Displaying items by tag: Chris Scott

9th September 2010

Lough Erne Canoe Rally Paddles Against Global Warming

Ireland's largest residential activity centre, Share Holiday Village is proud to announce that the third annual brites Lough Erne Canoe Rally will take place on 25th and 26th September 2010.

This year the event, which attracts paddlers from all over Ireland, is set to have more of an environmental message as SHARE was heavily affected by the Fermanagh Floods in 2009, which some have attributed to the heavy rainfall associated with Global Warming. Indeed canoeing is the perfect platform in which to promote this environmental message to local schools and businesses as it is one of the more idyllic forms of recreation that can be enjoyed on Lough Erne.

Both Share and brites are leaders in the field of renewable energy. Over the past 10 years Share has installed the largest reed-bed water purification plant in Northern Ireland and has built up an extensive portfolio of renewable technologies. These include three wind turbines, four solar water heating systems, and four wood pellet burners. The fuel for these wood pellet burners is supplied by Balcas, the manufacturers of brites. Share can now boast of using 99% renewable electricity on site, and 90% renewable heat, resulting in a total overall offset of CO2 of almost 300 tonnes.

Paula Keelagher, brites Technical Development Manager, at Fermanagh based Balcas comments: "We are delighted to be supporting the Lough Erne Canoe Rally once again. It has been great to see the event develop over the last two years and we look forward to seeing many local companies, schools and organisations taking part this year. We will of course be entering into the spirit of the competition with our own brites team and wish everyone who is participating the best of luck."

Chris Scott, Marketing Officer, Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) which the event also helps to promote comments; "It is great to see Share hosting such a professionally organised event on the Lough Erne Canoe Trail. The brites Lough Erne Canoe Rally is a fantastic showcase for this award winning trail. The event doesn't take itself too seriously, fun is the focus highlighted by the fact most points are awarded for the fancy dress competition on Saturday evening."

The event is set to make quite a splash amongst canoeing enthusiasts as Robert Livingstone, Share's Operations Manager, describes: "It is great to see the canoeing clubs, classes and organisations come on board to help promote the event. The competitive fancy dress element and the strict event rules with regard to using the same boat for all disciplines will make the event unique and lots and lots of fun for all involved. We are delighted to welcome back Boots and Paddles for the Special Olympics section of the event and hope that we can develop a similar group on Lough Erne".

For more information on the brites Lough Erne Canoe Rally and other outdoor activity packages please contact Rory – Share Marketing Officer on 028 6772 2122 or [email protected] or visit http://www.sharevillage.org/upcoming-courses-and-events/

Published in Canoeing

Tagged under

About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.