Three Organisations in Bruff have embarked upon a major fundraising initiative which it is hoped will raise some much need funds for various projects in Bruff.

The Parents Association of Scoil Dean Cussen, Bruff Tidy Towns and Bruff Heritage Group have joined together in organising a Scrap Saturday for Saturday 24th March next.

All types and quantities of metal are been sought with the exception of anything which contains gas or liquids.

The collection point is across from the GAA field between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

If you have a large amount of metal or an item which is heavy, we can arrange collection on the day before, Fri 23rd

For more information contact

• Nollaig 087-6332912
• Maurice 086-3375207
• Paul 087-9890652

Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Environment & Rural Affairs Chairman Pat Farrell recently called for the immediate introduction of a metal compliance scheme, similar to those operated by REPAK, IFFPG and WEE Ireland, to address the escalating problem of metal theft in rural Ireland.

Mr. Farrell said, “In recent months’ householders in Limerick were left without a phone service after thieves removed over 150m of copper phone cable, while Eircom manhole covers are being stolen throughout the country. Car batteries, farm machinery and scrap metal are being taken out of farmyards. In Cork, thieves are stealing road-signs while in the midlands an increase in the theft of copper pipes, cylinders and radiators from homes and sports club facilities are being reported.”

Pat Farrell said, “Metal theft in rural Ireland is growing at an alarming rate. The current review of the national waste strategy by Environment Minister Phil Hogan provides a real opportunity to track scrap metal and identify the thieves who recklessly enter private property and steal machinery and other materials from farmers. Minister Hogan should also introduce severe penalties for any thief caught stealing materials on private property.”

The IFA Environment Chairman called for immediate action to address metal theft. “There is a greater need for visibility of An Garda Síochána in rural Ireland, to deter thieves. In addition farmers should consider installing tracking technology on their farm machinery. However, the real action required is a joint strategy from the Justice Minister Alan Shatter and Environment Minister Phil Hogan, which recognises the problem and establishes measures, such as a scrap metal compliance scheme, that will prevent this type of crime in rural Ireland.”

One Fifty One plc (“One51”) recently announced the appointment of Mr Alan Walsh as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr Walsh was previously the Group’s Interim Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer.

The appointment of Mr Walsh follows a comprehensive selection process which commenced in July 2011 in conjunction with leading executive recruitment firm MERC Partners.

Mr Walsh (34), who is from Athy, Co Kildare and is married with three children, graduated from University College, Dublin in 1998 with a degree in International Commerce and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG. Mr Walsh has also worked for Matheson Ormsby Prentice and at the European Head Office of the New York Stock Exchange listed insurance and reinsurance group AXIS Capital in Dublin. In September 2009, Mr Walsh was appointed CFO of One51 having joined the organisation three years earlier.

Since taking up the position of Interim Chief Executive in July, Mr Walsh and the executive team, in conjunction with the Board, have conducted a comprehensive and detailed review of the businesses and investments within the One51 Group. The resulting strategy was outlined to shareholders at the Company’s recent annual general meeting and Mr Walsh has led the successful initial implementation of this new business strategy. The strategy is designed to refocus One51 around its environmental services businesses and other key investments and to continue to deleverage the group’s balance sheet.

Commenting, Chief Executive of One51, Alan Walsh said:

“As CEO of One51, my priorities will be to continue the implementation of the two-year strategy aimed at refocusing the Group, to deleverage the balance sheet, intensify the programme of operational improvement, rebuild confidence in the organisation and restore value for shareholders.

“While we acknowledge the current economic environment presents considerable challenges to all businesses including our own, we are confident that good progress is being made in respect of the implementation of the agreed strategy.”

Commenting, Chairman of One51, Denis Buckley said:

“During his time as Interim Chief Executive Alan has demonstrated very capable leadership in guiding the company through a difficult period and in formulating and implementing the Board’s new business plan for its future development. Alan has the skills and talent needed to meet the challenges faced by the Group and we wish him every success.”

One51 subsidiary, ClearCircle Environmental, recently launched www.ClearCircle.com. This marks an important step for ClearCircle Environmental and demonstrates the real progress being made by the business.

On the website, waste management and recycling customers can find details of what services ClearCircle Environmental provides and where its operations are located. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the individual sites directly, or alternatively contact ClearCircle Environmental’s head office in Dublin.

For further details visit: www.ClearCircle.com