The IFI, under its Community Based Economic & Social Regeneration Programme, awarded funding of EUR152,000 late last year towards this two-year programme, which will work within the border communities of Donegal, West Tyrone and Derry. The project will engage 150 young people between the ages of 14-18, from all religious backgrounds, in a programme of capacity- and confidence-building, and improvement of self esteem, with the aim of creating a more vibrant and inclusive community. Community Relations through Sport proposes to address social exclusion, racism and sectarianism through the medium of sport and physical activity.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Winston Patterson, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, remarked, “The International Fund for Ireland is very pleased to support the Community Relations through Sport Project. Sport is a universal language and capable of reaching the communities with which the Fund wants to work, and there is no doubt that sport can play a key role in delivering the message of building peace and reconciliation in a very effective manner.” Mr. Patterson also recorded the IFI’s appreciation for the international donors to the IFI – the US, EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, who had made possible the Fund’s support for the project.

The Community Relations through Sport project will include practical support from national governing bodies of both majority and minority sports, including the GAA, FAI, IRFU, Cricket Ireland, Athletics, Badminton Ireland and Cycling Ireland. This will be twinned with community relations and cultural diversity workshops which will allow young people to explore their own culture, beliefs and traditions and to challenge stereotypes in order to acknowledge and address difference.

Myles Sweeney, Donegal Sports Partnership Co-ordinator, welcomed the International Fund for Ireland’s financial assistance for the project. He highlighted the important role that sport and physical activity can play in addressing issues relating to community relations, sectarianism, racism and social exclusion. The delivery of a sports and education programme under the Community Relations through Sport project will help challenge stereotypes associated with these issues.

-ends-

About the International Fund for Ireland
The International Fund for Ireland is an international organisation established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986. The Fund’s main objectives are to promote economic and social advance and encourage contact, dialogue and reconciliation between unionists and nationalists throughout Ireland.

Contributors to the Fund are the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Since its inception, the Fund has committed more than EUR811m/STG648m to a wide variety of projects in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties. Developing and funding initiatives that tackle segregation and promote integration to build a lasting peace in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties is a key priority for the Fund.

“In regard to market transparency, the main concern is the need to achieve a greater balance along the chain between producers, processors and retailers. The need to involve all the stakeholders reflected the integrated nature of the food supply chain and what might be appropriately called the ‘fork-to-farm’ approach, given the increasing influence that the more discerning and demanding consumers are placing on producers and the manner in which producers are responding to the demands of the marketplace”, he added.

Minister of State Killeen continued: “Over recent years, the Department of Agriculture’s policies have driven a change of focus within the agri-food industry from being producer-focused to being consumer-focused. This was a key element of the AgriVision 2015 Strategy and I have no doubt it will feature prominently in the forthcoming 2020 Strategy”.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- High-resolution images of Tony Killeen, Fianna Fail TD for Clare, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with special responsibility for Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine, may be downloaded from www.dunphyprimages.com
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR at media@dunphypr.com or 086-8534900

Tourism Ireland, hoteliers and other industry representatives from around the island of Ireland have ‘invaded’ busy railway stations across Britain in the run-up to St Patrick’s Day, where they are plying commuters and travellers with great value reasons to visit Ireland this year.

This morning, at Waterloo Station in London, they reached over 13,000 potential visitors in just three and a half hours. That’s an impressive one potential holidaymaker contacted every second.

“A serious injury is a frightening prospect for any player,” commented Mick Quinn of the IRFU Charitable Trust. “Through the Trust we maintain regular contact with injured players and their families to help them any way we can. With the help of BPI Telecom we are asking people to donate their old mobile phones to raise money so we can continue this service.”

As part of the appeal the Trust will provide schools, rugby clubs and businesses with collection boxes which will be collected free of charge when full.

“Rugby has grown increasingly popular in recent years with the success of the Irish and provincial teams,” said Brian Egan, sales director, BPI Telecom. “By asking supporters and the wider community to recycle their old handsets we hope to recreate that success for the Trust and injured players.”

Volunteers for the IRFU Charitable Trust will be collecting old mobile phones outside Croke Park for Ireland’s remaining two 6 Nations home fixtures on Saturday 13th March and Saturday 20th March.

The IRFU Charitable Trust was set up in 1978 to help restore players’ confidence where possible and to assist them in their daily lives.

For more information on this appeal or to request a freepost collection bag please email irfu-ct@bpi.ie or call 01 427 9787.

Ends

Press queries to:
Kerri Crowley or Ronnie Simpson, Simpson FT PR
Tel: 01 260 5300
Email: kerri@simpsonftpr.ie

This latest exhibition focuses on the works of many of Irelands finest ceramicists, showcasing the wealth of talent on our doorstep however there will be some work from Holland, the Czech Republic and the UK and also the USA. We will be including some prizewinning new artists in the line up also. A good one to view for the Ceramic Sculpture lover

Dublin, 11th March, 2010: Flowers.ie and Action Breast Cancer, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society, have today announced the start of a long term relationship that will raise much needed funds for Action Breast Cancer. Under the terms of the agreement, Flowers.ie will donate €1 from every order placed online to Action Breast Cancer; this will also be supported by the sale of purpose designed bouquets for key events throughout the year from which €5 will be donated to Action Breast Cancer.

“Teaming up with Action Breast Cancer is a perfect fit for Flowers.ie.” comments Martin O’Gara Managing Director of Justyne Flowers “Action Breast Cancer does an invaluable job in raising the awareness of Breast Cancer and also supporting those with Breast Cancer through the illness. As such all the team at Flowers.ie are 100% behind this new partnership” Martin continues. “We took the decision that in these tough economic times it is more important than ever for businesses to support charities both financially and in raising awareness for good causes, people tend to forget that charities suffer from downturns as well”

“Breast cancer affects approximately 2,500 women in this country every year. We are delighted that Flowers.ie has chosen to support Action Breast Cancer. ABC reaches out to over 30,000 women annually who are concerned about breast cancer or breast health. This money raised through this partnership will enable us to continue with the on going fight against breast cancer.” Jim O’Malley, Corporate Partnership Manager, Irish Cancer Society.

Ends
Press queries to:
Geraldine White (Layered Approach)
Tel: 1890 98 78 48

About Justyne Flowers
Flowers.ie in the online presence of Justyne Flowers, Ireland’s leading florist with six stores and a leading online presence through www.flowers.ie. Justyne Flowers was established in 1976 with headquarters in Sandyford Dublin. Justyne Flowers trains all their florists in-house ensuring consistent quality throughout the product range and is the only Irish florist to win Interflora Florist of the Year.

About Action Breast Cancer
Action Breast Cancer (ABC), a programme of the Irish Cancer Society, is the leading provider of breast cancer information and support in Ireland. ABC’S services are free, confidential and accessible and include:

• National Cancer Freefone Helpline – staffed by specialist cancer nurses, Freefone 1800 200 700
• Information – booklets, fact sheets and website.
• Health Promotion – providing community and workplace programmes on breast cancer awareness and early detection
• Reach to Recovery programme – one-to-one emotional support provided by former breast cancer patients.
• Research – funding vital Irish breast cancer research that will have a significant impact on diagnosis and treatment.
• Advocacy – providing a voice for women with breast cancer in Ireland.

Fastnet Line’s MV Julia commenced its inaugural sailing from Swansea to Cork yesterday (10th March 2010).
Dubbed ‘The People’s Ship’, the 1,860-passenger MV Julia is the realisation of the dreams of several small business owners and interested individuals from Ireland and the UK who formed The West Cork Tourism Co-Operative, acknowledging the wisdom of a sea link with the UK, and Wales in particular. Having set about purchasing a ship to help revive the dwindling in-coming tourist numbers on both sides of the Irish Sea and with the help and goodwill of several private investors, small companies and organisations (including some investors from outside Ireland) the consortium overcame several obstacles and the ship and its shipping line – Fastnet Line – became a reality.
Having successfully completed its dry-docking process in Wales and achieved relevant certification and testing of safety systems, the ship has met the strict requirements demanded by the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and the Irish and UK authorities.
Tom Barrett, CEO at Fastnet Line commented: ‘With bookings topping the €1m mark, people are obviously very aware of the savings on time and the road trip savings of 600km over alternative sea crossings, not to mention the direct access to the M4 corridor when they arrive in Swansea. The ship is now fully certified to deliver a safe and enjoyable trip for passengers and we are looking forward to putting to sea and demonstrating the benefits of travelling with Fastnet Line. We are immensely proud of the effort put in by our crew to get the ship ready and look forward to rewarding our shareholders who have put so much faith in us to bring this initiative to fruition. In particular we would like to thank the Port of Cork and ABP Ports in Swansea for their outstanding assistance from the outset.’
Prior to his resignation this week on health grounds, Ireland’s Minister for Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, said: ‘I welcome this significant local initiative and congratulate all those involved in setting up the new Cork to Swansea route. This is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit of the Irish tourism sector and demonstrates their commitment and willingness to rise to the challenge and be proactive in the current economic climate. Tourism Ireland looks forward to working closely with Fastnet Line through its cooperative marketing campaigns, to support demand for this service in our all-important British tourism market and in particular, to grow tourism business into the Cork, Kerry and southern region.’
The Welsh Assembly’s Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: ‘The Welsh Assembly Government fully supports the initiative and recognises the benefits to tourism on both sides of the Irish Sea. Our tourism arm, Visit Wales, continually promotes Wales in the Irish marketplace and we look forward to the flow of tourists into the country.’
Mr Jones, who is also the Minister for the Economy and Transport added: ‘We are fostering strong relationships with the Irish government, and with tourism and civic authorities to ensure that this route is a success. There is an undoubted connection between the people of Wales and the people of Ireland and this new service will strengthen these ties.’
Now open for bookings on www.fastnetline.com, this year-round service on the 154metre long MV Julia will carry passengers, cars and commercial freight and run 6 nights a week, with additional sailings in high-season, i.e. July and August. Sailing will be overnight departing at 21.00 hours and arriving 07.00 a.m. next day. With a capacity of 1860 passengers, 440 cars, 40 trucks/trailers, and 300 cabins (including 14 deluxe cabins), the MV Julia is well suited to the route and to the enjoyment of a mini-cruise en route to Swansea. With a number of bars and restaurants, an on-board cinema and retail space, a new children’s area, on-board retail area, casino, kennels and extensive deck areas to enhance the experience, there is no doubt but that this route adds an exciting new option for consumers and businesses alike.
For further information or to arrange an interview with Fastnet Line personnel please call:

Irish Media Contact – Mary Hopkins/Kathleen Harrington
UK media contact: Judy Hopkins

Hopkins Communications, Cork, Ireland
00 353 21 4272200; 00 353 86 3120752 (mobile).
mary@hopkinscommunications.ie

Editors Notes:

FASTNET LINE:
Fastnet Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of West Cork Tourism Co-op which was set up in April 2009 following a long public campaign to reintroduce this much-missed service to the South West region of Ireland. Funded mainly by private investors from Cork, Kerry and South Wales, the service has been dubbed ‘The People’s Ferry’. The Co-Op acquired the ship in September 09.
Fastnet Line executives and managers have many years of experience in ferry, hotel and customer-service environments and aim to make the new service the most convenient and comfortable way to cross the Irish Sea. This, coupled with an overwhelming support for the service both in its local area and in Wales, augurs well for the success of this year-round service.
Investors: Fastnet Line is also offering investment opportunities for those interested in becoming members of the Co-Op or through investment in secured bonds. Information on www.fastnetline.com or from 00 353 21 4378892 (9am-5.30pm weekdays).
THE SERVICE:
This all year round service, which will carry passengers, cars, commercial freight, campers/caravans, bikes and pets will run 6 nights a week, with additional sailings in high-season, i.e. July and August.
Sailing will be overnight departing at 21.00 hours and arriving 07.00 a.m. next day.
THE SHIP:
154 metres long (longer than Croke Park, Ireland’s largest football stadium!).
Max passenger capacity: 1,860
Max car capacity: 440
Max Freight capacity: 40 trucks/ trailers.
Cabins: 300.
Public Areas: Extensive deck areas for sightseeing.
Cinema: On board cinema
Shopping: On board retail
Activities on Board: Casino.
Crew: Crew of 80.
Bars: Includes the The Cape Clear Bar, named after Ireland’s most southerly island and The Island Bar –spacious and comfortable and providing entertainment.
Restaurants: There are four restaurants aboard to cater to all tastes including The Fastnet Restaurant which will offer a grill room style menu and a self-service style restaurant with children’s menu.
Kennels: On board dog kennels - 15 kennels
Versatile ship which is well suited to the route.
THE BENEFITS;
Road trip savings of over 600km over alternative sea crossings.
Comfort and luxury: Consider the sea crossing as a mini-cruise. With comfortable cabins, extensive public areas and a selection of restaurants and bars passengers can enjoy life on the ocean wave en route to their destination.
ACCESS:
The MV Julia docks at the Ferry Terminal, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork – just 16km outside Cork city (23 mins). West Cork and all its glorious beaches, scenery and excellent bars, restaurants, hotels and family attractions is less than an hour’s drive from the ferry terminal.
The MV Julia docks in Swansea docks with direct access to the M4, and just 1.5km from Swansea City Centre, with the beauty of Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower within easy reach. Cities on the M4 route include Newport, Swindon, Reading and London, offering exciting rendezvous points in the hinterland. The M5 from Swansea takes you into the heart of Devon and Cornwall or visitors can drive north and explore Wales and all it has to offer.
CURRENT OFFERS/SAILING INFORMATION:
For details of current offers log on to www.fastnetline.com or call Fastnet Line
UK Reservations +44 (0) 844 576 8831
Irish Reservations 021 4378892
Shareholders Reservations 021 4378892

Group & Freight Reservations 021 4378892
Or email: info@fastnetline.com
For information on visitor attractions in Ireland please log on to:
www.discoverireland.ie/southwest
For information on visitor attractions in Wales please log on to:
www.visitwales.com
Ends.

Minister of State Killeen explained: “I contacted Mr. Mueller on behalf of numerous business and political interests in the Mid-West region to make the case that Aer Lingus proposals as they relate to Shannon Airport are unjustified on the basis of the performance of the airline’s Trans-Atlantic services at the airport. I also outlined that any reduction of services will impact negatively on business in the West of Ireland and that the airline will be poorly placed to benefit from an upturn in the economy as a result of such a decision.”

He continued: “I am deeply concerned that any proposed reduction of existing services will impact negatively on cabin crew and other staff at Aer Lingus’ Shannon base. Notwithstanding the difficulties for the airline in the current downturn, I did point out to Mr. Mueller that options which could be taken on the basis of passenger numbers and income on Shannon services appear to have been avoided to prop up Dublin operations.”

“I informed the CEO that a former Aer Lingus employee has confirmed that management at the airline was actively dictating policy to staff over the last two decades to downgrade Shannon. I told him that this appeared to be a repeat designed to wrong foot him as the new CEO. I respectfully suggested that he seek independent advice before reaching final decisions”, added Minister of State Killeen.

In response to Minister of State Killeen’s representation, Mr. Mueller stated: “Aer Lingus remains committed to the Shannon region as an important part of the Aer Lingus network. Since my appointment I have visited the area several times and in addition to meeting our staff, I have met with a wide variety of business, tourism and airport interests. There has been much talk about Aer Lingus’ approach to Shannon. I deal in facts only.”

He added: “The Shannon market is an extremely seasonal one and in the case of the New York route, Aer Lingus has lost money every winter for the last 10 years and has made a profit over a full year in only 2 out of the last 10 years. The performance on Boston has been marginally better. Despite what you may believe to be the case, profitability from Dublin is equally challenging in the current environment. As we set out at a recent Investor day, Aer Lingus is a demand led business.”

“We must serve the markets where passenger demand exists. In this regard, we are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of our long haul and short haul network in the context of our short and medium term schedule planning. This review is expected to be completed within the next 6 weeks. While I am very cognisant of the importance of connectivity to the region, Aer Lingus must serve market in the most efficient manner. We will continue to work closely with the Shannon Airport Authority and the various tourism interests so that we can continue to serve Shannon and the wider region to the benefit of all stakeholders”, the airline CEO concluded.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- High-resolution images of Tony Killeen, Fianna Fail TD for Clare, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with special responsibility for Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine, may be downloaded from www.dunphyprimages.com
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR at media@dunphypr.com or 086-8534900

Savvy residential customers have already noticed that splitting their gas and electricity between two providers will actually net them a double discount.
If residential customers move their gas to Flogas Natural Gas, they will get the 9% discount and still be eligible for a 10-12% discount on their electricity bill from Bord Gais.

Residential customers who choose to have both gas and electricity with Bord Gais will get a discount off their electricity bill only. Bord Gais cannot give a reduction on their natural gas prices as these are fixed by the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Flogas is currently the only competitor to Bord Gais is the residential natural gas market. They will continue to be 9% cheaper than Bord Gais until the next review of natural gas prices by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), currently set for September 2010. Flogas Natural Gas provides natural gas to both residential and commercial customers.