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€11.7 Million Funding For Research Supporting Irish Environmental Policies

€11.7 million funding for research to support the development and implementation of environmental policies in Ireland.

The EPA is inviting proposals from the research community to help address climate change and other emerging, complex environmental problems. €11.7 million is available for new research projects.
Ms Laura Burke, (EPA Director General) said, “EPA-funded research is essential to improving national understanding of our environment, the challenges it faces and responses to these challenges. The EPA funds research that seeks to address knowledge gaps, provide robust evidence to inform policy and support the implementation of environmental policies in Ireland. This supports an evidence led approach to policy-making based on excellent science and information.”

Highlighting the importance of a clean, healthy and well-protected environment for health, wellbeing and quality of life, the EPA is calling for proposals across four interconnected research areas. Topics include the following overarching and interrelated themes:

  • Climate science, adaptation, scenarios, resilience and policy response.
  • Improving knowledge on greenhouse gas and air emission inventories.
  • Health in industrial regulation and in assessment.
  • Chemicals, hazardous substances and radiation in our environment.
  • Innovative approaches to environmental monitoring.
  • Land use knowledge, assessment and environmental risk.
  • Opportunities and barriers in climate action and in circular economy.
  • Raw materials and resources substitution and efficiency.

The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. This Research Call is designed to support the development and implementation of environmental policies in Ireland.
Dr Alice Wemaere, (EPA Research Manager), said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with a number of organisations, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the Geological Survey Ireland and Met Éireann, to co-fund environmental research and address key environmental challenges. We are also pleased to announce two Open topics covering the potential for use of satellite data in environmental monitoring and assessment and the role of the environment in development and transmission of antimicrobial resistance.”

As part of its wide range of functions, the EPA manages an environmental research programme that delivers essential scientific support for environmental policy development, implementation and broader decision making. The EPA has been funding research in Ireland since 1994 and is currently funding more than 200 on-going research projects.

Further details about the 2022 EPA Research Call are available HERE.

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€2 million Investment In TUS Scholarships Supports Access To Education.

30 students were presented with their Leaders@TUS scholarships and 1916 bursaries at a special ceremony in TUS, Moylish Campus today, Tuesday.

Up to €2 million has been invested in academic scholarships for students at the Technology University of the Shannon’s (TUS) Thurles, Moylish, Clare Street, Clonmel and Ennis campuses over the last eight years.

Today (Tuesday April 12, 2022) at a special ceremony at the Millennium Theatre, TUS, Moylish Campus, Limerick Senor Hurling Manager Mr John Kiely presented 30 students with their scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year, through the Leaders@TUS programme (previously Leaders@LIT) and the HEA’s 1916 Bursary.

The objective of both schemes is to support access to higher education for students who might otherwise struggle to remain in education. More than 170 students have been assisted with access to higher education through these scholarships, with up to €2 million jointly invested in the schemes over the last 8 years.

Congratulating the scholarship recipients President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane said these programmes provide more than just support for the individual – the positive repercussions can also be felt in the community and the economy. “One of the founding principles of TUS is access to education for all those who would benefit from it. For many people access to education depends on more than academic ability or a willingness to learn; it requires financial assistance and structural supports. These scholarships get to the heart of those requirements as they provide students with financial assistance, mentorships and work experience with a company who is invested in their future and that of their community. The long-term benefit to the supporting companies, the community and indeed the local economy is the availability of highly employable, work ready graduates, who have already proven their determination to succeed,” he said.

Addressing the ceremony 1916 Bursary recipient Ms Donna Hogan told how determination saw her overcame adversity to return to education later in life. “With many barriers to cross, I made a commitment to myself to overcome addiction and my journey to return to education began with the Boxing Clever course, which is an addiction studies and health related fitness course. Following that I engaged in the SHEP Personal Development course and then Corpus Christi National School helped me to take the next step by empowering and supporting me to participate in the Access Course at TUS.”
Donna is now a first year Community Development and Addiction Studies student at TUS.

For Ms Aisling Rock from Roscommon the Leaders@TUS scholarship eased her financial pressures as she returned to third level education to study Art and Design at LSAD TUS. “I am now able to reduce my part-time hours allowing me more time to concentrate on college work. I find the real benefit of this scholarship is the mentoring programme which has built my confidence and taught me time management skills that means I am not overwhelmed by the workload.”

1916 Bursary recipient Mr Gerard Galvin is a member of the Travelling Community, whose early education was disrupted by moving numerous times between England and Ireland. In his address he said he never felt like he belonged in an educational environment. “However, I wanted stability, to break the bad cycles in my life, and I wanted to be a good role model for my children. I had come to a stage in my life where I had to make a decision, I was at a crossroads. A friend of mine from one of the local areas told me about a transition to education course at TUS.”
Today Gerard is a scholarship recipient and first year Social Care student in TUS.

Leaders@TUS recipient Mr Paul O’Heaney said, “To be a scholarship recipient not only took the burden of payments away but thoroughly helped me progress with my studies and get the absolute best out of my day to day encounters in TUS. I will forever be thankful for the opportunities I have received during my studies in TUS and look forward to a bright future ahead.”

Vice President for Student Education and Experience TUS, Frances O’Connell told those attending the scholarship ceremony, “The mission and vision of TUS is underscored by its values, which includes equity and inclusiveness, where we value and promote inclusiveness, equity of opportunity and respect for all students and staff, especially those from under-represented groups, such as ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities. Today is the manifestation of TUS actualising our mission and values in this ceremony.”

CEO of the Higher Education Authority, Dr Alan Wall explained that “the 1916 Bursary Fund is a key pillar underpinning the National Access Plan and in supporting students from a diversity of backgrounds to access, participate and succeed in higher education. In the current academic year, the 1916 Bursary Fund has expanded with over 800 students nationwide receiving a bursary of some kind.

During the last eight years more than 40 companies in the Mid West contributed to the Leaders@TUS scholarship, with six new companies – FiserV, Panalok Ltd., Shannon Technical Services, Amneal, Pinergy and WP engine- adding their support this year.

Dr Liam Brown, (Vice President Research, Development, Innovation TUS), thanked the companies in the Mid West for their continuous support of the scholarships. “These scholarships make a meaningful difference to the lives of students, allowing them to focus on their studies and giving them the greatest chance of success. We are particularly thankful to the donors whose financial contributions make this programme possible. I would also like to thank our staff and all involved including the schools that help to make this programme so successful.”

Presenting the scholarships, Mr John Kiely paid tribute to the recipients. He said, “I am honoured to be joining everyone at TUS for the Leaders@TUS Scholarships and 1916 Midwest Bursary Awards Ceremony to honour the recipients who have worked so hard. It is a special day for the recipients and their families and to be a part of it is a great privilege. They are the future and future is bright.

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Jessie Buckley Takes ‘Olivier Award’ For Best Actress In A Musical.

It comes as no surprise that Irish star Jessie Buckley was one of the winners at the Olivier Awards in London’s Royal Albert Hall on last night, winning “Best Actress in a Musical” for her outstanding performance as ‘Sally Bowles’ in the West End revival of “Cabaret”.

Ms Jessie Buckley singing ‘No Place Like Home’ From “Wild Rose”.

The Killarney native and Ursuline Convent Thurles educated, actress collected her award at the annual theatre celebrations in the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Ms Buckley had also been among the “Best Supporting Actress” nominees at this year’s Oscars, for her performance in the film “The Lost Daughter”, which is currently available for viewing on NETFLIX.

In all “Cabaret” scooped 7 awards out of a total of 11 nominations on the night, including awards for Miss Buckley’s co-stars Mr Eddie Redmayne, who took “Best Actor in a Musical” for his portrayal of ‘Emcee’.
Ms Liza Sadovy was awarded “Best Supporting Actress” and Mr Elliot Levey who was awarded “Best Supporting Actor”.

The Musical “Cabaret” was also named “Best Musical Revival”, “Best Sound”, with Ms Rebecca Frecknall named as ‘Best Director’.

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Changes To Social Welfare Payments – Easter 2022.

There will be a change to payment schedules for thousands of social welfare recipients this Eastertide 2022.

Please do keep in mind that opening hours for Post Offices and Intreo Offices may also differ from the norm, over this Easter upcoming bank holiday period.

The Department of Social Protection has announced how recipients of various social welfare payment may be affected by the upcoming 2022 Easter holiday period, here in the Irish Republic.

Back to Work Allowance & Back to Work Family Dividend: (Payment due: Monday 18th April). Payment available: Thursday 14th April.

Casual Jobseeker’s: (Payment due: Tuesday 12th April). Payment available: Tuesday 12th April.

Disability Allowance: (Payment due: Wednesday 13th April). Payment available: Wednesday 13th April.

Disablement Benefit: (Payment due: Friday 15th April). Payment available: Thursday 14th April.

Farm Assist: (Payment due: Tuesday 12th April). Payment available: Tomorrow Monday 11th April.

Illness Benefit: (Payment due: Wednesday 13th April). Payment available: Tuesday 12th April. Note; (While those due Payment on Thursday 14th April). Payment will be available: Wednesday 13th April.

Invalidity Pension; One Parent Family Payment; Carer’s Allowance & Carer’s Benefit : (Payment due: Thursday 14h April). Payment available: Wednesday 13th April.

Jobseeker’s Allowance: (Payment due: Tuesday 12th April). Payment available: Tomorrow Monday 11th April.

Jobseeker’s Benefit: (Payment due: Wednesday 13th April). Payment available: Tuesday 12th April.

Maternity Benefit: (Payment due: Monday 18th April). Payment available: Thursday 14th April

Partial Capacity Benefit: (Payment due: Friday 15th April). Payment available: Thursday 14th April.

Paternity Benefit: (Payment due: Monday 18th April). Payment available: Thursday 14th April.

State Pension (Contributory) & State Pension (Non Contributory) (Payment due: Friday 15th April). Payment available: Thursday 14th April.

Widow’s/Widower’s/Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension: (Payment due: Friday 15th April). Payment available: Thursday 14th April.

Widow’s/Widower’s/Civil Partner’s (Non- Contributory) Pension:(Payment due: Friday 15th April). Payment available: Thursday 14th April.

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Walk Two-Mile-Borris Pilgrim Way On Good Friday April 15th, 2022

Local correspondent (Two-Mile-Borris; Moycarkey; Littleton) Mr Gerry Bowe reports:

People are cordially invited to walk the “Way of the Cross” on an ancient pilgrim path to the Church of St. Mochaomhog in Liathmore, Leigh, Two-Mile-Borris on Friday next (Good Friday) April 15th.

The Stations will start at 12.00 noon at the Church boreen, beside two family residences, just after the signpost for the first junction to the right after the Turnpike.
People will follow the ancient Mass Path to the little Church, before continuing on to the site of the Round Tower, before concluding in the Main Monastery Church of St. Mochaomhog (St. Pulcherius), latter saint known as ‘The Holy Man of Liathmore’.

There are two Churches on this Liathmore site; the larger one (above) was enlarged possibly in the 12th century, and contains a number of tombs.

Who was St. Mochoemog?

Different accounts vary, however from what we can glean from our history; St. Mochoemog was born to parents Beoanus and Nesse, latter a sister of St. Íte of Killeedy, a civil parish located south of Newcastle West, in Co. Limerick, possibly around 550 A.D.

It is believed that he was brought up or at least strongly influenced by his aunt, Saint Íte, and at the age of 20 was sent to then recently established Bangor Abbey, Co. Down (established 558 A.D.) where he was further instructed by the Clonmacnoise educated and founder of Bangor Abbey, Abbot Saint Comgall.

Bangor was then a major centre of learning, referred to as the “Light of the World” [Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”. ( John Chapter 8: verse 12)], and was responsible for the training of many documented missionaries, including St. Columbanus, St. Mirin and Carthach (Saint Mo Chutu mac Fínaill)

He later returned to southern Éile (County Tipperary), where a chieftain granted him a site for a monastery in an area known as Liathmochaemog (Liathmore) in the parish of Two-Mile Borris, Thurles in the Barony of Eliogarty.

Today, as stated the site remains marked only by a church, latter the
‘stone survivor’ of a community that would have used wood, together with
wattle-and-daub, for its alas no longer evident dwelling houses.

It was believed that St. Mochoemog lived long, and died at the age of 106 years, in Liathmore, on March 13th, 656 A.D, some 1,366 years ago, just last month.

Liathmore-Mochoemog would remain an important centre of Christianity between the 7th and 11th century, serving most of south Tipperary and Kilkenny.

Several miracles are attributed to St. Mochoemog, among others, his having cured of blindness, a holy virgin Canners, latter daughter of Fintan, who is considered to have been the relative of St. Molua, of Clonfert-Molua, latter who also learnt the monastic life at the northern monastery of Bangor under the tutelage of Saint Comgall, and possibly St. Mochoemog’s personal confessor.

Young people will be participating in this event and people of all age groups are most welcome to be in attendance.

With light rain forecast, please do dress appropriately for the weather and for walking both on the fields and on boreen.

Note: Parking will be available on the road side and all are welcome to this Christian gathering.

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