Just over a week to go to register your interest in the Matthews Arts Showcase Initiative

Sinead McNally with Mary and Paddy Matthews at the launch of the Matthews Arts Showcase Initiative back in May

There is just over a week to go to register your interest for the Matthews Arts Showcase Initiative.

The three year scheme was launched by the Inniskeen-based bus company earlier this year to coincide with their 20^th anniversary in business.

At the time Paddy and Mary Matthews teamed up with Knockbridge-based singer/songwriter Sinead McNally to write a song for the company called “Matthews Takes You There”.

To coincide with the song’s release Sinead was featured on the back of a Matthews bus.

Now the company are offering fellow bands, musicians, performers and entertainers the chance to take her place. The arts showcase initiative is open to anyone in Louth, Monaghan and East Meath.

Sinead said: “This has been an incredible opportunity for me and I really encourage anyone working the arts to apply.”

The winning artist will receive six months advertising to the value of €6,500.

The closing date is October 9^th with further details available here.

A video on the launch of the Matthews Art Showcase Initiative can also be viewed below.

Green Tourism award for Matthews Coach Hire

Paddy Matthews of Matthews Coach Hire

Local bus company Matthews Coach Hire have become the first transport company in Ireland to secure a prestigious Green Tourism award.

The Inniskeen-based firm, best known for their commuter services to Dublin, achieved silver status in the Green Tourism Business Scheme after a number of inspections by the Green Tourism Association, the largest certification awarding body in the world.

Green Tourism examined all aspects of the company’s performance in the area of sustainability during a number of visits to the Matthews Coaches headquarters in Callanberg.

Director Paddy Matthews said the award was testament to the company’s commitment to environmental operations.

“We are thrilled to attain this standard, which is testament to our commitment to environmental operations,” said Matthews.

“Matthews.ie specialise in green tourism and tours which concentrate on Ireland’s sustainable assets such as golf and equestrian tours, walking and hiking packages as well as natural products such as whiskey tours.

“This award will allow us to promote Ireland, and the north east in particular, as a ‘green’ destination, appealing to the new eco-savvy holidaymakers and tour operators.

“We can also rightfully claim to be the cleanest passenger transport company in Ireland.

“In 2013, Matthews Coach Hire became the first public transport company in the UK or Ireland – and only the second in the world – to achieve the new ISO 50001 energy management accreditation.

“We secured the major standard thanks to a five-year energy saving campaign, which has seen us reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 26%.

“We are the only transport company in Ireland to have alcolocks installed – and every Matthews coach and support vehicle carries one of the devices.

“The company have also been recognised nationally as exemplars of best practice in energy management.

“We scooped our second Energy Awareness title in four years at the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland (SEAI) Sustainable Energy Awards 2012 for our work in fuel and energy management, beating off competition from Tesco and Luas operator Veolia.
“In 2010 we became the first transport company to win the SEAI Energy Efficiency Award.

“This award recognised Matthews Coach Hire’s work in the area of continuous EcoDrive training and improved GPS tracking and management systems which resulted in savings of €49,542 in diesel costs in 2009 (53,504 litres). This is the equivalent of 142,391kg of CO2 savings.

“We have managed to make massive savings on our annual consumption over the past four years through operating a more fuel-efficient driving style, which has also led to savings in insurance costs.

“The company has also made great advances in the area of rainwater harvesting and induction lighting on the premises, resulting in large savings in costs and to the environment.”

Michael Gaynor named new Dundalk Chamber of Commerce president

PRO Paddy Malone, new Chamber of Commerce president Michael Gaynor, outgoing president Paddy Matthews and new vice-president David Minto at the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce AGM

Michael Gaynor was elected the new president of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce at its AGM earlier this week.

Michael, who had been vice-president, takes over from Paddy Matthews after a two-year term. David Minto is the new vice-president with Michael Farrell and Paddy Malone remaining on as treasurer and PRO respectively.

The new president, who runs a book publishing company, said in his speech that he wanted to further develop links with local industry and to encourage more membership from this sector. It is his intention to forge greater links and ‘build bridges’ with other stakeholders in Dundalk who have the town’s development interest at heart. He also said he wanted to encourage youth membership onto the various Chamber committees and sub-committees.

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce launch new Shop Local Voucher

Dundalk FC manager Stephen Kenny and Chamber of Commerce Vice President Michael Gaynor with the Shop Local Voucher

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce last week launched the Shop Local Voucher, a retail incentive to encourage people to shop locally and to help boost the local economy.

Kindly supported by AIB Bank and The Argus, Chamber President Paddy Matthews said he would like to see employers, retailers and the general public support the initiative as he sees it as another important element in the drive to revitalise the town.

“This voucher scheme is a great incentive to help boost retail in Dundalk and surrounding areas particularly during the festive shopping period, special occasions such as Easter, birthdays, weddings and family occasions,” said Paddy.

“It will not only support local retailers, it will anchor local jobs and the Chamber hopes it will lead to a boost in employment in the retail sector also.”

Over 75 businesses in Dundalk and surrounding areas have already signed up to redeem the Shop Local Voucher and the Chamber would like many more to sign up to keep money in the town and also to give the purchaser a wide selection of businesses to choose from.

“In order for the voucher to truly work, we do need an additional commitment from businesses and employers who purchase vouchers, on behalf of their staff, at Christmas and throughout the year, to make a commitment to purchasing the Shop Local Gift Voucher.

“If Dundalk is to grow, then it is incumbent on everyone to make a pledge to buy and shop local through the purchase of the voucher,” commented Paddy.

The vouchers will come in denominations of €10, €25 and €50 and members of the public can buy them for friends and family for all occasions (birthdays, communions etc). Businesses can buy the vouchers as gifts for their employees (eg for Christmas or performance-related payments). Under the Revenue Commissioners approved ‘Small Benefit Exemption’ scheme, a company can award staff up to €250 as a once off payment that is tax free.

The vouchers will be available for purchase from Dundalk Chamber offices at unit 4 Partnership Court, The Ramparts, Dundalk. A list of participating businesses will be available at www.dundalk.ie/vouchers, and a printed list will also be provided at the point of purchase.

Companies who would like to buy these vouchers for their staff can do so by contacting Brenda or Lorraine in Dundalk Chamber on 042 93 36343 or by emailing brenda@dundalk.ie. Members of the public can also buy them by contacting the chamber on the number above.

Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade is launched

Dundalk FC players John Mountney, Chris Shields and Daryl Horgan with manager Stephen Kenny and local kids at the launch of the St Patrick’s Day parade. Kenny will be this year’s Grand Marshal

There was a very successful and enjoyable launch of this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade on Thursday evening at An Táin Arts Centre.

The organising committee were delighted to have Dundalk FC manager, Stephen Kenny in attendance following his appointment as this year’s parade Grand Marshall. Stephen was a well-deserved choice having guided Dundalk FC to their 10^th league title in 2014 after a 19-year wait.

“I am overwhelmed by the community spirit in Dundalk,” declared Stephen, who added he was extremely humbled by being asked to be Grand Marshall for this year’s parade.

The committee said they were grateful to Kieran Herr of Horseware Products Ltd and Paul Rogan of Moffett Engineering Ltd, two of the main sponsors, for attending on the night. Among those who attended the launch were Paddy Matthews President Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and Brian O’Neill, Chairman of Dundalk BIDS and many local councillors.

The entertainment provided by Dance Kids, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann Dún Dealgan and DKIT’s Circus Arts Society was spectacular and everyone in the area can look forward to seeing them participate in the parade.

Members of the Dance Kids performing at the launch of the St Patrick’s Day parade

The judges selected this year are Independent Councillor Maeve Yore, Sinéad Roche Dundalk Tourist Officer, Sarah McCann Head of Creative Media DKIT, Sinéad McNally local singer/song writer and Alan Doherty, Dundalk Musical Society. They will be guided by Paul Hayes, An Táin Arts Centre’s Artistic Director who is looking for more innovation and creativity from the participants this year and he believes that they will have ample opportunity with the broad theme of ‘Myths, Magical and Miracles’. For those who wish to get some artistic direction, they can contact Paul via the antain.ie website.

Media coverage on the night was provided by Pat O Shaughnessy of LMFM, Marissa Luchessi of Dundalk FM and St Patrick’s Day committee PRO Helena Mullins with Border Region TV.

Anyone wishing to take part in this year’s parade, please email certs@dundalk.ie or phone 042 9336343 where you can get the necessary information from Kerry Ann or Kim. Food vendors who wish to set up camp at the Market Square area please contact Mandy Fee of Pelican Promotions on 087 2222100.

With an estimated 20,000 spectators attending last year’s Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade, it is expected that this year’s parade will be a bigger and better event with wonderful entertainment for all the family. Keep an eye on the Facebook page – St Patrick’s Day Dundalk – for further updates on the parade and surrounding events.

Paddy Matthews to sleep rough tonight in order to raise awareness of homelessness

Paddy Matthews

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce president Paddy Matthews plans to sleep rough tonight to raise awareness of the plight of Ireland’s thousands of homeless people.

Armed with just a sleeping bag and a cup of soup, the Matthews Coach Hire boss will join other business leaders to take part in Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light Night in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens.

“I was shocked to realise that there are over 5,000 people homeless in Ireland today and that one in seven of them is a child,” Paddy said this week.

“I really wanted to do something to raise funds and awareness of the issue of homelessness both locally and across Ireland. Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light Night gives me, and many others the perfect opportunity to do this.

“I have never even so much as slept outdoors in a tent, so this is a totally new experience for me. I’ll be on a sheet of cardboard and I’m praying for a quiet night with no rain!

“The funds raised enable Focus Ireland to reach out to even more families, children, young people and adults who so desperately need their support.”

Paddy has been fundraising for the event for some time now, and as he works towards his goal, is asking anyone who is interested in helping to solve the homeless issue in Ireland to consider sponsoring him.

“I would like to thank all of those who have contributed to my fundraising efforts so far.

“On line donations can be made here. Alternatively, cheques made out to Focus Ireland can be sent to me at Matthews Coach Hire, Callenberg, Inniskeen, Co Monaghan.”

Focus Ireland aim to break the cycle of homelessness by giving people access to information, housing, childcare and a range of education services throughout Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Waterford, Clare and Wexford.

Jobseekers boost prospects with free Springboard courses in high-growth areas at DkIT

With 58,133 people on the Live Register in the border region in July, jobseekers from Louth and the northeast who lost their jobs during the recession are boosting their prospects of returning to work by starting specially-designed third-level courses at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) this month.

Offered through the State-funded Springboard programme managed by the Higher Education Authority for the Department of Education & Skills, the places are free to those who qualify and the courses – most of which started yesterday – are delivered flexibly, allowing jobseekers retain their benefits and continue their search for employment.

The skills taught on the programmes have been specifically selected to match the current job market and concentrate on areas where there is existing and projected growth.

The part-time Springboard-supported programmes getting underway at DkIT are Certificate in Business in Digital Marketing & Digital Media Management (Level 7); Certificate in 3D for Games (Level 7); Certificate in 2D and 3D Digital Animation Production (Level 7) and Diploma in Food & Agribusiness Excellence (Level 8).

Anton Barrett, Head of Lifelong Learning, DkIT, said: “The Springboard programmes offer a real ‘win-win’ in that the graduates are better equipped to secure sustainable employment while employers in Dundalk and the northeast have access to a larger talent pool who’ve acquired very relevant and up-to-date skills within a short space of time. All of the subjects covered on these courses align with the skills employers tell us they want from graduates so those who complete them are in a strong position to compete in the jobs market.

“As well as our indigenous firms, Dundalk has secured several large investments in the recent past from IDA Ireland client companies and DkIT is committed to helping meet the skills needs that those companies have so they can sustain and grow their operations here.”

Some of the best advocates for Springboard courses are those who’ve completed previous programmes.

Among those taking the first steps on Springboard at DkIT two years ago this month was Ann Osborne O’Hagan who – despite excellent qualifications – had found it difficult to secure full-time work as a secondary school teacher. Now pursuing a PhD at the Institute, Ann began the Higher Diploma in Computing in 2012 – “The whole process of applying for the course was very simple and I would recommend Springboard and DkIT to anyone who feels they could benefit from a further qualification. The programme has allowed me to upskill and to really understand current technology.”

Offering an employer viewpoint, Paddy Matthews, President, Dundalk Chamber, added: “Springboard brings hope for those out of work of an early return to gainful employment as the courses being offered are in areas where companies are hiring. Indeed, some employers in these sectors have challenges filling vacancies with skilled people so those who graduate from the Springboard courses at DkIT will be very well-placed to secure work in a growth area. This is a welcome, proactive response to the jobs crisis.”

Dr Mary-Liz Trant, Head of Skills and Enterprise Engagement, Higher Education Authority, said: “The HEA on behalf of the Dept of Education & Skills is delighted to work with higher education institutions like DkIT to provide education opportunities that support unemployed people in getting back to work. A feature of Springboard is that the courses we fund through the programme are in disciplines where there are job opportunities and where employers tell us they have a skills shortage and anticipate further recruitment.

“For those out of work in the northeast, I would encourage them to visit www.springboardcourses.ie later in the year and check what’s on offer in future intakes. We also wish those starting courses this month every success with their studies. The programme offers a great opportunity to quickly get the skills employers want but also to have a formal qualification that reflects what you have learned. In a competitive labour market, this can make all the difference.”

Nominations sought for Louth Business Awards 2014

Nominations are now being accepted for the Louth Business Awards 2014.

The event, which is run by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, recognises the achievements of companies and individuals in promoting excellent services and products in a top class manner.

Amongst the categories that businesses can be nominated for include:

• Best Customer Service Award
• Best Retail Premises for both exterior and interior visual impact
• Special Community Group Award
• Age Friendly Award
• Business Growth Award
• Best Exporter of the Year award
• Best Bar/Pub
• Best training initiative
• Best Tourist Attraction
• Dundalk’s Best High Growth SME
• Best Use of Internet Technology
• Best Marketing Campaign
• Best Eating Establishment
• Corporate Social Responsibility Awards

Commenting on the awards, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce president Paddy Matthews said: “I would like to encourage you to enter your business for these awards and give your company the opportunity to see its profile rise and be seen as a model of success, tough times or not.

“Success breeds success, so win or lose I’d believe your participation will have positive impact for the morale of all employees. Please look at the categories, you may well qualify for more than one, so be sure to select that in which you have best fit. The awards evening provides a good social outing for all contestants,” he said.

The deadline for nominations is August 29^th, with the shortlist due to be revealed on October 1^st before winners are announced at the annual gala event on November 15^th.

You can find further information and nomination forms here.

Huge turnout for Louth Business Awards

Best Hair Salon sponsored by L’Oreal Professional Products Divison. Picture includes: Paddy Malone and Paddy Matthews of Dundalk Chamber, winner David Duffy of Grafters Barbers, Nicola Gallagher of De Ja Vu Hair Design and Deborah Loughran of Shear Elegance.

Just under 500 guests turned out at the Fairways Hotel on Saturday night for the Louth Business Awards, hosted by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce.

Fifteen awards were handed out on the night while the Best Dressed Lady prize, which was sponsored by Mizu, went to Michelle Maguire.

The full list of winners was as follows:

• Best Customer Service Award Independent Retailer sponsored by the Argus was won by Conlon’s Food Hall.
• Best Retail premises for both exterior and interior visual impact sponsored by Dedco was won by Tony Kieran Ltd.
• Special Community Group Award sponsored by Dundalk Credit was won by Dundalk Show Ltd.
• Age Friendly award sponsored by myhomecare.ie was won by Good Morning Louth.
• Business Growth Award sponsored by Vhi Healthcare was won by McArdle Skeath Ltd.
• Best Exporter of the year award sponsored by Enterprise Ireland was won by Horseware.
• Best Pub/Bar Award sponsored by Diageo (Great Northern Brewery) was won by Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant.
• Best New Business under 3 years sponsored by DKIT was won by Prometric.
• Best Training Initiative sponsored by FAS was won by Matthews Coach Hire.
• Best Tourist Attraction sponsored by The Crowne Plaza Dundalk was won by Dundalk Stadium.
• Dundalk’s Best High Growth SME sponsored by Louth County Enterprise Board was won by Big Mountain Productions.
• Best Business Website sponsored by The Fairways Hotel was won by National Tile.
• Best Use of Internet Technology was won by Visit Carlingford.
• Corporate Social Responsibility Award sponsored by Prometric was won Ferdia Fine Foods.
• Best Hair Salon sponsored by L’Oreal Professional Products Division was won by Grafters Barbers.

Corporate Social Responsibility Award sponsored by Prometric. Picture includes: Christopher Watters of Lenister Environmentals, sponsor Holly Dance Prometric, Paddy Matthews Dundalk Chamber, winner Jenny Coyle of Ferdia Fine Foods, Martin Harrell Oxigen Environmentals and Aine Rooney of Matthews Coach Hire.

Matthews Coach Hire pick up another award

Matthews Coach Hire picked up another award at the Fleet Transport Awards in the Citywest Hotel today.

The Inniskeen-based coach firm, which is run by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce president Paddy Matthews, has picked up the Best Care for the Environment Award.

This is not the first-time that the local company have won such an award and their ongoing efforts towards helping the environment is certainly to be commended.