National Rural Network News
- Information Session on Protected Designations of Origin
- NRN Spring 2012 Newsletter published
- Minister Coveney reminds farmers that the closing date under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme is Tuesday, 15 May 2012 and welcomes increased use of iNET
- NRN publish four new Case Studies – Renewable Energy, Farming and Natura 2000, Cross Measures, Farm Diversification
- McEntee Launches Agri-Aware Farm and Countryside Safety Initiative
- Wexford Local Development (WLD) holds seminar on Farm Diversification
- Minister McEntee launches Sheep 2012 and New Teagasc Sheep Manual
- Minister has faith in young enthusiastic, educated people to drive the Horticulture Industry forward
- Enhanced concentration on enterprise support in Rural Development Programme
- Issue 11 – Spring 2012 Newsletter
Farmers in the West of the County, considering developing or expanding on farm enterprises, are being encouraged to contact West Limerick Resources to learn about funding available under the Rural Development (LEADER) programme.
“Funding is still available to support farmers or members of the farm family who are interested in developing an alternative farm enterprise to supplement their farm income,” says West Limerick Resources Enterprise Officer Morgan Boohan, “However it must all be committed before our current programme ends in 2013. We are now urging those who may have ideas to come talk to us now and see how they may potentially benefit from the supports available.”
According to West Limerick Resources a wide range of projects are eligible under the Farm Diversification measure of the Rural Development Programme including tourism based projects (excluding accommodation), manufacturing, crafts, eco-tourism and on farm shops.
“West Limerick has a strong farming base and there are many opportunities for those interested in exploring diversification opportunities,” explained Morgan. “A number of farm diversification projects were supported by West Limerick Resources under the previous Rural Development Programme including the development of an on-farm composting business, an on-farm shop and an on-farm crafts business.”
In addition to the types of projects previously outlined the Sports Horse Sector can now be supported under the Rural Development Programme. Following a well attended information night on this topic last October in Newcastle West, West Limerick Resources has been engaging with a number of local individuals and businesses including farmers, to explore further the potential of a number of projects.
“This is an area into which a number of farmers in the area would have diversified into over the years,” says Morgan. “Under this funding we can look at a number of initiatives including Equestrian Centres, Riding Schools and Livery Yards.”
In the coming months West Limerick Resources will be offering a number of Start Your Own Business courses which may be of interest to those thinking of setting up an on farm enterprise. In addition West Limerick Resources also has a panel of experienced mentors in place each with their own area of expertise that can provide independent informed advice to individuals who have an eligible idea.
”This round of LEADER funding needs to be committed by the end of 2013; therefore we would encourage anyone who has an idea for an alternative farm enterprise and is interest in applying for funding to come forward and talk to us now”.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Morgan on 069-66290, email mboohan@wlr.ie or by following this link to the Rural Development Section of our site
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Communities are now taking real steps towards the establishment of West Limerick as a Sustainable Energy Region following a two day study trip to Güssing Austria – a premier example of such a region which has, since the early nineties, become a self-sufficient energy region based on locally available renewable resources, transforming its economy in the process.
Over twenty people including members of West Limerick community groups and local business people along with representatives and staff of West Limerick Resources took part in a two days study trip to Gussing Austria last week to learn more about the potential for the development of a range of sustainable energy projects in the West Limerick region. The trip forms part of the West Limerick Resources Sustainable Energy Region Initiative which was launched in early December and is currently working with seven local communities to promote a move towards sustainable and renewable energy practice in the area.
According to West Limerick Resources Renewable Energy Development Officer Tim Coffey, “This animation study trip is a key step towards the development of a sustainable energy region in West Limerick. Along with allowing communities and business people operating in the sector to meet and learn more about each other, participants were afforded an excellent opportunity to see first-hand a working sustainable energy region and to meet and learn from those who created it.”
Guessing is a region in Austria that has not only achieved 100% renewable energy independence but is now a net exporter of renewable energy and a premier example of a sustainable energy region in Europe. As part of the study tour, the group visited the European Centre for Renewable Energy, a research hub based in the small rural town that specializes in renewable energy and energy best practice. In addition the group also toured a number of examples of different types of community owned bio energy, bio-fuel and solar energy plants in the region which power district heating systems similar to those being investigated for the West Limerick area.
District heating systems utilise a centralised boiler or boilers to feed a network of pipes that typically carry heated water to end users. Each end user has a heat meter which, similar to an electricity meter, measures the energy in kilowatt hours used by the customer. An energy services company (ESCO) then bills the user for their usage.
“The different systems in Güssing have been operational for about twenty years and are on a larger scale than we are likely to first look at in the West Limerick area,” explained Tim. “Having seem them in operation however and having the change to ask questions and learn about the experiences of those who put them in place has helped to open our minds to the possibilities and start to look at which systems may be suitable on a local level. There are some fantastic opportunities and we have the community drive and local resources to make a system like this work in West Limerick.”
In addition to the tour in Gussing, the group also visited METAC training centre, Ireland’s largest energy training and assessment centre and Callan town, which is one of the best examples in Ireland of a community operated district heating plant. Set up in 2002 by the Camphill Community group, it is estimated the facility has to date created and sustained seventy jobs in the area including the establishment of a local wood producer group which provides fuel for the wood chip burners which power a number of facilities in and around the town.
“Having seen the large scale operation in Güssing, I think it was very important for our group to see a small scale version that has been successfully implemented in Ireland. I think that all those who took part came away very enthused and full of ideas for what we can look at going forward. The level of discussion and interest among those who took part on this trip is a very positive indication that this initiative has great potential for the West Limerick area,” said Tim.
Those who took part in the study trip will now report back to their respective communities and organisations on what they have learned and about potential ideas which can be implemented in the local area. West Limerick Resources will also be offering training courses to members of the public on topics including Energy Management, Energy Retrofitting and Renewable Energy Systems in the coming months as part of the West Limerick Sustainable Energy Region Initiative. Those wishing to take part in the training or learn more about the initiative should contact Tim Coffey, Renewable Energy Development Officer on 069 66296 or email tcoffey@wlr.ie.
This project is supported under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 which is financed by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan and part-funded by the EU under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
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Participants are sought for the Kilmeedy Horticulture Local Training Initiative which will commence on April 10th. Kilmeedy Horticulture was setup by Kilmeedy Development Group in conjunction with FÁS through their Local Training Initiative (LTI) programme. The LTI programme is a project-based training and work experience programme carried out in the local community and is run by the local community development group.
The 48 weeks course will run until March 8th 2013 and there are 20 Learner places available. The aim of Kilmeedy Horticulture is to provide learners with the skills, knowledge and business acumen to pursue a career in the horticulture industry and all the associated sectors including nurseries, garden centres, landscaping and the vegetable and fruit sector. This is quite a comprehensive course, consisting of ten modules, including both horticulture related subjects and modules that enhance knowledge and skills in preparing learners for employment.
Kilmeedy Training Centre is the chosen venue to deliver the local training initiative, FETAC Level 5 Accredited Horticulture Programme.
If you are interested in doing the course please register with your local FAS office or contact Elaine White course Co-ordinator on 063-87960 or kilmeedyhorticulture@gmail.com
Please follow the links to articles from 2012.
January Articles
- Supports Available for Parents 9/1/12
- Afterschool Tutors Sought 9/1/12
- Communities on Line Training Initiative 13/1/12
- Developing Future Community Leaders 13/1/12
- Grants for Horticulture 13/1/12
- Drugs Awareness Workshop 17/1/12
- Cancer Awareness 17/1/12
- Cervial Cancer Prevention Week 24/1/12
- Kilmeedy Horticulture Open Day 24/1/12
- Information Morning for Pensionners 25/1/12
- Mobile Cancer Unit to Visit West Limerick 27/1/12
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Friday last witnessed the launch of the Kilcornan Community Plan, the product of months of consultation and research by the local community with the support of HRA Planning Consultants and through funding from West Limerick Resources Rural Development Programme.
The development of the community plan was funded through West Limerick Resources Community Planning Initiative which offers 90% of cost up to a maximum of €6.000. According to West Limerick Resources Manager Shay Riordan who spoke at the launch, “Community planning is designed to guide and support communities in their development activities by bringing together all interest groups and examining the issues in the community as a whole, setting out a clear and achievable plan of activities over a given time period. This in turn will help guide their on-going development and support their applications for funding for support from West Limerick Resources to implement a range of both community and enterprise development initiatives.”
According to John Maher, former Chair of Kilcornan Community Council and one of the driving forces behind the plan, “It was felt that we were now at a stage where a structured plan was required that would provide a roadmap for all future development, commencing with the central area of the parish and spreading from there to the wider areas and whereby all stakeholders including public services, local business, property owners and the community at large would actively engage. This is our plan, Kilcornan’s Plan, and with the support and cooperation of the community we look forward to making the improvements hoped for.”
West Limerick Resources is currently working with the community with regard to supporting the implementation of a number of recommendations in the plan and other on-going community projects. Under the previous LEADER programmes the company supported the development of the local Community Centre, which now offers a focal point for all community activities.
To date West Limerick Resources has also supported the development of Community Plans in Kildimo, Mountcollins, Ballybrown with work on-going on a community plan for Pallaskenry. Communities interested in learning more about this initiative should contact Suzanne Rowley, Rural Development Programme Project Officer on 069 79114 or email srowley@wlr.ie
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As part of its on-going Cancer Awareness initiative, members of the West Limerick Resources’ West Limerick Primary Healthcare Project for Travellers have been busy promoting a range of information and services in the community over the last month including Cervical Check and the Pearl of Wisdom Campaign which is European initiative designed to offer a visible and recognisable symbol that people can wear to demonstrate their support for cervical cancer prevention. To date the team has met over 100 women in Askeaton, Newcastle West, Patrickswell and Abbeyfeale to raise awareness of and help promote prevention of cervical cancer and the cervical check service operated by the HSE.
In addition to this, information on cancer and reducing your risk is being offered across the West Limerick area throughout February including in pharmacies in Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Patrickswell, the beauticians and hair salons in Rathkeale, the health shops in Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale, the Rathkeale Community Information office, Newcastle West Community and Family Hub and West Limerick Resources Abbeyfeale office. A key message coming from the team is to talk to your GP, public health nurse or other health professional if you are concerned about cancer. Almost all cervical cancers could be prevented by effective screening and vaccination. For more information on CervicalCheck – the national free cervical cancer screening programme for women aged 25 to 60 years – call 1800 45 45 55 or see www.cervicalcheck.ie.
The West Limerick Primary Health Care Project for Travellers is up and running since September 2010, funded by the HSE and operated by a number of women from the Traveller Community who are fully qualified Community Health Workers. The project is in line with national health policy which aims to have Primary Health Care Projects for Travellers in all HSE regions where there is a significant Traveller population. The project can be contacted on 069 61316 or email phcp@wlr.ie.
FoodIEs Expo 2012 is taking place on – Wednesday 29th February 2012 Leap day, From 3pm – 6pm at The Strand Hotel in Limerick City
What’s in it for you?
- 30 + Food Industry Experts exhibiting in one room with free advice, from Branding/HACCP/Nutritional Analysis/Grease Traps/Insurance and more.
- Listen to Bobby Kerr & others successful business owners share their experiences
- Interact & connect with others in the food & hospitality Industry
- Sample new innovative products
Agenda
- 3pm – 5pm Registration & visit stands. Attend talks in Break-off area.
- 5.15pm – 6pm Guest Speaker Bobby Kerr
Bobby is the Chairman of Insomnia coffee, a presenter on Newstalk Radio and is an entrepreneur and panelist on the Irish Dragon’s Den. Bobby is an extremely popular business, entrepreneurial and motivational speaker. In addition to his role as the Chairman of Insomnia Coffee, Bobby Kerr has a variety of business interests in food and hospitality, technology, hardware and exhibition.
For further information see: www.foodiesexpo.ie
As part of a new initiative, West Limerick Resources has recently launched the first in a series of new Community Information Points in Carraigkerry Community Centre. The free service is available four days per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) from 9am to 2pm and will offer internet access and support to find information on a wide range of subjects including the new Household Charge, employment, training and education opportunities along with health services or how to make the switch to digital television. Information literature on benefits and vital services are also available here.
The Information Point is supported by an Information Assistant, who supports individuals in accessing relevant information online or in printed form. This is a drop in service and no appointment is necessary. This service is being rolled out in cooperation and with the support of Carraigkerry/Old Mill Development Association and the FÁS Scheme that they sponsor.
Over the coming months it is hoped to offer a similar service in Athea. Details to follow shortly.
West Limerick Resources also provides an on-going Citizens Information Service through its Abbeyfeale Office. For further details contact 068 32444.
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To mark the Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival 2012 community groups in West Limerick will host a series of events between Monday March 26th and Sunday April 1st. The Limerick Life Long Festival is organised by the Limerick City of Learning Steering Group, as part of its strategy of making Limerick a City of Learning. Along with West Limerick Resources events in Newcastle West, Tournafulla and Patrickswell, community groups will be organizing events in Abbeyfeale, Glin and Kilmeedy. Details to be announced in the coming weeks.
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GLIN TOURISM & HERITAGE COURSE:
Glin Development Association plans to run a further full-time adult training course at St. Paul’s Heritage Centre in Glin in 2012. The full-time FAS funded FETAC course includes modules in Tourism, Heritage, Web Authoring, Business Administration and Computer Studies and will run for 30 weeks. This Local Training Initiative (LTI) programme will be offered free of charge to all participants. Your local FAS office will provide details of training allowances of up to €188 per week plus other benefits that may available. Phone or text 087 629 6439, email glinlti@gmail.com or contact a member of Glin Development Association. Supported by West Limerick Resources
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