Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Organic Centre Courses 2008

The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim has just published their new courses and training programme for 2008.

The programme seeks to offer practical advice and enjoyable opportunities for the increasing numbers of people interested in organic gardening and horticulture courses. As oil prices continue to rise, we are likely to see profound changes affecting transport, food production, housing and energy sources. We strongly believe that our courses can help to prepare for these changes. We try to give course participants the skills, knowledge and confidence they will need to make changes leading to a more sustainable lifestyle. Our courses will also help reinvigorate local communities through training and other supports.

Highlights of the 2008 programme are

The Complete Organic Garden Course in Leitrim, Clare and Wicklow, starting in February 2008.

Advanced Gardening

Gardening in small spaces

Learn how to live the good life

Cooking with the Grass Roof Café


Please find attached training and course programme. If you need any more information please don’t hesitate to contact me at the centre.

Hans Wieland

Training and course co-ordinator

071-9854338

hansorganiccentre@eircom.net

Christmas Goodies

Christmas Gift Vouchers

From Ard Nahoo
Stuck for a gift idea? Why not give something that will really be appreciated. Ard Nahoo Gift Vouchers can be given for a number of day retreats, treatments and chillout breaks, or a cash value.
The Stressbuster €90
Relax and unwind with an Uisce Hour (a session in our indoor/outdoor wet area, including Detox Box Sauna and Hot Tub) and then indulge in a massage of your choice. Your day includes detox tea and healthy snacks.

The Detox Treat €75
Repair your body after the festive period with a session in our Detox Box followed by a massage. Includes detox tea and healthy snacks.
Uisce Hour €30pp
Soak away your cares with a session in our Uisce Area, complete with detox box, steam room and hot tub. Lay back in the bubbles and gaze upon Loch Nahoo. Minimum of 2 people per session.
Yoga & Relaxation Retreat €90
Balance body and mind with a yoga session in our stunning new studio, along with a restorative Uisce Hour. A delicious organic light lunch will be served, along with detox tea and healthy snacks throughout the day.
Chillout Weekend €300
The ultimate gift! A chillout weekend break offers our Eco Cabin for the weekend, sleeping 2 - 4. Included is an organic welcome pack to make your stay as comfortable as possible. You can book in for treatments or an Uisce Hour, or use Ard Nahoo as a base to explore the beautiful local area.
Retreat Vouchers
Why not treat a loved one to a retreat? In Spring 2008, we have numerous retreats planned. A gift voucher for one of these weekend breaks would be the perfect way to bring in the new year.
Yoga & Relaxation - 22nd - 24th Feb €350pp
This weekend retreat focuses on asana practice, pranayama (breath work), relaxation techniques and visualisation. There will be plenty of free time to soak in the hot tub, or to explore the local area.
Mammas & Pappas - 7th - 9th March €395pp
An exciting new retreat preparing prospective parents for childbirth and beyond. With groundings in yoga, the weekend will cover acupressure and breathing as well as birth rehearsal. Pregnancy is an exciting but daunting time, and our retreat is aimed at calming those nerves in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
Eco Retreat - 10th - 13th April €410pp
Our certified Eco Retreat is really something special. Connect with your inner self as well as the surrounding beauty of nature. Enjoy herb walks, daily yoga, guest teachers and native exploration. The weekend promises great food, likeminded company and the chance to truly transform yourself.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Launch of Greenbox Ecotourism Label

PRESS RELEASE

Ireland’s lead in the €5 billion global ecotourism sector was further enhanced this week when The Greenbox Company publicly launched its innovative Ecotourism Labelling System and also acknowledged the first ecotourism holiday and short break packages to be accredited by the system at a special awards ceremony. The launch took place at Fáilte Ireland’s annual National Tourism Conference on 27th November, which this year took the theme of “Tourism and the Environment 2007, Current Climate, Future Trends”. In total twelve individual businesses operating in the Greenbox region were awarded their certificates by Shaun Quinn, CEO Fáilte Ireland and Mr David Sollitt, Executive Director of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).

Work on the label began in autumn 2006 by a panel comprised of Greenbox Staff and Greenbox Network member businesses, as well as representatives from Sligo Institute of Technology and The Western Development Commission (WDC). Over a number of months a set of criteria was designed that would reflect the efforts of existing ecotourism operators in the Greenbox region, who were already providing experiences for guests that were “based in nature, providing interpretation and information, environmentally friendly, contributing to conservation and local communities, responsibly marketed and culturally respectful”. Criteria were also chosen that would reflect the uniqueness of the region, particularly in a cross border peace and reconciliation context.

The standard was piloted in Spring 2007 by a number of tourism businesses and involved the provision of a training and mentoring programme for those embarking on the certification process. In the Autumn the first applications were assessed and approved by an independent panel comprised of representatives from Fáilte Ireland, National Standards Authority of Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The development of an ecotourism sector in Ireland is regarded as an important strategy in addressing recent issues including the trend towards shorter urban breaks which has posed significant challenges for rural areas. The North West in particular has experienced a 19.4% decline in international visitor numbers between 2000 and 2004. Ecotourism by its nature tends to be more rural and visitors tend to spend 8-14 days per trip. Based on international figures, the Irish market has a potential value of up to €51 million a year.

Speaking at the event Greenbox CEO Mary Mulvey said “ Today really marks a watershed in Irish tourism and a way forward to develop a new type of tourism based on strongly held environmental principles and closely linked to learning, conservation and local communities. The Greenbox has developed a practical and user friendly Ecotourism Labelling approach which is designed to meet the need of small businesses. The ecotourism packages created to date have been very well received by tour operators and the responsible travel media”.

A cross-border initiative, the Greenbox is Ireland’s first integrated ecotourism destination. In 2006-2007 the Greenbox Capital Development Programme encouraged €4 million of private sector investment in the ecotourism sector. The organisation has grown to cover a network of more than 150 attractions, activity providers, guest houses, health farms, organic operators and leisure centres throughout Fermanagh, Leitrim, West Cavan, North Sligo, South Donegal and North West Monaghan. For more information click on to www.greenbox.ie for a flavour of the Greenbox ecotourism breaks that will be available in 2008.

Friday, November 30, 2007

greenbox photo competition: the chosen ones

Hi everybody, Ollie here.

Here is a list of the pictures that won the photo competition guys. Pics will be revealed on the 13th, our Christmas party. We are very pleased with the standard, and are looking forward to getting these fantastic pics out there.
We'll put the pics up here quite soon after the 13th, so you can all have a goo.

Overall winners:

Gold: #43 early morning last Summer, across from Inisrath Island, L. Erne, Co. Fermanagh. This is the point at which guests get on the ferry to go to Inisrath. Taken by: Tim McEvitt

Silver: #11 silver gleniff horseshoe.
Caption: a forest stream in the Gleniff Horseshoe area of County Sligo, near to Ballintrillick. This area is popular with Hillwalkers and hikers alike.
Taken by: Niamh McGarvey

Bronze: #2 Aroo mountain, south Donegal
Taken by: Dick Whitehead

Highly commended: #12 Bundoran sunset:
Caption: A fishing boat returns to the harbour at Bundoran during a summer sunset.
Taken by: Paul McCarter

Commended:
#1: Devenish Island, County Fermanagh
Taken by: Austin McQuaid

#18: Bee out fox(glov)ed
Taken by: Peter Hughes

#31: Red berry bushy tree and distant walk, Cuilcagh Mountain Park in Fermanagh,
Taken by: Tim McEvitt

#37: Looping pathway around Inisrath Island, Co. Fermanagh.
Taken by: Tim McEvitt

#48: Wedge tomb, Cavan Burren. One of the best examples of such in the now forested townland rich in ancient monuments.
Taken by: Tom Hyde

#55: Sweathouse: Sweathouse in Legeelan Co. Cavan. Ancient Irish treatment hut, almost exclusively found in the Greenbox region of Ireland. It’ll cure what ails you. Still in use until the early 1900’s.
Taken by: Tom Hyde

#59: pathway: Wintertime walk on Houghton’s Shore, Lough Garadice, Co. Leitrim, on the Shannon-Erne Waterway (where R199 R205 meet).
Taken by: Tom Hyde

#64 sunset: Lough Garadice, Co. Leitrim, a large and beautiful, tree-bound, island-studded expanse of water, mid-way between Ballyconnell and Ballinamore.
Taken by: Tom Hyde

#3 The one horned sheep and the windy tree. Glencar, Co. Leitrim.
Taken by: Dick Whitehead

#26 orange tip butterflies
Taken by: Peter Hughes

#6: Lough Arrow at dusk with the Bricklieves and the passage tomb at Carrowkeel in the distance. Photo taken from near Ballindoon, Co. Sligo.
Taken by: Jeri Reilly

Thursday, November 22, 2007

financial managment briefing

Hi guys Ollie here.


Have a look at this:


Donegal Business Network Breakfast Briefing Financial Management

The Donegal Business Network are hosting a breakfast briefing on Financial Management in the Millpark Hotel Donegal Town on Wednesday 28th November from 9.00am – 11.30am

The workshop will focus on financial management, with the emphasis on managing cash flow and getting paid on time. Padraig Considine will deliver the workshop, and with his experience of working with small businesses, and expertise in financial management and delivering training programes, he will provide a very interesting and worthwhile morning.

Padraig set up Professional Accounting Solutions eleven years ago to cater for the bookkeeping / taxation requirements for the small businessperson. Since then the company has branched out into training and has delivered a wide range of training programes designed to assist businesses in all aspects of financial management.

Clients include Enterprise Boards, Chambers of Commerce, Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland and County Childcare Committees.

This workshop is open to all businesses in Donegal, and the purpose of the Donegal Business Network is to provide a forum where business owners / managers can meet and share experience.

The workshop is free of charge and to book a place please contact the County Enterprise Board 074 91 60735 or 0861729667

Friday, November 9, 2007

business training, web, marketing

Ollie here guys
have a look here for some very interesting, affordable and innovative business training:
(if link doesn't work, try the url below)
http://www.improvethroughchange.com/events/

This include direct marketing , blogging for business and maximising your on line presence

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Greenbox Christmas Party and Awards

Party and Awards!

Date for your diary: Keep Thursday 13th December free, because we have our annual network Christmas Party coming up. This year we are starting early, to give people a chance to get away at a reasonable hour if they so decide. We are also presenting a range of Greenbox awards, the details of which are below. All in all it should be a great night.

Here’s all the details:
Venue: Blacklion golf club, Blacklion, Co. Cavan.
Cost: €30/£20 per head
Booking: is highly recommended, as the venue is limited in capacity. Book through the Greenbox office: info@greenbox ie, 071 9856898 or greenbox, park road industrial estate, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim.
Timeline:
4.00-4.30 National Certificate in Ecotourism class graduation
4.30-5.00 Starter Canapés, juice, tea/coffee and prosecco. (Ambience provided by a photo exhibition of winning pictures and jazz musicians)
5.00-6.30 Spectacular seasonal meal, with an emphasis on local, seasonal and organic food. Plenty of veggie options.
6.30-8.00 Greenbox awards: Leave No Trace awards, Greenbox photo competition, Greenbox people of the year!
8.00-late Music with highly acclaimed musicians…bring your dancing shoes!

Awards: because there were so many people to give awards to, we decided to compress them all into one awards ceremony night. The Ecotourism class are the second set of graduates from Ireland’s only national certificate in Ecotourism. Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics code for the sensitive use the rural space; the Greenbox has recently facilitated the first formal training of a class of LNT trainers, who are now qualified to teach LNT to others. We have also been running a photography competition over the year, and the best 12 will be both on display and receiving their awards on the night. Finally, we are having our own awards for network members.

The categories for Greenbox people of the year are:
Most active member of the year
Most innovative member of the year
Most ecologically sound member of the year
Best website of the year
Best new member
Network’s choice: network member of the year

We want to hear your nominations for these categories. Send in your nominations by Friday 30th November at 5, by post phone or email. This latter award, network’s choice: network member of the year, is your chance to pick the person from the greenbox network who has done the most to interact with you, help you, inspire you, motivate you and so on. (Note: staff not included!) . The network’s vote will be what decides this category! Again, just send in your choice to info@greenbox.ie , ring 071 9856898 or post to Greenbox, Park Road Industrial Estate, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. One entry only per person, and closing date for entries is Friday 30th November at 5pm

Friday, November 2, 2007

The Guardian

Another article featuring the Greenbox. See link below:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/sep/30/escape

Friday, October 26, 2007

"Keeping You Informed" Newsletter Publishes Article about Ireland Ecotours

Local entrepreneur Jerome O’Loughlin has recently launched his own tour company, Ireland Eco Tours which is part of the Greenbox initiative, offers visitors to the North West the chance to tour the area in an eye-catching green bus which runs on rapeseed oil, therefore producing 'carbon neutral' emissions which are re-absorbed by rape seed crops the following year. Jerome outlined his philosophy: "The concept for Ireland EcoTours emerged from years of wandering through the lake-strewn green landscape of Fermanagh and Leitrim. "I was born in this delicate land, I have a bond with it and I want to share it with like-minded souls who appreciate nature and who strive to preserve it for future generations". He said he wanted people to feel 'this untouched place' with its millennia of history, to love it as he does and to give while taking only the minimum during their visit here.

Jerome has spent the last three years working as a tour guide on independent tours all over Ireland, so he knows all the'must-see' destinations for visitors to the country. One tour which he is currently developing is one based around the recently extended Marble Arch Caves European Geopark. Although it is in the early stages of planning, Jerome is enthusiastic about this tour which he hopes will include some mountain biking in Lough Navar. Recently Jerome took out his first tour, a group of German journalists, around the Greenbox area, and he described the feedback as extremely positive. With his tentative first steps taken in business, Jerome is positive about the future. He knows he has unique idea and is keen to market it. "I am the only tour company offering a uniquely 'Eco' tour from start to finish", he stated.

As well as his bio-bus, Jerome has backed up his plans with his own credentials. He is a member of theGreenbox, and is well on his way to getting some of his tours certified by the group, he has obtained a National Certificate in Ecotourism and has recently qualified as a 'Leave No Trace trainer’. For Jerome he is delighted to be achieving his dream, and this is reinforced by the fact he is giving something back:
"The eco side of the project was always important. Absolutely. It was there when I started looking at this idea at the very start. It's what it's all about really."

While building up his tours, Jerome is realistic in his approach to
business and as such is making his minibus available to business and organisations in Fermanagh who may want to hire an environmentally friendly minibus and driver, a move which can help them meet their 'green' credentials.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

enviro-solutions

hello again guys
Ollie here. If you want to keep up with technology and developments in the green area, then the enviro-solutions website is a great place to start. Their mailouts are especially informative. Recently, I learned about eco-housing,
passive housing - is it the future in a climate change and peak oil senario? There's a seminar to discuss the topic coming up soon. This event, called 'See the Light 2007' is organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland's Renewable Energy Information Office (SEI REIO) - in association with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI)and will take place at The Ash Suite, Croke Park, Dublin on Wednesday 31 October, 2007.
(Note - some greenbox network members do have passive homes and rave about them - passive homes have almost no heating bills, due to their design). Click here for more
Their daily news page is always worth checking out - new green business schemes tend to feature heavily. Featured at the moment include the greening of a selection of hotels, and the casha nd environmental savings that ensued, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI)'s Incubator Programme for emerging green business opportunities in the sustainable energy sector, and more.....see here

what's on, events, courses and more

Hi guys, Ollie here. Today, I have a mixed bag of events for you'll to have a goo at: Tax, birds, art and business........

Art and health If you are popping along to the newly reopened Ard Nahoo, then you'll see the wonderful paintings of Monica Corish from this Saturday onwards.

A really useful business course in Leitrim for just €20:

Online Tax Returns
Thursday 25 October 2007
see here for more, or use the following web address:
http://www.improvethroughchange.com/events/8/

Also on Thursday 25th October:
RSPB Fermanagh Local Group – talk ‘Conservation Projects in Northern Ireland’ by James Robinson (Conservation Manager RSPB) Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen 7.30pm. Further details from Doreen Morrison On 028 6632 6654

Women in Business: Click here , or go to this site http://nwed.typepad.com/ for the national women's enterprise centre's upcoming national women's enterprise day in Mullingar in November.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

ecotourism events: apples, organic living, web-marketing, walking and more

hi guys
here is a short selection of some interesting upcoming events:

walking festival in fermanagh: go!

apple day in the organic centre

a taste of organic living (contact WON for details)

ecoevents in the gyreum (also contact them directly re volunteering for sustainable landscaping

interested in web-marketing? maybe consider this: esymposium here

Monday, September 24, 2007

Team Greenbox Compete in Ciso Euro Challenge


The Cisco Euro challenge turned out to be a very exciting and fun packed event. Team Greenbox were thrown in at the deep end, having no previous experience in such an event. The team finished up in 47th place overall - not a bad result for a team that was finalised the night prior to event start, competing against some of the worlds largest and most competitive coporate teams! To read more please visit www.xtnw.com.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Green Your Business Day

Dear Network Members

The Greenbox has organised two special training days for all Greenbox Network Members. These days have been organised to provide you with invaluable hints and tips on how to green up your business and operate in a more environmentally friendly manner.

The course will be run twice on the following dates:

Wednesday, 12th September 2007 The Dock, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim
Thursday, 20th September 2007 Blaney Yoga and Spa Centre, Co. Fermanagh

The course is a full day one and will run from 10am to 4pm. Lunch will be provided.

To register for either day, please email karen@greenbox.ie or call 071 9856898 or further information.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Who's who in Tourism Ireland

Check out this link for the Who's Who in Tourism Ireland.

september and october training

Here is some of our upcoming training:

Leave No Trace (an outdoor ethics code) intro on 15th September 2007, followed by overnight camping training on 22nd-23rd September 2007.
In The Share Centre, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh

Greenbox hands-on web-based marketing: (eMarketing, Search Engine Optimisation and Links, Google Ads, Website User Behaviour and Statistics)
When: This half day course will be delivered twice on the mornings of the 25th and 27th of September.
Where: September 25th – Ballinamore Enterprise Centre, Co. Leitrim
September 27th - Glens' Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

National Certificate in Ecotourism
When: This course will run for eight weeks occurring every Friday, from October 5th 2007.
Where: Sligo Institute of Technology, Ballinode, Co. Sligo

For more details and for bookings, contact the office: 071 9856898, or email ollie@greebox.ie


Next Network meeting:
Is on Wednesday 5th of September in Inishbeg Cottages in Blaney in Fermanagh 8.00pm

Monday, July 30, 2007

Solar Water Heating Workshop at the Gyreum

Solar Water Heating Workshop at the Gyreum
22-23 September
Workshop provider: Andy Wilson
This two day workshop will look at all aspects of DIY Solar Water Heating. Working solar panels will be constructed from old domestic radiators and other scrap materials. Although a DIY solar panel costs very little and is relatively easy to make, the finished product is of a high standard and capable of heating water to 80 Celsius or more. Even in the winter months a DIY solar panel can be used to pre-warm water heated by more conventional means.
Between the various practical sessions constructing the panels and incorporating them into simple plumbing circuits, there will be a number of short presentations covering site assessment, system sizing, plumbing configurations, thermal storage, integration with other heat sources, insulation, and safety considerations.
This is a hands-on workshop with a limited number of places so that all participants get plenty of opportunity to get fully involved in panel construction and installation. While it will not be possible for participants to make their own solar panel from scratch during the workshop, participants are welcome to bring their own materials and work on them when time permits.
For further information on the course content, contact Andy directly at 098 26281 or email andy@sustainability.ie
Bookings should be made through the Gyreum.
Andy Wilson is editor of Sustainability magazine and works part time as a sustainable building and renewable energy consultant. He has a particular interest in low cost, low environmental impact projects which are able to reuse and recycle waste materials.

The contents of this e-mail (including attachments) are private and confidential and may also be subject to legal privilege. It is intended only for the use of the addressee. If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you may not copy or deliver this e-mail or any attachments to anyone else or make any use of its contents; you should not read any part of this e-mail or any attachments. Unauthorised disclosure or communication or other use of the contents of this e-mail or any part thereof may be prohibited by law and may constitute a criminal offence.
If you receive this e-mail by mistake please notify info@greenbox.ie

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Rural Business Women's Network

Anke Morgenroth of Bear Essentials in Bawnboy along with the support of ‘WIN Ireland’ and ‘West Cavan and Fermanagh Economic Development Project is hosting a Networking Event.

This is a great opportunity to bring local businesses, from West Cavan, Fermanagh and Leitrim, together to support and learn from each other's experiences as well as to promote the businesses in the region.

If you are thinking about going into business this will also be a great opportunity for you to find out what is available, get feedback and build up your confidence in going forward.


Format for the evening:

· Showcase of local businesses. NB: this is open to all business sectors, from manufacturing to retail as well as accommodation providers, consultants or other professionals.
· Brief demonstrations from local businesses.
· Presentation of networking initiative including the benefits of networking
· Speed networking – (This will give you the opportunity to meet with other women, and exchange details)
· Discussion groups on the barriers for business women in the region, the gaps and how can we adapt the WIN model to the needs of women in West Cavan.

Venue: Silver Bear Centre
Bear Essentials
Bawnboy, Co. Cavan

Time 7.30 – 10.00 pm

Date: 20th of August 2007

Cost: Free to attend
€10 to showcase business

To register or for further information please contact:

Eilish McLaughlin
Cavan County Enterprise Board
The Market House, Blacklion
087 7630315
eilish@cceb.ie

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Network News

We have been a little quiet on the Networking side of things for the last while mainly due to the fact that people are busy and we have tried not add to your work load at this time of year .This is just a general email out to you all re: some things of interest.

Firstly I am away on annual leave from today July 25th until September 3rd... Ollie is also away until August 10th so all queries to Olga for anything urgent.

Workshop on Community Participation in Countryside Management coming up in see attached file. First come first serve.

This is the link to the latest edition of the Greenbox Times http://www.greenbox.ie/UserFiles/GREENBOX_Newsletter_new.pdf

Hug the Bundle is delighted to report that Fermanagh District Council has implemented an incentive scheme to promote the use of real nappies. Every new mother living in the Fermanagh area is to receive a £30 voucher towards a starter pack of real nappies. The voucher can be collected when registering a birth at the Town Hall in Enniskillen. Please pass on the word and make sure if you are eligible to collect your pack. The following article provides more information on the scheme.
http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/fh/free/298213763465343.php

Teresa O Hare may be in contact with you in the next while; she is carrying out a network analysis and will be approaching network members with a comprehensive questionnaire. please , please respond to it , your opinion is very important in the shaping of the network for the future.

Reminder to you all - keep sending us information about your businesses so that we can post it up on the blog.

Coming up

Next Network meeting is on Wednesday 5th of September in Inishbeg Cottages in Blaney in Fermanagh 8.00pm

Eu flower training scheduled to start within the next two weeks. We have had a lot of interest in this and have signed up 13 people so far…
(Free)

Greenbox standards training notice of select tender list has gone up on the server, tenders expected back during August and training scheduled to start September (Free)

Ecotourism certificate training to be delivered in the autumn after a suitable organization has been identified.

Canoe Courses

Carratraw Canoe Centre introductory courses cover skills from the level 1 (1 day course) & level 2 (2 day course) skills awards in general purpose kayaks.

The courses are run at Carratraw Bridge on the edge of Lough Erne, lovely clean water on a secluded river making it an ideal location to enjoy the thrill of learning a new skill.
Excellent qualified instructors that are enthusiastic and experienced to ensure you are safe, learn the fundamental techniques, and the simple safety rules that will help you enjoy a lifetime of water activities.

Our introductory courses provide all the equipment you need – kayak, paddle, wetsuit, waterproof paddle jacket, buoyancy aid and helmet. Changing facilities are available at Carratraw Canoe Centre.

Senior Courses
Dates
Level I Kayak Proficiency Skills Course
Monday 30th July,2007
Wednesday 1st August,2007


Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Skills Course (day 1)
Tuesday 31st July,2007
(2nd day to be arranged)
Thursday 2nd August, 2007
(2nd day to be arranged)


A limited number of places are still available on the above courses.
The commencement of the above and other courses will depend on the level of interest in each particular course. The above Senior Courses are suitable for persons over the age of 16.

Contact Details:

Carrawtraw Canoe Centre
Inishmore,
Butlers Bridge,
Co. Cavan
Phone No: +353(0)872905752

Well folks that are about it have a nice ecotourism summer!
See you all in the autumn.
Marella

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Green Guide

Check out The National Geographic Green Guide for everything from Green Home Makeover to testing your Eco-IQ.
A very interesting and informative website. Olga

http://www.thegreenguide.com/

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Courses Happening in the Area

Cheese making at Corleggy in 2007:

5th august
12th august


This is a day long course where students bring their own 10liter bucket and make their own hard cheese of one kg.We are using raw milk and during the course of making the cheese we will have coffee and lunch. the course starts at 11 am and finishes at 5pm.
After about three month we will all meet again to taste each others cheeses which will have been matured under each students individual conditions.The making of the cheese takes place in the yard and it is a
good opportunity to learn and meet new people at the same time.

Contact



Silke Cropp

Corleggy cheeses
Belturbet
Co.Cavan

Grow with The Organic Centre

is the theme for this year’s Garden Day at The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim on Sunday 22nd of July from 11am -5pm.

Every garden can be run organically, from the smallest to the largest, whatever the location and everyone young and old, can grow organic vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers. It is now widely accepted that organic growing produces healthy nutritious food.

On Garden Day we want to encourage everyone to grow organically and we will show how to do it successfully.

Walks, talks, workshops and displays will deal with best practice, rotation, seed sowing, protected cropping, composting, growing herbs and fruit, slug control, pest and disease control. Staff and students of the centre will be on hand during the day to give advice.
One of the main features of the day will be a presentation on community gardening as a critical link between small scale family gardening and commercial growing.

The Eco shop and the Grass Roof Café will be open all day.
For more information call 071-9854338,

e-mail: organiccentre@eircom.net

http://www.theorganiccentre.ie/

Interesting Funding Opportunity

Hi everybody,

There is a new financial incentive available from The Leitrim Head Start Award for more information contact the email address below .
leitrimnewlife@leitrimcoco.ie
Expressions of interest should be emailed in before July 31st 2007. A full application pack will be circulated to all those who applied in August.It is worth €33000 to a new business.An evaluation panel will select the best new business in the Autumn.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Econatural.com

Hi Everyone

This is a very good site for all things eco. It is especially good for getting your eco products delivered to your door.

Check it out!

Karen.

www.econatural.com

Monday, July 9, 2007

Dear All

This is a site that you may be interested in visiting:

https://sustainabletravelinternational.org/

Their mission:

Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a global leader in sustainable tourism development. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization’s mission is to promote sustainable development and responsible travel by providing programs that enable consumers, businesses and travel-related organizations to contribute to the environmental, socio-cultural and economic values of the places they visit, and the planet at large.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Arts and Crafts

This is an interesting development for all who are interested in crafts etc.

www.craftfairsandevents.com is a website designed for the benefit of Crafters in Northern Ireland

What are the benefits?

Your own web page advertising your craft, this page will showcase your work and can include 3 pictures, and a few thumbnail images.
Photographs of members work will be posted on The Gallery Page, these will link to the members own page.
As members I hope that we can all share news and dates of Craft Fairs, Events and Shows.
All Craft Fairs and Events emailed to us or sent via the Event Entry Form will be added to the Calendar in the Message Board. This will only be accessible to Website Members.
Access to the Craft Fairs & Events message board to share information with other members.An opportunity to share any Craft news, stories etc
No Computer? You can still join and have a web page these members can have the calendar posted via 'snail mail'
A selling page for your craft using the paypal shopping cart.
Begin your membership at any time of the year to run a full 12 months.
If you can offer Craft Courses we will advertise them on the site Craft Courses Page
Advertise your business on our site

Visit www.craftfairsandevents.com

Teddy bear heritage tour

Good Morning everybody Monday morning and more of whats happening in the Greenbox.
First up Anke from the Silver Bear centre has sent us in the following information.

Irelands Heritage Week

The Bawnboy, Co.Cavan
invites you to take part in a
Teddy Bear Heritage Tour on the 26th of August at 3pm.
" Discover 100 years of history by film, demonstration and an afternoon picnic."
" Workshop afterwards is optional."

For early bookings please contact:
info@silverbearcentre.com
Tel: 049 9523461
Mob: 087 7610537 or
visit www.irishbears.com
You can also pay at the door.
The Silver Bear Centre is located beside
Bear Essentials Showroom, which offers you a 10% discount on all items that afternoon.
We promise a great afternoon out for all the family!

Friday, June 22, 2007

out and about in the greenbox

Hi everybody

Ollie here. A quick update on news and events in the region. Our next newsletter is due out very soon - it is going to the printers next week in fact. Plenty of news on our events, upcoming and just done, our web marketing, national and international recognition and more........so I'll keep this v brief this week folks

We'd a lovely evening out in the Gyreum for the solstice, with 40 ppl from the region and the rest of the island in attendance, to hear and be guided by Mary Quinlan, archeologist and anthropologist....as I type this from the office, the rest of last night's attendees are somewhere between heapstown cairn and knocknarea....

Ard Nahoo has been recognised as one of the ten best healthy retreats in the world by the Guardian newspaper. Developments are still ongoing in Ard Nahoo, which will include an outdoor bathing area, encompassing a hot-tub, detox box, rain shower and steamroom, and a redeveloped garden area. The place opens up again in September, and has a whole range of fantastic options available.

If you click on the packages page of the ever-improving and expanding Greenbox website, you will see both Ard Nahoo's packages, and more on health and wellness in the Greenbox area.

Speaking of the website, our hits are going through the room: in May,we had 182, 577 and the number just keeps growing and growing.....

Ever heard of Slow food? Interested in finding out more about this worldwide movement? Interested in quality, speciality, rare regional foods? Then pop down to the Dock in Carrick on Shannon on Saturday 30th June at 4.30. There, a range of foods Slow Food are interested in showcasing and promoting will be highlighted. These include:
Blood puddings, Dillisk, Kiln roasted oatmeal, Boxty Honey, Drisheen, Moiled cattle. Exceptional Canapes from the Oarsman, featuring these foods and more....

Special guest of the day is Darina Allen, author, chef and Ireland's number one foodie. The event is free, great for learning more about Ireland's special foods, and is followed by a meal in the Oarsman. V V limited number of places available in the Oarsman- ring them NOW to book a place at the table, as there are only 8 left as of today at 4.20 and both local papers will be featuring the event over the next few days.....

Beautiful little festival on in Blacklion next week (click the word blacklion or use the following web address for more http://www.cathalbui.com/ )
Art Workshops (incl kids), Traditional and Classical Music, Storytelling, Film, and Poetry readings, Archaeological Field Trips, Nature Walks, and more more more

Always plenty on in the Organic Centre: permaculture, Lough Melvin information evening...see courses on their new website

I'll save the rest for the newsletter guys! Have a great weekend




Monday, June 18, 2007

Athenry Environmental Network

We are a network of individuals living in and aroundAthenry Co. Galway, promoting environmental awarenessand better living practices for individuals and communities everywhere.

For details of courses and for more information, visit http://www.athenryenvironmentalnetwork.com/

LIVE EARTH

Hi Everyone

Just a newsy bit for your info:

Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent series of 9 concerts taking place on 7/7/07 that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis.

For more details go to http://www.liveearth.org/.

Karen.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Farm Diversification Expansion Programme for the Tourism and Craft Sectors

LEADER Network for Northern Ireland Ltd (NILN)
(Northern Ireland LEADER Network)

Call for Expressions of Interest

The LEADER Network for Northern Ireland Ltd (NILN Ltd) is the umbrella organisation for the thirteen LEADER Local Action Groups in Northern Ireland. NILN Ltd has secured funding under the Northern Ireland Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity to implement the Farm Diversification Expansion Programme for the Tourism and Craft Sectors.

NILN now wish to invite Expressions of Interest from farm businesses to participate in the programme.

To be eligible for the programme applicants must satisfy the following criteria in full:

Be a farm family member of a registered farm business that has a farm business reference number
Operate an existing tourism and/or craft related farm diversification business which has been in operation for a minimum of 2 years
Have a project idea which focuses on expansion within the tourism and/or craft sectors

Expressions of Interest that are deemed eligible will be invited to complete a full application for funding.

Grant assistance of 50% of total eligible expenditure up to a maximum of £20,000 is available for successful projects. In exceptional circumstances the level of grant assistance may be increased above £20,000.

To obtain an Expression of Interest Form or find out more about the Programme please contact Eamon Gallogly -Tel 028 7133 7149 - email eamon@rapidni.com or
Siobhan McManus – Tel 028 3026 3177 email info@newryandmourneleader.com

The closing date for receipt of completed Expressions of Interest is Friday 20th July 2007 by 5.00pm

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Hello everyone,
One last reminder about the Network meeting that is on in the Lough Allen Education centre tonight from 7.30 to 9.30 .The centre is beside the Lough Allen Hotel in Drumshanbo .Hope to see you all there.

Just in case you don't know the Greenbox has moved house, we are no longer in Manorhamilton Castle, but now reside in our new spacious offices in the Merenda Factory in the Industrial estate . I have attached 2 photos showing some of us beavering away.

Ollie hard at work in Greenbox office.

Karen and Ian seem equally as busy!

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Tipi Holidays

Our 18-foot hand painted Sioux Indian Tipi sleeps up to 4 people in great comfort. It is a beautiful living space and offers protection from the elements whilst allowing you to experience the freshness being outside and close to nature.

The tipi is really cosy with futon style beds, cushions, rugs, bedding and a central wood burning brassier. There is a gas stove for cooking, with pans, crockery and cutlery. There is a compost toilet and washing facilities nearby. We offer a free pick up from Enniskillen or Omagh Bus Station. We are on the King Fisher Cycle route. www.cycletoursireland.com

Extras available
 Home cooked evening meals delivered to your tipi or full board
 Organic and Local Food hamper
 Sumptuous Packed lunches to go
 Laundry service
 Hire of the Canadian canoe and bicycles
 Traditional Thai Massage

Booking and availability
Available for August only 2007.
ALL Prices are per stay and based on 4 or less people sharing
Standard Package includes a free welcome hamper.

 Weekend Escape: three day, two-night stay, costs £240,
 Mid Week Magic: Up to 4 days and three nights £280
 Full Week : 7 days and six nights £660

Deluxe Full Board
This includes, free welcome food hamper, sumptuous packed lunches, and home cooked evening supper, free use of bikes and canoe with personal copy of local maps and one guided tour in the area for up to 4 persons.
 Weekend Retreat. Three day, two night £400
 Mid Week Special Three days two nights £500
 Four day get away: Four days and three nights £600
 Seventh Heaven: seven day, six night stay £950

How to book
Passport Breifne
www.passport-breifne.com
tel 00353(0)71 96 43963

For more information on Orchard Acre Farm Packages and Eco tourism in Ireland
www.orchardacrefarm.com
www.greenbox.ie

Herb Day

6/6/07

Press release/to the editor

Herb Day updates

Herb Alert! 15th June 7.30pm

A fantastic feast of over twenty herb based dishes. Full menu below.

This Saturday evening (9th) The Grass Roof Cafe will be open from 6-8pm for a simple three course meal of freshly made, seasonal, organic and vegetarian dishes - all for the bargain price of €20pp including tea or coffee.

Reserve your place on 071 985 4338.

HERB ALERT!
At the Grass Roof Café

Make thyme for The Grass Roof Café at The Organic Centre Rossinver on Friday 15th June at 7.30pm to experience over twenty herb taste sensations in a single meal! As Herb Alpert might have said – ‘Tijuana be there or Tijuana be square?’

To welcome you:

Mint Julep, rosemary roasted nuts and tiny chervil sandwiches

To Start

Oregano pizza bread with mixed herb tahini dip, carrot and dill pureé, spicy mint chutney and salsa verde

Soup course

Pasta i fagioli – Italian thick bean and pasta soup – served with parsley gremolata and grape and fennel bread

A help yourself buffet

Basil and lemon risotto; braised potatoes with sage, parsley, chives and basil; sorrel sauce; cannelloni bean and tarragon salad; Tabouleh – bulgar wheat and parsley salad; mixed herb and leaves salad with edible flowers and herbed vinaigrette

Sweet things

Apple and rosemary cake; apricot and rosewater cream; rhubarb and sweet cicely fool; lemon and violet jelly

Tea or coffee

Served with lavender biscuits

Where else can all this be had for €35.00 per head (€20.00 for children)?

Designated Drivers - Book six places and get one place free!

Organic wine available by the glass and by the bottle.

Early booking is really helpful – so reserve your seat now on 071 985 4338 or e mail organiccentre@eircom.net

The Grass Roof Café at The Organic Centre is open everyday from 11am – 4pm. A light organic lunch and fair-trade tea and coffee are always available. Other evening events are often organised – see over for more details or visit our website www.theorganiccentre.ie

www.hugthebundle.com

Well Folks,

If anyone hasn’t had the chance to visit Hug the Bundle then please check out the following link www.hugthebundle.com

To celebrate World Environment Day Hug The Bundle is offering 15% off all organic cotton baby and toddler clothes, handcrafted jigsaws and Earth Mama Angel Baby Skin Care. These are rock bottom prices!! Check out the bundle blog for latest products. http://hugthebundle.blogspot.com/

Warm Regards
Marian

Marian Gilmartin
Hug the Bundle
9 Main Street
Belleek
Co.Fermanagh
N.Ireland
BT93 3FY

web: www.hugthebundle.com
email: info@hugthebundle.com
tel: +44 (0)79 306 79985

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Links to the Greenbox Website

The Greenbox is now initiating a links exchange programme in order to increase the exposure of the Greenbox website both nationally and internationally.

For this to be successful, we need all our partners, members and stakeholders to show the Greenbox as a link on their own websites.

I would very much appreciate if you could add our site www.greenbox.ie to your site.

Please post your replies as comments on the blog.

Many thanks, Karen.

New Course for Network Members

Hi all,

New course on website under Centres of Learning and then Food.

http://www.greenbox.ie/index.php/food.php?break=478

Yoga in the Greenbox

International Yoga Teacher
To visit
Blaney Spa & Yoga Centre Fermanagh


Blaney Spa and Yoga Centre is proud to announce a first for Fermanagh and Northern Ireland, by hosting the world famous Richard Spahn Yoga Tutor on the weekend of 9th and 10th June.

Richard is dropping into Ireland for a short visit during his world tour which includes New Zealand, America and other European countries. His style of yoga has been learnt directly from Indian master Shri patin in India . As Gabriele Managing Director of Blaney Spa said,

“ For anyone with even the slightest interest in yoga this is a fantastic opportunity to receive personal attention from one of the world’s best”

Yoga is now widely recognised as a huge benefit for health and well-being. Regular practice is often recommended by medical practitioners for all manner of ailments, including back pain and stress relief.

This exciting event is one of many yoga packages being developed by Gabriele and her team at Blaney Spa, during the coming year. In June alone there are 2 yoga events, painting workshops and a Mid Summer Fest with gorgeous food and music. The Blaney Spa is a luxurious facility overlooking Lough Erne and it is open to all, no memberships fees are required. Gabriele went on to point out,

“ Blaney is a dedicated yoga and spa centre of very high standards. But we open our doors to all, there is no membership fees and no exclusivity. We really want to provide healing from within these walls.”

Blaney Spa is a member of the Greenbox a new cross border tourism initiative, that combines high environmental standards without comprising on luxury or facilities. A spokes person for the Greenbox Mary Mulvey said,

“Blaney Spa is located beside Lough Erne is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. By choosing to incorporate eco standards into her business business, Gabriele can be confident that her commercial activities will not spoil this natural resource.”

All the events are published on the Blaney website and Greenbox websites. The yoga weekend has already got booking from all over the world.

As well as the health benefits yoga is very effective at firming up the body and creating tone and shape. Famous names such as Madonna regularly practice yoga for their health well being and maintaining her figure.

Bookings for the weekend can be made directly on www.yogaholidayireland.com or by Tel Derrygonnelly 028 686 41525


For more information contact Gabriele on 028 686 21066 or 0777 559 2252

Friday, June 1, 2007

World Environment Day

Hi Everyone

Karen here. Check out the link below for details on World Environment Day which takes place of Tuesday, June 5th 2007.

What will you be doing to celebrate it?

http://www.unep.org/wed/2007/english/

Thursday, May 31, 2007

biodiversity day

A big thank you to everyone who turned out for Biodiversity day. Great, informative day, with loads of noteworthy bits and pieces.
The cross border dimension was especially heartwarming, as was the variety of events and people.
Pics and more info will follow soon
Ollie

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Whats on in the Greenbox area


JUNE

Fri 1 Second Line Jazzband, Ardhowen 9pm (Gallery Bar) Tickets £8
Sat 2 (Trade Union Diversity Project in partnership with Fermanagh County Museum. Trails and activities free to participants and offer an opportunity for migrants and local people to share their experiences and learn about one another’s history and culture. Contact the Trade Union Diversity Project to book a place on 028 6632 2379)
Famine Culture & History Trail facilitated by Bronagh Cleary.
Visiting Enniskillen Workhouse, the Pauper’s Graveyard in Irvinestown and Ardess
Famine Pit near Kesh. 10.45am to 2pm.

Sat 2, Sun 3 ‘Old, New, Borrowed & Blue’ Rural Ulster & American Frontier Weddings at the Ulster American Folk Park
Sat 2 The Dizi Jazz Band, Ardhowen 9pm (Gallery Bar) Tickets £8
Sun 3 Jazz It Up with the Martello Jazz Band at Castle Coole,
3-5pm. Adult £3, Child £1.50. Family £7.50. Members free
Fri 8 to Sun 10 Ashtanga Yoga, Blaney Spa and Yoga Centre, Innishbeg, Blaney,
Enniskillen. Details from 028 686 41525
Fri 8 2007 Flight of the Earls. Project – the re-enactment of the inauguration of the
Maguires at the Moate Ring, Lisnaskea. Vicky Herbert on 028 677 21730

Sat 9 (Trade Union Diversity Project in partnership with Fermanagh County Museum.
(028 6632 2379)
A Famine Culture & History Zone facilitated by Catherine Scott 2.30pm to 4pm
Arrive at Enniskillen Castle Museums for a Famine Fermanagh Culture Zone. Discussion of main issues, workhouses, emigration and famine deaths. General tour of the Enniskillen Castle Complex by Phillip Orr. Hear about 600 years of life at Enniskillen Castle

Sat 9 EHSNI Archaeology Days – Enniskillen Castle 3pm
Philip Orr will give a tour of the castle complex, explaining the diverse usage through the ages. Meet in the Museum. Free event. Further info from 028 66 325000
Mon 11 Annual Mini Soccer Competition for Primary School Girls organised
By the Brendan Keogh Youth League, Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown 6.30pm

Fri 15 – Sun 17 Surf Week-end at Corralea Activity Centre, Belcoo. Special offer 2 nights self catering in Corralea Cottages, surf coaching for 1 ½ day with qualified surf instructor. All equipment provided – wetsuit, surfboard and leash. Beaches: Tullan and Rossnowlagh. Price £97 or 145 Euros. Price for non –resident 85 euros or £57. Details from Marius and Isabelle Leonard on 028 66 386123, email corralea@activityireland.com Website http://www.activityireland.com/

Sat 16 EHSNI Archaeology Days 2007 – Devenish . 11am to 5.30pm
Gain an insight into monastic life on this holy island as EHS brings living history to Devenish. Launched on Archaeology Weekend and continuing every weekend through until European Heritage Days on 8th and 9th September. Further information from 028 6862 1588 or 028 9054 3037
Sat 16 EHSNI Archaeology Days 2007- Tully Castle. 11am to 4pm
Living history, armoury display and storytelling. Free admission.
(For schools Mon 18th and Fri 22 June 10am to 3pm)
Details from 028 6862 1588 or 028 9054 3037
Sat 16 (Trade Union Diversity Project in partnership with Fermanagh County Museum.
Gaelic & Plantation Fermanagh – Trail facilitated by Catherine Scott.
Visit three Plantation Castles, Enniskillen, Tully and Monea.

Sat 16 Good Sense of Humour in association with Noel Gay Artists presents The Trap,
Ardhowen 8pm Tickets £8, concession £7 comedy.
Sat 16, Sun 17 Yoga/Painting Weekend, , Blaney Spa and Yoga Centre, Innishbeg, Blaney, Enniskillen. Details from 028 686 41525

Wed 20 Ulster Project Annual Concert, Ardhowen 8pm Tickets £7, concession £6
Fri 22 Strawcraft Workshops, Aughakillymaude Mummers Centre, Derrylin
Further info from Jim Ledwith on 028 6774 2727
Fri 22 Traditional Music Session and launch of Mumming DVD,
Aughakillymaude Community Centre, Derrylin 8.30pm.
Further info from Jim Ledwith on 028 6774 2727
Fri 22, Sat 23 City Theatre Dublin presents THE MATCHMAKER by John B Keane,
Starring Anne Charleston and Mick Lally Ardhowen 8pm Tickets £12, concession
£10.
Sat 23 Midsummer Fest! Blaney Spa and Yoga Centre, Innishbeg, Blaney,
Enniskillen. Details from 028 686 41525
Sat 23 (Trade Union Diversity Project in partnership with Fermanagh County Museum.
Gaelic & Plantation Fermanagh. A special event as part of the Summer of Costumes, Characters and Culture at the Castle. The Medieval Maguire Castle will be brought to life with a living history project.
Sat 23 EHSNI Archaeology Days 2007- Tully Castle. 11am to 4pm
Living history, armoury display and storytelling. Free admission.
(For schools Mon 18th and Fri 22 June 10am to 3pm)
Details from 028 6862 1588 or 028 9054 3037
Sat 23 Mid Summer Solstice Bonfire, Knockninny Mountain, Derrylin at
9.30pm followed by Mid Summer Ball, 11pm Aughakillymaude Mummers Centre,
Derrylin. Further info from Jim Ledwith on 028 6774 2727
Sat 23 Multicultural event with music, food and entertainment at
Innish Beg Cottages and Yoga Spa Centre. Details from 028 6864 1525
Sat 23 Summer of Costumes, Characters and Culture at the Castle
Archaeology Day – Meet the Medieval Maguires. Enniskillen Castle
2.30pm to 4.30pm. Details from 028 6632 5000
Sat 23, Sun 24 Bordertrek Cycle Event – Enniskillen to Sligo Details from Eddie McGovern on 028 66 325050 or Winnie Orr on 028 9032 1462 Events@cooperationireland.org

Sun 24 Medieval Fair & Have a Go Day, Crom, Newtownbutler 11am-6pm. Witness Knights test their mettle in horseback jousting, swordfighting demonstrations, falconry, blacksmithing and all kinds of historical re-enactments.Adult £5, Child £3, Family £15. Member Adult £5, Child £3, Family £15 Details from 028 6773 8118
Mon 25 to Fri 29 Yoga/Painting Week, Blaney Spa and Yoga Centre, Innishbeg, Blaney,
Enniskillen. Details from 028 686 41525
Tues 26, Wed 27 Lough Erne Swimming Challenge. Details from Keith Collen 028 66 325050
Thurs 28 Vicarage Productions presents The Knicker Lady by Rosemary Hawthorne,
Ardhowen 8pm Tickets £8
Fri 29 to July 1 Creative Dance, Blaney Spa and Yoga Centre, Innishbeg, Blaney,
Enniskillen. Details from 028 686 41525
Sat 30 (Trade Union Diversity Project in partnership with Fermanagh County Museum. (028 6632 2379)
Devenish Island: Early Christian Culture & History Trail facilitated by Catherine Scott. Travel on the St Molaise to Devenish Island. Explore the Island of Oxen, the early Christian monastery and the later settlements on the island.

Invitation to
Herbs and Health
Herb Day with Judith Hoad – at The Organic Centre
,
Rossinver, Co. Leitrim on Sunday 17th June 11am -5pm
The term "Herb" covers many different plants from several botanical families.
Herbs relate to health, their aroma delights the senses, they are rich in vitamins, minerals and natural antibiotics, they aid digestion, strengthen the immune system and support the innate healing process. Staff, students and lecturers of the centre will present talks, walks and demonstrations and explore the health benefits of herbs. We will officially open our new mint spiral and open air tea-bar with a selection of more than 20 mints.
Our guest speaker this year is Judith Hoad, honorary member of the Irish Association of Medical Herbalists, who has widely written on herbs and herbal remedies. She will talk about ‘Eating your way around the weed patch’.
Naturopath and Herbalist Gaby Wieland will demonstrate how to make tinctures and infused oils. The Grass Roof Café will be open with herbal dishes and entrance fee is €5.
"I hope that exploring the plant life around the fields, city parks, cottage gardens or window-boxes amongst which you live will enrich your life, as it has enriched mine."
(Judith Hoad) Herbalist, alternative practitioners, who use herbs and their associations will inform visitors about their work. For more information call The Organic Centre on 071-9854338
e-mail: organiccentre@eircom.net, http://www.theorganiccentre.ie/

More herbal events coming up:
Friday June 15th 7.30pm: Herb Extravaganza Night in the Grass Roof Café, €35pp
Multi course meal with an incredible array of herbs from Thyme to Tarragon, Mint to Marjoram in dishes from soup and starters to dips and desserts. Sunday June 24th , 10am -5pm: Herbs for Life – Using Herbs Medicinally with Gaby Wieland and Liz Longworth with practical sessions on making tinctures and ointments, €90 pp Saturday August 4th, 10am -5pm: Herbal Cream Making workshop with Sean Callaghy, €90pp

Links to websites of interest for the network

http://www.greenislandtourism.org/ About the Isle of Wight and green tourism


http://www.travelmole.com/haveyoursay.php travel advice website


http://www.jayceeprinters.com/ eco friendly printers

Eco-Rockin' all over the world

In July, dozens of pop stars will jet off to save the world via the Live Earth concerts, but who will save us from these ego-friendly celebs, asks Roísín Ingle (The Irish Times Weekend Review, Saturday, April 14, 2007)

Al Gores Live Earth was always going to spark a heated debate. In one corner we have the influential eco-worriers hooking up with canny popstar folk desperate to save the planet- or desperate, at any rate, to be seen to be saving the planet. In the other corner, the naysayers are busy pointing out that perhaps these ego-friendly popstars with their vast property portfolios, powerful cars and extensive shoe collections- Jimmy Choes rather than Birkenstocks obviously- may not be the best people to set a green example to the world.

This is a community who, let’s face it, would pop down to the shops in their private jets if they were let, so asking them to lecture the rest of us on our environmental duties is about as rich as Live Earth concert headliner Madonna. It’s no surprise that in some quarters the 24-hour musical extravaganza which will span seven continents is being billed as the smugfest to be seen at this summer.

The July concert, organised by Gore’s group SOS (Save Our Selves), will see 150 musicians taking part in seven concerts across the world in a bid to “trigger a mass-scale movement to combat our climate crisis”, according to the Live Earth website. (Every time you log on the website an ominous end-of-the-world drum roll is played, just in case you weren’t sure how scary this global warming stuff really is.)

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beyonce, The Rolling Stones and, naturally Green Day are some of the other acts on board, and it’s expected that the gigs will be beamed live to two billion viewers via television or the internet. Rumors that Paul McCartney will sing Here Comes the Sun have not been substantiated but, when it comes to global conscience-salving exercise, anything is possible
Between now and July we are going to be hearing a lot more from celebrities about energy efficient lightbulbs and compost bins and the like. At the launch of Live Earth, one of their celebrity spokesmodels, actress Cameron Diaz explained that her own personal planet friendly regime included driving a hybrid Prius, recycling and “carbon neutral travel”. Cammie was brimming with enthusiasm as she pointed out that the planet was, like, totally savable if people just changed their behavior. “We don’t need to build some giant machine that goes up in the air and sucks all the carbon into outer space,” she said. But what about making one for all the planet-saving celebrities?

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

The Harvest Feast 2007

I attended the launch event for the Harvest Feast it was at the Lough Allen Ramada Hotel Drumshanbo on May 29th.Special guest for the day was Clodagh McKenna, chef, food writer and media presenter, Clodagh currently has her own series on RTE1 which is based on her book .The Irish Farmers Market Cook Book. The launch was a great success attended by over
50 people with representatives from the media, agencies and service suppliers and producers.
The Harvest Feast is the work of the conbined partnership of The Western Organic Network , The Food Hub, The Greenbox,and Saint Angelas College in Lough Gill, and the Organic Centre






Monday, May 21, 2007

what's on for may and june

upcomings in the region and of relevance slightly further afield folks:
first things first: biodiversity day tomorow!. Chick on the link here for this and a few other events we have up and coming, including green landscaping and solstice celebration (also available through the links on the right)
-----------
On Wednesday, May 30th, 15 local experts will be available to discuss how technology can improve your business. These experts from all over Leitrim have vast experience and expertise in professional web development, selling online, graphic design, digital media, mobile technology and internet marketing to name a few. The developer of a new website, shopinleitrim.com, will also be attending.
This free event runs from 4pm to 7pm in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.
Full details including the list of exhibitors can be seen at this link

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Raft Race
At Lough Uinsin Cashelard on Saturday 9th June at 3 PM Everyone Welcome
All Funds Raised go Towards Cashelard Community Festival
Presentation of Trophy to the Winning Team At a special evening of music/grub and entertainment with Donegal's Most Famous Fiddler Mat McGranaghan & Friends in the
Breesy Centre At 9 PM – Tickets Available from The Breesy Centre 071 98 22925
Entry Fee €40.00 per raft, 4 persons per Team – Please contact
Brendan Whoriskey 071 98 51683 or Brian Doyle at 087 233 7667, Ruth Meade 071 98 22925 for Entry Details.
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what's on in Fermanagh at the mo? an a-z available click here to see
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free listing for all network members on the new and already award winning sustainability site: www.greenbee.ie . Contact Gina through the site.
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Northern Ireland Environmental Link's site has plenty of event's listed as upcoming for may and june: see here
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news on an upcoming environmental auditoring course available here

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loads celebratory, yoga and art-related events coming up in the Blaney Spa and Yoga Centre: Yoga/Painting weekend 26/27 may and 16/17 June and 25-29 June Week with Jill Mulligan(Artist) and Gabriele tottenham (Yoga.)Asthanga weekend with amazing and vibrant Richard Spahn, who will be first time here in the Northwest,Greenbox area,
abrilliant weekend for all Yoga enthusiasts, no to be missed on 8/9 June.
Both weekends are residentail or non residential possible.
23 June 2007 Midsummer celebration fest, an multicultural evening with Music, Food, fun click here and have a look
-----------
new regional cross border tourism mag:
Creative Tourism welcomes any Tourism businesses that would be interested in receiving some copies of the magazine to contact the office in Ballyshannon on +353 (0)719852822.
Sandra Colton
Project Manager
CREATIVE TOURISM
Lakeside Centre, Belleek Road, Ballyshannon
Co Donegal +353 (0)719852822
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all the latest EU flower news is available here

Friday, May 11, 2007

Cookery Demonstration

There is a cookery demonstration by Neven Maguire of MacNean's Bistro, Blacklion in the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen on Tuesday 15th. May @ 8pm.

Proceeds will go to the local Blacklion Golf Club. The tickets are 15/€20 Please pass on the word to others.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Herb Day Organic Centre

The Organic Centre Herbs and Health Day

Herb Day with Judith Hoad – at The Organic Centre,

Rossinver, Co. Leitrim on Sunday 17th June 11am -5pm

The term “Herb” covers many different plants from several botanical families.
Herbs relate to health, their aroma delights the senses, they are rich in vitamins, minerals and natural antibiotics, they aid digestion, strengthen the immune system and support the innate healing process.

Staff, students and lecturers of the centre will present talks, walks and demonstrations and explore the health benefits of herbs. We will officially open our new mint spiral and open air tea-bar with a selection of 32 mints.

Our guest speaker this year is Judith Hoad, honorary member of the Irish Association of Medical Herbalists, who has widely written on herbs and herbal remedies. She will talk about ‘Eating your way around the weed patch’.

The Grass Roof Café will be open with herbal dishes and entrance fee is €5.

“I hope that exploring the plant life around the fields, city parks, cottage gardens or window-boxes amongst which you live will enrich your life, as it has enriched mine.”

(Judith Hoad)

We invite herbalist, alternative practitioners, who use herbs and their associations to have a stall on the day and inform our visitors and the public about their work.
For more information call The Organic Centre on 071-9854338,

e-mail: organiccentre@eircom.net, www.theorganiccentre.ie

Friday June 15th 7.30pm:
Herb Extravaganza Night in the Grass Roof Café, €35pp


Multi course meal with an incredible array of herbs from Thyme to Tarragon, Mint to Marjoram in dishes from soup and starters to dips and desserts.

Saturday June 16th, 10am -5pm: Herbs for Life – Using Herbs Medicinally with Gaby Wieland and Liz Longworth with practical sessions on making tinctures and ointments, €90 pp
International Compost Awareness Week 2007 6th – 12th May

‘Renew the cycle of life’.

During compost awareness week (6th-12th May 2007) an innovative new company, Hug the Bundle is raising awareness of composting to contribute to a reduction in waste sent to landfill in the Fermanagh area. Compost awareness week shows that everyone can get involved to help the environment.
Hug the Bundle is working to inspire parents to reuse household waste and turn this into compost. The aim is to show how easy, convenient and inexpensive composting can be. A key way parents can work to reduce household waste is to consider using environmentally friendly compostable nappies as an alternative to disposables.
According to the Womens Environmental Network (WEN) “Nearly 3 billion nappies are thrown away in the UK every year. The vast majority of these (90%) end up in landfill”.
Ms Gilmartin reports that “although the use of cloth nappies is becoming more popular, compostable nappies can provide a viable alternative especially if you are traveling, working full time, or use a childminder who prefers to use disposables. Biodegradable nappies are free from chemicals, much better for the environment and provide a perfect solution to this problem”
To celebrate international compost awareness week Hug the Bundle has compiled a comprehensive online guide to composting and is offering a FREE pack of sunflower seeds to everyone who visits the website. Log on to www.hugthebundle.com for more information. (Limited supply!!!)

International composting week is coordinated by The Composting Association. The Composting Association is the United Kingdom’s not for profit membership organisation for the promotion of the sustainable management of biodegradable resources. This year the central theme for the campaign is Compost: make it, buy it, use it.

“Compost Awareness Week is an international multi-media publicity and education initiative designed to showcase compost production and demonstrate compost use. It aims to encourage everyone in the UK to take action to support composting at all levels and to use composts. This initiative began in Canada in 1995 and was brought to the UK for the first time in 2001 by the Composting Association”.

Hug the Bundle is an all new organic, environmentally friendly website based in Belleek, Co.Fermanagh. As well as stocking top brand cloth nappies we also stock an extensive range of organic baby clothes, organic mother and baby skincare, fair-trade jigsaws and hand knit hats and scarves.

For more information please contact
Marian Gilmartin
9 Main Street
Belleek
Co.Fermanagh
N.Ireland
BT93 3FY
URL: info@hugthebundle.com
Web: www.hugthebundle.com
Tel: 07930679985

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Greenish Pub Quiz

Hello Everybody
Ian Wasson and John O Neil are rasing funds for charity and they asked us to post this information here.

Green(ish!) Pub Quiz

(…Your usual pub quiz with a few environmental twists)

Venue The Castle Pub, Manorhamilton

Thursday May 10th

Quiz starts 8.30 pm sharp!

7 euro per person

All proceeds to in support of:

The “Bluestack Foundation”, a charitable body committed to enhancing the lives of People with Special Needs

http://www.mageebluestackchallenge.com/

Followed by music session with

DJ Ollie Moore –(Electric Picnic 07 & Garden Party 07)

funky reggae, latin funk, ska & afro beats

(Pressuredropped.blogspot.com)

Bí ann!

Friday, May 4, 2007

Solstice special: archaeology, heritage and cultural history in the gyreum, 20-21st June

Archaeology, Heritage & Cultural History

Description
This training will increase network members’ knowledge of the archaeological, heritage and cultural history of Ireland in general but of the counties of the Greenbox region in particular.

Content
 Exploration of the various monuments in the Irish countryside taking into account their association with the Neolithic (New Stone Age), Bronze Age, Iron Age leading into Christian Age and Early Medieval Age.
 An exercise to allow network members understand various aspects of the lives of the people who lived in the Neolithic period.
 Guided visits to Heapstown Cairn and Carrowkeel Passage Cairn Complex.

Delivery
Thursday 21st June 2007, 8.30pm-11.30pm & Friday 22nd June 9.30am –1.30pm at the Gyreum, Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo. Option to see dawn at the Gyreum. Free to Greenbox Network Members, overnight accommodation available €18, payable at Gyreum

Methodology of Delivery
The training will encompass facilitation methodology including visualization, power point presentation, group discussions, question and answer sessions and guided visits to local sites that will allow participants experience both the physical and spiritual aspects to these sites.

Outcomes
 Participants will deepen their knowledge, awareness and understanding of Ireland’s ancient cultural history, in particular of Ireland’s ancient people and sites.
 Participants will increase their awareness of the region’s archeological heritage which will help them interact with visitors in a more informed way. In particular, an understanding of the unique range of regional archaeological heritage will be developed. This will help give participants a comparative advantage in national terms, as the region has an abundance of archaeologically significant sites.
 Participants will be enthused about both the regional and national heritage and landscape, and see possibilities for promoting their local heritage and environment.

Other Events At Gyreum
• Exhibition of paintings by local artist Monica Corish entitled ‘Inscapes & Seascapes’ running from June 20th to August 20th

• Archaeology weekend June 23rd & 24th, details on www.passport-breifne.com

• Sustainable Landscaping June 6th - 21st visit info on sustianable landscaping and building for network.doc

• Eurovision Special May 11th & 12th, visit www.passport-breifne.com
Hi guys
Ollie here
here is some info on the events we've organised for international biodiversity day:
overall event
seminar in organic centre
film
all highly recommended!

sustainable building and landscaping in the gyreum, south Sligo

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING AT THE GYREUM, SLIGO
Introduction:
The Greenbox is offering a unique opportunity to any members interested in any aspect of sustainable building and landscaping. The event, with a unique structure, will suit literally all categories of people. Those just interested in the issues in a general way, those who just want some experience in sustainable landscaping and building, those who intend to buy some property sometime in the near future, and those who already have property with buildings or a landscape to manage - all can get something from this experience.

You can literally choose your own level of involvement. If you are a network member, then we pay for all the costs of your training and your daily lunch. Here’s what is on offer:

Timescale and what’s on:Wednesday 6th June 10am-6pm: Introduction to sustainable landscapes and building with Naomhan Early and Marcus McCabe. (lunch 1pm-2pm). Location: the Gyreum, near riverstown in South Sligo.

Introduction to all aspects of sustainable landscaping with particular reference to map zoning of area and best positioning of plants. The morning will cover reedbeds (for grey water), clover lawns (for low maintenance and for natural nitrogenising of poor soils) and dry stone wall construction. The afternoon will be for edible hedging (berry trees), edible rockeries (herbs and some veg) and creating a living roof.

From 6th June to 21st June, all of this information will be put into practice. The gyreum will be transformed into a sustainable gardening and building haven, with a team of volunteers from the VSI (Volunteer Services Ireland) putting these sustainable landscaping ideas into practice. The work will be divided up into three stages: 7-9 June/ 11-15 June / 18-20 June. The aim will be to create a sustainable landscape that blends with surrounding wilderness while creating a largely edible garden. The space around the gyreum will be broken into “permaculture zones”. In this system, the house is Zone 1, and the zones develop out to Zone 5, which is the outer landscape. You are more than welcome to join in at any stage, (again no charge and we, the Greenbox, will pay for both your training and lunch).

Then, on 21st June 10am-1pm there is a review and summation of the two weeks of work. Again, no charge for lunch or training for Greenbox network members. So, overall, you can attend the first and last days of the event, that’s’ the 6th and the 21st June, and any day in between of your choosing.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the theories and engage in the practices of sustainable landscaping and building. Normally, courses like this cost many hundreds of Euros, so this really is a fantastic opportunity. In fact, a 2 week course like this can cost anything from EUR2-300 right up to up to EUR1,500. Whether you decide to just attend for the opening day, the opening and closing days, opening and closing days and occasional drop ins, or to do the whole 2 weeks, you will learn from the experts in a unique setting. At no charge!

Outcomes:
By attending some or all of this course, greater knowledge of how to construct a sustainable landscape will be developed.

Booking:
We are holding ten places for network members.
Option one:
The minimum you as a network member can book is the opening day, which is the 6th, and the three hour summary on the 21st. Book through Olga in the greenbox office – olga@greenbox.ie and 071 9856898. Booking this option still allows you to attend on various other days over the two weeks.
Option two:
Full 2 week course. Book through Olga in the greenbox office – olga@greenbox.ie and 071 9856898.
Non-members: for non-members the opening day is EUR49, closing day is EUR30. Booking can be done through Greenbox office. Membership for those outisde the region is available under the friend category. See here

Accommodation: Overnight accomodation is optional. Network members: EUR19 per night (EUR17 per night for whole 2 week stay). Includes breakfast. Non-network members: EUR35 per night (includes breakfast and lunch) For booking accommodation: click on the accommodation part of the gyreum website.


Extra information:The overall approach being adopted in the gyreum will be permacultural. Here is some extra information on permaculture. Obviously you don’t need to buy into the entire philosophy to participate in the event, but it may be of interest to you to find out more about it. Full information and links available here:
The word "permaculture," coined by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren during the 1970s, is a Portmanteau-style contraction of permanent agriculture as well as permanent culture.
Renowned environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki has stated: "What permaculturists are doing is the most important activity that any group is doing on the planet.”
Today, permaculture can be described as a "moral and ethical design system applicable to food production and land use," as well as community design. It seeks the creation of productive and sustainable ways of living by integrating ecology, landscape, organic gardening, architecture, agroforestry, green or ecological economics, and social systems. The focus is not on these elements themselves, but rather on the relationships created among them by the way they are placed together; the whole becoming greater than the sum of its parts. Permaculture is also about careful and contemplative observation of nature and natural systems, and of recognizing universal patterns and principles, then learning to apply these ‘ecological truisms’ to one’s own circumstances in all realms of human activity.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Greenbox Article in the Sunday Tribune - 21.04.07

Green fingers may pick up 'Oscar'
Conor McMorrow


A LITTLE-KNOWN Irish tourism initiative has been shortlisted alongside Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the US state of Vermont in what is considered to be the global tourism 'Oscars'.

Ireland's only developing eco-tourism destination, 'The Greenbox', is nominated in the Best Destination category for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards to be held in Lisbon on 11 May.

The Greenbox comprises an area straddling South Donegal, Leitrim, North Sligo, Fermanagh, West Cavan and North West Monaghan. The project was selected as one of 12 finalists by an international committee of experts from over 130 applications from 40 countries. Built on sound environmental practices highlighting all the region and its people have to offer, a number of guesthouses, pubs and hotels have received funding under the Greenbox initiative.

Other successful projects include the Gyreum eco-lodge, "a discreet hobbitlike edifice overlooking Lough Arrow in Sligo", which offers tourists everything from movie and archaeology weekends to an alternative Christmas destination.

Gyreum owner Colum Stapleton said, "One of the judges of the Tourism for Tomorrow awards has come and visited us here. It's fantastic that the Greenbox has been nominated for such a prestigious award. They have helped to market our project and provided funding for it."

Among the other projects Greenbox has funded are an organic farmers' market in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim and the Ard Nahoo Health Farm in nearby Dromahair.

Ecotourism is travel which is small scale, low impact, culturally sensitive, community orientated, primarily nature based, and educational.

Congratulating the Greenbox, Paul O'Toole, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said, "For this project to be recognized in so distinctive a fashion at this relatively early stage of its development pays testament to the dedication and commitment of the team at the Greenbox."

Greenbox CEO Mary Mulvey said it was "testament to hard work over the past five years" and paid tribute to the project's cross-border nature.

Climate Change

Climate Denial has posted a new item, 'Why was The Great Global Warming Swindle so persuasive?'

Why is our belief in climate change still so fragile that many well meaning people have written to this blog claiming that a polemic propaganda film has changed their view of climate change? Surely this requires some explanation.

The fans of the film would argue that it has been effective because it is true.
But truth [...]
You may view the latest post at
http://climatedenial.org/2007/05/01/why-was-the-great-global-warming-swindle-so-persuasive/

Fáilte Ireland North West Industry Briefing.

1. Fáilte Ireland under its 2007-2013 Product Development Strategy has identified transport infrastructure as a key deliverable and commits to working with Department of Transport in an effort to further enhance the ease with which people get into and around the country. Regular updates will follow.
2. Fáilte Ireland has been engaged with the National Roads Authority in the development of its new road signage policy (details can be found on www.nra.ie under the publications tab). This policy will now be implemented by the NRA and you will shortly receive a questionnaire from us that will allow you to highlight what you believe are your local requirements so that we can factor our needs into the NRA’s implementation plan. The challenge now falls to Fáilte Ireland to engage with our Local Authorities to get a complimentary approach in place for our secondary and tertiary road network.
3. Again, Fáilte Ireland will seek to work with Department of Transport to ensure we offer our visitors the best possible bus and rail services within the bounds of economic sense. The recent announcement of new Bus Éireann routes to service Ireland west Airport (Knock) is a welcome development in this context.
4. Fáilte Ireland will work with Tourism Ireland and other relevant partners to put in place the necessary promotional programmes that will drive airline yields into all regional airports. Fáilte Ireland will be particularly focused on working with Shannon Development to ensure a cohesive marketing effort is in place for the West and South West of Ireland.
5. Fáilte Ireland has just created a Hospitality Product Manager role that will seek to generate greater strategic direction and cohesion across the various food product offerings. Conversations have already commenced with Bord Bia, RAI and IHF around how best to progress the creation of a shared vision for Food Tourism and it is intended from this to generate an agreed strategy and set of action plans to drive Food Tourism into the future.
6. Fáilte Ireland delivers a comprehensive information provision solution to both domestic and international visitors and the plans are in place to further enhance the service we offer to both the visitor and our industry customers. The national and regional websites are all scheduled for development work in 2007. All product sites are scheduled for work in 2007. And in terms of international visitors, we will be working with Tourism Ireland to ensure the best possible information and promotional offers are in place on both the general destination site and on new product websites.
7. Fáilte Ireland has created an Environment Policy Unit and it is currently engaging with other key stakeholders to develop an Eco Tourism Policy. It’s anticipated that the policy document will provide clear direction in terms of product development in the years ahead. Environmental considerations are now being factored into all new strategy work in the product arena.
8. The Product Development Strategy was developed by a broad group of stakeholders including key decision makers in other relevant government departments.
9. From a product development and management perspective, Fáilte Ireland is committed to creating product clusters in rural areas that have the potential to both attract and retain visitors within an area. There will be sustained marketing support for culture and activity products with a view to enticing visitors to all areas of the country.
10. Fáilte Ireland co-operates fully with both the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and LEADER on matters pertaining to product development. This is currently evidenced in developing plans under INTERREG. Equally, we present an all-island pitch on many key products such as golf, walking, angling etc.
11. Fáilte Ireland will commit to further follow-up with industry on this matter and will attempt to add value by investigating potential solutions in the insurance area.
12. Fáilte Ireland will endeavour through its various activities to improve communications within the industry on a localised basis. It will support the establishment of industry networks, circulate Product News e-zine, deliver programmes to enhance local product knowledge amongst front line staff, deliver a better visitor servicing experience both online and in our regional TIO’s. Our new regional structures are also designed to enable better two-way communications with our industry partners.
13. Fáilte Ireland has completed the development of a new Angling Strategy in conjunction with a range of key stakeholders. It points the way in terms both capital and current investment actions required to sustain growth. It also assigns responsibilities to the various state agencies involved in the angling product.
14. Fáilte Ireland is following closely the interactions between the farming lobbies and Minister for Community, Rural affairs and Gaeltacht Areas. In our interventions we have set out a clear vision for what’s possible in terms of Ireland’s walking product but critically the ultimate resolution lies with Minister O’Cuiv and the farmers’ representative bodies.
15. It is Fáilte Ireland’s understanding that at least one car hire company is prepared to make its product available to the over 65’s market. We will certainly push to have this featured on the various state agencies’ websites and will address the issue with the Car Rental Council.
16. Fáilte Ireland commits to pursuing this issue and provided the ‘free’ product is of a good enough standard, it will be featured on our website.
17. The new Regional Development Boards will explore the potential for city breaks within their respective administrative regions. If there’s a sensible business case, then resources will be committed to developing all cities with genuine tourism potential.
18. Fáilte Ireland at both a national and regional level is committed to unlocking/developing the potential within the inland counties. We will employ both NDP and other tax incentive measures to encourage and facilitate product development in these areas. Our regional teams will work with all interested parties to implement agreed advertising and promotional plans.
19. Fáilte Ireland commits to introducing product knowledge programmes for frontline staff. We would also recommend that individual business owners and/or managers take this on as an issue themselves and work to ensure that they and their staff stay familiar with all the ‘things to do’ that are available within a locality.
20. Fáilte Ireland will publicise the availability of all investment funds and tax incentive schemes. It will publish the operating guidelines along with Frequently Asked Questions on its corporate website, www.failteireland.ie . In addition, we will run regional briefing sessions to walk potential investors through the details of the schemes and how best to approach the applications process.