• The APHCI warns employers to ensure back to work procedures include taking measures in advance of opening premises to employees and the public.

 
Due to the current emergency situation, many non-essential businesses including hotels, bars, swimming pools, gyms and leisure facilities, retail outlets offices, dental clinics, factories, schools, colleges and training centres closed at short notice.
 
It is vital that before employees return to work, these businesses take the correct actions and ensure that all systems in their buildings are thoroughly flushed, cleaned and disinfected. These systems include but are not limited to; heating, plumbing, drains, coolers, humidifiers, air-conditioning, fridges, catering equipment, garden hoses and sprinklers.  Common risk points include bath, shower, basin and sink outlets, spas hot- tubs/whirlpool baths, but all systems should be risk accessed and dealt with appropriately.
 
Legionnaires disease is a potentially fatal lung infection (pneumonia) which can be caught by breathing in tiny water droplets, (aerosols) or contaminated particles left after the water has evaporated. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. It can be very serious particularly for the elderly or those with other health conditions. The risk increases for those over 45, males, smokers or those with impaired immune systems.
 
If legionella is present, the simple act of turning on a tap or shower can release the contaminated aerosol which can remain airborne for up to 30 minutes. A small hairdressers salon or an office with a single wash basin is at risk as well as larger businesses.
 
Legionella bacteria are found in low numbers in many water systems and are generally considered harmless, however with the correct conditions the bacteria can grow and multiply to dangerous levels. Legionella bacteria grow best at temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees centigrade, where there is water
stagnation and impurities in the water like sludge, limescale or rust that the bacteria can use for food. These conditions are currently present in many if not all closed business premises.
 
Members of the Association Plumbing and Heating Contractors Ireland along with their colleagues in the Heating and Plumbing Association of Ireland are concerned about the potential health risk to customers and staff are available to assist businesses big and small to safely recommission all systems.
 
Further information available on The Health Services Executive (HSE) and Health and safety Authority (HSA) Websites.
 
 

New car registrations for April declined 96.1% (344) when compared to April 2019 (8,904). As a result of COVID-19 retailer’s showrooms have remained closed since Mid-March, impacting heavily on sales. Registrations year to date are down 30.7% (50,626) on the same period last year (73,030).
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The commercial vehicle sector is also feeling the impact of closures, with Light Commercials vehicles (LCV) down 87.3% (229) compared to April last year (1,799) and year to date are down 25.3% (9,603). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are down 67.8% (98) in comparison to April 2019 (304). Year to date HGV's are down 9.9% (1,070).
Used car imports for April (199) seen a decrease of 97.8% on April 2019 (8,887). While year to date imports are down 50.5% (17,669) on 2019 (35,719).

The Make-A-Wish Ireland Charity are delighted to announce, that due to the incredible generosity of the Irish people, especially in these troubled times, that they have achieved their target of raising €80,000 through their annual Wish Day initiatives.
 
This year, being fraught with difficulty, forced the Charity to cancel their national on-street collections due to the outbreak of COVID 19. Following on from advice from the HSE and the Government, and in the interests of Public Health and Safety, the annual fundraiser became a “Virtual Wish Day” with members of the public being asked to donate through a dedicated text line, or via the charity’s website www.makeawish.ie  
 
Wish Day is a key fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Ireland who grant some 200 wishes annually for children with life threatening illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and heart disease.  
 
The charity receives no government support, and it is only through the kind donations of the general public that the work of Make-A-Wish can happen.
 
Make-A-Wish CEO Susan O’Dwyer says ‘We are absolutely delighted with this result. We cannot thank the general public, and media, enough for their support. A big thanks to our corporate partners and specifically SPAR who are still supporting this incredible organisation. Wish Day is critical to our fundraising, and in light of Covid-19, has become even more important to us as we know of at least 10 key fundraising events that have been cancelled for the months ahead. In times like this hope is even more important, and the hope and strength we give our children is critical to their abilities to battle their illness. Thank you so much for your ongoing support.’

LSL, the software company behind the successful Online Virtual Mart Sales at Carnaross in Meath, and Manorhamilton in Leitrim, last week, have now developed a further addition to the LSL App that allows all of the country’s Marts to re-open and start trading within days. 
 
LSL are very grateful for the Government’s backing of these two Marts, which generated sales close to 500 animals. This coming week sees pre-booked lots of over 800 animals in to Carnaross, and over 500 in Manorhamilton.
 
This new platform will allow the opening of all marts around the country within days. The process and software platform comply with the Government’s National Public Health Emergency Team and all Public Health Protocols.
 
“Livestock Live offer a free to use, and free of subscription, herd management section as part of the ‘LSL App’ and ‘Livestock Live’ website. The App is connected to the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine (DAFM), Animal Identification & Movement (AIM) database” said the CEO of LSL, Brendan Hannigan
 
This week the company have installed a new feature in the herd management ‘Farm Monitor’ area called ‘My e-Mart’.
 
This feature allows herd owners to select a mart, set up a lot number, and choose the animal/tag from the herd. The farmer takes a video of the animal at home, which includes the tag in the video and uploads it. Videos must include the tag number displayed. The seller can then enter an estimated weight, or if the herd owner owns a weighing scales, they can mark the weight as ‘weighed’. When the lot is saved, it is sent to the ‘My e-Mart Auction’ area of the App and the bidding can commence. Once sold the animal is brought to the mart for weigh-in and the mart facilitate payment. The buyer only pays the exact weight per kilo at mart weigh-in.
 
Many of the country’s 91 Marts have been enquiring about the software and how it might work for them. The new platform does not require the mart to install any equipment and therefore marts that signup to the LSL App, to facilitate buyers and sellers, can be up and running very quickly according to the company.
 
Livestock Marts provide a vital outlet for Irish farmers with over 1.5m cattle and at least 2.0m sheep sold very year. Most importantly they provide price transparency to farmers so they can compare market prices.

​Irish Agri Software development company ‘Livestock Live’ has come up with innovative options as a way of finding a solution to enable Irish Marts to operate through this Covid-19 crisis. 

Livestock Live (LSL) provide in-house software to Livestock Marts around Ireland for the last two years. They have developed a platform which, not only provides mart software, but also allows remote online bidding, video streaming and an online document solution. 

In other words, a ‘Farmer Free’ online livestock mart. 

LSL have been in communication with the Department of Agriculture, outlining their proposals and seeking guidance from the Minister. LSL are working with a number of marts around the country, with a view to put in place virtual auction protocols, under the guidance of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

They have proposed three separate options to find a way to keep the marts trading – those options are  - 

• to operate a video streaming virtual live auction where animals are dropped off and collected. No public would be on the mart premises. 
• to import the animal data from AIM, ICBF and Bord Bia to the auction. Videos are recorded at the farm and uploaded onto the platform. Estimated weights are entered (unless the seller has a weighing scales) After the auction, animals are organised to be delivered to the mart, weighed and price per kilo amended based on actual weight. Buyers collect animals at the mart. The mart use their internal software to report the movement to AIM. The mart facilitates the payment and collection of payments online to ensure sellers benefit from the mart guarantee payment scheme. 
• Similar to Option 2, LSL reports the ‘farm to farm’ movement via the LSL Farm Management App/software. The seller requests a certificate from AIM via the LSL App after the virtual online sale has completed. The bidding will mostly be based on estimated weights. The buyer must accept that the bids are placed based on the pre-recorded video and the estimated weight by the seller. The animals do not go to the mart to be weighed and each lot is sold as seen (pre-recorded video) and estimated weight. The buyer and seller arrange the transport of the lots directly.

Any Marts held under these new protocols would be in full compliance with the advice, and guidance of the National Public Health Emergency Team, with Public Health protocols fully adhered to

LSL currently supplies thee major livestock marts in Ireland namely Gortatlea in Kerry, Carnaross in Meath and Manorhamilton in Leitrim, which are amongst the most important marts in the country

Over the past number of weeks with the pending pandemic of COVID-19, LSL set out to combine years of developed technology to prepare for a situation where marts could be closed to the public, but that normal public auctions could be replaced by online trading. 

Due to COVID-19 public safety restrictions, LSL software can run solely online auctions at the marts to facilitate farm-to-farm sales with no public present at the mart. No public or farmers will enter the mart facilities. All bidding and viewing will be carried out entirely online.

LSL online bidding solution is an entirely ‘contactless’ system of selling live animals. All engagement with the farmer takes place online. It also ensures complete instant electronic compliance and checks to DAFM (Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine), and AIM (Animal Identification and Movement)regulations and movement compliance.

Last Tuesday (March 24th) LSL tested the final version of this concept, with a live mart at Carnaross, Co Meath, before the Government shut-down. Webcams were installed into the ring and online bidding via mobile phone and PC were tested. 

This was a pilot test with some farmers bidding and buying animals online via mobile App and PC’s remotely from the mart. This trial was very well received and exceeded expectations

The App is easily and readily available, at no charge to the farmer, via Android and Apple platforms.

Are you a PR graduate looking for an opportunity to gain experience in Ireland’s leading communications consultancy? 

Insight Consultants is seeking an enthusiastic, driven and media savvy (in traditional and online PR) intern to join its award-winning team, starting this coming May/June.  

The successful intern will gain valuable experience working alongside a dynamic and multi-award-winning team of experienced communications professionals and across a varied client portfolio, supporting the delivery of exciting brand strategy and creative communications campaigns in a fun and focused team environment.

Insight Consultants services include: Media Relations, Consumer PR, Social, Media, Engagement, Corporate and Healthcare Communications, Political Lobbying, Crisis Management, Media and Presentation Training.


JOB DESCRIPTION:
Under the supervision of an Account Executive or Account Manager an Intern is expected to:

• Perform day-to-day client account work which will normally include: media monitoring, drafting a wide range of written materials, assisting in co-ordinating events and developing and maintaining client and media contacts

 

• Excellent communications skills both written and spoken

 

• Be familiar with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet search engines

 

• Have a keen interest in both consumer and public affairs

 

• Maintain a can do attitude for the role and a high level of proactiveness

 

• Work towards developing media relations skills by having a strong working knowledge of the media both in traditional and online spheres

 

• Manage own time for optimum productivity and have the ability to priortise tasks

 

• Be digitally and social media savvy and demonstrate real and tangible outcomes

 

• Continually seek out new ways to learn and improve skills

 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• ​Each morning newspapers to be reviewed and a synopsis of any relevant articles circulated to all staff

 

• Assist PR team with day–to-day press activity, media event planning activities

 

• Responsible for the updating of media lists and blog/vlog and other databases

 

• Issuing of press releases and follow up with media

 

• Monitoring newspapers and magazines for coverage and scanning for distribution to teams and clients

 

• Reporting responsibility - media evaluations and other reports as directed

 

• Administration: phone, stationery orders, post, taxis, couriers

 

• Responsible for meeting / greeting all visitors to the office

 

• Managing media drops

 
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BS/BA/MBS/MBA. Communications, journalism, marketing, business, or other. 1+ years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience

 

• Excellent written and spoken English is a necessary requirement

 

Does this sound like the ideal opportunity for you? Then we want to hear from you!
​
Please send your CV and cover letter to advice@insightconsultants.ie

7 YEARS GIFTING MORE THAN 8,000 CHRISTMAS ANNUALS TO 23 CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL UNITS THIS CHRISTMAS
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Folens, one of Ireland’s leading educational publishers, is celebrating 60 years in business, during which it has entertained and educated children with their much-loved Annuals. Even today, interest and excitement has not diminished thanks to their engaging and current content.


Christmas 2018 marks the seventh year of the Folens Christmas Annual Charity Campaign. The campaign, which has proved incredibly successful over the years, involves thousands of Christmas Annuals being donated to children’s wards across the country.


Entitled ‘Súgradh, Sonas, Siamsa and Spraoi’, the Folens Christmas Annual evokes memories of childhood. Christmas stockings hanging over the fireplace packed with treats, family fun and always a Christmas Annual from Folens to provide a day full of entertainment.


Elizabeth Ivory, Marketing Manager at Folens, said; “Now in its seventh year, the Folens Christmas Annual Charity Campaign reminds us of the challenges faced by children receiving care as well as their families. Every year our Christmas Annuals help to lift spirits and add a little festive cheer. 

“Over the last six years, we have donated thousands of Christmas Annuals to the many children’s wards throughout the country. This year we will donate a further 8,000 annuals and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Children in Hospital Ireland play volunteers and all of the children’s care units for their continued help and support.”


Anna Gunning, CEO of Children in Hospital Ireland, said: “We are always delighted to partner with Folens on this initiative and we know how much this means to the children who may have to spend time in hospital over the Christmas period.  The CHI volunteers in the hospitals love distributing these annuals and taking the opportunity to read these with the young patients in hospital.”    


The Folens Christmas Annual Charity Campaign would not be possible without the support of the dedicated volunteers of Children’s Hospital Ireland (CHI), who help to distribute the annuals throughout children’s wards nationwide. CHI is a voluntary organisation working directly with children in hospitals to help them cope with illness and hospitalisation through the provision of daily play sessions and provides ongoing support to families.


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For further information on Folens Christmas Annuals, please log on to www.folens.ie/Christmas18

This October Bank Holiday weekend saw an outstanding 27,300 pass through the doors of the RDS Simmonscourt to visit the 250 exhibitors at the Autumn permanent tsb Ideal Home Show. An overall satisfaction rate of 99% was recognised amongst both visitors and exhibitors alike.


The 250 exhibitors showcased a wide range of products and services across the Bank Holiday weekend, including bespoke furniture, innovative products and interiors.


The scale of the sales success spanned across all sectors, from high tech home automation systems to beautiful bespoke creations and interiors. Windows, doors, soft furnishings and home décor were in high demand, as were insulations, energy systems and home security.


Sean D. Lemass, CEO of SDL Exhibitions Ltd commented: “This weekend’s Autumn 2018 permanent tsb Ideal Home Show confirmed beyond doubt that The Celtic Tiger is back. Not only was this the largest edition of the event since 2007 completely filling all of the 10,500 Sq. Metres of exhibition space in the RDS Simmonscourt Pavilion, but it attracted over 27,000 home owners who were investing in the properties, comfort and lifestyle at a rate that has not been seen at any event in Ireland for over a decade.
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From high end art to luxury hand made kitchens and bespoke furniture  and from complete home renovations and rebuilds to giant static swim jacuzzis there was no shortage of business for the 250 high calibre exhibitors participating.”


SuperValu celebrity ambassadors cooked up a storm for the visitors across the 4 day event at the Chefs LIVE Theatre, with recipes such as Bressie’s pomegranate chicken wings and Kevin Dundon’s winter warmers proving to be firm crowd favourites. 


Kirstie McDermott of House & Home Magazine hosted a number of talks on the House & Home Interiors and Design Theatre across the weekend, including a chat with television’s Quantity Surveyor Patricia Power and Niamh Donnelly of permanent tsb who provided their top tips on how first time buyers can approach the first steps of the property ladder.


Roisin Murphy, designer of the Cúl Art House also spoke to Kirstie about how to eliminate clutter in the home and make your bedroom the perfect place for a better nights’ sleep.


The Colourtrend Interior Design Forum was extremely popular amongst visitors, the 7 room sets created by some of Ireland’s best interior designers were decorated with bespoke pieces provided visitors with ideas and inspiration for their own home décor projects. Rebecca Roe of HedgeRoe Designs was announced as the winner of the project, by designing a living room inspired by a hint of exotic. Throughout her room set she used a tarnished gold paint by Colourtrend called ‘Tobacco Plant’ which complimented HedgeRoe’s hand-block printed wall panels. Second place was awarded to Rachel Hobbs Design, who created al fresco inspired outdoor retreat.


The show’s title sponsor permanent tsb had their team on hand to help with financial needs including mortgages, home insurance, current accounts, personal loans and much more.

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The permanent tsb Ideal Home Show returns to the RDS in Spring 2019. Log on to www.idealhome.ie for further information.

Members of the public in Drogheda are being invited to attend an important information briefing on arrangements for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2018. The event, which is hosted by the local Fleadh Executive Committee and supported by Louth County Council, will be held on Thursday 21st June between 4pm and 7:30pm at the Drogheda Youth Development building on Narrow Street West.

A panel of representatives will lead the briefing from the Fleadh Executive Committee, Louth County Council, An Garda Síochána and Safe Events. The briefing will allow members of the public to review plans for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and address any issues they may have with regard to traffic disruption, road closures and transport links during the week- long event.

Joan Martin Chief Executive of Louth County Council said: “The initiative will allow members of the public to voice any concerns they have in relation to preparations for the Fleadh or during the week of the Fleadh commencing in August. A team of experts will be on hand to answer queries and ally any fears which may be expressed during the information briefing”

Lolo Robinson Chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee (FEC) said: “The FEC and Louth Council are committed to working closely with the public to ensure that minimum disruption is caused during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann”
 
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the largest celebration of Irish music, song and dance in the world and this year’s event marks the first time that the festival will be held on the north east coast of the country. Fleadh Drogheda, which is supported by main sponsor the Credit Union, will be held from 12th – 19th of August and boasts some of the country’s most talented musicians, singers and dancers including Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill, Zoë Conway, Damien Dempsey, Pádraigín Ni Uallacháin, Sibéal Davitt and Gerry O’Connor.

For further information on the special briefing session on Wednesday 30th May, please contact info@fleadhcheoil.ie .

Members of the Drogheda & District Vintners & Hoteliers and their suppliers have announced a significant sponsorship deal as part of their commitment and support for Drogheda Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2018.
The deal, set to be worth in excess of €100,000, has the backing of all publicans in Drogheda who collectively employ in the region of 300 staff. Publicans and their suppliers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes for many months to put the package together.
The sponsorship is just one of a number of initiatives announced by publicans and their suppliers, who have also launched their unique Fleadh Pub guide and website set to be officially unveiled on Tuesday the 19th of June at the Westcourt Hotel in Drogheda at 5pm.
Brian Browning, a member of the VFI Drogheda and District, said:“This significant sponsorship deal would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of suppliers who were not found wanting throughout the entire process”.
Colette Nugent Chairperson of Louth VFI said: “Publicans in Drogheda have made considerable financial investment in both their premises and staff over the past months to ensure that they will be Fleadh ready in order to provide their customers with a unique Fleadh visitor experience. Extra staff and resources will be in place to deal with the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected during the Fleadh in August.”
The user friendly detailed Fleadh Pub guide compiled in association with suppliers will allow visitors to the town identify, at a glance, the location of pubs and details of entertainment and other services provided by them during the Fleadh.
Similar information will also be provided online on the designated website which is set to be activated on the night.