6 Jun, 2012 By Mary
Mills & Millers of Ireland Summer Event ~ Antrim 23 & 24 June 2012.

The Society for the Preservation of Ancient and Traditional Irish Mills

The Society of Mills and Millers of Ireland was launched in 2001 to encourage and assist in the preservation and appreciation of mills as part of our industrial, architectural and landscape heritage. There are hundreds of mills and mill sites spread across the country and while many are beautifully refurbished or put to good use, there are also many others which could be restored or renovated while preserving their traditional context. The society aims to promote interest and awareness in this aspect of Ireland’s industrial heritage by building up knowledge and expertise in areas such as law, architecture, renewable energy and manufacturing and making information available through publications, lectures and events.

This years Summer event in the lovely countryside of County Antrim will include a visit to the mill at Newmills, a visit to Shane’s Castle Hydro scheme, Riverdale Mill and the ruins of a paper mill at Randalstown. Details of events below.

Meeting place

The Barn, 30 Burnside Road, Dunadry, Co Antrim BT41 2HZ (Bert & Evleen). Directions can be found here.

 

Shane’s Castle Archimedes Screw Installation

Day 1 Saturday 23 June

10.30am Registration – Tea / Coffee & Scones
11.00am Programme for today – Bert Kennedy
11.30am Visit to Mill at Newmills – owned by Barbara & Des – short talk by Des on the history of Mill and their story so far.

01.00pm Lunch at Clotworthy House in Antrim Castle Gardens including short Tour, talk on local history and visit to the gardens.

02.30pm Visit to Shanes Castle, Randalstown – short talk by Shane O’Neill (son of Lord O’Neill, on Archimedes Screw installation (supplied by MMOI Members – Frank / Mary Gethings – Eco Evolution)
03.30pm Travel 20 minutes to Riverdale Mill

04.30pm Visit to Riverdale Mill, Aghalee (covered Wheel) – tour and short talk by owner David Gilbert, on his story so far…..

Tea / Coffee & Scones
05.30pm Return to Hotel – Dunsilly Hotel

07.30pm Dinner – All (not included in Fee)

Clotworthy House in Antrim Castle Gardens

We have negotiated discount at the Dunsilly Hotel as follows: Single Room, Bed & Breakfast – £59.00 (normal price £79.00) / Twin Room, Bed & Breakfast – £69.00 (normal price £89.00). Please mention MMOI / speak to Laura.

Dunsilly Hotel, 20 Dunsilly Road, Antrim, BT41 2JH. Tel: 0044 (0) 28 9446 2929 Email: info@dunsillyhotel.com

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 07789082089, or email me – evelyn.kennedy@gmail.com, if you require any assistance, or further information.

Historical Paper Mill Randallstown

Day 2 Sunday 24 June 2012

11.00am Clotworthy House – Tea / Coffee & Scones (€5p/p)
12.30am Visit to ruins of an historical Paper Mill at Randalstown, (originally 3 waterwheels) – owned by Lee and Naomi – currently in the process of installing an Archimedes Screw – short talk on their story so far…

02.00pm End of Event

Should anyone require lunch, we have 3 hotels within 5 mins from the Barn – Templeton / Dunadry / Hilton – all serve Carvery (alternatives also available) between 12.00-2.00pm.

Fee for Saturday €25.00 / £23 Lunch & morning & afternoon refreshments. Please make your own overnight arrangements and let us know if you plan to stay for Sunday morning.

Download Booking Form Here

Old waterwheel before refurbishment

 

31 May, 2012 By Mary
‘Connect with Energy’ initiative – Monday 11th – Friday 15th June 2012

South Dublin County Council are hosting  ‘Connect with Energy’,  an event aimed at providing advice and support to homes and businesses on how to save energy and money as well as create new job opportunities. The event is supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE).

With the purpose of supporting and engaging South Dublin homeowners, businesses, schools and other stakeholders in reducing their energy costs, saving money and creating jobs, SDCC is hosting a ‘Connect with Energy’ initiative from Monday 11th to Friday 15th June 2012 in ‘The Big Picture’ exhibition venue in Tallaght Town Centre, located beside the LUAS red line terminus.

This initiative will comprise an interactive energy centre in the Council’s ‘Big Picture’ multimedia venue; suppliers of energy related goods and services in the County will be available to meet with business people, homeowners, individuals interested in learning more about how they can save money on energy consumption within their businesses, workplaces, homes and other premises.

5kW Windturbine – residential, farm and commercial applications

The ‘Connect with Energy’ initiative will be launched on the morning of Monday 11th June 2012. Minister Pat Rabbitte, Mayor Caitríona Jones and County Manager, Philomena Poole will launch the event.

The event has been organised as part of SDCC’s commitment to acting as a focal point for energy efficiency and is also represented by current involvement in a range of energy projects and initiatives. The two major programmes currently being undertaken by SDCC are the EU Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) funded Leadership for Energy Action and Planning (LEAP) project and the Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) Programme supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The (LEAP) project has a two year timescale and involves SDCC and eight other local authority partners across the EU. LEAP aims to increase the ability of EU local authorities to act as mentors in the promotion of sustainable energy measures in the local economy and so take a leading role in the move towards a low-carbon local economy. The key output of LEAP is the preparation of a countywide, cross sectoral Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP), which will include a series of short, medium and long term actions addressing energy in South Dublin County to 2020 and beyond.

Solar Photovoltaic

The ‘Connect with Energy’ event is a key milestone in that process. The event will also showcase SDCC’s own track record in piloting and developing sustainable energy measures.

Following a competitive bid process, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) designated Tallaght as one of three new exemplar Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) in Ireland. This programme, to operate for a five year period from the beginning of 2012, aims to develop a series of Irish communities as ‘living laboratories’ to establish a culture of energy innovation, by carrying out locally focused projects to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.

Solar Thermal

The week long ‘Connect with Energy’ event will comprise exhibitions and targeted workshops. Energy advisers for homes and businesses will also be available during the event. A full programme of events will be advertised in the SDCC area during the coming weeks. All workshops and consultations will be registered events.

Mayor Caitríona Jones has welcomed the announcement of the event as an opportunity for local businesses and homeowners to become more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs. This will improve business competitiveness and job creation in South Dublin.

Energy Efficiency

Further information is available from the South Dublin Energy Team energyteam@sdublincoco.ie  or 01 4149000 ext. 2389 or go to website www.southdublinenergy.ie and follow link for Connect with Energy.

Click here to view or download the ‘Connect with Energy’ Brochure

To register for one of the free workshops, click on its title in calendar below: A description of each workshop is contained in each individual registration page.

WORKSHOPS
Monday11th June Tuesday12th June Wednesday13th June Thursday14th June Friday 15th June
Venue A (Big Picture)
09 .00 -10.00 Official Launch Eco Evolution‘Renewable Energy technologies: Wind, Solar, Hydro.. Power Perfector‘After initial staff training & behavioural savings have been achieved how to achieve further energy/ cost savings’.
10.30 – 11.30 Official Launch Power Perfector‘Voltage Power Optimisation: The Opportunities for Businesses’ Carillion Energy Services            ‘The energy efficient home’ Carillion      Energy Services ‘Reduce Your Home Energy Costs’ AVA SafelightSafeLight: Stand Alone Self Sufficient Street Lighting
12.00 – 13.00 Cylon‘Realtime Energy Management: The Benefits for your Business’ Cylon‘Realtime Energy Management: The Benefits for your Business’ Bord Gais ‘Energy at Home – Benefits of Heating Controls’ Integrated Engineering Consultancy Ltd‘How to Reduce Business Cost in Lighting & Heating?’ Windsor Motors ‘Electric Cars – going much further for far less with the Nissan Leaf’
14.00 – 15.00 Windsor Motors ‘Electric Cars – going much further for far less with the Nissan Leaf’ Save Energy 4 You ‘Light Years Ahead’ Windsor Motors‘Electric Cars – going much further for far less with the Nissan Leaf’ B & Q‘Do it yourself: B&Q’s low cost energy measures at home’
16.00 – 17.00 SDCC‘A Council grapples with energy’ SDCC‘Valhalla Housing – Approaching Passiv’ SDCC‘Building Refurbishment : Achieving Value, Economies and Performance from Energy Retrofit’ SDCC‘Ballyroan Library: A Passiv-standard civic building’
                                                                                                                       WORKSHOPS
Monday11th June Tuesday12th June Wednesday13th June Thursday14th June Friday 15th June
Venue B (Tallaght Library)
09.30 – 10.30 B & Q‘Do it yourself: B&Q’s low cost energy measures at home’
10.30 – 11.30
10.45 – 11.45 Bord Gais‘Carbon Monoxide Safety at Home’
12.00 – 13.00
12.30 – 13.30 B & Q‘Do it yourself: B&Q’s low cost energy measures at home’
16.15 – 17.15 Power Perfector‘SMEs: De-risking investment in energy conservation measures (ECM)’
16.30 – 17.30 Tallaght IT & Cylon‘The future of Energy Management Learn to improve building energy efficiency16.30 to 19.00Please note venue: Main Campus, Tallaght IT Save Energy 4 U:Light years ahead
17.30 – 18.30

Looking forward to meeting you at the exhibition and at our workshop.

20 Jan, 2012 By Mary
Farmers show interest in Micro-hydro power.

In a suitable location small-scale hydropower is one of the most cost-effective and reliable of the renewable energy technologies.   It has several advantages over wind and solar power, with a high level of predictability, varying with annual rainfall patterns. It is a long-lasting and robust technology and systems can readily be engineered to last for 50 years or more.

Those attending were given an understanding of the principles of micro-hydro, connecting to the Grid and the economics of potential systems. Eoin was then able to demonstrate the plant on Ballynalough Farm.

Renewable Energy Event at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus on 22 February 2012:

Organising committee. From left: Gareth Gormley, DARD, Connor Maguire, CAFRE, Lindsay Easson, AFBI, Kieran Coulter, DARD, Eric Long and David Trimble, CAFRE.

For those  interested in energy from micro-hydro and other renewable technologies, DARD, in conjunction with the Ulster Farmers’ Union  and Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute are running another Practical On-farm Renewable Energy Event, this time at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus on Wednesday 22 February from 1.30pm through to 10.00pm.

The Fair is open FREE of charge to anyone in the farming and rural sector who are interested in reducing their costs through adopting more energy efficient practices and will provide a platform to network, source, meet suppliers and keep up-to-date on energy-saving systems and renewable technologies.

There will again be a series of seminars throughout the day on each of the main renewable energy technologies; wind power, biomass production and utilisation, anaerobic digestion, solar hot water, micro-hydro, and heat pumps.

A second series of seminars will deal with many of the issues facing those considering a green energy source. Topics covered will include the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), grid connection, planning, NI Renewable Obligation Certificates (NIROC’s), business planning, taxation, as well as finance and funding options.

In addition there will be a Trade Exhibition and the opportunity to see the biomass boiler installation at Enniskillen campus. For further details contact Connor Maguire at 028 6634 4853 or connor.maguire@dardni.gov.uk

Hydro projects in Northern Ireland: 

The first ever Archimedean Screw generator in Northern Ireland was only recently installed at Shane’s Castle in Antrim. Rated at 214 kilowatts this is the largest single Archimedean Screw generator ever manufactured. It is now fully commissioned  fully operational.

The predicted annual output is a massive 1,125,000 kilowatt-hours. To put this in perspective, an average household uses less than 5,000 kilowatt-hours per year, so this hydro scheme has the potential to power more than 225 houses. This scheme will also save an impressive 484 tonnes or more of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions by generating clean, green electricity.

Shane’s Castle Hydro Project, Antrim

Omagh District Council  are  utilising the weir on the Camowen River, adjacent to Omagh Leisure Complex, to generate electricity through an Archimedean Screw hydro turbine. This hydro project is the second of only two Archimedean Screw hydro projects to date in Northern Ireland. The development of the hydro scheme on the Camowen River will generate sufficient power to meet the needs of Omagh Leisure Complex with excess electricity sold back to the national grid. Rated at 121 kilowatts the hydro turbine is predicted to save in excess of 133 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) annually. It is expected that this project will be fully commissioned and operational in the coming weeks.

Omagh Hydro Project, Tyrone

We look forward to meeting you at the show.

We offer a friendly one-stop shop for hydro development, from feasibility studies to licensing, to installation and commissioning and everything in between.

 

 

5 Oct, 2011 By Mary
Mills and Millers Ireland ~ AGM and Autumn Event

The Society of Mills and Millers of Ireland was launched in 2001 to encourage and assist in the preservation and appreciation of mills as part of our industrial, architectural and landscape heritage. There are hundreds of mills and mill sites spread across the country and while many are beautifully refurbished or put to good use, there are also many others which could be restored or renovated while preserving their traditional context. The society aims to promote interest and awareness in this aspect of Ireland’s industrial heritage by building up knowledge and expertise in areas such as law, architecture, renewable energy and manufacturing and making information available through publications, lectures and events.

Mills & Millers of Ireland will hold their AGM on Saturday 8th October 2011 at 11.00am in the Glenavon House Hotel, Drum Road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

Tel: (048) or (028) 86764949. Registration tea, coffee from 10.30am.

At 12.00 noon following the AGM  Mr Norman Kerr will give a presentation on linen processes. At 2.30pm following lunch in the hotel a guided tour of Wellbrook Beetling Mill, the last working water-powered linen beetling mill  has been organised.

Following the tour a visit to the restored Gleshygolgan Flax Mill, Plumbridge  incorporating a hydro electric scheme has also been organised.

Fee for the day €25 – if AGM only, no charge.

Booking details can be found on Mills and Millers of Ireland website.

8 Aug, 2011 By Mary
Practical On-farm Renewable Energy event at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus 1st November 2011
Representatives from DARD, UFU and AFBI at the meeting to launch the Practical On-farm Renewable Energy event

Following on from its success in 2010, the “Practical On-farm Renewable Energy” event will be held once again on Tuesday 1st  November 2011 at Greenmount Campus. The event will run from 11.00am until 9.00pm in the evening.

DARD has again joined forces with the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU), and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to provide practical information for farmers and the rural sector about the various renewable energy options available for their businesses.

There will be a series of seminars throughout the day on each of the main renewable energy technologies; wind power, biomass production and utilisation, anaerobic digestion, solar hot water, micro-hydro and heat pumps.

A second series of seminars will deal with many of issues facing those considering installing a green energy source. Topics covered will include the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), grid connection, planning, NI Renewable Obligation Certificates (NIROC’s), marketing NIROC’s as well as finance and funding options.

In addition there will be a Trade Exhibition and the opportunity to tour the renewable energy installations at Greenmount Campus.

If you are interested in exhibiting in the trade stand area please contact CAFRE at technology.admin@dardni.gov.uk or telephone 028 9442 6770. As space is limited it will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

For further details contact David Trimble at 028 9442 6682 or david.trimble@dardni.gov.uk.

As a result of feedback from attendees last year, a follow-up event will also be held at CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus on 22 February 2012.

 

Seminar programme for CAFRE, 1 November 2011

 

Start Time Technology Seminar Speaker Meeting the Challenges Speaker
11.30 On-farm Energy Efficiency David Trimble Funding Gareth Gormley
12.00 Biomass

  • Production
  • Utilisation
  • Economics
  • RHI
  • Case study
  Alistair McCrackenLindsay EassonPeter Hutchinson

Simon Best

 Grid connection Gerry Hodgkinson
12.30 Finance Trevor Finlay
13.00 Planning Permission Planning Service
13.30 Solar hot water Martin Mulholland Taxation Anne Douglas
14.00 AD 

  • Technology
  • Planning
  • Grid & PPA
  • Finance
  • Case study
   Nigel MoorePlanner

Andy McCrea

Trevor Finlay

Jim Torney

 Renewable Heat Incentive Peter Hutchinson
14.30 NIROCs Michael Harris
15.00 Funding Gareth Gormley
15.30 Planning Permission Planning Service
16.00 Micro-hydro Eoin McCambridge Marketing NIROCs Jonathan Buick
16.30 Heat pumps David Trimble Grid connection Gerry Hodgkinson
17.00 Solar PV Greg Forbes Taxation Anne Douglas
17.30 Solar hot water Martin Mulholland Planning Permission Planning Service
18.00 Micro-hydro Eoin McCambridge Funding Gareth Gormley
18.30 Heat Pumps David Trimble NIROCs Michael Harris
19.00 Wind

  • Technology
  • Planning
  • Grid & PPA
  • Finance
  • Taxation
  • Case study
  Anita WattsPlannerAndy McCrea

Trevor Finlay

Anne Douglas

James Carson

 RHI Peter Hutchinson
19.30    
20.00    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 May, 2011 By Mary
The first ever Renewable Energy Camp to be run in Ireland

The first ever Renewable Energy Biz Camp organised by The Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency is being held on 27th May in Hotel Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny. This, not to be missed completely FREE event,  is being organised to promote businesses ideas / innovation and job creation in the Green Energy Sector.

The camp is an information sharing event where experienced entrepreneurs and businesses network and share experiences on developing business ideas & products. The EnergyCamp is an ideal opportunity for individuals / companies wishing to branch into the energy sector and learn form experienced entrepreneurs.

The EnergyCamp is an opportunity for individuals and companies to share information and advise. If you would like to contribute and share your information just register your interest by clicking the box on the Registration Form.

The day kicks off at 10am when the first 3 speakers will start their presentations. There will be 3 streams of speakers running concurrently and each will have a 45 minute slot. The only rule of the day is “no sales pitches” – thus avoiding the traditional pain of conference attendance where speakers stand in front of an audience and try to sell to them.

Current topics include:

  • The story of a Wind Farm Development
  • The challenges in setting up an Anaerobic Digestion project
  • Diversifying your business into the energy sector
  • International standard ISO 14064 for carbon management
  • Community consultation & green energy
  • Archimedean Screw – hydro turbine overview

There will be a panel discussion in the afternoon to finish off the days events. The topic for the panel discussion is “Job Creation & Opportunities in the Green Energy Sector”.  This an opportunity for everyone involved during the day to participate in a lively discussion. If you are interested in participating and sharing your business experience in the green energy sector, please register your interest here along with topic to be discussed.

Kilkenny LEADER Partnership (KLP) is the main sponsor and promoter of the event. KLP was was formed in 2008 as a result of the government’s decision to integrate the functions and missions of local development companies operating in the rural development and social inclusion sectors.

KLP is now continuing its work through the Rural Development Programme LEADER, Local Community and Development Programme and other supporting programmes in empowering local communities to improve their quality of life. This support comes in variety of ways including grant aid to innovative rural business and communities and development officer support to disadvantaged or marginalised communities and individuals.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event please register your interest here.  Sponsorship will allow your companys logo to be displayed on this website and on event literature. There will be a limited number of sponsors.

                                           

9 Mar, 2011 By Mary
Ciara’s Pantry Scoops €10,000 prize in Gorey Business Expo

Well, here I am eventually after coming back down to earth after the excitement of the very successful Business Expo and ‘Dragons’ Den’ style Competition. There was a fantastic turnout on the night with over 200 visitors attending the very impressive Trade Show and then the equally impressive ‘Dragons Den’ Competition.

The evening began with the members of BNI Falcon showcasing their various businesses. Also in attendance on the night were representatives from Gorey Chamber, Wexford Local Development, Wexford County Enterprise Board and Business Network International (BNI).

On arriving the first thing that was noticable was the buzz within the room. Visitors were happily chatting over cups of tea and coffee and visiting the Trade Stands to find out more about the products and services offered by the various BNI Falcon  the ‘Dragons Den’ Competition would avail of all these products and services as they formed part of the amazing €10,000 prize.

Frank Gethings, Eco Evolution & Pat Roche, Arkman Consulting
Eco Evolution Stand nicely complimented by Molloy Architecture Stand

With everyone seated the ‘Dragons’ arrived and were introduced by the MC for the night Michael Molloy, Molloy Architecture. Putting the contestants through their paces were Mary Gethings, Eco Evolution, Ferns; Deirdre O’Flynn, Spellcheck Editorial, Carnew; Fabian Doyle, Sovereign Security, Arklow & Wexford; James Doyle, Doyle Foley & Company Accountants, Gorey; John Timmons, Glasgorman Computer Services, Courtown Harbour. Michael then proceded to explain the format of the evening explaining that the contestants would each have five minutes to ‘pitch’ their business ideas and then answer the questions put forward by the ‘Dragons’.

Fabian Doyle, james Doyle, Deirdre O’Flynn, Mary Gethings, John Timmons

First up on the evening was Ciara O’Dowd of Ciara’s Pantry based in Killinierin, Gorey. Ciara’s Pantry produces a range of natural salad dressings, sweet and savoury jellies, fruit vinegars and chutneys. She supplies the local Farmers Markets and some local retail outlets.  Ciara brought along some of her samples which were thoroughy enjoyed by the hungry Dragons (some hungrier than others)! The Beetroot Chutney I have to say was to die for!

Next up to face the Dragons was Ciaran Dolan of Gorey School of Kayaking. Ciaran who has more han 28 years experience in kayaking was looking at the idea of starting a Kayaking School and introducing the sport of Water Polo to the Sunny South East. He brought along samples of his Kayaks, Safety Helmets and Paddles.

Next we had Dean Keating of Monaseed Sales who was looking to introduce the concept of a ‘Virtual Sales Team’ to help businesses make more sales.

Lynsey Moorehouse of Irish Dance Superstore was next to pitch her idea to the Dragons. Lynsey who is dancing since the age of three is now an Irish Dancing teacher who has a vision of setting up an online Irish Dancing Costume Shop and spreading her wings worldwide. She showcased some of her products and brought along her daughter and friends to model the lovely Irish made costumes.

Last, but not least was Kelly-Anne Breen of Shen Acupuncture & Shen Cosmetic Acupuncture Clinic.  Kelly-Anne explained to the Dragons why Cosmetic Acupuncture is a better alternative to Botox. It is a more natural alternative which does not leave the “Frozen Feature” look which is an all too common sight with the overuse of Botox. Overtime her idea is to expand by setting up a Franchise of her Acupuncture business.

The five contestants have to be applauded on the delivery their pitches. It is not easy to stand up in front of a large crowd,  but the five contestants presented their business ideas like true professionals. Their presentations were very professionally delivered  and well thought out. Their ability to answer the Dragons grilling questions on the spot was amazing and complimented on by the most seasoned business people in attendance.

Dean Keating ,Kelly-Anne Breen, Ciara O’Dowd, Ciaran Dolan and Lynsey Moorehouse

While the Dragons retired to choose a winner, MC Michael Molloy put three business people under the spotlight to speak about their experiences and how they are handling the current economic climate. Pat Walsh, Walsh Mushrooms ; Niamh O’Sullivan, Ruby Rouge; and Shane Byrne, Arklow Waste Disposal all emphasised the importance of being realistic about your market, being tenacious and thinking outside the box in order to survive – and thrive.

Michael Molloy, Shane Byrne, Niamh O’Sullivan, Pat Walsh

After much deliberation the Dragons arrived back and handed an envelope containing the winners name to MC Michael Molloy.  Ciara O’Dowd of Ciara’s Pantry was then announced as the winner of the €10,000 prize. Ciara was shocked but delighted and was presented with her prize by Michael McGovern, Horizon Financial and Michael Molloy, Molloy Architecture.

Ciara receiving the €10,000 prize.

In the words of Ciara after the event  ‘ Your ‘Dragons Den’ was very professional and a bit too realistic’.

The members will meet and work with Ciara throughout the coming weeks and months to help her with the various aspects of her business.

A very big thank you to all the visitors, contestants and members who made it a very successful event.

Enjoy the compilation of photos in the video below. They highlight the atmosphere of the evening and the success of the event.

18 Jan, 2011 By Mary
Business Start-Up Expo

We are a group of business people from North Wexford/ South Wicklow  have organised a Business Expo with a difference to take place on the 24th of February 2011 in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey.

The Business Expo will consist of a Trade Show showcasing the businesses of BNI Gorey members followed by the ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition for new and aspiring businesses. Five Dragons from the group will interview the top five applicants, putting them through their paces on stage before members of the public.

The judging panel will comprise Eco: Mary Gethings, Eco Evolution; Technology: John Timmons, Glasgorman Computer Services; Financial: James Doyle, Doyle Foley & Co Accountants; Security: Fabian Doyle, Sovereign Security; Communications: Deirdre O’Flynn, SpellCheck Editorial Services.

The Trade Show will be open to the public from 6p.m to 9p.m with the competition taking place between 8p.m and 9p.m.

The Dragons’ Den winner will walk away with a prize of  €10,000 worth of services and products from the members of BNI  Gorey, the Falcon Chapter of Business Networking International.

We are a group of business people from the area that are working together to help promote our companies and gain more business for each other and the people who are involved with us.

The Expo is not a new idea, but holding this in conjunction with a competition for a new start up business will help us help a new business in the area.

More information available on www.bnigorey.com  and entrants will be able to apply on-line and get a chance of winning the prize.

 Dragon’s Den Competition

> The competition is now open and the closing date for entry is Wednesday, February 16th

> Entry to the competition is strictly through our website www.bnigorey.com

> Application to the competition is strictly limited to new start up businesses or people with ideas for a new business.
>Family members of the business group are excluded from the competition.
> The Competition will run from 8p.m. to 9.p.m.
> Our team of “dragons” will select the five best applications who will be ‘grilled’ on the night before the public.
> When each of the contestants have completed their presentation, the dragons will leave the room for approx 15 minutes to decide the winner of the €10,000 prize.
> During this 15 minutes our MC will inerview three local business people about their experiences and how they are handling the current economic climate.
 
 
Our guests are:
 

Pat Walsh owner of ‘Walsh Mushrooms’

Niamh O’ Sullivan owner of ‘Ruby Rouge’
Shayne Byrne owner of ‘Arklow Waste Disposal’

At 9p.m. the winner of the Competition will be announced and presented with their prize of €10,000.

 

 

 

 
10 Sep, 2010 By Mary
Cabragh Wetlands Visitor Day

We were invited to come along to Cabragh Wetlands to speak about renewable energy products and how they can benefit homeowners and businesses. There was great interest on the day and homeowners, farmers and businesses alike were all interested in ways to reduce their energy costs.

Cabragh Wetlands  are committed to the three-fold vision of conservation, education and recreation. A wide variety of activities are offered on an ongoing basis to the general public, with the aim to create a greater awareness to the conservation and appreciation of our natural environment.

Lagoon on the Cabragh Wetlands

The Cabragh Wetlands Trust was registered in 1993 in an effort to save a vast area of wetland habitats from destruction after the filling-in of the settling pools by the Thurles Sugar Factory during its closure. These lagoons used to be an oasis of wildlife, particularly birds. The Trust was formed and acquired the land adjacent to the filled-in lagoons to ensure the continuation of this resting place for migratory birds.

Funding was made available through the LEADER programme and this enabled the necessary work to be carried out. Over a couple of years fencing was put in place, ponds were excavated, two bird-hides were built and walkways developed, a car park was laid out and finally a Visitor-cum-Education centre was built.

The Centre is run by a group of committed volunteers who provide exciting field trips for children of primary school age. The Wetlands have no less than 15 different habitats including ponds, reed swamps, hedgerows, streams and wild flower meadows. Footpaths and raised walkways with beautifully illustrated information boards as well as a large bird hide make an ideal place for school children to discover the sights and sounds of nature in a safe and child friendly environment.

Sculpture ‘Man on Wire II’ made by a local artist.

The Cabragh Wetlands Trust is a charity organisation and is relying solely on the goodwill of benefactors and volunteers for the maintenance and development of the centre. With the conservation of the site and the essential infrastructure in place, the Trust is now focusing on its second main aim, namely education. Although Cabragh Wetlands has the magnificent outdoors to offer and a beautiful information centre further work needs to be done.

Samples of local wildlife at the centre

A wide variety of activities are offered throughout the year to the general public to help create a greater awareness of conservation and also appreciation of our natural environment. During the Summer months a number of guided walks take place through the wetland with pond dipping and identifying wild flowers, trees, bugs and birds as well as workshops on a number of topics including bird box making and planting hedgerows. A series of Winter lectures are also held each year with topics ranging from ‘The Cosmic Walk’, ‘Bee-keeping’, ‘Nature and the First World War’ to ‘Heritage and the Tipperary Landscape’.

 

One of the many educational displays which can be viewed at the centre.

Primary schools can avail of the following educational field trips: Exploring a Hedgerow & Exploring a Pond. The children will have a chance to watch birds from the hide, go pond dipping, identify the creatures they have caught and visit the nature table at the centre. Students in second level education participating in young scientist projects are more than welcome to come along to explore and utilise Cabragh Wetlands as a source of data collection. Advanced field trips are available for second level students also.

An amazing display of ‘recycled’ art.

Locally grown fruit, vegetables, juices and home baking were also on display.

Locally grown produce
Locally grown produce

We would like to take this opportunity to wish Cabragh Wetlands all the best in the future and well done on the great achievements to date.

Photographs copyright of Eco Evolution

5 May, 2010 By Mary
Climate Change Conference

Eco Evolution were invited to the climate change conference by the Wexford County Development Board.

The speakers on the day were from the EPA, Wexford County Council, NUI Maynooth, Teagasc and Courtown Waterworld.

Wexford County Development Board, (CDB), wanted to highlight and discuss the implications of climate change. The CDB launched its strategy “Action for change 2009-2012” last year. Action 7 calls for a  local multi-agency response to climate change. The aim of the conference was to raise local awareness and consider how Wexford can adapt to the likely impacts.

In time, the impacts of climate change will be more apparent in Wexford. There continues to be debate but predicted effects include:

  • More intense storm and rainfall events
  • Water shortages in the Summer and the need to irrigate crops
  • Effects on fish species that are sensitive to small temperature changes
  • Accelerated coastal errosion

The purpose of this conference was to localise the issue, to highlight the effects of climate change for our economy and public services and our citizens and their environment. The conference illustrated the impact of climate change at County level and also the possible adjustments that may be needed to manage longer term change.

For full details of the Conference speakers presentations follow the link below:

http://www.wexfordcdb.ie/cdb/ClimateChangeConference/#d.en.14835