Athy Chamber: News

TriAthy, 2011

Sun, 29 May 2011 20:43:00

PRESS RELEASE.

On behalf of Athy Chamber, I write confirming our support and ongoing admiration of TriAthy.

The inaugural TriAthy in 2007 was universally acclaimed as a great success and each year since TriAthy has grown and is a credit to its organisers and to our town. Each year, our businesses, townspeople and the competitors speak highly of the event, its organisation and its promotion of our town. The event shows our town in a good light, demonstrating the attractions of the magnificent river Barrow and our other town features. Athy is a great town in which to live, work and enjoy leisure pursuits.

This year’s TriAthy will take place over the June bank holiday weekend and Athy Chamber asks everyone to, again, come together to show the event and our town in its best light and support all those who are competing and organising the event.

Promoting our town is an ongoing requirement of our businesses and townspeople. With each year of the event, Athy Town Council and our townspeople have contributed a lot and these efforts must be repeated and renewed this year to use TriAthy as a springboard for our town to the rest of our country and to the international community.

National and international press coverage is guaranteed for the event. National and International competitors have again entered this year and the event has been designated on the Triathlon calendar as the Irish Olympics Distance Championship

Visually the town should be shown in its most attractive state, thus Athy Chamber asks that a significant clean up be undertaken immediately and that local businesses, our townspeople and Athy Town Council keep their premises clean and tidy and that the streets of the town should be cleaned before during and after the event. This will entail the Council ensuring that litter bins and streets are kept clean b.

Athy Chamber supports the promotion of the town and for the forthcoming event, asks all its members and non members to hang a flag on their premises thus providing a colour to the town’s streets and premises. This simple advertising promotional feature brings colour and pride to our town over the June bank holiday weekend.

We also encourage all who visit our town to frequent our businesses and our many restaurants, coffee shops, sandwich bars and hostelries and experience the great attractions in our town.

Support our town, our people, our great events and festivals.

Yours sincerely,

Paul A. Cunningham.

Athy Chamber,

President.

180 jobs on Tus Scheme for County Kildare

Tue, 10 May 2011 23:41:00

180 jobs on TúS Scheme for County Kildare

Posted on April 15, 2011

County Kildare LEADER Partnership has this week announced the first stage of the roll out of the TÚS Programme for County Kildare. The new scheme will provide community work placement for 180 long term unemployed in the county over the coming months.

Announcing the rollout of the programme Mr. Justin Larkin CEO County Kildare LEADER Partnership stated that the company had received approval for the immediate employment of two supervisors and the first 40 participants. “We are currently recruiting two supervisors who will be based in Naas and Athy and we hope to begin the process of placing unemployed people with community groups in the coming weeks” said Mr. Larkin. “We are also seeking applications from local community and voluntary groups in the Naas and Athy electoral areas who can provide good quality work experience” added Mr. Larkin.

The TÚS Programme was launched by the Department of Social Protection in December 2010 and will provide up to 5,000 placements nationally for long term unemployed people with community and voluntary groups. The Department of Social Protection will be responsible for contacting local unemployed people about the programme and County Kildare LEADER Partnership will work with local voluntary groups to ensure that work placements are consistent with the skills and experience of participants on the programme.

“Once the first 40 places are filled in Naas and Athy we expect to be in a position to roll the programme across the county in the coming months” added Mr. Larkin. County Kildare LEADER Partnership will be holding information sessions for local voluntary groups in the Naas electoral area and Athy electoral area on 18th / 19th April 2011 (see separate advertisement) to provide further information on the operation of the scheme.

For further information please contact Suzanne Wallace (045 861973) or Geraldine Hewson (045 895450) or tus@countykildarelp.ie

Athy Clean Up

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:23:00

Annual River Barrow Clean Up - 14th May

Athy Tidy Towns Group is organising their annual clean up of the banks of the River Barrow to take place on Saturday, 14th May next. They are seeking the help of all the community to come out and help out with the litter pick operation on the day.
The Tri Athy 2011 triathlon (www.triathy.com ( http://www.triathy.com/
)) is fast approaching and it is essential that the river will look at its best for the thousands of participants and visitors who will come to Athy.

The clean up is being organised in association with the Civil Defence, Athy District Anglers, Athy Chamber, North Barrow Branch (IWAI), Tri Athy organisers and the Town Council. The group will meet at the Courthouse at 9.45am and the clean up will continue until c. 2pm. They are inviting anyone (with even an hour to spare) to come out and join in on the day.
For further details please contact Ger Kelly, Chairman, Athy Tidy Towns
(Tel.: 085 8494342) or check the Tidy Towns Website www.athytidytowns.com ( http://www.athytidytowns.com/ )

Water Rates

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:21:00

Tuesday, 3^rd May 2011

Schedule for Introduction of Domestic Water Meters Must be Fast-Tracked

Chambers Ireland has today (03/05/11) noted with disappointment reports that the Government will introduce flat rate water charges instead of residential water meters as committed to in the Programme for Government.

Seán Murphy, Chambers Ireland Deputy Chief Executive said, “The move towards the full implementation of a user pays principle is a positive step, however, in order to achieve real measurable savings water meters must be installed in all Irish households.”

“The introduction of user charges on a sliding scale based on consumption would result in water consumers becoming more mindful of water usage. It would also enable water providers to have a more predictable source of income to fund infrastructure investments and reduce the high levels of unaccounted for water loss in the Irish water system. Whilst flat rate charges will result in increased revenue, there is no incentive for users to monitor and adjust usage patterns.”

“The schedule for the installation of water meters must be brought forward via an incentivisation scheme for householders that will enable roll out within the time frame of 2012/2013 specified to meet EU/IMF requirements, change domestic user habits and provide much-needed employment opportunities to many of those who lost their jobs in the construction sector.”

“Finally, this new revenue line opening for water providers cannot be allowed to distract focus away from the need for more cost-containment measures from Local Authorities as identified in reports such as the Local Government Efficiency Review Group with a view to reducing pressure on the business community,” Murphy concluded.

Bank Stress Tests

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:34:00

Chambers Ireland Statement on Bank Stress Test Results

Chambers Ireland has said that the measures announced today (31/03/11) following the results of the Central’s Banks stress tests should mark the final chapter in Ireland’s cataclysmic economic crisis.

Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive said, “The provisions announced are a necessary response to our economic and social needs and priorities. It is our hope that they will restore market confidence to the Exchequer, the banks and Ireland as a whole and enable us to draw a line under the turbulent economic climate of late to allow us all to move forward to the next phase of recovery and growth,” Talbot concluded.

URGENT ! - New Development Plan

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 01:05:00

Draft Athy Development Plan- Have your say!

Athy Town Council has now published the draft development plan for the town, following the previous pre draft consultation and consideration by local councillors. The draft plan covers the period 2012 to 2018 and the Council is currently seeking public submissions and observations during the statutory 10 week period.

The Development Plan is one of the most important documents produced by the Council because it affects all of us living and working in the town and environs in one way or another. It is a very democratic document which requires the approval of the Elected Councillors following several stages of public consultation. It is essential that as many people as possible participate in the process. The Draft Plan sets out a detailed strategy and policies for how the town is planned for the next six years including the development of commercial, community, recreational, tourism, transportation and heritage interests.

Copies of the plan are available to view at the Council Offices, Rathstewart, Athy; Athy Community Library (Emily Square); Kildare County Council (Planning Department- Devoy Poark, Naas); and online at www.athytowncouncil.ie. Have your say! Submit your observations in writing to: Draft Athy Development Plan, C/o. Town Clerk, Athy Town Council, Rathstewart, Athy, Co. Kildare or email atcdevplan@kildarecoco.ie to arrive on or before 4pm on Tuesday, 7th June, 2011.

A public information day will take place on Thursday, 12th May from 2pm to 6pm in the offices of Athy Town Council, where staff from the Council’s Planning Department will be available to answer questions in relation to the Draft Plan and to assist in making a submission. No appointment is necessary.

St. Patrick's Day Parade, 17th March, 2011 - Thank you.

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:02:00

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Thank You

The 2011 parade in Athy was regarded as possibly the best ever to be seen in the town and thousands turned out to view the 50 plus floats and walking groups on display. This year's parade also included many novel vintage entries and the organisers, Athy Town Promoters, were particularly pleased to note many new entrants across the wide range of categories and from the surrounding hinterland.

Following the parade, the difficult task of judging entries fell upon a small team of representatives who viewed the parade from the review stand opposite White Castle. The following winners were selected: Best heritage theme: Jim Phillips (Happy Man); Best walking group: Shooting Stars; Best commercial entry: Clancy's Pub; Best children's entry: Marie Gough School of Irish dancing; Best sporting entry: Athy GFC; Best vintage entry: Morris Minor Car Club; Best voluntary/ community entry: Athy Scouts (5th Kildare); and Best overall entry: School of Marshall Arts Sports Academy. A formal presentation to the selected winners will took place last Friday, 25th March in the Athy Heritage Centre Museum.

The organisers wish to acknowledge the kind assistance of the Civil Defence, Order of Malta, Athy Gardai, Athy Chamber, Shop Athy, Age Action, Athy Town Council, Kildare County Council - Area Office, Athy Heritage Centre Museum, Athy Tidy Towns, Kildare County Show Committee, Athy Arts Sub Committee, Interreg Brand Project, Shane & Adrian Sullivan and a hard working team of volunteer marshalls. Sponsors for the parade were: Athy International Concentrates, Athy Credit Union and Athy Town Council.

St. Patrick's Day Parade, 17th March, 2011

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:05:00

Athy's 2011 parade will commence from the Kilkenny Road on Thursday, 17th March, 2011

(17th) and the Athy Town Promoters Group are organising a great family day out to celebrate. The parade will commence at 2.30pm from the Kilkenny Road and progress along William Street, Duke Street and Leinster Street. Up to 40 floats and walking groups will participate and the organisers have also arranged music, dancing and facepainting in the Back Square, which will be closed to traffic from 12noon to 7pm on the day.

The organisers wish to acknowledge the kind assistance of the Civil Defence, Order of Malta, Athy Gardai, Athy Chamber, Shop Athy, Age Action, Athy Town Council, Kildare County Council, Athy International Concentrates, Athy Credit Union, Athy Heritage Centre Museum, Athy Tidy Towns, Kildare County Show Committee, Athy Arts Sub Committee, Shane Sullivan and a hard working team of volunteer marshalls.

St. Patrick's Day Parade, 17th March, 2011

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:51:00

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Athy St. Patrick's Day Parade

Athy's 2011 parade will commence from the Kilkenny Road on Thursday (17th) and the Athy Town Promoters Group are organising a great family day out to celebrate. The parade will commence at 2.30pm from the Kilkenny Road and progress along William Street, Duke Street and Leinster Street. Up to 40 floats and walking groups will participate and the organisers have also arranged music, dancing and facepainting in the Back Square, which will be closed to traffic from 12noon to 7pm on the day.

The organisers wish to acknowledge the kind assistance of the Civil Defence, Order of Malta, Athy Gardai, Athy Chamber, Shop Athy, Age Action, Athy Town Council, Kildare County Council, Athy International Concentrates, Athy Credit Union, Athy Heritage Centre Museum, Athy Tidy Towns, Kildare County Show Committee, Athy Arts Sub Committee, Shane Sullivan and a hard working team of volunteer marshalls.

Advance information and details are available from Athy Heritage Centre Museum (059 8633075 email: athyheritage@eircom.net).

TV 3 Midweek Programme - Breakdown of rural Ireland

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:56:00

Dear Chamber,

Please see below a media query from TV3’s MidWeek Programme which may be of interest to you or your members.

Please contact Michael Ryan directly for further information.

Best wishes,

Jessica

From: Michael Ryan [mailto:michael.ryan@tv3.ie]
Sent: 07 March 2011 17:10
To: Jessica Dempsey-Staines
Subject: MidWeek programme

Hi Jessica,

My name is Michael Ryan and I’m a reporter on TV3’s Wednesday night ‘MidWeek’ programme.

We’re thinking of doing a piece on the programme in the next few weeks loosely titled ‘The breakdown of rural Ireland’.

We’re looking for a town/village that has been badly hit by the closure of its local pub/post office/shop/GAA team, etc to feature in the piece. The town/village needs to have suffered as many of the closures mentioned as possible. We’re hoping to look at how the losses have affected the local community, not just in terms of economically but also socially.

I know it’s a difficult time for all your members out there, but if they know of a town/village suitable I’d be grateful if they could get in touch with yourself, or with myself on michael.ryan@tv3.ie

Many thanks,

Michael

Michael Ryan
MidWeek, TV3

Westgate Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin 24
Mob: +353 86 86 76 579 Email: michael.ryan@tv3.ie
www.tv3.ie


******************************************

Continued Improvement in Lending Good News for SMEs

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:18:00

Continued Improvement in Lending Good News for SMEs

Foreign-Owned Banks Must Take Part in Credit Review Process

Chambers Ireland has today (11/02/11) said the continued improvement in lending from AIB and Bank of Ireland to viable businesses as noted in the Report of the Credit Review Office is more positive news for SMEs.

Seán Murphy, Chambers Ireland Deputy Chief Executive said, “This Report once again shows that AIB and Bank of Ireland, which represent approximately two-thirds of the market, are lending to viable businesses. Nevertheless, it is impossible to have a true picture of what is going on until all banks, including foreign-owned banks based in Ireland commit to taking part in this process.”

“Chambers Ireland continues to work with the Credit Review Office to get the message out to SMEs that lending opportunities do exist for viable businesses. In this time of economic uncertainty, it would be most helpful if other voices accepted the findings of continuous reports. The reality is that there are relatively low levels of applications due to reduced demand in the economy as businesses and households deleverage and save,” Murphy concluded.

Water Supply Update, 12th January, 2011

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:27:00

Athy Town Council thanks our customers for their patience and understanding of the prevailing water demand situation and the necessity for the Council to apply restrictions to the town's water supply. Regrettably, despite improvements in water pressure and supply in many locations, issues are expected to continue along the Carlow Road (particularly elevated sites) over the coming days.

Restrictions to the regional water supply have now been lifted in the Dublin and Kildare Road areas until further notice.

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The Town Council has made the following arrangements for stand pipes (at various locations) and will update these periodically on its website.

WATER MAINS ACCESS POINT

A water supply point (with tap) from mains supply has been set up at :

- Coney Drive, Coneyboro, Carlow Road

The public can access water at this location each day from 8.30am to 8pm (until further notice).

NB: As a precautionary measure water from this tap should be boiled before using for drinking or cooking purposes. Please bring your own clean water container as the Town Council is not supplying containers.

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CONSERVE WATER & REPORT LEAKS

The Town Council continues to appeal to householders and businesses to conserve water. We also appeal to consumers to reduce their water consumption and in particular, people are asked not to leave taps running. If every household cuts back on their water usage by 10% this will have a significant effect on water availability and enable us to return to normal service sooner. www.taptips.ie

Our crew continue to work on identifying leaks and dealing with burst pipes. We are appealing to homeowners and all key holders for businesses, schools, unoccupied homes, etc to check for leaks within their property. (Owners are responsible for repairing leaks on property, but the Town Council is responsible for repairing leaks on the mains supply leading to properties).

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The Town Council is monitoring the water supply situation on an ongoing basis and will provide regular updates on its website http://www.athytowncouncil.ie/ and KFM radio.

To update details of water supply/ pressure/ leaks from your area, please use the Customer Care Comment Card

http://www.kildare.ie/AthyTownCouncil/CommentCard/

Water Supply Update, 7th January, 2010

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:22:00

A restriction to the regional water supply is now in place (affecting the Dublin and Kildare Road areas) and continues each evening until further notice. Other areas in the town may also experience reduced pressure/ supply, as a result of these restrictions (which are being reviewed on a daily basis). Friday (7th), Saturday (8th) and Sunday (9th) January (onwards): Water supply will be turned off each evening at 7pm and restored each morning at 8am (until further notice).

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The Town Council has made the following arrangements for stand pipes (at various locations) and will update these periodically on its website.

WATER MAINS ACCESS POINT

A water supply point (with tap) from mains supply has been set up at :

- Coney Drive, Coneyboro, Carlow Road

The public can access water at this location each day from 8.30am to 8pm (until further notice).

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CONSERVE WATER & REPORT LEAKS

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The Town Council is monitoring the water supply situation on an ongoing basis and will provide regular updates on its website http://www.athytowncouncil.ie/ and KFM radio.

To update details of water supply/ pressure/ leaks from your area, please use the Customer Care Comment Card

http://www.kildare.ie/AthyTownCouncil/CommentCard/

Water Supply Update, Thursday the 6th January, 2010

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:10:00

A restriction to the regional water supply is now in place (affecting the Dublin and Kildare Road areas) and continues each evening until further notice. Other areas in the town may also experience reduced pressure/ supply, as a result of these restrictions (which are being reviewed on a daily basis). Thursday, 6th January (onwards): Water supply will be turned off on Thursday at 7pm to 8am on Friday (and repeated each day, until further notice).

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The Town Council has made the following arrangements for stand pipes (at various locations) and will update these periodically on its website.

WATER MAINS ACCESS POINTS

A water supply point (with tap) from mains supply has been set up at :

- Coney Drive, Coneyboro, Carlow Road

The public can access water at this location each day from 8.30am to 8pm (until further notice).

-------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSERVE WATER & REPORT LEAKS

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The Town Council is monitoring the water supply situation on an ongoing basis and will provide regular updates on its website http://www.athytowncouncil.ie/ and KFM radio.

To update details of water supply/ pressure/ leaks from your area, please use the Customer Care Comment Card

http://www.kildare.ie/AthyTownCouncil/CommentCard/

Water Supply Update, Wednesday the 5th January, 2010

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:48:00

A restriction to the regional water supply is now in place (affecting the Dublin and Kildare Road areas) and continues each evening until further notice. Other areas in the town may also experience reduced pressure/ supply, as a result of these restrictions (which are being reviewed on a daily basis). Wednesday, 5th January (onwards): Water supply will be turned off on Wednesday at 7pm to 8am on Thursday (and repeated each day, until further notice).

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The Town Council has made the following arrangements for stand pipes (at various locations) and will update these periodically on its website.

WATER MAINS ACCESS POINTS

Water supply points (with taps) from mains supply have been set up at a number of locations throughout the town (subject to water pressure).

Currently the following 3 points are in operation:

- Emily Square (corner of Osborne's Solicitors);

- Coney Drive, Coneyboro, Carlow Road;

- Fortbarrington Road (outside No. 73 Pairc Bhride).

The public can access water at these locations each day from 8.30am to 8pm (until further notice).

NB: As a precautionary measure water from these taps/ tanker should be boiled before using for drinking or cooking purposes. Please bring your own clean water container as the Town Council is not supplying containers.

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CONSERVE WATER & REPORT LEAKS

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The Town Council is monitoring the water supply situation on an ongoing basis and will provide regular updates on its website http://www.athytowncouncil.ie/ and KFM radio.

To update details of water supply/ pressure/ leaks from your area, please use the Customer Care Comment Card

http://www.kildare.ie/AthyTownCouncil/CommentCard/