Category Archives: MONAGHAN

BOSE TALKS

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Marian Harkin MEP meets SIPTU and Bose workers in Carrickmacross Photo: SIPTU

Marian Harkin MEP meets SIPTU and Bose workers in Carrickmacross Photo: SIPTU

Workers from the Bose factory which the company has announced will be closed by June have held a meeting held in Carrickmacross with the Independent MEP Marian Harkin. They were accompanied by the SIPTU Industrial Organiser Jim McVeigh. Monaghan Councillor Paudge Connolly also attended the discussions, which explored whether the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) could be activated for the 140 workers due to lose their jobs.

Marian Harkin said afterwards the Fund could be used for retraining or increasing skills, or for workers who might like to set up their own business. In certain cases subsidies could be paid to local employers who would take on redundant Bose workers for a guaranteed period of time. The MEP is the author of the regulation for the Fund that is available for redundant workers across the EU. This Fund can be applied for wherever jobs are lost due to globalisation and the impact of the redundancies on the local area is significant. The fund is also available to any other workers who lose jobs that are involved in supplying the Bose factory or in transport, haulage, or related services, or any workers whose employment is dependent on the Bose factory.

Marian Harkin MEP Photo: European Parliament

Marian Harkin MEP Photo: European Parliament

There is also an opportunity to apply to the Fund for an equal number of young people from the region who are not in employment, education or training. This means that up to 300 people might be able to avail of the Fund. Marian Harkin said the Fund might provide opportunities for workers made redundant and while it was only a start, it could at least be a stepping stone to future employment.

A public meeting is going to be organised in Carrick in the next few weeks for all the workers and members of the public who are interested. Details will be made available within the next few days. The MEP said she had worked with many other groups of workers who had accessed the Globalisation Fund, such as DELL workers and the Waterford Crystal workers. “ I would be more than happy to assist Bose workers in any application they might make for the Fund and its rollout”, Marian Harkin concluded.

CARRICKMACROSS WATER

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Carrickmacross Water Treatment Plant, Nafferty

Carrickmacross Water Treatment Plant, Nafferty

The Environment Minister, Alan Kelly T.D., has officially opened  the new €3.5 million Carrickmacross Water Supply and Treatment Plant, situated at Nafferty on a hill on the outskirts of the town, near the Ballybay Road. A small group of protestors from Carrickmacross says No to Irish Water staged a protest near the entrance as the Minister arrived.

Construction of the plant began in May 2013 and it was commissioned in November 2014. Built on the site of the previous reservoir, the facility will supply water to domestic and business customers in Carrickmacross town and the surrounding area. Carrickmacross currently requires approximately 1.2 million litres of water a day for domestic, industrial and agricultural use. The new plant has the capacity to treat 160,000 litres of water per hour ensuring an adequate supply of treated water to meet current and future customer demands.

In 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a direction to Monaghan County Council placing the supply on a Remedial Action List. It was therefore critical that the new plant included a robust design, using proven technology for the treatment and continuous monitoring of water quality. The previous supply was susceptible to changing weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or flash flooding, causing the quality of the ground water supply to change. The new plant is supplied by four different water sources with the quality of water from each being monitored on a continuous basis. In the event of any change in water quality an automatic alarm is notified to the operator and the water treatment process can be adjusted or a different water source can be selected to ensure customers always get a top quality water supply.

A full range of treatment processes including filtration, UV treatment, disinfection and fluoridation will also be deployed at the new plant ensuring compliance with current regulations. As a result Irish Water and Monaghan County Council successfully applied to the EPA and the HSE to remove the scheme from the Remedial Action List.

Commenting on today’s opening, Jerry Grant, Head of Assets, Irish Water said; “Providing a safe and secure water supply for our communities and businesses is vital and Irish Water has prioritised investment in improving drinking water quality standards. The recent EPA Drinking Water Report highlighted the inadequacy of a significant proportion of our treatment plants supplying drinking water and the scale of the investment needed to ensure all communities have access to clean drinking water. The opening of Carrickmacross Water Treatment Plant is a great example of how Irish Water working in partnership with Monaghan County Council can deliver real benefits in terms of security of supply, quality and value for money to the local community.”

Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly T.D.

Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly T.D.

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, said: “I’m delighted to open this water treatment plant in Carrickmacross. This new facility has seen strong cooperation between Irish Water, Monaghan County Council and private sector partners to ensure the town and surrounding areas have a modern, state-of-the art water treatment facility. The project was delivered on time, and under budget and I congratulate all involved.

Having a secure, high quality water supply is vital to every town’s daily life and economic development. With this new water treatment plant Carrickmacross will have the reliable, drinking water supply it needs for the years and decades ahead, so that its families, firms and farms can go about their daily activities and the local economy can progress.

With the reform of the water sector and the establishment of Irish Water, investment in water infrastructure is increasing. I am confident that Monaghan will experience improved water services and sustainable water investment as a result of the Government’s reforms”, the Minister concluded, before being given a tour of the facility.

Jerry Grant along with local representatives accompanied Mr Kelly on a tour of the facility.

View of Carrickmacross from Nafferty Photo: © Michael Fisher

View of Carrickmacross from Nafferty Photo: © Michael Fisher

Irish Water is responsible for 855 water treatment plants that supply over 1.6 billion litres of water every day to 3.3 million people. The company invested €340m in improving water and waste water services in 2014 and will invest over €410 million in improving water services during 2015, this spend will increase over subsequent years.

 

CREDIT UNION ART COMPETITION

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Sarah Leddy from Inniskeen is congratulated by compere Marty Whelan (left) and Martin Sisk, President ILCU (right), for winning first place in the Credit Unions' annual Art Competition (11-13 category). Photo: ILCU

Sarah Leddy from Inniskeen is congratulated by compere Marty Whelan (left) and Martin Sisk, President ILCU (right), for winning first place in the Credit Unions’ annual Art Competition (11-13 category). Photo: ILCU

INNISKEEN STUDENT WINS PRIZE IN NATIONAL ART COMPETITION
A secondary school student fom Inniskeen, County Monaghan, Sarah Leddy, has won first prize in the Irish League of Credit Unions annual art competition in the 11-13 year-olds category. She received her award at Croke Park last Sunday. Sarah is a past pupil of St Daigh’s National School, Inniskeen, and currently attends St Vincent’s Seconday School in Dundalk.

Her winning picture depicted the theme ‘ARTFEST’ and was singled out for special mention by the event compere, Marty Whelan of RTE. The competition, one of the biggest art of its kind for both children and adults, has been running for 31 years and is open to entrants of all ages.

This year it attracted over 30,000 entries through 300 credit unions nationwide.
The theme ‘ARTFEST’ was open to interpretation by each entrant and aimed to celebrate the creativity, imagination and vibrancy of the budding artists. The competition is about encouraging and rewarding self-expression, creativity and imagination among young artists throughout Ireland. Entrants are free to express their creativity using a wide variety of media.

The competition required entrants to draw or paint posters on the theme using pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt-tip markers, crayon, pastel, water colours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, the President of the Irish League of Credit Unions, Martin Sisk, said: “We wholeheartedly support the artistic development of people young and old in our communities across the island of Ireland. The artists here should be extremely proud of themselves and the quality of the artwork displayed is truly outstanding. It is interesting to see how uniquely each of the artists interpreted the theme ‘Artfest’. Well done to everyone involved”.

Marty Whelan who was hosting the event for the fourth year running said he was delighted to be involved. “It is a pleasure to meet such an array of talented artists and give them the opportunity to showcase their creative ideas and gain national recognition for their ability. It is always great to see competitions like this support the arts and give people the opportunity to explore their creative side”, he said.

The judges for this year’s competition were: John Walsh, Creative Director FOCUS Advertising Agency; Ursula Retzlaff O’Connell, Artist; John Farrelly, Cartoonist and Graffiti Artist, VENTS.

ART COMPETITION WINNERS

GENERAL CATEGORY

Category Name Credit Union
7 yrs & under (G) Luke Collins Drogheda Credit Union
8 to 10 years Clodagh McDonagh Macroom Credit Union
11 to 13 years Sarah Leddy Inniskeen Credit Union
14 to 17 years Shania McDonagh St. Colman’s (Claremorris) Credit Union
18 years & over Alex Wright Rathmore and District Credit Union

SPECIAL CATEGORY

Category Name Credit Union
7 yrs & under (S) David Donoghue Tallaght and District Credit Union
8 to 10 years Frank Graham Naas Credit Union
11 to 13 years Aoife Brady Togher Credit Union
14 to 17 years Christina McConnell Derry Credit Union
18 years & over Venus Reilly Gorey Credit Union
Group Class 3, St. Brigid’s Special School Castlebar Credit Union

This Page 1 story and many more can be found in this week’s edition of The Northern Standard.  NSlogo

CALORIES ON MENUS ‘UNWORKABLE’

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Restaurant Proprietors Conor Mee & Charlotte Carr Photo: Courthouse Restaurant/Pat Byrne

Restaurant Proprietors Conor Mee & Charlotte Carr Photo: Courthouse Restaurant/Pat Byrne

Calorie Information on Menus Will Not Work: Local chef and proprietor of the award-winning Courthouse Restaurant in Carrickmacross, Conor Mee, says he believes the government proposal to introduce calorie information on menus will not work. He told the Northern Standard the measures outlined in the Heads of a Bill designed to help tackle the problem of obesity would be unpoliceable. The Cabinet has approved proposals requiring all food outlets to post the information at the point where the food is ordered, whether at tables or counters. Drafting of legislation is expected to start immediately and should be ready for enactment by next year.

Adrian Cummins, CEO RAI Photo: ITIC Ireland

Adrian Cummins, CEO RAI Photo: ITIC Ireland

Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, said the introduction of calorie information on menus would have devastating effects on the restaurant industry, costing €5,000 on businesses and would have a knock-on effect in other sectors. The aim of this Bill is to encourage people to choose healthier options and to tackle the growing problem of obesity in Ireland. Mr. Cummins also commented, ‘I urge the government to reconsider this Bill in the interest of the restaurant industry and tourism’.

Mr Cummins reiterated that the ‘Nanny State’ proposals are an unnecessary burden on the restaurant owners, as the measures would be virtually impossible to monitor.

“How does the government propose that this will be monitored? Will inspectors be paid to eat out in all of Ireland’s 22,000 food outlets and check if each menu has calorie counts on them? Any chef will tell you that menus in restaurants vary from day-to-day and therefore calorie counting would be highly inaccurate anyway.”

The proposed laws will require all menus, including boards, leaflets, digital menus or other forms, to display the amount of calories alongside the price in the same font size and colour. The RAI represents the interests of its members and lobbies government on various issues.

Calorie counts on menus have already been introduced in the United States, with disastrous results. Five out of six customers paid no attention to the information, according to a study by New York University.

TAOISEACH IN MONAGHAN

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Northern Standard Thursday 12th February p.1

Northern Standard Thursday 12th February p.1

My front page story in this week’s Northern Standard Thursday 12th February including a brief interview I got with Enda Kenny as he was leaving the Monaghan Education Campus after the official opening. He was already an hour behind schedule, heading for Virginia in County Cavan, but provided me with a few good quotes about how important a day it was for Monaghan, and the impact of the new Campus and 200 new jobs at Combilift would be ‘phenomenal’.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny unveiling plaque at Monaghan Institute with Director Dr Fiona McGrath, Cllr Padraig McNally & Joe McGrath, Chair CMETB (left) and CEO CMETB Martin O'Brien, Heather Humphreys TD & Michael Moriarty ETBI Photo: © Michael Fisher

Taoiseach Enda Kenny unveiling plaque at Monaghan Institute with Director Dr Fiona McGrath, Cllr Padraig McNally & Joe McGrath, Chair CMETB (left) and CEO CMETB Martin O’Brien, Heather Humphreys TD & Michael Moriarty ETBI Photo: © Michael Fisher

“This was a wonderful day for Monaghan, according to the Taoiseach, putting the county back on top. Speaking to the Northern Standard after a major jobs announcement by Combilift and the official opening of the Monaghan Education Campus, Enda Kenny T.D. praised what was going on in both locations and said the impact of the two developments would be phenomenal.

It was all about the future, he said. He said the mix of sport, learning, community and culture at the Education Campus would yield benefits not only for the schools, but also for the community, town and county. He welcomed the news that Combilift is planning to link in with Monaghan Institute to develop a new apprenticeship course for educating mechanics and said this was how industry would be able to diversify and create sustainable jobs nationwide.

Mr Kenny also confirmed that the government is still committed to contributing €50 million towards the development of the N2/A5 road scheme from the border towards Letterkenny and Derry, half of the amount this year and the remainder next year.”

Taoiseach Opens New Education Campus: Northern Standard 12/02/15 p.1

Taoiseach Opens New Education Campus: Northern Standard 12/02/15 p.1

Opening of Monaghan Institute: Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD unveils plaque in the main entrance hall.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny unveiling plaque at Monaghan Institute with Director Dr Fiona McGrath, Cllr Padraig McNally, Joe McGrath, Chair CMETB, Sean Conlan TD & Brendan Smith TD (left) and CEO CMETB Martin O'Brien, Heather Humphreys TD, Caoimghín Ó Caoláin TD, Matt Carthy MEP & Michael Moriarty ETBI Photo: © Michael Fisher

Taoiseach Enda Kenny unveiling plaque at Monaghan Institute with Director Dr Fiona McGrath, Cllr Padraig McNally, Sean Conlan TD & Brendan Smith TD (left) and CEO CMETB Martin O’Brien, Heather Humphreys TD, Caoimghín Ó Caoláin TD, Matt Carthy MEP & Joe McGrath, Chair CMETB (right) Photo: © Michael Fisher

BOSE FACTORY TALKS

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Bose factory, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

Bose factory, Carrickmacross Photo: © Michael Fisher

Union representatives and local politicians have welcomed the decision by the US-based management of Bose to extend the operation of the Carrickmacross plant until June. SIPTU Industrial Organiser Jim McVeigh met the Human Relations Director Barry Weaver in Carrick a week ago and is due to hold more discussions with him tomorrow (Thursday). It was agreed that the closure announced on January 22nd would be postponed beyond April, while talks continued on acceptable redundancy terms and other issues. Mr Weaver also met the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D. in Dublin along with Pat McAdam of Bose Carrickmacross.

Sean Conlan T.D. Photo: © Michael Fisher

Sean Conlan T.D. Photo: © Michael Fisher

Fine Gael T.D. Sean Conlan said since the closure announcement was made he had lobbied both Mr Bruton and the IDA to ensure everything within their power would be done to save the 140 jobs. Following this representation Mr Bruton  agreed to meet a delegation of Bose workers, the IDA and a SIPTU representative in Carrickmacross last Friday. A very constructive meeting took place with all involved and they discussed the future prospects of the Bose workers along with the need to ensure that
redundancy packages acceptable to the workers are put in place.

Deputy Conlan said the Bose plant was a state of the art plant and very well placed geographically given its close proximity to Dublin airport and the port. He said it was of the utmost importance the Industrial Development Authority used every resource available to market this plant globally in the best possible way in an effort to attract a new employer, and he was hopeful one would be found.  The IDA who were represented by Emmanuel Dowdall confirmed that their eighteen overseas offices were looking for an alternative employer.

SIPTU Industrial Organiser Jim McVeigh Photo: © Michael Fisher

SIPTU Industrial Organiser Jim McVeigh Photo: © Michael Fisher

Jim McVeigh of SIPTU said the focus was on asking the IDA to try to attract other investors and to ensure alternative employment for the Bose workforce. Mr Mc Veigh added: “We welcome the agreement by the company to delay the proposed closure while other opportunities are examined by all of those concerned including the Minister and the agencies responsible for finding alternative employment. The closure of this plant, in Carrickmacross since 1978, is devastating for our members, a dedicated and skilled workforce, and for the town and surrounding areas in county Monaghan”.

MONAGHAN DESIGNERS

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MONAGHAN DESIGNERS SHOWCASE THEIR WORK FOR BUYERS

Liz Christy & Louise Loughman at the RDS Photo: © Michael Fisher

Liz Christy & Louise Loughman at the RDS Photo: © Michael Fisher

Three County Monaghan designers hope their displays at an important trade exhibition in Dublin will bring them new business at home and abroad. Liz Christy brought some of her latest work from her studios at Annyalla near Castleblayney to Showcase 2015 at the RDS. She was joined in the main exhibition hall by her friend Louise Loughman. Making up the Monaghan trio was an up and coming international fashion designer from Broomfield, Natalie Foreman.

Liz Christy, Swallow Studios, at the RDS Photo: © Michael Fisher

Liz Christy, Swallow Studios, at the RDS Photo: © Michael Fisher

Textile designer Liz was launching a new luxury collection of silk and marino wool stoles and scarves for ladies and gents, hand-woven by her at Swallow studios. The designs are inspired by Monaghan heritage, including Carrickmacross and Clones lace, and the paintings of Irish artist Roderic O’Connor. She says her love of colour echoes what she sees around her each day in the drumlin countryside: fresh hues of springtime crocuses and bluebells, vibrant highlights in the summer landscape, rich shades of autumn and shimmering, water-filled winter scenes.

Liz is a former pupil of Ardscoil Lurgan in Castleblayney, where one of her teachers was Louise Loughman’s mother Patricia. She went to Galway to study textile design in the mid-1980s and Louise ended up sitting beside her in the same class. Both took the opportunity of doing a course to help start their own business. In 1987 Liz approached the owner of Cleo’s in Dublin’s Kildare Street, Kitty Joyce (who died last year). Her outlet was known as the home of Irish linen and tweed and soft couture knitwear. She became Liz’s first customer and subsequently acted as her mentor.

Liz moved to Annyalla and has worked there since 1996, opening up her studios with one loom in 2004. Now she has four hand looms installed. In 2008 she introduced a range of sheep-design fridge magnets which have been quite popular. In the past her creations have been sold in outlets such as Kilkenny Design, House of Ireland and GlenAran.

The RDS exhibition attracts buyers from all over Ireland from craft shops and other outlets. It also provides an opportunity to meet buyers from abroad. As she was speaking to the Northern Standard Liz had a visit from a Japanese buyer, one of the main markets for such garments. Since the first day she went into business her creations have been exported, with the USA being the main market.

Louise Loughman, Castleblayney, at the RDS Showcase Photo: © Michael Fisher

Louise Loughman, Castleblayney, at the RDS Showcase Photo: © Michael Fisher

Louise Loughman from Castleblayney was attending the Showcase for the third time with her own stall. In the past she teamed up with Liz, having been based at Swallow studios where she did weaving. Now she is running her own business. Her wallhangings are a combination of batik art and silk painting. The designs she uses are based on the Children of Lir and the Brendan voyage.

The third Monaghan representative was Natalie Foreman. For all of them this was an important opportunity for bringing in business and developing their plans for the future.

NATALIE B. COLEMAN

Natalie B. Coleman, Carrickmacross, at the RDS Showcase Photo: © Michael Fisher

Natalie B. Coleman, Carrickmacross, at the RDS Showcase Photo: © Michael Fisher

For the second week in a row, a talented young person educated in Carrickmacross was in the large hall at the Royal Dublin Society showing their creations to the wider world. Fashion designer Natalie B. Coleman (the ‘B’ stands for her late mother’s name, Bridie) was at the Showcase exhibition. The event was intended to celebrate and promote Irish designers and more than 460 took part.

Talking to the Northern Standard, Natalie said she makes clothes that are delicate, romantic, cool and feature lots of print. They are also driven by a narrative. She pointed out to me some of her creations that are hand illustrated and printed on silk organza, with designs based around Enid Blyton’s The Enchanted Wood.

Her work has already been shown abroad, with most of her business done in Paris during fashion week. Berlin, Copenhagen and Amsterdam have also witnessed her designs. Natalie has been to New York and in June will be in Los Angeles. She goes back to Paris in March and will be in Shanghai in China the following month. So this former pupil at St Louis Secondary school in Carrickmacross has enjoyed international acclaim.

After doing her Leaving Certificate Natalie went to the Limerick School of Art and Design. She did her MA at Central St Martin’s University of the Arts in London. She set up her business in a studio in a garage at her family home in Corleygorm, Broomfield and in 2011 established her own womenswear label. She designs wedding dresses by commission. Her father Francie Coleman is well-known in the Donaghmoyne area for training the Ladies GAA Football team.

In 2012 Natalie was awarded the Golden Egg Innovation Award for Designer of The Year. She was recognized as the National Designer of the Year 2012 by Image Magazine at KFW and also received the Future Maker Award from the Crafts Council of Ireland. Her label has been featured extensively in magazines and periodicals both nationally and internationally. Natalie has dressed Irish stars such as Kathyrn Thomas, Sharon Corr, Charlene McKenna and Laura Whitmore as well as many others.

 

MONAGHAN SUNSET

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Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

                                                                Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

Travelling back from Dublin to Monaghan late on Saturday afternoon, there was a most colourful sunset. I was driving along the N2 past the GAA county training ground at Cloghan near Castleblayney so I could not stop to capture the beautiful colours on camera.

Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

                                                        Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

The leafless tress were black shapes silhouetted against an orange background. A great scene for any landscape artist. Luckily my wife who was also driving to Monaghan had stopped her car and taken out her camera.

Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

                                                            Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

She managed to get these photos of the countryside close to Tydavnet. All photos © copyright Evelyn Fisher.

Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

                                                             Monaghan Sunset Photo: © Evelyn Fisher

MONAGHAN LIONS DINNER

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LIONS CLUBS IRELAND district 105-I Vice District Governor Paul Allen from Newbridge addresses the large crowd of over 200.  A great night was had by all members of Monaghan Lions Club and their guests at Castle Leslie, Glaslough, at the annual charter dinner, the 24th. The auction raised over €36,000 for club charities.

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