An estimated 2,200 households in Mayo open to severe financial risk

Fri, May 13, 2011

It is estimated that approximately 2,200 mortgage holders in Mayo have switched to interest only mortgage payments to assist with affordability, but according to Caledonian Life these homeowners may now be leaving their families open to thousands of euro of legacy debt. The most recent report from the Financial Regulator would suggest that this switch has become a common cost saving strategy, as the public attempt to deal with affordability issues in the current recession. The leading life insurance company said it is believed that up to 50,000 struggling mortgage holders throughout the country have had to switch to interest-only repayment terms or otherwise restructured their mortgages since the recession began three years ago, but that most may not have adjusted their mortgage protection cover to reflect this change.

Upward trend for many job categories at the start of 2011

Fri, May 13, 2011

The latest IrishJobs.ie index has revealed a continued upward trend at the beginning of 2011. The expanded quarterly IrishJobs.ie report is presented by economist Dr Stephen Kinsella and measures jobs advertised online across the main recruitment websites in Ireland. Figures released for Q1 2011 also showed an increase in salary expectations by an average of €3,000 relative to this time last year, even as unemployment in Ireland reached 14.7 per cent.

WDC announce NUI Galway as sponsor of inaugural US/Ireland Legal Symposium

Fri, May 06, 2011

Gillian Buckley of the Western Development Commission (WDC) have announced NUI Galway as main sponsor of the inaugural US/Ireland Legal Symposium. The high profile event takes place in Knockranny House Hotel, Westport from May 11-13 and offers an outstanding line up of speakers. Taoiseach Enda Kenny is guest speaker at the Gala Dinner. The event is chaired by Deirdre Somers, Chief Executive of the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) and speakers include Mr Justice Peter Kelly of the Commercial Court and Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Ohio Supreme Court.

Property brokers predict decline in market over next year

Fri, May 06, 2011

A new survey by the Professional Insurers Broker’s Association (PIBA), the country’s largest group of independent mortgage and insurance brokers with over 850 member firms, indicates poor prospects for the property market over the next 12 months with over 95 per cent of independent brokers believing that the market will either decline or remain the same. Less than five per cent have expressed the view that it would improve.

How to secure a public art commission

Fri, May 06, 2011

The first event in the Connect professional development programme gives artists the unique opportunity to find out exactly what happens in a public art judging panel and experience examples of artists’ applications, by becoming a panel member of a public art selection process.

ESB customers reminded to switch to cheaper rates

Fri, May 06, 2011

Labour councillor Harry Barrett is advising current ESB customers that they must contact the ESB directly to get a cheaper rate that is now on offer. Cllr Barrett has labelled this situation as “shoddy”, as the ESB announced recently that existing customers would have to make contact with the company in order to make the savings.

Mayo construction workers may struggle with new Oz visa criteria

Fri, Apr 29, 2011

With up to 50 per cent of the 7,000 construction workers in Mayo believed to have lost their income, the rush is on to beat the July 1 deadline that will see Australia introduce changes to its points system which may affect thousands of would-be Irish emigrants. According to Ireland’s visa specialist www.visafirst.com these imminent changes will mean a significant tightening of eligibility requirements and may disqualify thousands of valuable skilled Irish construction workers who would previously have been accepted for the Australian Skilled Migrant visa programme. An estimated one in eight people (12.6 per cent) employed in Ireland work in construction. This compares with an EU average of less than eight per cent.

Mayo hotel honoured in Green Awards

Fri, Apr 29, 2011

Some of the west’s most innovative businesses and organisations were recognised last week for their achievements and commitment to sustainability and the environment at the third annual Green Awards.

Louisburgh student is runner up in Leaders of Tomorrow Awards

Fri, Apr 29, 2011

Dublin City University students James Burke from Louisburgh and his project partner, Claire Shanahan from Dublin, have been announced as runners-up at this year’s Accenture Leaders of Tomorrow Award for their ‘Drivefeed’ business idea. The masters of business management duo’s idea for a road safety system which facilitates peer-sharing among drivers and other road users was one of only six which made it to the final round of the nationwide competition.

Connacht Gold reports 13 per cent turnover increase in 2010

Fri, Apr 29, 2011

Connacht Gold Co-operative has reported a 13 per cent increase in turnover and an operating profit of just over €2m in 2010.

Permanent TSB free information evening

Fri, Apr 29, 2011

A free information evening, hosted by Permanent TSB, is taking place on Wednesday May 11. The event, which is taking place in the Harlequin Hotel in Castlebar, is a chance for people to have their questions answered in relation to savings and investment in the current climate. A panel of experts will be in attendance, and will be available to take questions from the audience in relation to investment markets, what to do with your savings, and pensions, among other topics.

NISO proposes national safety board

Fri, Apr 29, 2011

Responding to the Government’s proposal to absorb the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in a new Business Inspection and Licensing Authority (BILA), the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) is instead proposing the establishment of a national safety authority covering occupational, road, rail, aviation, maritime, fire, farm and public safety to create efficiencies without negating the role of various health and safety agencies.

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