Branch Meeting – 20th February 2016 – Dunrovin II
Saturday 20th February 2016 saw the first branch meeting of the 2016 year during which a presentation was made by Martin Donnelly from the Dunrovin II subcommittee.
Martin advised that following the collapse of the original Dunrovin proposal, branches were requested to submit ideas for the site and a majority reported that something should be done in conjunction with the RNLI. At the same time, RNLI also confirmed that they intended to place a permanent life boat station at Athlone. Therefore on 30th March 2015 the IWAI Exec proposed: “In partnership with the RNLI to agree to the development of a permanent lifeboat station at Dunrovin in line with the draft proposal, drawings and terms & conditions submitted to IWAI”. On the 26th September 2015, IWAI council approved a proposal to a joint RNLI/IWAI project at Dunrovin and ask that the sub‐committee seek support for the proposal from the branches (Both moral and financial). IWAI Carrick received a request from the subcommittee in November 2015 to hold a presentation which was then scheduled and announced to our members for February 2016.
Martin the made a full presentation to those in attendance. Following the presentation, a proposal to provide the sub‐committee with moral support for the project was unanimous approved. Carrick members in attendance went further and proposed financial support from the branch of €25,000. Once again, this proposal was approved by the majority in attendance. A copy of the presentation (2.4Mb) is available on request to any paid up member from the branch secretary Patricia Byron at iwaicarrick@gmail.com
AGM – Date for your Diary – 22nd April 2016
Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 22nd April 2016 in Tullamore.
A number of Carrick members are stepping down from their positions. Carmel Meegan is ending her Presidency, Jean Kennedy is stepping down as Treasurer and Maria Stuart is stepping down as Membership Secretary. We would love to see as many members as possible from IWAI Carrick attend the AGM and show appreciation for all the hard work carried out, on a voluntary basis, by our branch members. If you think you might be able to make it to the AGM then do put the date in your diary.
Harbour Hogging – 2016 Season
In November 2015, the branch wrote to Mr Charles Lawn, Waterways Ireland expressing the concerns of the members that a number of boats are openly flaunting rules regarding harbour hogging and also permanently mooring at pump out stations and this is becoming once again a serious issue of all river users.
Mr Lawn replied that Waterways Ireland welcomes information on the harbour hoggers to assist the focus of their patrols. The vessel registration number, the harbour, the date and the observer’s name are the essential items required. He did point out that any communication members might have with the Inspectorate is subject to the Freedom of Information Act and any email, letter or phone call will be noted and could be associated with a subsequent enforcement action against an owner that may involve legal proceedings under the bye‐laws. Paid up members may contact the branch and we will forward the details to Waterways Ireland.
Endeavour Cup Nomination
Nominations are invited for the recipient of the Endeavour Cup for 2016. The cup is awarded to the individual, group or branch (whether part of IWAI or not) that has undertaken some project or achieved a goal that is worthy of recognition in respect of activities associated with the waterways.
The cup will be presented to the recipient at the AGM. Nominations can be forwarded to honsecretary@iwai.ie before Friday 15th APRIL indicating who you would like to receive the award and why. Any paid up member can make a nomination.
Iwai Carrick Website
The branch website is undated on a regular basis. Brian Fitzgerald now joins Joe Byrne as webmasters and would really like to hear from you as to what information you would like to see on the branch website.
Membership Renewal
We would encourage all branch members who may not have already done so to renew their membership for 2016. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact IWAI Carrick at iwaicarrick@gmail.com
Branch Diary 2016
June 3 – 6 21:30: Cruise in Company. Commodores: Brian & Bláithín Fitzgerald
Registration ‐ Bush Hotel
July 22 TBC: Shannon Boat Rally ‐ Carrick Vice Commodore: Nuala Morgan
South Shannon
August 27 13:00: Waterways Ireland / Carrick Cares Day Lough Key Forest Park
September 10 12:00 Branch Meeting Bush Hotel
October 1 TBC Carrick / Boyle Branches Bowling Challenge
October 28 21:30 End of Season Rally: Commodores: Paddy & Patricia McCormack
Registration ‐ Bush Hotel
November 19 14:00 Branch AGM Bush Hotel
Carrick Cares Day 2016
We are looking for members to volunteer to help us on 27th August at the Carrick Cares Day. For those of you who have joined us in the past, you will know how rewarding and fun this day will be.
We would also ask for Volunteers to join the Carrick Cares Day Committee for 2016. If you are interested, please contact Trish at iwaicarrick@gmail.com