Mr Xi Jinping, who is set to succeed China’s president Hu Jintao when his second term ends in October, was greeted on arrival by the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore and his wife Carol Hanney, acting airport director Niall MacCarthy and the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Mr. Liu Biwei.

Speaking on his arrival, Vice President Xi Jinping said he was delighted to visit “the beautiful country of Ireland known as the Emerald Isle on the invitation of Prime Minister Enda Kenny”. The main purpose of his visit, he said, was “… to deepen the traditional friendship between our two peoples and take our bilateral relations and practical cooperation forward”.

Ireland, added the Vice President, with its rich cultural history and physical beauty, was a “… success story of moving, in a short period of time, from an agro-pastoral economy to a knowledge economy”.

The Chinese leader later visited the Shannon Free Zone, adjacent to Shannon Airport, which he said was one of the world’s first and most successful economic development zones and offered a great insight for other countries looking to open up and develop their economies.

Following an overnight stay at Dromoland Castle and some local engagements, which included a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Vice President Xi Jinping and his 145 strong party flew to Dublin from Shannon on Sunday afternoon.

Accompanied by his wife Patricia, the ambassador called in on US immigration and customs officials based at the airport and also met with American military personnel passing through in transit.

And if Christmas shopping was on his mind, Ambassador Rooney was one of the first visitors to the newly renovated duty free shopping area at The Loop.

Shannon Airport laid on separate music receptions for Mr Rooney and his wife during the visit, with piper Pat Murphy from the Tulla Pipe Band and harpist Elaine Hogan, an entertainer with Shannon Heritage, playing for them in the airport’s transit lounge.

Acting airport director Niall McCarthy commented: “It was a great privilege to have the US ambassador and his wife at Shannon Airport”.

“Mr Rooney has been a wonderful supporter of Shannon Airport since his appointment as US ambassador in 2009 and was, in fact, here on thevery first day of US preclearance operations in August of that year. Last year, he also jointly announced with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano the expansion of preclearance services for private aircraft.

“Beyond his support over the years for Shannon, he is one of the greatest members of the Irish diaspora, having co-founded with Sir Anthony O’Reilly in 1976 the Ireland Funds, which has so far raised over €300m for various programmes in Ireland and abroad. He was a hugely popular choice as Irish ambassador in 2009 and his devotion to the role over the past two years has been incredible considering his business commitments, not least as owner of the famous Pittsburgh Steelers American football team.”

“We value his support for Shannon so highly and it was an honour again to have him here and have the opportunity to discuss with him, in particular, the potential for US preclearance facilities at Shannon. He and his wife Patricia will always have the warmest of welcomes here atShannon,” Mr McCarthy added.

On his visit to the region, Mr Rooney also hosted a coffee reception at Dromoland Castle for people from Limerick and the Mid-West who have taken part on US Government exchange programmes, including the prestigious Fulbright and Mitchell scholars programmes.

Designed to foster mutual understanding between Ireland and the United States, alumni hosted by the ambassador included academics and civil servants as well as people working with NGOs, in the arts and in the media.

Commenting on the Féasta Bia Award Ceremony, The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Mr. Simon Coveney TD stated “This is a wonderful initiative that recognises the forward thinking of local food producers supported by the overall vision of the Atlantic Way Food Initiative. Local food production  generates a huge contribution to local communities economically and culturally. Initiatives like the Atlantic Way Food Initiative Féasta Bia Awards bring together local communities, businesses and food producers for the greater good of the area and growth of indigenous industries. Recognising local food producers in this way is hugely important to developing Ireland’s strengths in food tourism and the experience of visitors and tourists alike.

“Atlantic Way continues to push ahead in developing and continuing the ethos of the community and acknowledging the participation of food producers through events such as today’s award ceremony. The overall ethos of the Atlantic Way Food Initiative is to continue working for the benefit of the region, in partnership and collaboration on a holistic basis with all of the various stakeholders including the Irish Hotels Federation, agencies including Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland and Departments” stated Mr. Brian O’ Connell, Chairperson of the Atlantic Way.

Awareness campaigns like ‘Féasta Bia’ are the stepping stones in penetrating the key messages of the Atlantic Way Food Initiative. By focusing on growth in the region, the Atlantic Way target is a 20% increase in the production and consumption of local food, increasing employment in the sector to 5000 jobs and an additional 100,000 tourists for the region by 2020.

The hand crafted awards presented to the winners signifies the richness of the West Coast region. Joe O’ Shea of Banner Bog Oak, crafted the one-off pieces for this occasion made using rare wood with the Bog Oak carbon dated at 5,000 years old!

Cook Medical, based in the National Technology Park, won the Irish Medical Technology Company of the Year award at the annual Medical Technology Industry Excellence Awards, which took place in the Strand Hotel.

Established in Ireland in 1996, Cook Medical employs close to 600 people in Limerick. It designs and manufactures specialist medical devices used for minimally invasive surgery by radiologists, vascular surgeons, urologists and encoscopists.

At the awards, the firm was recognised for adopting a business model which saw Cook Medical up-skill its manufacturing and increasing the output of its medical production.

Speaking after picking up the prize, Bill Doherty, executive vice president of Cook Medical said: “This is a tremendous recognition of Cook Ireland’s leading role in the global production of the Zilver PTX Drug-Eluting Stent. The Limerick plant has embraced the challenge of manufacturing a Combination Class III device and now exports this innovative and sometimes life-changing product to nearly 40 countries worldwide.”

Stryker, based in the Raheen Business Park, was also highly commended at the awards ceremony, which is hosted by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and IBEC.

Dave Shanahan, of the IDA said: “The high standard of entries received for this year’s awards reflects the standard at which Ireland is leading the field globally in terms of innovation. Collectively the industry in Ireland is seeing significant growth and this in turn is attracting inward investment and creating jobs.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine Simon Coveney said the money would be given to researchers from 13 bodies that are helping the industry with their expertise, and promoting innovation and commercialisation.

The awards cover a broad spectrum of research themes including a programme on cheese and infant formula; a project on greenhouse gas mitigation in agriculture; and a programme on forest genetic resources focusing on both broadleaves and conifers.

In Celbridge this morning, Mr Coveney also formally launched two new documents about food research and sustainable agricultural production which were prepared by advisory groups operated by his department.

The plan to establish the hub at Shannon is set out in the programme for government and now the department has commissioned a study to determine the feasibility. The study will also assess the potential level of demand for a facility at Shannon by humanitarian organisations, including governments, the United Nations, European Union, Red Cross agencies and NGOs.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore had proposed the hub during the Labour leader’s constituency visit to Clare last January.

The Tánaiste said the airport had all the necessary infrastructure to facilitate a new centre where emergency food and medical supplies could be stored before they are transported rapidly to a disaster zone after a global emergency.

Already, as part of the planned hub, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Jan O’Sullivan and officials from Irish Aid have held a number of meetings with Shannon Airport representatives and other interested parties to discuss the potential of establishing the hub at Shannon.

According to the terms of reference for the feasibility study, “following on from these initial conversations, it has been agreed that the department should undertake a feasibility study to ascertain the viability and management cost of the ideas involved and ways in which they could realistically be taken forward”.

According to the department, “the purpose of the study is to provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of the viability and value for money of a potential global humanitarian hub at Shannon and to identify practical ways in which this might be realised”.

The study will chart the logistical and warehousing arrangements the international humanitarian system has in place,including those operated by the World Food Programme through its UN network as well as by Unicef at its main supply hub in Copenhagen.

A spokesman for the Shannon Airport Authority said yesterday: “We welcome this feasibility study, which is an important part of the process. We will be working closely with and supporting the consultants on the study and look forward to its outcome.”

Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey said: “The proposal to develop what could become a new multimillion euro global logistics centre for humanitarian aid highlights the sheer potential offered by Shannon airport in terms of cargo and other logistical facilities.”

He said: “I believe that it makes perfect sense to have a country such as ours as a base for EU humanitarian aid. As I understand it, currently much of that humanitarian aid is stored in Malaysia and I see no reason why it should not be stored in Europe, within closer proximity to its source.”

He added: “Shannon Airport, in my view, is perfectly placed, in terms of its geographic location and easy access to international routes, to be an international humanitarian hub.”

Tourism minister Leo Varadkar made the announcement during a visit to County Clare, with cash being allocated through Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Capital Investment Programme.

Shannon Region projects announced by Minister Varadkar include:

Riverside Improvements in Limerick City Howleys Quay – overall investment of €4.8 million with grant funding of €3.15 million for the development of a trail between Shannon Bridge and Sarsfield Bridge along Howley’s Quay, which is the next stage of the Limerick Riverside Improvement Strategy.  The upgrading includes the installation of boardwalks, the development of a performance area, other street furniture and infrastructure.  The work will enhance the riverside product further and will provide connectivity between all three River Shannon Crossings in the City for walking and cycling purposes.

Clare Glens Amenity Area, Co Tipperary  -  overall investment of  €160,000 with grant funding of approximately €120,000 is being provided to enhance the Clare Glens Amenity Area and National Loop Walk Trail Head, thereby improving facilities for visitors. This will involve upgrading footpaths and toilet facilities, as well as the provision of play equipment, picnic tables, and litter bins.  Safety handrails will also be installed and map/information board provided.  Improvements will also be made to the main entrance to make it more accessible.

Nenagh Cycleway Signage, Co. Tipperary  -   overall investment of €16,000 with grant funding of just over €12,700 is being provided for the further enhancement of the existing North Tipperary Cycle Network which is centered around Nenagh and is part of the National Cycling Network.  Following a recent review of the operation and the usage of the network it has been acknowledged that there is a requirement to provide further additional signage and information boards at various locations around the routes.  The signage is required for safety and provision of information.

Doolin Cycling Hub, Co. Clare -  overall investment of €13,500 with grant funding of €10,000 has been approved towards the further development of the existing cycle route in Doolin which is part of the National Cycling Network. The funding will be used to provide additional signage and information boards at various locations, which will be of benefit in terms of both user safety and visitor information.

Burren Heritage Trails, Co. Clare  – overall investment of €85,000 with grant funding of up to €51,315 has been approved for a series of heritage walking trails which will add value to the existing walking and cycling product in the Burren.  Looped trails will be developed in association with landowners and a range of agencies. The seven identified sites are Carran, Doolin, Fanore, Flaggy Shore (New Quay), Kilinaboy, Lisdoonvarna and Lough Bunny.  Each of these locations has been identified because they offer easy access to an interesting variety of landscapes and culture.

The overall investment is €5.1 million with the additional monies being provided by the relevant local authorities.

Varadkar said: “Walking and cycling play to our strengths as a holiday destination. The easier we make it for participants, the more attractive Ireland becomes as a destination.”

Mr Doherty said that despite the challenges facing the Irish and global economy,”US multinationals continue to show faith in Ireland as a good place to do business”.
Speaking at a meeting of US chief executives based in the region he pointed to new investments by Dell, Analog, Gilt, Teleflex Medical and Glass Lewis & Co in Limerick, as evidence of the city’s attractiveness to US Multinational companies.
“These companies will create over 300 new jobs in the region, as well as leading to the creation of additional indirect employment and there is much to attract additional investment.
“Shannon International Airport, the strong third level sector UL and LIT; the excellent quality of life which can be enjoyed in the region and, most importantly, the highly educated and flexible workforce available to new companies establishing in the Mid West are all highly attractive to foreign direct investment.”
Warning, however, that as a region, “we need to up the ante in terms of promoting the region internationally,” Mr Doherty said the combined expertise of the region’s city and county councils, Shannon Development, IDA Ireland, representatives of the third level sector, of Shannon Airport and of existing investors must be harnessed into an advocacy group for the region..
Describing Shannon Airport as a “jewel in the crown” for the region, he called for the facility to be developed to its fullest potential.
“Minister Varadkar’s decision to undertake a review of Cork and Shannon Airports is to be welcomed but any proposals must seek to strengthen the position of Shannon, taking into account the broader economic interests in the region and the important access to the entire western seaboard provided by Shannon Airport.”

A study published yesterday by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation shows a 37 per cent drop in demand on the west coast for visitor accommodation over the past decade.

However, the improved road network may be contributing to an increase in “day tours” to the west from Dublin.

Ten years ago, some 70 per cent of overseas holidaymakers spent time in the west, but this has dropped to 52-53 per cent, and the region is even losing out in the European “growth market” for Ireland, the study notes.

In 1999, visitors booked some 15.1 million bed nights on the west coast, compared to 9.8 million in 2010. The downturn was steepest in the midwest Shannon region and in the northwest, where overseas visitors have virtually halved.

Presenting the findings in Galway, consultant Noel Sweeney of Tourism and Transport Consult International said there was an “urgent need” for a national aviation policy, as the number of airports in the west was militating against developing sustainable international air links.

The region also required a co-ordinated approach to new route development, he said, and the west coast should rebrand itself as “Atlantic Ireland”.

Mr Sweeney acknowledged there was an international trend towards “urbanised tourism”, where visitors were tending to stay in urban “hubs” like Galway at the expense of rural areas.

This trend was heavily influenced by low-cost airlines and by an ageing travelling population which preferred to stay in cities, he said.

The Bord Bia and Atlantic Way Food Showcase held at Thomond Park on October 3rd enabled food producers, restaurants, hoteliers and other food eateries to meet, discuss and sample various menus.

We have received positive feedback from the various Feasta Bia events held on 15 & 16th October which showcased regional menus and food trails. This gave stakeholders an opportunity to engage in new business relationships and collaborate together.

We would like to thank all participants, our partners Bord Bia, Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland and the public for the success of the event with almost every Féasta Bia dish from Donegal to Kerry selling out during the weekend.

The next Atlantic Way Food Pillar meeting is on 28th of November at Westpark Business Campus. You will have an opportunity to review the Féasta Bia initiative and discuss plans going forward. Please contact Atlantic Way if you would like to attend.

Budding Entrepreneurs Mentored For Fresh Start

Theresa Mulvihill, MD of Smart Marketing (centre) pictured with Angie Williams of Clever Cooks (left) and on the right, Pauline O’Loughlin of Smart Procurement Solutions.

Theresa Mulvihill, the Managing Director of Smart Marketing, has chosen two
female budding entrepreneurs who will receive advice and mentoring over the
coming year as part of her ‘New Start’ initiative for entrepreneurs.

“I wanted to give someone a boost, a helping hand to get a foot on the ladder of success and get working for themselves”, says Theresa who is providing the service free of charge.

Mentee Pauline O’Loughlin worked in procurement for major companies, mainly in the electronics area, for the last 25 years. With encouragement from her former MD at Tyco Electronics, and mentoring from Theresa in Smart Marketing, she has now formed her own business called Smart Procurement Solutions. The second entrepreneur who will receive mentoring from Smart Marketing is Angie Williams. Angie is a cook who is passionate about eliminating processed foods and creating home-cooked meals instead. She works in people’s homes with adults and children teaching them easy ways to cook healthy, simple – and not so simple – dishes.

Sage is offering a mix of contemporary food this Season as well some traditional “comfort” food for those long Autumn and Winter days. So when the wind and rain comes over from the Atlantic you can follow us on Facebook where our menus are updated daily with such warming dishes like Beef and Guinness pie, beef bourguignon, chicken Biryani and freshly made soup to warm the cockles of your heart.

Sage also maintains its cold meat salad and sandwich bar and features fish dishes every week sourced from local suppliers. So come to Sage this winter and enjoy what’s on offer.

Organised by the Atlantic Way Food Pillar, right along the west coast ‘Féasta Bia’ – will celebrate the richness and variety of artisan food in the AtlanticWay Region – all along the west coast. This weekend celebration on the 15th and16th October aims to be an annual event, with all food lovers invited attend! Thehighlight of the ‘Féasta Bia’ festivities will include bespoke food trails across theregion, lively food debates, tasting sessions, enjoying local produce in restaurantsand in local food markets, as well as special Food for Kids Sessions and Tree-planting ceremonies.

Five key food trails across Clare, Galway, Kerry, Limerick and Mayo have beendesigned to incorporate a range of food demonstrations, farm tours, foodsampling and culinary surprises en-route! A locally designated ambassador will oversee the trail and share their knowledge and expertise.  Different events will take place in each county, but special ‘Féasta Bia’ menus will be on offer in many restaurants & hotels. Some producers will have open days where you are invitedto see the production techniques of their food enterprises. The website will givelocal details.

“Bringing together the fantastic selection of local producers, farmers markets,restaurants and hotels along the Atlantic Way for ‘Féasta Bia’, offers an ideal opportunity to showcase the finest regional produce on offer. The Atlantic Way Food Pillar is delighted to initiate this major regional food promotion to give a platform and increased public profile to our best food producers. Increasing sustainable food production and the rewards for artisan food producers; widening the reach & scope of our food tourism; optimising direct route to markets for producers and entrepreneurs – these are our objectives,” commented Paddy Duffy of the Atlantic Way Advisory Board.

To keep up-to-date with all the events happening in the ‘Féasta Bia’ weekend, and to view the events on your local food trail, visit www.feastabia.com.

More information about this event on the ULearning Skillnet website.

In addition to Twitter’s new European headquarters, Dublin is home to some major players in the cloud computing business.

While server farm operators wax lyrical about the location’s climate – which, being cool and with ready access to a river, is great for running high-density computing hardware without costly air conditioning bills – there’s another very good reason it’s becoming something of a Silicon Shamrock: tax.

Unlike England, which charges a pretty impressive 28 per cent ‘corporation tax’ on businesses operating within its borders, a corporation operating out of Dublin enjoys a reduced rate of just 12 per cent.

The result is an immediate 16 per cent boost to a company’s bottom line – and with Dublin enjoying high-bandwidth connections to the rest of Europe, there’s no real disadvantage to setting up shop on the banks of the Liffey.

Twitter, for its part, has denied that the move is about tax, claiming that a move to Dublin is simply “the great next step in our global expansion,”

Read more: http://www.thinq.co.uk/2011/9/26/twitter-open-european-hq-dublin/#ixzz1ZFx17cET

International Markets Week provides an opportunity for client companies to meet with Enterprise Ireland’s international marketing staff to discuss export sales strategy.  Representatives from all our international offices will be in Ireland to discuss your company’s growth and development in global markets. For more information, download International Markets Week 2011 brochure [pdf format].

Who should attend?

International Markets Week is open to all Enterprise Ireland client companies.  It will be of particular benefit to Managing Directors and Marketing Executives with responsibility for driving the company’s international growth and development.

Venue and Dates

FRANK and fellow surfer ‘dudes’ Archie, Casey, and Fay, raised a few eyebrows as they caught the waves at Lahinch last Sunday. The muttley crew made history at the surfer’s paradise in Co Clare yesterday in Ireland’s first-ever dog surfing contest.

Organised by dog trainer Raquel Noboa (31), it raised about €500 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity. “We hope it will take off,” Ms Noboa told the Irish Independent. “It was a fantastic day and it’s a great way to get people off the couch,” she said.

Speaking at the launch, Teresa Brophy, Ireland Market Manager, Bord Bia said “National Organic Week gives consumers a unique opportunity to get to know their local organic suppliers and learn about how organic food is produced. There is a wonderful range of quality organic food being produced in Ireland and National Organic Week provides consumers with the opportunity to celebrate this”.

National Organic Week 2011 event highlights include an open day on Kush Seafarms in Beara, Co. Cork including a sea farm visit on board Blue Spirit on 14th September; the Nano Nagle Centre in Mallow is hosting an organic farmers market and cookery demonstrations from an outdoor wood fired oven on September 17th; Jenny Young from Castlefarm Shop in Athy will host egg collecting, cookery demonstrations, a foraging walk and vegetables harvesting on 17th September; the annual Blas an Fomhair Harvest Festival where visitors will have the opportunity to take part in an organic lunch, will take place in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary on 18th September.

For further information on events taking place in Munster during National Organic Week please see below and for a range of organic recipe suggestions visit  http://www.bordbia.ie”http://www.bordbia.ie

Back to school – The importance of a balanced lunch for body and mind

The Nutrition and Health Foundation have called on parents to give extra consideration to the contents of children’s lunchboxes. Lunch is a crucial meal for children and failure to eat an adequate lunch can lead to problems from inadequate calorie and nutrient intake resulting in low energy levels and poor concentration in class.

Dietitian and Nutrition and Health Foundation Manager Dr. Muireann Cullen had this advice for parents: “Packing your child’s lunch is a great way to monitor the nutritional content of their lunch. By introducing a variety of delicious healthy foods to your children, you are helping to establish healthy eating patterns that will last. Children helping with preparation can learn about healthy foods.”

To help combat against these problems the Nutrition and Health Foundation have provided eight easy tips for a healthy lunchbox. The tips listed below should encourage parents to use the food pyramid and food labels to help provide their kids with a nutritious, healthy lunch which also tastes great.

NHF’s top tips for healthy lunchboxes and provide the nutrients needed for growing children:

1. Have the children help you plan a balanced lunch*.

2. Use bagels, rolls, pitta pockets, wraps in addition to bread for variety. Pastas, noodles, potatoes or couscous are also good sources of carbohydrates. Choosing the multigrain/ wholemeal/ wholegrain varieties help increase fibre intakes.

3. To increase fibre, vitamin and mineral intakes – having at least one piece of fruit or vegetable in the lunch box to count towards your child’s five daily fruit and vegetable. For young kids, keep track of all the fruits and vegetables eaten on a chart.

4. Try vegetable sticks with dips, or a small container with mixed vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, celery and cucumber or small fruits such as apples, mandarins, mini boxes of raisins etc.

5. Lean cuts of ham, roast beef, chicken, turkey, tuna and egg salads are all great sources of protein and vitamins.

6. Your child’s drink is another source of nutrition. Milk is highly recommended. Ensure access to water at all times. Variety can be increased by adding tooth friendly options such as low sugar/ sugar free squashes, well diluted fruit and vegetable juices, or sugar free flavoured waters.

7. Yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, fromage frais, small cartons of milk (including flavoured milk) and cheese provide plenty of calcium.

8. Keep treats as treats – they are not as filling as more nutritious foods of similar energy content. Check if the school has a policy on treats.

It will be the first time since the company ceased it s manufacturing operations in January 2008 that he has travelled to Limerick to address staff.

Management at the facility were informed of the visit in recent weeks and employees were only told late last week.

While no official announcement is expected following today’s visit, it is understood that workers will be briefed by Michael Dell on the future plans for the company’s operations in Raheen and Cherrywood.

There has been some speculation locally that the computer giant may be about to begin the manufacturing of smart phones at its facility in Raheen.

“I have heard some rumours to that effect alright but I must stress that they are unconfirmed,” said the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Jim Long.

In June, Dell announced the creation of up to 150 cloud computing jobs across at its Irish facilites.