Repak Recycling Best Practice Award 2009 for the Clarion Hotel Cork

Repak Recycling Best Practice Award 2009

For the Clarion Hotel Cork

 

At the annual Repak Recycling Awards 2009 held in Croke Park Dublin recently, The Clarion Hotel Cork was the winner in the category of Repak Best Practice Award 2009 – Hospitality Sector.

 

On its way to securing this award the Clarion Hotel was able to demonstrate its use of innovative techniques to garner staff support and enthusiasm for green initiatives. By doing so, the hotel has registered an impressive increase in the amount of packaging which has been either eliminated or more effectively streamed to recycling. Some of the initiatives the hotel has in place include, waste segregation bins, decanting of food into reusable crates/boxes, less packaging used for breakfast, small reusable decanters for small items like sugar, butter, salt and peppers. As well as an on site dedicated waste handling room. As a result the hotel has grown its waste recycling rates three fold to 30% up from 12% last year.

The Hotels General Manager Charlie Sheil who received the award on behalf of the hotel commented that "our Green Team which consists of representatives from each of the departments led by Paul Ryan our Maintenance Manager is fully committed to implementing the hotels Environmental and Recycling Policy. This Policy is reviewed on an annual basis with targets being monitored each week. Our Environmental & Recycling Policy had made significant savings to our business while complying with the best standards in Industry at this time."

 

This is the third award that the hotel has secured this year, earlier this year hotel received the 2009 Optimus EFQM - Award of Excellence from Failte Ireland and was the 2009 Quarter 2 Winner of the Cork Business Association Cork Business of the Year Award

 

Pictured above is Charlie Sheil, General Manager of the Clarion Hotel Cork receiving the 2009 Repak Recycling Best Practice Award for the Hospitality Sector from Mr John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Also pictured are Michael Horgan of Rehab Recycling and holding the certificate Dr. Andrew Hetherington, CEO of Repak

Cycle Chic Fashion Show

CYCLE CHIC FASHION SHOW

                      

         MILLENNIUM HALL, CITY HALL, CORK

           SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7^TH

       5PM – 7PM

 

Press Release

 

Following on from the success of last years event, Cork City Council, in association with Design Week, is proud to present the Cycle Chic Fashion Show 2009.

 

The event will showcase more stylish creations from Local, National and International Designers in Fashion and the latest innovations in Bicycle Design and Accessories.

 

Attendees can:

 

- Discover how Irish fashion designers such as Deirdre Harte and Lisa Shawgi (to name but a few) can add elegance and a touch of chic, to an everyday activity such as cycling, with their stylish clothing.

 

- Find out why the über chic Bagonia Bag range, which appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in the US, are so easy to attach to bicycles.

 

-Be impressed by beautiful bicycle designs, bicycle accessories and alternative rain gear from Irish, British, Dutch, American and German Designers.

 

- Be inspired by beautiful, eco-friendly fashionable clothing and accessories by Belleetik, a Cork based online store.

 

- Be charmed by the delightfully designed Velorbis Classic Bikes. (The classic Dannebrog with its vintage edge is sure to be a hit with the trendsetters! )

 

- Be relieved if searching for that perfect Winter Outdoors Outfit for their little ones, as Cork based "YellowHouse Label" clothing designs for kids are bound to appeal to young and old.

 

Attendees will also be treated to musical entertainment by acoustic guitar group: Colin McLean Latin Trio and DJ Don Andrews , whilst they sip a complimentary cup of tea or a glass of wine and after the show they can browse the exhibitor stands to purchase some of the clothes and other items being modelled.

 

Entrance and refreshments are all sponsored by Cork City Council through the Trendy Travel project: an operation funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme. It is a unique event to encourage people to use more sustainable modes of transport as a means of getting around.

 

FREE ADMISSION

 

For further information please visit: www.cyclechic.org

Contact: Marie O' Donoghue - Event Coordinator - (087) 987 5927                   

Lifetime Lab First To Receive International Standard

Date                 - Oct 27^th

.Cork Attraction First To Receive International Standard

 

Lifetime Lab at the Old Cork Waterworks has become the first tourist attraction in Ireland to receive the globally recognised ISO 14001 accreditation. The visitor centre located on Lee Road was presented with the award by Minister for Trade and Commerce Mr. Billy Kelleher TD at a recent ceremony.

 

The centre which supports science education for primary schools as well as providing information on sustainable living achieved the standard by introducing environmental management systems across the day to day operations of the site, for example the monitoring of energy allowed Lifetime Lab to reduce its electricity use by 36%, a cost saving of €7000 per year.

 

Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr. John Buttimer commended the team at Lifetime Lab for the time and effort required to achieve accreditation of such a high standard, mentioning that Lifetime Lab was a jewel in the crown of  Cork City. "Lifetime Lab is held in high esteem by all at Cork City Council, and raising awareness in the areas of science, environment and sustainability will bring crucial long term benefits to the Cork area. The old waterworks is also a tribute to the industrial heritage of Cork with beautiful examples of Victorian architecture now preserved and more importantly opened to the public"

 

Speaking at the ceremony Minister Kelleher stressed the importance of Irish organisations achieving standards which could be benchmarked internationally, a further reminder to overseas companies as to why Ireland is such an attractive investment option. He added "Lifetime Lab has now added an international award to the impressive national portfolio of awards and accreditations.  "The model of Lifetime Lab is one that could be replicated across Ireland and is the showcase of best practice in areas such as design, operations and sustainability"

 

Lifetime Lab is located in the old Cork City Waterworks buildings on the Lee Road. The site now contains a Visitor Centre with interactive exhibits, a steam centre with the original boilers and huge steam engines that were used to pump water to supply the City of Cork, a schools centre, a coffee dock, a picnic area a children's playground and is fully wheelchair accessible.

 

For further information, please contact the Lifetime Lab at: 021-4941500 or view the website www.lifetimelab.ie

 

Ends….

 

Photo available on request

 

Contact Details

Name: Mervyn Horgan

Address: Lifetime Lab, Lee Road, Cork

Telephone: 021-4941500

Fax: 021-4941519

Email: lifetimelab@corkcity.ie

 

 

Notes to editor

 

ISO 14001 Management Standard

 

In 1996, the International Standards Organisation (ISO) published the international standard for Environmental Management – ISO 1400; this was revised in 2004. It is designed to be compatible with other management standards, particularly the widely used ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard. Industrial companies, service organisations, utilities and public bodies worldwide have embraced ISO 14001 as the preferred model for environmental management.

An effective environmental management system based on ISO 14001 provides an organisation with a defined structure to allow them to more confidently and effectively manage environmental issues by:

 

·        establishing a policy and awareness that good environmental performance is a strategic objective of the organisation

·        focusing on the prevention of waste and pollution and on continual improvement of environmental performance

·        systematic analysis, planning, control and monitoring of all activities that may affect environmental performance

·        assisting companies to more effectively meet legislative and regulatory requirements

·        demonstrating to regulators, stakeholders and other interested third parties that a formal environmental management system is operational and effective

 

 

Mervyn Horgan

Lifetime Lab

Lee Road

021 4941500

www.lifetimelab.ie

 

The Haunted Samhain Carnival - Transition Town Kinsale and Education For Sustainability

Transition Town Kinsale and Education For Sustainability
Invite you to a fundraiser:

The Haunted Samhain Carnival

At the Lord Kingsale
(market square)
Thursday 22nd October
Where the fun kicks off at 7.30pm / €5

An evening of fun exploring the world of the weird and wonderful.
•       Delicious local organic food
•       Poetry
•       Freaky Theatre and circus featuring:
•       Cork Circus and Passpartout
•       Gruesome Games
•       Fantastic Raffle Prizes
•       Prizes for the best "Creepy Costume"
•       Best "Revamped Recycled Costume"

Live Music
featuring
The Good Rain  &   Karma Parking


Transition Town Kinsale is a voluntary initiative exploring community
solutions to the twin challenges of peak oil and climate change. Visit our
website at:
www.transitiontownkinsale.org

The End of the Line: UK TV Premiere tonight

The End Of The Line: UK TV premiere

It's finally here.

The movie that changed the way people think about what's on their dinner plate is hitting a small screen near you. The End of the Line will be screened at 10pm on More4 Tuesday 20th October.

This film has raised awareness of destructive fishing issues in places other documentaries have not even dreamed about. Not only has the UK's government department responsible for fisheries taken note – they have been screening it to all of their staff, and using it as a platform to talk about much-needed fisheries reform.

What the film's achieved over the past nine months:

• Wall-to-wall news coverage shaming Nobu, and a celebrity backlash against the restaurant for continuing to sell endangered bluefin tuna.
• Itsu and Pret a Manger taking unsustainable fish off their menus, and supermarkets keen to explain what they are doing to clean up their fish counters.
• A special screening for the EU Fisheries Commissioner, and only the second film to be screened at No. 10 Downing Street.
• Celebrity backing from the great and the good, with Steven Fry and Sarah Brown twittering in support.
• Sell-out screenings across the country on World Oceans' Day, and a four week run in London's West End.

Are you interested in Transition Towns in Cork City?

Are you interested in Transition Towns in Cork City?

 

Several towns around Ireland are getting involved in the Transition Initiative.  But what happens if you live in a city? 

 

If you want a slice of the action there are 2 routes to take:

 

·         A distinct neighbourhood within a city can become a Transition Town.

·         The city can become a Local Transition Hub.

 

This notice is to ascertain the level of interest in the above in Cork City.  If you would like to get involved please email ttcorkcity@gmail.com (stating particular interests/opinions/experience) with a view to holding a meeting in the near future.

 

For more information

 

…Google 'Transition Initiatives Primer'  - a 50 page document well worth a read

 

…www.transitionnottingham.org.uk  - Transition Towns at city scale.

 

…www.transitiontowns.org – all about the transition network

Spooky Science for Halloween

Spooky Science for Halloween

 

Little trick and treats will get into the spooky sprit of Halloween and experience Scary Science during midterm at Lifetime Lab.

 

Children will enjoy a mix of science, fun and exciting activities all based around a Halloween theme. Activities include carving Jack O' Lanterns, creating masks, making spooky fridge magnets, discovering how to make making gooey slime, and take part in classic Halloween games.

 

Suitable for 7 to 12 year olds the one day camps will run from Wednesday 28^th to Friday 30^th October

 

Lifetime Lab is located in the old Cork City Waterworks buildings on the Lee Road. The site now contains a Visitor Centre with interactive environmental exhibits, a steam centre with the original boilers and huge steam engines that were used to pump water to supply the City of Cork, a schools centre, a coffee dock, a picnic area and a children's playground and is fully wheelchair accessible.

 

For further information, please contact the Lifetime Lab at: 021-4941500 or view the website www.lifetimelab.ie

 

Work horse course in West Cork

Introduction workshop on working with horses and horse-drawn tools

on Saturday, 24th October 2009, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

in Ballylickey (near Bantry)

The work horse course is aimed at anybody interested in working with horses/horse drawn tools. It will be for all levels of experience, beginners are welcome. The course will be hands-on and we will spend most of the time outside around and with the horses.

^{Topics covered:}

^{A short slide show on:}

• ^{Work horses in past, present and future}

^and

• ^{Work horse breeds}

^{Hands-on experience/outdoor part:}

• ^{Care for the work horse - meet my two work horses Henry and Winnie!}
• ^{Harnesses and harnessing}
• ^{Ground work with one and two horses - exercises with Henry and Winnie}
• ^{Working with different horse drawn tools - we take the horses to the field}

^{Course fee is 70 Euros. Coffee/tea on arrival, lunch and afternoon tea and cake will be included.}

 

^{You will be asked to sign an insurance waiver on arrival with regard to the work with the horses.}

^{Please ask if you have any more questions.}

^{The number of places on the course is limited, so if you would like to come along, please book in advance!}

bluedoor@eircom.net

Fun on Sunday at Blackrock Castle in aid of Permaculture Gardens in Beirut

Next Sunday at Blackrock Castle enjoy a free concert featuring Ricky Lynch, Ger Wolfe, Fintan Lucey, Dave Murphy and Guests - from 5.30pm.

This follows the earlier Kidz Party at 3.30pm with Cinderzella, Puppet show, Juggling, Games, Facepainting, Mexican piata and free food for the children.

All Donations in aid of FAID School for Deaf Children, Beirut - where two Permaculture volunteers (Ml. O'Callaghan and Danny O'Keeffe) are going for 100 days to develop the gardens with the aim of providing food for the school.

see www.friendsoffaid.org (see under 'The Garden Project')

Please spread the word !!!

Energy Courses in Bantry

 

There are two courses being held at Ardnashee, near Bantry over the weekend of 24th / 25th October.

 

Solar Water Heating for DIY Enthusiasts & Plumbers

 

A solar panel can be installed on virtually any house, to save both energy and money.

 

This course will look at safe and effective use of solar water heaters covering;

 

· Suitable systems for your needs

 

· Installation options (roof/ground mounting and plumbing options)

 

· Ancillary equipment (differential thermostats, pumps, dump loads etc.)

 

· Safety and protection from overheating, freezing, Legionnaires Disease and excess pressures

 

· Different solar panels types and their benefits

 

This course is intended for competent DIYers and plumbers, (though professional installers would require further training for SEI grant approval).

 

Dates: Saturday 24th Oct 2.00pm to 5.30pm

 

Fee: €45

 

turbine 7

 

Wind Energy, Micro-Hydro & Solar PV for DIY Enthusiasts & Electricians

 

At Ardnashee, we have installed two wind turbines, solar water heaters, a micro-hydro system and photovoltaic panels. While we have developed our own turbine, the course is not intended to be a promotion for one product – many sites will require a larger or different turbine for their particular requirements. We will also run a separate short course later in the year for those who want to install one of our turbines themselves.

 

This workshop is intended for practical individuals who are either interested in installing a turbine, or wish to examine the feasibility of doing so. The day will cover;

 

· How to assess your site for wind and micro-hydro potential

 

· Different turbine systems and pros / cons

 

· The feasibility of domestic wind turbines

 

· Requirements for ground-work and foundations

 

· Turbine raising and lowering

 

· Grid-tie –vs- battery systems (with more emphasis on grid tie)

 

· A short introduction to PVs and micro-hydro systems

 

· Electrical Theory – A.C., D.C. power, volts, ohms, amps etc., for calculating cable requirements

 

There will be basic instructions on installation, though grid connection can only be carried out by properly certified electricians.

 

Date: Sunday 25th Oct. 10.00am to 5.30pm.

 

Fee: €75

 

Please bring a packed lunch and suitable outdoor wear.

 

For further information / bookings, please email us or phone 027-52773

 

Heritage Tree Hunt

A survey of the Heritage Trees of Ireland is being undertaken by the Tree Council of Ireland in association with, and part-funded by, The Heritage Council, Crann and The Irish Tree Society.  We are looking for help in finding out about as many trees as possible and would be extremely grateful if you could tell us about any you know of and forward this to as many people as possible. For example, historical societies, archaeological groups, community groups, environmental groups.

 

A heritage tree can be defined as one of cultural, ecological or historical interest because of its age, size or condition. The project is being undertaken as an extension of the Tree Register of Ireland which is a record of Ireland's Champion Trees.

 

We want our heritage and ancient trees to survive as long as possible and to do this we need to protect them. The only way we can do this is to know where they are. We need to find them, map them, photograph them and record them.

 

We want to hear about giant, important, mysterious, sacred, historical, fabulous, bizarre-looking or ancient trees, and generally trees with a story! There are all sorts of trees that would qualify for inclusion, for example: rag trees; hanging trees; trees at holy wells, military trees (planted in military formation to commemorate battles); those of exceptional girth, height or age; any associated with historical events, people or structures; and those which are important to a community.

 

Some of the most well-known examples are the 'Hungry' Tree at King's Inns, Dublin which is a London plane that appears to be consuming a bench; Lady Gregory's 'Autograph' Tree at Coole Park, South Galway, a copper beech which has been signed by WB Yeats, his brother Jack, George Bernard Shaw, the poet John Masefield, Sean O'Casey and other famous people.

 

However, not all heritage trees are so dramatic; they can, in fact, be quite unremarkable in appearance. For example, a lone hawthorn tree has been included in the survey as it marks the summit of Freestone Hill, Co. Kilkenny and folklore prevents its removal.

 

If anyone has information on any trees like these we would be delighted to hear from you!

You can contact us on the website, www.treecouncil.ie or email Kate Crane: cranoggin@eircom.net or telephone: 01 4931313 (Tree Council of Ireland).

 

Many thanks and I look forward to hearing from you,

 

Kate Crane

Call For Volunteers - Halloween Parade 2009

 

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
THE 4th DRAGON OF SHANDON
HALLOWEEN PARADE
 
From Now until October 31st, 2009
 
Cork Community Art Link is looking for people to get involved
in Cork's biggest Halloween parade
 
If you have a few hours to spare and are interested in helping out with any of the following areas please give us a ring!
 
street percussion / drumming - no previous experience required!
Brass Musicians /Wind instrument musicians/
Stewarding
Dance/movement/Performance
Visual Arts
Face painting
 
Interested?

Please contact Amelie or Benita at 021421914 or artlink@iolfree.ie

Public Consultation on Coillte Forest Management Plans

Coillte is continuing its consultation process on our Forest Management Plans  (FMPs).  In doing so, we wish to ensure local participation in the planning process, and once again we are looking for your help.  If  you made a  submission in relation to either the pre-planning stage or the feedback stage of  our consultation process, again we would like to take this opportunity to thank you.

We are now entering  into the feedback stage of our consultation process on the final 137 FMPs, and have recently added these FMPs in draft format onto the Coillte website www.coillte.ie.   

Ø  To see more details on the Forest Management Planning review process, click on our website.

Ø  Please see the forest schedule on our website to check if an FMP of interest to you is included

Ø  Details of FMP consultation meetings will be advertised locally and published on our website.

The consultation period for these draft plans is 4 weeks (5th October 2009 –  2nd November 2009). Please note that consultation submissions will be available to others and are therefore not confidential.  

We will respond to your queries and endeavour to incorporate any suggestions / concerns you may have into our plans; however, because forest management is quite a complex process, we may not be able change our plans to reflect all submissions received.  In these cases, we will attempt to explain the reasons why.  In this way, we can all continue to benefit from the unique set of natural resources which are vested in Coillte to be managed for multiple end uses.  Coillte manages the forest estate according to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) principals and endeavours to balance the social, economic and environmental aspects of our business.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this planning process, and we look forward to working with you again to ensure that our forests are managed for our benefit and for that of  local communities. 

Youth Work and Sustainability One Day Training

Please find attached information on our Youth Work and Sustainability training that is taking place in Cork City Library this coming Friday (Oct 16^th). This one-day training for youth workers provides an in-depth look at Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), a new vision of education that empowers young people to create a sustainable future. The training is very much hands on and participants receive 7/8 different activities and methodologies that can be used with young people and adults in their own work. The training also includes as light lunch, so it's good value for money. Further details can be found on the link above.

If you or any of your staff are interested in partaking in the one day training please fill out the attached booking form. Or if you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards,

Graham Clarke

Youth for Sustainable Development Programme Co-ordinator

ECO-UNESCO

26 Clare Street,

Dublin 2,

Ireland.

t: +353 1 6625491

f: +353 1 6625493

e: ysd@ecounesco.ie

www.ecounesco.ie

Upcoming events

Good Practice in Education for Sustinable Development (Dublin) - Oct 28th

October Trainings:

Leadership in Education for Sustainable Development - Oct 10th

Youth Work and Sustainability (Cork) - Oct 16th

ECO-UNESCO - conserving the environment, empowering young people

Wild Food Walk In The Woods - Fungi Identification

Transition Town Kinsale Health Body and Soul Group

invite you to

Wild Food Walk In The Woods - Fungi Identification

on

Saturday 10th 2.30pm

at
Ballintober woods where we've got special permission to walk the
woods.

This Mushroom ID walk will be facillitated by Richard O'Hanlon
from University of Limerick.

Bring a friend,and bring a basket or a bag to collect mushrooms in,
and be prepared for any kind of weather, its been gorgeous one day and
lashing the next :)

Directions for Ballintuber Woods. From Kinsale turn right at White
House /Blue Haven corner and follow signs to Cork/Ballinhassig After 2
1/2 miles you will pass Mill Wheel bar on right. Ballintubber Woods
are 1/2 mile further on. In woods take left hand minor road climbing
up hill. Meet at stone pillars  on right to House

Plant breeding workshop

Tom Wagner is coming to give a workshop on potato and tomato breeding on Saturday and Sunday 17th-18th of October at Brown
Envelope Seeds.

Tom has been breeding vegetables for many years and has developed some well known varieties of tomato, such as Green Zebra and Brown Berry and Banana Legs. He has a large potato breeding program and has had success in breeding blight resistance into old varieties. The Irish Lumper was the most widely grown potato in Ireland before the famine. Its decimation by blight, caused the famine. This years difficulties with new strains of blight in Ireland highlight the importance of breeding for resistance.

The workshop starts at 11am, and costs €80. The workshop fees all go to Tom for his traveling expenses. To secure your places please send a cheque or postal order, to Brown Envelope Seeds, (Ardagh Church Cross, Skibbereen, Co. Cork), or transfer funds to AIB Skibbereen account no. 27102260 sort code 93 63 75.

Here are few words from Tom on his Tater Mater project in Washington.

"In my attempt to create new types of potatoes, I stumble upon
crosses that I make that stir my imagination in many ways. When I dug
my variety that I call NAVAMEY, I was impressed with the vine and the
natural production of many potato berries that are likely selfed with
an occasional out cross. The potato vine is a breeder's dream, a
round russet with yellow flesh with just the right size plant,
maturity, and yield.

Looking at the cross extracted today between NAVAMEY and LUMPER, I
was struck by the memory of the pedigree background coming full
circle; namely the Irish connection. Since the weather here in the
PNW is much like where my grandfather Joe Kaighin lived until he was
21 near the Irish Sea on the Isle of Man, I was hoping to get some
more germplasm that would complement my endeavor of keeping his
potato growing spirit alive.


The LUMPER did very well this year in one or more patches; good
yields and good flavors. Since I am the only one doing breeding work
with this two hundred year old potato variety, the progeny of my
breeding work may some day be released to the public.

The LUMPER is uniquely suited to organic production and does well in
a broad range of soil types. Breeding away from its Irish Famine
history of Late Blight susceptibility, I hope I can re-acquaint
people with better selections of this heritage potato! "




Some of the topics covered will be:

The history of Tater Mater Seeds

The development of some of Tom's classic tomatoes such as the Green
Zebra, along with dozens of other varieties that are available in the
open market.

How Tom is rapidly accumulating a large germplasm of potato clones
and TPS (True Potato Seed)

Hands on demonstrations of how to cross tomato and potatoes, many
times with actual plants and with video and power point presentations.

Tom will talk about how he has taken just a few varieties of potatoes
and tomatoes and created a vast diversity of seeds for the future.
By using heritage potatoes and tomatoes, and adding some newer
releases to cross with, Tom is working with these to create
tomorrow's heirlooms.

Tom will discuss making F-1 hybrids that anyone can make over and
over again.  He will talk about making backcrosses and taking each
year's seed increase to the filial level of F-5 on tomatoes which
indicates a rather stable line.  Tom will illustrate how his potato
lines have better berry production which aids hybridization efforts.

Tom will talk about the nutriceuticals  of tomatoes and potatoes; the
essential nutrients that these crop could contain with a bit of
breeding expertise.  Enhanced antioxidants, anthocyanins,
carotenoids, lycopene, are but a few.  Fast cooking times in his new
potatoes clones that cook in 5 minutes in boiling water will be
featured  in his topics. Through a variety of breeder/grower
initiatives beginning with the workshops, there will likely be many
cooperatives dealing with plant breeding and variety development
starting with seeds of Tater Mater.
These workshops will be part of an effort to keep seeds free and
available to the public and not be allowed to be controlled by major
seed companies, universities, or governments.

A concerted endeavor will be launched to work with local heritage
varieties to incorporate them in variety improvement and to avoid
GMO's at all levels.

Potatoes can be grown from true seed and avoid the virus
contamination of tuber trades.  TPS is but one way to foster
diversity and reach local needs for flavor, storability, yields,
disease resistance, all with organic growing methods

The workshops will features many ways to look at seed extraction,
seed saving, clonal selection.

Single seed descent and bulk population breeding and variety
maintenance will be discussed.

The workshops will try to feature local gardens and local growers.
The goal is to find ways for this to help Tom in his work and how he
can help local growers in return.

Video and audio recording will likely be part of many of these
workshops.  Some of those may be shown at succeeding workshops to
show the growth of the information exchanges.  A few clips of how to
cross potatoes and tomatoes may be linked to the Tater Mater blog.
Many still photos will be shown of his tomato and potato varieties.

Each of these workshops will invite anyone to submit questions to
answer during the workshops and/or later in an interactive format.
With sufficient interpreters present, these answers will be delivered
in the original language.

Workshop fees will go towards Tom's travel in Europe and to free up
important new seeds to be introduced.  As Tom devotes more and more
of his time to being a seed ambassador of sorts, these fees will help
continue his workshops towards the future.

The goal of Tater Mater Seeds is to get young people involved in
plant breeding, therefore, if Tom can be a mentor and teacher for
many potential plant breeders, justice is done.

During Tom's 56 years of breeding plants, he has not only proven that
anyone can be a home garden plant breeder but will show many how
they, too, can be plant breeders.  His unique collection of
proprietary seeds of tomato and potatoes will be a great resource for
plant breeding groups in each nation.

Tom started out breeding plants on his family farm near Lancaster,
Kansas.  He kept a family heirloom bean alive and growing each year
in his gardens from a few beans his great grandmother brought to the
USA in 1888.  He kept growing new selections out of his breeding work
even while he obtained degrees in Anthropology, Botany, Geography,
and Education.  His career includes farming, managing garden centers,
managing greenhouses, potato buyer, potato and tomato breeder under
contract, teaching, seed catalog, and a wide host of other
professions. He has offered many of his creations in Farmers' Markets
and has introduced his varieties to other organic growers.

Tom stays busy with his TaterMaterSeeds forum and is a moderator on
the Tomatoville.com for CrossTalk and Potato sub forums.

Tom currently lives in Everett, WA.  His plots are all organic and
shuns any chemicals applied to the soil.

Tom Wagner
8407 18th Ave. West
7-203
Everett, Washington
98204
425 512-0313
Cell 425 894 1123

Open Day at The Hollies

Open Day at the Hollies Centre

an opportunity to get to know The Hollies Centre for Practical
Sustainability discover our educational work, get an introduction to
the organic gardening methods without digging, visit the earthen
buildings, young woodlands and orchard, enjoy pizza from a clay oven…

Tours,talks and demonstrations

Sunday, 11th October 2009
2 – 5 pm
no charge, donations welcome

The Hollies Centre (on the Enniskeane-Coppeen Road, 2.5 miles from
Enniskeane on your right)
All Welcome

SEI Event - 9 October - Renewable Energy Technology

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is presenting a one-day event dedicated to the use and deployment of renewable energy technologies most notably solar, heat pumps and biomass heating systems in commercial, public (especially local authority buildings), community groups, school premises, sports associations, hotels, leisure centre's and hospitals.

Ireland's dependency on imported energy has grown to around 90%. Imported oil remains the dominant energy source with power generation and industrial production critically dependent on gas and oil. With the continued threat of climate change, the volatility of oil prices and the need to secure supplies of indigenous energy consumers in the non-residential sectors are beginning to look for less expensive and more secure sources of energy. Today, an increasing number of businesses and commercial consumers are enjoying the many benefits of renewable energy.

The growing interest in renewable energy is a result of a change in attitude, moving from just talking about cost effective energy efficient solutions, to actually doing something about it. Renewable energy related projects, from biomass boilers and heating plants of every size fuelled by wood to large scale solar installations are daily making the business headlines.

Delegates attending the free one-day event will certainly be offered a practical and in-depth insight into the key principles, techniques and many benefits on how renewable energy (solar, heat pumps and biomass) systems can be used to provide healthy, energy efficient and cost effective buildings in the non-residential sector. The day combines presentations from industry experts on the latest technology innovation who will share their expertise and provide detailed information on the options including the design and specification of solar, wood heating and heat pump systems for large buildings; with practical technology case studies and concludes with an optional visit to see the onsite solar system and biomass boilers in action.

Increasing energy from renewable energy resources and in particular bioenergy is national policy - the Government's White Paper Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland together with the recent introduction of financial incentives reflect the Governments approach and commitment to ensuring safe and secure energy supplies. They also set out the roadmap that will steer Ireland towards a new and sustainable energy future.

SEI administers a grant support programme the Renewable Heat (ReHeat) Deployment Programme that provides grant support of 30% for eligible costs for the installation of solar panels, heat pumps and biomass boilers fuelled by wood chip or wood pellets across the non-residential sector. The programme also provides support for applicants to carry out feasibility studies to assess the economic viability, potential savings and the overall practicality in installing renewable energy systems.

Feasibility studies are supported on a discretionary basis (cases of technical complexity or with innovative elements are preferred) up to a maximum of €5,000 for any project.

To register for the FREE event please email your full contact details to: renewables@reio.ie

For further information please contact:
Paul Dykes (Sustainable Energy Ireland)
T 023 8863393 E pauld@reio.ie

Web: www.sei.ie

Today's Woodlands - Our Resource for Tomorrow

TODAY'S WOODLANDS - OUR RESOURCE FOR
TOMORROW

4 - 15 October 2009

West Cork Area


"Today's Woodlands - Our Resource for Tomorrow" is a series of events celebrating all the multi-functional benefits trees and woodlands can bring to our lives.

A number of organisations in the forestry and farming, non-government and the state sector have come together to bring some of these benefits to the attention of the people of West Cork from the 4th October to the 15th October.

Further details are available from www.teagasc.ie/forestry.

Seminar - Trees -Why we need them!

Trees - Why we need them!

A Seminar associated with

Today's Woodlands – Our Resource for Tomorrow

 

"Life on earth is inconceivable without Trees"

– Anton Pavlovich Chekov

 

7 pm, Thursday, 8th October 2009

Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway, Co. Cork

Free Admission

 

Approximately 10% of the Republic of Ireland is covered in trees.  Their composition, contribution and value to our Country are often under appreciated or misunderstood.  This seminar will be of interest to those people who would like to learn more about our woodlands and trees. It is hoped those who attend the seminar will appreciate why we cannot live without trees.

 

PROGRAMME – 8TH OCTOBER 2009

7.00 Viewing of Woodland and Forest Sector Stands

7.45 Introduction to Seminar

Dr. Nuala Ní Fhlatharta, Teagasc

8.00 Origins of Irish Woodlands Mr. Eugene Curran, Forest Service

8.20 Trees, Forests and Climate Change Mr. John Redmond, Forest Service

8.40 Woodland Amenity and Recreation Mr. Bill Murphy, Coillte

9.00 The uses of Wood and Wood Products Mr. Tom Kent, WIT

9.20 Woodland and Forest Biodiversity Professor John O'Halloran, UCC

9.40 Discussion

10.00 Close

 

For further information contact:

Mr. Eugene Curran

Forest Service

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

087 2536576

Nano Nagle Centre Courses for October 2009

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2009

 

Homeopathy for Animals led by Tom Farrington

 

10am – 4.30pm

 

Cost:  €70 including, lunch, tea & coffee

 

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2009

 

Preserving Workshop led by Kitty Scully

 

1.30pm – 4.30pm

 

Cost:  €30 includes recipe booklet and yummy jams and chutney samples to take home!

 

WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2009

 

Preserving Workshop led by Kitty Scully

 

2.00PM – 5.00pm

 

Cost:  €30 includes recipe booklet and yummy jams and chutney samples to take home!

 

SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 2009

 

Livestock Grassland & Soil Management  led by Mary Lynch

 

10am – 4.30pm

 

Cost:  €60 including, lunch, tea & coffee

 

SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2009

 

Spinning & Dyeing Workshop

 

10am – 4.30pm

 

Cost:  €60 including, lunch, tea & coffee

 

Enquires can be directed to me at the following contact details. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Thanks for your help

 

Kind Regards

 

 

Kitty Scully

 

Farm Manager & Course Developer

Nano Nagle Centre

Ballygriffin

Mallow

Co Cork

 

Tel:        022 26411

Fax:        022 26953

Email:   kitty@nanonaglebirthplace.ie

www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie

 

PUBLIC NOTICE: CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSAL TO DESIGNATE AN ADDITIONAL WATER BODY IN CORK HARBOUR, FOR PROTECTION OR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE SHELLFISH WATERS DIRECTIVE (2006/113/EC)

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSAL TO DESIGNATE AN ADDITIONAL WATER BODY IN CORK HARBOUR, FOR PROTECTION OR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE SHELLFISH WATERS DIRECTIVE (2006/113/EC)

 

 

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government invites submissions from interested parties on the proposal to designate an additional water body, in Cork Harbour, for protection or improvement under the above Directive. Comments should relate to any of the following aspects – (1) site selection, and (2) site boundary.

 

The aim of the Shellfish Waters Directive is to protect or improve shellfish waters in order to support shellfish life and growth.  It is designed to protect the aquatic habitat of bivalve and gastropod molluscs, which include oysters, mussels, cockles, scallops and clams. The Directive requires Member States to designate waters that need protection in order to support shellfish life and growth.

 

The boundary of the proposed additional site has been drawn to ensure that it encompasses all of the active licensed aquacultural activity being undertaken in the area. The proposed boundary has been mapped for the site and is available for inspection on the Department's website, along with other information on the Shellfish Waters Directives at:

 

www.environ.ie/Water//Water Quality/Shellfish Waters Directive/

 

Alternatively, paper copies of the relevant map are available on request to the undersigned by phoning 053/9165539 or by emailing philip.donovan@environ.ie

 

Comments should be submitted by email or by post to:

 

by Post:  Philip Donovan

  Marine Environment Unit

  Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

  Johnstown Castle Estate

  Co Wexford

 

by email: philip.donovan@environ.ie

 

 

Closing date for receipt of submissions is 15th October 2009.

Lifetime Lab recieve international benchmark

Press Release - Immediate

Date                 - Oct 1^st

.

 

Lifetime Lab receive ISO 14001 accreditation from Minister for Trade and Commerce Mr. Billy Kelleher TD at recent presentation ceremony

 

Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr. John Buttimer commended the team at Lifetime Lab for the time and effort required to achieve accreditation of such a high standard, mentioning that Lifetime Lab was a jewel in the crown of  Cork City. "Lifetime Lab is held in high esteem by all at Cork City Council, and raising awareness in the areas of science, environment and sustainability will bring crucial long term benefits to the Cork area. The old waterworks is also a tribute to the industrial heritage of Cork with beautiful examples of Victorian architecture now preserved and more importantly opened to the public"

 

Speaking at the ceremony Minister Kelleher stressed the importance of Irish organisations achieving standards which could be benchmarked internationally, a further reminder to overseas companies as to why Ireland is such an attractive investment option. He added "Lifetime Lab has now added an international award to the impressive national portfolio of awards and accreditations.  "The model of Lifetime Lab is one that could be replicated across Ireland and is the showcase of best practice in areas such as design, operations and sustainability"

 

Lifetime Lab is located in the old Cork City Waterworks buildings on the Lee Road. The site now contains a Visitor Centre with interactive environmental exhibits, a steam centre with the original boilers and huge steam engines that were used to pump water to supply the City of Cork, a schools centre, a coffee dock, a picnic area and a children's playground and is fully wheelchair accessible.

 

For further information, please contact the Lifetime Lab at: 021-4941500 or view the website www.lifetimelab.ie

 

 

ISO 14001 Management Standard

 

In 1996, the International Standards Organisation (ISO) published the international standard for Environmental Management – ISO 1400; this was revised in 2004. It is designed to be compatible with other management standards, particularly the widely used ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard. Industrial companies, service organisations, utilities and public bodies worldwide have embraced ISO 14001 as the preferred model for environmental management.

An effective environmental management system based on ISO 14001 provides an organisation with a defined structure to allow them to more confidently and effectively manage environmental issues by:

 

·        establishing a policy and awareness that good environmental performance is a strategic objective of the organisation

·        focusing on the prevention of waste and pollution and on continual improvement of environmental performance

·        systematic analysis, planning, control and monitoring of all activities that may affect environmental performance

·        assisting companies to more effectively meet legislative and regulatory requirements

·        demonstrating to regulators, stakeholders and other interested third parties that a formal environmental management system is operational and effective

 

 

Further information available from Michael O' Brien, Senior Engineer,

Environment, Cork City Council

michael_obrien@corkcity.ie     

 

 

www.lifetimelab.ie