Education Grants for County Meath Community/Voluntary Groups

Available November 2012

• Applications are invited from community and voluntary groups who have not received funding from Co. Meath VEC’s Community Education Programme in the past.
• Co. Meath VEC’s Community Education Service provides tuition hours to community or voluntary organisations that wish to run learning programmes in their own areas.
• “Programmes should aim to develop the individual’s self confidence and educational skills base in order to enable and facilitate their development and participation in the life of their community”

In line with Government guidelines for usage of funding, priority will be given to courses/programmes which:

• ØSpecifically target educational disadvantage
• ØAddress self development, confidence building and skills enhancement for group members
• ØFacilitate and encourage participation in educational activity from all sectors of our community
• ØPromote social inclusion

The latest date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 30^th November at 4pm. Application forms are downloadable from www.meathvec.ie or are available by contacting:

Jackie BreenCommunity Education ServiceThe Alpha Learning CentreCo. Meath VECAbbey Road, Navan, Co. MeathTel. 046-9068285 E-mail: jbreen@meathvec.ie

Doherty welcomes funding to facilitate reopening of Bellewstown Bridge

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) welcomed confirmation that €92,000 in funding is being made available to ensure Bellewstown Bridge can be reopened as soon as possible.
“I am glad to hear that the National Roads Authority has agreed to transfer €92,000 to Meath County Council for works on the bridge, following a request from the local authority. This money will be used to pay for remedial works on the bridge, so it can reopen as soon as possible.

“The bridge has been closed for almost three weeks now, and it has been causing some considerable disruption to local people and other motorists who travel this route on a daily basis. It was closed in the first place due to structural concerns, so it is welcome that these concerns will now be addressed with remedial works.

“I would urge Meath County Council to ensure work is carried out on the bridge as quickly as possible, so any further disruption can be kept to a minimum. Bellewstown Bridge is an historic structure, which has been used by local people for centuries. I hope that the repair works will ensure it can be preserved into the future.

“The sooner these works are completed and people can begin to use this route as normal, the better.”

County Council unites citizens of Meath in Christmas jobs drive - Meath County Council is bringing together individuals, businesses and students in a drive to attract new business into the county.

Its ‘Whatever your business…Make it Meath ’ campaign invites everybody in the county to promote the benefits of setting up a business in Meath among their friends and contacts throughout the world.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Niamh McGowan, said that Meath County Council had put together support programmes to assist the local community to attract new business to Meath.

“With many of our emigrant citizens returning to Meath for Christmas, we are asking everybody to make sure that our visitors are invited to promote Meath as an ideal location to set up a new business or open a European office.

“We have a comprehensive promotional brochure available from our offices or at any library in the county. It highlights the benefits of working and living in Meath and provides information on a number of individual towns in the county.

For individuals or companies who wish to have the information posted to a contact abroad please contact us on 046- 909 7000 or email: edi@meathcoco.ie

“Those who have businesses in the county are asked to promote Meath among their high level business contacts, especially those abroad. Indeed successful business people who are now retired may wish to support the campaign by sharing their international business contacts abroad. By working together we can attract new companies to the county and generate jobs,” she said.

Research by Meath County Council’s Economic Development and Innovation Unit has identified that each and every member of the community has a wealth of contacts in Ireland and throughout the world.

They include business executives either working in or from Meath who regularly travel overseas, solicitors and accountants with clients who may be in a position to invest in Meath, local clergy whose parishioners are now working abroad and local schools who can identify high profile former students who could help bring businesses to the county.

Mr Frank Harrington, President, Navan Chamber of Commerce welcomed the initiative from Meath County Council and has urged all Chambers of Commerce in the county to come together to make sure that all their contacts receive the promotional brochure.

“This united approach will bear fruits in terms of attracting industry and commerce to Meath. The support of all the Chambers of Commerce and the advice and assistance of the key state agencies in the county will make sure that directors and their families of those companies coming here have access to the best advice and assistance available in the county,” he said.


Mr Kevin Stewart said that if the county was to attract new business, then it’s up to each and every one of us working and living here to get out there and sell the benefits.

“These benefits include a high quality of life, access to quality education as well as excellent infrastructure, premier business locations, easy access to major towns and cities and a wealth of skills currently available in Meath. Our workforce has a wealth of skills in the majority of industry sectors and fluency in a wide variety of languages.

“We are of the view that if you don’t ask companies to consider Meath as a location, they won’t. We need everybody working together to ask international business people to set up in Meath. And we have had a great response from every section of the community in Meath and we are confident that if we all promote Meath abroad, we will attract new business. We also have the support of the State agencies in the county to help companies to set up in Meath,” he said.

Meath County Council’s Economic Development and Innovation brochure, ‘Whatever your business… Make it Meath”, showcases the economic case for locating a start up in Meath. It provides an overview of the county with an economic profile insert for 7 key locations in the county.

Further information and a copy of the brochure is available from www.meath.ie/business

Health Committee to seek information from HSE on pregnancy counselling services allegations

At its meeting today, the Joint Committee on Health and Children considered the matter of recent allegations printed in a national newspaper concerning services at HSE funded pregnancy counselling services.

Following the meeting the Joint Committee decided to write to the HSE requesting the following information as a matter of urgency;

· Has a formal investigation been commenced by the Health Service Executive in respect of the alleged advice given by counsellors at the clinics referred to?

· If an investigation has commenced, what will be the terms of reference and scope of the investigation? What will be the timescale involved in such an investigation to complete to report stage? In particular, will the investigation examine the actions of the service providers only or will it also look at the role of the HSE in this matter? And who will be carrying out the investigation?

· If an investigation has commenced, what is the basis or authority for such an investigation? Further, what procedures will be adopted in respect of the investigation?

· Is the HSE aware of any investigation by An Garda Síochána into the alleged incidents?

· Is the HSE aware of any internal review being carried out by any of the organisations referred to into the alleged incidents?

· What actions were carried out by the HSE in the period of weeks before these articles were printed, during which time the HSE was in possession of the transcripts referred to in the article?

video on state intervention

Staff from Louth Meath Hospitals to host information events to mark World Diabetes Day 2012

World Diabetes Day takes place on Wednesday 14 November 2012. To mark the occasion the diabetes department in Louth/Meath Hospital Group are inviting members of the public to attend free diabetes information events in Louth County Hospital, Dundalk and Our lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes, or people at risk of developing diabetes are encouraged to visit the Outpatients Department in Louth County Hospital or the health promotion corner on the ground floor of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital between 10am and 4pm on the day. Staff from the diabetes department will be on hand to provide advice and information on managing diabetes, in relation to food, foot-care, and pre-pregnancy planning for women with diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes.

Diabetes is now recognised as one of the most chronic diseases of the 21st century. It is estimated that 366 million people worldwide have diabetes, with the number expected to reach some 380 million by 2025. In Ireland, it is estimated 240,000 people have diabetes – half of which are unaware of it.

Speaking in advance of the diabetes information events, Pauline O’ Hanlon diabetes nurse specialist Louth Meath Hospital Group said, “Many people could have type 2 diabetes for over seven years without realising it. It's very important to be aware of the risk factors, which include being overweight, having a family history of the illness, and in relation to women, if they have a history of gestational diabetes or have had large babies (over 10lb). However, both type 2 and type 1 diabetes can be managed effectively by incorporating a healthy diet and physical activity, monitoring blood glucose, medication and attending for regular follow up with their GP or diabetes hospital clinic."

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic, potentially debilitating and often fatal disease. The disease occurs as a result of problems with the production and supply of insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps ‘sugar’ (glucose) to leave the blood and enter the cells of the body to be converted into energy.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes (previously referred to as insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetes) occurs when the body does not produce insulin. It can affect people of any age, but usually occurs in children or young adults. People with this form of diabetes need injections of insulin every day in order to control the levels of glucose in their blood.
In Type 2 diabetes (previously called non-insulin dependent diabetes or mature-onset diabetes) the body cannot use the insulin it produces effectively. The onset of type 2 diabetes is linked to genetic factors but obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet increase the risks of it occurring. In the past, it was thought of as a disease of the elderly. However, due to the rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in children and young adults.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes. Worldwide, many millions of people have type 2 diabetes without even knowing it.
Gestational Diabetes
Some women develop a third, usually temporary, type of diabetes called ‘gestational diabetes’ when they are pregnant. Gestational diabetes develops in 2-5% of all pregnancies, but usually disappears when the pregnancy is over. Women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on.
Recognizing diabetes
The onset of type 1 diabetes is often sudden and dramatic and can include symptoms such as:
Abnormal thirst and a dry mouth
Frequent urination
Extreme tiredness/lack of energy
Constant hunger
Sudden weight loss
Slow-healing wounds
Recurrent infections
Blurred vision

The same symptoms that are listed above can also affect people with type 2 diabetes, but usually the symptoms are less obvious. The onset of type 2 diabetes is gradual and therefore hard to detect. Indeed, some people with type 2 diabetes show no obvious symptoms early on. These people are often diagnosed several years later, when various complications are already present.

Risk Factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes
Being overweight
Family history of Type 2 Diabetes
History of Gestational Diabetes (Women)
Women who had large babies (over 10lb)

Life-threatening complications
Poorly controlled blood-glucose can result in short and long-term complications, many of which, if not prevented and left untreated, can be fatal.Diabetes is among the top 10 causes of disability, resulting in life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, lower limb amputations, kidney failure and blindness.All have the potential to reduce the quality of life of people with diabetes and their families.

Diabetes can be prevented
Early detection and the adoption of proven measures to prevent diabetes can significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, delay its onset or at least reduce its impact. People with type 2 diabetes can usually control the level of glucose in their blood by following a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, and oral medication (tablets).
For people with type 1 diabetes, it is not yet possible to prevent the condition. However, much can be done to prevent or delay diabetes complications by healthy eating, regular physical activity, medication and regular follow-up with the GP or diabetes clinic.

Julianstown Community Garden for 2013 Livcom awards

Meath took four of the top prizes in the All-Island IPB Pride of Place Competition at a gala awards ceremony in Thomond Park, Limerick, atthe weekend.


 Third Age, Summerhill, scooped the prize in Category eight, which a special award category for Active Elderly in the Community.

 The judges said: 'This group has long since recognised the value of older people engaged and contributing in their own communities for as long as possible. Responsive and dynamic, the impressive number of services on offer continues to evolve as needs emerge and change. A local project has developed into a sophisticated, efficient and resourcefuloperation modelling a community where older people are valued, remain in the mainstream of life and enjoy good and effective relationships across the generations'.

 Meath were also runners-up in three categories. Kilmessan, Co Meath took runner up prize in Category 4, for populations of between1000 and 2000, while Julianstown Community Garden, Co Meath took runner up prize in Category 7, a single issue category for Community Gardens. Hillview Estate, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath was runner up in Category 9, a single issue category for Housing Estates.

 It was also announced that Julianstown Community Garden was nominated for the 2013 International Livcom Competition.

 At the event the winners were congratulated and presented with their award by Jan O'Sullivan Minister of State, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, Christopher Moran Chairman Co-operation Ireland, Tom Dowling, Chairman of the Pride of Place Committee and IPB Chief Executive Ronan Foley.

 More that 400 representatives from practically every county in Ireland attended the event where the winners of the 10th consecutive annual competition revealed. They were announced by Will Leahy, 2FM presenter.
 During the evening, the Minister paid tribute to all the participating groups who work tirelessly to create and promote pride in their cities, towns and villages.
 The All-Island Pride of Place Competition recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It differs from other similar projects in that they specifically recognise the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration including, promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage and environmental awareness.
 The competition is run by Co-operation Ireland in conjunction with the Pride of Place Steering Committee. This year the competition has been renamed the 'All-Island IPB Pride of Place Competition in association with Co-operation Ireland' thanks to the sponsorship from Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd

Deputy Doherty speaking in the Dáil on the Children's Referendum

New initiative to generate jobs strategy for rural Ireland

Pat Spillane to Head Up New Commission

The Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, announced today (5.11.2012) that Pat Spillane will be the Chairman of the new Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA).

Minister Hogan said: “Getting people back to work remains this Government’s number one objective. Building on the Action Plan for Jobs, Jobsbridge and the new initiatives I announced inPutting People First which empowers Local Government to drive economic development and create jobs at a local level, I am now establishing a new Commission that will generate a jobs strategy for rural Ireland. Too often policy is created at central government, I believe it is the people on the ground, who often have the answers to the challenges we are facing. The Commission will examine the non farming, “outside the farm gate”aspects of economic development in rural areas and undertake an extensive public consultation on the future economic potential of rural Ireland and how best to channel funding and resources between 2013 and 2025.”

“The differential degree of economic development and the variable impacts of the economic downturn between urban and rural areas will be examined in detail by the Commission in order to ensure that appropriate measures are identified to inform the development of strategies that support rural Ireland into the future. This new Commission is particularly relevant given that unemployment has increased more in rural areas particularly in small towns since the economic crisis began.”

A number of commitments relating to economic development contained in the Programme for Government, in particular, commitments to encourage job creation and sustainable enterprise development, are reliant on the ability of all parts of Ireland to contribute to economic growth going forward.

The Commission will involve 3 stages:

• A nationwide consultation of rural stakeholders including employers, unions, farm bodies, community organisation and the public sector
• Research and analysis of economic factors affecting rural areas
• The preparation of a report supporting the medium-term economic development of the Rural Areas for the period to 2025

Commenting on the appointment of the Chairman, Minister Hogan said: “Pat Spillane is the ideal candidate to act as Chairman of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas. He has been a leader throughout his life, whether it be on the sporting field, where he won 9 All-Star awards, in his professional life as a School Principal in St. Gobán's College, Bantry or in his media career. Coming form a rural area Templenoe in County Kerry, where he lives with his wife and three children, and helping since his childhood days in running the family pub business, he has direct experience of the challenges facing rural Ireland. He is a passionate, enthusiastic and non-partisan champion of rural issues. Pat will do a great job in working with the Commission to deliver recommendations to create jobs in rural Ireland.”

Welcoming the CEDRA, Minister Simon Coveney TD, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine said: “The Government is determined to pursue policies that can keep young people in their Communities in rural Ireland. This Rural Commission is about talking and listening to people living in rural parishes across the country as the basis of policy development to maximise the potential for jobs and rural communities. We have a very clear development and growth plan for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food sector but there are other areas that need to be supported and developed in rural Ireland- that’s what this Commission is all about.”

Pat Spillane on accepting his role said:“I am delighted to be able to accept this important appointment. The unemployment situation is the real national crisis, affecting people deeply, the length and breadth of the land. It has particularly affected young people, who are struggling to get employment, many of whom are being forced to emigrate, decimating the fabric of rural society. I look forward to working with the members of the Commission to try to come up with ideas that will help to alleviate this situation.”

The Commission is established under the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and will be supported by an Executive led by Prof. Cathal O’Donoghue, Head of the Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme in collaboration with officials in the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and the Western Development Commission for the research and consultation process.

Commenting on his lead research role, Cathal O’Donoghue said: “Teagasc and I are honoured to be able to support the Commission. We in Teagasc have previous experience in providing research support to the Food Harvest 2020 Committee that developed the Agri-Food Strategy. Together with our partners, we will provide whatever support we can to facilitate the mission of the Commission. The work of the Commission is particularly relevant for our stakeholders as Farm households have been particularly affected by the down turn with the off-farm employment rate of farmers falling back to late 1990’s levels. On the other hand the Food Harvest 2020 strategy for the Agri-Food sector has a target to generate 25000 new jobs and thus the sector can make a substantial impact on rural job creation.” The focus of the Commission’s work will be on “outside the farm gate” dimensions of economic development.

A practical contribution of the Commission will be the recruitment of a group of interns under the Job Bridge programme, who will train with the Commission and get skills in Event Management, Research, Web technology, Media, Administration and Project Management.

The Commission has a defined remit and timeframe and its main output will be a report that aims to inform medium term economic development of rural areas for the period to 2025. The report will be short and specific and will take a multi-sectoral approach. The Public Consultation process will include 17 public meetings to be held all over the country in January, March and April of 2013. The full Commission will also meet each month (except March) until October 2013 when it is planned to publish the report. Outside of the public consultation process there will also be a number of individual stakeholder meetings with civil society organisations representing among others, Youth, Farmers, Women, Older people, Academic Institutions and Government Departments and relevant state agencies.

The Minister will announce the membership of the Commission later in the week. The membership will represent a broad set of people from different backgrounds, with significant experience and expertise in the Rural Economy. The membership comprises both public and private sectors, bringing practical, government and research experience.

Curraha Juvenile GAA - Table Quiz

Table Quiz

Curraha Juvenile GAA

Are Holding a

 Quiz Night

In

Swans Lounge

Curraha

Fri 23 November @ 8:30pm

Ciaran 0872253778   Tomas  0866078914 Brian   0876275100  Padraic 0874126976 Cecil   0862445247    Denis    0866003334

 Table four      €40