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Displaying items by tag: Keep Economy Moving

In reflecting on the ongoing public health crisis, Warrenpoint Port CEO David Holmes has issued a statement.

“As the second largest port in Northern Ireland, we play a major role as a catalyst for economic growth across the region and the island as a whole.

“That role has rarely been as important than at present as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are committed to promoting the highest levels of health and safety for our staff and their families, customers, and community while also serving the needs of local businesses that rely on us to facilitate the efficient transit of goods, including many of the essential items so vital to wider society at this time.

“In order to ensure port services continue to operate as normal, we are practicing social distancing throughout the harbour estate while staff have changed their working patterns to ensure fewer are on site at any one time.

“We recognise and appreciate the efforts of all port employees for their assistance and commitment to helping us achieve this.

“Additionally, we have increased the provision of hand sanitisation products across the port and introduced other measures that will limit the risk to employees and other harbour users.

“We are mindful that all of us have a duty to contribute to the fight against coronavirus and are pleased to play our part in keeping Northern Ireland and the island as a whole moving in the weeks and months ahead.”

Irish Sailing

The Irish Sailing Association, also known as Irish Sailing, is the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing in Ireland.

Founded in 1945 as the Irish Dinghy Racing Association, it became the Irish Yachting Association in 1964 and the Irish Sailing Association in 1992.

Irish Sailing is a Member National Authority (MNA) of World Sailing and a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The Association is governed by a volunteer board, elected by the member clubs. Policy Groups provide the link with members and stakeholders while advising the Board on specialist areas. There is a professional administration and performance staff, based at the headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Core functions include the regulation of sailing education, administering racing and selection of Irish sailors for international competition. It is the body recognised by the Olympic Federation of Ireland for nominating Irish qualified sailors to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. Irish sailors have medalled twice at the Olympics – David Wilkins and Jamie Wikinson at the 1980 games, and Annalise Murphy at the 2016 games.

The Association, through its network of clubs and centres, offers curriculum-based training in the various sailing, windsurfing and powerboating disciplines. Irish Sailing qualifications are recognised by Irish and European Authorities. Most prominent of these are the Yachtmaster and the International Certificate of Competency.

It runs the annual All-Ireland Championships (formerly the Helmsman’s Championship) for senior and junior sailors.

The Association has been led by leading lights in the sailing and business communities. These include Douglas Heard, Clayton Love Junior, John Burke and Robert Dix.

Close to 100 sailors have represented Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Membership of Irish Sailing is either by direct application or through membership of an affiliated organisation. The annual membership fee ranges from €75 for families, down to €20 for Seniors and Juniors.