JR AUTOS IN BRIDGEND

“Regular servicing is vital to keep your car in top condition; saving the you money in the long run as potentially expensive problems can be avoided.” James

“We offer a complimentary mini valet and wash with every service.” Ruairi


JR AUTOS BRIDGEND – FOR ALL YOUR MOTOR REPAIRS

A new, state of the art, motor repair shop has opened in Bridgend offering full servicing, repairs, pre NCT/MOT and diagnostics. Conveniently located on the Elaghbeg Industrial Estate on the main Derry to Letterkenny Road, JR Auto’s combine mechanical and technical know-how with good business practice. Partners, James Lavelle and Ruairi O’Reilly have twenty-five years relevant experience between them and are passionate about their business. James, originally from Meath, is not put off by the recession.

Regular Servicing
“I feel it is a good time to be setting up a new motor repair business,” James tells us, “With the change in the economy, people are keeping their cars for longer. This means that regular servicing is vital to keep cars in top condition; saving the customer money in the long run as potentially expensive problems can be avoided.

As cars get older, they require important preventative maintenance like new timing belts. Sometimes they need to be changed every 30,000 miles like in the Corsa, so it’s important to get them checked.” James advises. “We also realise that there is a need for taxi drivers to have cars that are faultless as they get so much wear. Regular servicing can also reduce the amount of petrol you use by up to 40%.”

Recovery and Breakdown Service
Ruairi, from Derry is, like James, a time served mechanic and has spent the last four years working both in garages and on the road dealing with breakdowns for the AA and RAC. “We have a 24/7 breakdown and recovery service in operation” James tell us. “Logistically, Bridgend is a great area for us as we are accessible to road networks for Inishowen, Derry and Letterkenny. This is handy; not only for our breakdown and recovery service, but for our free collection and return of the vehicles into the workshop which is very convenient for our customers.

Diagnostics
Modern cars need a lot more diagnostic electronic work. James and Ruairi are up to speed with the latest technology and have invested in all of the software. “We have two systems running in the workshop and we use portable laptops so the information is to hand when we are working on the car. The first system is Auto Data; this is a general check that narrows down the potential problem areas where the fault lies. Then we have the Diagnostic Software that will pinpoint the problem, enabling us to fix it quickly. Technology such as this is vital as you couldn’t even switch a warning light off without it.”

Customer Service
James and Ruairi ensure their customers are getting the best price and are keen to offer a personal service. They realise that a vehicle is important to a family or business and work long hours to get the car on the road again. “We offer a complimentary mini valet and wash with every service as well.” Ruairi says.

The large premises have all of the tools to hand for coping with every eventuality in car repair and the shop area stocks general parts for most vehicles. So if your car needs a service and you want mechanics that are up to date with all of the latest techniques, then pop into JR Autos in Bridgend and talk to James and Ruairi, or give them a ring on 086 8894290 (James) or 004479 22345336 (Ruairi)

James’s Safety tip
“As soon as you feel there is something wrong with your car like any kind of irregular noise, vibration, shimmer, or you note some leak or any warning light comes on while driving or anything that seems to be irregular – let us know as it might be unsafe to drive. It's definitely better to check any small problem straight away”

Does your car need a service?

Have you gone over the manufacturers recommended servicing time or miles?
Is the car not running as well as it did and is slow to pull away?
Is there wheel wobble?
Is the servicing warning light on?
Is there knocking and banging when you go over a bump?

If you answer YES to any of these then take your car into JR Auto’s for a check.

Tips for safer and more efficient driving.

Keep your tyres inflated at the right pressure. This can save fuel, give a better ride and lengthen the life of the tyres.
Check your windscreen wipers and replace them if worn and check the screen wash regularly.
Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving can shorten the life of the engine and increase fuel consumption by up to 30%
Don’t wait until a problem occurs, get down to JR Autos for a service…..

Read more from James in his profile

Water Fountain at National Palace Museum

This week we perused the National Palace Museum for our Sunday afternoon activity. It contained documents and other items from the royal family. As you can see, we were among the few people there: I loved the water machines with the paper cup dispensers:

The "cup" was actually a two dimensional envelope that can be filled with water. Trouble is, I had to refill it ten times to satisfy myself!

Lost Cakes

I love Lost. And cake. So a Lost cake is all kinds of awesome, even if no one invited me to the party.

I don't know if I could munch on a mini Hurley or Sayid, though.

Via Dispatches from the Island.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 44

Breaking Free

In this world, it is so easy to feel helpless and powerless. We do not realise the power we actually possess.

Look at an elephant. It can uproot huge trees with its trunk. When an elephant living in captivity is still a baby, it is tied to a tree with a strong rope. The baby elephant tries with all its might to break the rope. Realising its efforts are of no use, it finally gives up.

Fully grown, it can be tied to a small tree with a thin rope. It could then easily free itself by uprooting the tree or breaking the rope. But because its mind has been conditioned by prior experience, it doesn’t make the slightest attempt to break free. This is what is happening to people throughout the world, particularly women.

We all have infinite potential inherent in our beings, but we need to break the shackles of the conditioning imposed on us. We do have strength. We can find courage. We can go beyond our imagined limitations. We already possess the power to do this.
Live your dreams, fulfil your potential, be true to yourself.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

With the new Government grants available to make your home more energy efficient as well as older grants for solar panels and the likelihood of the ESB buying back surplus energy produced from wind turbines, it has never been a better time to consider exploring alternative energies and how to make your home as cost-effective in terms of energy as possible. Building energy ratings assessment is a legal requirement if you plan to sell or rent you home, but it is also the best place to start to check what work needs to be done.

Build your own solar panels

Energy Audit Solutions
Gerry Kelly is friendly and approachable and likes to give a personalised service when Energy Assessing your new build or existing domestic property: “I like to meet prospective customers face to face, to make sure that are getting the best possible advice, in terms of reducing their home heating costs.” he explained.
“We all have to be careful with our money these days and simple actions, such as improving insulation, can make a big difference, in terms of reducing energy bills and future proofing the value of your property.”

Gerry’s expertise and understanding of energy solutions, along with his honest approach, means that his customers know where they stand. Locally based, in Burt, at the gateway to Inishowen, Energy Audit Solutions is accessible and Gerry is well placed to respond quickly to his customers needs. For more information call Gerry on 074 9386620

National Energy Assessors
National Energy Assessors (NEA) are one of the leading providers of energy efficient solutions in Ireland. They provide a comprehensive range of services for both home-owners and businesses. The fully registered, fully insured company will send a professional assessor to your home who will report on what energy measures your home needs, and the most cost effective solution for saving money and energy. NEA provide free thermal imaging as part of their service so customers can see exactly where heat is being lost from their home. After the improvements have been carried out, a second visit takes place, to give you your quality assured BER certificate.
NEA also provides free energy assessment for small to medium sized businesses such as offices, hotels and factories. Simply call Jim Duffy on 0857190000 to register. NEA undertakes air tightness tests, checking where a building might be losing energy through ‘holes’ such as ventilation. As hot air escapes, cold air gets in and little holes in your building can lead to a big hole in your profits. NEA is one of the ten companies nationally that is registered to assess large public buildings that require the new energy certificate, which legally needs to be displayed.

McGee Insulation Services
Once your home is assessed, one of the recommendations may be to get the attic or the cavity walls insulated. McGee Insulations are registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland to carry out this work. McGee insulations prides itself on using eco-friendly insulation, Warmcel. Warmcel is a high performance thermal insulation which can save you up to 40% off your heating bills and provides a complete seal, minimising heat loss, eliminating gaps, cracks and other cold bridges. To get efficient insulation, prevent energy loss and save money, contact McGee Insulation on 087 9320155

Solar Panel Installation
SOS Plumbing and Heating are registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland to install solar panels here in Inishowen. Grants are available from SEI for houses that have been lived in for the past twelve months. Solar panels work on daylight hours and so are highly effective for us here in Inishowen. The solar panels are so efficient, that between May and September, you get 100% free hot water. For the rest of the year, the solar panels provide on average about 40% of your domestic hot water for free. There are two types of panel, flat plated and evacuated tube systems. The evacuated tubes are 20% more efficient and the Government provide more of a grant for these. The grant is applied for and processed by SOS and they are happy to provide free advice and quotations. Contact SOS on 087 7607117.

Peninsula Renewable Energies
Renewable energy resources are abundantly available in Ireland and offer sustainable alternatives to our dependency on fossil fuels and reduce our reliance on imported fuels. Main sources of renewable energy include the sun (solar energy), the wind, heat from under the ground (geothermal energy) and biomass (wood, waste and energy crops). With all the options available, it is crucial to be aware of what system would work best for your house. Every home is different and you need to make sure you get the most suitable system for your property. Peninsula Renewable Energies offer a range of renewable energy options and will be happy to advise you on what is the most appropriate solution for your needs. They are registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland. Peninsula Renewable Energies supply Proven Wind Turbines. Peninsula Renewable Energies can be contacted on Tel 0749370533/Mobile 0866076301

Energy Cert Ireland
Energy Cert Ireland is a family run local business who offer Building Energy Rating Assessments. Paddy and Ronan McCole are a father and son partnership with a strong construction background and over fifty years experience between them. “The service we provide is more than just getting your certificate” Ronan explains. “We offer a personal service, pointing our customers in the right direction to make savings in their heating bills. We make recommendations on the most cost-effective way of implementing improvements.” With their local knowledge of reputable contractors they can price up the best way to improve your energy ratings and provide their customers with the choice of 3 or 4 options.

BERindonegal
Whether you want to take advantage of the Home Energy Saving Scheme, or are selling or letting your property then you will need a BER. At BERindonegal we offer an independent, friendly and professional service to those needing a BER. Our customers include property professionals such as Estate / Letting Agents, Solicitors, Architects and of course the public.One of our trained assessors will inspect and report on your property and complete the appropriate registration with SEI.Why not visit our website http://www.berindonegal.ie/ Here you will find a host of information on BERs from Frequently Asked Questions to handy hints and tips on how to improve your BER. You will also find details of our competitive pricing. You can book online and there is an option to pay by credit card if you wish. Alternatively call us on 086 1729508.

Intelligent Heating with Evergreen
Evergreen are pleased to announce the arrival in Ireland of the solar vent wood pellet boiler. Manufactured under strict German quality control and designed with high efficiency operation as its sole task this boiler is an essential investment in any home. The solar vent boiler uses patented German technology and the “INTELLIGENT HEATING” system is only available from solar vent which makes this unit truly unique.

With current economic conditions and the need to reduce our monthly outgoings becoming a matter of urgency, householders across the land are examining ways they can save money. Heating our homes is one of the most costly outgoings and this cost will continue to rise in the not to distant future, as we have seen last year with the dramatic rise in oil prices. Compared to oil, wood pellets still offer considerable savings and with the solar vent boiler, your wood pellets stretch even more.

If a wood pellet boiler is not your thing then Evergreen can offer a number of alternatives. If you have access to your own supply of timber, then a log gasification boiler may be your ideal heating source or if you have a large area of ground surrounding your home one of our heat pumps could do the trick.

For the person who just wants a cheaper way to heat their water then we can design and fit a solar system specific to your needs. All the technologies mentioned are grant assisted for homes older than 12 months. We are able to provide full assistance with grant applications

So if you are planning to build, buy or renovate and are thinking renewable, then think Evergreen.

Get your grant before the banks get theirs!

Doherty Brothers Clonmany
Doherty Brothers Clonmany have been involved in all aspects of Insulation and Energy Conservation Measures for over 30 years. Their professionally qualified advisors (C.S.R.T. Surveyor and Building Energy Rating Assessors) will survey your property and advise you on all energy saving measures. To cut your heating costs call Doherty Brothers Clonmany on 074 9376182

NEW GRANTS

New Grants Available to Help Insulate Local Homes

INISHOWEN'S Green Party candidate, Sheenagh McMahon welcomed the announcement made earlier this month by the Energy Minister, Eamon Ryan that €100 million in new grants are available to make homes more energy efficient. This eco-friendly scheme will not only help local economies, through creating jobs but will also make homes warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat.

Sheenagh urges local homeowners to take up the new grants that are going to be split evenly between public and private householders and will target homes built before 2006. National Insulation Programme

"The new national insulation programme has the potential to create hundreds of lasting, local jobs. Householders who take advantage of the scheme can expect to reduce their heating bills by up to €700 per year," said Ms McMahon. "The scheme will open to the public in March, and I urge homeowners particularly those with older homes and big energy bills to register their interest now with Sustainable Energy Ireland. Householders should also think about arranging a Building Energy Rating Assessment, which will highlight the type of work that will bring about the best cost and energy savings," she continued adding that the measures make "total sense" in the current economic climate.

"The refurbishment of our local authority housing will also tackle the scourge of fuel poverty, particularly during cold weather. Heating will not be wasted going out the roof or up the chimney. Reducing energy use and CO2 emissions will also help us meet our climate change targets. This is a programme that benefits our economy, the environment and the householder at the same time," added the Buncrana-based candidate.

The national insulation programme, administered through Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) hope to benefit 50,000 homes throughout the country.

The money is being split in half with €50 million a piece for private and council housing. Under the home energy scheme, targeted at private middle-income homes, householders will get grant aid of between €500 and about €5,000 for improvements carried out on the insulation of their homes. The lowest grant available is €250 for improved attic insulation, which will provide 30% of the cost for a typical suburban house for the work. The largest single grant is a €4,000 contribution to work on external wall insulation. This will contribute an estimated 21% for the €19,000 cost for a typical home. Householders are entitled to avail of all the grants that are applicable to their own situation. Between €500 - €700 will be available for heating control upgrades and €200 will be paid towards the building energy rating assessment.

Estimates provided by the Department say that most of the investments can be fully recouped within six years, save for wall insulation, which will take between seven and 20 years, depending on the house.
The Green Party Energy Minister, Eamon Ryan has already spoken to four of the main banks to persuade them to lend to homeowners getting involved in the programme and has received positive feedback.
“There is a lot of support. They see that it makes sense. It’s an attractive prospect. Banks have a real opportunity and role here to make up the amount. This is the best lending that you can do,” he said.

Professor Wilson from Sustainable Energy Ireland said that they would begin a registration programme immediately for contractors with the required competence to carry out such works.
The other €50 million will expand the existing Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) for low income households and a scheme aimed at social housing. WHS is currently being locally administered by Action Inishowen. Upgrades available include the provision of lagging jackets, attic insulation, cavity wall insulation and draught-proofing.

INISHOWEN MEN'S HELPLINE

Don’t Suffer Alone
Inishowen Men’s Helpline
Free and Confidential Service
Offering support, understanding and information
Available Monday-Friday 9am-10pm
Tel 074 9329300


Inishowen Men’s Helpline celebrates its second birthday
“Big boys don’t cry!” “Take your oil!” “Get on with it!” These stereotypes still exist all over Ireland.

“Real men” don’t whine about their physical, mental or emotional problems. They work it out, suck it up and walk it off. As children, boys play a lot of physical games and traditionally didn’t talk about their thoughts and emotions, so they never got much practice in using words to describe their feelings. This inability to name emotions means that men often dismiss problems and hide depression and loneliness through overwork, drinking, anger or withdrawal. Sometimes men don’t even realise they are depressed.

Two years ago a group of local men, some with their own history of mental health problems who had had positive experiences of seeking help, decided to do set up the Inishowen Men’s Helpline. They saw the success of the Inishowen Women’s Outreach Project and felt there was a need for the men of Inishowen to also have support and guidance on personal matters. A spokesman from the helpline explains.

“Society has changed a lot over the past thirty years and men don’t have the same support structures in place that past generations have had. At one time men would meet up in their houses for an evening of chat. These social evenings (a ceilidh) provided a bit of company and an opportunity to meet others and have a bit of craic, but it was also a place where men could talk problems through. There was also far less competitiveness in every day life. If work on the farm became stressful, then the community would get together and help out. It is different now. Television has led to people staying at home and people are busier and more self-sufficient. This leads to greater isolation.”

Isolation is a big problem for many men particularly in rural areas, but there are lots of other difficulties that local men have where they could use a listening ear. Financial difficulties are a major problem for a lot of people at the moment, drinking too much can cause a lot of harm in many areas of your life and often men are worried about health and sexuality issues. Sometimes men, not realising they have a problem, avoid them until they become so big they seem insurmountable.

Inishowen Men’s Helpline (Tel 074 9329300) offers a totally private and confidential listening ear service. With funding from the HSE and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltact Affairs, the Helpline has trained up ten volunteers (including two women as not all the callers feel comfortable talking to another man), for their listening ear service. There is also a trained professional counsellor available. The Helpline also has connections with a network of support services and agencies and if a caller needs specific help, they can refer them on to the best service to meet their specific needs. A spokesman says,

“ Often just putting problems into words can reduce their impact on your life…problems can be put into perspective and resolved.”

The service was officially opened two years ago this month by Daniel O’Donnell and has grown significantly in this time. When they started the phone line was only available on a Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, now the volunteers can offer their impartial and sympathetic support Monday to Friday from 9am to 10pm. Volunteers are always needed to provide the best service available to callers and full training is provided.. So if you are interested in volunteering or you need a sympathetic listening ear, you can call the confidential Helpline on 074 9329300.