The (dare I say it?) unseasonably Summer weather is getting people into a good mood and there was a definite “Summery” feel good feeling to the Bottom Line this evening.
We kicked off the show talking to Steve Lynam of Retail Ireland about what impact the good weather has on retailing. Definite boosts for DIY; Gardening and BBQ’s but there is a sting in the tail sometimes with the “scorchio” weather not always good for clothing sales!
When they interviewed almost 1000 visitors to the Sunny South East Failte Ireland found that funnily enough the weather didn’t come as one of the main factors drawing people here. Gary Breen of Failte Ireland told us what does attract people as outlined in the Failte Ireland 360 Survey. Historic houses and Castles were the top reasons for visits to the South East while our beautiful scenery (surprised me that one!) was cited by 61% of people as the reason why they would recommend the South East to friends and family. WE’re well aware of Irelands longstanding reputation as “Ireland of the Welcomes”. Well though many people may think the ol’ “Cead Mile Failte” bit is a bit dated, it makes a huge impact on visitors with the friendliness of local people being ranked as 4.58 out of a possible score of 5.
Speaking of welcomes, Dermot Gaynor representing Destination Kilkenny joined us in studio to talk about the innovative “Welcome Ambassador” programme which his organisation is running. Dermot spoke about what the programme is aiming to achieve. I let off a bit of steam about an article on the programme in the Irish Times of yesterday which I frankly found a tad condescending to people both running and taking part in the course.
Our “Year in the Life” series which we are running in conjunction with the Carlow Nationalist and County Carlow Chamber continued with Ray Maher of Ray Maher Property Service being our guest this week. Ray spoke about the challenges and opportunities in the property business. If you would like to talk to Ray about your property needs, you’ll get him through www.raymaherpropertyservice.com
A quick reminder about the Kilkenny County Development Plan information sessions continue – there’s one tomorrow (Wed) at John’s Quay Library in Kilkenny from 5-8pm, on Thursday from 2-5 at Urlingford Library, next Tuesday in the Callan Area Office from 4-6:30 and tomorrow week at Thomastown Library from 5:30-8pm.
Congratulations to Rosemary Collier – the current CEO of Kilkenny Arts Festival has this week been appointed Executive Director of Opera Theatre Company, Ireland’s national opera touring company. Also congratulations to OTC’s new Artistic Director – Fergus Sheil who’s best known locally for his work with massed choirs in Carlow.
Good news for the agri sector with the confirmation that a decade long ban on the export of Irish beef and sheep meat has been lifted by countries in the Gulf Region. The ban had been in place because of legacy concerns related to BSE. The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney welcomed the news and said that Ireland is now free to complete the formalities necessary to export Irish beef and lamb within the Gulf Cooperation Council – which comprises of 6 countries in total.
On next week’s show we’ll have another local business in association with Carlow Chamber & The Nationalist, we’ll hear about a Business Picnic and a Kilkenny member of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry will update us on how the new registration system is doing.
And finally, Mark Fielding joined us to talk about the ISME Quarterly Business Trends Survey and …… the good news is that there are positive trends in business confidence. Long may the sun shine …..
Producer this week was Edwina Grace – if you’d like to be included on the programme please do get in touch with us through [email protected]
