One local tour opporator came highly recommended, his name is Seán O’Connor. We booked the tour for 6 people and off we went. Well, having lived near the Dingle area for many years I thought I had a pretty good idea of the history and sights. However, Seán’s knowledge of Dingle history and folklore far surpassed my own and despite a few light showers of rain, we really enjoyed the the tour.

It turns out that Seán has also worked with film production companies in the past, not just to drop-off and pick-up directors and cast, but to also share his knowledge of Dingle with their location managers.

Without hesitation I recommend you contact Seán O’Connor if you are planning a bus or coach tour of Dingle.

Visit Seán’s website at http://dingletourskerry.com

According to figures released by Tourism Ireland there was a 12% drop in visitors to Ireland during 2009. That amounts to a staggering 600,000 less visitors travelling to Ireland this year compared to the same period in 2008. (See: http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1203/tourism.html)

Tourism Ireland’s Chief Executive Niall Gibbons has committed the organisation to an aggressive marketing strategy to boost next year’s visitor numbers by a target 3%. While this is welcomed from the accommodation sector there is still a short fall 9% on 2008 figures, if that goal is achieved. Add to this a massive over supply of hotel rooms being offered at lowest possible rates.

What does this mean for the small family run business in the Irish accommodation sector?

It means that 2010 will be another tough year. And when income levels drop it is tempting to cut out advertising and promotional budgets to make up the short fall. While this will provide short-term savings the long-term effect could be devastating to your accommodation business.

What You Should Do – Focus On Your Marketing And Advertising For 2010

Now more than ever accommodation providers need to focus on their advertising and marketing plans. Look for ways to be more competitive, offer more value for money and ensure you can be found when customers are looking for accommodation in your area.

Spend Your Advertising Budget Wisely

The most cost effect method of advertising is online. Many accommodation businesses use web portal services that take a commission per sale. Most Irish B&B’s have their own website and those who are most successful online ensure to take advantage of other low-cost online advertising opportunities.

The Key To Your B&B Being Found Online

The key to your B&B being found online is to ensure you have more web pages promoting your business and more links to those web pages than your competition. Use free listings (sites such as http://bbkerry.our-ireland.com (Kerry accommodation only) and http://browseireland.com) and set-up membership pages/websites within accommodation networks.

Now Is The Time To Act

The more of the web you ‘own’ the more competitive you become online. Take action now, create a marketing plan, register with http://bbkerry.our-ireland.com, and look for ways to add more value.

If you do not yet have a website for your accommodation business contact Starter Websites for stunning and affordable website design. You will also receive free advice on how to effectively promote your website online.

While it is encouraging to hear Tourism Ireland are taking action to improve visitor numbers to Ireland, it is important that YOU take action yourself to ensure you profit for 2010.

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Author: Peter McCormack
Internet Marketing & SEO Specialist, Starter Websites

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For just four days in October the

Building on the success of previous years, this Jazz festival offers not just a chance to listen to the music but also a chance to get involved. A number of workshops are will be available throughout the weekend so visitors can learn all about this great musical style and what makes it different from other forms of music. There is also a chance to learn how to develop your ‘inner pulse’ as well as gaining a better appreciation for the importance of each instrument in making the sound. Admission is free but places are strictly limited so it is recommended to get there early in order to secure a place. For those who are new Jazz the Cork’s Guinness Jazz festival is a great place to find out more.

With a wide range of jazz styles being played from cool jazz to free jazz the festival will also be a hit with those who are already a fan. The main three venues for the music will be the Everyman Palace Theatre, The Cork Opera House and the Trisket Arts Centre. There will also be a number of events taking place through the city with over forty clubs, pubs and bars hosting Jazz acts.

Cork city is located in the province of Munster and is one of the traditional cities of Ireland. Steeped in History it truly is a beautiful city in which to wander and soak up the culture. Situated on the River Lee, the city centre has been shaped by the river’s channels. Cork’s Harbour is truly stunning and is the world’s second largest natural harbour, beaten to the title only by Sydney Harbour in Australia. A great number of the buildings in the city centre have been built in a Georgian style, which gives a great feel for times gone past.

Interspersed amongst this living history are a number of examples of great modern architecture including the County Hall tower. There are a number of great accommodation options in the city for those wishing to stay, which range in price from budget to luxury. Visitors who come to the Jazz festival may also wish to take some time to visit the surrounding area, which is home to some stunning countryside as well as a number of satellite towns. One of the best ways to get around is to hire a car for the duration of stay, which will make seeing the City of Cork, the Jazz and the nearby area, easy and stress free.

From The Seanad Debate 23 Sept 09:

Senator Mark Daly: “…Will the Leader invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to the House to discuss the siting of mobile telephone masts? A clause in Kerry County Council’s development plan, supported by all councillors, stipulates that masts should not be located close to schools or hospitals.

I am sure the Cathaoirleach is delighted that the Kerry football team was victorious in last weekend’s All-Ireland final.”

(Thanks to Senator Daly for voicing concerns about this matter. We expect there will be more discussions around this topic in the Seanad and national media very soon).

Other Findings

We have also uncovered interesting findings regarding the positioning of masts in villages and towns, which is supposed to be the LAST resort when all other options are ruled out. More details on this shortly…

Meeting

There is a meeting in Annascaul Community Centre Friday 25th Sept at 9:30. Representatives from several political parties will be present as well as members of the media. Full details will be published afterwards.

The village has been the scene of community protests for several weeks as locals struggle to stop the erection of a 15 metre tetra mast in the heart of their picturesque village.

Besides the harmful impact the unsightly mast will have on tourism there is also the health fears associated with tetra mast technology. Both reasons put forward by Kerry County Council for its rejection of planning permission for the mast; and An Bord Pleanálas own expert advisor strongly recommending the mast be located outside of the village.

What’s Really Behind These Tetra Masts?

Apparently the sole purpose for the tetra mast is to connect emergency services. However, many locals now believe the true motivation behind tetra masts is to build a nationwide network of masts that mobile operators will rent space on to expand their coverage. Tetra Ireland were asked to provide in writing a promise that the mast will not be used for commercial purposes in the future; they have refused to do so.

Whatever Tetra Ireland, Threefold and Eircom’s real motivation for erecting a tetra mast in Annascaul village is, locals will continue to oppose the construction through peaceful protest and lobbying.

“The Rising Of The Moon”

During a late night meeting (21 Sept 09), two dozen protestors huddled into a tiny village meeting room to plan protests for the rest of September and to organise for next months campaign. There was no shortage of volunteers to maintain a 24 hour presence on the site despite the nights growing colder. Men and women of every age are prepared to face the elements and any other hardships in order to protect their children’s health and the rights of the Annascaul community.

Even The Smallest Voice Must Be Heard

While children in other villages and towns enjoy Community Week festivities; the children of Annascaul are busy helping their parents make protest signs. As they take their place in the protest line beside their neighbours, parents and grandparents, they are learning that even the smallest voice must be heard when a community unites.

Just as David stood against Goliath the families and community of Annascaul is united in their stand against Threefold, Tetra Ireland and Eircom.

I Love Tetra Ireland And Threefold

A letter posted to TD’s and press today (16 Sept 09):

“To Whom It Concerns,

The Annascaul community is involved in a ‘David and Goliath’ type struggle against the erection of a 15 metre Tetra mast in the heart of our village.

Please read the attached letter that outlines the concerns of the Annascaul community.

For press info and image resources see the following pages:

http://our-ireland.com/residents-oppose-threefold-tetra-mast-in-annascaul/ (includes links to press)
http://our-ireland.com/annascaulprotesttetra.html (more images added daily)

Press coverage to date include, Kerry Radio, The Kerryman, Kerry’s Eye, Independent, Irish Times, TnaG.

We are calling TD’s and Councillors to help us project our community and Press Offices to publicise our plight. We are also trying to connect with other communities that have been, or are, involved in a similar struggle so our combined voices cannot be ignored.”

The letter is below:

A Chara,

On behalf of the community of the picturesque village of Annascaul we would like to bring to your attention our concern over the current erection of a 15m mast for the emergency services in the heart of the pretty village.

First and foremost we would like to point out that we are not against the technology and would welcome any improvements in the emergency services. We are primarily against the location (situated across from the green area with the Tom Crean statue and next to listed buildings and residential homes) which was refused planning permission by Kerry County Council in June 2008 on the grounds of their 1km rule:

“Telecommunication masts shall not be located within 1km of residential properties, schools, hospitals or any structures where there is human occupancy for residential or daily work purposes”.

Tetra Ireland appealed to An Bord Pleanála, whose senior inspector strongly recommended refusal of permission based on the fact that it would be

“visually obtrusive and would have a significant impact on the visual amenities of the area….it would seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity  be contrary to planned objectives to protect the natural settings of the village and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”

However and rather surprisingly, given the location and the environmental impact, the inspector’s recommendation was over-ruled and An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission to Tetra Ireland.

The Community of Annascaul is outraged at this decision especially as there are vitally important questions left unanswered, questions and demands submitted in writing to Threefold (Contractors for Tetra Ireland responsible for PR/Community Relations) that have so far been ignored such as:

We have asked for official evidence detailing alternative sites which were investigated before selecting this particular site. The department of the Environment state that:

“Free-standing masts should only be located within or in the immediate surrounds of smaller towns or villages as a last resort”

It is the obligation of Threefold/Tetra Ireland to prove that this site is a “last resort” and that no alternatives are available. Where is our proof?

What guarantees can Threefold/Tetra Ireland provide that long term close proximity exposure to Tetra emissions will not have health impacts, particularly to young children and babies?

We have asked for official documents detailing the projected emission levels, individual letter of guarantee to every member of the community ensuring them that there will be no ill-effects from the emissions of the Tetra transmitter, a guarantee that no other electrical equipment will be impacted by the emissions such as a defibrillator which will be located in O’Donnell’s shop next to the location of the mast.

We have also asked them to provide the locations for all proposed Tetra sites in co. Kerry.

With work having commenced on the site for the mast and so many demands left unfilled and questions unanswered we are now extremely anxious and concerned. We are being forced to live under a mast against our wishes. We have been given no choice. Our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. We implore your help and support in halting the erection of this unsightly and potentially dangerous mast.

Is mise le modh,

The Concerned Residents of Annascaul.

Prostester in Annascaul Against Threefold and Tetra Ireland

An Board Pleanála have overturned the ruling of Kerry county council who refused permission to erect a massive 15 metre high tetra mast within 100 metres of inhabited buildings in Annascaul.

An Board Pleanála’s OWN inspector strongly recommended against placing the tetra mast at the site located in the heart of Anascaul village. Specifically the site is located on an old Church Of Ireland graveyard.

Threefold (www.threefold.ie), the company contracted to erect the tetra mast for Eircom said the centre village site was chosen because it offered “a secure location, both from prevention of unauthorised access and security of tenure”.

A local said, “Surely Threefold and Eircom do not expect the residents of Annascaul village to act as security for their tetra mast to ensure hardened criminals do not tamper with it?” It seems the people of Annascaul have other ideas and are united in their opposition to the installation of this mast within the village confines.

An Bord Pleanálas Habit Of Riding Roughshod Over Communities?

The following is an extract from Radio Kerry news, 12 Aug 2009

“Protest at site of proposed mast in Annascaul

Protesters to a proposed telecommunications mast in Annascaul have delayed its construction. Overnight, a group filled in the foundations of the mast, which were dug out in the centre of the town last week. Local objectors claim that the proposed mast is located within a former Church of Ireland site and graveyard and will completely dominate the skyline of the village. In January, An Bord Pleanala gave the go ahead for the fifteen-metre mast, which will carry three radio aerials for use by emergency services.

This is despite Kerry County Council refusing planning permission for the mast due to its one kilometre rule. The controversial rule banning phone masts being located within one kilometre of houses, schools or hospitals in Kerry is routinely overturned by An Bord Pleanala. Muriel Devane was among the protesters. She denies they’re doing anything wrong:” see: http://www.radiokerry.ie/news/

The Ruling From Kerry County Council:

“The REFUSING of PERMISSION is recommended in the above case for the reasons stated.

The proposed development would contravene the policy contained in the County Development Plan, Section 12.16.11 which states that “Telecommunications masts shall not be located within 1 km of residential properties, schools, hospitals or any structures where there is human occupancy for residential or daily work purposes”.

The proposed development would therefore seriously injure the amenities and depreciate the value of properties in the vicinity and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Every house within the village would be within 1 kilometre of the mast.

Health Fears

Besides the negative impact the monstrosity of a mast would have on the local tourist trade, more worrying are the possible health risks associated with tetra masts. This is a major motivating factor for many of the people actively opposing the mast. One protester said “Eircom, Threefold and An Board Pleanála do not get to gamble with my childrens health.”

Talks With Tetra

Work has been stopped at the site for the remainder of the week while talks take place between Threefold PR people and local residents.

Also see the Irish Times article:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0813/1224252499665.html

See related pages:
http://our-ireland.com/annascaul-in-david-and-goliath-struggle-with-tetra-ireland-threefold/
http://our-ireland.com/annascaulprotesttetra.html

Speaking to The Sunday Business Post, the businessman said that it would be ‘‘devastating’’ if the tribunal finally concludes that there was wrongdoing in the awarding of the licence to Esat Digifone in 1996.

‘‘The reputation of Ireland will be severely damaged . . . this is the first time in the history of the state that a group of civil servants have been accused of corruption,” O’Brien said this weekend.

Read the full Sunday Business Post article here

A landmark agreement has been reached between the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to advance their safer driving objectives over the next three years.

The strategic alliance between the two companies will see the introduction of a three year action plan titled ‘Achieving Safe Driving Excellence’ and provide a best practice model for the development of procedures to govern road safety in the workplace.

Electricity Supply Board (ESB) chief executive, Johnny Shine revealed that the ESB are committed to the highest level of safety performance in all its activities which include private and fleet vehicle driving. The implementation of safe driving policies within the ESB between 2003 and 2008 has seen a 60 per cent fall in all serious collisions and a 20 per cent reduction in material damage collisions.

Mr Shine said, “This reduction in fatal collisions and in serious injuries has saved untold human misery and saved the exchequer approximately €28 million. In addition, our motor insurance premium fell to 15 per cent of 2003 levels. Going forward, the ESB is implementing a safe driving programme targeted at improving every facet of driving across its businesses and working towards the elimination of incidents and injuries associated with driving and transport activities. The creation of this strategic alliance with the RSA will allow us to tap into their expertise and will certainly strengthen our safe driving programme”, he added.

Noel Brett, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) believes the coalition between the two companies will help to diminish the risk of driving for work not only for the driver, but also for colleagues and members of the public.

Mr Brett said, “As an employer or self-employed person you must, by law, manage the risks that may arise when employees drive for their work. The ESB has pioneered the way in this country when it comes to road safety in the work place. We are delighted with this partnership with ESB. It will ultimately lead to the development of a best practice model for employers to successfully enable them to manage the risks associated with driving for work”.

The agreement will see measures implemented such as the ESB promoting its safe driving programme to other employers, to demonstrate the benefits to employees and the business.

Sharing emergency technology advancements and identifying practical issues within Fleet Management and ways of incorporating them into the ESB vehicle fleet.

Also for the RSA to provide assistance to ESB in developing Safe Road Use training programmes.

Anyone who wants to experience a collection of vibrant and traditional Irish music can visit and enjoy The Booley House Festival at St Michael’s Hall, Ballyduff Upper in County Waterford.

The exciting and uninterrupted 90 minute show, taking place every Wednesday night between the 1st July 2009 and the 26th August 2009, offers authentic, time-honoured native music from Ireland as well as breathtaking performances from Irish Step dancers from the Michael Ryan School of Irish Dance.

Set dance teachers, Tom Hyland and Ciara Dunne unveil their dancers, who will execute an exciting routine of Irish sets, which often encourage audience participation in the aisles. A recent introduction to the show has been that of brush dancers, which have proved very popular with visitors.

As often has been the hallmark of the Booley House Festival, the musicians provide a distinctive sound performing on traditional instruments with renowned artists including Liam Flanagan, Tony Dunne and Gerry Mckee.

They are accompanied by singers Frances Foley, Ber Browne and Sarah O’Mahoney with a guest spot from an invited artist to ensure the diversity and entertainment of the Booley House Festival continues.

As well as music, resident Seanachai or storyteller, James Lenane will be on hand to entertain with stories of times gone by. This well known narrator is sure to have audiences rolling in the aisles with funny anecdotes and tales.

People wanting to travel around Ireland and watch this presentation of traditional Irish entertainment can hire a car from Dublin or its Airport and travel south to County Waterford and onto the small rural community of Ballyduff where the Booley House Festival can be enjoyed.

The show, which was first produced in 1991, has continued to evolve and become the inspiring spectacle it is today, supported by a 70 plus strong cast of all ages.

Booley House performers have entertained crowds at many festivals throughout Ireland and Europe over the recent years and performed for EU politicians at a conference in Cork in 2001.

Many of their dancers have gone on to join the Riverdance troupes performing to audiences all around the world.