every radio station and record company, but nobody wanted

my song. RTE radio broadcaster, Larry Gogan played it on his show, then after Mike Murphy played it, the record companies sat up and released ‘Limerick you’re A Lady’ nationwide. This was the break I needed and it took off from there, topping the Irish Charts and holding the No.1 spot for many weeks and remaining in the charts for over a year,” smiled Denis.

This song has now been recorded by

4 Keeping an eye on Business

LimerickYou’reaLady–ThirtiethBirthday

Keeping an eye on Business


forty five international artists which includes Irish stars; the late Joe Dolan, Daniel O’Donnell, Suzanne Murphy and the late Frank Patterson. The gold disc presented by the record company for sales of the record proudly hangs in his studio to-day.

Growing up in Thomas Street, Limerick had major influences in his life. “My parents had a guest house in Thomas St. at a time when musicals and shows were very popular in Limerick. It was the Jack Cruise era in The Savoy Theatre and singers and entertainers stayed at our nearby guesthouse. We were constantly surrounded by music and song. My father was a trained singer and a member of the Jesuit Choir and I remember fondly parties in our guesthouse where local singers such as Hilda Roche joined with established professional singers. We all grew up listening and wanting to play music, wanting to sound original!”

At school, Denis played the tin whistle, later harmonica, button accordion and became a fan of Elvis and Buddy Holly. He left school at the CBS to join Sheehan’s Architects to serve his time as a draftsman.

“There were a lot of musical groups popping up in Limerick at that time and I had been jamming with different groups. I played with The Embers a band that will be remembered by many patrons of Old Crescent RFC clubhouse in Rathbane on Saturday nights."

Denis then formed Bojangle with Tom Frost and Bobby O’Driscoll. They played support to two of the most memorable Rory Gallagher concerts in The Savoy. In 1973, Tommy Drennan was looking for a guitarist in his band Top League.

“ I joined Top League and became a fulltime musician for the first time, touring the showband circuit. Later, I was playing with Sean O’Dowd and Ding

a Ding -A-Ling when I wrote ‘Limerick You’re A Lady.’ A few weeks after, I sang it on The Late Late Show for Gay Byrne in October of that year!”

Gigs in the United States, Canada, UK and Europe were to follow this success. He wrote a song for the Furey Brothers

which was to become a hit “Lonely In London”and toured the UK with the Furey’s, performing a forty minute slot before the Furey’s performance.

“ I’ve had some really great moments from this song, performing it on ‘Up For The Match’ before the All Ireland Hurling

Final 1980 and hearing the Artane Boys Band playing it when Limerick lined out against Galway the following day in Croke park.

“ Some years later I was in Holland supporting Eoin Hand’s Ireland soccer squad and returning at the airport a supporter recognised me. The crowd immediately went into their version of ‘Limerick You’re My Lady’.

“I was in Bunratty lately and a guide aiding an American tour party mentioned me in passing as she recognised me and linked me with the song for the tourists. I heard one member of the group ask her, “Is he still alive?” laughed Denis.

Denis set up a recording studio beside his home in Rosbrien. “Initially I set it up for myself, buying some gear to start recording. There was no studio in Limerick, so it progressed from there”. Artists such as Frankie Gavin, Shane Mc Gowan, Christie Dunne, Tuesday Blue, Gary Shannon and his sister Sharon Shannon have all recorded here.

“ I arrange for people and young bands can produce a ‘demo’ without spending a fortune. A good arrangement is vital to ‘pitch’ a song with good recording.

The person sent the demo must imagine themselves singing the song. I can guide the musicians in this area and I can advise them of the many pitfalls along the way. Young musicians come to me with a bunch of enthusiasm and someone needs to tell them it’s a cruel business and make sure to read the small print. I believe that while recording in the studio there should be no pressure on the artist and while there is no room for complacency, I don’t work ‘on the clock’ as most other studios do”.

Denis’ patience, professionalism and talent in the recording studio is widely acknowledged by performing artists who have returned regularly to record at his intimate venue.

He recorded two popular albums with Denis Carey from Newport, ‘Late Starters In Love’ and ‘Shannon River’. Denis Carey is the proprietor of Peter Dee Music School and Steamboat Quay Music Shop.

He is presently producing a new album of all original songs with Derek Moloney that will be released for the Christmas Market. Musically his influences have been songwriters such as Paul Simon, Burt Bacharach and Roy Orbison. “I saw

Roy perform in The Savoy, it was a really special place. It’s such a pity that they pulled it down and Limerick has lost this historic venue.

Denis is married to Anne Lynch and has two daughters, Linda and Jennifer.

He continues to tour Portugal with Louise Morrissey where they have toured for the last four years. He tours Holland and Germany with Denis Carey and has played in Nova Scotia on a few occasions joined by Ryan’s Fancy for their St. Patricks Day Concerts.

A few years ago he was privilidged to be invited as part of an Irish Songwriters contingent, to visit the President in Aras an Uachtarain , Dublin in the company of songwriters like Phil Coulter, Limerick’s Johnny Duhan, Mick Hanly and Jimmy Mc Carthy. “I was very proud to be present with such great names in the music business and I have been lucky to meet musicians like Ralph McTell and Billy Gallagher of ‘Gallagher and Lyle’ who encouraged me along the way.

The music business will continue to play a major part of Denis’s life and the thirty years since he wrote his classic ‘Limerick You’re a Lady’ has aged and enhanced this anthem, as in a good wine.

6 www.businesslimerick.ie

Keeping an eye on Business

Donnacha O'Dulaing RTE with Denis Allen

A Limerick businessman recently celebrated his 62nd birthday by capturing a gold medal for sprinting at the World Transplant Games – and he dedicated it to the unknown donor who gave him the gift of life almost ten years ago.

John Loftus nearly died from a rare virus in 1992 and received a new kidney in October 2000. Today, the father of four, romped to victory in the 100m and 200m final for men aged 60 and over at the 17th World Transplant Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

“I almost can’t believe it, I was just beaten to the silver medal position two years ago in Bangkok, and last year I won the European title, but this is just incredible to win the World Title – and on my birthday too”, said Mr Loftus, speaking from the Gold Coast Australia. “But, I have two birthdays. I also celebrate the birthday when I received my new kidney in 2000, and, as I enjoy this win here, I remember the donor who gave me the gift of life. Someone unfortunately passed away to give me that gift, but I like to think that I have made full use of it. That is one of the reasons why I wanted to win a World Medal – to show people the benefit of carrying a donor card.

“I enjoy a full and active life, I even opened my own brokerage recently, Thomond Asset Management, and I fully intend to

defend my European & World Titles in the years ahead.”

There were emotional scenes as Mr.Loftus and his Irish colleague Tom Metcalfe – from Stepaside in Co.Dublin – made it an Irish 1-2 in the sprint.

The Clarina, Co.Limerick man is joined in the Gold Coast by his wife Trish, daughter Tara, mother in law Josie Lipper and his sons girlfriend, Linda Moran. His exploits in recent years have earned him the nickname The Bullet, and his fans sported ‘The Bullet’ t-shirts at the finals.

The Irish team has accumulated a total of 22 medals the 2009 Games in Australia. The 19 - strong team, ranging in age from 22 to 64, have traveled Down Under with 13 new kidneys, five new livers and one new kidney-pancreas.

LimerickManmarks62ndbirthdaywithWorldgoldmedal–andalsocelebrates‘giftoflife’.

St.John'sHospitalLimerickawardcontracttoresource

resource™, Ireland’s leading support services company, has been awarded the contract to provide cleaning services at St. John’s Hospital in Limerick. The contract, which commenced on 1st August, will see resource delivering cleaning services to the 103 bed hospital.

Commenting on the announcement, Ray Foran, Managing Director resource (Ireland), said: “We are delighted to be able to announce that resource has been awarded the contract for cleaning services at St. John’s Hospital in Limerick. Healthcare is a key growth area for resource and being able to add St. John’s to our existing contract at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin is a fantastic achievement for everyone on the team. In 2008, we were awarded the Irish Contract Cleaning Association’s award for Best Cleaned Healthcare Premises (Beaumont Hospital) so we really are going from strength to strength in this field.”

Anthony Kilmartin, Purchasing Officer, of St. John’s Hospital, said: “We are pleased to announce that, from August 1st, resource has taken over the cleaning services contract at St. John’s. We were extremely impressed with the quality of their submission and the excellent references from Beaumont Hospital.”


Specsavers is located at:Cruises Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 312 811 Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle, Limerick. Tel: 061 302 120

Limerick’s ProfessionalEyecare & Hearing Aids Specialist

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Athlete John Loftus who won gold for Ireland at the European Transplant & Dialysis Games in Wurzburg, Germany.

QuinnGroupsponsornewLateLate

The Quinn Group is the new sponsor of The Late Late Show this season, when Ryan Tubridy takes over as host of the longest-running chat show worldwide. Quinn sponsor 'stings' will wrap around each Late Late Show break in a two-year sponsorship package that secures an association with the most popular entertainment show on Irish television. An average audience of 663,000 watched the series over last season. In 32 out of the 35 Fridays the show was on air last season, it ranked as the number one programme watched by adults that day.

JohnstonPressShelvesPlansBritish regional newspaper group, Johnston Press has said it has no plans to sell its Irish assets. Johnston has abandoned the planned sale of its Irish titles, saying there had been plenty of interest from trade and financial buyers, but not at a satisfactory price.

CuislePoetrySlam2009attheWhiteHouse This years Cuisle International Poetry Festival 'Poetry Slam', to take place at the White House, Limerick on the Saturday 17th October, has announce an increased prize fund.

As well as a special trophy for the overall winner the top prize this year rises to €300.00 for first with €100.00 for second and third places. It is advisable that those who wish to enter the Slam let the organisers know in advance that they wish to take part as places will be limited - there is no entry requirement and all styles are allowed. Previous winners of this popular slam include Galway's Michael Kearney, John Carmody and current champion Ciaran O'Driscoll. To book your place in the lineup contact Dominic Taylor at 087 2996409 or email [email protected]

BertieJoinsSportsTeamThe Irish News of the World have added a high profile sports columnist to their staff with the signing of ex-Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern to their team. Bertie will have to set aside his public adulation for the Dublin footballers and Manchester United to insure impartiality in his new job.

DoctorKidney!Irish International rugby coach, Declan Kidney has been honored by the University of Limerick and awarded with an honorary doctorate and presented by his fellow Corkman, UL President Don Barry.

TheMarriottLeaveLimerickThe Marriott is the second international brand hotel to leave Limerick this year. The former Marriott will be called The Savoy because of the obvious link with the former Savoy Cinema which was originally located on this site. The Savoy Hotel is under the new management and tenancy of Limerickman Michael Roche and Ronan Brannigan from Co.Monaghan, both proprietors of Hampton’s Restaurant housed beneath the hotel.

RyanairCutManchesterFlightsRyanair announced that they will cut their service from Shannon to Manchester from October 1st. Ryanair stated tat the decision was made because if high charges at Manchester Airport.Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern

Ireland Rugby Coach: Declan Kidney

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Ryan Tubrity, Late Late Show host


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Women’sMini-MarathonFun-RunThis year’s Women’s Mini Marathon will take place on October 4th. Last year, charities benefited to the tune of €500,000 raised by sponsorship for the event. The 7km mini-marathon is the perfect opportunity to raise much needed funds for local charities and to participate in a really fun event. For entry form log on to www.limerickac.ie or www.runireland.com and closing date is September 25th.

40JobsLostat4HomeStoresTwo 4Home stores have become the latest casualties of the recession. The stores in Annacotty and Mitchelstown will close with the loss of 40 jobs

Chorusspends€2.4menticingyoutoswitchover

Chorus NTL has unveiled a new national

marketing campaign at a cost of €2.4m.

The focus of the campaign is on

encouraging consumers to switch over

to Chorus NTL to receive a combined

package of high definition (HD) TV, high

speed broadband and telephone services.

The campaign claims that customers

can save up to €380 a year by switching.

Advertising creative was devised by Irish

International, while media buying was

looked after by Carat.

SPIN South West isontheup

It may be gloomy out there but the sun

keeps shining on Irelands brightest

regional youth station as SPIN South

West records further growth across

the board in the latest JNLR listenership

figures. The radio station has maintained

its position of no 1 music-station for 15-

34 year olds in the South West. Over

130,000 adults tune in to hear the best

in music and entertainment on a weekly

basis. SPIN South West has recorded

a 25% year on year increase in market

share for it target audience and is ranked

favourite ahead of national stations Today

FM and 2FM in the region. Based in

Raheen, Co Limerick, SPIN South West is

the region’s first dedicated youth station

and broadcasts on 102-103 FM across

Limerick, Kerry and Clare and on 94.7 in

North Tipperary and South West Laois.

You can also tune in on the web on www.

spinsouthwest.com

SIMIStatisticsforAugust

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry

(SIMI) has released the official figures for

new cars registered in Aug’09 which at

2,414 are down 54% on Aug ‘08 (5,252).

The year to date figure, at 52,906 is down

63.67% on the figure to end of Aug ‘08

(145,643).

Imported Used Car registrations for

August, at 3,177, were down 33% on the

Aug’08 (4,743), and for the year to date

(Jan to August) at 38,857, imported used

cars are 17.1% down on the same period

last year (46,876).

Light Commercial Vehicle registrations

for Aug’09 (700) are down 25.9% on

the same period last year (945), the year

to date figure at 7,734 is 71.7% down

on the first eight months of last year

(27,302). Heavy Vehicle registrations are

down 74.6% (47) compared to Aug’08

(185) while they are down 72.5% (891)

for the year to date compared to the

same period in 2008 (3,237).

Ulster Bank have announced that businesses are now invited to enter their 2009 Business Achievers Awards. This is the 16th year of the awards, which were revamped and expanded to an all of Ireland awards programme last year. Over 400 businesses North and South entered the 2008 awards, a 400% increase on the previous year. The awards celebrate business who are showing leadership, success and contribution to the economy in the face of many challenges and obstacles, regardless of the business offering, service or location. The Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards have been further expanded to include eight categories creating a total of 32 awards. Entries will close on 31st October 2009 and the 32 Awards will be announced in November 2009, with the overall 2009 Ulster Bank Business Achiever winner announced in February 2010.

The overall winner will receive a comprehensive prize package including an Executive Education programme at Harvard University Business School, €50,000 worth of advertising space in the Irish Independent and two years membership of the Institute of Directors. Log on to www.businessachieversaward.com for further information.

BusinessAchieversAwards2009


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ShareaDreamCharityLunchDateOn Sunday 27th of September, the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Limerick will be donating proceeds from their Sunday Buffet Lunch to the Share a Dream Foundation.

Share a Dream is a National children’s charity based in Limerick, which makes dreams come true for seriously ill children all over Ireland. The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of the community.

This event is part of the hotels ongoing Responsible Business Programme, which is focussed on providing a greener environment and also giving back to the local community.

A traditional lunch buffet in Porters Restaurant will take place between 1 and 2.30pm and costs just €24.50 per person, with children under 10 half price.

Price includes a welcome drink in the

luxurious lobby with music provided by a local harpist. Some Munster players will also be in attendance on the day and there will be children’s entertainment from some well known characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Tigger.

To make a booking for this exclusive event, please contact Porters Restaurant on

061 456200.

The annual Share a Dream National Children of Courage Awards and Dream Ball takes place at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa on November 28th, 2009. Ticket Bookings and more information can be got by contacting the Limerick office 061-633777 or email [email protected], www.shareadream.ie

Miriam O Callaghan, Award Winner Katy Judge from Tipperary and Shay Kinsella from Share a Dream at last years lunch.

Blackwater Castle, in Castletownroche village, Co. Cork, is Ireland's latest multi-purpose conference venue with a difference which is now available for company conferences, think-ins and seminars and offers a unique blend of facilities in this attractive part of North Cork. Just 7 miles from Mallow town, this 12th century castle is situated on a 40-acre protected nature reserve on the banks of the Awbeg River. Centrally located, it is easily accessible from Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Kerry. “Its private location is ideal as it is removed from the hustle and bustle of life, yet on the doorstep of a lovely village, stunning rural hinterland and easily accessible from Cork, Shannon and Farranfore airports, as well as Cork ferryport” owner Patrick Nordstroem told us. Lovingly restored over the last ten years, the Castle has recently hosted seminars for pharmaceutical companies as well as University seminars and business meetings. Typical of a country house, it has six elegant reception rooms, a full catering suite, long hall, tower, library and bar, and has 9 individually styled ensuite rooms and 6 self catering apartments. The Old Coach House Hall, which seats over 120 delegates conference-style, along with several garden apartments, is located in the courtyard of the estate. Mr. Nordstrom stated that from a catering perspective, clients can engage their own chef and catering staff, stock the bar as they wish or contract these services from the Castle's list of preferred professional caterers. 'Companies want flexibility and we deliver that. Indeed we hold several weddings and civil wedding ceremonies here on an on-going basis, and we are happy to report that both the couples and the contractors work very well together’ he said.

The Awbeg River flows through the Castle grounds and guests or delegates are welcome to explore both sides of the valley. Blackwater Castle also has a very

interesting history, the castle dates from the eight century but evidence suggests it may have been occupied in the Stone Age. During the Iron Age the fort of Dun Cruadha was established on the current site of the Castle and the Castle itself is now a history lover’s delight as the old Castle fortifications are still visible around the grounds of the Castle. The Castle grounds also houses an ancient Holy Well (the Well of Saint Patrick) which is said to be imbued with magical properties and it's own version of The Blarney Stone (or ancient loo as it was in olden days!). Now another Patrick (albeit he is a Finnish Patrick) has brought the magic of yesteryear back to Blackwater Castle, opening it up to exploration, education, community and artistic endeavor, and he and his wife Sheila and family, who now live on the grounds, have truly 'revived' this national treasure. www.blackwatercastle.com or view the castle on youtube.com


ConferencesinaCountryCastle.

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Blackwater Castle,

11

“a kind a different”

Raheen Roundabout,Raheen, Limerick.

Tel/Fax: 061 307123E-mail: [email protected]: www.flowers4ever.com

It is the month of August,The month of leaves and roses,

When pleasant sights salutethe eyes And pleasant scents

the noses.”

Flowers Forever are a local florist in Raheen Limerick that provides flower delivery throughout the Munster region. Forget everything you've ever imagined about Florists we are different. Our bouquets, wedding flowers or tribute arrangements are all unique - no factory production designs here, every arrangement is individual. We breathe new life into traditional floristry, modern flowers arranged and delivered with extra special care and attention our customers deserve. We import flowers from Holland and sometimes from further a-field depending on what our customer wants , our aim - to exceed your wildest dreams!

Flowers Forever design, arrange and deliver only the best quality fresh flowers . As well as everyday bouquets for either same or next day delivery we provide services for weddings , bridal bouquets, church flowers, funeral and tribute flowers for every occasion and provide a Free Local Delivery service into the bargain. (t&c apply).

Flowers Forever are renowned for providing beautiful flowers and bouquets hand tied or traditional. We are happy to design any style , however our trade mark, what sets us apart from others and makes us the talk of the town is our high standard of design and the luxurious fabrics our bouquets are presented in.

We take all the time it takes to design that perfect flower gift you have in mind , nothing is produced factory style and our beautiful range of flowers are inspirational. Everything we design , we consider individual and unique! and what is even better in this economic climate we cater for every budget.


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“Good news for business, good news for the consumer” – Minister Ryan

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan today welcomed the decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation to reduce gas prices by 9.8% and the average regulated electricity price by 0.2%.

Small and medium sized enterprises will see electricity price reductions of 0.4% and 5.5% respectively.

Following an extraordinary review of energy prices in April of this year, a 12% reduction in gas prices and 10% reduction in electricity prices were announced.

Consumers can experience even further electricity price reductions with the entrance of Bord Gáis and Airtricity into the domestic supply market. These companies announced that they would undercut the regulated electricity tariff by 10-14%. Therefore, electricity consumers can feasibly have a reduction of up to 25% on their bills depending on their supplier.

Welcoming the reductions Minister Ryan said “2009 has been a good year for electricity and gas consumers. They can now reduce their electricity bills by up to 25% and their gas bills by 22%. These are major savings at a time when money is tight for many people. The savings business can expect will protect jobs in this country.

It is clear that the policy of greater competition in the Irish electricity market is yielding results for the consumer. Our electricity and gas bills are largely dependent on price of fossil fuels in the international market. We remain far too dependent on imported fossil fuels. Promoting this combination of competition and renewable energy will help reduce our energy costs into the future. If we retain this dangerous dependence we will always be at the mercy of the international market. Our energy security and competitiveness will be best served by the switch to renewable energy.”

MinisterRyanwelcomesreductioningasandelectricityprices

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13

Smart Telecom (‘Smart’ or the ‘Company’) the Irish provider of voice, data and media communications services and owner of one of Ireland’s leading optic fibre networks recently announced that it has entered into an examinership process. Mr. John McStay, of McStay Luby Chartered Accounts has been appointed as the Interim Examiner for the Company by the Irish Commercial Court.

The decision to enter an examinership process is being led by the Company’s Board of Directors and supported by Smart’s senior lending group. The initiation of the process follows the conclusion of an extensive strategic review by the company’s financial advisors, Collins Stewart, that revealed significant expressions of interest in the Company.

Smart is currently in advanced discussions with a small number of third parties who have expressed interest in acquiring the entire customer base and assets of the Company. The Company intends to utilise the examinership process to finalise the terms of an investment or merger with one of the interested parties.

SmartTelecomtoenterExaminership

Minister of State, Mr. Tony Killeen T.D. has congratulated Ennis on beingnamed Ireland's Tidiest Large Urban Centre in the 51st National Tidy TownsCompetition.

Ennis was chosen from scores of competitors in the annual competition.Other winners included Emly, Co. Tipperary (Overall winner); Aughrim, Co.Wicklow (Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town); and Westport, Co. Mayo (Ireland’sTidiest Large Town).

29towns and villages from every corner of Clare took part in this year’scompetition. They included Ballynacally, Ballyvaughan, Bodyke, Bridgetown,Carrigaholt, Connolly, Cranny, Doonbeg, Ennis, Ennistymon, Kildysart, Kilkee, Killaloe, Killimer, Kilmihil, Kilrush, Knock, Labasheeda, Lissycasey, Mountshannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ogonnelloe, Quin, Ruan, Scariff, Shannon, Sixmilebridge, Tuamgraney and Tulla (individualadjudication reports may be downloaded from www.tidytowns.ie).

Commenting on Clare’s participation in this year’s competition, Minister ofState Killeen, said: “The standards in County Clare were extremely highagain this year and I am delighted to see that our County Capital receivednational recognition. The retention of the Tidiest Large Urban Centre awardis a testament to the efforts of the Ennis TidyTowns Committee.”

The Junior Agriculture Minister said the achievement could not have beenaccomplished without the support of the wider community.

“TidyTowns provides members of the local community with the opportunity toshow their pride in their respective towns and villages. It is evident fromEnnis’ outstanding success in this year’s competition that the spirit ofvolunteerism and pride of place is very much alive in this County.

“I would like to congratulate all participants from Clare who have donetheir County proud. There was unprecedented interest in Tidy Towns this year, and I would urge everyone to participate in 2010”, concluded Minister of State Killeen.

The Tidy Towns competition is organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and sponsored by SuperValu. SuperValu, and its 180 plus storeowners around the country, have sponsored the National Tidy Towns competition since 1992. Judging of entries takes place in June, July and August each year.

Full details of all this year’s winners are available at www.tidytowns.ie.

TidyTownsSuccessForEnnis

Minister of State, Mr. Tony Killeen T.D.

Libya is a country emerging into the international market. It has allocated billions of dollars, and plans to spend vast amounts on infrastructure projects, from new airports, road systems, ports, hospitals, schools and hotels.

For an ailing international economy, Libya is like an oasis in a desert of a economic

decline. Where the international community has suffered in the on going recession, Libya has been shielded from this by and large. Therefore, any company considering dipping their toes into this well of opportunity will find that they are entering one of the only growing economies in the world today.

In the face of the worst recession to hit Ireland and the world, two Limerick based businessmen have together with three high profile Libyan partners set up their company, Libya Commercial Group with their headquarters in Malta.

Libya is currently undergoing the largest construction boom in its history, and Jim and his partners set up their company to facilitate Irish European companies to gain access to the Libyan projects.

Limerick based Jim Murphy & Kieran Dennehy, seeing huge obstacles encountered by companies seeking to gain contracts in Libya, set out to build a company that would enable businesses in Ireland & European companies to gain access this market with the minimum problems encountered at both ends.

The driving force behind the company is Executive director, Jim Murphy and he established a strong professional team around him to achieve this goal. He joined forces with his Libya based counterpart, Executive Director Fawzi Essadegh,(official government media translator) and further strengthened his team with two more

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LibyaisOpenforBusiness!

Clement Kavanagh www.kellyandocallaghan.ie Mr. Fawzi Essadegh www.libyacommercial.ie Aurthur O Brien www.obk.ie, Rafael McEvoy RME Environmentel. Paul O Connell www.moylans.ie Jim Murphy www.libyacommercial.ie, Mr. Omar M. Errmalli www.libyacommercial.ie Sean O Callaghan www.kellyandocallaghan.ie at a recent Irish expedition to examine commercial opportunities in Lybia as guests of Lybia Commercial Group



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high profile Libyan directors, El Baghdadi M. Dabug (Libyan Airlines) and Omar M Errmalli,(former Misurata Mayor).

Now, the Libya Commercial Group can confidently say that they are in a position to assist and guide Irish companies to enter the Libyan market.

“Our company aids construction companies, developers and entrepreneurs to meet strategic business people in Libya to secure lucrative contracts worth millions of euro, in spite of any worldwide recession. We can facilitate business meetings through our local contacts producing massive financial returns that would not materialise and never get off the ground, if companies travel the traditional routes often used by our own state agencies. We act as a portal to establish quality contacts to enable companies with proven track records in major projects to quickly and securely complete and sign contracts with their Libyan partners. Irish companies and indeed Limerick companies have a wealth of experience in the delivery of large scale construction projects around the globe. Our companies have an impeccable international reputation for excellence in the construction sector and in infrastructure developments,” said Jim Murphy.

“I am proud of the opportunity offered to our company by the Libyan people to contribute and facilitate in the general development plans of their great nation.

“Our company has established a protocol and procedure which has been responsive to Libyan business attitudes and practices, avoiding the red tape sometimes initiated by our state bodies, resulting in building walls which ultimately result in huge financial opportunities being lost to Ireland.

“In the construction sector, we are presently negotiating on behalf of five Irish companies short listed for major contracts in Libya and we have more contracts on the drawing board,” stated Jim.

He feels that the opportunities to us here in Ireland & Limerick are boundless and that his company can assist and lead many local companies out of recession and into ‘clover’.

Based in Malta with its close proximity to Libya, Libya Commercial Group offer their

unique insight into the Libyan way of doing business and a comprehensive service for facilitating contracts, from introduction through proposal to securing agreement.

“On a recent Irish business expedition, a construction consortium was established. They are now in the process of registering their company in Libya after being assured of the bone fide of the opportunities (full details will be released to the press shortly),” concluded Mr. Murphy.

Originally from Cork but now well settled in his adopted home in Limerick, Jim is determined to make this work for Ireland. More specifically, he has insisted that the Irish offices be positioned in Limerick and that all internationally capable companies within the South West sector will have the best access possible to the new market in Libya.

“We have recently secured contracts for a weekly shipment of 10ton of beef and 100ton of milk powder for the Libyan market. We will need to expand the full range of commodities required to this market and Ireland is poised to fulfil these contracts with the assistance of our company’s expertise.

“The tourist industry has never been utilised in Libya and with 2,000km of unspoilt

Mediterranean beaches, the country is now ready to join in the development of their natural amenities to the level of their Mediterranean neighbours and develop resorts. The hotel and leisure industry is prime for development.

“Libya is open for business with a large reserve of capital to invest in the development of its domestic industries and foreign service. Now is the time to explore these opportunities!” says Mr Murphy.

Web: www.libyacommercial.ie or email:[email protected].

Paul O Connell www.moylans.ie Arthur O Brien www.obk.ie Clement Cavanagh www.kellyandocallaghan.ie Rafael McEvoy RME Environmental on a recent business expedition to Tripoli, Lybia with Lybia Commercial Group.

Executive Director Jim Murphy, Lybia Commercial Group


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G a l l e r y

Noreen Stokes, Niall Colgan and Olivia O'Sullivan at the launch party for the new Niall Colgan Hairdressing salon

Niall Colgan and Sonya Hursey cut the ribbon at the launch party for the new Niall Colgan Hairdressing salon at the Limerick Strand Hotel in Limerick City recently.

Melissa O'Brien and Nikki Harris at the launch party for the new Niall Colgan Hairdressing salon

Tom Tierney and Catriona Tierney at the launch party

Michelle McMahon and Nicole Dunphy at the launch party for the new Niall Colgan Hairdressing salon

Betty Costelloe, Miss Limerick and Catriona Hoy, Miss Spin SW at the Niall Colgan hair-dressing salon opening.

Celia Holman Lee, Richard Lynch and Ann O’Halloran at the launch party.


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Jum Phanpitak, proprietor, Mary & Gordon Hayes and Simon Phanpitak, proprietor, at the open-ing of Siam Corner. Henry Street.

Zhenya Pragkovich, Tagyana Beletkaya, Elena Dillon, Irina Akopova, Vika Stoyekina, Vlada Daly and Dasha Cleary celebrate the opening with Siam Corner proprietor Simon Phanpitak recently

Terry and Paddy Power celebrate their anniversary in the Siam Corner recently.

Simon Phanpitak, Teresa McMahon, Eleanor Goodisson and Jum Phanpitak at the opening of the Siam Corner Thai Restaurant in Henry street.

Dave Connolly, Chairman and Sean O'Donovan, Treasurer, of Geraldines Club with Irish Soccer Manager Giovanni Trapattoni, at the Official Opening of Geraldines FC Dressing Rooms

Soccer supporters, Brian Collins, John Finnan and Yvonne Sheehan meet former Irish International goalkeeper, Pakie Bonner at the Geraldine FC clubhouse opening recently.

Pictured at the Young Munster Women's XV awards night were L-R: Best Newcomer winner Olivia Stapleton, Outstanding Contribution winner Michelle O'Regan, Most Improved Player Sue Haugh, and Player of the Year Lynne Kenny. The award for Overall Team Player went to Tricia Hough. The awards were presented at a function in the Corner Flag on Henry Street, sponsors of the Young Munster Women's team.

Recently appointed American Ambassador to Ireland, Daniel M Rooney, is pictured at Dromoland Castle Hotel, Co. Clare, with his wife Ms. Patricia at a business event organised by Shannon Development at which the Ambassador meet with business interests from around the Shannon Region. Pictured (l-r) are John King, Assistant Chief Executive, Shannon Development, the Mayor of Clare Tony Mulcahy, Ambassador Rooney and his wife, and Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development.

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Dave and Mary Gaynor, attending Micheal Cowhey's Photographic Exhibition

Micheal Parkes, Jack Bourke and Pat KearneyJudge Tom O'Donnell, Cathy Halloran and Cllr Maria Byrne

Pauline Fenton and Ray O'Halloran

Micheal Cowhey, Photographer with his Wife Mary, Son, Jack and Daughters, Kitty and Michelle at the Official Opening of his Exhibition at Leamy House with Deputy Mayor, Denis McCarthy

Irene Hamilton, Limerick Leader with Frank Collins, Business Limerick, attending Micheal Cowhey's Photographic Exhibition at Leamy House.

David Coyne, Hazel O'Herilhy, Una Heaton and Alan Enlish, attending Micheal Cowhey's Photographic Exhibition.

Brid Hayes, Ann Hackett and Kieran Clancy

MichealCowhey'sPhotographicExhibition


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Kitty & Tom O’Brien from Cleanwell with their daughter Fiona at her recent graduation in Management from the University of Limerick

Maureen O'Hara, at the launch of the Foynes Flying Boat Museum Book in Co. Limerick. Foynes port was the transatlantic airport for flying boats between 1939- 1945.

Liam O’Brien, Leanne Moore and Hugh Lilburn from Just Split.com with Jennifer Lysaght who won return flights to Paris at the wedding of the year event.

Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive, Irish Aviation Authority (left) and Brian Cullen, Chairman Foynes Flying Boat Museum in Co. Limerick viewing Foynes Port from the re-instated control tower which was used for the transatlantic airport for flying boats between 1939- 1945.

Alan English, Editor, Limerick Leader with Micheal Cowhey, Photographer and his Son Jack

Tadhg Kearney, Sinead Teefy from Tadhg Kearney Jewellers who gave each guest a vouch-er for rings at the Wedding of the Year event with Leanne Moore and Liam O’Brien

The German Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency, Busso von Alvensleben (second right) with Cllr William O'Donnell, Leas Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Oliver Killeen, Head of Finance and Gerry Behan, Director of Service with Limerick County Council, during his visit to the Limerick County Council offices in Dooradoyle, County Limerick. Picture by Dave Gaynor

By Aoife Walsh


Bankruptcy

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Redundancy is on the increase and employment opportunities are scarce on the ground. Pay cuts are common in the private sector, pensions levies have been imposed on civil servants, tax and levy increases came into effect in May and cuts have been made to the Early Child Care Supplement and Child Benefit. In addition house prices have decreased, as have car values, together with the ease with which people can dispose of such assets in the event they need to for financial reasons. In addition to basic living expenses, for people with mortgages, car loans, business expenses, loans and overdrafts (where the individual is liable whether as a sole trader or by way of a guarantor for a company), credit cards and other debts the implications of these financial restrictions result in many people being unable to meet their debts.

Increasingly, creditors may seek the remedy of the bankruptcy of the debtor to obtain all or some of the money owed to them. It is also open for the debtor itself to apply to be adjudicated a bankrupt.

Bankruptcy is dealt with by the High Court. The High Court transfers the property of an individual who is unwilling or unable to pay their debts to a trustee, usually the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy, to be sold. Proceedings are commenced by way of a creditor or the debtor filing a bankruptcy petition in the Office of the Examiner of the High Court. The person filing the petition must agree to pay all costs and expenses of the trustee, court fees and newspaper advertisement costs giving notice of the hearings and the bankruptcy order. An initial €650 must be lodged towards the trustee’s costs in addition to the court and advertisement costs. In addition, the debtor must have money or assets of sufficient value to produce at least €1900 in order to petition for Bankruptcy. A creditor must show that the debtor has committed an act of bankruptcy within the previous 3 months (such as the inability to comply with a bankruptcy summons requesting payment of a sum of over €1900 or the sheriff or county registrar making a return of no goods in respect of the debtor.).

The benefit to the creditor in seeking bankruptcy

of the debtor is that after preferential costs and debts (such as those of the trustee, any Revenue debts, secured loans or monies owed to employees) have been paid, the proceeds of sale of the bankrupt’s assets will be divided between the remaining creditors who have given notice to the trustee of their debt. Creditors may also recoup further funds through the remainder of the bankruptcy where the trustee takes some of the bankrupt’s income or assets.

For the bankrupt there are many implications. All the bankrupt’s property vests in the trustee (including any property held abroad), save for essentials of a value of up to €3100 (or more if the High Court allows). Essentials may include bedding, tools of trade, cooking ware and clothing. The bankrupt must fully co-operate with the trustee and provide and disclose all financial information to the trustee. Pensions and salaries may be appropriated by the trustee. An allowance will be left with the bankrupt to meet family responsibilities and personal living costs which the High Court deems appropriate. Bankrupts can still retain, seek and gain employment, operate a bank account and trade as a sole trader in their own name. The trustee must be informed by the bankrupt if he intends to travel abroad as it is an offence to leave the county in order to avoid the consequences of bankruptcy. It is an offence to obtain credit of over €650 without disclosing the bankruptcy. It is an offence under the Companies Act to act as a director, manager, liquidator or receiver of a company. Bankrupts are not entitled to hold elected representative office in local authorities or in the Dáil or Seanad. An official register of all bankrupts is kept and names will never be removed from the register even after being discharged.

Bankruptcy lasts until the death of the bankrupt or until it is discharged by the High Court. There is no automatic right to be discharged. In all cases there will be no discharge unless there are sufficient funds to pay the costs of the trustee, the High Court fees, the costs of the petitioning creditor (unless the debtor applied for his own bankruptcy) and the preferential debts of the bankrupt. Upon discharge the trustee will return any funds or property remaining with

the trustee after these costs have been paid.

Discharge can be applied for by the bankrupt on the basis of one of the following:

1. Payment of debts has been made in full2. All of the creditors consent to the discharge3. 60% of creditors agree to accept a payment of an agreed percentage of their debt (Offer of Composition)4. Fifty cent in the euro of all debts has been received by the creditors.5. 12 years have elapsed since the bankruptcy order was made, all property and assets have been disposed of by the trustee and the bankrupt has made full disclosure of all property acquired since the bankruptcy.

After discharge the bankrupt will have to live with the effects of the registered bankruptcy on their credit rating.

Alternatives to bankruptcy include entering into a voluntary arrangement with creditors to settle debts due or applying for an arrangement under the protection of the court to provide time to present proposals to creditors without proceedings being issued for recovery.

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Aoife Walsh is a solicitor in the Litigation and Dispute R e s o l u t i o n Unit of Holmes O’Malley Sexton solicitors. She can be contacted at 061-445546 or by e-mail at aoi f e.w [email protected]

Holmes O’Malley Sexton, Solicitors do not accept any responsibility for loss or damage arising to any person as a result of acting or failing to act as a result of the information contained in this article. Legal legal advice should always be sought before acting upon any matter covered in this article.

20

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Pictured at St Gabriels centre in Dooradoyle where Annette Shanahan (president of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists) made a visit to the Centre.Pictured L-R Dorothy Shine (Hydrotherapy Pool Manager), Denise O'Riordan (UL Physio student), Maeve Howlett (Senior Physiotherapist) , Annette Shanahan (president of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists), Maire O'Leary (Chief Executive), Stephanie O' Sullivan (Physio student UL)

Pictured at Dooradoyle Library for the opening of an art exhibition done by the Spina Bifida Limerick group on Thursday 10th September opened by Barbara Hartigan.Picture is Lynn Buffington (Manager Spina Bifida Limerick) being presented with a cheque for €10,000 by Bank Of Scotland’s Charities Manager Rhona O’Connor.

At the Midwest Regional Business Week Launch were Mary Wixted, Enterprise Ireland, Ned TTwomey, CEO Limerick County Enterprose Board and Jimmy Feane, Chairman, Limerick County Enterprise Board.

The Enterprise Boards in Limerick, Clare, Kerry and Tipperary have announced a Mid-West Regional Business Week . Over 50 events sponsored by Bank of Ireland will take place from Oct 5-9 next. Ann Spillane, PAUL Partnership; Bernie Moloney, Asst. CEO LCEB, Eamon Ryan, CEO LCEB ; Denis Minihane, Regional Business Manager, Bank of Irleand and Tom Mackey, Chairman, LCEB.

At Dooradoyle Library for the opening of an art exhibition done by the Spina Bifida Limerick group recently opened by Barbara Hartigan. Pictured are the artists in the front row L-R Michelle Kelleher, Deirdre Halvey, Michelle MacSweeney & Colette Candon. Back row L-R Barbara Hartigan, Kieran Carey (Art Tutor), John Byrne (artist) & Cllr. Bridget Teefy.

By Aoife Walsh


Bankruptcy

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Redundancy is on the increase and employment opportunities are scarce on the ground. Pay cuts are common in the private sector, pensions levies have been imposed on civil servants, tax and levy increases came into effect in May and cuts have been made to the Early Child Care Supplement and Child Benefit. In addition house prices have decreased, as have car values, together with the ease with which people can dispose of such assets in the event they need to for financial reasons. In addition to basic living expenses, for people with mortgages, car loans, business expenses, loans and overdrafts (where the individual is liable whether as a sole trader or by way of a guarantor for a company), credit cards and other debts the implications of these financial restrictions result in many people being unable to meet their debts.

Increasingly, creditors may seek the remedy of the bankruptcy of the debtor to obtain all or some of the money owed to them. It is also open for the debtor itself to apply to be adjudicated a bankrupt.

Bankruptcy is dealt with by the High Court. The High Court transfers the property of an individual who is unwilling or unable to pay their debts to a trustee, usually the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy, to be sold. Proceedings are commenced by way of a creditor or the debtor filing a bankruptcy petition in the Office of the Examiner of the High Court. The person filing the petition must agree to pay all costs and expenses of the trustee, court fees and newspaper advertisement costs giving notice of the hearings and the bankruptcy order. An initial €650 must be lodged towards the trustee’s costs in addition to the court and advertisement costs. In addition, the debtor must have money or assets of sufficient value to produce at least €1900 in order to petition for Bankruptcy. A creditor must show that the debtor has committed an act of bankruptcy within the previous 3 months (such as the inability to comply with a bankruptcy summons requesting payment of a sum of over €1900 or the sheriff or county registrar making a return of no goods in respect of the debtor.).

The benefit to the creditor in seeking bankruptcy

of the debtor is that after preferential costs and debts (such as those of the trustee, any Revenue debts, secured loans or monies owed to employees) have been paid, the proceeds of sale of the bankrupt’s assets will be divided between the remaining creditors who have given notice to the trustee of their debt. Creditors may also recoup further funds through the remainder of the bankruptcy where the trustee takes some of the bankrupt’s income or assets.

For the bankrupt there are many implications. All the bankrupt’s property vests in the trustee (including any property held abroad), save for essentials of a value of up to €3100 (or more if the High Court allows). Essentials may include bedding, tools of trade, cooking ware and clothing. The bankrupt must fully co-operate with the trustee and provide and disclose all financial information to the trustee. Pensions and salaries may be appropriated by the trustee. An allowance will be left with the bankrupt to meet family responsibilities and personal living costs which the High Court deems appropriate. Bankrupts can still retain, seek and gain employment, operate a bank account and trade as a sole trader in their own name. The trustee must be informed by the bankrupt if he intends to travel abroad as it is an offence to leave the county in order to avoid the consequences of bankruptcy. It is an offence to obtain credit of over €650 without disclosing the bankruptcy. It is an offence under the Companies Act to act as a director, manager, liquidator or receiver of a company. Bankrupts are not entitled to hold elected representative office in local authorities or in the Dáil or Seanad. An official register of all bankrupts is kept and names will never be removed from the register even after being discharged.

Bankruptcy lasts until the death of the bankrupt or until it is discharged by the High Court. There is no automatic right to be discharged. In all cases there will be no discharge unless there are sufficient funds to pay the costs of the trustee, the High Court fees, the costs of the petitioning creditor (unless the debtor applied for his own bankruptcy) and the preferential debts of the bankrupt. Upon discharge the trustee will return any funds or property remaining with

the trustee after these costs have been paid.

Discharge can be applied for by the bankrupt on the basis of one of the following:

1. Payment of debts has been made in full2. All of the creditors consent to the discharge3. 60% of creditors agree to accept a payment of an agreed percentage of their debt (Offer of Composition)4. Fifty cent in the euro of all debts has been received by the creditors.5. 12 years have elapsed since the bankruptcy order was made, all property and assets have been disposed of by the trustee and the bankrupt has made full disclosure of all property acquired since the bankruptcy.

After discharge the bankrupt will have to live with the effects of the registered bankruptcy on their credit rating.

Alternatives to bankruptcy include entering into a voluntary arrangement with creditors to settle debts due or applying for an arrangement under the protection of the court to provide time to present proposals to creditors without proceedings being issued for recovery.

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Aoife Walsh is a solicitor in the Litigation and Dispute R e s o l u t i o n Unit of Holmes O’Malley Sexton solicitors. She can be contacted at 061-445546 or by e-mail at aoi f e.w [email protected]

Holmes O’Malley Sexton, Solicitors do not accept any responsibility for loss or damage arising to any person as a result of acting or failing to act as a result of the information contained in this article. Legal legal advice should always be sought before acting upon any matter covered in this article.

HuntOfficeSupplieshavebe-comeahouseholdnamewhenwe think of office supplies,furnitureandcanteenandhy-geneproducts.

Hunt was established over 10 years ago by enterprising brothers Seamus and John Hunt in Newcastle West, County Limerick. They saw an oppor-tunity in the office supplies market in the Mid West region, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary. Their company is now the largest independent online of-fice supplies company in the 32 coun-ties. They originally started as a tradi-tional catalogue based office supplier but have now completely re invented themselves as www.huntoffice.ie and in the process started an online revo-lution in the Irish Office Supplies indus-try.

“Every few months, a new online inno-vation or way of doing business hits a different industry, promising steady and revolutionary changes in the way

that industry works. The office sup-plies industry with a potential window on every desk in the form of a PC Mon-itor has been a sleeping giant market. We identified this opportunity and built our company in this area”, said John Hunt.

Hunt office sells over 20,000 products to a customer base of over 20,000 businesses in Ireland serviced by their warehouse facility in City West, Dub-lin. Seamus is keen to point out how proud they are of their Limerick roots and the loyalty they have enjoyed from their local customers.

“We started from a local base in Lim-erick and the Mid West is still the backbone of the company, where our commitment to service is still as im-portant as ever. The internet has Dub-lin businesses accounting for over half

of our sales”, said Seamus.

Hunt Office are the fastest growing office supplies company in Ireland ac-cording to Spricers International and their sales are increasing, month on month, by an impressive 25%.

“You need three things to create a successful online business: good staff, a service that customers actually want and technology to do it efficiently. The changes that our staff have made are spectacular. Converting the business from an old style catalogue based, ‘knock on door’ office supply company to a modern, technology based busi-ness supplies company, where van drivers changed their role to online helpdesk operators, telephone sales people, retraining to design web pag-es. So much of the company’s success is down to the team spirit and ability

Huntoffice.ie is the No 1 Irish Online Office Supply Company

Pictured above is the huntoffice.ie company website.

Web:www.huntoffice.ie | Email:[email protected]|Tel:1890771100|Fax:1890771101

to change that is bred into all of us in the business”, said Seamus. Hunt Of-fice now employs 16 highly skilled em-ployees who are embracing modern technology to compete on a similar and indeed higher scale against the multinational office supplies compa-nies.

“Everyone in business today should have an internet strategy to enter the whole new world of ‘search market-ing’. A major challenge for us has been to implement business plan at such a fast pace. Things are moving so fast in the industry that we need a revised, im-proved plan every six months to keep us ahead of our competition. The Of-fice Supplies industry has moved into the internet and we have proved to be the internet market leader in Ireland”, added John.

“For a company to make an impact they have to offer people better technology than they have now. The internet land-scape has been developing at a rapid pace. While it is easy to enter, it is far more difficult to make an impact. This requires a new generation of innova-tors who can really identify trends and innovate quickly. It incorporates a mix of internet strategy, marketing, offline

industry experience, finance, distribu-tion and service”.

John Hunt is graduate of Dublin Insti-tute Of Technology and worked in pres-ent day related fields, in Power City, Of-fice City in Dublin and in Limerick with Irish Business Systems and Bryan S Ryan. He is a former president NCW Chamber Of Commerce.

Seamus Hunt worked as a manager for Quinnsworth and subsequently Tesco in various locations throughout Ireland.

With the experience gained they set

out to follow their dream of setting up their own successful company.

“John and I were bursting with busi-ness ideas to build our own company. We were clear with our goals and our activity needed to follow it. We bor-rowed €20,000 from our local bank and started business in the shed of a country cottage, kindly loaned to us by our parents James and Mary. The rest as they say, is history. We now have our own premises in New Castle West and a distribution centre in Dub-lin. We made a lot of sacrifices in the early years but we are very proud to see the company grow to its present position”, said Seamus.

HuntOffice.ie in just 10 years has be-come Ireland’s most successful online retailer of office products with an an-nual turnover of €3Million. Their tech-nology innovated into the industry has been admired by many and emulated by multinational companies, a compli-ment to their marketing and internet strategy.

Web:www.huntoffice.ieEmail:[email protected]:1890771100Fax:1890771101

visit the hunt website today: www.huntoffice.ie

Enterprising brothers John and Seamus Hunt

The Hunt web team

Web:www.huntoffice.ie | Email:[email protected]|Tel:1890771100|Fax:1890771101


WhatisPandemic(H1N1)2009?Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is a new flu virus which has been circulating worldwide since April. The World Health Organisation has declared this to be pandemic – a flu epidemic that spreads around the world. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is a type of influenza virus. It causes respiratory disease in humans, pigs and birds. The type causing the current pandemic is caused by a new and previously unseen type.

Whowillreceiveanti-viraltreatment?As most cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 will be mild, anti-viral treatment will only be necessary in a small proportion of cases. Doctors will assess each case but the following groups are the ones most likely to require treatment with anti-virals:

•Patientswhoappeartohavesevere symptoms

•Patientswhoareindefinedhighriskgroups

Should a GP prescribe anti-viral treatment the prescription can be filled at any pharmacy. Anti-viral medicines for this flu are free of charge to all.

Whoarethoseconsideredtobe inahighriskgroupandneedingtreatment?People who have: chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver, or neurological disease; people whose immune system is reduced by disease or medications; people with diabetes mellitus; people aged 65 years and older; children under 5 (children under 2 are at particular risk of influenza); people on medication for asthma, severely obese people (body mass index more than 40), pregnant women and people with haemoglobinopathies.

Will any contacts of cases requirepreventativeanti-viraltherapy?In general preventative therapy is not recommended for contacts. However, under exceptional circumstances doctors may decide to prescribe preventative anti-viral therapy.

Doesthisfluspreadeasily?The new flu virus appears to be highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person through tiny drops in coughs and sneezes. If you are close to a person with flu you can breathe them in and become infected. Droplets can also be passed from surfaces like door handles and hand rails.

What numbers of cases of Pandemic(H1N1)2009areoccurringnow?There has been a steady increase in the number of countries reporting cases around the world. Ireland has been affected as well

and we are seeing a steady increase in the number of our cases.

Whyisthissituationofconcern?The virus that has now been found in the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 cases contains genes in a combination that has not been observed before in the world. In addition, the virus appears to spread easily from person to person. A small proportion of patients have become very ill and there have been small numbers of deaths. These have largely, but not entirely, been among people with pre-existing serious underlying illness. However most people have a typical flu-like illness and recover fully with simple measures such a drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol for the fever and aches and pains seen with influenza.

WhathaschangedfromJuly16th?Instead of lab testing all cases, GPs will diagnose people based on their symptoms. We no longer conduct routine contact tracing and giving those contacts preventative anti-viral medicine. We are recommending to

GPs that only people with severe symptoms or in high risk groups need to be prescribed antiviral medicine.

Why have we changed our approach tomanagingtheinfluenzaoutbreak?This spread of influenza around the world has been more rapid than in previous pandemics. Only six weeks elapsed between the initial cases being identified and the declaration of a global pandemic, despite the containment strategy of limiting the entrance and spread within a country which was adopted in many countries around the world, including Ireland . Ireland ’s National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) which manages Ireland ’s response to this infection has decided thatIreland ’s policy would move from one of containment to one of mitigation, or minimising the impact of the flu virus as its circulation increases.

The rate at which new cases are appearing in Ireland and other countries strongly suggests we in Ireland will see a major increase in

WhatisPandemic(H1N1)/SwineFlu?

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Differences between Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and the common cold

Symptoms Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Common Cold

Onset

Fever

Headache

General aches and pains

Fatigue, weakness

Sudden

Characteristically High (≥38oC or 100oF)

Prominent

Usual, often severe

Can be prolonged for a number of weeks

Slow

Rare

Rare

Rare

Quite mild


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Liz Reid of Xcel Xecutive Cleaners says that her company can provide cost effective prevention.

“We are providers of products and cleaning services to the hospitality, childcare, industrial,

commercial, residential, institutional and business sectors.

“Good Hygiene is the key to combating the spread of swine flu. We supply quality products confirmed as effective against

swine-flu. Sanitisers, alcohol surface wipes and hand gel, VDU/telephone wipes are essential to contain the flu-bug.“We also supply Spartan Green Solutions which are the environmentally preferred chemicals.

CostEffectivePrevention

cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection. Mitigation is aimed at treating increasing numbers of cases and preparing for mass immunisation with the pandemic vaccine. This change will have greater impact that continuing a policy of prevention and containment of this illness.

From now on doctors will diagnose Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 following examination rather than relying on laboratory testing.

Why did the World Health Organisationdeclareaninfluenzapandemic?An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus becomes able to spread easily between people leading to outbreaks that extend across the world. When new influenza viruses are introduced into the population, people have little natural immunity to them. On11/6/09 , the WHO raised the level of the pandemic phase to Phase 6 (for an explanation of these phases please see here). The raising of the pandemic level to phase 6 by WHO is in response to the widespread geographical distribution of cases and not in relation to the severity. At this stage, the WHO is characterising this pandemic as moderate in severity (further information on

what this level of severity means can be found on the Department of Health and Children's website).

Whatdoesthetreatmentphaseinvolve?Given that this flu causes mostly mild to moderate illness, we now know that most people who get it can recover at home without needing anti-viral medicine. Our clinical advice is that services and treatment can be concentrated mainly on those people with severe symptoms or who are considered at higher risk – like those with long term chronic illness. What are the symptoms of Pandemic(H1N1)2009?The symptoms are like those of regular seasonal flu and include: fever of sudden onset, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and muscle aches. Some people have vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, pneumonia and respiratory failure may develop and occasionally death can occur. Most cases, however, are mild and patients recover without hospitalisation.

WhatarethedifferencesbetweenPandemic(H1N1)2009andthecommoncold?It can be difficult at times to distinguish

between the common cold and influenza. The main difference is that the symptoms of influenza come on rapidly and are typically accompanied by muscle aches and a fever. The common cold has a more gradual onset and is associated with a runny nose and sneezing. An important additional feature of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is that diarrhoea and vomiting occur occasionally. For a full list of differences between Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and the common cold, please see table below.

StayHealthy: stop the spreadof infectionby:• Avoidingclosecontactwithpeople whoappearunwellandhavefever andcough• Alwayscarryingtissues• Alwayscoveringyournoseandmouth withcleantissues,whencoughingor sneezing• Alwaysdisposingofusedtissuesinto abinimmediately• Washingyourhandsthoroughlywith soapandwateroralcoholbasedhand cleanersregularly• Cleaningsurfacesregularlytogetrid ofgerms.


Pat McLoughlin of Complete Cleaning Services & Maintenance believes action must be taken promptly to curtail the spread of the virus. He recommends Jangro Medical sanitizer and alcohol rub which passes 1:200 clean conditions, 1:100 dirty conditions 5 minute contact time @ 20C. The Jangro gel hand-rub also passes undiluted 30 second contact time, clean and dirty conditions @ 20C.

“Recently, we were called to a factory and

office in Limerick where the probability that a member of staff had been in contact with swine-flu was very high. We sanitised the entire area successfully and removed any danger of contamination.

“It is very important that schools, factories and all premises should install dispensers in the entrance to their premises to make visitors feel safe and at ease when they call. We can install the brackets and dispensers, regular servicing is also an option,” said Pat.

Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette are key measures that everyone should use at all times to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections. When you sneeze or cough you should Catch it. (in a clean tissue) Bin it. Kill it

HANDS are a primary transmitter and therefore you should sanitize your hands regularly with an alcohol based hand cleaner/sanitizer. The reputable manufacturers have various sizes available from dispenser operated to individual pocket size sanitizers. Ensure that they contain a minimum of 60% alcohol and also contain hand moisturisers due to the required frequency of use. Too many companies who have no knowledge or background in hygiene or sanitization are trying to make a quick buck off this epidemic by sourcing cheap and irritable hand sanitizers. Sanitizers with too little alcohol content are deemed ineffective and excessive alcohol can cause skin irritation.

KeyMeasurestoPreventTransmission

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CompleteCleaning&MaintenanceServices

Pat McLoughlin of Complete Cleaning & Maintenance Services

Billy Marshall

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Controllingthevirus.Fiona O’Brien Maxwell has advice on how Cleanwell can help control this virus.

General hygiene can help to reduce the transmission of all viruses,including the Swine flu virus.

Wash your hands with soap and hot water or a sanitiser gel oftenAlcohol Hand Sanitiser should be positioned in all high traffic areas,such as entrances and exits, reception desks, classrooms, deliverypoints, etc. Alcohol sanitiser gels containing between 60%-90% aremost effective for anti-microbial activity, and the CLEANWELL Alcohol Hand Sanitiser is no exception!

Bactericidal Hand Soap is an odourless, non tainting, low foamingformulation. The Bactericidal Hand Soap available from CLEANWELL is suitable for use anywhere including schools, offices, factories,restaurants and production areas.

A simple robust bracket for Cleanwell 300ml bottles, the POD offers a low cost dispensing system that can be attached to any clean flatsurface using and adhesive pad or mounting it on screws. It is themost cost effective an unobtrusive method in equipping your buildingwith Alcohol Hand Sanitiser, and can easily be removed should youwish, when the virus is brought under control.

“Cleaning hard surfaces, such as door handles and light switches,frequently using a bleach or disinfectant based cleaning product, such as the SafeCare range, will greatly reduce the risk of transfer of theSwine Flu Virus”, Fiona adds.

Clean Hands and a Clean Work Environment Saves Lives!


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Invest and Restructure or Wind-up

On three occasions within the last month, I have found myself advising a business owner on whether they should raise personal funds and reinvest in their business, or whether they should make the painful decision to wind-up their company.

It is a difficult area for a business advisor to provide advice on, but clearly any advice provided has to be well founded, logical and decisive. When you are a business owner it is important to get an experienced second set of eyes on your business. Sometimes the proprietor can’t or doesn’t want to see the reality.

2009 has seen the demise of a lot of businesses, which were thriving just 24 months ago. There are some circumstances which lead to the fall of a company which are largely outside the control of a business manager. One of these is a substantial lack of demand for the goods or services being provided. This unfortunately occurs in a recession and in a deep recession some businesses may not be able to survive. It is true that well-run business managers who have quality data, will take serious decisions early enough to sustain balance sheet value, and even if losses are being incurred, they are absolutely minimised. But for many businesses the assets may need to be mothballed in this environment and reappraised in a few years time. The message in some instances has to be – don’t put good money after bad. This is particularly the case if cash reserves are low or the bank account is overdrawn and new money introduced is going straight out to meet old liabilities.

The key criterion I use to determine if there is sustainability to a business is as follows:

Are the products / services the right ones for the markets being supplied?

If the answer is no, then almost regardless, the business should be severely downsized or in more extreme cases wound up. If the answer is yes and the business is struggling, then it is likely there are other problems such as leadership issues, inappropriate sales and marketing strategies etc.

In any event, here are some tips for doing business in the hardest environment experienced in living memory.

1. Profit is the Queen but Cash is King – ask employees to cut waste and inefficiency. In this environment job retention should be sufficient motivation.

2. Ensure you stay close to debtors and cash management – bringing in cash is vital, thereafter preserving it becomes a priority.

3. Get rid of excess stock – generate cash from surplus stock. When the company is under pressure it is wise to divest of surplus stock to generate cash flow.

4. Foster good relations with your bank – goodwill will be vital. Communicate frequently with your bank, even more so when there’s bad news. Let them know in advance when you need their support.

5. Where possible renegotiate loans to interest only to preserve cash balances.

6. If you are a tenant, seek appropriate rent reductions, they are common place in this environment.

7. Sell non-performing assets to generate cash at every opportunity.

8. As payroll is going to be one of the largest costs, review it for surplus numbers and also see if a pay cut is appropriate or necessary.

Finally, if it is clear that the business is being hit such that it can’t continue, you should consider two other options. The first is perhaps you should try and sell your business to a competitor who could badly do with the extra business from your company. This could lead to a payment on exit, which you might not otherwise receive. We recently completed a transaction of this kind and received a six figure sum for the business owners when they expected nothing other than costs on winding-up. The second possibility to consider is a joint venture with a competitor or complimentary supplier. This can lead to staying in business in a different more economic guise.

If your business is under pressure - and many are - it is important to consider a broad range of options and have a fresh set of eyes guide you.

Brian McEnery is the Business Rescue partner with Limerick accountants & business advisors Horwath Bastow Charleton and has over ten years experience advising companies on business rescue. Brian is the 2008/09 President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Ireland and a member of the ACCA’s Global Council. He is a member of the Insolvency Committee of the CCAB-I (Consultative Committee of Accounting Bodies – Ireland) and is a member of the London Court of International Arbitration.

Brian McEnery

By Brian McEnery


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Limerick’s award winning salon, Halo, the Urban Retreat, has, for the second year running, reached the finals of the Schwarzkopf Hairdressing Awards in recognition of their success in the hairdressing business. Short-listed in two categories, Salon of the Year Award & Best Salon Interior, Halo will have to wait until October to see if they have been successful.

Pauline Whelan, Director said ”We are absolutely thrilled to have been short-listed again this year and in two award categories - that just makes it even more special. It means alot to reach the finals as we are a wholly owned salon and not part of a big chain. Last year we were the only Limerick finalists. We are really proud of what we have achieved in the past six years and it’s great that we are recognised in the industry.”

Halo, The Urban Retreat has expanded over the past 6 years, with the development of an in-house beauty salon, The Ivy, the Halo Hair Academy and continuous training and development of the team and directors.

Open Monday through Saturday, contact Halo & the Ivy @ Halo on 061 44 65 25 or log onto www.halo.ie.

HaloShortListedForNationalAwardThey'veDoneItAgain!


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Latest radio research shows that over three million people now listen to Irish radio every weekday. Top radio present-ers Ryan Tubridy and Ray D’Arcy joined forces recently to celebrate the record-breaking figures that demonstrate that more people than ever are listening to Irish radio. “Irish people just love radio. We’re a nation of talkers but also a na-tion of listeners and our appetite for every type of radio is clearly very healthy. Radio is not only standing the test of time, it’s ac-tually thriving, in spite of all the other me-dia choices that are out there”, they said. The duo launched ‘Choose Radio’, a joint radio industry campaign to promote radio undertaken by RTÉ Radio and the Indepen-dent Broadcasters of Ireland. As part of this campaign radio listeners nationwide heard the same radio advertisement on thirty-six radio stations nationwide on Wednesday (09/09/09).

RyanandRaycelebrateIreland’sloveofRadio

Latest research shows that more people are listening to Irish radio now than ever with 86% or 3,043,000 of the poulation tuning in . Celebrating this fact were RTE's Ryan Tubridy and TodayFM's Ray Darcy.


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GermanAmbassadorlaunchesIrish-GermanStudiesConferenceinLimerickThe 11th Limerick Conference in Irish-Ger-man Studies was launched by German Am-bassador to Ireland, H.E. Busso von Alvensle-ben at the University of Limerick.

More than 100 participants and speakers from Australia, Canada, Germany, Great Brit-ain and Ireland came together at UL to com-memorate the arrival of the Palatine settlers in Limerick 300 years ago, a fascinating chap-ter in Irish-German relations which has left a strong legacy especially in County Limerick.

The symposium was officially opened by the new German Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Busso von Alvensleben with the launch of two of the latest volumes of the series in Irish-Ger-man Studies “The Irish Palatines in Context”. The first book, “Intercultural Connections with-

in German and Irish Children’s Literature”, ed-ited by Susan Tebbutt and Joachim Fischer includes images of Ireland in the German-speaking world and images of the German-speaking world in Ireland. The book explores a wider analysis of intercultural issues in Irish and German children’s literature.

The second book, “Creative Influences, Se-lected Irish-German Biographies”, edited by Joachim Fischer and Gisela Holfter approach-es the complex history of Irish-German rela-tions. It acknowledges the simple truth that connections between two countries are made first and foremost by people. The present col-lection outlines the biographies of a number of individuals for whom their encounter with the other culture has been a crucial and seminal

event in their professional, artistic or scholar-ly life and work; in turn they themselves have had a profound impact on the course of Irish-German relations. The symposium was organised by the Centre for Irish-German Studies (UL) in cooperation with the Eighteenth Century Research Group, the Ralahine Centre for Utopian Studies and the Irish Palatine Association. It is supported by the Institute for the Study of Knowledge in Society, the Department for Languages and Cultural Studies University of Limerick and the German Embassy in Dublin. Further information available on the website www.ul.ie/~lcs/Irish-German/ <http://www.ul.ie/~lcs/Irish-German/>

Dr. Susan Tebbutt, Dr. Joachim Fischer, Dr. Gisela Holfer, H.E. Busso von Alvensleben, German ambassador to Ireland and Professor Paul McCutcheon pictured at the 11th Limerick Conference in Irish-German Studies took place Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September at the University of Limerick. The conference commemorated the arrival of the Palatine settlers in Limerick 300 years ago, and is part of the tercentenary celebrations organised by the Irish Palatine Association.

The Chief Executive of the Private Security Authority Ms. Geraldine Larkin was ap-pointed in January 2005 following an open competition by the Public Appointments Commission.

Geraldine’s background is as a civil servant where she has experience in a number of key posts in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, including areas such as Courts Policy, International Policy, Security and Northern Ireland, and Human Rights. Prior to her appointment, she was involved in a major review of the criminal law as a Principal Officer in the Criminal Law Division. Geraldine holds a degree in Public Administration from the Institute of Public Administration and a Masters De-gree in Business Administration from the Open University. Speaking after her appointment she said that the position is a hugely challenging op-portunity to transform the private security

industry through regulation. Looking for-ward to the formulation and implementation of the strategy to support this transforma-tion, she said real change would only hap-pen if the Authority worked in co-operation with the industry. This transformation will not happen overnight and will require tough decisions, advised by industry, in terms of setting and maintaining standards.

There are currently 27 licensed contrac-tors providing security services in the follow-ing sectors who are based in the Limerick region. The services include contractors operating in the Door Supervisor (Licensed Premises), Installer (Intruder Alarm), Secu-rity Guard (Static), Security Guard (Moni-toring) and Cash In Transit sectors. There are also 1209 individual licence holders in the Security Guard (Static) sector also resi-dent in the Limerick area. All of the above contractors and individuals are regulated by the Private Security Authority which is based in Tipperary town.

The Private Security Authority (PSA) is the statutory body with responsibility for licens-ing and regulating the private security in-dustry in Ireland. The Authority was estab-lished following the passing of the Private Security Services Act in 2004 and started licensing contractors in 2006. The security sector plays an important role in the busi-ness life of the country with an industry wide turnover in excess of €1billion.

TwotypesoflicenceareissuedbytheAu-thority:

•ContractorLicencesarerequiredbycompanies,partnershipsandsoletradersprovidingsecurityservicesintheRepublicofIreland,

•IndividualLicencesarerequiredbyallthoseworkinginthesecuritysectorwithinthestatewhetheremployedbyalicensedcontractorordirectlybyabusinessasinhousesecuritypersonnel.

The Authority currently licences contrac-tors operating in the Door Supervisor (Licensed Premises), Installer (Intruder Alarm), Security Guard (Static), Security Guard (Monitoring) and Cash In Transit sectors. 780 contractors are currently li-censed to provide security services in these sectors. The extension of licensing to other sectors will take place on a phased basis with CCTV and Event Security the next ar-eas identified for regulation.

The licensing of individuals working in the Door Supervisor (Licensed Premises) and Security Guard (Static) sectors com-menced in April 2007 and to date the Au-thority has issued over 24,800 licences in these sectors. From the 1st September 2009, all licensed staff will be required to wear an identity badge while on duty. The identity badge will contain the licence hold-ers photo and licence number and will as-sist the Authority and the public in identify-ing illegal security providers.

The Authority maintains a register of both contractor and individual licence holders on its website, www.psa.gov.ie. The regis-ters are a useful tool for business and the public who can ensure that their security provider is licensed by checking the details on the register.

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SecurityStandardsHighinTheMid-west

The Chief Executive of the Private Security Authority Ms. Geraldine Larkin


The aim of the Authority is to use the statu-tory regulation and enforcement powers provided to it to introduce positive, funda-mental change to the private security in-dustry. The purpose is to instil customer and public confidence in the multi-stranded, multi-faceted security industry through the introduction, control and management of a comprehensive standards driven licensing system for all individuals and companies in-volved in providing security services. The PSA aims to ensure that those who provide a security service and those who

use a security provider are operating within the terms of the Private Security Services Act 2004.

A person found guilty of providing a securi-ty service without the required PSA licence is liable to a fine of up to €3,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months. Likewise, a person found guilty of employing a person without the required PSA licence is also li-able to a fine of up to €3,000 and/or im-prisonment up to 12 months.

Since enforcement of the Act commenced in April 2006, 50 cases have been submit-ted to our solicitors for prosecution, so far 20 unlicensed contractors and 1 user of an unlicensed contractor have been prose-cuted by the PSA. A number of other cases are currently with our solicitors awaiting a

Court Hearing.

The PSA works closely with the Gardaí, the Revenue Commissioners, the National Em-ployment Rights Authority (NERA), other statutory bodies and the security industry to achieve their aims.

The PSA will continue to use its enforce-ment powers against illegal operators and will prosecute those who are in breach of the Act where there is sufficient evidence to support such cases.

Further information on thePSA can befoundonitswebsite:www.psa.gov.ie


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The National Standards Association of Ireland(NSAI) is playing a critical part in helping businesses get their big break, put-ting them at the forefront of the next big thing in their industries. As Ireland’s na-tional standards body, NSAI is responsible for the introduction of Irish, European and International standards across all busi-ness practices. It currently has more than 20,000 standards ‘on its books’ and the range and breadth of standards is as vast as the numbers of standards available: from children’s toys to well known quality management systems including the world leading quality management standard ISO 9000 and IS 14000 environmental man-agement standard. The scope of its stan-dards and certification activity encompass the construction, manufacturing, medi-cal devices and environmental sectors to name but a few.NSAI Chief Executive Maurice Buckley said, “Standards touch on almost every aspect of our daily lives. In today’s turbu-lent economy, standards have the ability to lower R&D and production costs, speed up manufacturing, improve competition, and provide access to international markets by assuring customers that Irish products and services are meeting the highest inter-

national standards. In addition to providing consumers with confidence in products and services, standards help maintain and ensure compliance with best practice.”For business and industry, international quality management standards such as environmental management (ISO 14001) are being increasingly used to demon-strate their environmental responsibility and compliance. It is discussing NSAI’s role in setting stan-dards, it is the benefits to companies that really excites Buckley. “The most obvious way for companies to benefit from NSAI’s standards development role is to join com-mittees and influence the standards that emerge. Companies that join these com-mittees have been rewarded with every-thing from a voice in the debate on the exact specifications of a technology or product that is years away from market, giving them a huge head start, to a strip-changing international contract.”NSAI also plays a role in championing the consumer, as they are responsible for making sure that every weighing scales in the country’s supermarkets is calibrated to exactly the right setting, as is every pet-rol pump and every taxi meter. NSAI was responsible for spearheading

Ireland’s adoption of ISO-9000 quality standard-a competitive edge that Buckley credits with fuelling the Celtic Tiger. In the 1980’s, Ireland was one of the first coun-tries to latch on to the concept of the ISO international quality mark for processes and business which allowed companies such as BMW to favour Irish companies over local ones. This foresight is continued into the wide range of certification scheme provided by NSAI today.

NSAIGoalinSettingStandards

NSAI Chief Executive Maurice Buckley


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GGLMonitoringService“It takes years to develop a business or build and furnish a home. It takes a few minutes to have property either vanda-lised or stolen by intruders. Why go to the expense and trouble of installing a security alarm to have no one responding to it when it goes off?” asks Geraldine Lynch, Director GGL Secu-rity.

“Research by the Security Industry of Ireland has established that 60 % of alarms are ignored by neighbours and seen as a nuisance noise. It is impossible to prevent an attempted break in, but the immediate response from monitoring you alarm dramatically minimises the potential loss and damage to your property.

“Once an alarm activates there is a trained controller on hand 24 x 7 to take appropriate remedial action such as calling the Police, Emergency Services or keyholder. All customer instruc-tions will be strictly adhered to. GGL offer a Mobile Response and Annual Keyholding Service. Our Mobile Supervisor will re-spond to the alarm and take necessary action such as reset-ting alarm, calling emergency services, meeting with customer at location. Monitoring of premises both internally and exter-nally. Should they be required we can supply conventional or personalised warning boards.

An extremely cost effective way of guarding private and com-mercial location 24 hours a day,” added Geraldine Lynch.

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For over twenty-seven years,Limerick company RT Com-municationshavebuiltan im-pressive‘portfolio’whichhassecuredtheirleadingpositionin the security industry bothinthisregionandnationally.

Declan and Gabrielle Mullally started the business in 1981, the original line of their business was radio com-munications equipment for haulage firms, veterinary practices, taxis and agricultural contractors.

Eldest son Sean joined the company in 1985 and the following year was to be a defining time for the com-pany when they added the selling of mobile phones to their itinerary. In 1987, RT Communications were the biggest private provider of mobile

phones in the country awarded ‘Mo-torola dealer of the year’ and Eircell dealer of the year’.

In 1990 the company was strength-ened with the introduction of Sean’s two brothers, Conor and Adrian. They then decided to diversify the business to include security systems with particular emphasis on the CCTV market. Again, this proved to be a wise decision, increasing sales year on year, and today the CCTV and security systems account for 90% of their total business.

Recently the company received an-other award when they were the first company in Ireland to be certified with the CCTV Installers Standard, ISEN 50132.

“I am particularly proud that we are

the first company in Ireland to be certified with this standard. We have always strived for better standards to improve our services. Our clients and customers can be confident in our services because of the CCTV Installers Standard”, stated Declan Mullally, MD.

RT Communications are based in Raheen, in the same original location as in 1981. They employ 18 staff, six part timers and have close working relationships with 3 sub contractors. They are the largest security sys-tems provider in the Mid West and they also have substantial contracts throughout Ireland, which include the ESB, county councils and many blue chip organisations.

RT Communications knowledge, ex-pertise and proven experience with the security business can create cost saving opportunities and visible benefits for your company.

RTCommunicationsFirstCompanytobeCertifiedwithNewCCTVStandard

Declan Mullally, MD, RT Communications

RTCommunications|MountProspect,RaheenRoad,Limerick|Tel:061300900|Email:[email protected]|Web:www.rtcomms.com

Directors, Adrian Mullally, Sean Mullally, Declan, Mullally & Conor Mullally

RTCommunications|MountProspect,RaheenRoad,Limerick|Tel:061300900|Email:[email protected]|Web:www.rtcomms.com

Sales Director Sean Mullally believes that the obtaining of this standard is a significant step in the company’s future. “Acquiring the CCTV standard is very important to us as it indicates our ongoing commitment to provid-ing existing and potential custom-ers with the level of expertise that is expected and required in today’s market. This is a family run business where service and reliability are par-amount. Our first four CCTV clients are still current customers today and our current company client list is very impressive. We also have many high profile private customers from the entertainment business and blood stock industry. Service and back up is vital to maintaining our market place position in the in-dustry”, said Declan.

Operations Director, Conor Mullally believes that the quality of his staff is what keeps RT Communications abreast of their competitors. “We have been fortunate to have such a highly skilled and loyal workforce who have mostly been with us for many years including Pat Sheehan who has been with the company for over 15 years,” stated Conor.RT Communications also provide ex-tensive services in Access Control,

Alarm Systems, Gate Automation, Security Barriers, Two Way Radio, and Automatic Bollards. IT Technical Director Adrian said, “We have been able to adjust to change in services and product through the years con-sistently being the first to lead in our field. We are delighted to have a full order book and I am confident that we will not be reducing our staff in these recessionary times”.

RT Communications specialise in integrating products and systems to provide comprehensive solutions that are flexible to their customersrequirements, easier and more effi-cient in operation and save money

for the client. Crime is at a high presently and it is comforting to have the resources and services of RT Communications available.

“Our customers in the Mid West Re-gion have continued to uphold the loyal relationships built up through the last 27 years and we appreciate their commitment to our company,” added Declan Mullally.

RTCommunications,MountProspect,RaheenRoad,Limerick.Tel:061300900.Web:www.rtcomms.comEmail:[email protected]

AdareManorHotel&GolfResortBarringtonsMedicalCentreBusEireannClohessysBarDairygoldGroupESBTelecomsNationwideEndesaIrelandPowerStationsHegartyMetalsLimerickCity&Co.Council’sLimerickYouthServiceMr.BinmanNorthernTrustBank

O’SullivansPharmacies&BeauticiansParkwayShoppingCentreSTLLogisticsSt.NessansCommunityCollegeUniversityofLimerickWyethNutritionals

Current RT customers include:

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There are many lessons to be learned from the current economic crisis, but one of the most important is that we the people should stop following and start leading ourselves. First step is to use the Limerick County En-terprise Board “You Cant Do business Sit-ting On your Ass” Network to get your busi-ness noticed.Padraig O’Maille explains “Have you ever considered the amount of negative baggage we are bombarded with daily but during the Great Depression, more millionaires were made than at any other stage of our eco-nomic history. During the Great Depres-sion – widely considered to be the worst economic stage in History! How is that pos-sible?

Because the problem is not the economy. If your business is not living up to its potential, then the problem lies within the business, and it makes no sense to place blame on outside factors. It’s time for a change in at-titude and approach.

One of the ways to kick start your busi-ness is through Limerick County Enterprise Board,”you Cants do Business Sitting On your Ass network” , facilitated by Padraic ÓMáille, an award winning Speaker, Facili-tator and Trainer on core business issues. Padraig is offering a look at Powerful Ways To Kickstart Your Attitude; Increase Your Sales; And Grow Your Business —Irrespec-tive Of The Economy.

And it’s not easy: when your business strug-gles, your life can be impacted in countless ways. Low sales can mean financial pres-sures from your bills or from banks demand-ing their loan payments. Your self-esteem can plummet, and even your family life can be affected. Bad business can mentally and emotionally drain you. But blaming the econ-omy won’t help you. Quitting isn’t the answer either. ÓMáille Group has your key to break-ing free from this crisis.By changing your attitude and how you ap-proach your business, you empower your-self and your company to do some amazing things. This change can reverse the nega-tive effects and achieve exactly what you have needed: increased self-esteem at work

and home, high sales and profitability – re-moving the financial pressures, and most importantly, the realisation of the potential that you and your business have been trying to live up to.

Padraic ÓMáille will teach you how to de-velop that attitude. To quote Thomas Edison "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

Padraig O Céidigh, former Ernst Young En-trepreneur of the year says “Telling your story confidently and powerfully is the most basic foundation of any individual or busi-ness. Whether in Irish or English, ÓMáille is peerless when it comes to showing you how”.

“One of Ireland’s most inspiring, powerful and down to earth trainers – we have used him repeatedly for 15 years”Pat McDonagh, MD, Supermacs

DATE:Monday 28th SeptemberVENUE: Woodlands House HotelTIME: 7-9:30pmCOST: Free: Places Limited. Booking essential through www.lcoeb.ieOr 061-496520


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Shannon Development recently expressed its disappointment with the announcement by CityJet of the cessation of their Shannon/ Paris air service with effect from 24th October ’09.

Speaking about the impact of the decision a Shannon Development spokesperson said, "The CityJet decision is a major set back for the Shannon Region. When the route launched in Feb 08 it provided invaluable access to Paris Charles De Gaulle airport, a major global hub with direct connections to over 800 important international destinations.

Today’s decision will impact both the business and tourism sectors in the Shannon Region. A major year round access gateway for visitors to the west of Ireland will no longer be available, and this will impact on our efforts to grow European business to the Shannon Region. In addition to tourism the City Jet connection was an important business route providing global connectivity for a range of industries based in the Shannon Region and the west. As the regional development agency for the Shannon Region we will continue to work with Shannon Airport Authority in support of their ongoing efforts to identify and attract new European routes for Shannon”.

Shannon Development disappointed

with loss of Paris/ Shannon flights

GetSellingBecause“YouCan’tDoBusinessSittingOnYourAss”

Padraig O’Maille

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Ray Cummins Picture Framing15 Catherine Street Limerick

Contact Ray on t: 061 415573 m: 087 9674482

Our Framing Centre is a locallyowned business that has been

servicing Limerick and theMid West for over 20 years.

Our talented and experienced staffwill expertly frame your artworkand do it with the lowest custom

framing prices guaranteed.

We specialise in Oil Paintings,Water Colours, Prints,

Posters, Tapestriesand Certificates

BroadbandpolicydeliveringresultsCommunications Minister Eamon Ryan today welcomed the latest improve-ments in Ireland’s broadband record.

The Quarterly Report of the Communi-cations Regulator (ComReg) shows an increase in broadband subscriptions to over 1.3 million, with broadband pen-etration at “29.5 subscribers per 100 of population”.

Just over two-thirds of Irish homes now have a broadband connection. Addition-ally, 66.9% of residential and 70.1% of non-residential users now connect to speeds of up to 9.99 megabits.

“In two years, we have doubled our broadband subscriptions, with higher speeds and lower costs now available. Broadband policy, focused on increased investment and competition in the mar-ket, is delivering results,” said Minister Ryan. “Over two-thirds of Irish homes have a

broadband connection. While the major-ity of homes can now connect, the Na-tional Broadband Scheme is addressing those that cannot.Speeds are also improving, with almost 70% of customers now availing of faster broadband.

Government policy is progressing initia-

tives to drive competition, increase qual-ity, and keep prices in check. Soon the first batch of our post-primary schools will receive 100 megabits connectivity.

Real action and targeted investment, will continue our progress in the years ahead.”


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Congratulations to LEAP 2008 participant Avril Webster and all the team involved in Off We Go for winning first prize of an advertising and communications package worth €15,000 in the 4FM and Sunday Business Post start up business competition ‘Doing it For Themselves’.

“Avril Webster is a superb ambassador for the LEAP programme,” according to Donncha Hughes, manager of the Enterprise Acceleration Centre. “The story of how Off We Publishing was founded and has developed over the last two years is an inspiration to all budding entrepreneurs. Avril created the Off We Go series of books for her own son, Stephen, who has a severe developmental brain disorder, because she could not find resources to help Stephen. The books take everyday situations such as going swimming or going to the hairdresser and breaks down the experience into a 12 step sequence using simple clear pictures. The books have received a superb reaction in Ireland and the UK since

publication from teachers, parents and experts as they help children to get through everyday tasks and situations.”

Mr Hughes added that he was not surprised that Avril was awarded first place by the judges in the 4FM business competition as she made huge progress over the twelve months of the LEAP 2008 programme. “Her passion and commitment for the business has to be seen to be believed. Among the milestones achieved by the business is the launch of the website www.offwego.ie where the books can be purchased; attendance at UK trade shows; placing of the books with Hughes & Hughes and other book retailers nationwide; and development of the next series of books. Over the last two years, Avril has successfully turned her passion to help children with learning difficulties into a viable business. The LEAP programme has an end of year business plan competition. Avril won 1st prize to the value of €5000 in early June so it is no surprise that the ‘Doing it for Themselves’ judges were equally impressed.”

‘OffWeGo’CelebrateWin

Bank of Scotland (Ireland) and TV3 have recently announced a new two part sponsorship deal that sees the Bank sponsor flagship TV3 programme, Tonight with Vincent Browne and a new business programme, Business Matters. Along with sponsoring the popular politics and affairs of the nation programme Tonight with Vincent Browne, the Bank will also sponsor a new TV3 business programme, Business Matters, to be presented by well known personality, Ivan Yates. The show will cover a range of business topics with weekly contributions from expert panellists. Both programmes begin in early September, with Tonight with Vincent Browne airing nightly and Business Matters airing on Sundays. The sponsorship will run for one year with an option to renew.

Commenting, Joe Higgins, Chief Executive, Bank

of Scotland (Ireland), said: “We are delighted to team up with TV3 in the flagship sponsorship of Tonight with Vincent Browne and the new show, Business Matters. I am confident that both sponsorships will support the continued development of the Bank of Scotland (Ireland) brand. These programmes will allow us the perfect platform to promote and strengthen the position of the Bank with our business customers across the country and to build on that position into the future.”

BankofScotlandjoinTV3insponsorshipdeal

May-DayPointsAPathOutOfRecession

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Radically different approaches are essential in facing up to recession - "because everything is going to be dif-ferent from now on - the old ways of thinking that brought us to where we now are won't bring us to a better fu-ture place. We need to risk becoming radical leaders of our organizations & teams, whether in the private sector or the public services".

So says management consultant Pad-raig Cleary who is bringing his "Possi-bility Crusade" to regional centers and Dublin over the next 12 weeks- (see www.thepossibilitycrusade.com.) - Lim-erick 10/9, Cork 17/9, Galway 24/9, Tralee 29/9, Waterford on 8/10, Athlone 15/10, Tallaght 22/10, Dublin Airport 5/11, Dundalk 6/11, Dublin City 12/11,Sligo 19/11 and Killiney Co.Dublin on 26/11.

To make a difference, he believes that the lead will have to come from the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that he has been involved with in the 23 years since he set up his May Day Management consultancy in Limerick on May Day 1986.

The "Possibility Crusade" consists of a 3.5 -hour participative seminar that he devised around the self-help prin-ciples of the "Art of Possibility" Ben & Roz Zanders' best seller, which helped bring him through a 2002 crisis that threatened his career and his enter-prise. His purpose is to provide point-ers so that owners and managers like himself can identify and explore a new ‘Universe of Possibility’ for themselves and their enterprises. "The first essen-tial is to throw off the blinkers of gloom and despondency and open up the limitless possibilities for enterprises and their leaders. The seminar is de-signed to help participants to begin the "radical thinking process" of drawing new frameworks around the very chal-lenging circumstances they now find themselves in and thereby create "new pathways of possibility".


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As promised the Summer was very busy for Limerick Civic Trust. It was a time for housekeeping, planning and revaluation for our organisation. The summer season is an invaluable period during which all outstanding issues such as fundraising opportunities, environmental concerns and conservation concerns are put into a plan of action for the Autumn/Winter.

To begin the season Limerick Civic Trust will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Mario Lanza This presentation is a fascinating audio visual profile on his life and musical talents of this wonderful musician. Mario Lanza was a singer who set the popular taste in music through his films, radio broadcasts, concert tours and gramophone recordings and whose fame remains global despite being dead for 50 years.

The Profile has been researched and scripted by Mr. Martin Bourke. Martin who is a member of the Trust’s Executive, has had a lifelong interest in the career and vocal art of classical and light classical singers, collecting their recordings and biographies over many years.

Mario Lanza (1921 – 1959) was one of the most commercially successful recording and performing artists with an extraordinary vocal talent. His was the romantic voice of the late ‘40’s and 50’s which through his movies, The Student Prince, The Great Caruso, The Toast of New Orleans –reached vast audiences. His most popular song, “Be My Love” was nominated for an Academy Award but lost out to “Mona Lisa” at the time. Gifted with a glorious voice but also with a flawed personality Lanza remains an enigma.

The programme draws on material from a number of new sources, will tell the life and

times of this fantastic tenor through words and pictures and will include some of Lanza’s most popular songs from films, concerts, studio recordings, radio broadcasts including some novelty & rare items.

The good and generous side of Mario Lanza together with the sad and tragic side will be portrayed. The Profile of Mario Lanza will take place on Thursday 1st October 2009 in The Georgian House & Garden at 8.00pm sharp. Tickets at €15 each are available from The Georgian House & Garden, 2 Pery Square, Limerick Phone (061) 314130; email:[email protected].

October will also see the return of the Richard Russell Memorial Fountain erected in 1877 in the Peoples’ Park – an award winning park located in the heart Georgian Limerick. Those following the restoration of the fountain will remember that it was in a poor state of disrepair. To amend this problem Limerick Civic Trust secured funding to faithfully restore the fountain. In addition to the restoration, the ESB are offering assistance to tastefully light the fountain in order to enhance its overall presence in the city. The restoration of the Richard Russell Fountain began in April 2009. The parts were then transported to Eura’s workshop in the UK for repair work which will take until mid October to refurbish due the intricate nature of the work. Once completed, the fountain will be reassembled once again in its original place at the Peoples’ Park. To document the restoration of the fountain the process was filmed and will be available to view in the Georgian House during the fountains reinstatement in mid October, the date will be announced later this month. In conjunction with this project Heritage Boards will be raised to outline the parks glorious surroundings. The Boards will document this leafy refuge and list the number of interesting flora and fauna housed within the park. The Peoples' Park was awarded Ireland's first and only Green Flag for a public park at an international ceremony in Liverpool in 2008, attended by over 750 people who were representing public and private parks though out England, Scotland, N. Ireland, Wales, Holland and Ireland. The Boards are

currently being designed and constructed and will be in position at the park by November thanks to funding from the Heritage Council and Limerick City Council.

Aside from the Peoples’ Park projects Limerick Civic Trust is embarking on a Hall of Fame Calendar to promote the Gallery at the Bishop’ Palace. The first calendar will showcase 12 portraits in 2010 with a follow up calendar in 2011. For those who have yet to visit the Gallery the Hall of Fame collection recognizes the honour and achievements of 24 extraordinary people who have brought great fame and renown to our city. Their place as history makers is fully deserved and the gallery is an appropriate place to pay public tribute to their achievements. The original images were drawn by Dr. Ryan RHA and gifted to Limerick Civic Trust to be enjoyed by visitors to and people of Limerick city. By 2010 you will be able to have some of these magnificent portraits on your wall when you purchase your own copy of the Hall of Fame Calendar.

Limerick Civic Trust continue to promote the importance of the Hannah Parr in Limerick. The History & Folklore department based at the Bishops’ Palace currently have two students researching for an eventual publication documenting the importance of the Ship in Limerick’s history. The booklet will be officially launched during Nordic Week 2010. Plans for this festival are well underway and will be announced once confirmed. Keep updated by visiting www.limerickcivictrust.ie or by phoning 061313399.

Upcoming Limerick Civic Trust events to be confirmed include a Civic Trust Table Quiz with a twist, a poker and Texas Hold All night along with a number of exhibitions and musical events to keep you all entertained.

UpcomingEvents:

MarioLanzaProfileNightReturnoftheRichardRussellFountainPeoplesParkHeritageBoardsHallofFameCalendarHannah Parr Booklet and Nordic WeekPreparationsCivicTrustTableQuizTexasHoldAllPokerClassic


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By Denis Leonard

BusyTimesinLimerickCivicTrust

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RecessionBusterDear Editor,During this downturn in our economy, the unemployed people of this country can play their part in steering Ireland through recession. We can also help the unemployed at this difficult time, in fact they can help themselves with my idea for an ‘unemployed recession buster lotto.’

Over 400,000 unemployed people are signing on per week; deduct €2 per week from each payment = €800,000 per week.

Take €50,000 per week as running costs this leaves €750,000per week. Put €500,000 up per week as prize funds. Divide this up as 20 winners at €25,000 each.

Your PPS number is your ticket number, and you can only win the prize once.

Permission slip signed on a Monthly Signing Day, this would help 1,040 families per year through these tough times! Give some hope to everyone in these difficult times.

This leaves €250,000 going back to the state each week. This is a saving of €13,000,000 per year which could pay for nurses, beds, homeless people etc.This equals half a million per county per year.

This draw would be held on a weekly basis under independent observer and winners will be notified by post.

Thanking you John Guinane 8 Mitchell St. Limerick.

Zambia-AnotherDevastatingBlowDear Editor,The news that the former President of Zambia, Frederick Chiluba, has been exonerated on charges of corruption comes as another devastating blow for all right-thinking members of society.

The verdict in the trial of Chiluba is particularly disappointing as it was one of the first occasions in which an African country made the courageous decision to take one if its own former leaders to the courts.

We wondered naively at the time whether Zambia may perhaps be blazing a trail for other African countries to do the same; countries which, up to that stage, had been unwilling or too frightened to call crooked politicians to question.

We gave Zambia an opportunity to show us that they meant business, but six years down the line, they have finally revealed their hand; it was a bluff. Sadly, they have allowed Chiluba to retire in comfort, like so many corrupt African politicians have been allowed to do before him.

Chiluba had been accused of embezzling a sum of $500,000 over the course of his 10-year presidential term. However, a judge ruled on Monday that the funds which Chiluba stood accused of thieving could not be traced to Government money. Instead, the court ruled that the money originated not from state funds but from private donations intended for Chiluba’s own personal use.

This decision came two years after the

High Court in London ruled that Chiluba had defrauded the Zambian Government of £23m using London-based bank accounts.

This week’s verdict again rams home the point that the only way in which we, the global community, can prevent more of the same is to stop channelling aid through Governments with a history of corruption and impose severe economic sanctions until they finally get the message.

This is the only language they seem to understand.Yours etc.

John O’Shea, GOAL, PO Box 19,Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

ISMECallsForNationalEmploymentStrategyToTackleJobCrisisDear Editor,ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, has outlined its grave concern at the latest number of job losses confirmed by the Live Register and redundancy figures released today (Wednesday 2nd September). While acknowledging that the trend in the numbers is slowing, the Association outlined that there is still a serious crisis in the labour market that requires immediate Government attention.

The latest seasonally adjusted live register figures confirm that 428,800 people are claiming assistance, up 192,700 on the corresponding period last year, a massive increase of 82%. Consequently, the standardised unemployment rate has almost doubled to 12.4%, up from 6.8% on the corresponding period last year. The redundancy figures, also released today, confirm that 54,887 have lost their jobs this year, up 135% on the corresponding period

last year.

With a significant number of companies on life support, it is essential that the Government starts focussing its attention on SMEs, the backbone of the economy and give the sector at least equal billing to the banks and big property developers. As businesses do their utmost to maintain jobs, they are facing an uphill battle, due to the lack of coherent state policy on the issue. The recently announced Employment Subsidy scheme, while welcome, will only assist, at most 500 companies. When it is considered that there are approximately one-quarter of a million companies in the Country, the assistance amounts to ‘chicken feed.

We urgently require a National Employment Strategy that will tackle the negative factors impacting on the business sector. The Association recommends that the following initiatives are introduced to assist

businesses in both recruiting and maintaining employment.

A reduction in Employers’ PRSI. A PRSI exemption should also be introduced for companies who recruit individuals who have been unemployed for more than 6 months.

An inability to pay clause should be introduced for companies who cannot afford to pay rates of pay outlined under the current JLCs, and Registered Employment Agreements. The same clause should apply under the National Minimum Wage Legislation.

The current Employment Subsidy Scheme should be extended to cover other sectors of the economy currently facing trading difficulties.

Mark Fielding Chief Executive, ISMETel 01-6622755Mobile: 087 2519675

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Mid-WestEntrepreneursLaunchOnlineDeliveryServiceInnovative online transport specialist Wiseloads has teamed up with Limerick based software developer Emutex to launch a one stop shop online delivery service for postage, parcels or pallets to any destination in Ireland, the UK and Europe. The online ordering system is a brokering service that automatically chooses the courier offering the best delivery service and price for goods, saving the customer up to 35% in costs. The Wiseloads service is available to users in Ireland through www.wiseloads.com or through major online retailers and resellers (such as eBay & Amazon) based in Ireland. It will be available to users based in the UK and mainland Europe from 2010. Wiseloads innovative service is particularly suited to individuals trading on the Internet using websites such as eBay, seeking simple, secure, hassle free transport solutions with no hidden costs. Online sellers can obtain an accurate quote for the complete transport solution 24 / 7 with pick up the next day.

Wiseloads was founded by Donegal native Pauric Logue who has been living in Limerick since 1994 and studied Applied Maths & Computing at the University of Limerick. John Twomey, native of Co. Limerick and Managing Director of Emutex collaborated with Wiseloads on the software for the project. According to the JNIR (Joint National Internet Research), Ireland has just under 2 million adult Internet users and in spite of the recession, online purchasing remains resilient. Overall, there was 12 million spent on goods and services online in Ireland last year and the volume of goods sold online in Ireland is on the increase. For example, the latest figures from eBay registered a 19 per cent increase in sales of clothing and accessories in the first three months of 2009 compared with the same period last year and a massive 44 percent increase in health and beauty product sales.

Emutex is a software design consultancy which was founded by Limerick natives John Twomey and Mark Burkley and which began at the EAC in Limerick in 2007. As well as developing bespoke software solutions tailored for clients in Ireland and the UK, Emutex is also developing software for global manufacturers of next generation broadband based phone switches which enable small business to use broadband for their phone services and reduce communication costs significantly.

Both Wiseloads and Emutex were part of the 2008 Limerick Enterprise Acceleration Platform (LEAP) Programme at the Enterprise Acceleration Centre (EAC) in Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT).

Both companies are privately funded and received Enterprise Ireland CORD (Commercialisation of Research & Development) funding last year.

Pauric Logue, Wiseloads & John Twomey, Emutex

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FootvolleyPromotionatBallykisteenHotel


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Pepsi Max kicked off its latest marketing campaign - which centres around the latest global sporting craze of Footvolley – at the Ballykisteen Hotel and Golf Resort recently. The hotel hosted a footvolley session on a specially-created Pepsi Max beach - with UK footvolleyers Mathew Williams and Ben Coyne giving a lesson to Irish International players Stephen Hunt and Kevin Doyle. For anyone who wants to try their luck at footvolley, just log onto www.pepsimax.ie play online and be in with a chance to win prizes including Xboxes or tickets to the Ireland World Cup qualifier matches in October.

Pictured at the event are (l-r) Pepsi Max Girl Pippa O Connor, Irish International player Stephen Hunt, General Manager of the hotel Stephen O Connor, Irish International player Kevin Doyle, Laura Moore Sales Director of the hotel, UK Footvolleyers Mathew Williams and Ben Coyne.and Pepsi Max Girl Nadia Forde.

AdareITSolutionsExpandsInAdare

Adare IT Solutions Ltd. has opened a new state-of-the-art premises in Adare to meet the growing demand from visitors to the region for Internet Access, and also to meet the needs of local businesses for Website Design, Graphic Design & Printing, IT Support and Computer Training.

Since it was established in 2003 Adare IT Solutions has built and maintained a large number of websites for clients in the Limerick Region. One of its most successful websites is the official website for the village of Adare, www.adarevillage.com which has been

consistently attracting a huge number of visitors hits, averaging over 5000 per day. There has been significant growth in advertising on the site and the feedback from advertisers has been very positive leading to a high volume of repeat business.

“As a result of the success of that website, we have designed and maintained a large number of websites for small and medium size businesses, sole traders, schools, clubs and societies in the region” states Geoffrey Doran, Director Adare IT Solutions. “Our success to date is largely due to the level of affordability and professionalism in handling and reflecting our clients’ requirements. We have now decided that there is an opportunity in the region to expand our IT services and we look forward to the continued support from our clients and visitors to the region”, adds Geoffrey.

Ronan Balfe, with over 8 years experience in computer programming working in Dublin, recently joined the company. After finishing his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Applications from Cork Institute of Technology, Ronan started out with Microsoft in Dublin as a test engineer. Ronan then moved to EPC to take up a computer programming role. More recently Ronan has come from Client Solutions in Dublin working on developing software used on websites.

From its premises in the village, Adare

IT Solutions now offers the followingservices:

•WebsiteDesign&Maintenance•HighSpeedInternetAccess•GraphicDesign&Print(Posters, flyers, brochures, business cards)• Computer Repairs & Maintenance(virus removal, hardware upgrades, PC/Notebook purchase, software/hardware support)• IT Training (Beginner & Intermediate Computer Courses commencing September 2009)

For full details on the company, including a list of clients, click on www.addareits.com

Geoffrey Doran, B. Tech, P.G.C.E Ronan Balfe, B. [email protected]

Pictured: Ronan Balfe & Geoffrey Doran

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Sony Professional has announced the appointment of Shannonside AV, based in Limerick, as a key distributor for its range of video conferencing products.

Established in 1979, Shannonside AV has grown to become one of Ireland’s leading Audio Visual companies. It specialises in the design, engineering, installation and integration of AV system solutions for corporate boardrooms, training & seminar rooms, conference centres, lecture theatres, and leisure centres. Its Sony Professional Video Conferencing range includes the new High Definition XG80 along with the Standard Definition G50 Model.

Commenting on the announcement, David Byrne, Ipela Channel Manager, Sony Professional (Ireland), said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Shannonside AV as a reseller for video conferencing products. Shannonside AV will have full access to the extensive Sony Video Conferencing range. Each range offers solutions for the business and education sectors with systems suited for offices, boardrooms, classrooms, gymnasia and auditoria.”

“The appointment of Shannonside AV as a distributor for Sony Professional’s products is exciting news for our company. As one of Ireland’s leading AV distributors, the Sony brand will assist us in strengthening our presence in the educational and corporate sectors,” said Deirdre Donnelly, Shannonside AV.

Shannonside AV appointed as key

distributorThe recent acquisition of Chubb Security Personnel by ISS Facility Services reaffirms the company’s position as the largest integrated facilities management company in Ireland.

ISS has a nationwide footprint with offices located in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Drogheda, Letterkenny and Celbridge and operates in a wide range of industry sectors including healthcare, transport, education, medical devices/pharma and IT.

ISSIrelandManaging Director, Paul Lynch commented, “Acquiring Chubb Security Personnel, a leader in the provision of security services in Ireland, ensures ISS builds a strong competency in security at a national level. The great strength of our business is the ability to provide a full suite of solutions to meet our clients’ facilities requirements, whether through a single service of cleaning, security, catering or property services, a multi-service offering or a complete integrated facility service solution. We are pleased to have acquired

the premium manned security business in Ireland and in particular we are delighted to bring the expertise and experience of the Chubb Security Personnel management team to ISS.”

ISS Security, General Manager, Jim Reynolds, formerly of Chubb Security Personnel said, “Standards and training are at the core of everything we do and it is this ethos that is a shared benchmark at ISS Facility Services and Chubb Security Personnel now known as ISS Security. We acknowledge that our service is only as good as our staff, therefore standards, training and accreditation are a significant investment for ISS on an ongoing basis and we look forward to an exciting future with ISS.”

The 600 strong workforce employed with Chubb Security are integral to ISS Security’s growth in Ireland and maintaining standards of service. They will join the 3,100 ISS employees in Ireland and the 472,000 worldwide.

ISSacquiresChubbSecurityPersonnel

General Manager, Jim Reynolds & Managing Director, Paul Lynch

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Business for Europe•IrishbusinessgroupsuniteincallforYEStotheLisbonTreaty•Allianceofbusinessandprofessionalgroupsestablish'BusinessforEurope'

Over 30 of Ireland’s leading business organisations have come together to establish an independent campaigning group 'Business for Europe', which will campaign for a yes vote in the upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum on Friday 2 October. Members include the American Chamber of Commerce, IBEC, the Irish Taxation Institute, the Irish Hotels Federation, Chambers Ireland, the Irish Exporters Association and the SFA amongst other (see full list of membership groups below).

The groups that make up Business for Europe represent employers and professionals from right across the entire spectrum of economic life in Ireland. All believe that a yes vote is key to our economic future. Business for Europe will actively campaign in advance of the referendum and will hold a series of events

around Ireland in September. A dedicated website www.businessforeurope.ie has also been launched.

Business for Europe has also aligned with Ireland for Europe the civil society group being led by Pat Cox.

According to Chris O'Donovan, Regional Director of IBEC, “The fact that over 30 of Ireland’s leading business and employer organisations have come together to campaign for a YES vote to the Lisbon Treaty speaks volumes. The scale of the global economic crisis has highlighted our vulnerability and the need for a strong Europe so we can together face shared challenges. A yes vote will send a positive signal to foreign investors and to our economic trading partners in the EU. The successful ratification of the treaty is a vital step on the road to Ireland's economic recovery.

Maria Kelly of Limerick Chamber of Commerce said: “Ireland’s membership of

and participation at the core of the European Union is crucial to rebuilding our economy. It puts Ireland in a positive position to tackle global issues, in particular the economic slowdown and the ongoing banking crisis. This Treaty equips us with more efficient structures that will allow Ireland and Europe to compete effectively.”

Michael Vaughan of the Irish Hotels Federation Shannon Branch said: " A yes vote will send a strong signal right across Europe that Ireland remains at the centre of the EU during these very difficult economic times. Our membership of the EU has contributed significantly to Ireland’s past success and boosted our attractiveness as a tourist destination. The introduction of the euro and enlargement of the EU to the east provided Ireland’s hospitality sector with both stability and significant new business opportunities. The Lisbon Treaty builds on these successful initiatives.”

MeetingsDates: Friday mornings (twice a month)Venue:Absolute Hotel Time: 7.30am-9am.Cost: To Join €295.00 p.aBonus: Only one person representing each profession

Limerick Chamber invites all members to enquire about their elite referral network. In tough times, networking is the most important, most powerful, and most cost

effective marketing tool we have which will guarantee sales. To this end, Limerick Chamber is providing a forum, a referral network for YOU where you can grow your business through co-operation and part-nership with other Chamber Members.

•You will have guaranteed leads from your Chamber Associates .It takes 5 -7 connec-tions with a new customer before they de-cide to invest in your products or services…it only takes ONE personal introduction or

testimonial to attract a customer. •You will be increasing your customer base – not only by the 30 plus members in the group, but also to the 300 plus contacts or sphere of influence that each member has.[ Potential 10,500 new customers]

Forfurther information/to join,pleasecontact: Maura Mc Mahon on 061-217604/ Email: [email protected]

Limerick Chamber Referral Network


Limerick Chamber of Commerce hosted a breakfast briefing for UPC in the Absolute Hotel on Thursday 10th September 2009. Pictured were John Collins PAQ IT, Maria Kelly & Gary David Jordan

Martina McGrath (Limerick Chamber of Commerce), Gary David Jordan (UPC), Maura McMahon (Limerick Chamber of Commerce) & Paul O'Brien (WARS).

Maura Walsh (Absolut Hotel) & Matthew Richardson (Richardson Foods).

IN the wake of Limerick’s tame exit to Tipperary in the semi-final of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, local legend Eamon Cregan has lamented a lost opportunity that stretches back the bones of 40 years.

It’shisviewthat the All-Ireland win of 1973 was an ideal opportunity to introduce the game to all parts of Limerick. “We could have had the whole county playing hurling after that, and if we had put more structures in place, we’d have had them playing a unique style of Limerick hurling,” he said.

“We played Kilkenny in the Forrestal (Under 14 Hurling) last year and even at that age they were playing with the same style as their senior team. They had already mastered the basics – that’s what I’m talking about. A huge emphasis has to be put on that, and if this board (Limerick) isn’t willing to do it, they should step down.”

Inside the last few weeks, Limerick released five part-time coaches who collectively had provided coaching to over 20 primary schools in the city environs. The quintet included Cregan (whose above comments were before this announcement), Gerry Molyneaux, Brian Kelly (a brother of former GAA President Sean), Gerard Murnane and Bernie Hartigan, another star of ’73 and an ex-Olympian.

These individuals were employed for around 15 hours a week and their workload will now be assigned to an already in place full-time coaching staff of seven. One new temporary position is also to be created.

As regards the flagship county team, manager Justin McCarthy is committed to completing his two-year term with Limerick. A good thing? “I don’t know,

I haven’t been involved, but whoever devised the tactics in the semi-final got it very wrong. Justin was a beautiful hurler, and maybe that’s the kind of style he’s trying to impose, but that’s not Limerick’s style,” Cregan opined.

“We do have skillful hurlers, but not enough of them, so in that case you go back to basics.

“Look,everyoneinLimerick is still suffering – players, supporters, management. I’ve been there, gone through this before, and it’s an awful feeling. It’s a long road back but we’ve been there before. We’ve go to start and someone has to look at the big picture, get it sorted.

“We need to improvehugely, otherwise we’ll be back here again next year, saying the same thing. It is 36 years since our last All-Ireland title, 33 years since the one before that again, and we’ve accepted that? There needs to be a root and branch approach, everything looked at, nothing sacred.”

Limerick'soneremainingchance of some national silverware in 2009 rests with the junior lady footballers who run-up against Antrim in the All-Ireland Decider at Croke Park on the final Sunday of this month.

Former All-Star Dymphna O’Brien of Gerald Griffins is the leading performer with Marie Halvey’s team, highlighted by her stunning contribution of 3-9 in the 4-11 to 2-7 victory over Louth in the semi-final. “To reach an All-Ireland Final is a tremendous boost for Limerick,” said O’Brien.

“Sincewestartedtraining way back on the first weekend of November, our one goal was to reach this final and now that we’ve arrived at this stage we’re going to make our mark, that’s for certain. And,

as we’re the last Limerick team standing in the championship I would hope that the great followers that are in the county will support us at Croker.”

Limerick’s historic final appearance will have full television coverage courtesy of championship sponsors TG4 – it forms the opening contest of an attractive three match programme that also features the intermediate and senior finals, with an attendance of upwards on 30,000 anticipated.

Ladies Football is the fastest growing sport in Ireland.

MunsterGAA has named Enda McGuane as its new Assistant Secretary.

Aformerinter-countyfootballer with his native Clare (1997-2001), McGuane – a native of Cooraclare – was previously employed by the Defence Forces as an Army Officer for 14 years, during which he served in senior positions at home and overseas. Following his army career, he worked in both the public and private sectors.

McGuanereplacesDanielNelligan – son of Kerry goalkeeping legend Charlie – in the job. Nelligan has been wished well by his former employers.

Limerick’s Pat Fitzgerald of Doon is Secretary of the Munster GAA Council, having succeeded the longing serving Donie Nealon (Tipperary) a short few yearsago.

Munster GAA has its headquarters in Castletroy, Limerick.

with Mal Keaveney

CREGANBEMOANSMISSEDOPPORTUNITYOFPROMOTINGHURLING

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Bioquell Ireland, a Limerick based company is the industry gold standard company for low temperature reside-free BioDecontamination in the pharmaceutical sector and are rapidly gaining the same status in the bio-tech sector. Managing Director of Bioquell Ireland, Kevin Griffin, comments, “Bioquell technology has a unique factor by virtue of the fact we been accessed and accredited by the Rapid Review Panel. The Rapid Review Panel was set up by the UK Department of Health in 2004 to facilitate a review, by an independent panel of infection control experts, of products and technologies which could be used to combat healthcare acquired infections in NHS Hospitals. This group have awarded Bioquell’s HPV technology the highest possible rating of Category 1 approval. The review standards are exceptionally high and it is notoriously difficult to achieve a category 1 status”. Rapid Review Panel report stated ‘Basic research and development, validation and

recent use evaluations have shown proven benefits that should be available to the NHS bodies to include as appropriate in their cleaning, hygiene or infection control protocol’” There is no equivalent panel in Ireland.

Bioquell Ireland is currently working with a number of prominent hospitals in the East and South West along with a significant number of contracts held with, pharmaceutical companies, Universities, food processing plants and research labs. The technology is environmentally friendly, naturally breaking down to water vapour and oxygen and leaving no residue. With offices also in the UK, France, Singapore, and the US Bioquell’s HPV technology is in daily use worldwide.

Bioquell claim that by engaging in a schedule of decontamination in hospitals will make more beds available, lead to an increase in visitor and patient confidence in the healthcare sector and ultimately decrease the tax payers spend on national healthcare.

For further information about Bioquellvisitwww.Bioquell.comorwww.rbds.ie.

BioquellIrelandaimstoincreaseavailabilityofhospitalbeds.

The inaugural Mid-West Regional Business Week was launched by Counties Kerry, Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary andLimerick City Enterprise Boards in Adare, Co Limerick on Tuesday 15th September 2009.

Mid-West Regional Business Week will take place from Monday 5th – Friday 9th October 2009 with an extensive

programme of seminars, workshops, networking events and expos addressing relevant business topics.

This concerted, combined initiative will take place across the mid-west, with the regions development agencies and statutory authorities hosting a wide range of events relative to their particular area of expertise.

The main highlights of the week will be the Official Launch of the 1st Mid-West Regional Business Week by Minister for Trade and Commerce Mr Billy Kelleher T.D. followed by the Enterprise Expo on Monday 5th October and the Regional Network Event with Guest Speaker Sean Gallagher, CEO of Smarthomes and judge on ‘Dragon’s Den’ on Wednesday 7th October.

Speaking at the launch Jimmy Feane, Chairman of Limerick County Enterprise Board stated that the “holding of this event is sending a clear and positive message to the small and medium sector that the Enterprise Boards in partnership with Enterprise Ireland have an all hands on deck approach to the real challenges being faced by the sector in the current climate”.

The Chairman continued to state that “when the Enterprise Boards were established over 15 years ago their remit was to be proactive and innovative and responsive to the needs of enterprises at a local level and it is fair to say that such an approach is needed now more than ever”. Mid-West Regional Business Week will be sponsored by Bank of Ireland, affirming their commitment to support the survival of small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking at the launch Denis Minihane, Bank of Ireland’s Regional Business Manager – West Munster stated that "Bank of Ireland are delighted to support the County and City Enterprise Boards Business Week. We remain committed to supporting viable businesses and continue to provide much needed finance and flexibility to local enterprises. Events such as these are designed to meet the challenges that the SME sector currently face, and to facilitate businesses exploit opportunities within their chosen market."

Over 50 events will take place in Counties Kerry, Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and Limerick City during Mid-West Regional Business Week. For further details log onto www.regionalbusinessweek.com

Mid-WestRegionalBusinessWeekLaunch

Managing Director of Bioquell Ireland, Kevin Griffin

www.businesslimerick.iewww.businesslimerick.ie50

The Enterprise Boards in Limerick, Clare, Kerry and Tipperary have announced a Mid-West Regional Business Week . Over 50 events sponsored by Bank of Ireland including seminars, workshops and networking events will take place from Oct 5-9 next. At the launch in Adare Co. Limerick were from left: Bernie Moloney, Limerick CEB; Fiona Leahy, Kerry CEB; and Lucy Reidy, Clare CEB.


The Governments ‘cycle to work’ scheme introduced on 1st of January this year has really gained momentum and has huge benefits both to the employee and employer. According to Joe O’ Carroll of The Bike Shop, O’ Connell Avenue, “This is a very popular Government initiative that enables your employer to buy a bicycle and accessories for you, without you being liable to benefit in kind taxation. To someone paying the top rate of tax, this equates to a saving of 41% of the cost of a new bike. The goal of this scheme is to encourage employees to cycle to work, reducing traffic conges-tion and covering carbon emissions, and helping to improve health and fitness levels”.

Participation in the scheme is on a voluntary basis by employers and the tax-exempt (BIK) is limited to €1,000. The bicycle must be bought by the employer. The scheme normally operates where the employer bears the full cost of the bicycle or by way of salary sacrifice agreement. The agreement is where you sacrifice part of your salary every pay period to cover the cost of the bicycle, paid for by the employer. This amount sacrificed is exempt from tax, PRSI and levies, and the agreement should be completed within a twelve month period. “Many factories, corporate busi-nesses and office complexes in the region have already availed of the scheme and find that they have a happier and more moti-vated work force. Bicycles are kind to the environment, quiet and pollution free. A cycle friendly employer does more than tolerate cycling. It understands and values the benefits of cycling, offering support and encouragement, actively promoting cycling amongst the work force." Said Mr O’ Carroll.

The Bike Shop in O’ Connell Ave, is familiar with all aspects of the scheme and can advise employers and employees of the simple procedure involved in participating.

“Ten bikes can be parked in the space of one car and 2kg of car-bon are saved for every short journey that is made, using a bike instead of a car. It stands to reason, so get on board and start your cycle to work scheme now”, added Joe.

CycleToWork

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The introduction of Europe’s first ever full US preclearance facilities at Shannon Airport will enable passengers flying to the United States of America from Shannon Airport to pre-clear all formalities before departure, allowing for faster processing on arrival in a US airport.

Delivered by award-winning consultant, WYG Ireland, the facility can now preclear all formalities before departing - making arrival in the U.S.A. earlier and easier.

WYG Ireland, part of the WYG group, provided full multidisciplinary services for the €21 million terminal expansion to Shannon Airport

including structural and fire engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, asbestos surveying and management, contract administration and site supervision. The company worked with its partners, MAP Architects and Tweeds, also part of the WYG group, on this project.

The project is the largest investment by Shannon Airport in over a decade.

Ray Moore, Group Managing Director of WYG Ireland, said: “2009 marks ten years of operations for WYG in Ireland and we are delighted to have completed this pioneering

project for Shannon Airport this year. Over the last two years, WYG has worked with the airport engineering team, the airlines at Shannon Airport, the US Department of Homeland Securities and the local authorities to bring this project to fruition.

“The new terminal expansion will radically improve the passenger experience at Shannon Airport,” he added.

The first ever flight from Europe to have full preclearance was Continental Airlines flight CO025 from Shannon to New York which departed on 5th August.

AirlinepassengerssettoexperienceaquickerjourneythroughUScustomscontrol

Martin Stonehouse-Healy Kelly Tirner Townsend, Brendan Mullins -Head Capital Development and Engineering Shannon Airport,Jim Fitzgerald-WYG Ireland and John McInerney-PJ Hegarty and Sons.

The US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney was in Shannon Airport today to welcome the first transatlantic passengers travelling with Continental, Delta and US Airways who were cleared through the new US pre-clearance service facility this morning. These passengers encountered no further checks at Newark, JFK and Philadelphia airports.

Shannon is the first airport outside of the US, Canada and Aruba to have these facilities and Airport Director Martin Moroney said that the service will open up very significant opportunities for business development over the years for Shannon.

“This is an historic day for our airport and, indeed, a milestone moment in Irish-US

relations. Shannon is the first airport in Ireland to have these facilities in place, and represents a major upgrade of the pre-inspection which commenced in 1986. It is a very proud moment for us and we look forward to maximising this opportunity in the years ahead,” he said.

Shannon Airport Chairman Pat Shanahan paid tribute to all involved in getting the service up and running. “A lot of effort has gone into the establishment of this service and we are indebted to the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey and his officials for all they have done, as well as their counterparts in the US Homeland Security Department and our team, of course, at Shannon Airport.

“We look forward to capitalising on the opportunities that they present for us and transforming Shannon Airport into a major transit gateway for transatlantic traffic,” he said.

The service commenced today with commercial flights provided by major US carriers, while preclearance for general aviation, including corporate jets, is scheduled to begin later in the year. The attractiveness of the service is already reflected in British Airways’ decision to have a transit stop in Shannon and avail of preclearance at the same time on its new all-business service from London City to JFK, which starts in September.

HistoricdayforShannonAirportasitcelebratescommencementofUSpre-clearanceservice



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Shannon Development assemble expertpanel to help guide Regions to futuresuccess

An increased emphasis on regional action will speed Ireland’s economic recovery. This is the message that will be conveyed at a forthcoming national ‘Dynamic Regions’ conference being organised by Shannon Development.

An expert panel of national and international speakers, leaders in their fields, has been assembled by Shannon Development for their forthcoming conference entitled ‘Dynamic Regions – Future Directions in Regional Development’. The one day conference is being held on Friday 6th November ’09 at Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick City.

The Conference will be Chaired by Broadcaster John Bowman, and addressed by Mary Coughlan TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, and Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, Ireland’s only regional development company.

“The Shannon Development Conference on “Dynamic Regions” marking our 50th anniversary will gather an outstanding panel of national and international experts. It will include international case studies from the Assembly of European Regions, London Development Agency and the Basque Region of Spain. We see it as a key opportunity to share and learn, and we have assembled some of the leading experts in the field of regional development to reflect its growing importance on the economic world stage. Our speakers will tackle a number of important topics that will provide the lead in new areas of regional action,” said Dr. Cunnane announcing the conference.

Conference speakers will include Christina Diegelmann, Senior Policy Coordinator on ‘Economy and Regional Development’ for the Assembly of European Regions. The Assembly is the largest independent network of European regions, bringing together 270 regions from 33 countries. Its role is to examine regional solutions to the current economic crisis.

Issues facing Irish regional development will be covered by an Irish panel of speakers including Jim Power, Chief Economist with Friends First who will focus on regional action and how it can help national recovery.

A number of case studies on the benefits

of regional action will be presented by Rob Whitehead from the London Development Agency, and Mirari Zaldua from Labein Tecnalia, Spain, who will talk about the Basque area’s experience of embracing regional development.

‘Why regional action must be a tool for driving economic competitiveness’ will be discussed by Dr. Eoin O’ Leary from University College Cork.

Findings from a European wider special development research programme undertaken by the EU Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON) will be analysed by Professor Jim Walsh Deputy President and Vice-President for Innovation at NUI Maynooth, and Brendan Bartley Lecturer at NUI Maynooth and the University’s programme director for the international centre for local and regional development.

Niall Cussen from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will give an update on the National Spatial Strategy. Conor Skehan, from the Futures Academy at the School of Spatial Planning in the Dublin Institute of Technology, will talk about their futures-orientated study investigating the likely territorial impacts of future economic challenges.

Kevin Terry, Director of Planning and Development & City Engineer with Cork City Council, will present a case study on the Cork Area Strategic Plan which provides a vision and strategy for the development of Cork City-Region up to 2020. Bernadette Connaughton from the University of

Limerick will deliver a case study of regional action in the context of waste management. Ms. Connaughton is a lecturer in Public Administration at UL and is completing a PhD on the implementation of EU environmental policy in Ireland. “There have been significant changes in the economic environment at global, national and regional levels. The economic landscape we now face requires planning of a different nature and scope to position ourselves for recovery. The aim of the conference is to demonstrate how Dynamic Regions can contribute to this recovery by highlighting how regional action can contribute to economic growth. We want to make our conference as interactive as possible and at the end of each session we have organised a panel discussion to allow delegates to exchange ideas with the speakers. We hope that this conference will provide the springboard for a wider national debate on the importance of regional action,” said Dr. Cunnane.

The conference will attract key decision makers and policy influencers who have an interest or involvement in regional development in Ireland and Europe. Private sector and industry leaders concerned with public private initiatives in regional development will also attend the conference.

For further details contact: Bernadette Kelly Tel: 061-710433 email: [email protected] or access the Conference website at www.ShannonDevelopment.ie/DynamicRegionsConference

RegionalActionWillSpeedNationalRecovery

‘Dynamic Regions – Future Directions in Regional Development’, a one day conference organised by regional development agency Shannon Development will take place on Friday 6th November ’09 at Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick City. (L-r) Pictured exploring the future path for regional development is Broadcaster John Bowman who will chair the conference and Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development.


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Strata3 announced Limerick based firm Fitzgibbon O’Riordan Solicitors as the winner of a Strata3 Professional website package valued at €4,999. Fitzgibbon O’Riordan Solicitors is a niche firm with a national client base providing legal advice to the SME and property sectors. The partnership comprises of Caroline Fitzgibbon and Jennifer O’Riordan.

Strata3 Professional is a turnkey SME website solution designed for small to medium sized enterprises and brings business critical benefits in terms of starting or enhancing a web presence to improve competitiveness and drive business. The web company will deliver full site design, content management system and hosting service to the Fitzgibbon O’Riordan Solicitors as part of the integrated website package.

At the announcement, Jennifer O’Riordan, Partner, Fitzgibbon O’Riordan Solicitors said: “We are delighted to be working on our website with a company of the calibre of Strata3. We aim to add value to our clients’ businesses and given the national reach of our practice, a website designed by Strata3 will greatly enhance our presence and reach in a very competitive legal market.”

She continued: “We opened our legal firm in 2006 on the crest of the wave, aiming to service SME's. Our high levels of expertise, customer service and solution-driven thinking have enabled significant growth

to date in 2009. Fitzgibbon O’Riordan Solicitors is a one-stop-shop for small business needing legal advice, whether in the field of employment, corporate, company secretarial, property or banking matters. Landlord and tenant disputes, insolvency and debt recovery have become growth areas for us recently. In the last 12 months, the firm has gained a number of web-based clients and advised on data protection, privacy laws, web hosting and web development agreements.”

Aisling McMahon, Director, Strata3, commented: “Strata3 is pleased to announce Fitzgibbon O’Riordan Solicitors as

the winner of our SME website competition and we look forward to designing and developing their website. The judging panel liked the ethos of the firm, founded on expertise, trust and customer service which has resulted in a strong record of growth for them.”

She continued: “The judging panel was very impressed with the overall spread of entries to the Strata3 SME website competition, across professional services, technology, food, fashion and retail. Entrants pointed out the importance of a website as a key marketing tool in growing their business.”

LimerickbasedfirmwinsStrata3competition

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BarnardosCallsonLimerickLadiestoMakeaMarathonofDifference

Aisling McMahon, Director, Strata3, Jennifer O’Riordan, Partner, Fitzgibbon O’Riordan Solicitors and John Mitchell, Director, Strata 3


Barnardos, Ireland’s leading children’s charity is calling on the ladies of Limerick to grab their trainers and sign up for the Limerick Leader Mini Marathon this October 4th at the University of Limerick. As well as enjoying a great day out with thousands of other women, runners will also have the satisfaction of knowing their steps will make a real difference to the thousands of children and families that Barnardos works with all over Ireland.

“We’re hoping that the amazing performance of top Irish athlete, Olive Loughnane who took silver in the 20km walk at the recent World Championships,will

inspire the ladies of the West to go the distance and cross the finishing line for Barnardos”, said Orla Tighe, Barnardos Fundraising Manager. “Every cent raised will go a long way to help some of the 76,000 children living in Ireland today who consistently face the hurdle of poverty. In Limerick alone, Barnardos operates three projects out of centres at Moyross, Bishop Street and Southill and in 2008 provided vital services to over 500 children and parents in the Limerick area.”

To make it easier for participants to fundraise, Barnardos has a ‘Sponsor Me’ option on www.barnardos.ie where

fundraisers can create their own sponsorship account. They can then send the link to their friends, family and colleagues so they can sponsor on-line and leave a message of support. It couldn’t be simpler!

Those who would like to support Barnardos and their vital work by taking part in the Limerick Leader Women’s Mini Marathon this October 4th should contact Liz in Barnardos on 01 708 0480 or email [email protected]. To ensure participants get off to a good start, Barnardos will send all those who register an exclusive fundraising pack.

Located next door to the newly named 5 star Savoy Hotel on Henry St., Hampton’s Grill is the latest craze to have taken Limerick by storm! We visited Hamptons on a Thursday evening and it was busy. The packed restaurant was buzzing with excited diners enjoying their meals in wonderful surroundings.

T h e

attractive staircase leads down to a fabulous reception area where we were welcomed and seated to our table. The table layout is spacious and the lighting subdued but effective. The modern décor has Italian influences and is very stylish but unpretentious. It gels very well generating a unique electric atmosphere and perfect ambience.

We started with the Fork and Knife BBQ Ribs with smokey BB Sauce, House Pate on crispy brioche toast; Bang Bang Chicken,

lightly battered, Wok tossed with stir fry vegetables and West Coast Chowder.

For the main event, Venison Tortelloni; Chargrilled Sirloin Steak with red wine glaze; Prime Irish Fillet Steak and my personal favourite, Surf and Turf, Chargrilled Rib Eye Steak with Dublin Bay Prawns. Garlic Potatoes,

c r e a m e d s p i n a c h , g r i l l e d a s p a r a g u s s a u t é d m u s h r o o m s and baked potato completed this perfect picture.

To finish, we had a selection of mouth-watering home-made deserts served with Irish coffee.

The food was excellent, perfectly prepared by quality chefs with that ‘extra something’ touch. The service was top class, attentive, friendly and with a genuine desire to please. Well done to the owners and management in Hamptons for the introduction of this new exceptional food emporium that is destined to please Limerick’s culinary foodies for a long time to come!

Limerick diners have been pampered with the addition of so many quality restaurants recently and Hampton’s Grill has certainly hit the ground running.

Business Limerick highly recommends Hampton’s Grill to our readers and I must say I am looking forward to a repeat performance in the immediate future. Booking is recommended on 061 609325 and the opening Hours are 12 noon to 10.30pm Monday to Sunday.

Bon Appetite!

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Enjoy the Hampton’s Experience

It’s not too often that you see the four Irish provinces propping up the Magners League table but that was the sad spectacle which rugby fans had to endure following the first round of the competition.

I would imagine that this scenario will be duly rectified as the season progresses. There is too much talent available to the domestic game at the moment for such a situation to persist for long.

For Munster fans the performance against Glasgow was certainly disappointing. However, a number of factors must be taken into account when assessing the game.

The first is that the Scottish sides have improved out of measure over the last two seasons. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow were the whipping boys of European rugby for many

years, but that has changed.

There was a time when you’d love to get either of the Scots clubs in your Heineken Cup pool. I don’t think you could be as keen now. As Munster found out to their cost against Glasgow, there is far more mettle to them these days.

Even so, it would be foolish to read too much into the Glasgow result. A simple glance down the Munster team sheet confirms that the side fielded was an experimental one.

And the management are right to be blooding young players at this time of year. Lads have to be given a go, and that means using them in the Magners League because they can’t be thrown into the furnace of Heineken Cup action. And with all of Munster’s Lions contingent

sidelined at the moment, the management have an ideal opportunity to give some of the fringe players game time in real competitive fixtures.

On a positive note, a right blast of talent is coming through the ranks at the province. Danny Barnes, Felix Jones, Billy Holland and Tommy O’Donnell have all done well in the pre-season action.

There has also been good news for Munster from the Tri-Nations, where South African signing Jean de Villiers has been playing out of his skin for the Springboks.

It appears that talk of the World Cup winning centre being injured has been nothing more than that. Given the way he has played in the Tri-Nations, he should be a massive asset for the province.

The 28-year old former Western Province player is seen as a natural replacement for Rua Tipoki, whose loss towards the end of last season was a serious blow for Munster.

However, for the immediate future Munster will have to operate without the services of the South African.

As already noted, they will also be without their Lions for the next few outings. And while this is a nuisance for the Munster management team, I believe the IRFU is right in its insistence that players are given adequate rest periods following tours.

It is going to be a long tough campaign both for the provinces and the national side this


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Mick Galwey

MunsterStrengthenPanelWithSpringbokSigning

By Mick Galwey

Munster’s new signing Springboks player, Jean de Villiers.

season and preventing player burnout has to be a priority.

Hopefully, though, all the lads will be back in action by the third week of this month. Realistically, they will have to have at least two Magners League games under their belt before the Heineken Cup kicks off in early October.

For Munster the opening game will be a tough assignment away to Northampton. Although we lost to the Saints way back in 2000, they really haven’t been in the European shake up ever since.

Still, they are a tidy outfit and the trip to Franklin’s Gardens promises to be a right tough one for the boys. As this will be the first time we have played them in the group stages, a strong travelling party is expected to make the trip.

It has to be said that one of the great joys of the Heineken Cup, checking out all these new destinations. But isn’t it amazing that in the 15 years of the competition, we still have to make it to Scotland.

Back at home, the AIL kicks off the first weekend of October and there should be a cracking opening game between Shannon and

Garryowen.

However, some of the city and county teams will also be in action in the first round of the AIB Cup later this month.

Old Crescent are away to Rainey Old Boys; Thomond travel to take on Highfield; while Clonakilty will host Bruff.

In the second round Shannon take on Buccaneers; UL Bohemians play the winners of Belfast Harlequins and Naas; Young Munsters host either Terenure College or Connemara; while Garryowen are away to Navan or Instonians.

Looking forward to the new season, I have a sneaking suspicion that it could be a right good one for Thomond. They have had a decent pre-season and I reckon that they’re due a serious run in the league.

On a different front, the recommendation by the Commission on Taxation to retain tax reliefs for professional sportspeople has to be welcomed.

From a rugby perspective it has to be accepted that Ireland’s top rugby players have been extremely loyal to the domestic game.

However, the ability of the IRFU to keep the top Irish players at home was helped by the existing tax legislation which has allowed professional sports people to claim tax relief on their earnings over a 10-year period of their careers.

The IRFU has pointed out that the retention of the top professional players, allowing their welfare and coaching to be controlled centrally by the provinces and the national union, has been fundamental to the success and growth of professional game here over the last decade.

It is also hard to argue with the view that significant economic benefit has flowed from the success of Irish provincial and national teams. Indeed, this was something which was recognised by the commissioners in their report.

The structures and organisation of professional rugby in Ireland are excellent. It would be a pity to see the progress made over the last decade and a half thrown away because of changes to the tax code.


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Damien Varley on the attack.

Sunset in Thomond Park, Munster v Cardiff, Magners Leauge

CountryR&BstarsDR.HOOKwillplayaonenightshowatUCHLimerickonSunday01stNovember2009.


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DR. HOOK featuring Ray Sawyer will deliver all of the bands worldwide smash hits including "Sylvia's Mother", "Sexy Eyes" "When You're in Love With A Beautiful Woman" and a lifetime more.

Tickets from €27.50 including booking fee are on sale now at the UCH box office and www.uch.ie

Ray Sawyer, the spirited, eye patched lead singer of the group Dr. Hook, whose soulful and sometimes comic vocals fronted the bands breakthrough to the "Cover Of The Rolling Stone" an international superstar status in the early 70's and 80's, has been touring the United States, Canada and Countries Overseas, since the break-up of the Band in 1984 ,with a new band and a new twist to his familiar sound. Ray's current style is harder edged and more soulful then his previous country-rock and pop efforts, through future releases will show the humor is still there..

Born and raised in Alabama , Ray got his first job as a professional musician at age 14 playing drums with a local band. His style was indelibly marked by blending the black and white Southern music that kept Alabama dance halls and clubs hopping. When Ray grew up playing music in Mobile, you play either Country or Rythem & Blues , though down there they are just about the same thing, its two races talking about their lives, Ray explaimes. Developing a style that extracted honesty and emotion-the best traits of both Country & R&B. Ray sings with an intensity and sence of conviction that truly moves an audience.

Ray's trademark eye patch was acquired following a 1967 auto accident that left him without his right eye and kept him laid back for two years. When he was back on his feet, Ray set out for Los Angeles in 1968, working his way back East to New York where the nucleus of Dr. Hook was formed in time to record the score to a Dustin Hoffman film' Who is Harry Kellerman (and why is he saying those terrible things about me).

Accumulating 60 Gold & Platinum Records worldwide with Dr. Hook, He has gained the confidence of a seasoned entertainer, Ray still to this day travels the World with his Band. His son Cayce has been touring with him since he was 13 playing percusion and singing background vocals in the show. Now he is the "Drummer" for the band.

Ray has had the honor of being Inducted into the "Alabama Music Hall Of Fame" in April 2005

With an abundance of stage energy, and prankish sense of humor, an unmistakable voice and image, and a unique ability to reflect his good times in good music,Ray is definitely a song stylist of the first order, and never was it more evident.."

Competition:Win2ticketstoDoctorHookonNov1st.(3 pairs to be won)Q:WhoisDoctorHookleadsinger?

1.WillieNelson2.DoctorKildare3.RaySawyer

Competition:Win2ticketstoMichaelJacksonTributeShowonNov18tth.(3pairstobewon)Q: What is the Michael Jackson Special TributeShowcalled?

1.Thriller2.BillyJean3.ManInMirror

Ray Sawyer

Email answer to: [email protected] (Attn: Michael Jackson Competition) before 28h October.

Email answer to: [email protected] (Attn: Doctor Hook Competion) before 28h October.

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The rising international reputation of the Irish Chamber Orchestra continues to attract an extraordinary range of guest artists, including the UK trumpet sensation Alison Balsom, who will be fresh from her appearance at the Albert Hall’s Last Night of the Proms, when she appears at University Concert Hall on 24 September. Much in demand, Balsom won the coveted Best Female Artist of the Year at this year’s Classical Brit Awards and will be performing absolute highlights of the trumpet repertoire. The Haydn and the Hummel Concerti are works that every artist wants to play and every audience loves to hear. Balsom, one of the trumpet’s most versatile and voluble interpreters, tackles the task of making them sound every inch as spontaneous and fresh as when they were first performed.

Anthony Marwood will appear twice in the season (29 October and 25 March 2010) performing Barber’s Adagio and symphonies by Mozart alongside the composer’s scintillating Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major. His programmes feature two world premières - one by Dublin born composer Andrew Hamilton which has been commissioned by The Arts Council of Ireland. American composer Steven Mackey performs the other, a joint commission by the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, on electric guitar. This will be Mackey’s first appearance with Anthony Marwood and the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

Handel’s HMessiah (18 December) is not just a favourite with Irish audiences, but also with the singers. The National Chamber Choir includes some of the country’s finest voices. The ICO will showcase the cream of Irish talent within an outstanding line-up of young Irish soloists featuring Sinead Campbell soprano, Martha Bredin mezzo, Eamon Mulhall tenor and Owen Gilhooly bass. Popular accordion virtuoso Dermot Dunne makes a welcome return to the orchestra performing a programme of popular Piazzolla and baroque classics (18 February).

Finally, pianist Leon Fleisher (15 April) has the most famous right hand in contemporary symphonic music because for more than 30 years it did not function. Determined not to be defeated this inspirational teacher,

conductor and pianist fought and beat his disability - returning to the concert stage to great acclaim. He performs an all-Mozart programme for his upcoming concerts.

Commenting on the season, Artistic Director Anthony Marwood said “This season we present two new commissions, one from the brilliant young Irish composer Andrew Hamilton, and the other from Steven Mackey, a big name in American new music circles. Steve has been composer-in-residence at Tanglewood and Aspen and has had commissions from the San Francisco and Chicago Symphony Orchestras and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His music is thrillingly dynamic. It's a joy to welcome brilliant colleagues: trumpet star Alison Balsom, conductor Jonathan Cohen who will doubtless bring fresh insights to Handel's Messiah, and the brilliant South African Gérard Korsten who will conduct the opening tour. And a special mention for Leon Fleischer - I heard him give a performance of a Schubert sonata shortly after his return to the concert platform and it was profoundly moving. Enjoy our 2009-10 season!"

Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, commenting on the Irish Chamber Orchestra's 09/2010 concert season said "the Irish Chamber Orchestra has become one of Ireland’s leading cultural ambassadors having established relationships with celebrated artists, set benchmark standards for orchestral excellence and offers key opportunities for some of Ireland’s most talented musicians and composers."

The ICO’s attractive season subscription package offers significant financial savings, as well as a range of extra benefits. Buy a season ticket (€125) to five concerts and get the sixth concert free! See www.irishchamberorchestra.com for details.

TheIrishChamberOrchestraannouncesanexciting09/10seasonatUniversityConcertHall.

Alison Balsom

CWBpresentManintheMirror-TheMusicofMichaelJacksonUCH-Limerick

Wednesday18thNovember

MAN IN THE MIRROR is a special tribute show to Michael Jackson. This celebration of the songs of “The King Of Pop” will include glittering performances of his hits covering “Billie Jean”, “Thriller”, “Beat It” and “Bad” all the way up to “Earth Song”.

Top Michael Jackson impersonator Anthony ( Moon ) Walker will be backed by a full live band, dance troupe and a spectacular visual show. MAN IN THE MIRROR is a must for any Michael Jackson fan.

Tickets priced at €27.50 including booking fee are on sale now through the UCH Box Office, Empire Music & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

The show is a special tribute show to Michael Jackson, featuring glittering performances of hits such as ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Thriller’, ‘Beat It’, and ‘Bad’ all the way up to ‘Earth Song’.Top Michael Jackson impersonator Anthony (Moon) Walker will be backed by a full live band, dance troupe and a spectacular visual show.The show is a huge success in Dublin and now the west will get a chance to experience the phenomenal show which is selling out all over England

and Ireland.

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Minister for Education & Science, Mr Batt O’Keeffe, T.D, attended the Market Day launch event today which saw the announcement of a major redevelopment of the Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick.

A major building extension to the Glucksman Library, University of Limerick is one of the construction projects planned as part of Bundle 1 of the PPP Programme. The project is estimated to cost in the region of €27 million and is estimated to be completed by end of 2012. The extension will see an additional 6.600 sq meters will increase the size of the library to 15,700 sq meters.

The Market Day launch event is part of the Government’s €270 million Third Level Institutions PPP Programme which will see various building projects for Third

Level Institutions completed over a 25 year period.

Speaking at the Market Day launch, Minister O’Keeffe said;“The Government recognises the essential importance of continuing to invest in our future productive capacity during the current economic downturn. The Government has prioritised its programme of investment in modernising and updating educational infrastructure at all levels. Our PPP Programme will deliver enhanced facilities in Engineering, IT, Science and Technology, Catering, Tourism and the Arts as well as primary and post primary schools throughout the country.”

“The delivery of this project has the potential also to provide hundreds of much needed direct construction jobs and I am

anxious to ensure that construction can commence as early as possible in 2010.On completion, the new Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick will integrate seamlessly with the existing library to provide one facility to support the university’s research and learning needs. The substantial increase in student numbers since phase 1 of the library was completed and the increased research activity experienced at the University has resulted in growing demand on library space, collections and specialist services and facilities.

The building will allow development of new facilities and redevelop existing service areas, including quiet study zones, collaborative learning spaces, a Special Collections Library, Exhibition and display space, Health Science Library and Law Library.

MinisterAttendsMarketDayLaunchEventatUL

Pictured L t R : Barry Murphy, Chief Executive, NDFA, Minister for Education, Mr Batt O’Keeffe T.D, Gobnait O’Riordan, Director of Library and Information Services, Glucksman Library, University of Limerick.

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ACCOUNTANTSBDO Simpson XavierBusiness and Financial Advisors4 Michael Street, Limerick Tel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172Email: [email protected] Web: www.bdosx-limerick.com

Grant ThorntonChartered Accountants,Mill House, Henry St, Limerick.Tel: 061 314622 / 061 312744Fax: 061 317691 / 061 418038Email: [email protected]: www.grantthornton.ie

HDS PartnershipRegistered Auditors – Accountants – Tax Consultants – Business Advisors2nd Floor,RiverPoint,Lower Mallow Street, Limerick.Tel: 061 445000 Fax: 061 445060E-mail: [email protected]: www.hds.ie

Horwath Bastow CharletonAccountants and Business AdvisorsHorwath House,The Red Church, Henry St. Limerick.Tel: 061 310311 Fax: 061 318899E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.hbcl.ie

Moore Stephens Patrick McNamaraAccountants and Business AdvisorsPamdohlen House,Dooradoyle Road,Limerick.Tel: 061 229666 Fax: 061 302144Email: [email protected]: www.mspatrickmcnamara.ie

John Quirke & Co.Racefield House,Dooradoyle,Limerick.Tel: 061 301260Fax: 061 307863Email: [email protected]

O’Donovan Caulfield Lavin1 Mt. Kenneth Place, Henry St, Limerick.Tel: 061 411000 Fax: 061 411001E-mail: [email protected]

O’Hurley Blair Irwin3rd Floor, Mount Kenneth House, Henry St, Limerick.Tel: 061 401122 Fax: 061 401144E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.obi.ie

Joe Littleton & Co.Dangan Tulla Co.ClareTel: 065 6835407Fax:065 6835407

Email: [email protected]: www.jflconsultancy.comSage Accredited Trainer

ACCOUNTANCY COURSESBPP Professional Services89 O’Connell Street. LimerickTel: 061 310884 Fax: 061 310984Email: [email protected]: www.bpp.com/ireland

ADVERTISING AGENCYSouthern AdvertisingKilloran House, Catherine Place, Limerick.Tel: 061 310286 Fax: 061 313013Email: [email protected] Web: www.southernad.ie

Spark Marketing Communications100 O’Connell St, Limerick.Tel: 061 409251 Fax: 061 409255E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.sparkmarketing.ie

AIR CONDITIONINGBatt O’Connor Air ConditioningContact: Batt O’ConnorBallykenneddy, Ballingarry,Co.LimerickTel: 069 68407 Fax: 069 68407Mobile: 086 8122220Email: [email protected]

ARCHITECTS & BUILDING ENERGY RATING ASSESSORSBrian O’ DonoghueTait Business Centre, Dominic St., Limerick.Tel: 061 410318 Fax: 061 414315 Mob: 086 8122271E-mail: [email protected]

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, BUILDING ENERGY RATINGS ASSESSMENTS & PROJECT MANAGEMENTAbsolute House Plans Ltd.Unit 72Eastlink Business Park,Ballysimon Road,Limerick.Tel/Fax: 061 603700Mob: 087 2957494Email: [email protected]: www.absolutehouseplans.ie

ARTISTSUna HeatonTel: 086 3735015Email: [email protected]: www.unaheatonart.com

Carmel T. MadiganTel: 086 8197726Email: [email protected]: www.carmelmadigangallery.com

AUCTIONEERSDTZ SHERRY FITZGERALDHibernian House,105 Henry Street, Limerick.Tel: 061 418111 Fax: 061 418112Email: [email protected] Web: www.dtz.ie

G.L Auctioneers, Valuers & Property Consultants65 O’Connell Street,Limerick.Contact: Geraldine LeddinTel: 061 467188 Fax: 061 467190Email: [email protected]: www.propertylimerick.com

John Shaw Auctioneers M.I.P.A.V.1 Lower Mallow Street, LimerickTel: 061 311133 Fax: 061 314666Email: [email protected]: www.johnshawauctioneers.com

BAR, BISTRO & NIGHTCLUBAubars49-50 Thomas Street,Limerick.Tel: 061 317799Fax: 061 317572Email: [email protected]: www.aubars.com

BARS & NIGHTCLUBSPeter Clohesseys Bar & Sinbin NightclubHowleys Quay, LimerickTel: 061 468100 Fax: 061 404863Email: [email protected]: www.peterclohessey.com

BISTROThe Cornstore,19 Thomas Street,Limerick.Tel: 061 609 000/ 609 001Fax: 061 409 334Email: [email protected]

BUILDING CONTRACTORSAce ServicesGlenameadePallaskenry, Co. LimerickTel: 061 393 049 or 061 393 982Fax: 061 393 303Email: [email protected]


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BUILDING SUPPLIERSBallysheedy Building SuppliesBallysheedy, Co. Limereick

(next to ‘ Weigh In’ bar)

Tel: 061 445660/ 061 445666

Mob: 087 2490666/ 087 6983444

BURGLAR ALARMS & SECURITY SYSTEMSClifford Security Alarms16 Wickham Street,

Limerick

Tel: 061 313033 / 440151

Fax: 061 317412

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.cliffordsecurity.com

BUSINESS BANKINGAllied Irish Bank (AIB)Contact: Kieran O’Regan

Lower Cecil Street,

Limerick

Tel: 061 406200

Fax: 061 409002

Email: kieran.j.o’[email protected]

Web: www.aib.ie

Bank of Ireland125 O’ Connell St.,

Limerick

Tel: 061 419791

Fax: 061 418554

E-mail: [email protected]

Bank Of Scotland IrelandBank of Scotland House,

Shannon Street,

Limerick

Tel: 061-209300


Web: www.bankofscotlandireland.ie

KBC Bank Ireland plc,Riverpoint,

Bishops Quay,

Limerick

Tel: 061 448600

Fax: 061 468468


Web: www.kbc.ie

Ulster Bank Midwest Business Centre14 Henry Street,

Limerick.

Tel: 061 316757 Fax: 061 312971

E-mail:

[email protected]

Web: www.ulsterbank.com

BUSINESS COACHESAction Coach Business CoachingUnit 1 C,

Annacotty Business Park,

Annacotty, Limerick.

Tel: 061 338682 Fax: 061 338682


Web: www.actioncoach.com/joepower

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

Limerick Chamber

96 O’ Connell St, Limerick

Tel: 061 415180 Fax: 061 415785


Web: www.limerickchamber.ie

Shannon & District

Chamber of Commerce

Shannon Business Centre,

Shannon, Co. Clare

Tel: 061 360611 Fax: 061 360440


Web: www.shannonchamber.ie

BUSINESS SOFTWARE

SOLUTIONS

CompuCount Ltd.

18 Cois Luachra,

Limerick.

Tel: 061 305033

Fax: 061 305291


Web: www.compucount.ie

BUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEMS

Lantel Networks Ltd

Roselawn House,

National Technological Park,

Limerick.

Tel: 061 3503580

Fax: 061 350360


Web: www.lantel.ie

BUSINESS TRAINING

ORGANISATION

FAS

FAS Services To Business

Raheen Business Park,

Raheen,

Limerick

Tel: 061-487975

Fax: 061-229447

E-Mail: [email protected]

Web: www.fas.ie

CAR DEALERS

Clareview Motors

Ennis Road,

Limerick

Tel: 061 221000

Fax: 061 221060


Web: www.clareviewmotors.com

Lyons Of Limerick & NenaghMain Ford Dealers,Ballysimon Road, LimerickTel: 061 413344 / 067 33442Fax: 061 413699 / 067 33436E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.lyonsoflimerick.com

CARPETS & FLOORINGProvincial Floor CoveringsRaheen Business Park,Raheen, Limerick.Tel: 061-227100 Fax: 061-227000E-Mail: [email protected]: www.pfl.ie

CATERINGMasterchefs HospitalityEpicurean House,Robert Street, LimerickTel: 061 411522 Fax: 061 402021Email: [email protected]: www.mhm.ie

CCTV & ACCESS COMMUNICATIONSAdvanced MonitoringNo.2 Pillar House, Little Ellen St. LimerickTel: 061 319 375 Fax: 061 311 805Mobile: 087 2596955 / 087 2395039Email: [email protected]

CHARTERED SURVEYORS, VALUE ENGINEERS, & PROJECT MANAGERSBruce Shaw PartnershipBruce Shaw House,6 Hartstonge Street, Limerick.Tel: 061 493515 Fax: 061 493516E-Mail: [email protected]: www.bruceshaw.ie

CLEANINGClean HabitB2 Smithstown Industrial Estate,Shannon,Co. Clare.Tel: 061 361461Fax: 061 361868Email: [email protected]: www.cleanhabit.com

ISS FacilitiesUnit 11, Ashbourne Business ParkDock Road, LimerickTel: 061 500300 Fax: 061 500301Contact : Brian KellyMobile: 087 9159108Email: [email protected]: www.iss.ie

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CLEANING & MAINTENANCE SERVICEElite Cleaning ServiceRose Cottage, Woodpark, Castleconnell, Co. LimerickTel: 061 372133 Fax: 061 372627E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.elite-contract-cleaning.com

COACH HIREMartin’s of LimerickAnnacotty Business Park,Biddyford, Annacotty, Co. Limerick.Tel: 061 333100 Fax: 061 333102Email: [email protected]: www.martinscoaches.ie

COMPUTER NETWORKING SALES & SUPPORTAction PointUnit 8B,Plassey Enterprise Centre,National Technology Park,Limerick.Contact: David JeffreysTel: 061 337 632Call-Save: 1850-ACTION/ 1850 228 466Fax: 061 301 924Email: [email protected]

Fitzpatrick Computer GroupMill House, Henry Street, LimerickTel: 061 493300 Fax: 061 417219Email: [email protected]: www.fcg.ie

O’Connor Network Services (ONS)Ardnataggle,O’Briens Bridge,Co. ClareTel: 061 343412 Fax: 061 343413Mobile: 087 8118690E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ons.ie

CONSTRUCTIONRoadbridge LtdBallyclough, Ballysheedy, Co. LimerickTel: 061 419855 Fax: 061 414767E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.roadbridge.ie

CORPORATE GIFTSCraft Innovations Corporate Gifts Ltd. 5 Quin Street, Limerick Tel: (061) 415198 Fax: (061) 415208 Email: [email protected]: www.craftinnovations.ie

Friendship Wines & HampersContact: Joe CrowleyTel: 061 455225Mob: 087 7607495Email: [email protected]: www.friendshipwines.ie

DISPLAYSignLynxContact: Jack O’LoughlinFranklin Motor Yard, Cahernorry,Ballysimon, Limerick.Tel: 061 333736 Mob: 086 8094420Fax: 061 333737Email: [email protected]: www.signlynx.ie

DRAINAGE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICESWalsh Environmental ServicesDrainage & Environmental SpecialistsThe Cottage, Lower Meelick, Co. ClareTel: 061 325757 Fax: 061 325700

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Des Ryan ElectricalBallyneety, Co. LimerickTel: 061 351643Mobile: 087 9121561Email: [email protected]: www.desryanelectrical.com

EVENT MANAGEMENTFunireland Event ManagementLittle Orchard,Dooneen, Crecora, Co. Limerick.Tel: 061 320292 Fax: 061 320294Email: [email protected]: www.funireland.com

Woulfe Event Management,Tower View House,Glenview Avenue,Farranshone, Limerick.Tel: 061 321979Mob: 087 7631999Email: [email protected]: www.woulfemanagement.ie

FINANCIAL CONTROL / ACCOUNTING / BOOK-KEEPING SERVICESHogan Financial Management Ltd50 O’Connell Street, LimerickTel: 481444 Fax: 061 481445Email: [email protected]: www.hoganfinancial.ie

FLORISTFlowers ForeverDesigner FloristRachel & David Hannon

Raheen Roundabout, Limerick.Tel: 061 307123 Fax: 061 307123Email: [email protected]: flowersforever.ie

GLASS AND MIRRORSMirror and GlassworxUnit 1b, Annacotty Business Park,Limerick.Tel: 061 333630 Mob: 087 2808184Fax: 061 333631Email: [email protected]: www.mirrorandglassworx.com

GOLF COURSESCastletroy Golf Club,Golf Links Road,Castletroy,Limerick.Contact: Patrick KeaneTel: 061 335 753Fax: 061 335 373Email: [email protected]: www.castletroygolfclub.ie

Limerick Golf ClubBallyclough, Co. LimerickTel: 061 414083 Fax: 061 319219Email: [email protected]: www.limerickgc.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTANCYOptic Nerve Design GroupThe Mill, Glentworth Street, Limerick.Tel: 061 316955 Fax: 061 316965E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.opticnerve.ie

GRAPHIC, WEB & WEB MARKETINGIDF Marketing Ltd.Marine Village,Killaloe,Co.ClareTel: 061 375412Mob: 086 8176337Email: [email protected]: www.idf.ie

GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGNCustomer Care SolutionsAnne Sheehan, Harbour House, Locke Quay, Limerick.Mobile: 087 6684819E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.customersolutions.ie

Edgewater GraphicsContact: HughCharlottes Quay, LimerickTel: 061 318318 Fax: 061 318308Email: [email protected]: www.egraphics.ie


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HOME FURNISHINGSLimerick Paint SuppliesPennywell Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 411292Thomondgate, Limerick. Tel: 061 329828 Fax: 061 415874 Mob: 087 2503448

HOTELSAbbey Court Hotel, Lodges & Trinity Leisure Spa.Dublin Road,Nenagh,Co. Tipperary.Tel: 067 41111Fax: 067 41022Contact: Matthias Muller M.I.H.I.Email: [email protected]: www.abbeycourt.ie

Limerick Marriott HotelHenry StreetLimerickTel: 061 448700Fax: 061 448701Email: [email protected]: www.limerickmarriott.com

The Castleoaks House HotelGarden Suites and Riverside Holiday HomesCastleconnell, Co. LimerickTel: 061 377666Fax: 061 377717E-mail: [email protected]: www.castleoaks.ie

Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Revas SpaAdare, Co. LimerickTel: 061 605100 Fax: 061 396073Email: [email protected]: www.woodlands-hotel.ie

The George Boutique HotelO’Connell Street,Limerick.Tel: 061 460 400Fax: 061 460 410Contact: Mr. Altaf KhanEmail: [email protected]: www.lynchotels.com

The South Court Hotel,Adare Road,Raheen,Limerick.Tel: 061 487 487Fax: 061 487 498Contact: Mr. Brian HarringtonEmail: [email protected] Web: www.lynchotels.com

HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE ASSESSORS

Auray Assessors

Specialists in Property Claims

Tel: 061 317264

Fax: 094 9541723


Web: www.aurayltd.com

HR Consultants

The HR Channel

Contact: Fiona O’Carroll

Ballycarney,

Clarina,

Co. Limerick

Tel: 061 353154

Mobile: 086 2051727


HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT

AND EXECUTIVE & BUSINESS COACH

Elaine Ryan & Associates

Unit 7,

Elite Business Park,

Smithstown,

Shannon,

Co.Clare.

Tel: 086 2381555


Web: www.elaineryanandassociates.com

INDUSTRIAL

Sercom Solutions

Sarsfield Rd: Raheen Business Pk;

Raheen, Limerick.

Tel: 061-226600 Fax: 061-226640

EMail:[email protected]

Web:www.sercomsolutions.ie

INK REFILL & TONERS

Ink Refill Depot

7B Denmark Street,

Tel: 061 446446

Fax: 061 446456


Web: www.inkrefilldepot.ie

INSULATION

Aerobord Ltd.

Askeaton, Co. Limerick

Tel: 061 604600 Fax: 061 604601


Web: www.aerobord.ie

INSURANCE BROKERS & ADVISORS

Robert Ryan Insurance

3 Newenham Street,

Limerick.

Tel:061 319268


IT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

Avocent International

Avocent House,

Shannon Free Zone,

Shannon, Co. Clare.

Tel: 061 471877 Fax: 061 471871


Web: www.avocent.ie

KITCHEN & BEDROOM FURNITURE

Betterbuy Kitchens

41 Eastlink Business Park,

Ballysimon Road,

Limerick.

Tel: 061 413144

Fax: 061 774313


Web: www.betterbuy.biz

LABEL MANUFACTURERS

Impact Labelling Systems Ltd.

Contact: Richard Fox

77/78 Eastlink Business Park,

Tipperary Road,

Limerick.

Tel: 061 437990

Fax: 061 437995


LETTING AGENTS & PROPERTY

MANAGERS

Castle Estates

50 O’Connell Street,

Limerick.

Tel: 061 440411

Fax: 061 311907


Web: www.castle-estates.ie

LIFE & BUSINESS COACHING

Pathfinder

31b Cecil St. Limerick

Tel: 061 215750

Mob: 086 8123834


LIFT SERVICES

Mid Western Lifts

Corcanree Business Park

Dock Road, Limerick

Tel: 061 400123

Fax: 061 400121


Web: www.mwls.ie

LUXURY DEPARTMENT STORES

Brown Thomas

16 O’Connell Street,

Limerick

Tel: 061 417222

Fax: 061 412191


Web: www.brownthomas.com


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MARQUEE HIRE

O’Donovan Marquees

Birdhill, Co. Tipperary

Tel: 061 379328

Fax: 061 379328


Web: www.odonovanmarquees.com

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Profiles at Work

Executive Coaching, Training,

Psychometric Testing

Ballyheefy,

Killaloe,

Co. Clare

Tel: 061 376461 Fax: 061 375496

Mob: 087 2640028


Web: www.profilesatwork.com

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY

SERVICES

May Day Management Consultants

Tait Business Centre,

Dominic Street, Limerick

Tel: 061 316960

Fax: 061 314161


Web: www.maydaymanagement.ie

MARKETING

Customer Care Solutions

Anne Sheehan,

Harbour House, Locke Quay,

Limerick.

Mobile: 087 6684819


Web: www.customersolutions.ie

Molly D Marketing

Castlecrine,

Sixmilebridge,

Co.Clare

Tel: 061 369898

Mob: 086 2371508


Web: www.mollydmarketing.ie

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

and MARKETING RESEARCH

Martin McGuire & Associates

Dock Road, Limerick

Tel: 061 228822

or 061 229233


Web: www.martinmcguire.com

MODULAR CONTAINERS, CABINS &

OFFICES

Ballysimon Containers

Eastway Business Park

Ballysimon Road, Limerick

Tel: 061 312530

Fax: 061 313520


Web: www.asp-ire.ie

MODULAR OFFICE ACCOMODATION

Asp-ire Advance Space Providers Ireland

Eastway Business Park

Ballysimon Road,

Limerick

Tel: 061 312530 Fax: 061 313520


Web: www.asp-ire.ie

MORTGAGE & FINANCIAL SERVICES

ODCL Financial Services and Mortgages

1 Mount Kennett Place,

Henry Street,Limerick.

Tel: 061 411000


MORTGAGES, PROPERTY,

MAINTENANCE & INVESTMENTS

Moore Stephens Patrick McNamara

Financial Planning & Mortgage Solutions

Life & Pensions – Mortgages –

Investments – Wealth Management

Pamdohlen House,

Dooradoyle Road

Tel: 061 229666

Fax: 061 302144


Web: www.mspatrickmcnamara.ie

Redmond Mortgage & Pensions

1A Hartstonge Place,

Upper Hartstonge Street,

Limerick

Tel: 061 446629

Fax: 061 446809

Mobile: 087 8290736


OFFICE EQUIPMENT

Gerry Webb Office Equipment

72 Wolfe Tone Street,

Limerick

Tel: 061 467380

Fax: 061 467380

Mobile: 087 2625768


OFFICE EQUIPMENT /

PRINTING & STATIONERY

Curley Copy Centre

Little Ellen Street,

Limerick.

Contact: Eileen

Tel: 061 315331

Fax: 061 315171


OFFICE FURNITURE & SUPPLIES

G & A Manifold

(Showrooms)

Unit 6E,

Docklands Business Park,

Dock Road,

Limerick.

Tel: 061 312777 Fax: 061 313434


Web: www.gamanifold.ie

Metro Office Supplies

Unit 2 Crossagalla Enterprise Centre,

Ballysimon Road,

Limerick

Tel: 061 432000

Fax: 061 432001


Web: www.metrooffice.ie

PACKAGING

IPS

Industrial Polythene Solutions

Contact Name: Sean O’Carroll

Annacotty Business Park,

Annacotty,

Limerick.

Tel: 061 508980

Fax: 061 508984


Web: www.ipspackaging.ie

PENSIONS & INVESTMENTS

Karl Daly Pension & Investment Ltd.

2nd Floor, Riverfront Building

Howleys Quay, Limerick

Tel: 061 318701 Fax: 061 318702

Mobile: 086 2602326


Web: www.karldaly.com

or www.ssiaideas.ie

PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURER

Schwarz Pharma

UCB (Schwarz Pharma Ltd)

Shannon Industrial Estate,

Shannon, Co. Clare.

Tel: 061 714100 Fax: 061 714101


Web: www.ucb-group.com

PHOTOCOPIERS

MJ Flood (Ireland) Ltd.

(Sales & Service)

23 John Street,

Limerick.

Tel: 061 312211

Mob: 087 7815252

Fax: 061 415595


Web: www.mjflood.ie


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PHOTOGRAPHYBrendan Gleeson LIPPA NUJ25 Cherry Avenue, Caherdavin Lawn, LimerickTel: 061 453253 Mobile: 087 2159325Email: [email protected] www.bgleesonphoto.com

John O’Brien PhotographyHigh Street, Limerick CityTel: 061 412833 Email: [email protected]: www.jobrienphotography.com

PLANT HIRE & SALESNewport Plant & Tool HireBallymackeogh, Newport, Co. Tipperary.Tel: 061 373737 Mob: 086 0664137E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.npt.ie

PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUS SERVICES & PRIVATE HIREBus EireannColbert Station LimerickTel: 061 313333 Fax: 061417166Email: [email protected]: www.buseireann.ie

PRINTINGMc Kerns Print & DesignGlentworth Street, LimerickTel: 061 417611 Fax: 061 419816Email: [email protected]

Mc Namara PrintersSmithstown Industrial EstateShannon, Co. ClareTel: 061 361782 Fax: 061 363271Email: [email protected]: www.mcnamaraprinters.ie

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTSAble Marketing50 Thomas Street, LimerickTel: 061 417575 Fax: 061 410055Email: [email protected]: www.ablemarketing.ie

PROPERTY DEVELOPERSTiernan PropertiesArthurs Quay HouseArthurs Quay, LimerickTel: 061 412462 Fax: 412251Email: [email protected]: www.tiernanproperties.ie

PUBLIC RELATIONSEcho Marketing5 The Mews,Hartstonge Street,Limerick.Tel: 061 409353

Mob: 087 9892463Email: [email protected]

Molly D MarketingCastlecrine, Sixmilebridge,Co.ClareTel: 061 369898M: 086 2371508Email: [email protected]: www.mollydmarketing.ie

MKC Communications22 Log Na gCapall, South Circular Road, Limerick.Tel: 061 303779 Fax: 061 305802Mobile: 087 1220119E-Mail: [email protected]: www.mkc.ie

O’Brien Communications30 Ashbrook GroveEnnis Road, LimerickTel/Fax: 061 457999 Mobile: 086 6019214

Quinn CommunicationsContact: Niamh Quinn MPRII 38 Roches Street,Limerick.M: 087 1220119F: 1890 886803E: [email protected]

PUBLIC RELATIONS & EVENT & MEDIAMANAGEMENTWoulfe Event ManagementTower View House,Glenview Avenue,Farranshone,Limerick.Tel: 061 321979Mob: 087 7631999Email: [email protected]: www.woulfemanagement.ie

RADIO STATIONS (NATIONAL)Limerick Live 95 FMP.O Box 295 Radio House, Richmond Court,Dock Road, Limerick.Tel: 061 461900 Fax: 061 419595E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.live95fm.ie

RTÉ lyric fmCornmarket Square,Limerick.Tel: 061 207300Fax: 061 207390Email: [email protected]: www.rte.ie/lyricfmContact: Aodán Ó’Dubhghaill & Julie Knight

RECRUITMENTBrooks RecruitmentHotel & Catering86 O’Connell St., Limerick.Tel: 061 413022 Fax: 061 312799E-mail: [email protected]: www.brooksrecruitment.com

Irish Recruitment ConsultantsDeloitte & Touche House,Charlottes Quay, LimerickTel: 061 313744 Fax: 061 417553Email:[email protected]:www.irishrecruitment.ie

ManpowerLimerick Branch1 Michael Street,Limerick.Contact: Niall HarrisTel: 061 312230Fax: 061 312280Email: [email protected]: www.manpower.ie

Richmond RecruitmentHibernian House,Henry St: Limerick.Tel: 061-413111 Fax: 061-416699E-Mail: [email protected]: www.richmond.ie

Staff SolutionsUnit 2 Belfield House, Ennis Road, LimerickTel: 061 329250 Fax: 061 329252E-mail: [email protected]: www.staffsolutions.ie

RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTSWork Access Ltd.1st Floor, Pillar House,Little Ellen Street, Limerick.Tel: 061 493095 Fax: 061 409345Email: [email protected]: www.workaccess.org

RESTAURANTSPoppadomAward Winning Indian CuisineUnit 2C, Robert Street,Corn Market Square, LimerickTel: 061 446644www.poppadom.ie

SECURITY SHREDDING & CONFIDENTIAL WASTEDGD Papers Ltd.Bay M1, Raheen Business ParkLimerickTel: 061 491333 Fax: 061 491335Email: [email protected]: www.dgdpapers.com

Taoiseachsays‘YES’toShannonChamber The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen T.D., has accepted an invitation from Shannon Chamber President, Ian Barrett, to speak at his annual lunch for the business community. This very popular event, which normally takes place before Christmas, has been brought forward to Monday, 28 September, a reflection of the Chamber’s interest in putting pertinent and strategic topics under the spotlight. Sponsored by CareerWise Recruitment (Shannon, Cork and Galway), and taking place just three days before the public cast their votes in the Lisbon Treaty referendum, the Taoiseach will outline the Government’s views on the subject.

Main sponsor, CareerWise Recruitment, which specialises in the senior management, commercial, supply chain, technical and engineering recruitment needs of its client companies is acutely aware of Europe’s importance to Ireland, from both employment and export levels.

Director Joe Robbins commented: “Our client companies, indigenous and multinationals, have established operations in Ireland for multifaceted reasons, most especially access to a skilled and competent workforce and, access to an expansive European market. Our national competitiveness is already hitting them at many levels; we cannot undermine the strategic importance of a sustained linkage with Europe. The adverse messages which affected the Treaty’s acceptance last time out have been addressed; voting Yes is for the greater good of the country, irrespective of which Government party is in place.”

Tickets for the Shannon Chamber President’s annual lunch, which is also being supported by Dromoland Castle, Skycourt Shopping Centre and Darcy’s Bar and Restaurant, are available from Shannon Chamber (Tel. 061 360611/708341; email: [email protected]). This social event commences at twelve noon and is open to members and non-members. Space is limited so early booking is advisable to avoid disappointment.

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SIGNAGESignLynxContact: Jack O’LoughlinFranklin Motor Yard, Cahernorry,Ballysimon, Limerick.Tel: 061 333736 Mob: 086 8094420Fax: 061 333737Email: [email protected]: www.signlynx.ie

Sign It LtdUnit 6, Eastway Business Park,Ballysimon Road, Limerick.Tel: 061 469900 Fax: 061 417502Email: [email protected]: www.signit.ie

SignsplusUnit 7,Eastlink Business Park,Ballysimon Road,Limerick.Tel: 061 437950 Fax: 061 437940Email: [email protected]: www.signsplus.ie

SOLICITORSHolmes O’Malley SextonBishopsgate,Henry St: Limerick.Tel: 061-313222 Fax: 061-310414E-Mail: [email protected]: www.homs.ie

TAXATION BDO Simpson XavierPersonal and Corporate Tax Advisors4 Michael Street, Limerick Tel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172Email: [email protected] Web: www.bdosx-limerick.com

TEAM BUILDINGFunireland Team Building SpecialistsLittle Orchard,Dooneen,Crecora, Co. LimerickTel: 061 320292Fax: 061 320294Email: [email protected]: www.funireland.com

WATER COOLERS & DISPENSERSCrystal ClearLeamy House, Hartstonge St: Limerick.Tel: 061-454962 Fax: 061-454449Mobile: 087-2561239E-Mail: [email protected]

WATER CONSULTANTSAllied Aquatech Water Treatment Consultants3 Kyle House (office & shop)Henry Street, LimerickTel: 061 319777 Mobile: 086 1555568Fax: 061 319778Email: [email protected]: www.h2o4u.ie

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSALMr BinmanLuddenmoreGrange, Kilmallock, Co. LimerickTel: 061 351127 Fax: 061 351918Email: [email protected]: www.mrbinman.com

WINE RETAILERSFine Wines Fine Wines Group,Tipperary Road, Ballysimon, LimerickTel: 061 417784 Fax: 061 417276Email: [email protected]: www.finewines.ie

The Wine Buff17 Upper Mallow Street, LimerickProprietor: Mike O’ MaraTel: 061 313394E-mail: [email protected]: www.thewinebuff.com

To subscribe to our Business Directory Listing please contact:Yvonne Sheehan on 061 - 214738 or Email: [email protected]


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BL | NEWS

With Facebook recently becoming the fourth largest site in the world and by far the most dominant social network, it's understandable that it receives so much media attention and people are eager to learn how to advertise on Facebook and use it as a marketing tool. It seems as if people rarely ever talk about LinkedIn anymore, even though it remains a powerful marketing tool.

LinkedIn offers a multitude of marketing opportunities outside of paid advertising or status updates. Here are two effective and efficient ways to leverage LinkedIn for your business.

LeverageYourOfflineNetwork.The most fundamental strategy is just to be there to take advantage of your natural, offline network that is already in the space. If you don't already have a LinkedIn profile, we would advise that you sign up and get one.

The site has more than 40 million users from

around the world, so it's almost certain that people in your offline network are already interacting on the site.

In addition to creating your personal profile, be sure to also create a business listing for your company. This will allow your company's team to join the group and easily communicate with each other, as well as place your company in the LinkedIn directory and available for people searching it for companies in certain industries.

JoinandInteractinGroups.While LinkedIn, itself, is a giant social network, it is in some sense made up of thousands of smaller networks, i.e., groups. This statement holds more true for LinkedIn than for other social networks, such as Facebook or MySpace.

While the groups serve as self-identifiers for network members, similar to the purpose of groups in other networks, LinkedIn's groups

go even further by acting as a forum for discussions & article postings.

Once you join groups that are relevant to you and your company's expertise, you then have the ability to contribute by posting discussions topics and commenting on other threads.

Joining and interacting in groups is an important and effective strategy to broadcast your knowledge and expertise, as well as to extend your network to far beyond only individuals that you have met offline.

If you or your team would like to learn more on how to take advantage of LinkedIn and other online networking mediums for your business - feel free to contact us.

LinkedIn: (see below) www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmeaneyTel: 061 375412Email: [email protected]: www.idf.ie

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by Kevin Meaney, IDF Marketing

GetYourBusiness"LinkedIn"UsingLinkedIneffectivelyforyourbusiness.


Summerwas definitely in the air in Limerick city this summer when Sequoia Lane welcomed celebrity chef and food writer, Clodagh McKenna to their magnificent store on O’Connell Street. A large crowd attended the fantastic event and they received a very warm welcome from Richard and Sorcha Curtin and their wonderful staff at Sequoia Lane. Aperitifs prepared from Clodagh McKenna’s lat-est book “Fresh from the Sea” were served by staff from No. 1 Pery Square.

During her evening in Sequoia Lane Clodagh McKenna outlined some of her recent experiences in making her TV series ‘Fresh from the Sea’ which is currently being screened on RTE 1 every Tuesday night. Clodagh spoke about the importance of supporting the local Irish fishing industry stating it is critical to the survival of fishermen and also encouraged people to buy produce at their local farmers market. Clodagh’s first book “The Irish Farmers Market Cookbook” and “Fresh from the Sea” are both available from Sequoia Lane. “Fish is a delicious food, it is fast and very easy to prepare and also excellent food for the brain” commented Clodagh.

Clodagh McKenna has a close association with Sequoia Lane and the store was delighted to be amongst the first in Ireland to stock her beautiful Love Aprons which she recently wore on the Late Late Show. The vintage 1950’s style aprons which are available in a number of colours come in a gorgeous gift bag, an ideal gift for any woman!

Since Sequoia Lane opened in September 2008 it has captured the imagination of Limerick shoppers and stocks a unique selection of gifts, homeware, jewellery, clothing and toys. The store is delighted to support a number of local artists including Hilary Nunan, Lynn Kenny and the stunning knitted jewellery by Limerick designer Mar-tha Wo’s. For further details contact 061 414017 or log onto www.sequoialane.com

ClodaghMcKennainSequoiaLane

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Tel: 061 - 304 599Mob: 086 1063744

email: [email protected]

please, have a look at:www.creativewavedesign.com

BRAND RECOGNITION • CORPORATE IDENTITYLOGO DESIGN • EXHIBITIONS • WEB DESIGN

NEWSLETTERS • ANNUAL REPORTSMARKETING MATERIALS • CATALOGUESBROCHURES • POSTERS • ADVERTISING

MAGAZINES • CREATIVE SOLUTIONSNOVELTY ITEMS • CARDS • ILLUSTRATIONS

DIRECT MARKETING CAMPAIGNS

Helpingyour business

to stand

outfrom the crowd

Clodagh McKenna, TV chef, signing copies of her new book "Fresh From The Sea" at Sequoia Lane, Limerick recently


The Saab 9-3 range provides everything from a 1.8i to 250 bhp V6 Aero engines,all meticuously crafted and beautifully designed. But then we do have a historyof designing jet fighters. Give yourself a thrill, book a test drive today.

The Saab 9-3 range from €34,495*The fuel consumption figures are L/100km Urban 7.2 - 17.3, Extra Urban 4.4 -7.7, Combined 5.4 - 11.1, CO2 147 - 266g/km * Delivery and related charges additional. Model shown is for illustrative purposes only.

JET SET

www.saab.ie

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