Kilrush Chamber of Commerce
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Dance addressed by Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., Minister for Finance at Kilrush Golf Club on Saturday 3rd February, 2007.
Also, presentation by John Costelloe, Operations Director, Saint-Gobain PPL of "Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush Business Award 2006" (Mark Reidy, Franmer Devlelopments Ltd) and "Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush - Special Contribution Award 2006" (Thomas Whelan, Spirit of Kilrush yacht).
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Chamber Dinner and Saint-Gobain Awards
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Statement by Karen Whelan, Incoming President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, speaking at the AGM on 17th January, 2007.
Statement by Jack Kelly, Outgoing President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, speaking at the AGM on 17th January, 2007.
Minister for Finance addresses Kilrush Chamber Dinner and Presentation of Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush Business & Special Contribution Awards 2006News Release
Minister for Finance addresses Kilrush Chamber Dinner and
Presentation of Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush Business & Special Contribution Awards 2006
Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., Minister for Finance was guest of honour at the 3rd Annual Dinner Dance of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce at Kilrush Golf Club on Saturday 3rd February, 2007.
Inaugural Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush Awards 2006.Mr. John Costelloe, Operations Director, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Ireland Ltd, Kilrush presented the Inaugural Kilrush Chamber of Commerce / Saint-Gobain Awards 2006.
Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush Business Award 2006. Winner: Mark Reidy, Franmer Developments Ltd for Hector Street developments. The successful regeneration of former Glynn's Mills into apartments and retail units.Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush -Special Contribution Award 2006. Winner: Thomas Whelan, Spirit of Kilrush yacht. The promotion and entry of Spirit of Kilrush in the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race 2006. We are delighted to have Saint-Gobain in partnership for this prestigious award. The Saint-Gobain Awards aim to recognise and highlight individuals and companies who in the course of running successful businesses endeavour to enhance and promote Kilrush and the Chamber of Commerce, stated, Mr. Jack Kelly, Outgoing President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. John Costelloe, Operations Director, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Ireland Ltd stated that 2006 represented the company's 25th year of operation in Kilrush - that was one of the reasons for doing the awards - to contribute to local commerce. Saint-Gobain were also one of the largest sponsors of the Spirit of Kilrush in the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race.
Saint-Gobain is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of high performance plastics, including fluropolymer coated glass fabrics, film, adhesive strips, sealed capsules and other medical products.
The company employs approx 80 in Kilrush which is the European base for the global group's fabric coating activity.
Charles W. Glynn, Hon. Sec/PRO, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce.
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Address by Mr. Brian Cowan, T.D., Minister for Finance at Annual Dinner Dance of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce on Saturday 3rd February, 2007.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to have been invited to address you here this evening.
Thanks to the hard work of the Irish people and the policies implemented by this Government our economy is very strong. Growth remains impressive, employment creation is robust and the outlook is positive. However, while justifiably proud of the path our country has travelled in recent years, our joint success does not provide grounds for complacency. In fact, complacency is the biggest threat to our future success.
I know that everyone in this room tonight shares the ambition that our economy, nationally and locally, will remain strong. It is not enough, however, to rest on our record of success and our achievements to date. We must continue to develop and to refine our policies and our practices if we are to continue enjoying the success which is now a feature of our nation's landscape.
That is the context in which I framed this year's Budget and in which the Government prepared the National Development Plan. Their combined ambition is the securing of the gains already made and the sustaining of our prosperity in a way which enhances the quality of life of every citizen.
The starting point of any successful budgetary policy must be responsibility. It must have the years ahead as its focus. That is why this Government has delivered budget surpluses in eight of the last nine years. That is why I am targeting a budget surplus for 2007. I have no intention of threatening this country's success by engaging in irresponsible short-termism, by seeking out a quick fix or by employing a soft-option strategy. Budget 2007 continues the successful fiscal policies of the past nine years: they are sound management and a taxation system which rewards and encourages work and enterprise.
Despite the progress made by this Government in cutting tax rates, in widening bands and in increasing tax credits, there is still an element of guff doing the rounds in relation to our record on taxation. Well, I would like to take the opportunity presented here tonight to set that record straight.
On rates, it is worth remembering that we have reduced the standard rate of income tax from 26% to 20% and the marginal rate from 48% to 41%. We increased the standard rate bands to ensure that those earning the average industrial wage will not face a liability for the higher rate of tax in 2007. We increased the value of the Personal and PAYE credits and the Age Exemption limits to ensure that nearly two out of five earners, or 846,000 earners, will be outside the tax net in 2007. That compares with one quarter of earners in 1997, one quarter in a smaller population and workforce. As a result of the reforms and changes which we implemented in Government, over 460,000 extra earners are now outside the income tax net.
We cut taxes and we will keep them low for one simple reason: Low taxes work. They promote economic activity, reward workers and encourage investment. They are central to our current economic success and they are underpinning our future economic success by making Ireland an attractive play to live, to work and to invest.
Tax cuts allow workers to keep more of their earnings and encourage people to participate in the labour force. Despite the massive reductions in the income tax burden, the increase in earnings and in the numbers of employed have generated increased tax revenues which are funding vital social services across the country.
Our tax changes have made Ireland stronger. They have also made Ireland fairer. Today, a person on the minimum wage is completely outside the tax net thanks to the reforms we have introduced in government. 80% of income earners pay less than 20% of their income in tax.
All workers have benefited from our tax reductions. In 1997, a single person on the average industrial wage paid over 27.5% of their earnings in taxes, levies and social insurance. This year, that worker will pay just 14.5% of their earnings.
For married couples where both husband and wife are in paid employment and on the average industrial wage, we have reduced the average tax rate from over 15% in 1997 to just 1.8% today.
Our taxation reforms have seen the tax burden shift away from work. This makes good sense economically and makes good sense socially. It promotes employment and prosperity while ensuring that resources are generated to fund increased expenditure on health, welfare, education, justice and transport.
In 1997, income taxes contributed 36.6% of total tax revenue. Last year, they contributed 27.2% of total tax revenue. Clearly, we have reduced the burden of tax on work by over 25%. At the same time, the increased prosperity of our country has seen increased wealth. Despite reductions in tax rates, the contribution of capital taxes has increased dramatically to 15.7% from 4.6% ten years ago. The tax burden is now more fairly distributed and more supportive of a strong economy.
We understand how important low taxes are to our economic success. That is why we reduced the income tax burden. That is why, under Fianna Fail in government, the income tax burden will remain low. Low taxes will continue to be the centrepiece of our economic policy as we build a stronger, fairer Ireland.
As well as rewarding work, our economic policy is built around promoting enterprise. Our corporation tax rate of 12.5% ensures that this country attracts some of the best industrial investment in the world. It underpins our strong economy through its positive impacts on exports, employments and Government revenues. We will never tinker with that lynchpin of our country's economic development.
However, recognising the vital role played by small and medium enterprises in our economy and their future potential, this Government has been eager to augment low taxation through targeted supports. We should never lose sight of the simple fact that small businesses are big business with 40% of the work force employed in the small and medium enterprise sector. I am enthusiastic about the sector's prospects not only in pure economic terms but also in terms of its potential contribution to balanced regional development. That is why I was delighted to announce proposals to significantly enhance the Business Expansion and Seed Capital Schemes in this year's Budget. These changes will make it easier for small and medium-sized business to get access to funding, funding which will help them to grow their enterprises and their employment levels. They will support this vital, indigenous driver of employment and activity in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
I am deeply conscious of the burden of regulation and compliance on business. I want to see businesspeople doing business, raising activity and creating employment rather than wasting time on excessive administrative chores. That is why I increased the corporation tax liability threshold for treatment as a small company from 50,000 to 150,000. That is why I raised the VAT registration threshold to 35,000 in the case of services and to 70,000 in the case of goods. That is why I am increasing the VAT cash accounting threshold from 635,000 to 1 million. By reducing the administrative burden on business, these changes give them space to concentrate on what they do best, to grow and develop in the interests of employment, the economy and the country as a whole.
The National Development Plan which the Government launched last week provides a medium-term framework for the achievement of our national social and economic objectives. It sets out a roadmap for the next phase of our country's transformation and will deliver a better quality of life for all. Its implementation will help to secure our prosperity and make Ireland a better country, with stronger communities throughout the island.
Sustaining our success and securing the gains already made is only possible if we rebalance our development to ensure that all the regions of this country can reach their potential. Lopsided economic growth which sees the capital and its hinterland as the primary driver of all activity is not in anybody's interests, not least the interests of the people of Dublin and its surrounding counties. Balanced regional development is a pre-condition to sustainable national development. If we are to enjoy a high quality of life alongside and in support of a high level of national income, every region, every community must be able to reach its potential for success. It is vital to delivering a better quality of life for all.
The Regional Development strategy will not be implemented at the expense of the Rural Economy. The broad objective is to sustain the continuing process of growth and diversification in the rural economy through enhanced accessibility, communications infrastructure and activation of local development potential in areas such as local enterprise and services, tourism and the natural resource sectors.
Key Plan interventions that will assist the development of the Rural Economy include:
The roll-out broadband in rural areas, particularly those areas where the commercial provision of broadband would otherwise be uneconomic;
Investment in non-national roads and rural water services;
The Rural Transport Initiative, the remit of which will be significantly expanded; and
Investment under the LEADER and Rural Economy Programme to promote diversification of the rural economy.
Decentralisation also has a role to play in securing balanced regional development. Within County Clare, I am delighted to report that the Revenue Commissioners are expected to move to Kilrush in the middle of this year and that the OPW is currently negotiating a contract for leasing a building in the town. At the same time, Enterprise Ireland has identified a preferred site for the construction of a new HQ building in Shannon. The agency expects to have approximately 60 staff, including the staff that transfer from Shannon Development, located with CityEnterprise country-regionIreland in placeShannon again by the middle of this year. These developments will represent important moves towards the full delivery of the planned decentralisation programme for County Clare.
Ladies and Gentlemen, our country has travelled a great distance in recent years. It is stronger economically, fairer socially, more confident, more inclusive, offering better opportunities to all. By putting in the hard work and by pursuing the right policies now, we will help our country to keep moving forward in the years ahead.
Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., Minister for Finance.
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View Speech by Mr. Jack Kelly, Outgoing President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce at Annual Dinner Dance of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce on Saturday 3rd February, 2007.Download:
Speech by Jack Kelly outgoing President
Minister Cowen, Deputy Pat Breen, Senators Daly and Taylor Quinn, Supt. McKeown, Councillors, Chamber President, Esteemed Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen.
I am delighted to welcome you to our Annual Dinner Dance. This event has become very popular over the past few years which was evidenced by the large demand for tickets as soon as they became available. It has now become an established fixture in the Kilrush social calendar, and before I go any further I would like to thank Kilrush Golf Club and particularly Alex, James, Liz and Richie for a magnificent meal again tonight. While I am thanking people, I must mention our master of ceremonies Mr Denis Nolan and our fantastic organising committee Helen, Bernie and Karen. Ladies, if you would like to join me up here for a small presentation.
It gives me particular pleasure to welcome our guest speaker tonight, our Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen. Brian and I both attended Cistercian College Roscrea for our formative years. I recall that, his debating skills as honed by Mr. Maher were impressive even then and have obviously stood to him in his current position. I remember in particular his achievements and successes representing the school in Muintir na Tire and Gael Linn public speaking competitions both in Irish and English.
This time last year when I addressed you as the incoming President our guest speaker that night was Assistant Commissioner Gerry Kelly of the Garda Siochana. His inspirational speech focused us on the necessity to work collectively with our colleagues in the Garda Siochana in fighting the ongoing scourge of crime in our area. We are each aware of our own responsibilities in this area and have, I feel, been tackling those responsibilities head on of late. It is obvious that our awareness and proactive approach has been a large factor in reducing the level of crime on our streets.
Looking back on the year on a positive note, the highlight must be the sponsorship of the yacht in the round country-regionplaceIreland race. The Spirit of Kilrush Project was brought to us by Thomas Whelan and his colleagues at Western Yacht Club, Kilrush. The Chamber felt this was an ideal opportunity to promote all that is good about our town, and as such, rowed in behind it. We will always support initiatives to enhance the image of Kilrush.
At this point I feel I must mention the success of Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee in achieving Silver Medal Status for the second time in this prestigious national competition. Congratulations to all involved.
Last year I mentioned the necessity for further integration with the new members in our community. From discussions with some of our new residents from overseas I am pleased to note that Kilrush would appear to be a very welcoming town. Again, the responsibility lies with all of us, both in our business and private capacity to ensure that Kilrush remains a welcoming town. Without individual support and action the power of the Chamber in this area is worthless.
Having spoken with some Chamber colleagues over the past month, the general consensus would be that 2006 was a good year to be in business in Kilrush. During this time a number of developments in the Town came to fruition, the newly refurbished Hector Street Mills, the fine New Show Room at Place de Plousane and the housing developments at Woodfield, addressStreetShanakyle Road and Cois na Ce being some that come to mind. The outlook for 2007 is very positive with on-going developments at The Quay Mills, Retirement Village at Stewart Street, the impending arrival of Multiples Aldi and Tesco and the nicely progressing Retrofit at Moneypoint, there is an air of optimism about, and add to this the arrival of 50 of Minister Cowen's Revenue Staff through Decentralisation over the next few months, I would say there is a certain buoyancy about the economic future of Kilrush.
Later tonight we will have the presentation by Mr. John Costelloe, Operations Director, Saint-Gobain PPL, Kilrush, of the inaugural Kilrush Chamber of Commerce / Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush Business Award 2006 (Winner: Mark Reidy, Franmer Developments Ltd for Hector Street Mills Regeneration) and Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush -Special Contribution Award 2006 (Winner: Thomas Whelan for Spirit of Kilrush entry in Round Ireland Yacht Race 2006). This is to recognise and highlight individuals and companies who in the course of running successful businesses also by these same endeavours promote and enhance Kilrush and the Chamber. We are delighted to have Saint-Gobain in partnership for this prestigious award. More shall be revealed later.
At this point I would like to thank the staff and members of Kilrush Town Council for their work man like attitude towards the bi-monthly Liason Forum. With the Christmas lights project moving along nicely it just goes to show what open cooperation can achieve.
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As my year as your President is now over I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Executive Committee for their constant help and support, both physical and moral, throughout the year. I would also like to thank my wife Ger for her constant support during my term of office .
I would again like to thank Minister Brian Cowen for taking time out from his busy schedule, particularly this week with the publication of the Finance Bill, to attend our dinner and hopefully give us some pointers for the enrichment of our community in the future.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my year as President and wish Karen Whelan the very best of luck for her term as President and want to assure her of my support.
On that note I hope you all have a great night and arrive home safely afterwards.
I would now like to make a presentation from Kilrush Chamber of Commerce to Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., Minister for Finance, in recognition of his visit to our Annual Dinner Dance. (Presentation of a framed water colour painting of Scattery Island by local artist, Pauline Dunleavy.)
Goodnight and Thank you.
Jack Kelly,
Past-President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce.
Statement by Karen Whelan, Incoming President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, speaking at the AGM on 17th January, 2007.View as pdf file
Statement by Incoming President Karen Whelan
Past Presidents, Members of the Executive Committee and Chamber Members, firstly I would like to thank Out Going President, Jack Kelly for all the hard work and commitment he has given to the Chamber in the last twelve months. It was a pleasure to work with him as Vice-President and I have no doubt that I will be looking to him for his advice over the coming months.
I would also like to thank you, the members for giving me this opportunity. I am truly honoured to accept the role of President of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce. I will do my utmost to represent you to the best of my ability in the coming year.
Kilrush is a vibrant town, there are many positive developments and it has been coming into its own in the past number of years. I am very proud to be brought up in the town and I have seen it flourish and grow in the past ten years. I feel I am extremely fortunate to be part of these exciting times.
There are a few goals that I would like to achieve during my term of office.
I would like to promote the town as positively as possible as a vibrant tourist and commercial centre.To Increase membership. To get more members to attend monthly meetings, with the hope of getting members in a more active role in the running of the Chamber.I intend to continue to build on the relationships with Kilrush Town Council and our local Gardaí. We have the Christmas Lights Project this coming year as well as the prospect of a Business Crime Watch for our business community.
I intend to keep our monthly meetings to one hour duration, I will chair the meetings accordingly to achieve this.
The Executive meetings have been a huge success this past year and it is vital to the development of the Chamber that the new Executive continues this good work.
I am also open to any ideas or changes members might suggest that would benefit the Chamber.
Finally, I would like to thank you all for attending tonight. I look forward to working with you all and representing you over the coming months.
Karen Whelan, President,
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce. See 2007 Executive Committee
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Statement by Jack Kelly, Outgoing President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, speaking at the AGM on 17th January, 2007.
View as pdf file
Statement by Outgoing President Jack Kelly
Incoming President, Executive Colleagues and Chamber Members. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all most sincerely for giving me the honour of being your Chamber President for the past twelve months.
I would like to thank the Officers of the Chamber, without whom most of the good work of the Chamber would not be done. I refer directly to the Trojan work that goes into the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the various Council submissions and the bi-monthly liaison meetings, to name but a few.
I would like to thank and congratulate Thomas Whelan for bringing us on board the now legendary Spirit of Kilrush initiative. Well done, Thomas.
I would like to congratulate Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee for achieving its 2nd Silver Medal Award in this auspicious National Competition.
I would like to thank Kilrush Town Council for their co-operative attitude within the Liaison group forum. With the Christmas lights project moving along nicely it just goes to show what can be achieved by focusing on attainable goals.
I would like to thank congratulate Mr. Mark Reidy on being the inaugural receipitant of the Saint-Gobain - Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, Spirit of Kilrush Business Award. Well deserved by Mark, and a top choice by the Executive.
I would like to thank our various sponsors over the past 12 months. From being involved in the Chamber Dinner Dance, the St Patrick's Day Parade, Christmas Lights and all other sponsored Chamber activities, we cannot thank these people enough for their support.
I would like to give a special Thank You to our Honorary Secretary Mr Charles W Glynn, who while dealing with his own health issues kept the Chamber ticking along nicely. Charles, thank you very much indeed.
After all that thanking and congratulating you are probably thinking when will he ever stop, but as my brief for these few words was to thank and review my year as President , I think the thanks and congratulations are review enough of the year.
All that is left for me to do is thank our incoming President Karen for her support over the year 2006 and to wish you every success for your Presidency in 2007.
Again, I thank the Chamber for a most interesting and valuable experience as President.
Thank You.
Jack Kelly, Outgoing President, Kilrush Chamber of commerce.
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A 2006 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM KILRUSH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
As President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce and on behalf of the Executive and all the members of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, may I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
The Chamber has organised the annual Christmas Santa's Den and Shopping Promotion 2006 in the town which is takes place on Saturday, 9th December
Since its reactivation in 1996 the Kilrush Chamber of Commerce has prided itself on being a respected and important contributor, not just to the economic landscape of the town, but also to its social and cultural fabric. The Chamber recognises that it has a meaningful role and a duty in helping develop Kilrush to become a better town, not just to do business in but in which to live, socialise and to visit.
A climate of partnership and co-operation has developed and flourished in the town between different community organisations and statutory bodies, this is exemplified by the regular liaison meetings the Chamber of Commerce hold with Kilrush Town Council.
The success of the Spirit of Kilrush yacht in the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race was a wonderful promotion by the Chamber and the people of Kilrush which attracted much positive comment and made everyone proud of Kilrush. The other Western Yacht Club yacht Chieftain has brought many yachting honours to the town. It is expected that Shannon Development will shortly be announcing details of major re-development plans at Kilrush Marina.
Amongst some of its notable successes the Chamber has established the Kilrush Dolphin Gateway Project, an initiative to establish the town as placeEurope's premier dolphin-watching capital, in conjunction with Kilrush Town Council. It has been responsible for organising the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the past four years and has seen it grow into one of the biggest and best events of its kind in the region.
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce has been very pro-active in the development of Kilrush and its flagship project 1.3m Estuary House developed by Estuary West which was established in 2000 as an Advanced Office Facility as part of Shannon Development's administered Business Expansion Scheme (BES). This 15,000 sq. ft was officially opened on 1st November 2001 by An Post's BillPost Processing Services Ltd and currently employs in excess of 50 staff on the upper floors. It is expected that under the Government's Decentralisation Scheme, 70 Revenue Staff will be employed there in early 2007.
There is no doubt exciting times lie ahead for Kilrush and West Clare. The 368 million investment in the Retrofit Project at the ESB Moneypoint power station is progressing well with many overseas construction staff living in the area. The refurbishment and regeneration of many of the old historic buildings of the town has now commenced and together with continuing house building boom will further revitalise and reenergise the town. Kilrush is undergoing a number of new housing and commercial developments around town. The current development of Quay Mills at addressStreetHector Street is almost completed and a further development of new apartments commenced recently and it is hoped that a hotel and offices will be developed on a phased basis.
Boadband is now widely available in Kilrush and the Chamber's website www.westclare.com promotes the many positive activities of Kilrush and West Clare. The Chamber is working very closely with the new Non-National population in Kilrush and has established a number of initiatives to assist those who have recently moved to Kilrush from placecountry-regionPoland and other countries. The first Polish Shop has been established.
Kilrush attained its second Silver Medal in the 2006 Tidy Towns Competition and great credit is due to the hard working committee. The positive spin-offs from success in the Tidy Towns competition on publicity, tourism, civic pride and ultimately commerce can not be under-estimated.
The social highlight of the Chamber activities is the President's Annual Dinner Dance which will be held at Kilrush Golf Club on Saturday 3rd February, 2007. The recipient of the Saint-Gobain - Kilrush Chamber of Commerce `Spirit of Kilrush Business Award' will be announced at the Annual Dinner Dance.
Kilrush is blessed with an extensive network of community groups from all walks of life and a progressive Town Council, all working extremely hard, often in difficult circumstances, with the same goal - to improve the quality of life the town offers. Kilrush Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be able to play its part in making Kilrush a town to be proud of.
Aims & Objectives of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce:
· To promote Kilrush and its environs as a vibrant commercial centre in the following areas: tourism, the retail sector and as an industrial base.
· To create an environment which will ensure the long-term success of business development in the area.
· To provide a forum which will represent the interests of all local businesses where necessary.
· To lobby both national & local government on issues relating to maximising the business interests of Kilrush and West Clare.
· To liaise with other relevant bodies within the Clare area who share both economic and community interests and to advance in a unified approach for the betterment of the town and county.
Jack Kelly, President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce stated: It is important to have a strong active Chamber, whose members are actively involved and who are proud to have a say in the development of our town. Again, this can only be achieved by YOU being involved. We have among us some exceptional young entrepreneurs who I would encourage to become actively involved in your Chamber. Remember, this is your town, your business, your future and your family's future. As a community we must work together to achieve our goals, you have a say! Come along to our Chamber meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 8.30pm in The Haven Arms.
Jack Kelly, President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce.
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Spirit of Kilrush in BMW Round Ireland Yacht RaceLatest: A Kilrush Crew has entered the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race with a 64ft Volvo yacht, Spirit of Kilrush which takes place on July 1st 2006. As they undergo both physical and mental preparations for the race their vision and enthusiasm has now rippled its way through the town of Kilrush gaining public support from the local people and the Chamber of Commerce. See Spirit of Kilrush Photo Gallery.
Kilrush, is a Maritime and Heritage Town, the businesses along with the tourist industry are proud to be associated with the Sprit of Kilrush Team. Anyone that has a long term interests in Kilrush at heart should support this very welcome and proactive step from the Western Yacht Club, Tom Whelan, Spirit of Kilrush Crew Member.
The 704-mile race takes place on Saturday July 1st 2006, the race starts from Wicklow Sailing Club and sails clockwise around Ireland keeping all islands to Starboard, the 18-member crew from Western Yacht Club, Kilrush will be sailing a Volvo 60, Spirit of Kilrush.
EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION WORKSHOPKilrush Chamber of Commerce in association with Mr. Kenneth Buchholtz, Campbell International, Human Resource Coonsultants, organised a very successful Employment Legislation Worrkshop on 13th April, 2005. The topic was "The Seven Pitfalls of Employment Legislation"
INCOMING PRESIDENT PAUL EDSON'S ADDRESS 2005At Kilrush Chamber of Commerce AGM on 2nd February, 2005
Firstly I would like to express a big thank you to Denis, on behalf of the Chamber, for the commitment and effort he has given to the position of President over the past twelve months.
I would like to thank you, the members, for giving me your trust to follow on the illustrious line of excellent Presidents that has brought the Chamber forward since its reactivation nine years ago.
I am honoured and excited by the prospect of being the President over the next 12 months, at a time when so many good and positive developments are taking place in the town.
There are a few goals that I hope to achieve during my term of office.
I would like to see the membership of the Chamber increase by at least 10% to over 90 members.
I will be proposing that the Chamber develops closer links with Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee, so that we can play our part in pushing the town that extra little step to be a true contender for national awards. The positive spin-offs from success in the Tidy Towns competition on publicity, tourism, civic pride and ultimately commerce can not be under-estimated.
I intend to continue to build on the good relationship and productive partnership that has been established with the Town Council.
It also gives me the opportunity to further progress my own pet project, some may go so far as to say obsession, the Kilrush Dolphin Gateway Project, which I am certain will begin to reap huge tourism's benefits for the town and region from this summer on.
There are challenges ahead, issues that must be addressed, such as law and order; media coverage and countering any resulting negative perceptions and attitudes that exist in the public domain.
The Chamber has a responsibility to its members to try to tackle and rectify these issues, by identifying possible solutions, through meetings with the Gardaí and by lobbying the appropriate parties.
Like many Chamber Presidents before who have given the same earnest commitment - I intend to keep monthly meeting to one hour duration. In order to achieve this before each meeting I will allocate an appropriate set time to each topic. If it looks likely that we will exceed the allotted time I will ask those present if they wish to continue on that topic or move on. Consequently, if the meeting exceeds an hour it will be by mutual consent.
To finish I would like to thank you all for attending tonight and to express the hope that you will continue to attend forthcoming meetings and also to try to recruit a friend to come along as well.
PAUL EDSON, President.
OUTGOING PRESIDENT DENIS NOLAN'S SPEECH -REVIEW 2004At Kilrush Chamber of Commerce AGM on 2nd February, 2005
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for giving me the honour to be your President over the last year. My aim at the start of the year was to have a strong active Chamber and to encourage these young entrepreneurs among our midst to become actively involved. Yes, we have a strong Chamber but disappointingly, our young Entrepreneurs and other business people have failed to come on board.
I would like to thank my fellow officers, Rebecca Brew, Minute Secretary; Paul Edson, P.R.O. & Vice President; to Rita Clune our ever diligent Honorary Treasurer and on behalf of the Chamber Rita, I would like to thank you for your many years of 100% commitment to the Chamber and to wish you best wishes and good health in your retirement from the Chamber.
Many thanks to the various Sub-Committees who gave up their time away from work and families and due to their efforts were making Kilrush a better town. Once again 2004 proved very successful for the St. Patrick's Parade, with praise and congratulations coming from all corners. Well done to those who helped organise this years Shopping Bonanza in conjunction with Kilrush Credit Union and to the ever popular Santa's Den and Colouring Competition. To those members who attended meetings of such groups as West Clare Industry and Enterprise Task Force, Council/Chamber bi-monthly meetings, the Clare Chambers of Commerce, the Kilrush PR and Media Group and to the Sub-Committee that was formed to discuss Law & Order with representatives of Kilrush Gardaí, and a special thanks to Siobhán Curran, Kilrush Town Council for her commitment to working with us.
On the social scene, many thanks to Bernie Ryan, Helen Williams and Rebecca Brew for organising our very successful Chamber Dinner Dance and without doubt was one of the highlights of the year, and I think because of its success a great opportunity now arrives to recruit new members.
I think we have a lot to look forward to in Kilrush and there are many exciting times ahead. The ESB commitment to the Retrofit Project and Overhaul of Moneypoint will over the short term give an added boost to our economy and long term will prolong ESB Moneypoint as an important employer for the next 20 to 25 years. The Kilrush Dolphin Gateway Project spearheaded by our very own Paul Edson and Dr. Simon Burrows could very well turn out to be the Jewel of the Shannon. Our hope of a Hotel is now on our door step and without doubt will have a ripple effect on all of us.
I would like to sincerely thank our Honorary Secretary, Charles Glynn, who really is the engine that drives our Chamber and because of all your help Charles you, made my job an awful lot easier.
And finally I would like to thank Vice President Paul Edson for all your support, and to wish you every success in your Presidency in 2005.
Once again thank you for allowing me this opportunity to be your President, it has been a valuable experience.
Cead Mile Fáilte. DENIS NOLAN.
Denis Nolan, President, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce. Letter to Members12th February, 2004.
Dear Member,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for electing me to represent you as your Chamber President and I look forward to working with the new executive committee.
The 2004 membership and www.westclare.com advertisement renewal fees are attached for payment at your earliest convenience.
For the coming year, I will endeavour to do my best for you, the members and Kilrush. However, dreams and goals can only be achieved by determination and hard work. We are blessed to have among our members some very hard working and dedicated people who see the Chamber of Commerce for what it stands for, and for what it can accomplish for Kilrush and West Clare.
My wish and my goal to have achieved at the end of my term is to have a strong active Chamber, whose members are actively involved and who are proud to have a say in the development of our town. Again, these goals can only be achieved by YOU being involved. We have among us some exceptional young entrepreneurs who I would encourage to become actively involved in your Chamber. Remember, this is your town, your business, your future and your family's future. As a community we must work together to achieve our goals, you have a say!
May I wish you good luck for the coming year and I look forward to seeing you at our monthly meetings in 2004 on the first Wednesday of each month at 8.30 p.m. in The Haven Arms. Next meeting will be held on Wednesday 3rd March and it would be great if you could attend and encourage another businessperson to join the Chamber.
Yours in commerce,
_______________________________
Denis Nolan,
President,
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce.
Press Release - Denis Nolan elected new President of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce.At the AGM of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce on 4th February 2004, Mr. Gerard Kelly, outgoing President welcomed Mr. Denis Nolan as newly elected President. The position of Vice-President will be filled at March meeting. He thanked all committee members and general members for their great support in 2003 and wished the new Executive Committee every success in 2004.
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce was established in 1949 and went through many years of activity. It was dormant in the early 1990's but was re-established in 1996. The Chamber now has 80 paid-up members. Kilrush is a Maritime and Heritage Town. Membership Fees for 2004: 75: 1-5 staff; 100: 6-15 staff and 175: over 16 staff. Website advertisements on the Chamber's website www.westclare.com are 100 for first year and 35 for following years.
In January 2001, the Clare Chambers of Commerce was formed in conjunction with Ennis, Kilkee, Shannon and Kilrush Chambers of Commerce. Lahinch joined in 2003.
Aims & Objectives of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce:
· To promote Kilrush and its environs as a vibrant commercial centre in the following areas: tourism, the retail sector and as an industrial base.
· To create an environment which will ensure the long-term success of business development in the area.
· To provide a forum which will represent the interests of all local businesses where necessary.
· To lobby both national & local government on issues relating to maximising the business interests of Kilrush and West Clare.
· To liaise with other relevant bodies within the Clare area who share both economic and community interests and to advance in a unified approach for the betterment of the town and county.
Membership:
· Membership: Currently 80 Members.
· Executive: President: Denis Nolan; Hon. Secretary: Charles W. Glynn; Minute Secretary, Rebecca Brew; Hon. Treasurer: Rita Clune; P.R.O.: Paul Edson. Vice-President:
· Committee: George Brew, Maria Hartman, Gerard Kelly, Jack Kelly, Karen Malone, Mark Reidy, Liam Williams
KILRUSH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGM 2003At the AGM of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce on 5th February 2003, Mr. George Brew, outgoing President welcomed Mr. Gerard Kelly as newly elected President and Mr. Denis Nolan, Vice President. He thanked all committee members and general members for their great support in 2002 and wished the new Executive Committee every success in 2003.
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce was established in 1949 and went through many years of activity. It was dormant in the early 1990's but was re-established in 1996. The Chamber now has 80 paid-up members representing many business and professional spheres in Kilrush. Membership fees for 2003: 55: 1-5 staff; 75: 6-15 staff and 150: Over 16 staff. General meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 8.30 p.m. at Kelly's Bar and Restaurant, Henry Street, Kilrush.
Kilrush is a designated Maritime and Heritage Town. The Town Renewal Scheme status is available until December 2004. In the 2002 National Population Census, Kilrush Urban: 2,699 and Kilrush Rural: 10,344.
In January 2001, the Clare Chamber of Commerce was formed in conjunction with Ennis, Kilkee, Shannon and Kilrush Chambers of Commerce and Project Ennistymon. Chairman, Terence Mangan, Ennis and Vice-Chairman, Charles W. Glynn, Kilrush. Kilrush is affiliated to the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland.
In June 2002, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce agreed to acquire www.westclare.com from Clare West Development and took over annual hosting liabilities with effect from 1st April, 2002. Kilrush Internet Bureau is in the process of re-launching the revamped www.westclare.com website which had not been updated since 1998.
It went live on 6th March, 2003 and is being continuously updated.
It is planned that this website will be used to promote tourism, commercial, industrial and professional businesses in West Clare.
LINKS TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PAGES
Enquiry
West Clare - One of Ireland's Best Kept Secrets
www.westclare.com
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce
Frances Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Telephone: +353 65 905 1061 Fax: +353 65 905 1002
E-mail: Kilrush Chamber of Commerce
Web: www.westclare.com and www.westclare.eu
ã Copyright 2006. Kilrush Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
Web development by Kilrush Internet Bureau.