HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS MEDIA RELEASE

Environment Committee to discuss the planning issues involved in the generation and export of electricity

31^st March 2014

The Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht will resume its hearings on the planning issues involved in the generation and use of electricity in Ireland and the potential export of surplus electricity to the United Kingdom at its meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, 31^st March 2014 when it meets with Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte.

Noel Coonan, Vice Chairman of the Oireachtas  the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, said: “Earlier this month, Minister Rabbitte said that plans to export wind energy from Ireland to the UK are unlikely to go ahead before the end of the decade. Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to get an update from Minister Rabbitte on the current state of play in relation to the plan. In particular, we will want to know what the implications are for plans to build thousands of wind turbines in the midlands and also for plans to install hundreds of pylons as part of Eirgrid’s Grid25 project which it says is necessary to safeguard supply and meet renewable energy targets. We will be keen to examine the planning issues involved in projects of this scale. It is a chance to address the concerns of residents in relation to the planned developments and consider the social and environmental impact on communities and landowners in the areas where the projects are planned.”

This meeting will start in Committee Room 4, Leinster House at 2.15pm tomorrow, Tuesday 1^st April 2014.

Committee proceedings can be followed live at: http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/watchlisten/live-flashplayer/committeeroom4/

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

Media enquiries to:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Email: Ciaran.brennan@oireachtas.ie

Membership of the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht

Deputies: James Bannon TD (Fine Gael); Paudie Coffey TD (Fine Gael); Noel Coonan (Fine Gael) Leas-Chathaoirleach; Marcella Corcoran Kennedy TD (Fine Gael); Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil); Luke Flanagan TD (Independent); Kevin Humphreys TD (Labour); Michael McCarthy TD (Labour) Cathaoirleach; Sandra McLellan TD (Sinn Féin); Tony Mc Loughlin TD (Fine Gael); Michelle Mulherin TD (Fine Gael); Catherine Murphy TD (Independent); Gerald Nash TD (Labour); Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD;  Brian Stanley TD (Sinn Féin).

Senators: Senator Cáit Keane (Fine Gael) Senator Denis Landy (Labour); An Seanadóir Fiach Mac Conghail (Neamhspleách); Senator Catherine Noone (Fine Gael); An Seanadóir Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fáil): Senator Ned O’Sullivan (Fianna Fáil).

Thank-you from Leabgarrow National School

Thank-you to everyone who attended our Ceolchoirm and helped make it a great success. Thanks also to Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh for the use of their faclities and for decorating the centre, the Arranmore Pipe Band, those who donated prizes for the raffle, Naíonra Árainn Mhór for the use of their toys and those who helped sell tickets on the night. A big thank-you also to Rachel Early. A total of €709.70 was raised. All money collected will go towards buying new computers for the school. A special thank-you to Jerry Early and Conne McCauley who added so much to the concert. Go raibh míle maith agaibh uilig. 

Arranmore Utd Draw at Home

Arranmore Utd were held to a draw at home today. This in fact was the first draw the lads had all year and in fairness it was the least the visitors deserved. The Home team were under strength missing, Rua, Doalty, and Daniel O Donnell to suspension. Wan Dan having won the toss decided to play with the breeze but the lads couldn't take advantage.

Arranmore had two really good chances, but Mark Ward and Przemek Turski both shot wide when well placed. Glenree also had 2 clear chances but didn't test makeshift keeper Gavin McGlanaghey. Glenree took the lead on 50 mins when the impressive Damian Nelis finished well. The lads struck back immediately when Ruan finished well following a corner. Arran took the lead 5 mins later when Benny Mc Garvey came up with a superb free kick which flew into the top corner from 30 yards.

Arranmore Utd should have wrapped up the points but the normally reliable Chris McGlanaghey couldn't finish after been well set up by Mark Ward. Glenree pushed hard for the equalizer and on 80 mins and they duly got it when Johnny McClafferty powered home a header. Both sides pushed hard for the winner but it finished all square. Point gained.

 Arranmore line up, Gav, Diver, Ruan, Wan Dan, Declan, Conner, Marty Proc, Mark Ward, Benny, Chris, And Jamack. Subs, Jason for Jamack.

Click Link Regen Arainn Mhor

Work is continuing on the Better Energy Community (BEC ) Grant Application 2014 for Regen Arainn Mhor.  We are working with a small group to follow in the footsteps of Inis Mor, Co Galway and their BEC route to success.buíochas speisialta ár gcairde i Inis Mór chun cuidiú leis an BEC

 
SEAI BEC TIMELINE

•Joint Grant Application Form by Friday 7th March 2014 to Shirley Gallagher

•BEC Grant Application opens mid March 2014

•BEC Grant Application closes end April 2014

•BEC Grants awarded before July 2014

•All work completed and 100% payment by 31st October 2014

•After October 2014, SEAI pays BEC grants

•Continued Monitoring for up to 3 years

ARRANMORE DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT CO-OP AGM

Cruinniú Cinn Bliana (CCB), Comharchumann Forbartha & Fostaíochta 
Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, Dé Sathairn 5 Aibreán 2014, 8.00
Fáilte

Clár:
• Miontuairiscí CCB 2013.
• Tuairisc bliana agus plé ar na mór cheisteanna a bheidh muid ag
cur suim iontu sa bhliain amach romhainn.
• Aon ghnó eile.

*****************************
Annual General Meeting, Arranmore Development & Employment Co-op
Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, Saturday 5 April 2014, 8.00 pm
All welcome

Agenda:
• Minutes of the 2013 AGM.
• Annual report and discussion of the priorities for the year ahead.
• Any other business.

Invitation to Green Awards on 10th April, 2014 at Dublin's Burlington Hotel

AN CHARRAIG REACHING FAR AND WIDE

Below are the current statistics on page views of An Charraig newsletter by countries.  It is interesting to see where people are checking into An Charraig from around the globe. We thank you all for your visits and hope you continue to keep coming back!

Arranmore Islands St Patricks Day Celebrations

The float at the St Patricks Day parade, Arranmore Island, 2014

This years St Patricks Day party in Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh, Arranmore Island, was another massive success seeing the event growing even bigger and better than previous years and was enjoyed by all the island community from its very youngest to oldest members. The day began with a short parade by both the Arranmore Pipe Band and a selection of children and adults led by a "St Patricks Day float" make its way to the chapel of St Crones for 11am mass, where it was greeted by a large crowd of islanders and visitors alike.

Young Barney Grady getting the
drinks in early at the St Patricks Day
Party in Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh

Following the St Patricks Day mass and the now traditional musical display outside in the chapel grounds by the pipe band, the parade reformed and led by the pipe band made its way to the community centre, Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh, for the entertainment and festivities which were to be held there.

Thankfully the weather held and sun shone as the hall filled out to capacity and those who attended were treated to tea and huge selection of food prepared and donated by members of the community. Those gathered then had the chance to experience some great entertainment compered by Hugh Nancy Rodgers, beginning with fantastic traditional Irish music performed from the stage by Anne Conaghan, John Flannagan, Eamón Ó Cíosáin, Paddy Gallagher, Connie McCauley and Robert Pfeiffer. Young Eve McCafferty also joined them for a tune.

John Lenty and Hughie Ban keeping
an eye on the festivies

There was also a wealth of tunes performed in the hall by the Arranmore Pipe Band drawing huge applause from the crowd. Other entertainment on display came in a wide variety of forms from singers including Anna Gallagher, Hugh Rodgers and Andrew Early, Irish dancers Darren O'Donnell, Sarah Bonner, Aisling Gaughan, Maggie Gallagher, Áine Boyle, Sarah Gallagher, Roisin Gallagher, Amelie Bonner and Gina Boyle. Teenie Hyland also performed a fantastic traditional Irish music solo and there was even a Karate display by young Erin O'Kane.

With the waltzing, singing along and of course the now obligatory 'Siege of Ennis' dance it was a hugely enjoyable day for all who attended. It bodes well for next year as the St Particks Day celebrations on the island seem to be getting bigger and better year on year. A huge thank you to Seamus Bonner and CFFAM and the staff of Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh and of course the many volunteers of the Arranmore community who made it such an enjoyable day for all!

The Arranmore Pipe Band playing in Ionad Chrois Bhealaigh

Beach Clean-up Posponed

ATTENTION ARRANMORE ISLAND !

 CANCELLED *Clean Coast Beach Clean 21-03-14 1:00pm* CANCELLED

DUE TO THE WEATHER THE BEACH CLEAN-UP  WILL TAKE PLACE MID APRIL.

MET. IE Saturday 22-03-14
Today, Saturday, will be a cold, windy, showery day. The showers will be heavy and some will be of hail and sleet and there's a risk of thunder. Highest temperatures of 6 to 8 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty west to northwest winds.

Arranmore Utd vs Keadue Called Off

Todays game between Arranmore Utd and Keadue has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Leadhb Garbh Shorefront Development

Leadhb Garbh Shorefront - Tenders are invited from suitability qualified contactors for the completion of ground works on Comharchumann lands at Leadhb Garbh Shorefront.

Works - Removal of debris and leveling off of existing top soil. Preparation of grounds for grass seeding. To tender for the above works, please submit bids in sealed envelopes to Comharchumann office at 4:00pm on Friday 28 March, 2014. Bids will be opened at 4:05pm on 28 March 2014, in the presence of two committee members. Awarding of tender will be subject to pricing and availability of funds to undertake and complete the works.

Payment - Subcontractors RCT will apply.

Arranmore Hostel Now Open

Brú Árainn Mhór,  Arranmore Islands hostel is now open! A great place to stay and right on the shore front and within walking distance of the ferry. For more information please call 00 353 87 3976340.

Scoil Aphoirt

A big thank you to everyone who came to our pancake party and donated money to Donegal Down Syndrome. A total of €330 was raised.

Comhgairdeas le Muireann Ni Chaomhanaigh a bhain an Chéad ait i gcomórtas scéalaíocht Realt Uladh le gairid. Bhí an sceal faoí Lexie an madadh.

We would also like to thank everyone for buying shamrocks in aid of school funds. We raised €360 which is brilliant for such a small community!

FAS Vacancy

A vacancy exists for a FAS worker to maintain the chapel grounds and cemeteries. Hours: 19 1/2  per week. Please contact Fr Ferry or Noreen Muldowney for information.

St Patricks Day Parade Details

All parade participants will meet tomorrow, St Patricks Day morning, 10.30am at Delia Gallaghers. The parade will continue after mass from the chapel to the community centre, weather permitting. Entertainment and refreshments will be available at the community centre. All children should have permission forms returned to the hall before 10.30am on Monday 17th March. Anyone wishing to donate baked goods may bring them to the hall before 10.30am or after mass. All volunteers welcome and remember bring along your county flags if you have one! Lets show community spirit and make our parade bigger and better for 2014!

Arranmore Utd Run Out 3-0 Winners

Arranmore welcomed Strand Rovers FC to Rannagh Park today and ran out 3-0 winners!

The first half was a tight affair with Strand matching the home side for the majority and the away side could have taken the lead as from a corner their no.4 headed wide. Wan Dan had Arrans best chance following a Daniel Rocky corner but couldn't find the target. Set pieces proved the main danger for both sides as the wind didn't help matters.

Arran started the second half brighter with Martin Proctor beginning to win the midfield battle for the home side and it was he who won the corner which resulted in the opening goal as Daniel Rocky took the corner and Benny McGarvey stabbed home following a goalmouth scramble! Almost immediately Martin Proctor doubled the lead as following a throw out on the left side he turned and volleyed from the edge of the area and found the bottom corner with an excellent strike.

Strand threatened from time to time with Glackin, Hanlon and Brennan but with no joy. Arran wrapped up the points when Martin Proctor took possession from Benny McGarvey and found Chris McGlanaghy with a through ball and he took a touch and let fly from the right hand side of the area and saw his effort find the top corner past the despairing keeper. Arran kept the back door shut thereafter apart from one or two chances falling to Darragh Hanlon but he couldn't take advantage.

Christopher McGlanaghy and Mark Ward were best for the home side in a good team performance. Team performance from the away side!

Arran Team: Rua, Wan Dan, Chim, Declan, Mark Ward, Jason, Benny, Daniel, Marty, Chris and Gav! Subs used: Conor Proc for Jason and Przemek for Wan Dan.

Next up is another derby as we welcome Keadue Rovers to Rannagh Park in a weeks time.

Church Gate Collection

A Church Gate collection will take place tonight (Sat 15th) and tomorrow (Sun 16th) at St Crones chapel, Arranmore for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind . Any donation welcome!

Flags Required for St Patricks Day Parade

CFFAM are looking for flags for the Arranmore's St. Patrick's Day parade. You can either donate a flag or lend one for the parade which will be returned to you. Here is a list of the county flags still required in size 5' x 3'; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Down, Dublin, Fermanagh, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Tyrone, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow. Also flags from any other country too: USA, Australia, etc. Please let us know if you can help us in any way by contacting Seamus Bonner at CFFAM Árainn Mhór. Thank You!!

ARANMOJO Music Festival 2014

Mojo GoGo are Delighted to announce the return of the 3rd annual ARANMOJO FESTIVAL At Early's Bar, Arranmore Island on 16th-17th August.

Only 200 Tickets will go on sale for this years festival & tickets are priced at E22.50. Tickets go on sale from www.aranmojofestival.com & www.tickets.ie on May 9th at 15.00 P.M.

Full Lineup announcement coming April 20th / 4.20.

Visit www.aranmojofestival.com for full festival details, It's going to be an Amazing Weekend at Early's Bar & We hope to see you all there.

See you on the Island

Dungloe Town U14 in FINAL 8 of Soccer National Cup

DUNGLOE TOWN 2

NAAS FC 1

DUNGLOE Town secured their place in the quarter final stages of this year’s U14 National Cup following this hard fought win against a talented Naas FC side at the Shorefront this afternoon.   Dungloe Town played Naas in the Last 16 of the National Cup at Dungloe at Seafront park on Sunday 9th March.   Islander, Brian Proctor is in the team.  Kick off  was at 12noon.  Congratulations to all involved.

 

DUNGLOE TOWN: Conor O’Donnell, Calum Boyle, Aidan McHugh, Danny McGlynn, Ethan Harkin, Aaron McCafferty, PJ Doogan, Daniel Ward, Brian Proctor, Oisin Bonner, Aaron McGlynn. Sub: Thomas Harnett for Bonner (58 mins) and Jack Doherty, Dylan Boyle, Dillon Sweeney, Ethan Ward and Martin Ward (not used). - See more at: http://donegalnews.com/2014/03/dungloe-town-u14s-power-into-last-eight/#sthash.tAk5nGRK.dpuf

DUNGLOE TOWN: Conor O’Donnell, Calum Boyle, Aidan McHugh, Danny McGlynn, Ethan Harkin, Aaron McCafferty, PJ Doogan, Daniel Ward, Brian Proctor, Oisin Bonner, Aaron McGlynn. Sub: Thomas Harnett for Bonner (58 mins) and Jack Doherty, Dylan Boyle, Dillon Sweeney, Ethan Ward and Martin Ward (not used).

DUNGLOE TOWN: Conor O’Donnell, Calum Boyle, Aidan McHugh, Danny McGlynn, Ethan Harkin, Aaron McCafferty, PJ Doogan, Daniel Ward, Brian Proctor, Oisin Bonner, Aaron McGlynn. Sub: Thomas Harnett for Bonner (58 mins) and Jack Doherty, Dylan Boyle, Dillon Sweeney, Ethan Ward and Martin Ward (not used). - See more at: http://donegalnews.com/2014/03/dungloe-town-u14s-power-into-last-eight/#sthash.tAk5nGRK.dpuf

SOCCER; SFAI U14 NATIONAL CUP
DUNGLOE TOWN 2
NAAS FC 1
By Harry Walsh
DUNGLOE Town secured their place in the quarter final stages of this year’s U14 National Cup following this hard fought win against a talented Naas FC side at the Shorefront yesterday afternoon
- See more at: http://donegalnews.com/2014/03/dungloe-town-u14s-power-into-last-eight/#sthash.tAk5nGRK.dpuf

SOCCER; SFAI U14 NATIONAL CUP
DUNGLOE TOWN 2
NAAS FC 1
By Harry Walsh
DUNGLOE Town secured their place in the quarter final stages of this year’s U14 National Cup following this hard fought win against a talented Naas FC side at the Shorefront yesterday afternoon
- See more at: http://donegalnews.com/2014/03/dungloe-town-u14s-power-into-last-eight/#sthash.tAk5nGRK.dpuf

SOCCER; SFAI U14 NATIONAL CUP
DUNGLOE TOWN 2
NAAS FC 1
By Harry Walsh
DUNGLOE Town secured their place in the quarter final stages of this year’s U14 National Cup following this hard fought win against a talented Naas FC side at the Shorefront yesterday afternoon
- See more at: http://donegalnews.com/2014/03/dungloe-town-u14s-power-into-last-eight/#sthash.tAk5nGRK.dpuf

SOCCER; SFAI U14 NATIONAL CUP
DUNGLOE TOWN 2
NAAS FC 1
By Harry Walsh
DUNGLOE Town secured their place in the quarter final stages of this year’s U14 National Cup following this hard fought win against a talented Naas FC side at the Shorefront yesterday afternoon
- See more at: http://donegalnews.com/2014/03/dungloe-town-u14s-power-into-last-eight/#sthash.tAk5nGRK.dpuf