Business Limerick Magazine February 2010

February 2010 3.50

Inside:

• Limerick Tunnel Ahead of Schedule

• 50 New Jobs at Chorus

• Limerick Person of the Year

www.businesslimerick.ie

NAMA is vital to recovery

— Brian McEnery

061 418692 · 29 O’Connell Street, Limerick · Open Sunday 1pm – 5pm

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BL | EDITORIAL & CONTENTS

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BL COVER STORYNAMA is vital to recovery — Brian McEnery

BL NEWS Element Six has rehired workers

BL GALLERYOut and About with BL

BL CHAMBERA Room Full of Positivity

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BL NEWS 2 Million Euros invested in Limerick zinc find BL NEWSLimerick is focus of new IDA strategy

BL ARTSChamber Orchestra’s 09/10 season gathers momentum

BL DIRECTORYA-Z OF Mid West businesses

Business Limerick FOR BUSINESS LEADERS

C O N T E N T SFebruary 2010

FROM THE EDITOR

Communication is VitalGood news is back in fashion for 2010 after the constant pessimism and uncertainty endured in 2009. One of the main challenges for Irish businesses this year is rebuilding brand values and reintroducing our services to our clients.

Last year, businesses tended to take a step back, circle the wagons and keep their heads down. Communication with ones customers is paramount to the success and continued business of that company.

This year, we need to re-evaluate our relationships with our customers and communicate with them. We must rebuild a confidence back into our companies and how they are perceived by our customers, showing a cautious yet optimistic approach to future business.

How? Raise our business profiles through pr campaigns and effective advertising, identifying your market and communicating directly to them. It is no longer acceptable to give the poor mouth and stay below the radar. It isn’t much use if your company offers the best product or service in the Region if your customer doesn’t know it!

Economists and indicators tell us that we will see changes for the better in 2010 and it is essential that our businesses are strong, ready to take advantage of any up-turn in the economy.

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

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www.pressombudsman.ie or www.presscouncil.ie.

Editor

Frank [email protected] Mobile: 086 245 1153

Advertising Manager

Marguerite [email protected]: 087 245 1153

Advertising Sales

Yvonne [email protected] Mobile: 087 8578764

Business Journalists

Rachael FinucaneDavid Raleigh

Photography

Keith Wiseman

Photographic Contributors

Press 22Kieran Clancy - PicSureDave GaynorMichael CowheyBrendan Gleeson

Contributors

Mal KeaveneyMick GalweyKevin Meaney

Published by

Business Limerick Publications Ltd

Directors

Frank CollinsMarguerite Finnan

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

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Tel: (061) 46 75 18

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The controversial National Assets Man-agement Agency (NAMA) is both nec-essary and vital to economic recovery, according to one of nine board mem-bers—prominent Limerick accountant, Brian McEnery.

Three is a truly magic number for the Rathkeale native as he is combining his work on NAMA with two other important roles as Corporate Finance Partner at the Limerick office of Horwath, Bastow, Charleton and as the Irish president of

the Association of Chartered Certified Ac-countants (ACCA). He was appointed to NAMA by the Minister for Finance before Christmas for a term of four years and while he was ‘thrilled’, the hard work be-gan in earnest.

“We’ve started with board meetings al-ready; the process will take a considerable amount of time. An awful lot of work is be-ing done and there was quite a bit of ena-bling work before that. The first tranche of loans are expected to be transferred

to NAMA in a month or so. It’s going to be awfully important for the economy and getting credit back into the banks. Once the loans are transferred to NAMA, banks can concentrate on providing credit to help businesses,” he explained.

“It’s a complex process but it can be fun-damentally brought down to any other business. NAMA will take over assets and their management to try to make a profit for the exchequer over a number of years. A strategy of some form was necessary

Brian McEnery (right) with Brian Lucey, Associate Professor in Finance at Trinity College, at the ACCA Ireland Financial

Services Network Breakfast on 4 November.

“NAMA is Vital to Economic Recovery”

– Brian McEnery

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to ensure that credit could start flowing and the problems with the banks were ad-dressed.”

Brian is in esteemed company with fellow NAMA board members including: former Chairman of the Revenue Commission-ers, Frank Daly and Chairman of the Dub-lin Transportation Office, Willie Soffe. Ste-ven Seelig will be appointed to the board in May 2010, when he retires from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

With fears being expressed over whether or not credit will be made available, Brian said that “banks are in the business of making money out of lending so there is no reason why they would not do that”.

“The Minister for Finance will have some influence on the banks; the Government is already a shareholder. The economy needs sensible cash-flow lending. It has been all asset-backed lending in the last few years. There is a realisation that busi-nesses may not have huge assets but can generate money and are inherently profit-able. That is a more attractive proposition going forward. Businesses need working capital, not big buildings. They need mon-ey for research and development and investment. It has been very hard to get that kind of money.”

He added that Ireland may be a small island but it is also in the Global Village, with a “very open-type economy” and it is a case of “trying to ensure Ireland is well placed when there is an upsurge in global economy so it will have an effect on the economy”.

“International commentators have noted the proactive approach being taken in our Budgets. It’s reassuring that the Minister has cut spending and this is seen very positively. The view is that we have started down the road of taking the pain to bring our competitiveness back into check. This ‘tough love’ approach is necessary.”

Brian may be heavily involved in rescuing the banking sector, but he is also used to assisting in corporate recovery on a smaller, localised scale. He helped to set up the local branch of Horwath, Bastow, Charleton (HBC) in 2003 and the firm—which also has offices in Dublin and Bel-fast—now has a staff of over 70 in the beautiful restored Red Church on Henry

Street. Its extensive services include au-diting and accounting, tax compliance and planning, investments and pension and corporate finance and corporate recov-ery—which is experiencing a “busy time” and HBC Limerick has a team of 14 work-ing in the area, “the biggest in the city by a long way”.

“We’re always focused more on rescue than on liquidation. I’ve worked on a lot

of turnarounds of businesses and have acted as an examiner a number of times. Very few practitioners in Limerick have held that position and I’m very proud of that. If you can restructure a company about to go into liquidation, it’s very re-warding. The first time I worked on any-thing like that, 200 jobs were saved and in another case, 400 were saved,” he ex-plained.

Brian receiving the ACCA Ireland Presidential Medal of Office from outgoing president Brendan Foster at the ACCA AGM.

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“I also do a lot of restructuring on an in-formal basis. The court process can be complicated. Companies realise that if they take remedial action early, they have a better chance of stepping back from the brink. In many cases, you can talk to creditors and everyone will work together toward a resolution. In some instances, cash is very tight and if you offer a re-duced sum at the moment and the rest at a later date, it’s better than nothing. Creditors are often amenable as long as they believe it’s an honest process.”

He added that he is very proud of HBC’s Business Expansion Scheme, which raised €4m in 2009 to invest in qualifying companies over the next 12 months. The funds will be invested into five or six differ-ent companies and investors get tax relief on the investment. In the past, the BES has built advance factories in Rathkeale, Charleville and Kilmallock—creating sus-tainable, local employment.

Brian trained in Limerick and spent time in Cardiff. He qualified as an accountant in 1992 and worked in the industry for two years and in another practice from early 1995 to 2003. Drawing on his vast experience, he was appointed as the first Limerick president of the ACCA in a dec-ade this year, which he described as ‘a great honour’. ACCA is the largest global accounting body with 500,000 students and members around the world.“ACCA has a presence in 170 countries

and continues to build on that, particu-larly in countries like China where there has been phenomenal growth in mem-bership over the last few years. Students really value a global qualification. We have branches from China to South America, Canada to Australia. Ireland is seen as a very important market within the global context. I’m lucky to be one of 36 on the worldwide ACCA council. I was elected in March with around 5,000 votes. It’s great to see how the global organisation works and it sits in London around six times a year,” he outlined.

“The Irish executive meets five or six times a year too and I have to attend a lot of functions but it’s very enjoyable. I get to meet a lot of new people. I’m actually sorry half the year is over.There’s a great tradi-tion in Ireland and we nearly have enough members to fill Thomond Park. With that in mind, I’m bringing my president’s din-ner to Thomond Park on February 19 and I’m hoping for a big attendance. John Bru-ton will be the guest speaker.”

Originally from the bustling town of Rathkeale, where his mother still lives, Brian has two brothers; is married to Patricia and lives in Crecora. The lifelong Fine Gael supporter has also applied his number-crunching skills as a tallyman and acted as director of elections for Limerick West in 1997.

“I have been very much involved in the

community in Rathkeale for many years. I was on the community council. I’m very proud of the town. It has its own unique circumstances and year after year, fine people have been helping the town to develop. There’s a very strong commu-nity spirit and a lot of organisations, from Meals on Wheels to the local credit un-ion and many more that make everything possible,” he said.

Despite the challenges brought by reces-sion, Brian is optimistic about Limerick’s future in business and beyond.

“I think Limerick is a good town for com-merce. We’ve had setbacks. I went to CBS Sexton Street and travelled in from Rathkeale every day. Every few years you would hear people saying that their father or uncle had lost his job from a company like Krupps. The city has always rebound-ed and it will again. Limerick people are very resilient and there are plenty of good companies here,” he reflected.

“2009 was about cost control and that’s the good side of recession. It knocks a bit of sense into all of us. We all step back and ask ‘how could we be so stupid?’ We can only hope that lessons will be learned out of this and quickly. If businesses are tighter and better managed, keeping costs down they will be ready for the up-swing when it happens.”

Brian McEnery speaking at the HBC-Cahir & Co business seminar in Ennis in September 09.

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BL | NEWS


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

Limerick Tunnel Ahead of Schedule

Thousands of motorists will have to pay around €2 if they want to ride the new Limerick Tunnel and Southern Ring Road and avoid any traffic hold-ups in Limerick City Centre.However, the good news for motorists is that the project—spearheaded by con-tractors Direct Route—is a staggering four months ahead of schedule.

A toll of €1.90 has been mooted for mo-torists when the Tunnel is expected to become operational in May this year, a staggering four months ahead of sched-ule.

Originally due to open in September it’s expected to take up to 40,000 vehicles off the streets of Limerick City. The 675-metre tunnel under the River Shannon

will also complete the final phase of the Southern Ring Road linking the Dublin Road to the Ennis Road.

Construction work on the €500m fourth river crossing began in 2006 and is one of the largest engineering projects ever in Limerick.

“The Limerick Tunnel project including the Southern Ring Road Final Phase is scheduled to open in May. I cannot tell you the exact date but speaking to the main contractors-Direct Route-is that it’s well ahead of schedule and the proprie-tary dates are sometime in May this year. The intention is to remove up to 40% of the ‘through-traffic’ in some places of the city,” said Traffic Engineer with Limerick City Council Rory McDermott.

Mairead Beehan, Tom King, Direct Route, Gerry White, Cleshia Clancy, St Patrick’s House SVP, Dierdre Cronin, Thomond House and Rob Lowth, Limerick City Council at a presentation of checques for 7,000 Euro’s from Direct Route to shelters for the Homeless in Limerick City.

In what is widely acknowledged as one of the toughest times to ever face the Irish design and construction industry, there is finally some news designed to put a smile on the faces of the 70 or so architects based in Limerick.Slema Harrington, has been elected president of the Architects Council of Europe, the representative body for half a million architects across 27 countries in Europe. With high unem-ployment in the sector and range of ongoing issues affecting the building in-dustry throughout Europe, Harrington wants Limerick architects to “review, resource and re-imagine” their role and look for new ways to train, practice and promote themselves in these dif-ficult times. John Graby, RIAI Director said: “This appointment is extremely positive for architects in Limerick and throughout Ireland. ACE plays a key role in shaping environmental policy across Europe and it is wonderful that a small country like ours has the Presidency. Selma’s appointment is also a positive affirma-tion of the multiculturalism that exists in Ireland. As a Bosnian, who has worked across Europe and came to Ireland 12 years ago, Selma represents both the openness of Ireland and the universality of architecture. She has the RIAI’s full support in Europe and we congratulate and wish her well in her Presidency.”

New Appointment

Limerick based Slema Harrington

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BL | NEWS


The opening of “SEEN BUT NOT HEARD”, and exhibition of childhood took place on January 21st, per-formed by Dr Hugh Maguire, Director of the Hunt Museum. The exhibition runs from 21st January 2010 to April 2010, Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2-15 to 5pm.

“SEEN BUT NOT HEARD” is a travel-ling exhibition organised by the Local Authority Museums’ Network, and has already visited Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Louth and S. Tipperary. It consists of a series of panels about various aspects of childhood, and is supplemented with cases of objects on loan from local people and from the Kemmy Museum’s own collection. Entry is free. A booking system for schools will operate. Please Contact Brian Hodkinson, Assistant Curator, Jim Kemmy Museum, Nicholas Street, to make a booking for your school.Phone: 061-417826 email: [email protected]

Exhibition of childhood

ELEMENT Six in Shannon has rehired some of the 200 staff it let go dur-ing 2009, but only on a short-term basis. Management here have denied claims by SIPTU that staff have been rehired through an employment agency on pay and conditions far less than those agreed between unions and the company. Element Six man-agement have totally dismissed these claims stating that all workers re-employed on a temporary basis were on the same terms and conditions as existing employees as agreed with the Labour Court.

ELEMENT Six in Shannon has rehired workers

Shannon Airport has today welcomed the announcement that Continental Airlines is to increase its presence at Shannon this summer by operating four additional services to Newark each week as a sig-nificant boost. Continental Airlines currently operate a daily year round service to its hub in Ne-wark, which provides extensive connec-tivity throughout the US. The additional services, commencing 28th May until the 8th September, will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with a departure time of 13.15 hrs. All Continental Airlines services will use the airports Full US pre-clearance facility ensuring speedy processing on arrival in the US.Welcoming the news, Airport Director Martin Moroney said: “This is a significant boost for Shannon Airport and we are delighted to have this additional capacity in the transatlantic market this summer. In this challenging business environment

Boost for Shannon Airport

Continental Airlines’ decision shows the continued appeal of Shannon and the West of Ireland for doing business”. “Continental Airlines has been a strong performer at Shannon since it com-menced services here in 1998. It has successfully built a year-round customer base in the West of Ireland in the busi-ness and leisure sectors. This announce-ment is proof that Continental Airlines see further opportunities for growth at Shannon and we look forward to working closely with them on delivering those ex-tra passengers.”

The Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan to-day welcomed the Commission for Energy Regulation’s (CER) confirmation of an 8% on average reduction in Bord Gáis Energy (BG Energy) natural gas unit rate tariffs, for all residential and smaller industrial and commercial customers with effect from 1 February 2010.

This means that the consumer will now see a reduction in the average bill of over €230. This represents a Cumulative de-crease of 25% over the year.

This is good news for the consumer and good news for competitiveness in the country as a whole. The average bill at end 2008 was €916, but the average bill now will be €684. We all know that money saved is money earned and right now this is just what the consumer wants and needs.

Minister Ryan stated “Now you can stay warmer for less”

Minister Ryan welcomes cheaper gas

Commenting on the publication of Com-Reg’s Quarterly Report, Minister Eamon Ryan said “we are continually making progress in our communications and broadband sectors.”

The Report shows that in July- Septem-ber this year, broadband subscriptions increased to 1,361,254, an increase of 17% on the same period last year. Total internet subscriptions stand at 1,517,449, with Ireland’s broadband per capita penetration rate at 30.5%

“Continued investment in our commu-nications networks is reaping rewards. Our National Broadband Scheme is work-ing well, with further rural schemes due next year. We are bringing high-speeds of broadband into our schools and are making State infrastructure more easily accessible. This is undoubted progress in our broadband record, progress which we will increase in the year to come.”

Ireland’s broadband subscriptions near 1.4 million

BL | NEWS


Top counties for jobs in Q4 are Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway

The IrishJobs.ie jobs index, which meas-ures jobs advertised across Ireland’s five leading online recruitment businesses, has released results for Q4 2009. The Q4 index reveals a 3% drop in jobs advertised since the last set of figures were issued in September 2009. However, analysis shows that figures from Q4 are in line with the index, which was initially benchmarked in April 2009, indicating a more stable market than that experienced 12 months ago.

The sectors with the biggest increases in jobs advertised online in Q4, as compared to Q3, are Secretarial & Administration (+24%), Financial Services (+18%), Online and IT (+19%) and Marketing (+12%). The substantial increase in Marketing, primari-ly from large corporate businesses, is very promising as it suggests that organisa-

tions are more hopeful for the year ahead. This is opposite to the trend experienced in late 2007 and early 2008 when compa-nies cut marketing spend along with their marketing roles. The sectors which saw the biggest de-creases in Q4 were Hotel and Catering (-19%); Retail and Wholesale (-14%); Education, Childcare & Training (-23%); and Beauty, Hair Care, Leisure & Sport (-20%). However, despite Hotel and Catering see-ing a decrease in jobs advertised online, it remains one of the sectors with the great-est number of jobs advertised online over-all in Q4, along with Sales, and IT. Figures show that recruitment for sales continued throughout 2009. This is not surprising as many companies focused on cost reduc-tion and revenue generation during 2009. The top counties for jobs in Q4 were Dub-lin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.

A More Stable Jobs Market

Revival Poetry Journal is calling for submissions from local, national and international poets for the next issue which will be published in Limerick, April 2010. The deadline for submis-sions is: The 28th Feb 2010. Send to: The Editor, Revival, Moravia, Glenmore Ave., Roxboro Rd., Limerick.Email: [email protected]

Call for submissions Issue 15 of Revival

Limerick Tango’s long running Argen-tine tango classes are moving to the Limerick Strand Hotel from 2nd Feb-ruary. Class times are every Tuesday with beginners Tango @ 7.15pm (no experience required). Tango 8 30pm (experience required). Cost €10 per class. Each class starts from the ba-sic Argentine Tango walk and builds on different elements in an 8 week cycle, showing that infinite variation comes from simple structures. www.limer-icktango.com call 085 1434479.

Limerick tango classes

CHORUS NTL is creating 50 new jobs at its national contact management centre in Limerick it has been re-vealed. Chorus NTL is part of the UPC Group and provides television, broad-band and phone services.

The company employs 300 staff at its Limerick call centre offices, which is situated at the Limerick Enterprise Development Park.

It is understood most of the positions with the company have already start-ed while the remaining 12 will take up positions in the next six months.

50 new jobs at Chorus

New court rules have been introduced to extend the current remit of the Small Claims procedure to include certain busi-ness claims, the justice minister has announced. The new rules will facilitate claims from a business against another business in respect of goods or services not exceeding €2,000.

Minister Dermot Ahern stated: “The ex-tension of this successful procedure will provide a choice of legal routes to pur-sue a small claim as the current civil bill system will also remain available. This will allow a business choose whichever

route, small claims or civil bill procedure, it considers most economic and appropri-ate to its circumstances.” He added that “by limiting the new procedure to con-sumer and business to business claims, the fundamental pro-consumer ethos of the small claims process will be maintained. It is essential that consumers, es-pecially in vulner-able economic circumstances, are protected.”

Small Claims Court to Include Business Claims

The economy will return to growth this year, according to the latest quarterly economic outlook from Bank of Ireland. In one of the most optimistic forecasts since the recession began, the bank expects

GDP to grow by one per cent in 2010.

The bank says that an upturn in the world economy will pull Ireland out of recession faster than expected.

Economic Forecast Predicts Return to Growth this Year

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Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) and Lim-erick-based biotechnology firm, Stokes Bio Limited, announced that they have entered into a licensing agreement and R&D col-laboration, which is expected to help ac-celerate the pace of new advancements in plant breeding. Under the agreement, which is a significant global win for Irish re-search, Monsanto has exclusive rights to Stokes Bio’s patented technology for use in agriculture.

In plant breeding, genotyping or gene anal-ysis is used to identify the seeds or plants with the most desirable characteristics, such as better yield or disease resistance. Currently, gene analysis is limited by the number of samples that can be processed at one time and the turnaround time per sample.

Stokes Bio’s system utilises microfluidic technology that can provide the same eval-uations using much smaller sample sizes - as little as 1/1000th of what is currently required - which continually flow through the system in nanoliter-size droplets.

The instrument can evaluate up to 100,000 data points per hour, making it more efficient than any currently-used methods of gene analysis. It is capable of generating more data in less time, using less sample and reagent, and at a lower cost than existing technologies.

Stokes Bio will deliver a number of these

next-generation genotyping instruments to Monsanto this year.

“Monsanto’s strength lies in our robust discovery engine which fuels our indus-try-leading R&D pipeline” said Bob Reiter, vice president of breeding technology for Monsanto. “We are constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate with other companies and adopt new technologies that could help speed up the rate of scien-tific discovery. More efficient gene analysis means we can leverage this knowledge in our technology pipeline and be able to offer our farmer customers innovative products that boost productivity on the farm, faster than ever.”

Stokes Bio was established in 2005 by Mark Davies and Tara Dalton, with financ-ing from Kernel Capital, as a spin-off com-pany from the Stokes Institute at University of Limerick. In addition to Kernel Capital, the University of Limerick and Enterprise Ire-

land also are shareholders in the company.

“The new technology has applications in ar-eas ranging from plant genetics through the entire spectrum of human healthcare,” said Mark Davies, co-founder of Stokes Bio. “These new instruments will allow identi-fication of plants with the best gene pool at a much earlier stage. It is necessary to look beyond the technology to appreciate what a step forward this could be in terms of food production.”

The agreement is an excellent validation of Stoke Bio’s core platform, said Daniel O’Mahony, a partner in Kernel Capital. “We believe Stokes Bio’s technology will revolutionise gene expression profiling in the future,” O’Mahony said.

Monsanto Company is a leading global pro-vider of technology-based solutions and ag-ricultural products that improve farm pro-ductivity and food quality.

Limerick Firm Signs Major License Agreement

Mark Davies and Tara Dalton

The search for Europe’s most creative film on what it takes to be an entrepreneur has started once again. For the second time, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry invites imaginative filmmakers to participate in the European Entrepreneurship Video Awards (EEVA 2010). Participants can register until 9 April 2010 at ec europa.eu/eeva2010.

The European Entrepreneurship Video Award is divided into the following catego-ries: “Entrepreneurship – A different way

of life”, “Entrepreneurship – Challenges and rewards” and “Entrepreneurship – The way into the future”. For each cat-egory a winner, a second place and a third place video will be awarded - € 3,333, € 2,222 and €1,111, respectively. In addi-tion, five of the best contestants aged 25 or younger who have not qualified for one of the nine prizes in the above named cat-egories, will be awarded € 555 each.

The competition is open to all citizens or residents of a Member State of the Euro-pean Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein,

Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Turkey and Israel.

The European Entrepreneurship Video Awards are part of the European SME Week, an initiative aiming to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs in small and me-dium sized enterprises (SMEs) about the support available for them at European, national, regional and local level.

European Commission launches the European Entrepreneurship Video Awards 2010

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Chemifloc – www.chemifloc.com has be-come the first chemical manufacturer on the island of Ireland to achieve the Irish Standard Mark in relation to three chemicals it supplies to local authorities for purifying drinking water. Mr. Maurice Buckley, CEO of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) presented the Company with their certificates at Chemi-floc’s headquarters in Shannon recently. Chemifloc has achieved the Irish Stand-ard Mark in relation to the processes it uses in the production of aluminium sulfate, iron sulfate and aluminium iron sulfate. These comply with the equivalent EN standards in each case and guar-antee that Chemifloc produces these chemicals to the highest, internationally-recognised standards.

“At a time when the quality of drink-ing water is foremost in many people’s minds, following recent flooding inci-dents, we can provide drinking water producers – and ultimately the wider public – with complete confidence in the

quality of the water treatment chemicals we produce. As the largest supplier in the land, we can also guarantee a con-tinuity of supply for many weeks, made possible by our independent production facility in Shannon and immediate avail-ability of up to 25,000 tonnes of liquid and solid raw materials from our dedi-cated storage facility at the nearby port of Foynes,” said Ed Storey, Managing Di-rector, Chemifloc.

Speaking at the presentation, Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI said: “It is great, par-ticularly in these difficult times, to see an Irish-owned company reach for and achieve such high standards. The fact that Chemifloc is the first company in Ire-land to be awarded with the Irish Stand-ard Mark for these chemicals is indica-tive of the company’s pioneering spirit since its establishment almost 30 years ago. Its commitment to continuing this spirit into the future is evidenced by its ongoing investment in the business, rep-resenting some €5m in recent years.”

A First for Shannon Firm

Maurice Buckley CEO NSAI and Ed Storey MD Chemifloc

Where Creativity is the Secret

to our Success

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Leading Dragon’s Den panelists from the successful UK and Irish Dragon’s Den television shows got together in Dublin to launch the innovative New Entrepreneur’s Show which takes place in the RDS, Dub-lin, 23rd and 24th April, 2010. Theses include Rachel Elnaugh, one of the original Dragon’s Den panelists from the BBC’s first Dragon’s Den show. Rachel made her name and fortune from her Red Letter Days company. She was joined by two of the key Irish Dragon’s, Bobby Kerr, Director of Insomnia Coffee Group and leading entrepreneur and business man, Gavin Duffy. The Entrepreneur Show which is the first of its kind in Ireland aims to provide every-thing a “budding or existing entrepreneur” needs to know under one roof. There will

be over 100 exhibitors providing informa-tion on all aspects of business including banking and finance, tax, accountancy and legal matters, marketing, advertising and PR, Brand and Product development as well companies which specialise in hospitality, recruitment, and environmen-tal and farming organisations. There will be an opportunity to meet the Dragons including Rachel Elnaugh who will be joined by another BBC Dragon, Richard Farleigh as well as Bobby Kerr, Gavin Duffy and Sean Gallagher and many other high profile Entrepreneurs and In-dustry Experts speaking at the show. Over the two days people can get advice from them plus their top tips for setting up and running a successful business, and with Google as one of the main headline partners for the show you will get essen-

tial know-how, on the online marketing of your business, straight from the horses mouth. There also will be an opportunity to put your potential business through the “In-vest Test” which will be judged by a panel of live business experts who will tell you whether your business idea is investable or not. Full information is on the website www.theentrepreneurshow.com. Tickets cost €20.00 per person, per day and they include an opportunity to book a “one to one” appointment with an exhibitor of in-terest to you. They can be bought on-line with special offers available to those who book early.

Dragons Den panelists launch the New Entrepreneur Show

Over 30 Local Government and Academic figures from throughout Europe gathered at the University of Limerick (UL) today to launch a new initiative aimed at encour-aging greater eco-design in regional plan-ning policies.

The Mid-West Regional Authority, in co-operation with the South-West Regional Authority and UL, are participating in the FRESH Project - Forwarding Regional En-vironmental Sustainable Hierarchies - in partnership with several other EU coun-tries, namely Finland, Italy, Poland, Roma-nia and the United Kingdom.

During the project duration, which com-menced on November 5th 2009 and runs until the end of 2012, each partner region will test and implement a series of tools for dealing both with economic competitiveness and environmental sus-tainability.

Commenting on the Mid-West region’s focused theme over the next three years, Mr. Liam Conneally, Director of the Mid-West Regional Authority (MWRA) said: “Our primary focus will be on Sustainable Urban Living, and to influence planning and energy policies through eco-design and eco-innovation.”

He added: “Through our participation in the FRESH project, we will be cooperating with our project partners in the region in seeking to disseminate good practice of regional development policies and instru-ments promoting environmental sustain-ability and economic competitiveness. The eco-village project in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, and the E-Towns initiative in Miltown Malbay, Co Clare are prime examples of such an approach and we would hope to see similar projects de-veloped in the Mid West Region over the coming years.”

Mr. Conneally continued: “The over-all objective of the FRESH Project is to strengthen Sustainable Value Creation based development at regional level and to contribute to the implementation of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP) with special focus on eco-design and eco-innovation. The purpose of ETAP is to develop environmental technologies and contribute simultaneously to sustain-ability and competitiveness.”

Meanwhile, an interregional seminar took place at UL today to mark the Irish launch of the FRESH Project. The semi-nar was opened by the Cathaoirleach of the Regional Authority, Cllr. Leo Walsh

and attended by delegates from all the participating countries as well as dignitar-ies and interested parties from Ireland and abroad. Speakers included Mr. Antti Toivanen, Kainuun Etu, Finland/FRESH Lead Partner; Prof. Merritt Bucholz, School of Architecture, U.L.; and Mr. Liam Conneally, Director, MWRA.

Further information on the FRESH Project is available from the MWRA website www.mwra.ie.

European Regional Planning Project is launched in Limerick

Liam Conneally, Director Mid West Regional Authority

12BL201002.indd 1 05/02/2010 15:11:51

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Limerick Person of the YearLimerick legend, Munster Rugby captain and Irish Grand Slam win-ner Paul O’Connell has been announced as the 2009 Limerick Per-son of the Year. The announcement was made recently at a special awards lunch in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick. The 30 year old former British and Irish Lions captain beat off stiff competition from other nominees which included activist Steve Collins, champion jockey Brian O’Connell, fundraiser Julie-Anne Dineen and Third World pho-tographer Liam Burke.

Paul’s proud father, Mick O’Connell accepted the award from guest of honour President of Ireland, Mary McAleese as Paul was unable to attend the ceremony because of Munster training in Cork ahead of the Munster v Northampton Saints match in Thomond Park Sta-dium. “It’s a very great honour to accept this on behalf of Paul,” said Mick O’Connell. “Paul is always very honoured to represent Limerick whether it’s Munster, Ireland or the Lions, he loves the city. He’s extremely sorry he can’t be here today” Mr O’Connell added. Speaking at the awards, President McAleese said this afternoon’s celebration is about highlighting the very best of Limerick and the very best of Limerick is, of course, its people. President McAleese added: “They are each a source of pride, inspiration and confidence to their local communities and they make an immense contribution to the civic spirit of Limerick city and county. They are people who tackle challenges head-on, people who are leaders, who inspire oth-ers and who make Limerick a better place to work or study or live. Their lives create the warp and weft of community, making it strong, resilient ambitious and achieving. They make us proud and it is right that we should tell them, as we do today through these awards”. A special Judges Award was presented to Steve Collins, father of murder victim, Roy Collins by Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Kiely. Steve Collins organised a protest march in the city last May not alone in memory of Roy, but in memory of all victims of gang-related violence. More than 5,000 Limerick people wore red as a symbol of their solidarity with the Collins family that day.

Now in its 12th year, the Limerick Person of the Year Awards were set up to honour the achievements and success of local people. The awards are sponsored by the Limerick Leader, Southern Advertis-ing and the Clarion Hotel.

Mick O’Connell proud father of Munster rugby player Paul O’Connell accepted the presentation of Limerick Person of the Year from President Mary McAlese and Alan English Limerick Leader.

Limerick Leader Editor and judge Alan English said the 144 nomi-nees for the Limerick Person of the Year Award over the last 12 years have inspired so many others to follow their example.

Southern Advertising Director, Kay McGuinness, added: “Now, more than ever in these difficult times, we need to take time out to honour these accomplishments. We’re often so busy talking about what’s wrong, it’s important to recognise the good work that is be-ing carried out by so many wonderful people in Limerick and Paul and Steve are both worthy winners here today.”

The Awards were judged by Alan English, Limerick Leader editor; Tom Mackey, Limerick City Manager and Ned Gleeson, Limerick County Manager.

President Mary McAlese presents a special award to Steven Collins at the Person of the Year Awards.

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Ballyhoura Development Ltd. has an-nounced a new initiative to aid prospec-tive entrepreneurs from all over Ireland to set up successful and sustainable en-terprises in the Ballyhoura Region and gain seed capital from investors. The “Ballyhoura Dragons” programme also marks the 21st anniversary of Ballyhoura Development Ltd. “Ballyhoura Dragons” is open to entrepre-neurs from all over the country who are interested in setting up a business in Bal-lyhoura or who have set up an enterprise with less than ten employees in the past 12 months. It will aim to give entrepre-neurs access to experienced local and na-tionally recognised business people who will help them to develop their business. More than 90% of the programme cost will be subsidised by Ballyhoura Develop-ment Ltd. who are hoping to encourage entrepreneurs from across the country to set up their business in Ballyhoura. Ballyhoura Development Ltd. is based in Kilfinane and spans South East Limerick and North East Cork which has a popu-lation of approximately 80,000. Those interested in applying for the Ballyhoura Dragon programme must submit a busi-ness plan to outline their business idea. An independent panel will then choose the businesses with the most potential. Such a programme would usually cost busi-nesses more than €10,000 but with Bal-lyhoura Development Ltd., is available for just €1,500 to successful candidates. It is hoped that the programme will at-tract budding entrepreneurs from all over Ireland to the region. The chosen entrepreneurs will be mentored over a

period of six months with six sessions of one-on-one mentoring covering the areas of the business which need assistance. Two of these workshops will be given by nationally and internationally prominent business people.The programme will culminate in a Drag-ons Den event where candidates will pitch their business to potential investors in front of locals, friends and family. Suc-cessful candidates will receive custom-ised mentoring to the value of €10,000 throughout the six month period as well as the opportunity to showcase their busi-

ness at various trade fairs, and ultimately gain investment to secure the future of their business.Speaking of the initiative, John Walsh, Chair of Ballyhoura Development Ltd said “In the current economic climate, new en-terprise can be dampened with the lack of support and funding available. With a large percentage of the population here involved in the struggling agriculture in-dustry, the region has undergone a sus-tained period of change and migration in the past number of years and is in real need of a boost.”Belinda Spillane, Enterprise Officer with Ballyhoura Development Ltd concurred stating “The aim of Ballyhoura Dragons is to nurture, support and develop new business ideas to ensure a thriving eco-nomic environment in the future. The programme will provide a supported en-vironment to stress test business ideas, products and services and also to create a strong, convincing investment proposi-tion to potential investors.”Final date for submission to the pro-gramme is 26th February 2010. For fur-ther information contact Belinda Spillane [email protected] 063-91749.

Belinda Spillane, Enterprise Officer Ballyhoura Development Ltd, John Walsh, Chairperson Ballyhoura Development Ltd, Padraig Casey, Economic Development Manager and Carmel Fox, Chief Executive Ballyhoura Development Ltd.

Ballyhoura Development Launch National Entrepreneur Programme

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Aer Arann and Aer Lingus have announced that agreement has been reached to es-tablish a franchise arrangement between the two airlines.

Under this franchise agreement Aer Arann will operate 12 routes from Dublin and Cork. The routes will include current Aer Lingus and Aer Arann routes as well as 3 new routes.

These franchise services will be branded as “Aer Lingus Regional” and operated us-ing Aer Arann ATR 72-500 aircraft and crew. All franchise flights will be sold and distributed through www.aerlingus.com. Aer Arann will assume full operational and commercial responsibility for the services covered by the franchise agreement with Aer Lingus receiving a franchise fee in recognition for providing its brand and product suite to Aer Arann.

The new agreement significantly increases Aer Lingus presence in the Ireland-UK mar-ket with new services to Ireland from Bristol, Blackpool, Cardiff, Doncaster/Sheffield, Durham, Glasgow and Edinburgh in addition to new seasonal services from Cork to Jersey in the Channel Islands and La Rochelle in France.

Welcoming the new agreement Aer Lingus Chief Executive Mr. Christoph Mueller said “This franchise agreement is good news for all stakeholders in Aer Lingus as it will allow us to serve key regional destinations, linking them with our Dublin transatlantic network as well as offering our business and leisure customers improved schedule and frequency options.”

Aer Arann Chief Executive Mr. Paul Schütz also welcomed the agreement calling it “a major development for Irish aviation and the tourism industry. The combined strengths of both airlines, including brand power and market presence, will allow us to offer a quality customer product that meets the capacity requirements of existing and new routes. Aer Arann is a leading regional airline that is wholly-owned by its Chairman, Padraig O’Ceidigh. In addition to operating routes for Aer Lingus Regional the airline will con-tinue to operate under its own Aer Arann brand on routes within Ireland, from Ireland to the UK and France and from the Isle of Man to London and Paris.

Aer Arann Sign Agreement with Aer Lingus

Aer Arann Chief Executive Mr. Paul Schütz welcomed the agreement.

Green Tax Incentive Benefits Irish BusinessEnergy Minister Eamon Ryan has an-nounced the extension of the Acceler-ated Capital Allowance Scheme. The Scheme, detailed in the Finance Bill, allows companies to buy energy effi-cient equipment and write off its full cost against corporation tax in the year of purchase.Introduced in 2008, the Scheme has been expanded this year to include up to forty different technologies. All Irish business, large and small, can receive tax relief on equipment such as:- Refrigeration and cooling systems- Catering and hospitality equipment- Electro-mechanical systems- IT software and hardware- Lighting- Electric vehiclesOther categories of equipment such as certain wind turbines and solar photovoltaic technology are also eligible.“Despite recent reductions in prices,” said Minister Ryan,” energy remains a significant element of business over-heads. Every day, companies are ask-ing how they can be more efficient in the way they use and manage their energy. With this level of interest and dedica-tion on the part of businesspeople, it is right that we assist them in making the switch.” The range of eligible equipment has been extended to apply to a greater and more varied number of busi-nesses in Ireland. Now those in the hospitality, manufacturing and retail sectors can avail of relief. “The aim of this Scheme is to help Irish businesses of all sizes, not only to reduce their energy use, but cru-cially to save money. It’s working well and I encourage all businesses to get involved”, said the Minister.

15BL201002.indd 1 05/02/2010 15:17:14

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Padraig O’Maille , presenter of a seminar titled The Attitude Factor’ with Marina Slattery, Missy Gray Interiors and Regina mangan, bookaroom.ie.

Georoid Bourke and Sebasten Aelamski at a seminar titled The Attitude Factor’ presented by Padraig O’Maille.An event organized by Limerick City Enterprise Board the first of three in a Series of three afternoon Seminars to small business owner managers in Limerick City.

Padraig O’Maille with Lisette Nolan and Jan Harte,.Padraig O’Maille, presenter of a seminar titled The Attitude Factor’ with Patrick Mercie, Paddy Horan and Alex O’Connor.

Kenneth Buchholz, Human Resourse Consultant with Sheila and Kevin Barry, Inte-rior Plant Design at The Attitude Factor’.

Fatjma Diallo, Catherine Hannon, Pat O’Neill and Dorcas Oyedeji at The Attitude Factor.

GalleryLimerick City Enterprise Board Seminar “The Attitude Factor”

Edel Hannon, Grace Sheedy, Greg Costelloe, Sue Haugh, Olivia O’Sullivan and Seana McCallan at the Young Munster RFC New Year’s Eve Ball at the Greenhills Hotel.

Michael O’Donoghue, Club President Ger Hannon and Tony Forde at the Young Mun-ster RFC New Year’s Eve Ball at the Greenhills Hotel.

Declan Finn celebrating his 40th birthday at the Locke Bar recently.

President of Ireland, Mary McAleese and her husband Martin (right) pictured with Clare County Manager Tom Coughlan during a visit to the Clare County Council HQ building in Ennis to meet with members of the Clare Crisis Emergency Team that responded to the recent serious flooding.

Emily & Amie O’Brien pictured with their Daddy Raymond O’Brien, Glenbrook Limer-ick who graduated with a Diploma in Management, Kemmy Business School, UL at the Conferring Ceremonie in University of Limerick.

Pictured at the Conferring Ceremonie in University of Limerick were: Patrick O’Donnell, Kilnamona Brian Carrig, Ballynacally, Patrick Kelly, Inagh, Thomas Slat-tery, Inagh, Damien O’Halloran, Kilnamona, Michael McNamara, Scariff, Tom Sta-pleton, Kilnamona, Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Kilnamona All Graduated with Bachelor of Business Studies, Kemmy Business School, UL.

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Sue Haugh and Jody Maguire at the Young Munster RFC New Year’s Eve Ball at the Greenhills Hotel.

Mary, Breda and Michael Hannon with the Limerick Charity Cup at the Young Mun-ster RFC New Year’s Eve Ball at the Greenhills Hotel.

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Local Businesses Receive Food Hygiene Certificates. Bríd Fox, Cater Care Ltd, Su-san Mulvihill Olio & Farina Little Catherine Street Limerick, Bobby Kerr Insomnia Coffee Company & Dragons Den.

President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin greet Castleconnell residents at the recent opening of their new community Hall. Also included are committee members Cora Moran and John McNamara.

Ross Turner, Aoife Walsh, Samuel Walsh, Urusala Walsh, Gavin Glass, Ester Walsh, Milena Walsh and Tady Walsh at Explicatio by artist Samuel Walsh. exhibition open-ing in the Hunt Museum last Friday. Judge Michael Rielly with his wife Eleanor at the opening of Explicatio.

Dr Hugh Maguire, Director of the Hunt Museum, Samuel Walsh, Artist and Judge Tom O’Donnell opening the Explicatio by artist Samuel Walsh exhibition in the Hunt Museum last Friday.

Mairead O’Flatherty and Brid Stanley, Friends of the Hunt Museum at the opening of Explicatio

Brendan and Terri Ring with the Morning Star Rose, Maria Kirby in Bulgaden Castle for the Cliona Ring Foundation, fundraising night last Saturday.

Mairead Beehan, Tom King, Direct Route, Gerry White, Cleshia Clancy, St Patrick’s House SVP, Dierdre Cronin, Thomond House and Rob Lowth, Limerick City Council at a presentation of checques for 7,000 Euro’s from Direct Route to shelters for the Homeless in Limerick City.

Orla Hehir and Zara

Stephen MacSweeney on his 21st birthday with Brazilian Dancers at a Hollywood Oscars party held in Thomond Park.

Kieran and Annette MacSweeney with son Stephen, grandmother, Marie Kennedy,girlfriend Stacey Hehir, Sophie, Paul & Eileen Massie and daughter Michelle celebrating Stephen’s 21st birthday with a Hollywood Oscars party held in Thomond Park.

Stephen MacSweeney on his 21st birthday with female friends at a Hollywood Os-cars party held in Thomond Park.

Fiona Wallace, James Sexton, Noel Wallace, Marlyn and Colm O’Brien Amy Fortune and Aislinn Ward

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Stephen MacSweeney at his 21st Birthday Party

Ciara O’Connor, Kelly Griffin, Michelle Cleary, Shane Hayes, Michael Finnan and Amanda O’Connor

Thomand Park host Oscars Theme Birthday Party

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Shannon Chamber rose above the eco-nomic gloom of 2009 to deliver an action-filled calendar of events to its member-ship. A total of 16 events, that addressed topics of relevance to business, were held throughout the year, with full and participa-tive attendances at each event. Members’ concerns on a range of issues affecting business, such as the Lisbon Referendum and commercial rates costs, were also successfully raised with relevant parties. An equally-focused schedule of seminars and training programmes is being drawn up for 2010.

Recounting progress in 2009, Shannon Chamber chief executive Helen Downes said: “Chambers of Commerce are in busi-ness to help business. Our annual calendar of events, be they training programmes, networking evenings, seminars, or even social gatherings such as our annual golf classic, are tailored with business needs in mind and framed to address issues of concern.

“We also undertake online polls to allow members voice their opinions on local or national issues that may be impacting on their optimal performance. Member feed-back informs and influences our delivera-bles. Such feedback enabled us to frame

and deliver an EU-sponsored equality project in 2009. Involvement with the Eu-ropean Commission, through the Equality Authority, was an innovative departure for us,” said Ms Downes.

With a growing membership – over 200, with 30 new members added in 2009 – now affiliated to Shannon Chamber, chart-ing their progress and maintaining link-ages and discourse re training or seminar appropriateness is a key element of the Chamber’s operational focus. Examples of members’ 2009 milestones include:

• PacNet Services (Europe), a payment processing company, reached the first of its three carbon reduction targets right on schedule. They plan on seeing a 50% reduction in carbon load by January 2010 and absolute carbon neutrality by January 2011. The success of the programme so far is largely attributed to a well-planned, comprehensive waste recycling pro-gramme, along with a concentrated ef-fort to decrease mileage in the air travel undertaken through their subsidiary, Pac-Net Air. Through a well-executed recycling plan, PacNet has reduced the amount of waste going into a landfill by a minimum of 75%, and plans to further reduce carbon output, including an overhaul of the heat-

ing system in the PacNet offices. Another area targeted for positive change is car travel; PacNet plans to purchase a hybrid vehicle for use as a company car, and will continue with a staff commuter scheme, which rewards staff members who choose alternate forms of travel, such as car pool-ing, bicycle and public transit. With envi-ronmental concerns top of mind, staff at PacNet have identified another use for the stationery and office equipment they no longer need; instead of sending it off to a landfill, they are distributing the material to local schools.

• The Zimmer manufacturing facility in Shannon achieved a major milestone in September 2009 with its first commer-cial product shipment. The shipment of or-thopedic components was delivered to the new regional distribution centre in Esch-bach, Germany. The products will support sales, primarily to customers in Europe. Delivering this major milestone reflected a great team effort and is testament to the new workforce at the site. During the year, the company added approximately 50 new positions across a wide variety of roles and disciplines. Zimmer is still looking to fill new roles. For information on new positions at the Zimmer plant log onto www.careers.zimmer.com or www.irishjobs.ie .

• Piercom Limited celebrated fifteen years serving aviation, government, and manu-facturing and services clients. The com-pany launched a web suite of solutions to manage total client contact, document, record and retrieval management. It also developed a web-based generic audit tool for consolidation and integration of all audit processes in manufacturing. These developments positioned Piercom as the premier manages services company for aviation/aerospace clients in the Shannon region, and for growth in patient tracking and biomedical markets.

Shannon Chamber is busily consolidat-ing its programme of events for 2010. Networking, mediation, redundancy and outplacement, retirement training, an EU-driven seminar in conjunction with Enter-prise Ireland, the annual golf classic, and the President’s annual lunch with a promi-nent keynote speaker are but some of the deliverables already on the agenda.

New Set of Challenges for 2010

Shannon Chamber’s Damian Gleeson, vice president (left); Helen Downes, chief executive; and Ian Barrett (far right) in discussion with Dr Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development at a chamber event.

20BL201002 indd 1 08/02/2010 12 43 34

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With Valentine’s day fast approaching, there are lots of special events being or-ganised around the City to mark the occa-sion. If you are looking for an exciting way to spend the evening, why not head to The Greenhills Hotel on Friday February 12th, for the Thomond Park RFC Valentine’s Ball.The event is being organised to help fund teams from Under-6s right up to the se-nior rugby squad. Ladies who attend this black tie event will be greeted with flowers and gift bags at the champagne reception which kicks off at 7 30pm. The evening will consist of a sumptuous four course meal, during which local magician Paul Tydings will be enter-taining each table with his many tricks. An auction will also take place during the

course of the evening, where items such as an Irish jersey signed by Keith Earls, and a year’s membership of the Greenhills Lei-sure Centre will be up for auction.There will also be a raffle with great prizes, including weekend breaks away around the country. After dinner, local singer Raquel Rocca will perform a few numbers, before the well-known band Mink take to the stage. The event is being organized by Alice O’Farrell who was telling me that guests to attend on the night include Munster, Ireland and Lions player, Keith Earls, Mun-ster’s and Thomond’s Declan Cusack, and Mayor Kevin Kiely. Tickets are only €50 and are available

from McGuire’s Bar, Kinsella’s Bar in Thomondgate, and The Greenhills Hotel.

Celebrate Valentine’s with

Thomond RFC

Munster rugby star Paul Warwick (centre) attended the Greenhills Hotel for the launch of the Thomond RFC Val-entine’s Ball, to be held at the Greenhills on February 12. Paul is pictured with (left) Alice O’Farrell of Valentine’s Ball Organizing Committee, and Daphne Greene of the Greenhills Hotel.

Haggis galore at Robert Burns NightBobby Byrnes bar was the venue for the third annual Robert Burns night. This in-creasing popular event was well attended with over 100 enthusiasts entertained with music, song and poetry. The high-light of the evening was the serving of the traditional haggis specially sourced from Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh. The event was again organised by Noel Flannery and Michael Potter and the line-up was en-hanced with the inclusion of actor Myles Breen and piper Michael Egan.

Michael Egan, Noel Flannery, Myles Breen and Michael Potter at the Robert Burns night.

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan presented to the Oireachtas a new law to halt malpractice by broadcasters in premium rate competitions. At the report stage of the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infra-structure) Bill 2009, Minister Ryan outlined new provisions under the Bill to tackle broadcasters who scam the public through premium rate services they provide i.e. competitions such as Play TV.

Under the new law, TV3 for Play TV and RTÉ for competitions such as on the Late Late Show will come un-der the regulatory regime of Com-Reg. They will be obliged to have a li-cence to operate and must abide by the conditions of that licence. Failure to comply will result in possible sus-pension or revocation of the licence and broadcasters can be fined up to €250,000.

Overcharging will be a separate of-fence and refunds will be allowed for under the legislation.

The Bill, which is going through its final stages, is due to be signed into law in early February.

New Law to

Regulate Play TV

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The growing interest in book clubs through-out Ireland is reflected in the line-up for one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the literary calendar, details of which were officially unveiled recently. Tickets are now on sale for the 2010 Ennis Book Club Fes-tival which takes place in the Clare County capital from March 5-7.

Supported by Clare County Library, the three-day programme of events is ex-pected to attract hundreds of Book Club members and book lovers from all over Europe and North America. The Festival programme features author visits, read-ings, lectures and workshops, exhibitions, walking history tours, musical entertain-ment and chocolate tasting in various ven-ues around Ennis. It also includes Ireland’s first ‘Book Club of the Year Award’ and a professional development workshop for library staff.

Among the contributors to the fourth an-nual festival will be Lionel Shriver, prolific journalist and Orange Prize-winning author of ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ and ‘The Post-Birthday World’; Joseph O’Connor, journalist, screenwriter and author of ten Irish number one bestsellers including ‘Star Of The Sea’, ‘Cowboys and Indians’, ‘Desperadoes’, ‘The Salesman’ and ‘Inisho-wen’; Tim Pat Coogan, biographer, histo-rian, journalist and writer of “Michael Col-lins” and ‘Ireland in the Twentieth Century’; Diarmaid Ferriter, author, historian, and university lecturer; Paul Howard, journalist, author and creator of the cult character Ross O’Carroll-Kelly; and Fiona Looney, col-

umnist, playwright, scriptwriter and media personality. Other participants include mul-ti-award winning poet, Paul Durcan; Irish historian, crime novelist, journalist and broadcaster, Ruth Dudley Edwards; Irish author of ‘Tenderwire’, Claire Kilroy; US essayist, poet, short stories writer, funeral director and winner of the American Book Award and The Heartland Prize for Nonfic-tion, Thomas Lynch; historian and author of 1916 Rising novel ‘Blood Upon the Rose’, Gerry Hunt; American poet Knute Skinner, Irish journalist, columnist and politician, Senator Eoghan Harris; poetry group Clare Three-Legged Stool Poets; editor of Irish magazine ‘Rí-Rá’, Aidan Courtney; Ennis-based graphic novel analyst David O’Leary; and journalist, broadcaster, author and founder of Grow-It-Yourself Ireland, Michael Kelly. Academic contributors to the festival

include Dr. Paul Delaney, School of English at Trinity College, who will lead a discussion on popular writer Colm Tóibín’s work; Alan Titley, author, playwright, poet and Profes-sor of Modern Irish and Head of Depart-ment at University College Cork; and Niall MacMonagle, reviewer, editor and English teacher at Dublin’s Wesley College, who will present a workshop entitled ‘How to Read a Novel’.

Meanwhile, the Festival is inviting library staff nationwide to a free workshop on how to start, develop and challenge a Book Club. The professional development workshop, which will be presented by Anne Downes of Opening the Book, has been de-signed specifically for library staff who are interested or involved in book clubs and will cover areas such as managing group dy-namics, injecting new life and bringing new ideas to reading groups”.

The 2010 Festival also features Ireland’s foremost ‘Book Club of the Year Award’. The winning Book Club (up to a maximum of six people) will receive a prize of free weekend passes to festival events and overnight accommodation at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis.

Tickets for all events are on sale at Glór Box Office 00353656843103 / [email protected]. Further details on ticket prices and the festival are available from (web) www.ennisbookclubfestival.com, (t) www.twitter.com/ebcf, (e) [email protected] and (t) 087-9723647/085-7758523.

Literary Figures Book In To Ennis Festival

Halifax in Limerick has today launched Phoenix Issue V, the Bank’s first stock market linked deposit account this year following the success of previous Phoe-nix products launched throughout 2009. Phoenix Issue V enjoys the double benefit of 100% capital protection, and a 10% minimum return or 50% of any growth in the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50® index, whichever is higher.Key features are: 100% capital protection at maturity; 10% minimum return (AER 1.75%), or 50% of any growth in the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50® Index, whichever is higher

No cap on potential returns; 5 years and 6 months investment term; closing date 24th February 2010.The product provides a unique set of cus-tomer benefits: firstly, money on deposit with this account is 100% protected; sec-ondly, there is a 10% minimum return; thirdly, the investor has exposure to po-tential stock market growth. At maturity, the investor will be repaid 100% of capital invested, and a 10% minimum return or 50% of any growth in the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50® with no caps or limits, which-ever is higher.Commenting on the launch of Phoenix Is-

sue V, Alan Frahill, Branch Manager in Lim-erick, said: “Following the great success of the Phoenix product range launched by Halifax last year, I am delighted to continue with the series in 2010. Given the benefits the product offers including 100% capital protection and a return of at least 10%, we would expect to see further interest among our deposit customers in Limerick through the year.” No withdrawals are permitted over the term and the minimum investment amount is €25,000 – there is no maximum invest-ment amount. The closing date for inves-tors is 24th February 2010.

Halifax in Limerick Launches Market Linked Deposit Account

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Tom Coughlan,Ennis Town Manager and Alex Whyatt preparing for the 3rd Annual Ennis Bookclub Festival which will be launched at the Templegate Hotel ,Ennis on Friday night.

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Ulster Bank Wealth today launched its Global Investment Themes for 2010. The report details five investment themes that will shape investors’ think-ing for the year ahead and explains how Irish investors can respond to the opportunities in agricultural commodi-ties, equities and emerging markets.

Five Investment Themes for 2010.

1. Commodities and agricultural commodities offer attractive im mediate investment opportunities.2. The outlook for global equity markets is positive but returns will be more moderate than in 2009.3. The rebalancing of global growth continues to present opportunities in emerging equities, bonds and currencies. 4. Government bonds in developed markets are increasingly at risk.5. A search for “true” diversification will see a renewed focus on alternative asset classes.

The report looks ahead to 2010 and draws on economic research from RBS Coutts who predict economic growth of 2.5% for US GDP in 2010 and a return to positive economic growth in all of the major economies. It also sets out the key trends that will shape Irish investors thinking in the year ahead. The report details how each of the five investment themes will take shape throughout 2010. Ul-ster Bank Wealth has also launched a compelling investment opportunity, ‘The 4 year Agricultural Commodi-ties Strategy’, offering qualifying Irish investors the opportunity to generate attractive returns from exposure to agricultural commodities through the purchase of futures contracts with 100% capital protection on maturity. The minimum investment is €100k.

Positive Outlook For Agricultural Commodities

Innovative, versatile and elegant : The all new Meriva offers amazing interior room and flexibility wrapped in a distinctive, styl-ish exterior. In addition to Opel’s award winning new sculptural design language seen on the Insignia and new Astra, the Meriva adds innovative rear-hinged rear doors (FlexDoors), increasing visual im-pact while hugely improving access to the rear cabin.

Unlike the few well-known rear-hinged doors systems available, the full-size FlexDoors do not require the front doors to be opened first; they operate independently, and open up to a wide 84 degrees, much wider than conventional doors. A conventional B-pillar makes this independent opening possible, while ensuring excellent body rigidity and side impact protection. In addition, it has a handle that further facilitates entry and exit. FlexDoors also provide greater safety, especially for young families. Parents can reach into the rear seat more easily to help with buckling up, and children can be more safely guided when getting in and out of the vehicle. For example, when both the front and rear doors are open at the same time, a safety zone is created as both child and parent can get out of the car without a door separating them, reducing the risk of children stepping out into traffic. Addi-tionally, they are supported by an array of patented locking systems designed to op-timize safety.

FlexDoors add style to increased function-

ality. Stepping in and out of the vehicle not only feels much more natural, it looks cool and elegant, as it’s no longer necessary to twist or slide out of the rear seat. The all new Meriva also raises the bar for on-board flexibility. Its FlexSpace seat-ing system has been further developed to become even more intuitive and easier to use, featuring great interior storage space enhanced by the revolutionary FlexRail console system, consisting of exchange-able storage units that can slide on rails located between the front seats, providing convenient and adaptable storage for any kind of use. Meriva is also available with Opel’s exclusive FlexFix system – the inte-grated rear bicycle carrier that is stored like a drawer under the luggage compart-ment.

The Meriva’s trademark flexibility is en-hanced by expressive exterior and interior styling that carries forward. Its silhouette is fluid, elegant and dynamic. The rear win-dow line features a distinctive wave accen-tuating the rear-hinged FlexDoors, while also improving the view for rear seated passengers, particularly children. Up front, the generously proportioned seats are similar to those of the new Astra and Insig-nia. They offer a class-leading range of ad-justment – 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height – allowing people of all size and age to find optimal comfort for their journeys.

New Opel Meriva

The all new Meriva offers amazing interior room

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The Effect of the Civil Partnership Bill 2009 on Familial Relationships

By Aisling Carr

The dynamics of modern day family life in Ireland have changed vastly over the last decade. Cohabiting couples are now the fastest growing family structure in Ire-land and between the years 1996 and 2006 there was an almost fourfold increase in the number of cohabiting couples in the State. It has recently been estimated that 12% of the country’s households comprise of co-habiting couples and approximately one third of these couples have children.

Not all relationships result in life long part-nerships and as the number of cohabit-ing couples increases the corollary is that relationship problems and the resultant relationship breakdown also rise. Unfor-tunately if such relationships break down at present there is no legal recourse or remedy available.

The concept of a “common law” husband or wife is an unfortunate misnomer that has lulled some cohabiting couples into a false sense of security. Indeed, there is no such thing as a “common law” husband/wife and cohabiting couples are not afforded legal protection. This, however, is soon to change.

The Civil Partnership Bill 2009 was pub-lished earlier this year and apart from its im-plications for same-sex couples, which have been widely publicised in the media, the Bill also proposes to introduce a range of legal rights and remedies for cohabiting couples which are relevant to both same sex and op-posite sex couples.

The Bill provides that a cohabitant is one of two adults, of the same or opposite sex, who live together in an intimate and committed relationship and who are not related within the prohibited degrees of relationship, and

who are not married to or civil partners of one another.

For the purpose of applications to court the Bill has devised and defined the term “quali-fied cohabitants”. Qualified cohabitants are cohabitants who have lived together for three years or two years where there are chil-dren of the relationship. Exclusions to this involve circumstances when one of the co-habitants is married to a third party.

The Bill, when enacted, will afford Courts the power to make a variety of orders in respect of qualified cohabitants including Pension Adjustment Orders, Property Adjustment Orders and Maintenance Orders. The Court must first be satisfied that the applicant ex partner is financially dependent on the oth-er cohabitant. This will be a much welcomed scheme of redress for financially dependent cohabitants who find themselves out on a limb when a relationship breaks down. Re-dress also extends beyond the lifetime of the parties to the relationship and upon the death of a cohabitant, a surviving cohabit-ant may apply for a share of the deceased’s estate.

The Bill also provides that Cohabitation Agreements will be enforceable provided that each party has each received independ-ent legal advices or has waived the right upon receiving legal advice together. A Cohabi-tation Agreement essentially is a contract between a cohabiting couple which sets out the terms upon which a couple agree to live together, their rights and obligations to each other, regulates their financial affairs and makes provision for division of assets etc in the event that the relationship breaks down. An interesting point to note is that a Cohabitation Agreement may provide that the redress scheme, discussed earlier in this

article, will not be applicable. A court can then only set aside or alter a Cohabitation Agreement in exceptional circumstances.

Critics of the Bill argue that it does not reach far enough in terms of the recognition and protections afforded to “non-traditional families” not based on marriage. There is also concern that the Bill will be open to constitutional challenge. Despite these criticisms and concerns one must concede that the Civil Partnership Bill marks a wa-tershed in Irish Family Law and is a positive step forward in affording rights to non mari-tal families.

Aisling Carr is a solicitor in the Family Law Unit of Holmes O’Malley Sexton Solicitors. She can be contacted at 061 313222 or by email at [email protected]

Holmes O’Malley Sexton solicitors will 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 advice should always be sought before acting upon any mat-ter covered in this article.

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In the present economic climate, the head-line above demands serious attention and attention to detail resulting in reduced costs is what BCM managing director, John Mac Namara is offering his clients.BCM has been in business since 1993 with 30 offices around the world. In Ire-land, they operate offices in Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Limerick and Waterford. BCM is the proud winner of the coveted Enter-prise Board Award; Entrepreneur of the Year 2009.Local businessman John Mac Namara is adamant that his company can help busi-nesses to cut their overheads and ensure they come through this downturn in our economy with the minimum casualties. Over the last seventeen years, John’s com-pany has grown in size and expertise with branches throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S. “Cost reduction means increased profits wherever you are on this planet and with a guarantee of achieving these sav-ings and a ‘no savings…no charge’ policy, then you can understand why BCM contin-ues to grow worldwide.”At BCM, focus is on Cost Management and Cost Reduction. They examine small, medium and large organizations for sav-ings potential. BCM does not sell any prod-ucts or represent any suppliers....they sim-ply look at items or services you currently purchase and identify savings for you. BCM also focuses heavily on implementa-tion.....providing you with a report that sim-ply makes recommendations to save mon-ey is little or no value. They ensure that all recommendations are fully implemented once you are happy to go to this stage.Finally, their guarantee of ‘No Savings... No Charge’ combined with their fee structure based on a % of savings identified ensures that the cost of their service will always be significantly less than the savings found.

You therefore take no risk in engaging them to review your business costs.

Where Savings Can Be Found In Your Business... .

• Packaging • Freight/Courier Costs• Printing Costs• Office/Computer Supplies• Cleaning/Detergents• Maintenance Costs• Landline Telephone Costs• Mobile/Cellular Phone Costs• Waste Disposal Costs• Protective Clothing• Travel Costs• Bank Charges/Interest• Insurance• Credit Card Commissions• Food Costs• Fuel - Gas, Diesel, Oil, Electricity• Security Costs

How Does the Process Work?Pre-Assessment: BCM investigate poten-tial cost reduction areas for your business and establish the project viability and the size of the potential savings. There is no charge for this assessment.Initial Audit: BCM gathers all the raw data to conduct the project. This takes 1-2 days. It is not necessary for your business to as-sign staff for this as BCM will provide all the resources required.Analysis & Savings Identification: This is the body of the project whereby BCM iden-tify and quantify your savings.Final Report: This contains all the informa-tion in relation to the now identified savings in your business. It includes where the sav-ings come from, how to achieve them, cal-culation of the savings etc.Implementation: BCM does not just give you a Report - BCM will also ensure that the recommendations for savings are ac-tually implemented on the ground.Ongoing Monitoring: If you wish, BCM will monitor the savings for a 2 year period to guarantee that you continue to get the sav-ings as outlined in the Final Report.

If You Want to Increase Your Business Profits then Read On...

BCM John McNamara

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BCM John McNamara

John MacNamara and Bernie Mullane BCM (Business Cost Management Ltd) Limerick who were presented with the Limerick City Entrepereneur of the Year 2009 award, with Cllr Denis McCarthy, Deputy Mayor of Limerick (left) and Eamon Ryan, CEO, LCEB (right)( at the Limerick City Enterprise Board Business Lunch at the Strand Hotel, Limerick.

Some Case Studies! Worldwide Exporter of Food Products - A corrugated box was used to transport the product. Savings of €50,000 per annum were identified by negotiating price reductions with suppliers and by the specification of an alternative box design.High Street Retailer of Ornamental Prod-ucts - Savings of 50% were identified on the printing of brochures and other mar-keting materials by negotiations with sup-pliers and the reduction of the supplier base from 7 printers to 2.Manufacturing Company - Freight and transport costs reduced by 30% by analy-sis of freight traffic patterns, working with supplier base and implementation of rout-ing orders.Large Hotel - Installation of heating boiler controller which reduced fuel consump-tion by an average of 15%.Manufacturing Company - Savings of €50,000 per annum by identification of more cost effective suppliers for use in distribution network.Government Agency - Savings of €500,000 in communication costs and electricity.Healthcare Organisations - €2,000,000 in communications, fuel, transport and food.

Contact details:BCM Business Cost Management Ltd.17-18 Mallow StreetLimerickReg. No. 266224(Lo-Call) 1850 514614(Int’l): +353 61 400580Email: [email protected]

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Chamber Regional Networking Event - A room full of positivity

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Over 160 members of Ennis, Limerick and Shannon Chambers, and non-member as-sociates, travelled to Bunratty Castle Hotel last Thursday, 28 January, to initiate new business contacts and mingle with future client prospects.

The evening, which was co-ordinated by well-known Limerick actor, Nigel Mercier, was praised for its casual yet effective for-mat, with sponsor, Shannon-based Atlantic AirVenture taking attendees to new heights in its portable flight simulator. Also, thanks to the support of the other two sponsors Bunratty Castle and The Discovery Part-nership, the event lived up to the promise of being the ideal mechanism for small and medium sized companies to promote their businesses to a local audience. A lot of new business deals and referrals will result from the evening.

All three chambers were represented by their presidents and chief executives; an endorsement of the strategic importance such an event plays in the Chambers’ an-nual calendar.

It was not all serious though, with enviable spot prizes given to those who notched up the highest number of new contacts on the evening. The winners were treated to 4 pairs of tickets to Hunka & Dunne from The Irish Chamber Orchestra and also gift

vouchers from Boru Cultural Enterprises, Ennis; Dromoland Castle Hotel; JP Clarkes Bar & Restaurant Bunratty; Name It Shan-non; Shannon Golf Club, and Shane Hillary Pharmacy Shannon.

Rita McInerney, CEO Ennis Chamber, Lee Gregson, Bunratty Castle Hotel(Sponsor), Helen Downes, CEO Shannon Chamber, Maria Kelly, CEO Limerick Chamber Helen Downes, Kieran MacSweeney, The Discovery Partnership(Sponsor) & Eddie Ryan, Atlantic Air Venture(Sponsor).

Nigel Mercier checking out Atlantic AirVentures flight simulator, Rita McInerney, CEO Ennis Chamber, Helen Downes, CEO Shannon Chamber & Maria Kelly, CEO Limerick Chamber


BDO sign up as Friends of 2010 Special

Special Olympics Ireland has announced that BDO has become Friends of the 2010 Spe-cial Olympics Ireland Games which will take place in Limerick from June 9-13th. BDO will support the Games through fundraising and the provision of staff and expertise in key support areas.

The partnership between BDO and Special Olympics Ireland has already got off to a winning start with proceeds from the BDO Get Back Challenge Coaching Conference in Thomond Park being donated to Special Ol-ympics Ireland. BDO previously worked with Special Olympics as a Games patron for the 2003 World Games hosted in Dublin.

Speaking at the announcement of the part-nership, Matt English, CEO of Special Olym-pics Ireland said: “We are delighted that BDO’s Limerick office has come on board as Friends of the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games. We need a great deal of fi-nancial and professional support to ensure that these Games are a huge success for all involved and I know that with the support of businesses like BDO we will realise this aim”

Speaking at the announcement Brian Mc-Gann of BDO said: ‘the scale of the 2010

Special Olympics Ireland Games for Limer-ick is remarkable and we are delighted to be able to help through a combination of fundraising supports and offering some of our colleagues to provide their expertise across a number of operational areas for the Games. The firm has a long association with Special Olympics and since the incep-tion of the BDO Get Back Challenge we have supported a lot of athletes who will take part in the games in sports such as Bocce and soccer. Already there is a energy building up within the office to get involved and be part of one of the biggest sporting and social suc-cesses the region will experience.’

The Games will take place over four days from Thursday, June 9th to Sunday June 13th. In what will be one of the largest and most prestigious sporting events to take place in Ireland this year, 1,900 Special Ol-ympics athletes from throughout the island of Ireland will travel to Limerick to participate in competition in 13 sports. They will be ac-companied by 650 coaches and official del-egates as well as a contingent of over 4,000 family members. The Games will be support-ed by a team of 3,500 volunteers who are currently being recruited from Limerick city, county and beyond.

Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland with Brian McGann of BDO, Limerick.

A Limerick tourism business has ex-celled in e-business innovation and has won €1,000 in business supports from Fáilte Ireland. Padraig Casey from Bal-lyhoura Fáilte was a runner up at Fáilte Ireland’s first ever ‘Web-Check Chal-lenge Awards’ which were recently held in the Westin Hotel.

The aim of the Web-Check Challenge was to recognise small to medium tourism enterprises that have demon-strated exceptional learning, creativity and innovation following participation in Fáilte Ireland’s e-Business Support Initiative—Web-Check—by further de-veloping their website and implement-ing an effective and innovative online e-marketing plan.

Many entries were narrowed down to five finalists, who presented their e-business plans to an invited audience and an expert panel of judges which included Fergal O’Byrne, CEO Sonru; Joan Mulvihill, CEO IIA; Claire Walsh, Google and Shane Cookman General Manager, Dunboyne Castle Hotel.

Stephen Dudley ,Fáilte Ireland E-Busi-ness Development Manager, said: “We were delighted to see such a tremen-dous response from the tourism in-dustry to the competition. The initiative is an important partnership between Fáilte Ireland and the tourism industry and we will continue to work with in-dustry into 2010 to encourage small and medium tourism businesses to be more efficient in their use of the web as a valuable business tool.”

E-business Innovation Award


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After a successful launch in the UK food and drink innovations agency, The Food Nursery launched its Irish operation based in City West, Dublin. The Food Nursery is where new food and drink ide-as are born, and is one of only a handful of dedicated food and drink innovators on the entire planet.

Born out of a culinary friendship that spans a decade, founders Limerickman Greg Wixted (who also runs a UK based Ad agency in the UK ) & Calum Watson (Ex award winning chef for Marco Pierre White, who opened two restaurants for Pierre White and worked with Unilever Ireland) have worked together for much of that decade and first met when Wixted was called upon to handle the market-ing of Watson’s restaurant group. Over the past 6 months they have worked on the concept and client offering of The Food Nursery and gathered their team of experts into the fold. The team have all worked with an impressive array of clients and brands Wixted heads the Culinary Thinkers (marketers) team and Watson the Culinary Innovators (chefs & foodies).

Greg Wixted said, ‘NPD is key to not only keeping your current customer but win-ning new ones, but for some companies it can be a slow process and the Irish market is no exception. The response from Irish businesses has been amazing and already we have been briefed by sev-eral companies. We cover many industry

sectors including: brands, manufacturing, but also multiple retailers, cost sector and restaurant & bar chains.’

Greg Wixted has worked at two of the world’s leading agencies and who is also a trained chef is supported by a team of 10 marketers who include; ex agency planners, innovations & insights experts and copy & concept writers who between them have worked on such brands as Nestle, The National Dairy Council, The Meat & Livestock Commission, Unilever, Masterfoods, PepsiCo, Danone, Scottish & Newcastle, Welch’s, KFC, Interbrew, Gerber Foods, Unilever, Coke and Alpen.

Limerick Ad Man & Celebrity Chef Bring Agency to Ireland Leading the Culinary Innovations team is Calum Watson, previously Executive Head Chef & Director of Operations of world-renowned culinary genius Marco Pierre-White’s entire business. At his side are some of the leading chefs includ-ing: Nancy Lam, restaurateur and TV chef, Nick Munier the face of the Hell’s Kitchen restaurant and Pichet restau-rant Dublin, chef Graham Flannery from the Anvil is Saggart and Michelin starred chef and Fiona Hunter, one of the lead-ing food nutritionists are just some of the 100 innovators in their network.

Whether working with clients to in-spire, create and develop innovative products and services, Food Nursery brings real measurable results and a clear way forward for their clients. www.thefoodnursery.com

Ireland’s first county-orientated pri-mary school tours publication has been launched in County Clare. The Clare ‘Live the Life’ brochure encourages teachers and students to visit locally-based attrac-tions including the Cliffs of Moher, Holy Island on Lough Derg, Clare Museum, Bunratty Castle, Scattery Island, the West Clare Railway and the Poulnabrone Dolmen.

The brochure, which is supported by 61 at-tractions and tourism providers through-out the County, has been distributed to schools in Clare, Limerick, Galway, Tipper-ary and Kerry. The initiative has been de-veloped by the Clare Tourism Forum, with the support of Clare County Council and

Shannon Development. Promoted day ac-tivities include an educational workshop at the Irish Seedsavers Association in Scar-riff, dolphin watching in the Shannon Es-tuary, nature walks in the Burren, water sports along the Atlantic coast, aviation and meteorology workshops in Shannon, guided tours of the West Clare Recycling Plant and a tour of locations from the Fa-ther Ted TV series.

Speaking following the brochure launch at Kilrush National School, Forum Chairper-son Rebecca Brew stated: “The school tours market is a significant market and the Forum sees potential to build on ex-isting activity in this area. This unique, informative brochure is a testimony to

the strong and extensive offerings of at-tractions and activities County Clare has on offer. I encourage all primary school teachers to tour in Clare and take advan-tage of a diverse range of fun, educational and affordable options. The brochure will no doubt result in an increase in econom-ic benefits for attractions and activities in Clare”.

The Clare Tourism Forum was estab-lished in November 2005 with the objec-tive of mobilising a collaborative strategy to sustain and develop tourism within the county. For more on the Clare Tourism Fo-rum and the Clare ‘Live the Life’ brochure visit www clare.ie, call 065-6846537 or email [email protected].

Clare Tourism to Target the Primary School Market

Limerickman Greg Wixted and award winning chef Calum Watson.

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Fastway Couriers (South West), part of the leading independent parcel collection and delivery service in Ireland, has com-pleted its most successful year to date to the end of December 2009.

Established in 2002, Fastway Couri-ers (Ireland) operates a low cost, next day, parcel collection and delivery serv-ice through a franchise system. It is the world’s largest courier franchise opera-tion and the only fully franchised courier service operating in Ireland, offering fran-chisees the opportunity to own their own business.

Key Highlights 2009 – Fastway Couriers (South West) 7 new positions created in 2009; 10% increase in customer acqui-sitions in 2009 and 8% increase in the

number of Courier Franchisees in the re-gion

Nationally, partnering with Home Deliv-ery Network Ltd (HDNL) for all their Irish parcel deliveries, including Littlewoods Ireland, in a two and a half year contract - moving Fastway Couriers (Ireland) into the B2C market

Commenting on the results, Michael O’Regan, newly appointed General Man-ager of Fastway Couriers (South West) said: “We had a tremendous year in 2009, particularly in the context of a 30% decline in the parcel delivery sector last year. The awarding of the contract with HDNL has positively impacted our business. Nationally, in the last quarter, our turnover was up 35% year on year

and our parcel movements were up 49% in Q4 2009 compared to Q4 2008.”

Fastway Couriers (South West) most successful year

Assist Chartered Accountants, located at 24 Barrington Street, Limerick, has of-ficially changed its name to o’donnell+co, chartered accountants - the name change is accompanied by an exciting new corpo-rate logo and website. The firm has always been associated with computer training as well as the account-ancy practice. However over the past number of years, the accountancy side of the business has gained in strength expe-riencing a marked increase in clients and demand for their accounting services. The range of services offered has also broad-ened to include interim management and debt recovery work.

The new logo creates a distinctive identity which is refreshingly modern: the choice of bright colours signifies the vibrant, forward-thinking approach synonymous with the firm, while the intertwining of the letters o, d, and c illustrates their ability to deliver in-tegrated solutions drawn from their finan-cial advisory and accountancy expertise. Their commitment to working closely with each of their clients is further reflected in the overlapping of the letters as “working in partnership” is an integral element of the firm’s ethos. The new website address is www.odonnellaccountants.comAssist Training will continue to operate under its own name and will continue as a

separate business offering IT training solu-tions in Microsoft applications from intro-ductory to advanced levels – see www as-sisttraining.ie for further information.

Assist Chartered Accountants Becomes o’donnell+co

Michael O’Regan General Manager SW

Congratulations was the order of the day at The Fairways Bar & Orchard Restaurant in Nenagh, County Tipperary recently. For a relatively “new” premises, in its third year of operation, it is fantastic to see such a high accolade bestowed on Limerick wom-an Joan McGowan and her husband Geoff Jones. Receiving its award for the B.I.M. Seafood Circle is attributable to the fact that chef/owner, Geoff personally trav-els to the fish mongers up to three times weekly, thus ensuring that the freshest of hand-picked produce is available for the bar food and restaurant menus.

Three years have passed since Geoff and his wife Joan bought the former Lucky Bags in Kilruane and the transformation in the pub is evident in its name, appearance and in the menu style. An award winning chef, with an expansive career, Geoff has always had a keen interest in developing his menu style, focusing on seafood. His efforts have paid off, seeing that not only is he the second restaurant in the whole of County Tipperary to be included in the Seafood Cir-cle for 2010, but he is also featured in the Georgina Campbell Good Food Guide since he opened his doors in September 2006.

The Fairways’ team of chefs, bar and wait-ing staff have played an enormous part in the award. They are all extremely cus-tomer focused and are well schooled on all aspects of the food on a menu that sees changes daily. You can find the Fairways on www.thefairwaysbar.ie and you can follow them on Twitter and Facebook. Open for lunch and evening meals 7 days a week, the Fairways is a popular choice for Communions, Confirmations, Christenings and special milestone occasions. With Val-entine’s Day approaching, the Fairways is the ideal venue to take that special some-body in your life. For bookings, call 067 41444.

Love Food…… Love the Fairways

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Opening of MEP Sean Kelly’s Constituency Office

Fine Gael, Leader, Enda Kenny cuts the ribbon to open Sean Kelly, MEP’s constituency office in Limerick.

Sean Kelly, MEP receives a painting from artist, Jim O’Farrell at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

Sean Kelly, MEP , Gerry O’Shea, Mary Danagher and Dep Noel Coonan, Tipperary at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

Denis Fitzpatrick, Cllr Paddy Whitty, Mayor of Cobh, Co Cork and Sean Kelly, MEP at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

Sean Kelly, MEP , Rosarie Moylan, Julie Kelly and Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

Juliet Kelly, Fine Gael, Leader, Enda Kenny , Kieran O’Donnell, TD, Nancy Cunninghan, office administrator, Sean Kelly, MEP and Kevin Keary, PA to Sean Kelly at the opening of Sean Kelly’s new constituency office in Limerick.

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John Burke MD,Armada Hotel and Saurabh Jain pictured with someof the lovely models from the Holman Lee Agency Limerick at the recentClare County Bridal Exhibition held at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point.

From left Maeve Culligan, Eoin Murray, Rebecca May and Gwen Culligan at the Clare County Bridal exhibition at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point (Eoin and Rebecca are from Limerick).

Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development , Emily Hurley, Special Olympics Athlete and the face of the Ireland Games 2010, Matt English, COE Special Olympics Ireland and Neil Carney, Ireland Games 2010 Director at a Media Briefing Breakfast for Special Olympics Ireland Games.

Pictured is Ahmed Jamal Maaz, a student of Griffith College Limerick, who was recently awarded first in the world in the Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Business Information Technology. Pictured here with Kevin O’Sullivan, Director of Griffith College Limerick.

Tony Roche, Dermot McGuire, Kevin Wallace, photographer, Cahill Roche and Dana Livolane, model in the George Hotel to unveil a photograph titled To the Brave and the Faithful, Nothing is Impossible’ based on the Munster Rugby ehtos and is the idea of Cahill Roche to be a step form the normal and captured by photographer Kevin Wallace.

Mr. Edward Madigan, Clinical Specialist at the new MRI Centre BarringtonsHospital, Limerick, preparing a patient for an MRI scan. The new, purpose-built, MRI Centre represents a 3 million investment which will help ensure an enhanced diagnostic process and greater comfort for patients.

Joan McGowan and her husband Geoff Jones; The Fairways Bar & Orchard Restaurant in Nenagh receiving an award from the B.I.M. Seafood Circle.

Eugene O’Brien, Principal of St Nessans Secondary School with Leader of the Fine Gael Party, Enda Kenny present Gaisce the Presidents Awards for personal acheivement to Brian Dunworth and Armando Porrerta students at St Nessan’s Secondary.

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Connemara Mining, the AIM listed Irish zinc explorer’s latest drill results from Stonepark in Limerick indicate the zinc deposit discovered in 2007 stretches over a 2km zone. A step-out drill hole (Hole 32), at the Stonepark North zone intersected more com-mercial grade zinc-lead ore. Results indicate the presence of a continuous zone of zinc-lead mineralisation at ap-proximately 200-220 metres depth. A second hole (Hole 30), intersected zinc-lead mineralisation 400m south of previous drilling, which suggests that the overall mineralising system on the Stonepark Project could be more than 2km long in a north-south direction. This is comparable in size to Minco/Xstrata’s Tobermalug zone which is located approximately 4.5km to the east and contains a JORC-compliant inferred resource of 11,300,000 tonnes grading 10.2% zinc and 1.9% lead.Connemara Mining and operators Teck Resources ltd are investing €2million in drilling a further 30 holes at Stonepark in 2010. Connemara Mining will contribute €600,000 to-wards the drilling programme.John Teeling, Chairman of Connema-ra Mining, said “These are very posi-tive results from Stonepark. The Hole 32 intersection has almost everything one would want – high grade, the right type of mineralisation, shallow depth and is located a good distance from the earlier discoveries. The Hole 30 intersection 400 metres away from any previous drilling and 2km away from Hole 32, offers the distinct pos-sibility of a much larger deposit. It is early days but Stonepark is looking good. ”Connemara will carry out further in-fill drilling to confirm the extent and continuity of commercial grades and thicknesses of zinc-lead mineralisa-tion within the 2km zone.

2m Invested in Limerick Zinc Find

Fascinating historical records of the Quak-ers in Limerick are now available for public viewing on Limerick City Council’s website, www.limerickcity.ie

Limerick City Council and the Society of Friends have launched the transfer of a digital copy of the Limerick Quaker Archive to Limerick City Archives. The records date from the early eighteenth century and are a wonderful record of the Quakers in Limerick. The original records are held in the Quaker Library in Dublin and the Society of Friends approached Limerick City archives proposing to extend access to their records by microfilming the records and placing a digital copy of the microfilm online.

The project was funded by Limerick City Council and city archivist Jacqui Hayes said these records are of great interest to the Limerick area as the Quakers played a significant role in Limerick’s business and mercantile history in the eighteenth and nineteenth century.

The records were initially microfilmed as this offers excellent preservation qualities. The microfilm images were then convert-ed to digital and delivered on CD in PDF format.

The Religious Society of Friends was found-ed in 1652 and the first meeting of Friends in Limerick was held in the home of Richard Pearce in 1655. Later in 1671 a meeting house was erected in Creagh Lane, they remained here until 1807 when a new meeting house was built in Cecil Street and in 1832 a Friends Burial ground was established near Peters Cell.

The principle element of Quaker faith was, and remains, the idea that each person is capable of direct experience with the Holy Spirit without interference from any other person. The Quakers advocated a simpler way of practicing the Christian way of life, which included freedom of religious choice and equality of the sexes. Friends were to be sober, simple, plain, honest, industrious, and courageous. The poor would be cared for, there would be no tale-bearing and there would be no swearing of oaths.

City Archivist Jacqui Hayes said that the Religious Society of Friends is well known for its charity work and innovation. “Per-haps the most cited incidence of this is during the Famine in Ireland when Friends formed Relief Committees which provided food to anyone in need regardless of their religion.”

The Relief Committee Minutes Books record the decisions of the relief commit-tee in relation to relief in Clare and Limer-ick during the Famine period. This collec-tion contains the minutes of the Limerick men’s and women’s committee. The min-utes record discussions on travel, mar-riage, removals and correspondence from friends in Ireland and abroad.

The collection also includes Account Books, Notices of Removals records friends removed from the Society for improper behaviour, notices of friends transferring from and to other meetings and records of Quaker Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Kiely said he was delighted that the historical Quaker records are now on-line on www.limerick-city.ie for public viewing. “The collection is a wonderful insight into the Quaker com-munity in the Limerick area, documenting their births, deaths and marriages, their monthly meetings and their response to prevailing social and economic conditions,” he said. “In my view this project is an excel-lent example of how the City Council can work with communities to support them and enrich the general cultural value to all interested parties.”

Limerick Quaker Records On-line

Born in Drayton, Leicestershire, England, George Fox founded the Society of Friends or Quakers in 1624.

BL | NEWS


Nick Carswell and Dermot Bowden two of Limericks finest musicians are bringing on back the good times at The Locke Bar, Georges Quay for the month of February.

If you enjoy a good old sing-a-long to the music of the 60’s, 70s’ and 80’s plus

contemporary songs then you’re bound to enjoy weekends at the Locke. Starting at 9.30pm on Friday nights, Nick Carswell is first up to tinkle the ivories and the music continues Saturday and Sunday with Der-mot Bowden from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. So if you’re a music fan, join hosts Nick

and Dermot every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for music and craic at the Locke! No cover charge.

More details: Tel 061 413733 or visit www.lockebar.com

The Piano Man at the Locke Bar

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released the official figures for new cars regis-tered in January 2010 which at 16,595 are up 5.04% on January 2009 (15,799).

Commenting on the figures, SIMI Director General Alan Nolan said, “At 5% up on January last year, we are very pleased with new car sales so far this year. This is the second month in a row that we have seen an increase in registrations. Given that the first two weeks of Janu-ary suffered a virtual standstill in trading due to the bad weather, the fact that the month has finished 5% ahead of last year is a very strong sign that consumers are availing of the incred-ible value that is available at the moment. While the snow and ice delayed registrations until well into the month, feedback from dealers around the country is indicating that the signifi-cant increase in footfall and in actual sales, in comparison to this time last year, is continuing. Dealers are also reporting that the Scrappage Scheme has been very well received by the public who are actively seeking out the best value in 2010 low emission cars.”

Light Commercial Vehicle registrations for January 2010 (2,060) are also up 27.7% on the same period last year (1,613) while Heavy Vehicle registrations are down -52.01% (131) compared to January 2009 (273).

SIMI Release January Figures

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Chips

BL | NEWS


New jobs in the Mid West will come from the existing base of multinational compa-nies in the region. The focus of agencies such as Shannon Development and IDA Ireland and local government should be on creating the environment which will al-low companies in the region to flourish, according to Bill Doherty, Chairman of the American Chamber Mid West region and Executive Vice President of Cook Group Europe.

“The Midwest region has a higher propor-tion of its work force employed in the man-ufacturing and industrial sector than any other region. The IDA Ireland client base in the Mid-West employs in the region of 8,000 people, accounting for approxi-mately 6% of total employment. While it is absolutely true that Ireland must seek to become a Smart economy and support knowledge based businesses, it must be acknowledged that core manufacturing is the foundation stone on which many ad-ditional investments are built”, said Mr. Doherty.

“In the past three years companies such as Intel, Cook Medical, Vistakon and Mi-crosemi reinvested in their mid west op-erations to create over 700 new jobs for workers in the region. This reinforces the need to protect the existing investment base. Everything we do as individual busi-nesses, and as a region, must be focused on maintaining a level of competitiveness which allows us to hold the investment we have and to continue to build from that base“, he said.

Mr. Doherty said that Ireland needs to develop a model which leverages our core skills and competencies across the entire supply chain. “We must support traditional manufacturing in the region to expand its remit into key functional ar-eas such as Research and Development, Shared Services and Logistics. This will embed Ireland into the global operations and provide greater security to existing investment. Building a reputation of ex-cellence in each of these key functional areas transforms the competitive offer-ing of the region and becomes very com-pelling to investors”.

Mr. Doherty said that the establishment

of the proposed Lynx cargo facility at Shannon Airport would greatly enhance the support infrastructure for industry located in the Mid West. “If the Dublin Airport Authority is unable to do so the Government should provide the funds to allow the airport invest in the necessary infrastructure in order to establish this facility. The proposed Lynx cargo facility would be a catalyst for new manufactur-ing and logistics investment in the region and together with the customs and bor-der control preclearance facility at the Airport would provide added incentive for companies to expand operations”.

Mr. Doherty said that with the presence of Shannon International Airport and third level institutions including UL and the Institutes of Technology, the Mid West has all the ingredi-ents to attract additional invest-ment. “However Ireland’s cost competitiveness remains an issue”, he said. “Over the last decade Ireland has experi-enced a loss of 30% in our national price competitive-ness. The improvements of the past 12 months have been recession driven rather than

structural changes which we can be con-fident will be retained when we emerge from our current economic difficulties. Wage costs for manufacturing workers in Ireland exceed that of the OECD aver-age and the US by approximately 20% and this is not sustainable”. Being a competitive tax jurisdiction has helped to mitigate the fact that Ireland has been uncompetitive from a cost per-spective”, he said. “However, we cannot use our lower corporate tax as a ‘silver bullet’ in relation to higher costs and we must address our overall cost competi-tiveness”.

Commenting on the current unrest in the Public Sector, Mr. Doherty said that a fundamental transformation of the Public Sector was absolutely necessary. “Private sector companies continuously trans-form themselves in order to increase ef-ficiencies and productivity for the ultimate benefit of customers. Unfortunately that same level of flexibility is absent in the pub-lic sector. While we recognize people’s right to protest, the American Chamber believes that what our country needs now is collaboration, not confrontation. The American Chamber and the multi-national community would be particu-larly concerned that any action by Public Sector workers must not impact on our ability to maintain the flow of goods and services to customers across the globe. Such disruption would be very detrimental to the international reputation of Ireland thereby risking incremental investments into Ireland by multinational companies”, he warned.

Agencies Must Protect Multinationals in Mid West

Bill Doherty

BL | NEWS


We live in a complex world with only a partial understanding of the risks inher-ent in the technology and systems that frame our daily activities. After the fall of Lehman Brothers, those familiar with the intricacies of banking and finance held their breath and waited for the wave of destruction to move out from the US and engulf other Western economies. For the majority, this event would have been noted but not recognised for what is was – a structural break in the foundation of the financial system.

A year later, angry debates are flaring in public and in private as people allocate blame and resist the personal costs being imposed on them. Frustration dominates much of this discourse as people struggle with the outcome of decisions made in a financial system they thought were uncon-nected to their lives.

For more than twenty years, investment bankers and quantitative financiers worked together to develop ever more sophisti-cated techniques to manage risk and dis-perse it throughout the financial system. Practitioners and academics congratu-lated themselves on the intricate beauty of mortgage securitisation and credit de-fault swaps. These inventions created an illusion. The risk was still there but it was cloaked by the limitations of archaic finan-cial reporting and regulation.

The reality is that we live in a world where small groups of people have the capacity to produce potentially catastrophic risks that spread across national boundaries, social groups and can linger through time. The economic crisis we are currently fac-ing is just one example of this and the growth of technology in a number of fields will continue to present challenges for risk management. In areas such as energy, biotechnology and genetics there are no doubt risks being created that we cannot predict. In years to come it is possible that we will again be forced to engage in soul-searching as we ponder the negligence of another relatively small group of experts. We will question the failure of risk manage-ment and argue that we did not ask for this. Innovation and technological development is rarely achieved without risk – this does not mean we should stall or reverse the

progress that has been made. For any new technology, whether in finance or science, we need to take a very broad perspective of the societal costs and benefits. Conflict will inevitably arise when the benefits flow to an elite group while the wider populace endures the risk exposure. This is as true for the development of technologies such as genetically modified crops and nuclear energy as it is for financial innovation.

Those that produced and managed finan-cial risks are not malevolent actors whose actions are dominated by greed and ego. They are simply a link in an increasingly complex environment dominated by man-made systems. The division of labour identified by Adam Smith is seen as the starting point from which modern indus-trialised society has continued to evolve. Within academia, specialisation has been a necessary part of the progression of various disciplines. Academic research in-variably sees groups of academics merge into teams focusing on specialty areas of economics and business. Greater ex-pertise and innovation has emerged as groups devote themselves to the nuances of quantitative finance while other groups focus on compliance and regulation. One of the outcomes of this trend has been the development of specialist terminology and thought processes that in turn have made communication between experts more challenging.

The specialist functions within banking and finance also present a challenge for effec-tive risk communication. Those that con-struct the models for pricing mortgage and debt securitisation and developing credit derivatives were doing what they were trained to do. It was not their func-tion to examine the macro context of intro-ducing greater quantities of risk into the fi-nancial system. Similarly the regulator was ill equipped to contradict the assertions of those producing complex risk models.

This crisis has seen the eagerness of academics, particularly those in business schools, to pick up the pitchfork and torch and holler accusations of greed and reck-lessness at the senior bankers and regula-tors. This is in spite of the fact that indirect-ly we have contributed to the increasing complexity of the financial system. Through

Re-thinking the World’s Financial System

an ongoing trend in specialisation we have made it almost impossible for different parts of the financial community to com-municate with each other and control risk effectively.

Early in this crisis, a defining example of this was revealed in a series of responses provided by the former Chairman of Citi-group, Robert Rubin. Rubin had no knowl-edge of the existence of a contract add-on to a tranche of securitised debt products Citigroup had sold. The add-on meant the toxic debt securities sold by Citigroup oth-er client banks bounced back to Citigroup balance sheet if the market dried up. These so-called ‘liquidity puts’ led to losses of $25bn for Citigroup. This example dem-onstrates the lack of understanding pos-sessed by corporate leaders who demand share price performance. We can be confident that shareholders and analysts of Citigroup were similarly ignorant about these ‘liquidity put’ contracts.

As academics in business schools we have a responsibility to re-think how we educate future bankers and insurance underwriters who will allocate capital and package risks. A good starting point would be to encourage robust debate within the University system – both between faculty and among the student body. In my view, a crucial step in this process is for stu-dents in business schools to connect with the knowledge that resides within the hu-manities - particularly in disciplines such as sociology, history and philosophy. This exposure will give them the critical tools with which to re-evaluate the faults that lie at the heart of the financial and corporate system.

Dr. John Garvey, Lecturer in Risk Management and Insurance, BBS Course Director, Kemmy Business College, University of Limerick.

37BL201002.indd 1 08/02/2010 10:33:18

BL | NEWS


Excitement is building ashore and on board as the launch date (lst March 2010) of the inaugural sailing from Cork to Swansea aboard the impressive MV Julia approaches. Stakeholders, tourism bodies, small businesses, the Irish diaspo-ra, and the public at large are logging on to the Fastnet Line’s website on a daily ba-sis checking out the offers available Tom Barrett Chief Executive of Fastnet Line said, ‘The service expects to enjoy strong demand from both tourist and freight customers on both sides of the Irish Sea. Fastnet Line believes that it will contribute greatly to the development and promotion of tourism in the south and west, and will sustain more than 1,000 jobs. The service is worth more than €50 million annually to the local economy.’

Mr. Barrett went on to outline the cost-effective packages available to families in particular, with their current on-line offer, with children travelling free and special fares for bookings before the end of Janu-ary, subject to certain conditions. ‘Freight carriers and groups too, are well catered for, and with the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday, Easter and Cheltenham Races, and The Ryder Cup and Glaston-

bury Festival later on in the year.’ He also stressed that, on the flip side, UK visitors can pop over to Cork, the South West and a gateway to the Mid West to ‘enjoy our gorgeous scenery, excellent hotel and guesthouse rates and unique shopping experiences.’

The crew of the MV Julia are preparing the vessel for its seaward journeys, work-ing closely with health and safety bodies, local suppliers and its many supporters in ensuring that everything goes to plan. Mr. Barrett told Business Limerick: ‘MV Julia is a comfortable, sturdy and seawor-thy passenger/car ferry. It is well capable of providing a year-round service, and is backed by a team of industry profession-als. We are looking forward to welcoming people aboard for an enjoyable and safe trip to and from Swansea.’

Fastnet’s MV Julia prepares for inaugural Swansea sailing

Shannon Chamber Director on newstalk judging panelShannon Chamber was invited to sit on the judging panel for the Limerick Insti-tute of Technology (LIT) local final of the 2009 Newstalk 106-108fm Student Enterprise Competition. The chamber selected director Joe Robbins, also a di-rector of CareerWise Recruitment, as its representative.

Four LIT teams assessed a case study sup-plied by Newstalk, and having assessed it for three hours, faced the judging panel of three in December. The winning team comprising, Thomas McMahon, Mark Gordon, Aine Melichar and Damien O’ Br-ien will now represent LIT in the national semi-finals in January and hopefully in the national final in February.

The Newstalk 106-108fm Student Enter-prise Competition is designed to foster a spirit of enterprise in students attending Ireland’s Institutes of Technology and the National College of Ireland. The competi-tion uses a case study format, allowing participating teams to research real-life companies, giving students the opportu-nity to learn about real-life business chal-lenges and solutions.

Since its launch in September 2006 the

competition has generated huge interest amongst both students and lecturers in the colleges. Over 330 teams from the 16 participating colleges entered the competition last year. Last year’s winning team were from the National College of Ireland. As a result, the 2009/2010 Semi-Final and National Final will be held at their campus in early 2010.

The competition is open to all faculties and each team must comprise of 3 or 4, full-time undergraduate level students. Cross faculty teams are encouraged as they bring together a wide range of ex-pertise. The overall prize for the winning team and its Team Coach is a trip to mo-bile telecommunications operator Digicel Group’s offices in the Caribbean.

Joe Robbins (second from right) at LIT with the winning Newstalk team: Thomas McMahon, Mark Gordon, Aine Melichar and Damien O’ Brien along with Dr Maria Hinfelaar, president LIT; team coach and lecturer at LIT, Eoghan Sadlier, and Donncha Hughes (extreme right), Enterprise Acceleration Centre manager.

BL | NEWS


MAMMA ZEN WORKSHOPBalancing Body and MindBecoming a mother is an exciting and busy time! You go home with your beau-tiful baby, however then you can find yourself becoming overwhelmed by the constant going along with the changes that this time brings. The Mamma’s Zen workshop, taking place on Satur-day 13th February from 10.30 -12.30 noon at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick will answer any questions you may have. This practical seminar deals with the challenges mothers face post pregnancy and promises to improve your time management, boost your energy levels, help you identify ways to easily loose the baby pounds, and learn how to de-stress during the more chal-lenging days. The people behind the Mamma’s Zen experience are Therese Ryan of Re-newal Consultants who is a Life Coach and Stress Management Expert to the RTE 1 Health Show ‘How Long Will You Live?’ Anna Gleeson is a practic-ing midwife and nutritional advisor, and Rain Spa and Wellness Clinic at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Limerick. This spe-cialised workshop will leave mums re-freshed, informed and pampered. The pampering is any Day Spa Package at Rain, once it is booked on the day and used before March 15th, 2010.To book your place at this seminar, call the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick on 061-456533 lines open, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Early booking is advised as plac-es are limited. Cost to attend is €65 per person.

“In the current climate, banks need to see a measured, prudent and realistic approach to business financial planning – these are key ingredients to securing support.” Michael O’Connor, Regional Director for Bank of Scotland (Ireland) in Limerick talks to Business Limerick Magazine about how to prepare your business plan.With tough conditions likely to continue, those businesses in Limerick seeking to renew or amend their banking facilities, will find their bank asking lots more questions. Being granted funding by your bank hinges on a range of elements such as cashflow, the level of debt, the value of assets, and the sector your business operates in, along with being significantly impacted by the cost of funds to your bank. However, it is also dependent on the quality of the busi-ness proposal presented and, importantly, how realistic that proposal is.When preparing your business plan, you should be as realistic as possible. You will need to be able to explain, step by step, how your proposal is likely to succeed and to give detailed business and financial pro-jections. Your monthly cashflow projection will be a critical element. There is no point ‘over selling’ the potential success or up-side, instead you need to be as open and honest as possible.

Ensure that your figures are professionally prepared; this is a necessary cost, particu-larly if you do not employ a financial con-troller. In the current climate, banks need to see a measured, prudent and realistic approach to business financial planning – these are key ingredients to securing support.

If the last 18 months have taught us any-thing, it is the importance of being pre-pared for all eventualities. So when prepar-

ing your plan, you need to look at the key risks that may impact upon your business now or in the future and factor these into your proposal.

One way of doing this is to undertake a SWOT analysis. It is essential to know the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportuni-ties and Threats that may apply to your business. These will evolve over time and therefore constant and proactive analysis should ensure that your business is more prepared to respond to the needs of your customers and to the market.

If your bank is not up to date with what is going on in your business or is not aware of any issues or challenges that you may face, then it may become more difficult to secure their support. In order to give your funding proposal the best chance possible, you should stay in touch with your bank and keep them abreast of what you are doing.

A realistic business plan is key

Michael O’Connor, Regional Director for Bank of Scotland

Therese RyanValentine’s Day on Sunday 14th February at Flowers Forever, the designer florist, Raheen Roundabout, Raheen. Telephone: 061 307123. email: [email protected]

39BL201002 indd 1 09/02/2010 09 29 50

BL | NEWS


The impact of the downturn on the Irish economy has resulted in a significant rise in the number of small business operators seeking professional support and advice. The County Limerick Enterprise Board (LCOEB) says an estimated 1250 people attended small business training courses throughout County Limerick during 2009, up 55 per cent on the number of partici-pants in 2008. 160 Dell employees also attended an in-house training course, or-ganised by the Enterprise Board.

Over 20 Limerick County businesses were supported through grant aid in 2009, representing a 270,000 euro invest-ment in small business in the county. The LCOEB also co-funded and supported the development of five Enterprise Centres in Croom, Dromcollogher, Broadford, Bally-landers and Kilmallock.

Limerick County Enterprise Board CEO Ned Toomey says the increase in demand among new and established business owners for professional business support and advice is an encouraging sign for the Irish economy.He explained: “In the cur-

rent difficult economic climate, it is impor-tant to promote the advice and support available to assist those wishing to estab-lish or develop a business. We have seen that a downturn in the economy can often lead to a sharp rise in entrepreneurial ac-tivity.”

The upcoming business and networking events will feature expert advice on is-sues including Starting A Business, Sales and Marketing For Beginners, Taxation for Self-Employed, Developing an Internet Business, Time Management In A Small Business, Credit Control and Financial Management for the Owner Manager.

The series will commence on Tuesday 9th February 2010 in Deebert House Hotel, Kilmallock, when one of Ireland’s leading sales trainers, Robert Mc Kernan of Mc Kernan Training solutions, will offer advice on developing a sales strategy for 2010, as well as delivering a separate presenta-tion for Food companies and related busi-nesses on selling to large multiples.Mc Kernan has spent over 25 years working in the Irish FMCG food industry and is the

founder of Activsales, which works with teams with sales in excess of 500 million euro a year in Ireland, estimated to rise to 1 Billion euro by the end of 2010. He also works with Enterprise Ireland and Board Bia on food-related training pro-grammes.

Limerick County Enterprise Board will host business and networking events dur-ing February, March and April. Event de-tails are available from www.lcoeb.ie

Rise in businesses seeking support in Co. Limerick

Robert McKernan of McKernan Training Solutions

Sassy, retro and indulgent, a Pandora Bell Handmade Lollipop is a quirky and timeless way to say ‘I love you’ on Val-entines Day. Pandora Bell’s Lollipops are made in the traditional way, by stretch-ing and rolling sugar syrup. The only extras, are naturally based colours and flavours; to make the lollipops look pretty and taste gorgeous. Chocolate is a clas-sic way of expressing love. The Pandora Bell range has two gift sized nougat bars coated in rich dark chocolate. For a list of stockists log onto www.pandorabell.ie. Valentines web specials include a Val-entines Lollipop and luxury box of choco-lates (200g) for €9.99 and a lollipop and chocolates (400g) for €19.99.

Pandora Bell is a confectionery label based in Co Limerick. The Bridgestone Irish Food Guide has named Pandora Bell it’s Newcomer of the Year. Limer-ick and Clare Stockists: Adare Manor

All you need is love… and Pandora Bell Lollipops!

Boutique, The Country Basket Thomas Street, Ivans Ennis Road, Formula for Fun Castletroy, Sequoia Lane O’Connell

Street, Quealey’s Supervalu Killaloe. Chocolat Ennis, Food Heaven Ennis, Cros-bie Ennistymon.

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BL | FINANCE


BDO Simpson Xavier are Ireland’s leading advisers to entrepreneurs and owner managed businesses. Paul Nestor is Partner in the Taxation Department of BDO Simpson Xavier, Limerick. He can be contacted on 061 414455 or [email protected]

BDO Simpson Xavier will not accept any respons bility for loss or damage arising to any person as a result of refraining from acting as a result of the information contained in this article. Professional advice should always be sought before acting upon any matter covered in this article.

Paul Nestor

The following article summarises chang-es in VAT rules in relation to the place of supply rules, reporting details of servic-es provided to EU customers and new procedures for recovering foreign VAT which came into effect from 1 January 2010.

From 1 January 2010 there have been significant changes for business that trade with businesses in other EU coun-tries. The changes mainly affect business to business supply of services.

The changes include:– Removing the obligation to charge VAT on certain services– Extension of EC Sales Listing (VIES) ob-ligations to include services provided to VAT registered customers in other EU Member States– New procedures for reclaiming VAT in-curred.

Place of Supply of ServicesFrom 1st January 2010 the new gen-eral rule in relation to the place of sup-ply of services provided to businesses in other EU countries is where the recipient is established. This will generally remove the requirement for Irish suppliers to charge VAT to VAT registered business-es in other Member States. While previ-ously a number of services came within that category the new rules extend this to most services. However, there are some exceptions such as property re-lated services which continue to be taxed where the property is located and enter-tainment/cultural services which will be taxed where physically performed.

Where services are provided to a busi-ness recipient in another Member State, the provider of the service is obliged to ensure that the appropriate VAT number of the recipient is quoted on the invoice being issued as in some instances the

recipient may be VAT registered in a number of countries. The invoice must also indicate that the reverse charge ba-sis applies i.e. the customer must self-ac-count for the VAT in their VAT return.

It is important to ensure that a valid VAT number has been received from a client. The following link (http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do) to the European Commission website allows one to enter a VAT number to confirm if it is a valid VAT number. However, it does not confirm that the number relates to the client presenting it to you. It just confirms that it is a valid VAT number issued by an EU country. One can confirm whether a VAT Number is appropriate to a particu-lar trader by contacting the VIMA Office at [email protected].

There will be further amendments to the place of supply rules over the next five years. The most significant change will oc-cur in 2015 where the place of supply by a business to an unregistered consumer will be where the consumer is resident as opposed to where the business is VAT registered.

EC Sales Listing (VIES)Since the 1st January 2010 details of the supply of services to businesses in other EU Member States will have to be includ-ed in the VIES return. Traders supplying goods to other countries will already be familiar with this form but this will be an additional administrative burden for those in the service sector.

One further change effective from the 1st of January 2010 is that the VIES return will generally be filed on a monthly basis (as distinct from the previous quarterly basis) but there will be an option, in lim-ited circumstances, to file VIES returns on a quarterly basis or annual basis. Busi-

nesses who only supply services will have to file a VIES Return on a quarterly basis but may elect to file it monthly.

Reclaiming VAT From Other EU Mem-ber StatesThe new provisions simplify the arrange-ments for obtaining refunds of VAT in-curred in other EU Member States. While the introduction of the new rules should reduce the necessity to pay VAT in other Member States, businesses that cor-rectly incur foreign VAT will be in a posi-tion to file online repayment claims to the Irish Revenue Commissioners with effect from January 2010 (this includes VAT in-curred in 2009). The Authorities will then relay the claim to the tax authority in the relevant country in which the VAT was in-curred. This will remove the requirement for the trader to have to file claims in multiple jurisdictions. In addition the new provisions include time limits by which the claims have to be processed. Failure to comply with these time limits will result in an obligation on the relevant tax author-ity to pay interest on the late payment of the refund. The deadline for filing claims under the new procedure is the 30th of September in the year following the year in which the VAT was incurred.

ConclusionThis is a brief overview of the recent changes. It is important that businesses are prepared for the changes and have the necessary systems in place to cap-ture the information required to be sub-mitted to Revenue and to be maintained as part of their records in the event of a VAT inspection.

BDO are Ireland’s leading advisers to en-trepreneurs and owner managed busi-nesses. Paul Nestor is Partner in the Taxation Department of BDO, Limerick. He can be contacted on 061 414455 or [email protected]

New VAT rules from January 2010

43BL201002.indd 1 05/02/2010 11:54:43

BL | NEWS


Ray Cummins Picture Framing15 Catherine Street Limerick

Contact Ray on t: 061 415573 m: 087 9674482

Our Framing Centre is a locally

owned business that has been

servicing Limerick and the

Mid 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, Tapestries

and Certificates

Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has warmly welcomed the decision by the Russian Federation to reopen its market to Irish pigmeat with ef-fect from the beginning of February.

The market has been closed since the di-oxin incident in December 2008. Accord-ing to Minister of State Killeen: “The tem-porary ban on imports of Irish pork and pork products has been lifted as from the 1 February 2010 and in this regard pork and pork products produced after that

date can be exported from Ireland to the Russian Federation.”

Minister of State Killeen said the an-nouncement was hugely significant as Russia previously was a significant mar-ket for pigmeat producers in Ireland. He noted: “The Russian pigmeat market was valued at over 12 million euro in 2007. I have no doubt that that Russian market for Irish pork products is one that has considerable potential to grow. “ Minister of State Killeen added: “The Department

of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, togeth-er with Bord Bia and the Irish Embassy in Moscow, has been working vigorously to regain access to this important mar-ket. The reopening of the market is rec-ognition that the production of pigmeat in Ireland is subject to extremely rigorous controls and reflects the importance we place on high standards for food safety. The Department’s intention as always is to ensure access to as many internation-al markets as possible for all Irish meats and meat products”.

Russia lifts temporary ban on Irish pigmeat

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan to-day welcomed the eircom/ComReg agree-ment which has resulted in a reduction in the price of eircom’s “Line Share” wholesale product. The agreement, which accords with Government policy on competition and open access, is a significant development. The Minister welcomed eircom’s commit-ment to the agreement so soon after the company was acquired by new owners, Sin-

gapore Technology Telemedia.

“This development is very welcome. It is good news for broadband users who can expect increased competition, higher speeds and keener prices. It is good news for DSL service providers whose ability to compete will be enhanced. And it is good news for eircom who clearly see the whole-sale broadband market as a significant

market opportunity. The drop from €8.41 to €0.77 represents a 90% reduction in wholesale cost. I believe this is a major mile-stone where a mixture of strong policy and collaborative engagement are giving rise to good effect”.

“The positive effects will be felt by consum-ers where it counts, in their pockets” said Minister Ryan.

Eircom/ComReg agreement welcomed

BL | NEWS


Gráinne Barry & Kevin Greene, the internet entrepreneurs, behind the No.1 Irish Online Dating site www.an-otherfriend.com have acquired the UK online dating site, www.makefriend-sonline.com for an undisclosed sum.Gráinne Barry, Managing Director comments “We have always wanted to operate in the UK Online Dating market and this acquisition offers us the opportunity to do so. www.Make-FriendsOnline.com is one of the most venerable brands in the UK Online Dating market. It is in operation since 2001 and has featured in the UK top 10 dating sites on occasion. This ac-quisition allows us to strategically de-velop our business model into a larger market with similar cultural and social traits.” “www.anotherfriend.com currently has 60% + market share of the Irish Online Dating market, with over 12 million page impressions monthly and 250,000 unique visitors. Our new venture will also operate a dat-ing brand in the Irish market, where MakeFriendsOnline.ie also has a strong customer base. “Barry comments “We have known Martin and Marcus at MakeFriend-sOnline for a number of years and feel we share a like-minded approach in providing a quality customer experi-ence with a broad community reach, for consumers looking for a Premium and innovative site experience.”

For further information: Contact: Gráinne Barry, T: + 353 876675175

Anotherfriend.com woos MakeFriendsOnline!

Limerick City Council is inviting members of the public to have their say in how Limerick city will grow and develop over the next six years by making submissions to the new Draft Development Plan 2010-2016.

The Draft Limerick City Development Plan sets out Limerick City Council’s policies for the development of the city to 2016 and beyond. It has been developed following a period of intensive consultation which took the form of public meetings and work-shops, meetings with stakeholders and service providers, written submissions and seminars for elected representatives.

During the month of February, a road show will take place at venues across Limerick where local people can view the plan and make their own suggestions on the poli-cies contained in it.

From February 9th-11th, the plan will be displayed in the Thomas Street Centre on the corner of Thomas Street/Catherine

Street and representatives from Limerick City Council will be on hand to explain its contents and the implications of the poli-cies.

From February 16th-23rd, the Draft De-velopment Plan roadshow will take place in Kileely, Roxboro Road and Caherdavin.

The Limerick Draft Development plan in-cludes comprehensive sections on eco-nomic development, retail strategies and plans for Transport, Housing, Regenera-tion, Arts, Culture, Heritage, Tourism and the Environment. It is divided into three volumes made up of seventeen individual chapters including explanatory maps, fig-ures and tables.

The draft development plan is also availa-ble on line at www.limerickcity.ie and in the Planning Department, Limerick City Coun-cil, Merchants Quay, Limerick where it can be purchased in either hard or soft copy.

Limerick City Draft Development Plan 2010-2016 Roadshow

The Chairman and Board of Shannon Air-port Authority today (28th January 2010) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD, of the opening up of Shannon Airport for pre-clearance for US bound private aircraft.Chairman of the Shannon Airport Author-ity (SAA), Brian O’Connell said that “all of the hard work that had gone into bring-ing this valuable pre-clearance service to Shannon will now be replicated in promot-ing and marketing the clear benefits of the service internationally”.

The Director of Shannon Airport, Martin Moroney, said: ” We are delighted that another phase of our pre-clearance facil-ity will now be available in Shannon shortly. Since opening in August 2009 we have had extremely positive feedback from our commercial customers on the benefits to them of this full US pre-clearance facility. We have been preparing for the day when full pre-clearance would be offered to

Private Aircraft to Begin Pre-clearance at Shannon

US-bound private aircraft, and we are de-lighted that this has now been authorised. Shannon is ideally positioned to offer this enhanced service to our well-established private aircraft business, and we look for-ward to opening up our new facility for all US-bound business travellers.”

Mr. Moroney thanked Minister Demp-sey and his officials at the Department of transport, US Ambassador Dan Rooney, the officials of US Homeland Security and the Chairman of the SAA Brian O’Connell for all the high-level co-operation that had secured this important facility for Shan-non.

Stephen Phanpitak is a familiar face to most

foodies in Limerick having worked in the

hospitality business for many years. Last year,

Stephen opened the doors of his own new Thai

restaurant, Siam Corner, and the word on the

street is very positive and is well worth a visit.

Centrally located on the junction of Mallow

Street and Henry Street, Siam Corner fits

discreetly into its Georgian setting.

We visited Siam Corner on a Saturday evening

and Stephen and staff welcomed us in true

Thai fashion

w i t h

a liberal sprinkling of ‘Sawasdee’(Thai

expression for a very warm welcome!). The

restaurant is split into three levels and this

works very well contributing to it’s unique

ambience. The interior is most attractive,

with tables adorned with crisp white linen

table-cloths, candlelit and subdued lighting,

generously decorated with authentic Thai

ornaments from his homeland.

Proprietor Stephen introduced us to his

splendid menu and enlightened us to the

specials and recommendations of his culinary

delights, which were soon to be displayed that

evening.

To begin, we had Tom Kha Gai;

Succulent Chicken Satay,

served on skewers; Tiger

Prawns Wrapped In Filo

Pastry; and Barbequed

Prk Ribs, served with a

delicious sauce.

For the main event,

Gaeng Kiew Wan

(Thai Green Curry);

Ped Markham (Crispy

Duck in tamarind

sauce); A Seafood

melody of Scallop,

Tiger Prawn, Monkfish

served on a sizzling platter with Thai chillies

and plenty of garlic.

To finish, a variety of homemade ice-cream

and a sculptured platter of tropical fruits,

served with Irish Coffees.

The unanimous verdict was this was an

excellent meal, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

The service was top class and the banter

and humour with staff was most relaxed.

The quality and variety of Siam Corner’s

menu is exceptional, with full credit to the

new restaurant owner. I recommend this

wonderful restaurant to all our readers and I

look forward to a return visit here soon.

To book your table dial 061 469662 – Bon

Appetite!

BL | RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH


Siam Corner – A Taste of Thailand

46BL201002 indd 1 08/02/2010 12 02 45

BL | CIVIC TRUST


New Year in the Civic Trust By Kate Harrold

At the launch of the Hall of Fame Calen-dar for 2010 on November 14th 2009 Limerick Civic Trust were proud to be presented with a new portrait of Dr. Syl-vester O’ Halloran (1728-1807). Dr. Tom Ryan RHA formally presented the portrait to Chairman Gabrielle Wallace O’ Donnell. It can now be seen gracing the walls of the gallery at the Bishops’ Palace. En-trance is free of charge, all are welcome to visit and admire the work. The event also presented an opportunity for Interim Manager, Monica Spencer, to praise the generosity of Dr. Ryan. He has gifted the Trust and the City of Limerick with 26 portraits to date.

The new year brought with it the devas-tating disaster in Haiti. There have been several events held to raise funds in the city and to assist with this endeavor Lim-erick Civic Trust held a coffee morning on January 29th to offer people an outlet to donate, within 2 hours over €5,000 was raised. The total received will go directly towards the Haiti Relief fund. A special thanks to all who contributed on the morning.

The Georgian House & Garden will host the launch of the Royal Irish Academy’s latest publication “Irish Historic Towns Atlas No. 21, Limerick by Dr. Eamon O’ Flaherty. The work examines the topo-graphical development of the City’s three urban centres, from Viking to Anglo Nor-man to Georgian, depicting the strategic importance of the city on the Shannon for Military and trading purpose from the 9th century. Histories of over 4,000 sites are documented with a rich collec-tion of maps and illustrations from the 16th to the 21st centuries. There will be a number of events across the city held to celebrate this new work. For further details go to www.ria.ie.

Limerick Civic Trust will honour winners of the Primary Schools Art Competition on February 23rd in City Hall at 2.30pm. At this prize giving ceremony the Mayor of Limerick will present the children with

their certificates for outstanding achieve-ments. The entrants were asked to col-our an image of the newly restored Rich-ard Russell Fountain in the Peoples’ Park along with providing answers to questions about the City. A large number of entries were received, making it very difficult for our Chairman & Executive to choose the winners. Names of all winners will be an-nounced after the prize giving ceremony.

Tickets are now available for the Stephen Foster Profile night to be presented by Ex-ecutive member Martin Bourke on March 4th. The event will trace the life and musi-cal career of Foster who was known as the “Father of American” music. With songs such as “Oh Susanna”, “Camptown Races” and “Hard Times Come Again No

More.” With popularity that has spanned over 150 years the night promises to be and entertaining and interesting affair. Contact the Georgian House & Garden on 061 314130 for further information.

If you are marking your social calendar another event of interest to you may be Limerick Civic Trusts week long Lunch Time Lecture Series held between 1.15 and 1.45 from March 8th to 12th. The talks will be covering a range of topic in-cluding an “Introduction to Catherine Hay-es”, a chance to ask professional conser-vation architect David Humphrey’s “How to Maintain a Listed Building” and an in-sight into the “Restoration of No. 2 Pery Square” by Des O’ Sullivan. Additional de-tails will be available closer to the event.

Cllr Michael Hourigan, Elenora Hogan, Enda Kenny T.D., Jennifer Gabbott, Gabriell Wallace O’Donnell, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., Minister Peter Power, Ciaran O’Donnell T.D., Monica Spencer, Dorothy Meaney and Cllr. William O’Donnell.

Monica Spencer, Mary Ambrose, Elenora Hogan and Caroline Barrett.

47BL201002 indd 1 08/02/2010 14 53 53

BL | NEWS


The IDA is to focus on Limerick in partic-ular in a new strategy the Tánaiste told the Dáil last week, Minister of State Pe-ter Power has confirmed to the Business Limerick magazine.

The Limerick TD said he warmly welcomed the news that Limerick would be the cen-tre of the IDA’s concentration when it came to generating jobs in the region for the years ahead. It follows controversy over whether or not the IDA had been working out in terms of job creation for the region. Head of the Government ap-pointed jobs task force in the Mid-West, Denis Brosnan, said the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development had all failed the region in terms of generating new jobs in 2009.

“During my contribution I welcomed the Tánaiste announcement that the new IDA Strategy will have a particular focus on Limerick and the Mid-West Region,” Pow-er said following his comments on the

matter in the Dáil. He added: “It is vital that the IDA and Shannon Development work together to attract foreign direct invest-ment and new Multinational Industries to the City and region. I also emphasised in my contribution that I was strongly sup-portive of the proposal for a new Cargo Hub in Shannon Airport by Lynx Cargo. I have been lobbying the Tánaiste and the Minister for Transport to support this ini-tiative.”

The Tánaiste also announced the setting up of a co-ordination unit to distribute the European Globalisation Fund for former employees. “I look forward to the meet-ing between former employees and the Minister Calleary next week in Limerick. All former employees were notified last week of two open information days in the South Court Hotel on the 11th&12th of February,” Deputy Power said.

The Limerick East TD also “compliment-ed” the Chairman of the Mid-West Task

Limerick is Focus of New IDA Strategy

Force, namely Denis Brosnan and his team for all their efforts over the last 12 months. “The report (by the task force) will be very instrumental to the Govern-ment in formulating its response,” Power added.

Minister Peter Power

The latest statistics released by ICC For-mations reveal that the economic down-turn may be easing somewhat with the total number of new companies incorpo-rated in Q4 2009 increasing by 6% com-pared to the same period in 2008. Whilst overall 2009 saw 1,454 less companies being formed than in 2008, the last 4 months of 2009 saw consistent increas-es on the number of companies formed compared to the corresponding period in 2008.

‘Business Activities’ accounted for the majority of company formations in 2009 with 4,137 and 31%. Not surprisingly the number of new companies being formed in the ‘Construction’ Industry has been de-creasing consistently every quarter since the start of 2009, however the ‘Finance’ Industry has seen consistent increases every quarter. 2009 saw Dublin as the most popular county for company forma-tions and is where 45% of new compa-nies formed are based.

‘’The number of new companies being in-

Company Formations Increase 6% in Quarter 4 2009

corporated is an important measure of economic performance, both current and future, and so these figures can be seen as very encouraging’’ explained Head of Professional Services at ICC Formations, Jon Rock

‘’This is a big swing from the start of

2009 which saw the number of new com-panies being formed down as much as 28% in some months compared to 2008 figures. The first 8 months of the year saw a year-on -year decrease in company formations, however, the signs of recov-ery spotted in September have continued with consistent increases in the last 4 months of the year, which is a very posi-tive development’’

‘’2009 has been a difficult year for Com-pany Formations however; Quarter 4 has brought some exceptionally positive signs. With the Finance Bill Introduced by the Government in 2009 extended through 2010, new companies can continue to avail of an exemption from corporation tax which means that a new business can earn profits of €960K tax free in their first 3 years’ said Rock.

‘’Those companies investing in Research and Development will further benefit from increased tax credit so hopefully this posi-tive trend will continue throughout 2010’’ concluded Rock.

48BL201002.indd 1 08/02/2010 10:26:35

BL | SPORT


By Mal Keaveney

New Football Rules on View to Limerick Followers

Limerick senior football manager Mickey ‘Ned’ O’Sullivan has given his general back-ing to the new experimental rules which come into existence during the Allianz Na-tional Football League, which for the Shan-nonsiders involves outings during Febru-ary, March and April against London (A), Carlow (H), Longford (A), Kilkenny (H) and Clare (H).

New proposals include the introduction of a free-kick for a clean catch (similar to a mark in other sports such as rugby and Australian League Football) between the ‘45s from a goal kick-out; all goal kick-outs to be taken from the 13 metre-line; the moving forward to a spot 11 metres (from 13) out for a penalty-kick, as is the case in soccer where the goals are also bigger.

“I’d prefer to be positive rather than nega-tive about these developments,” insisted O Sullivan, now the country’s second-long-est serving inter-county football manager behind Tyrone’s Mickey Harte. “They’re in action now and I think we’ll have to wait until the end of the league to see how the experiment has worked out. I have no ob-jection to changes like these being brought in. It’s good that we’re not static and that we’re trying out different things.

“Overall it’s about keeping an open mind, to look and see what happens.”

O Sullivan, who led Kerry to their All-Ireland Senior Championship win of 1975, is par-ticularly keen about the ‘mark.’ “This will hopefully cut out the major fouling around the middle. At the moment when a guy comes down after a great catch, he is then surrounded by three of four players swarming around him and can get blown for over-carrying. That is a problem. I think the mark can help bring that element of continuity that is lacing in the game and bring more mobility to it.”

And, O’Sullivan was in his day hailed as one of the great masters of clean fielding, the skills of which he later displayed to mem-bers of the South African Rugby Squad during several trips.

Goal scoring from the penalty spot should become more common with the spot-kick now closer to the target, insists O’Sullivan. “It has been very difficult to score a penalty over the years. If you compare it with soc-cer, then it’s a lot easier for those players with the distance the kick is from goal and the width of the goal. It you think about it, then normally when you are awarded a penalty in football, you have just been de-prived of a real goal-scoring chance.

“In that situation, you deserve a goal and certainly an opportunity where you have a decent chance of converting the penalty. It’s very difficult to score one up to now.”

Limerick’s former All-Ireland Final whistler Pat O’Connor (Ahane) was a member of the Hurling Committee that recommend-ed minor trial rule changes such as clarifi-cation on the advantage rule and that half-time/full-time should only happen which the ball is out of play, both of which will also be applied to football matches.

With Limerick hurling damaged yet again by another controversy, the footballers will be hoping that some early positive results will earn them some quality home support in the pennant competition. Last season, the Treaty Cup dropped a couple of rungs to lowly Division Four but really produced the goods in the championship, running Cork ever so close in the Munster Final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh and subsequently enjoyed a commendable run through the qualifiers.

Limerick have been handed a kind draw in the 2010 Munster Senior Championship, already through to a provincial semi-final date with either Clare or Waterford.

On a sad note, Limerick continues to mourn one of the county’s greatest dual-players, Danny Fitzgerald, following his un-timely death.

Danny enjoyed a colourful career with Limerick as a hurler and footballer. Hav-ing won National Hurling League medals in Centenary Year (1984) and 1985, he fetched up with the footballers once his hurling career was complete, featuring in the 1991 Munster Final, when he caused havoc at full-forward (scoring four points) as Limerick came desperately close to top-pling Kerry before losing by just two points (0-23 to 3-12).

He also represented Munster in both codes, winning a coveted Inter-Provincial (Railway) Cup hurling medal.

Danny began his playing life with Old Christians before spending the bulk of his time with famed Claughaun, for whom he starred in several county senior hurling and football championship wins, including the historic double of 1986.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

BL | RUGBY


Another Six Nations Season has Finally Kicked Off

By Mick Galwey

Another Six Nations season has finally kicked off and plenty of people will look back at the Italy game and say, “Thank God we got over that one in one piece.” It’s no secret that the Italians always provide one of the most physically draining challenges in the international game and the Croke Park clash was no different. But to say that we’ve come through with victory secured and no big injury concerns is all you can ask for.

It may not have been the prettiest of games but you can be sure that Declan Kidney and the boys won’t be too concerned about that. A win is a win and that’s the most important thing.

It was a real dogfight at the breakdown at times but the likes of David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip coped excellently when the heat was put on. There was always going to be an issue there with the Frenchman Romain Poite - Paul O’Connell’s friend from

the Northampton game! - holding the whistle. But the dramas were kept to a minimum and the lads got on with the task of working the Six Nations rust out of the system.

The Irish scrum was solid throughout and it has to be said that Cian Healy did a fine job of packing down with John Hayes and Jerry Flannery. Even in open play he showed that he’s a guy who is very quickly getting comfortable at test level. The lineout was also very good although it has to be said that the Italians were poor in this department. Leo Cullen made the most of his start and stole a few excellent throws to turn the momentum in Ireland’s favour.

The most important thing is that the players have been allowed prepare in a productive way for the big clash in Paris.

There are few games in international rugby to compare to the a big game in France.

The crowd are up for it, the French players feed off that passion and the atmosphere is always electric. It goes without saying that Ireland need to be at the very top of their game in order to compete. You can’t assume that just because the French stuttered a bit in Scotland that they’re out of sorts. Just like their Heineken Cup sides, at home they’re a different prospect. They have so much talent all around the field that you never know where they’re going to strike from.

Imanol Harinordoquy at number 8 is the focal point for a lot of their play but they also have Thierry Dusautoir and Nicolas Mas in a beast of a scrum. Mathieu Bastareaud also showed that he’s starting to come of age in the centre against Scotland and he’s going to take some watching. He’s a big unit, as they say, so Brian O’Driscoll and his centre partner will take a few hits for the cause. But they’d expect little else at this level!

Then, of course, you have the Paris Factor. Over the years Ireland have had more misses that hits on French soil but you have to look at the Irish side and be confident. The French have some chinks in their armour and there is no better man than Kidney to exploit those weaknesses. We have the best backline in the championship and they are more than capable of finding the space to make some telling breaks.

The other aspect is that with each passing year Irish players are more and more familiar with playing on French soil thanks to the Heineken Cup. The mystique has been taken out of the trip and these days this fixture is more about the capabilities of the players on

Mick Galwey

50BL201002 indd 1 09/02/2010 09 50 14

BL | SPORT


the park and less about the tradition of the fixture.

As for the championship as a whole, it’s going to be difficult to retain the Grand Slam with away fixtures in both France and England. They’ll need luck and they’ll also need a hard edge. One man who is very important in this regard is Stephen Ferris and the sooner he returns from injury the better it will be for our chances as a whole.

England’s win over Wales was an interesting result and they showed an ability to take their chances when they presented themselves. Maybe Martin Johnson is getting his act together after all. Wales may have been beaten but you can be certain that Warren Gatland will bring his team to Dublin prepared for a tough clash, if for no other reason than to gain some measure of revenge for last year.

It’s set up nicely though and I’m looking forward to the next few weeks immensely.

From Munster’s point of view, you couldn’t have asked for more than yet another quarter-final spot, and as top seeds to boot. I really think there’s more in this team and the return of Northampton to Thomond Park will be the ideal place to prove that.

It’s hugely important that all the international lads return unscathed for that game. The visitors won’t be overawed by the occasion or the setting and the familiarity of the fixture will be sure to level the playing field a bit in their favour. But we’ve seen so often that when things get tight Munser respond and I have every confidence in their ability to qualify for the semi-finals and a trip to either Biarritz or Ospreys.

Finally, on the club front Shannon and Young Munster are both enjoying a great run of form at the minute in Division 1A and 1B respectively. They’re both well in line for silverware at the end of the season if they keep their shoulders to the wheel and stay focussed. Garryowen and UL Bohs have both been unsteady but I’m sure they can put a run together when the time comes.

There’s still plenty to play for on all fronts.

51BL201002 indd 1 09/02/2010 09 22 49

BL | ARTS


The Irish Chamber Orchestra’s 09/10 season gathers momentum when the ever popular accordionist Dermot Dunne joins Katherine Hunka and the Irish Cham-ber Orchestra at University Concert Hall, Limerick on 18 February and again in Dublin at the RDS Concert Hall on 20 February.

Now performing regularly as a duo, Der-mot Dunne and Katherine Hunka along with the Irish Chamber Orchestra present an exciting mix of music which ranges from celebrated classics and virtuoso show pieces to a selection of works with a strong Latin flavour. The programme spans four centuries, blending precious gems from Vivaldi with the magic of Mo-zart to the wild passions of Piazzolla.

The virtuosic Vivaldi still enjoys a reputa-tion that equals the international fame he enjoyed in his heyday. He composed some 46 operas and over 500 concerti and other rarities which impacted hugely on the evolution of the baroque style and we feature two concerti for strings, his F major RV141 and his D major RV121.

There are few pieces of music more in-stantly familiar and well-loved than Mo-zart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik. Mozart’s sunniest and most enduring work quickly earned its place as one of the eighteenth century’s most popular and durable string serenades. Eine kleine Nachtmusik has featured in no less than sixty film scores including Amadeus, Batman, Sophie’s Choice, Ace Ventura and many more. As well as being a composer of endur-ingly popular tango-inspired music, Astor Piazzolla was a virtuosic performer on the bandoneon. The instrument’s unique po-sitioning of buttons allows a rich variety of harmonies which Piazzolla exploited to the full. None of this extraordinary rich-ness is lost when the music is transferred onto the classical accordion, as splendidly demonstrated by Dermot Dunne. Piaz-zolla created compositions to showcase his star musicians and Escualo was writ-ten for Fernando Suarez-Paz a renowned tango violinist who performed in his band. La Muerte del Angel and La Resurrec-cion del Angel were composed for a film on the life of the Argentine writer, Jorge Luis Borges. The ballad Oblivion was writ-ten for Marco Bellocchio’s film Enrico IV

and was short-listed for a 1995 Grammy Award. Finally, Adios Nonino, inspired by the death of Piazzolla’s father, became a classic and one his most popular works and features in this selection of sexy, tango-inspired compositions which have brought a welcome dash of colour to con-cert platforms around the world. To coincide with the Fleishchmann Cen-tenary Celebration, the concert includes the Humours of Carolan by the composer Aloys Fleischmann and a rare Accordion Concerto by Molique.Full listings below can also be found on www.irishchamberorchestra.com

Chamber Orchestra’s 09/10 season gathers momentum

Ketherine Hunka and Dermot Dunne from the Irish Chamber Orchestra

Menopause The Musical has entertained audiences in more than 100 American cities, as well as in Australia, Canada, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa and South Korea. Each week around 35,000 women of all ages and stages find their spirits lifted by the show’s light-hearted look at the menopause.

This show broke box-office records across Ireland on its 2007/8 tour and it’s now returning to Limerick! With a fabulous cast starring three of Ire-land’s best loved and most versatile stars; Adèle King “Twink” (Mulhaddart Housewife), Linda Martin (Soap Star) and Flo McSweeney (Earth Mother).

It’s been said that Jeanie wrote Menopause The Musical “after a bottle of wine and a hot flush”. Parodying songs has always come naturally to her. She recalls standing in front of her freezer, dressed up in a posh frock as she headed for a big ‘do’, singing “Hot Flush” to Rod Stewart’s hit “Hot Legs”. It gave her the inspiration to create the rest of the show which opened in March 2001 in an old Florida perfume shop which had been converted into a theatre.

The musical has been credited with bringing the topics of ageing and meno-pause to the forefront and Jeanie views it as a great way for women to connect all over the world.

LIT Millennium Theatre, Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th February

Menopause – The Musical

BL | ARTRITE


The boys are back in town… The multi award winning comedy by Marie Jones STONES IN HIS POCKETS RETURNS HOME!

Having played all over the world including a five year run in the West End, Stones in His Pockets returns to Ireland for an extensive tour this autumn and will come your way at the LIT Millennium Theatre, Limerick for three performances only from Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th March.

Don’t miss this award-winning, hilarious and moving tale of a quiet Irish commu-nity turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot. Universally loved by all who see it, Stones in his Pockets is brought to life by two highly talented ac-tors who play 15 characters between them – from the two cheeky lads intent on stardom to a Hollywood Goddess!

Starring Simon Delaney (well know for his many appearances on TV including the very popular series Bachelor’s Walk) and Conor Delaney (Quinnis in the hit show I,Keano), directed by David Bownes, de-signed by Jack Kirwan and produced by Lane Productions (who produced I,Keano, Alone it Stands, The Shawshank Redemp-tion and Haunted). Stones in his Pockets will tour Ireland in March 2010 finishing in LIT Millennium Theatre!

• BEST NEW COMEDY EVENING STANDARD AWARDS

• BEST NEW COMEDY OLIVIER AWARDS

• BEST PLAY THE IRISH TIMES AWARDS

“Marie Jones will have you crying with laughter... a sensational comedy... a must see!” – RTE Entertainment

LIT Millennium TheatreThursday 25th – Saturday 27th March 2010 at 8pmTickets: €25 / Conc. €22.50 / Stu-dents €20 (Booking fee applies)

Booking: 061 322322 / www.litmt.ie

Stones in his PocketsStarring Simon Delaney & Conor Delaney

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System:Slim, the renowned New Zealand weight loss programme, is now available in Limerick through pharmacies in Lim-erick city. Since its launch in 2003, Sys-tem:Slim has developed a huge following in New Zealand as its core philosophy of natural supplements and healthy eating has proven so successful. System:Slim has been introduced to selected phar-macies throughout Limerick and Ireland, and is the first programme of it’s kind in this country. System:Slim provides a weekly weight loss programme that supports weight loss, creates wellbeing and increases energy through a healthy eating programme and unique natural supplements which are all tailored to individual requirements. Each week a dedicated, fully-trained System:Slim consultant will help to motivate the user and keep them focused on their weight loss goal by providing low-calorie, great tasting menus and recipes to keep hunger at bay! The weekly consultations are completely private and the eating programs are centred around real food, not milk shakes, or pre-packaged meals or bars.

System:Slim provides a selection of natu-ral supplements that compliment a per-sonalised weight programme. The most popular product is System:Slim’s Weight Manager product. This supplement im-proves metabolic rate naturally, aids circulation and digestion, helps release excess fat stores, oxygenates and puri-fies the blood and also helps to calm the appetite. Another popular supplement is System:Slim’s Cleanse Plus product - a wonderful antioxidant that helps reduce stress on the body, aids any skin condi-tions, enhances digestion & decongests the liver while increasing energy and vi-tality.The System:Slim programme costs: An initial joining fee of €99 which includes a 1 hour health assessment, Eating Pro-gram, Personal Lifestyle Program and three core supplements. Weekly cost of €15 that covers the 15 minute consul-tation, weigh-in and ‘free’ weekly supple-ment of System:Slim’s Weight Manager.System:Slim originated in New Zealand in 2003 and since then has helped thou-sands of people loose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle.

New Zealand Weight Loss Programme Now Available

Since 1989 MS Ireland has organised almost 50 charity walks, bringing over 2,500 people to 15 beautiful destina-tions around the globe. From the pilgrim walk in the Camino, the scaling heights of Machu Picchu, the cavernous gullies of the Grand Canyon and the sights and sounds of Thailand, MS Ireland has the best walks to offer. And 2010 will be no different. Each of the 4 different treks will offer a variety of experiences for the novice or seasoned trekker. Although the treks are different, the results are the same; invaluable financial support for the services to the 7,000 families living with MS, a lifelong neurological disease.In June they will return to the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain. The Camino is one of the oldest ‘pilgrim’ routes in the world. Its past is still evident along the tiny pathways to be discovered by all who follow the spectacular ‘Camino de San-tiago’. In September they will take our first steps in Italy. They will be following ancient trails, many still in use by locals, to reach the Alpine pastures where sensational views of Lake Como and surrounding re-gions reward those who accept this fine walking challenge. In November they will venture to Cuba, which has some of the most spectacu-lar and unspoiled mountain scenery in the Caribbean. The Sierra Maestra mountains in the southeast of the island not only have the highest peaks in Cuba (1,972m), but also provide a truly spec-tacular array of flora and fauna and an immense diversity of colourful bird life.MS Ireland treks and adventures are suitable for a range of fitness levels. Full support is given before, during and after all events including assistance with fund-raising and fitness training. Trained, ex-perienced guides lead all our walks and staff from MS Ireland go on all events to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment.If you would like to book a place or would like to learn more about any of our treks or adventures call 01 6781600 or check out our website at www.ms-society.ie MS Ireland only receives 50% funding from the State and therefore relies heav-ily on the generosity of our fundraisers and donors. The money raised through our treks and adventures is spent on services that have a direct impact on the MS Community.

Will you take up the challenge?

RTE will have to pay out up to €10m to broadcast the World Cup and the Six Na-tions rugby games this year. This comes on the back of falling revenue, including a drop of €10m on licence fee income collected last year. The main costs relate to rights acquisitions. The State broad-caster tenders for the World Cup as part of the European Broadcasting Union

(EBU). RTE, as well as other broadcast-ers, will also be hit with the new levy im-posed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) in 2010. The body will be self-funded, unlike its predecessor The Broadcasting Commission. RTE expects this levy, details of which have not been announced, to cost them €4m a year.

RTE to spend €10m on rugby games

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ACCOUNTANTSBDOBusiness and Financial AdvisorsFour Michael Street, LimerickTel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172Email: [email protected]: www.bdo.ie

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

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

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

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]

Web: www.peterclohessey.com

BICYCLESThe Bike ShopO’Connell Avenue,Limerick Tel: 061 315900

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]

BUILDING SUPPLIERSBallysheedy Building SuppliesBallysheedy, Co. Limereick(next to ‘ Weigh In’ bar)Tel: 061 445660/ 061 445666Mob: 087 2490666/ 087 6983444

BURGLAR ALARMS & SECURITY SYSTEMSClifford Security Alarms16 Wickham Street, LimerickTel: 061 313033 / 440151Fax: 061 317412Email: [email protected]: www.cliffordsecurity.com

BUSINESS BANKINGBank Of Ireland125 O’Connell St;LimerickContact: Denis MinihaneRegional Business Banking ManagerT: 061 419791F: 061 418554E: [email protected]: www.boi.com

KBC Bank Ireland plc,Riverpoint,Bishops Quay,LimerickTel: 061 448600Fax: 061 468468Email: [email protected]: www.kbc.ie

Ulster Bank Midwest Business Centre14 Henry Street, Limerick.Tel: 061 316757 Fax: 061 312971E-mail: [email protected]: www.ulsterbank.com

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

BUILDING SUPPLIERSBallysheedy Building SuppliesBallysheedy, Co. Limereick(next to ‘ Weigh In’ bar)Tel: 061 445660/ 061 445666Mob: 087 2490666/ 087 6983444

BURGLAR ALARMS & SECURITY SYSTEMSClifford Security Alarms16 Wickham Street, LimerickTel: 061 313033 / 440151Fax: 061 317412Email: [email protected]: www.cliffordsecurity.com

BUSINESS COACHESAction Coach Business CoachingUnit 1 C,Annacotty Business Park,Annacotty, Limerick.Tel: 061 338682 Fax: 061 338682Email: [email protected]: www.actioncoach.com/joepower

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONSLimerick Chamber 96 O’ Connell St, LimerickTel: 061 415180 Fax: 061 415785Email: [email protected]: www.limerickchamber.ie

Shannon & District Chamber of CommerceShannon Business Centre, Shannon, Co. ClareTel: 061 360611 Fax: 061 360440E-mail: [email protected]: www.shannonchamber.ie

BUSINESS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONSCompuCount Ltd.18 Cois Luachra,Limerick.Tel: 061 305033 Fax: 061 305291Email: [email protected]: www.compucount.ie

BUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEMSLantel Networks LtdRoselawn House,National Technological Park,Limerick.Tel: 061 350350 Fax: 061 350360Email: [email protected]: www.lantel.ie

CAR DEALERSClareview MotorsEnnis Road, LimerickTel: 061 221000 Fax: 061 221060E-mail: [email protected]: www.clareviewmotors.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 & SECURITYAdvanced 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

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

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 749842Mobile: 087 8118690E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ons.ie

CONSTRUCTIONRoadbridgeBallyclough, 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.giftinnovations.ie

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

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

EVENT MANAGEMENTFunireland Event ManagementChilders Rd Enterprise CentreLimerickTel: Limerick 061 437000/320292Tel: Dublin 01 4741888Email: [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

Complete Financial Management38 Roches StreetLimerickTel: 0818 333 680Fax: 1890 886803Email: [email protected]

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSPrestige Detection Systems LimitedRathpalatine, Feohanagh, County LimerickPhone: 063 84920 Fax: 0865 254 5347 Email. [email protected] Web: www.pdsl.ie

FLORISTFlowers ForeverDesigner FloristRachel & David HannonRaheen 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 COURSESLimerick 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

GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGNEdgewater GraphicsContact: HughCharlottes Quay, LimerickTel: 061 318318 Fax: 061 318308Email: [email protected]: www.egraphics.ie

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

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

HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE ASSESSORSAuray Assessors Specialists in Property ClaimsTel: 061 317264 Fax: 094 9541723Email: [email protected]: www.aurayltd.com

HR CONSULTANTSThe HR ChannelContact: Fiona O’CarrollBallycarney,Clarina,Co. LimerickTel: 061 353154Mobile: 086 2051727Email: [email protected]

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT AND EXECUTIVE & BUSINESS COACHElaine Ryan & Associates17 Ballycasey Manor,Shannon,Co.Clare.Tel: 086 2381555Email: [email protected]: www.elaineryanandassociates.com

INK REFILL & TONERSInk Refill Depot7B Denmark Street,Tel: 061 446446 Fax: 061 446456Email: [email protected]: www.inkrefilldepot.ie

INSULATIONAerobord Ltd.Askeaton, Co. LimerickTel: 061 604600 Fax: 061 604601Email: [email protected]: www.aerobord.ie


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IT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENTAvocent InternationalAvocent House,Shannon Free Zone,Shannon, Co. Clare.Tel: 061 471877 Fax: 061 471871Email: [email protected]: www.avocent.ie

INVESTMENTS, PENSIONS & MORTGAGESMoore Stephens Patrick McNamaraFinancial Planning & Mortgage SolutionsLife & Pensions – Mortgages – Investments – Wealth ManagementPamdohlen House, Dooradoyle Road,LimerickTel: 061 229666 Fax: 061 302144Email: [email protected]: www.mspatrickmcnamara.ie

LIFE & BUSINESS COACHINGPathfinder31b Cecil St. LimerickTel: 061 215750 Mob: 086 8123834E-mail: [email protected]

LIFT SERVICESMid Western LiftsCorcanree Business ParkDock Road, LimerickTel: 061 400123 Fax: 061 400121Email: [email protected]: www.mwls.ie

LUXURY DEPARTMENT STORESBrown Thomas16 O’Connell Street, LimerickTel: 061 417222 Fax: 061 412191Email: [email protected]: www.brownthomas.com

MARQUEE HIREO’Donovan MarqueesBirdhill, Co. TipperaryTel: 061 379328 Fax: 061 379328Email: [email protected]: www.odonovanmarquees.com

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTSProfiles at WorkExecutive Coaching, Training, Psychometric TestingBallyheefy, Killaloe, Co. ClareTel: 061 376461 Fax: 061 375496Mob: 087 2640028Email: [email protected]: www.profilesatwork.com

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

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

MARKETING CONSULTANTSAND MARKETING RESEARCHMartin McGuire & AssociatesDock Road, LimerickTel: 061 228822 or 061 229233E-mail: [email protected]: www.martinmcguire.com

MODULAR CONTAINERS, CABINS & OFFICESBallysimon ContainersEastway Business ParkBallysimon Road, LimerickTel: 061 312530 Fax: 061 313520Email: [email protected]: www.asp-ire.ie

MODULAR OFFICE ACCOMODATIONAsp-ire Advance Space Providers IrelandEastway Business ParkBallysimon Road, LimerickTel: 061 312530 Fax: 061 313520Email: [email protected]: www.asp-ire.ie

MORTGAGE & FINANCIAL SERVICESODCL Financial Services and Mortgages1 Mount Kennett Place,Henry Street,Limerick.Tel: 061 411000Email: [email protected]

Redmond Mortgages & Pensions1A Hartstonge Place,Upper Hartstonge Street, LimerickTel: 061 446629 Fax: 061 446809Mobile: 087 8290736E-mail: [email protected]

OFFICE EQUIPMENTGerry Webb Office Equipment72 Wolfe Tone Street, LimerickTel: 061 467380 Fax: 061 467380Mobile: 087 2625768Email: [email protected]

OFFICE EQUIPMENT / PRINTING & STATIONERYCurley Copy CentreLittle Ellen Street,Limerick.Contact: EileenTel: 061 315331Fax: 061 315171Email: [email protected]

OFFICE FURNITURE & SUPPLIESG & A Manifold(Showrooms)Unit 6E,Docklands Business Park,Dock Road,Limerick.Tel: 061 312777 Fax: 061 313434Email: [email protected]: www.gamanifold.ie

Metro Office SuppliesUnit 2 Crossagalla Enterprise Centre, Ballysimon Road, LimerickTel: 061 432000 Fax: 061 432001E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.metrooffice.ie

PACKAGINGIPS Industrial Polythene SolutionsContact Name: Sean O’CarrollAnnacotty Business Park,Annacotty, Limerick.Tel: 061 508980 Fax: 061 508984Email: [email protected]: www.ipspackaging.ie

PAINTING AND DECORATINGKeith LarkinClonlaraCo. Clare.Residential, Commercial, Industrial.087 2333772email: [email protected]

PENSIONS & INVESTMENTSKarl Daly Pension & Investment Ltd.2nd Floor, Riverfront BuildingHowleys Quay, LimerickTel: 061 318701 Fax: 061 318702Mobile: 086 2602326Email: [email protected] Web: www.karldaly.com or www.ssiaideas.ie

PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERSchwarz PharmaUCB (Schwarz Pharma Ltd)Shannon Industrial Estate,Shannon, Co. Clare.Tel: 061 714100 Fax: 061 714101Email: [email protected]: www.ucb-group.com

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PHOTOCOPIERSMJ Flood (Ireland) Ltd.(Sales & Service)23 John Street, Limerick.Tel: 061 312211Mob: 087 7815252 Fax: 061 415595Email: [email protected]: www.mjflood.ie

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

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.Mob: 087 9892463Email: [email protected]: www.echomarketing.ie

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

MKC CommunicationsThe Archway4A Lower Pembroke Street Dublin 2Tel. +353 1 703 8600 Fax. +353 1 678 8331Email: [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 TRANSPORT BUS SERVICES & PRIVATE HIREBus EireannColbert Station LimerickTel: 061 313333 Fax: 061417166Email: [email protected]: www.buseireann.ie

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 295Radio HouseRichmond Court Dock RoadLimerickTel: 061 461 900Fax: 061 41 95 95Email: [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

RECRUITMENTIrish Recruitment ConsultantsCharlotte House,Charlotte Quay,Limerick.Tel: 061 313744 Fax: 061 417553Email:[email protected]:www.irishrecruitment.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

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


BL | DIRECTORY


TAXATION BDO Personal and Corporate Tax Advisors4 Michael Street, Limerick Tel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172Email: [email protected]: www.bdo.ie

TEAM BUILDINGFunireland Team Building SpecialistsChilders Rd Enterprise CentreLimerickTel: Limerick 061 437000/320292Tel: Dublin 01 4741888E: [email protected]: www.funireland.com

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

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSALMr BinmanLuddenmoreGrange, Kilmallock, Co. LimerickTel: 061 351127 Fax: 061 35 918Em l: nfo@mr nm n.c omW b: w w.mrbinman com

WEDDINGS AND EVENTSRebecca May Weddings and EventsChilders Rd Enterprise CentreLimerickTel: Limerick 061 437000/320292Tel: Dublin 01 474 888Cell: 087 4178516E: [email protected]: www.funireland.comW: www.irelandweddings.ie

WINE RETAI ERSFine 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

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

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BL | NEWS


An economic recovery indicator has shown a positive outlook for the economy. The AIB/Amárach Recovery Indicator experienced its strongest monthly surge in January, reflecting both a changing national ‘mood’ and a possible ‘seasonal boost’. The index has increased from 18 3 in December to 27.1 in January, with one third of all Irish adults agreeing that “the economic situation is bad but has stabi-lised”, while three-in-ten agree that “the economic situation is bad but showing a few signs of recovery”.

Other key findings from January’s ARI survey indicated that three-in-five adults (61%) are optimistic in spite of the cur-rent economic situation (an increase of 10% points compared to the December figure). According to the indicator, the majority of adults (52%) feel Ireland will be through the worst of the recession in 12 months time (this similarly shows

an increase since the December figures +9% points). Two in three adults (66%) believe now is a good time to buy a house for those who want to (an increase of 6% points compared to the December figure). “A majority remains conscious of paying off debts as a main priority (60%); only marginally up on December (57%). One quarter are steady in their agreement that they are saving more now because of the recession (26%, December was also 26% agreement). Significantly the same proportion agree (29%) to being happy to borrow money from a bank “if I need to”,

i.e. there is no increase in those willing to borrow,” the indicator added.

Although from a macro perspective Irish adults appeared more optimistic about the future, were still conservative with regard to their own personal financial outlook and that they remain consistent in their views on savings and on debt re-payment.

The AIB/Amárach Recovery Indicator (ARI) is a monthly measure of consumer views on the economy now and in the future. It is designed to help businesses and planners anticipate the timing of economic recovery, especially in rela-tion to consumer spending. Every month Amárach surveys a nationally representa-tive sample from a combined online and face-to-face approach, used to achieve a representative reflection of the older population.

Positive Outlook for the Economy

One of the UK’s leading enterprise mo-bility solutions providers, The Barcode Warehouse, is expanding its operations to the Republic of Ireland with a new of-fice base in Limerick.

Barry Long has been appointed as Irish Sales Manager of the warehouse giant, which has bucked the recession trend of closures through the company’s expan-sions. Enterprise Mobility solutions are the processes and technologies focused on managing the ever increasing array of mobile devices, wireless networks, and related services.

“Despite the tough global economic cli-mate, The Barcode Warehouse’s auto ID and enterprise mobility solution revenue has grown by 25% in 2009. A propor-tion of this revenue came from the Irish marketplace and we are looking forward to the opportunity of increasing this,” ex-plained Clive Fearn, The Barcode Ware-house’s Sales & Marketing Director. “This year promises to be a very exciting time for The Barcode Warehouse. The expan-sion of our business operations outside of

the UK is key to helping us to achieve our goal of becoming the largest enterprise mobility solutions provider in Europe by 2013,” Mr Fearn added.

Meanwhile, having worked in the auto-ID and enterprise mobility market for the last six years, Barry Long has extensive experience of the requirements of Irish users and is looking forward to his new role in Limerick. “The Irish marketplace is crying out for an enterprise mobility solution provider that can deliver all of the complex hardware and software ele-ments as a simple integrated solution,” Long said. “The Barcode Warehouse’s considerable expertise makes it the per-fect partner for organisations putting a toe in the auto ID and mobility space, or those who need to upgrade their existing solutions,” he added.

The Barcode Warehouse has a signifi-cant existing Irish customer base across a range of sectors including: pharmaceu-tical, retail supply chain, and food manu-facturing and is looking to extend this to other business sectors. The company

Leading UK ‘Enterprise Mobility’ giant opens in Limerick

said it would be focusing on offering price competitive, fully featured solutions re-gardless of the number of users makes it ideal for Irish organisations with typically smaller deployments.

“As the requirement for auto ID and en-terprise mobility solutions grows, there is no doubt that end users are increasingly looking for a single provider that can not only supply the hardware and software but can also deliver managed services to support their deployments after roll out. It is crucial that once implementations go live the risk of downtime is minimized,” Clive Fear said. “We are looking forward to raising the bar for the supply of en-terprise mobility solutions and managed services within Ireland,” he added.

61BL201002.indd 1 05/02/2010 17:21:58

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !"!"!"!"! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !

With the release of such films as the science

fiction blockbuster Avatar, a 3D film by

Titanic director James Cameron, The new

buzzword for entertainment in 2010 seems

to be "3D".

South Korea's Samsung has teamed up with

DreamWorks Animation, maker of Shrek,

Kung Fu Panda and other hit movies, and

Technicolor in an effort to bring more 3D

entertainment into the home.

Samsung, DreamWorks and Technicolor

announced at the Consumer Electronics

Show (CES) that they have formed a 'global

strategic alliance for the delivery of a

complete 3D home entertainment solution

in 2010'.

They said they were joining forces to

'accelerate the worldwide deployment of in

home 3D to mainstream consumers.'

Samsung is one of a number of major

electronics manufacturers displaying 3D

highdefinition television sets at CES this year

as the industry seeks to expand 3D viewing

beyond the movie screen and into the living

room.

Growth of 3D has been slow because of a

lack of programming, the need to wear

special glasses and the higher prices of 3D

sets, but the release of films such as Avatar

has renewed interest in the medium.

US sports broadcaster ESPN announced

that it will show some World Cup football

matches live from South Africa in 3D and

Japan's Sony is partnering with Discovery

and IMAX to launch a 24/7 3D TV network

in the United States.

'We're forging the future of entertainment

in what we like to call a new dimension,'

Tim Baxter, president of the consumer

electronics division at Samsung Electronics

America, said at a Samsung press

conference.

He said Samsung, which came out with its

first 3D HDTV in 2007, would be marketing

a 'complete 3D entertainment offering for

the home' featuring a 3D television set, 3D

BluRay player and 'stylish active shutter 3D

glasses.'

'3D has had a bumpy ride since the first 3D

film back in 1922,' Baxter said.

3D tecnology will not only be limited to the

inhome entertainment industry, Apple boss

Steve Jobs will unveil the first Apple tablet

this month , and it will come complete with

3D graphics.

Internet giants Google have released an

experimental browser plugin that will make

it possible to display rich 3D graphics in

Web content. Google hopes that the plugin

will stimulate discussion within the Web

development community and contribute to a

nascent effort headed by the Khronos group

to bring 3D graphics to the Web.

It seems that this avalanche of 3D technology

is set to change the way we view the world.

IDF Marketing LtdTel: 061 375412

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.idf.ie

#$ %%%"&'()*+((,)-+.)/0")+

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1<!=+>)*!?+@*+<A!!"#$%&'()*+,-

"3D is the buzzword in global entertainment for 2010"

63BL201002 indd 1 08/02/2010 12 18 26

Documents

Business Limerick Magazine February 2010