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Corporation Tax Reform

11/05/2010
Ulster Unionist member of the Committee for Enterprise and Investment, Leslie Cree MLA, has said that "the potential ramifications of not reducing the UK's national debt are deeply worrying."

Speaking during a motion on the Northern Ireland Economic Reform Group's Report on Corporation Tax, the North Down MLA noted that every Party is in agreement on the imbalance between Northern Ireland's public and private sector

"To avoid further economic and monetory difficulties we must reduce Government spending and make Government more efficient. This means that Northern Ireland will have a reduction in the block grant; whether that comes in this financial year or the next, we cannot get away from that fact.

"It is therefore evident that Northern Ireland needs to grow its private sector. In a changed fiscal climate the need to grow our private sector will become even greater."

Pointing to the driving force behind plans for a reduction in Corporation Tax - the 53,000 people unemployed in Northern Ireland - the UUP MLA said: "Those are individuals and families that have been hit by this recession as well as the long-term unemployed. We owe it to the people of Northern Ireland to do all in our power to give them every economic opportunity in the future.

"The ERG calculates that a reduction in Corporation could create an extra 2,100 high value added jobs per annum in Northern Ireland, with knock on employment in the wider economy.

"We have an extremely well educated population, we have improving infrastructure, what we need is the ability to attract investment that will create the outward looking and exporting economy that everyone wants."

Bangor Tide Tables

History of Eagle Wing

Kalmar Nyckel
Photo by Thad Kuza 401 846-5274

The year 1636 brought about a new era for Ulster. The 'New World' of the British Colonies on the opposite side of the Atlantic was beckoning to the restless residents of North Down and East Antrim for the chance of liberty and opportunity in the pursuit of their religion and economic well-being.

It was out of the desire to forge their own identity that the Eagle Wing story unfolds.

The Eagle Wing, a small wooden sailing ship of 150 tonnes was built for the move to America, ready for the risk of travelling the vast Atlantic Ocean. The Eagle Wing set sail from Groomsport on September 9th with 140 passengers who prayed to God for safe carriage, amongst them were Ministers representing Ulster and Scotland, in respect to Scottish Presbyterian families who had come to Ulster some 30 years earlier.

Dark clouds hovered as the ship headed in the direction of Newfoundland. The winds grew powerful and as a storm grew its force tore the sails and the seas created a leak. The fear grew with the storm and after much consultation and prayer the decision was made to turn the ship back in haste to the shores of Ireland, which were nearer than those of Newfoundland, concerned that it was God's will that they return home as He had spoken "by His winds and other dispensations".

The courageous attempt to start a new life in America had disappointingly been aborted, however on the return of Eagle Wing to Ulster there was a natural outpouring of relief and thanksgiving.

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Tourists Pouring into N. Ireland

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has launched its new spring 2010 campaign alongside the news that the number of domestic and Republic of Ireland short breaks increased significantly in the last year. Total visitors from the Republic of Ireland pumped £67million into the N. Ireland economy as the total number of holiday makers rose by 39% from this key market. In addition, the number of Northern Ireland residents choosing to holiday at home increased by 13% and total trips taken resulted in £190m being spent in the local economy.

The new £1M marketing campaign is the latest in a series of very successful ‘Explore More’ campaigns designed by NITB to encourage residents of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to look no further than their own ‘doorstep’ when it comes to taking a short break or holiday. The last campaign which was launched in autumn gave a considerable return on investment of £23 for every £1 spent.

NITB Chief Executive Alan Clarke believes that the key to this success has been to make the most of the current economic situation by offering both visitors unique and compelling reasons to stay in Northern Ireland.

“The economic climate and strong euro has definitely contributed to an increase in visitor numbers domestically and from the Republic of Ireland,” said Alan.

Copeland Visitor from Siberia

Radde’s Warbler

A "Rare Bird" indeed, and a new visitor to Copeland . This Leaf Warbler, related to our own Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, has a very conspicuous supercilium and a distinctive “orangey” wash on the vent and under-tail coverts. More...

Red Kites in Co. Down

Red Kite from N. Ireland spotted in Wicklow

The RSPB have released 27 Red Kite chicks in what is the first ever species reintroduction to Northern Ireland. Most of the kites have settled in the mixed woodland, farmland and rough grassland of south Co Down, but the kite known as 'V' clearly felt the need to 'spread his wings' and was spotted roosting with the only other population of red kites in Ireland.

A bird of prey extinct in Northern Ireland for at least two centuries is making a spectacular recovery as the first phase of a Red Kite reintroduction project began in County Down.

Red Kites are easy to identify with their rusty-red colouring, forked tail, white patches under each wing and inky black wing tips, not to mention their five-and-a-half-feet wingspan.

Kites, which will be the largest bird of prey to nest in Northern Ireland, are opportunistic scavengers; to conserve energy they feed mostly on worms and small dead animals, which they can see from a great height. They are a large bird, but are not designed to feed on mobile prey, so are not a threat to livestock, gamebirds or songbirds'. RSPB

Groomsport Local News

Caterers warned on chicken livers
Wednesday 28 July 2010

The Food Standards Agency is reminding caterers to make sure chicken livers are handled hygienically and cooked thoroughly when used in products such as pâté or parfait. This follows a number of outbreaks of campylobacter food poisoning linked with chicken liver products where the livers may have been undercooked.

Some recipes indicate that searing chicken liver is enough to kill any bacteria that may be present. However, food safety experts at the Agency advise that chicken liver should not be treated like a piece of steak and must be cooked all the way through. Campylobacter can be present throughout the liver, not just on the surface.

The most recent figures suggest that 65% of shop-bought chicken is contaminated with campylobacter. The bug is responsible for more than 300,000 cases of food poisoning and 15,000 hospitalisations a year in England and Wales. The FSA has identified the reduction of human foodborne disease, and in particular tackling campylobacter infections acquired from chicken, as a key priority for the next five years.

Brent Geese Fly Off To Canada

85% of the entire world's population of around 30,000 Brent Geese winters along the North Down Coast and in Strangford Lough from October to April

Light-bellied brent geese have one of the longest migrations. In April they travel a staggering 2,900 miles from Ireland via Iceland and Greenland, where they fatten up, increasing their weight by up to 40 % in preparation for the final 1,865 mile flight over frozen Greenland to their breeding grounds in Canada.

Brent geese nest on the boggy Arctic tundra, where the severe climate allows them only about two months of good weather in which to raise a family. By mid-September, they have left their breeding grounds, and arrive in large flocks on our shores in early October. They spend the winter feeding on eelgrass in estuaries and on crops in adjoining fields.

Photo by Richard Taylor-Jones

Sea Monster on the Beach

What experts maintain are fossilised remains of a sea monster over 5 million years old were recently washed up on Groomsport beach.

Marine monsters can take many forms, including sea dragons, sea serpents, or multi-armed beasts; they can be slimy or scaly, often spouting jets of water.

Often they are pictured threatening ships. The definition of a "monster" is subjective, and some sea monsters may have been exaggerations of scientifically accepted creatures such as whales and types of giant and colossal squid.

Miss Groomsport 2009

Winning finalists in the Ms Groomsport photographic competition 2009, Diane and Lisa, celebrate at the Neil Diamond concert, in Gordons Winebar in the Stables restaurant.

The 2010 competition has already begun, and entries for the competition will close 1st July 2010. Send your entry pictures to the Editor

Editor@Covebay.net

Beach Pollution

Members of the public are asked to call 0800 80 70 60 if they become aware of any water pollution incidents.

Pollution must be reported immediately if N.Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) are to investigate it, and prevent Groomsport beach being damaged again.

The pollution incident shown above was not reported in time, the waste soaked into the sand, and NIEA were unable to take action

For a pollution incident that does not require immediate attention you can email :
Emergency-Pollution@doeni.gov.uk

Please include the following in your correspondence:

The exact location of the pollution incident

The nature of the pollution

Your name, and contact telephone number

"Our response time is normally 4 hours or less" Kevin McGrady, Snr. Scientific Officer, Operations Management, NIEA Water Management Unit

Groomsport is Best Beach 2009

Groomsport Beach awarded the highest rating again in 2009:

Just seven beaches in N. Ireland were awarded the "MCS Recommended " classification this year by the Good Beach Guide

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) today announces a 16.5% drop in the number of UK bathing beaches recommended for excellent water quality in its annual Good Beach Guide (www.goodbeachguide.co.uk), compared to last year. In total, 370 (47.5%) UK beaches are ‘MCS Recommended’ this year out of 777 tested, compared to 444 last year. This is the biggest year-on-year fall in the guide’s 22 year history and the first time since 2002 that MCS has recommended less than half of Britain’s bathing beaches.

The ratings are based on tests on bathing water at 779 beaches around the UK, conducted between May and September 2008.

They assess quality of the water and how sewage discharge is treated.

Groomsport bathing water quality is "Excellent" as monitored by Environment & Heritage Service (EHS). Water Quality Inspectors collect the water samples on behalf of the EHS. The samples are then analysed by the Water Management Unit, Lisburn.

To view the Bathing Water Quality Poster CLICK HERE

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Local Pubs Take Prizes at N. Ireland Pub of the Year Awards

Grace Neill’s in Donaghadee is celebrating after being awarded the title of Food Pub of the Year 2009 at the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade’s annual Pub of the Year Awards, held at the La Mon Hotel in Belfast.

Grace Neill’s is listed as ‘the oldest pub in Ireland’ in “The Guinness Book of Records”, it was almost four centuries ago in 1611 when “The King’s Arms” first opened its doors for business in Donaghadee, Co. Down. Today the bar is firmly established as a popular tourist attraction within the North Down area; visitors from every continent have sampled Irish hospitality and an obligatory pint of Guinness within these walls.

Grace Neill’s was also shortlisted for Tourism Pub of the Year and was shortlisted for the Co Down Pub of the Year along with Donaghadee’s Pier 36.

The Salty Dog was a finalist in the New Pub of the Year category with staff member Jamie Mendez making the shortlist for Pub Employee of the Year.

Grace Neill’s received their award in recognition of the hard work and dedication of its owners and staff to creating the best food offering in the country for its customers, with the standard of both its service and the food provided receiving the highest commendation.

The awards were presented at a glittering ceremony which saw nominees from Northern Ireland’s finest pubs turn out in force in anticipation of receiving one of the industry accolades in recognition of excellence in the local pub trade.

Keep Your Kids Safe On-Line

The ollowing tips are from the National Assn. of School Psychologists on protecting your kids online, even if your own online skills lag behind theirs.

* Keep computers in easily viewable places, such as the family room or kitchen.

* Talk regularly with your children about the online activities in which they are involved and Internet etiquette in general. Children should know the rule that many adults have learned from painful experience: Do not say online what you would not say in person.

* Encourage children to be self-protective. Remind them that anything they say on the Internet or in phone text messages can be shared with others and misused. Ask them to consider if they want what they are saying and doing broadly disseminated. If not, they probably should not say or post it.

* Be specific about the risks of cyber-bullying and their need to tell you if something that bothers them occurs.

* Respect for adolescents' privacy is important. But tell children that you may review their online communications if you have reason for concern.

* Set clear expectations for responsible online behavior and phone use and consequences for violating those expectations.

* Consider establishing a parent-child Internet use contract.

* Consider installing parental-control filtering software or tracking programs but do not rely solely on these tools.

* Be aware of warning signs that might indicate your son or daughter is being bullied, such as reluctance to use the computer, a change in the child's behavior and mood, or reluctance to go to school.

* Document the bullying.

* Be equally alert to the possibility that your child could be bullying others online, even if unintentionally.

* Understand current local laws and your school policies. Work with your school to develop policies if they don't exist.

* If you have concerns, contact your child's school to enlist the help of the school psychologist, school counselor, principal or resource officer.

* File a complaint with the website, Internet service provider or mobile phone company if you learn of problematic behavior.

* Contact police if the cyber-bullying includes threats.

Discover Northern Ireland

Pictorial representation of N. Ireland

Send an E-greeting from N Ireland

More Groomsport Photographs

Groomsport Properties For Sale

Whale Watch Ireland 2010

Did you know that Irish waters offer among the best land-based whale watching opportunities in Europe? To date 24 cetacean species have been recorded in Irish waters.
Whale watching affords an opportunity to see stunning coastal scenery and a variety of marine wildlife.
Sightings of Dolphins and Whales have been made in the Copelands area, Groomsport and Donaghadee, Portmuck, Islandmagee, Antrim, Newcastle Harbour, Co. Down.

Copeland Islands

At the mouth of Belfast Lough. Access is limited with only the outer islands offering reasonable cetacean watching. Access to Lighthouse (Observatory) Island arranged through Copeland Bird Observatory. Accommodation available at Observatory. See www.cbo.org.uk for further details.

Hospice Appeal

Support Northern Ireland Hospice by making a single or monthly donation. Click Here to Donate

The Default Retirement Age (DRA) will be consigned to the history books by October 2011 under proposals published for consultation by the Government.

The new plans allow for a six month transition from the existing regulations, following the announcement in the Budget that the DRA would be phased out from April 2011.

Currently employers can make staff retire at 65 regardless of their circumstances but this is set to change as people are living longer, healthier lives.

This measure is one of the steps Government is taking to help and encourage people to work for longer against the backdrop of demographic change. Others include reviewing when the state pension age should increase to 66 and re-establishing the link between earnings and the basic state pension.

The consultation also proposes to help employers by removing the administrative burden of statutory retirement procedures. With the DRA removed there is no reason to keep employees ‘right to request’ working beyond retirement or for employers to give them a minimum of six months notice of retirement.

Employment Relations Minister Edward Davey said:

“With more and more people wanting to extend their working lives we should not stop them just because they have reached a particular age. We want to give individuals greater choice and are moving swiftly to end discrimination of this kind.

“Older workers bring with them a wealth of talent and experience as employees and entrepreneurs. They have a vital contribution to make to our economic recovery and long term prosperity.

“We are committed to ensuring employers are given help and support in adapting to the change in regulations, and this consultation asks what kinds of support are required.”

Pensioner's Paradise

One in five living in North Down is a Pensioner

North Down now has 16,100 pensioners which is the highest pensioner population in the Province at 20.5%, and continuing to rise

Northern Ireland Statistical Research Agency ( NISRA) have published their latest mid year population survey. Between mid 2006 and mid 2007, the population of N. Ireland has increased by 17,500 (1.0%) to 1,759.100. The overall pensioner population in N. Ireland has risen to 289,700, with 16,100 pensioners in North Down

The total population of North Down increased by just 200 (0.2%) between 2006 and 2007. We have 14,500 children, and 48,000 adults of working age

NISRA website

N. Ireland Assembly

Parliament Buildings is open to the public between 9.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Members of the public can watch Plenary Sittings from the Public Gallery on Mondays from 12 noon and Tuesdays from 10.30am. There is pedestrian access to the Stormont Estate between 07.30 and 18.00 daily, with later closing times in the summer months.

See how it works, and Listen to Live Debates

Plant a Memorial Tree

The Forestry Service in N. Ireland are pleased to accommodate requests to plant a tree in memory of a loved one, but ask that no plaque be erected. John Watson, District Forest Manager told us "We neither permit nor prevent relatives from scattering or burying ashes, all I would ask is that should you choose to do this that you remain mindful of other visitors who may be within the vicinity at the time". He and his team can advise regarding a suitable tree for your location. There is no charge but you are required to purchase the tree. John Watson can be contacted either by e-mail address: John.N.Watson@dardni.gov.uk Tel: 02843 772240.

CURRENT MOON

lunar phase

Understanding The Moon's Phases

THE Ulster-Scots Heritage Council has officially opened its new city centre offices in Belfast.

The premises at Franklin House on Brunswick Street were opened by Lord Mayor Pat McCarthy and other guests included the new Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Edwin Poots as well as the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Industry, Nigel Dodds.
The Agency's chief executive, George Patton said the new offices would be like a "one stop shop" for the Ulster-Scots. "The Ulster-Scots Heritage Council as the representative body of the Ulster-Scots community plays a pivotal role in representing the grassroots opinions and concerns of the Ulster-Scots community," he said.

Want to learn Ulster Scots?

www.ulsterscotsagency.com

Ballyholme Yacht Club

Royal Ulster Yacht Club
Telephone 02891270568
e-mail: info@ruyc.co.uk
Website http://www.ruyc.co.uk/

Book Groomsport Boathouse for your Event

Bookings can be made by contacting:

Mrs Hilary McMullan

Leisure, Tourism & Community Services Department

North Down Borough Council

Town Hall, Castle Park Avenue,

Bangor, BT20 4BT

028 9127 8029

the Most Popular

Keeping Safe Online

There is a good chance that your home computer has been hijacked by spammers if you have a broadband net link, but are not using a firewall or anti-virus software to protect your PC.

Careful where you click, that e-mail could be loaded Even if you use anti-virus software but do not keep it up to date, there is every possibility that you are helping to keep spam alive and spreading.

You could also be helping if you are one of those people that open up attachments on e-mail messages that turn out to contain viruses, rather than the pictures you were promised in a subject line. Spammers are actively seeking out and hijacking home PCs to act as remotely controlled relays, or zombies, that pass on their unwanted messages.

Viruses such as MSBlaster, Agobot, MyDoom and Sobig were all written with the aim of converting home PCs to the spammers cause, and they have succeeded in huge numbers.

Top Tips

Install anti-virus software
Keep your anti-virus software up to date
Install a personal firewall
Use Windows updates to patch security holes
Do not open e-mail messages that look suspicious
Do not click on e-mail attachments you were not expecting