New Aircoach North West Service hits the road

New Aircoach North West 705X service hit the road yesterday

The new Aircoach service connecting Derry/Londonderry to Belfast International Airport, Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre hit the road yesterday.

The launch of the new 705X service followed the acquisition of the well-known North West based passenger transport company, Airporter by Aircoach last year.

The acquisition included the former Airporter base at Springtown Industrial Estate in the city and the transfer of all Airporter drivers and operational staff to Aircoach to service the new timetable and route.

The new service brings a range of new benefits for customers including:

·        Routes running seven days a week beginning at 01:05am daily.

·        Stops at Foyleside Coach Park, Drumahoe Park and Ride, Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Centre, Dublin Airport and O’Connell Street.

·        Reduced fares between Derry/Londonderry and Belfast International Airport by up to £13 based on a return fare.

·        As well as contactless payment, free wi-fi onboard, the Aircoach Advantage loyalty program and flexible booking options.

The new service also means that travelers from the North West will now be able to arrive at Dublin Airport for early morning flights to the likes of key European destinations and major US cities.

Tickets can be purchased online or on board through a contactless payment system.

Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Aircoach

Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Aircoach said:

“We are thrilled to launch the new service that will further improve airport connectivity for those in the North West, reducing fares for passengers and enabling them to avail of early morning flights at the two main airports on the island of Ireland. It will be a game changer for passengers travelling to and from the region.”

“Since our acquisition announcement last year, we have been blown away with the response from local people and are excited to now finally see our iconic blue and orange Aircoach on North West roads.”

“Aircoach is fully committed to this region, and we look forward to ensuring that it is connected to major travel hubs, improving the attractiveness of the area as a place in which to visit, work and invest.”

Local Government Conference confirmed for February ahead of 2023 council elections

NILGA President Cllr Martin Kearney and Solace NI Chair Roger Wilson launching the 2023 Local Government Conference

The 2023 Local Government Conference has been confirmed for 23 February at the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh.

Delivered by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), in partnership with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE NI), the conference will be addressed by Jayne Brady, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and hosted by journalist and broadcaster Mark Devenport.

The theme of the conference is ‘Responding to Future Challenges’ and the full-day event will focus on issues facing local government including financial sustainability, the climate emergency, revolutionising public services, and delivering cost effective and economical services for communities.

The conference comes at a crucial time for local government in Northern Ireland. After the Covid-19 pandemic, the collapse of central government at Stormont, and the cost-of-living crisis, local government is delivering more support and services to households and communities than ever before. The conference is an opportunity for vital dialogue on how local government can deliver innovative solutions to the challenges facing councils and create a local government sector fit for the future. 

The conference will explore collaboration between the private and public sector, how local government can influence wider societal outcomes, and how to ensure a positive step-change in culture and mindset within local councils.

Speakers will include:

  • Jayne Brady, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

  • Kelly Beaver, Chief Executive, IPSOS.

  • Nadira Hussain, Chief Executive, Society for Innovation Technology and Modernisation.

  • Colette Kane, Local Government Auditor.

  • Dominic Campbell, Partner, The Institute for Impossible Ideas.

The conference will be supported by SBRI. The Northern Ireland Small Business Research Initiative provides the public sector with innovative solutions to problems that will drive improvement and allows suppliers to develop products and services working collaboratively with the public-sector, enabling them to develop new skills, expertise and markets.

Speaking as the conference was launched, Cllr Martin Kearney, President, Northern Ireland Local Government Association said:

“Local councils have consistently shown their resilience and capacity to respond to the needs of constituents during turbulent times. The past number of years have been extremely challenging with the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and further instability at the central government level in Northern Ireland. Our 11 local councils are delivering more services, for more citizens, with ever more stretched budgets, resources, and capacity. 

“This year’s Local Government Conference is an opportunity to seriously discuss and consider the challenges which lie before us as a sector but also how we address them collaboratively. Delivering more agile public services, in an era of digitalisation and sustainability, must become the number one aim for the local government sector. We are bringing together experts from the private sector and voluntary sector for this year’s conference to share their experiences, what works best to ensure better organisations, and how to successfully reach our ambitions.

Solace NI Chair Roger Wilson also added:

“2023 will be a significant year for councils in Northern Ireland. We continue to deal with the cost-of-living crisis for our households, businesses, and citizens while the next local government elections will provide councils with a fresh democratic mandate. The time is now to face these challenges head on and work together to find solutions which will create more sustainable local government for Northern Ireland.”

Northern Ireland short film An Irish Goodbye nominated for a BAFTA

Northern Ireland Screen funded short film, An Irish Goodbye, written and directed by Tom Berkeley and Ross White has been nominated for a BAFTA for Best British Short Film.

The film was also recently shortlisted for an Oscar. The BAFTA awards will take place on Sunday 19th February at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, London.

Set against the backdrop of a working farm in rural Northern Ireland, An Irish Goodbye is a black comedy following the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan following the untimely death of their mother. Under the watchful eye of odd-ball parish priest Father O’Shea, the brothers’ pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome. A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcan’s dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides he’s sending him to live with their aunt on the other side of Ireland. But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: he’ll only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have themselves completed every single wish on their mother’s list…all one hundred of them.

The film stars Seamus O’Hara (The Northman, Game of Thrones), James Martin (Marcella, Ups and Downs), Paddy Jenkins (Hunger) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Fortitude).

Writers and Directors Tom Berkeley and Ross White commented:

"We're absolutely over the moon to be honoured in this way alongside such a remarkable list of filmmakers. Thanks to our dedicated cast and crew this project has been a truly heartening experience from start to finish, and it's a dream come true to know that our wee film is really resonating with audiences. Our sincere thanks go to BAFTA - we cannot wait to celebrate this remarkable year of cinema at the Royal Festival Hall next month."

Reacting to the nominations, Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen said:

 “Everyone at Northern Ireland Screen is delighted for Ross and Tom and the entire team who made this beautiful short film. A BAFTA nomination is a tremendous endorsement to receive from industry, especially at this early stage in their careers.”

“Short films are all about new talent and storytelling and with An Irish Goodbye, Northern Ireland Screen got to support a brilliant package of new talent and pitch perfect storytelling. We wish the team behind An Irish Goodbye the best of luck for the awards next month.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead – Ireland Wednesday 18 January

Forward Look                                  

  • Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD will join the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos this week.

  • The Government is exploring the possibility to exempt major hospital projects from current planning rules to enable faster delivery of acute beds.

  • The Government is preparing to sign off on a scheme costing up to €2.5 billion to address defects in up to 100,000 apartments built during the Celtic Tiger.

  • The IDA is preparing for further layoffs in the tech sector as Microsoft prepares to make cuts to their workforce worldwide.

  • A briefing document provided to Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney TD has stated that the housing crisis, energy costs and security of supply are making Ireland less competitive in securing investment.

  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris MP has said there is still “a way to go” in terms of a deal between the EU and UK government over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

  • Plans to consult the public on the first overhaul of national guidelines for one-off rural housing in almost two decades have been delayed.

  • Neale Richmond TD has replaced Damien English TD as junior Minister for Employment Affairs and Retail Business following English’s resignation last week after failing to properly declare a property interest.  

  • The Government is considering financial incentives such as tax breaks to activate 70,000 idle planning permissions.

  • Dublin City Council is considering a levy against hotel rooms in Dublin following a report from the Commission on Taxation and Welfare.

  • The Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Taoiseach has said legislation should be introduced to force retail banks to provide cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for certain regions.

  • Today, the Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuel Function Bill 2022 will go in front of the Dáil.

  • Tomorrow, the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022 will have its second reading in the Chamber.

  • Today, the Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media will meet to discuss the future of business model plans and long-term vision for the media sector. The focus will be on the uncertainty over the future of the TV licence fee.

  • Tomorrow, the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement will meet with Dr Martin Mansergh, Ambassador Eamonn McKee and Mr. Walter Kirwan.

 

Other Stories this week

  • A complaint was filed against Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe to SIPO regarding undeclared election expenses.

  • IBEC has published a report that spotlights the significant economic and social prosperity that the Good Friday Agreement created.

  • The HSE’s head of digital transformation has resigned citing difficulties in implementing his vision.

  • The Central Statistics Office has reported that Ireland is on track for record trade surplus with a 27% increase in 2022 compared to 2023.

  • The Chief Economist of the ECB has said that the ECB must raise interest rates to a level that starts to restrict growth.

 

 

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 20 January, Chartered Accountants Ireland Annual Dinner, Convention Centre Dublin.

  • 25 January, BioPharma and Lifesciences Connected, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork.

  • 2 February, The Irish Times Business Awards, Round Room, Mansion House.

  • 2 February, CIPR Ireland Employment Law Seminar, Aviva Stadium.

 

Consultations

Business pragmatism can withstand the challenges of 2023 - Stephen McConnell, Business Services Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

As first published in The Irish News, Tuesday 17 January 2023

Stephen McConnell, Business Services Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

We ended 2022 much like the previous two years, with a bleak economic outlook and hopes that the busy Christmas period will be enough to see businesses through even the beginning of 2023. After that, there is little certainty of how the year might play out.

As advisors, we see periods of economic decline come and go every few years. In the latter months of 2022, the UK slipped into a recession that despite predicted to continue for much of the year, has recently been forecast to be a shallow and protracted decline.

Now in the harsh reality of January, businesses are grappling with unprecedently high overhead costs, yet staff are hard to come by and salaries are inflating at a steady rate. Interest rates are up to a 14 year high, the price of raw materials remains elevated and the cost-of-living and doing business crisis is squeezing profitability from all angles.

We can already see that this decline will be different from that of 2008, different from the shockwaves that went through the economy when Covid-19 hit in March 2022, and different from whatever major challenge comes next.

In the face of this, it will be the business owners and managers who are pragmatic, innovative thinkers that perform best throughout the year. Good planning is central to good performance, and having an agile, live accounting system in place is one of the best ways to react as circumstances change.

Live accounting brings what was once a monthly or quarterly approximation of your finances, profit, loss, and stock values into your daily operations, making it an integral part of your business workflow.

Having this information on hand will allow any business big or small to be leaner and more competitive within the market, identifying areas where performance is strong and others that require some work.

With a difficult year and many unknowns ahead, fast information about your income, profit and loss will allow you to compare with previous periods and make choices to drive your business in the right direction, without waiting until the end of the month or quarter.

Now well into January, those businesses that are heavily reliant on footfall will be seeing an impact on their revenue. Already, data from Springboard has shown that footfall at shops in Northern Ireland in the week post-Christmas was down 22.5% on pre-Covid levels.

This cutting back after the big Christmas shop will be felt in retail, while the relatively new practice of ‘Dry January’ means trade in the hospitality sector will have staved off considerably after the New Year celebrations.

This is a cycle that plays out in some way every year, and responsible business owners will have forecasted for it well in advance. We can be sure that in all sectors, but particularly retail and hospitality, that business owners will be looking ahead to the end of the dark winter months when spending activity increases and tourism trade returns.

What’s important in the meantime is sticking to what you know, assessing your budgets early and often, and being meticulous about shopping around for your utilities.

Community Foundation Launch Energy Support Appeal

Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland have launched their Energy Support Appeal. The appeal comes on the back of the release of the first round of payments from the Energy Support Scheme aimed at assisting households as fuel prices soar. 

The appeal will ask those who are fortunate enough to be able to pay their bill and find themselves in a position to donate, to consider gifting some, or all of, the Energy payment to help those who need it most. 

Speaking today Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation said: 

“The Cost-of-living crisis is impacting right across our society with many now struggling to heat homes, buy food and pay rent. 

“Some of our poorest families are left with £29 per week after essential items are paid for and are in real risk of being plummeted into desperate circumstances. 

“Every household in Northern Ireland will receive an energy payment of £600 under the Energy Support Scheme to help with electricity and fuel cost. For many this is a much-needed form of support, however there are those who may find they don’t need this payment. 

“The Energy Support Appeal from the Community Foundation will be able to receive these donations and ensure that they make a real impact by making grants to those who are working on the ground to mitigate the worst effects of the cost-of-living crisis.  

“Over the past six months we have already allocated £500,000 to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis, funding groups such as The Trussell Trust, Good Morning Ballymena, Loughview Community Action Partnership and  Limavady Community Development Initiative. We will continue to work to support those in need. Many of our grant schemes remain highly oversubscribed, such are the demands of this crisis. 

“We understand fully that many households will need and use this payment at this time. However, we want to provide an opportunity for those that don’t need all or part of this payment to support others. Donations can be made at communityfoundationni.org or by contacting us at 028 9024 5927. 

“The Community Foundation will use your donation to make a real difference to people’s lives by supporting charities and groups working to help those struggling this winter.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead – Ireland Wednesday 11 January

Forward Look                                

  • The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, will visit Ireland next month.

  • The Exchequer collected a record €83bn in tax last year. The increase has been attributed to higher levels of corporation tax, income tax and VAT.

  • Finance Minister Michael McGrath has warned that the cost of goods and services will remain high throughout the year despite a slowdown in inflation.

  • Senior sources in the hospitality sector have said that they believe they can convince the government to extend the 9% VAT rate for food and drink venues. The VAT rate is due to return to 13.5% from March 1.

  • Despite progress on the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiations, it is unlikely the deal will not be complete before the Good Friday Agreement commemorations.

  • Cormac Devlin TD has been appointed as Fianna Fáil Chief Whip and Deputy Government Whip.  

  • The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says it will open a consultation process with its members about industrial action following a record number of patients stuck on hospital trolleys across the country.

  • The European Central Bank predicts wage growth will be “very strong” in the coming quarters, strengthening the case for more interest-rate hikes.

  • Support for Sinn Féin has fallen by two points according to the most recent Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll.

  • The latest insolvency barometer from PwC says that 1,000 Irish companies could go out of business in 2023.

 

Other Stories this week

  • Employment at Enterprise Ireland backed firms rose by 5% last year.

  • The Central Statistics Office has published Ireland 2022: The Year in Numbers Business and Economy. The snapshot of the Irish economy and business environment in 2022 can be accessed HERE.

  • Unemployment fell to 4.3% in December, the lowest in two decades.

  • Activity in the Irish service sector has increased for the first time in five months. Senior economist at S&P Joe Hayes says that this tentatively points to the contraction in the economy to be milder than anticipated.

  • Government Ministers held a special meeting at Farmleigh on Tuesday to outline government priorities over the next six months.

  • Irish universities were given a €139 million pensions bailout after officials warned that they were running out of money to pay retired staff who are living longer.

  • The National Treasury Management Agency raised €3bn in funding, the proceeds from which must be spent on environment initiatives and infrastructure.

  • Meta has been fined €390m over GDPR privacy breaches. It brings the total Meta has been fined to €1.3bn.

 

Upcoming key political and business events

   

  • 18 January, Dáil returns from Christmas recess.

  • 20 January, Chartered Accountants Ireland Annual Dinner, Convention Centre Dublin.

  • 25 January, BioPharma and Lifesciences Connected, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork.

  • 2 February, The Irish Times Business Awards, Round Room, Mansion House.

 

Consultations

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead – Ireland Wednesday 4 January

  • New Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has stated that Brexit was “imposed on Northern Ireland without cross-community consent” and has said mistakes have been made on all sides in negotiations.

  • The Cabinet has approved the Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuels Functions Bill which will increase Ireland’s strategic stocks from 85 days to 90.

  • Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed an inquiry into the State’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic will be published in 2023.

  • Tánaiste Micheál Martin has called for reforms of the Dáil that would see TDs sit for four days a week and less time given to the Opposition to question the Taoiseach.

  • The Work Life Balance bill, which gives Irish workers new work from home rights, is expected to be delayed until this summer.

  • Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has said the Government is considering tax relief for landlords to incentivise them to stay in the private rental market.

  • A revised ruling from the Irish Data Protection Commission, that is likely to greatly limit the data that Meta can collect from its users, is expected in the coming days.

  • Newly appointed Junior Minister at the Department of Finance Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD has signalled her intentions to make a pitch for party leadership of Fine Gael in the future.

  • Children Minister Roderic O’Gorman TD has said parents can expect further cuts to childcare costs beyond the ones that come into effect this week. The Minister has also signalled a new redress scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby Homes may be operational by the middle of this year.

  • The wording for a referendum on the right housing is due to be announced this month. It is likely a referendum with numerous questions regarding housing, water and the role of women in the home will be on the same ballot.

 

Other Stories this week

  • A report from MyHome.ie has shown the housing market in Dublin is slowing faster than the rest of the country with the severe financial pressures facing potential buyers being cited as the main cause.

  • Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the Government is closely monitoring the tech sector after last year’s job losses but that the Government has not been informed of any further

  • A report from the Central Statistics Office has shown a broad rise in poverty across the State with a rise of 7.3% of households struggling to make ends meet.

  • Former Deputy Editor Jenny Darmody has been appointed as editor of Silicon Republic.

 

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 18 January, Dáil returns Christmas recess.

  • 20 January, Chartered Accountants Ireland Annual Dinner, Convention Centre Dublin.

  • 25 January, BioPharma and Lifesciences Connected, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork.

  • 2 February, The Irish Times Business Awards, Round Room, Mansion House.

 

Consultations

Northern Ireland Short film An Irish Goodbye in the running for an Oscar

Northern Ireland Screen funded short film, An Irish Goodbye, written and directed by Tom Berkeley and Ross White has made it one step closer to an Academy Award. Two hundred short films qualified to be considered for the live action short category and now An Irish Goodbye is one of fifteen that have been selected for a shortlist.

The Academy of Motion Pictures will choose between three and five short films to go forward and compete at the Oscars in March.

Set against the backdrop of a working farm in rural Northern Ireland, An Irish Goodbye is a black comedy following the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan following the untimely death of their mother. Under the watchful eye of odd-ball parish priest Father O’Shea, the brothers’ pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome. A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcan’s dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides he’s sending him to live with their Aunt on the other side of Ireland. But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: he’ll only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have themselves completed every single wish on their mother’s list…all one hundred of them.

The film stars Seamus O’Hara (The Northman, Game of Thrones), James Martin (Marcella, Ups and Downs), Paddy Jenkins (Hunger) Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Fortitude).

An Irish Goodbye is the second short film from duo Tom Berkeley and Ross White and is produced by Floodlight Pictures with support from Northern Ireland Screen and BFI. 

The nominations for the 95th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday 24 January 2023, while the Oscars ceremony will be held on Sunday, 12 March at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

Writers and Directors Tom Berkeley and Ross White commented:

“The whole team is absolutely overwhelmed that An Irish Goodbye has been recognised by the Academy in this way. It’s completely surreal to think that a wee film shot in Templepatrick is now rubbing shoulders with our cinematic heroes on an international stage. Only time can tell how far we will go, but we’re honoured to be representing the UK & Ireland in the category. We cannot wait to introduce the film to a wider audience - thank you to everyone who has supported us in the journey so far!”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Screen, said:

“We are incredibly proud of Tom and Ross and all the talented crew that made this wonderful short film. Special mention must also go to James who is an inspiration to so many and his starring role can only encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to follow their dreams and consider opportunities within the screen industry.

“To make it onto the Oscar shortlist is no mean feat, with strong competition from all around the world. We wish the team every success as they continue on their Oscar journey and hope that we’ll be celebrating again on 24th January when nominees are announced.”

10 Things to Look Out for in 2023

This year, politics and business in Northern Ireland has been dominated by the lack of an Executive, the Northern Ireland Protocol, the cost-of-living-crisis and now a recession. With three Prime Ministers, the Election of a Northern Ireland Assembly that is yet to form an Executive despite five recalls, and last week’s Taoiseach rotation, it’s been a year of political drama, new faces, and prolonged stalemate.

Last month, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris MP decided against a pre-Christmas Assembly Election, pushing the deadline for reform of the power-sharing institutions to 19 January. In the likelihood that it is missed, he will then be required to call a fresh Assembly Election within 12 weeks, the latest date for which it can be held being Thursday 13 April. Given that the restoration is directly linked to the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and negotiations with the EU, there remains little prospect of political stability in the New Year.

With this in mind, here are our top 10 political and business developments to look out for in 2023:

1. On 18 May 2023, the people of Northern Ireland will go to the polls to elect 462 councillors across the 11 council areas. This election will be held in a context where, for the first time, Sinn Féin is the largest party at the Assembly. Can the DUP rebound or will Sinn Féin consolidate their position?

2. Belfast City Council will publish its 2022-2030 Economic Strategy, which aims to support sustainable and inclusive growth ambitions for the city alongside the Department for the Economy’s 10X Strategy.

3. The final report of the Independent Review of Education, which intends to identify barriers within the education system, is expected by April.

4. The new U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III will make his first trip to Northern Ireland early in the New Year as he seeks to advance economic development and investment opportunities.

5. 10 April will mark the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, when a conference will be hosted by Queen’s University Belfast.

6. President Joe Biden is expected to make his first visit to Northern Ireland to coincide with these commemorations. However, the prospect of a Presidential Visit is thought to be dependent on the restoration of Northern Ireland’s power-sharing institutions.

7. The Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland will review Parliamentary constituency boundaries and submit its final report with recommendations before 1 July.

8. Following the discontinuation of the Sunday Independent’s Northern Ireland edition, the local media landscape will be altered further if proposed programming changes to BBC Radio Foyle and the removal of the Inside Business programme go ahead in April, prompting questions around the future of the public’s relationship with local media.

9. As businesses continue to implement and prepare for further changes announced by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt MP in his Autumn Statement, Number 11 is preparing to bring forward a Spring Budget on 15 March.

10. A second Independence Referendum attempt by the Scottish Government is scheduled for 19 October