Latest news with #JimMeade
The Journal
4 days ago
- The Journal
Irish Rail releases footage of level crossing crashes and near-misses as part of safety appeal
IRISH RAIL HAS appealed for renewed vigilance from the public at level crossings, with thirty incidents of misuse of the crossings being recorded so far this year. This is an increase on the 28 incidents recorded at the same time last year. Eleven of these incidents resulted in damage to the crossing or injury to the person using the crossing, with the majority involving road vehicles colliding with crossing gates or barriers. The level crossing on Serpentine Avenue in Dublin was the most frequent location involved in incidents, with five. This was followed by Sutton, with three incidents, and Bray, Claremont, Coolmine and Sandymount, with two incidents taking place at each level crossing. Irish Rail has released footage of some of the incidents as part of its safety appeal to mark International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD). The company has partnered with An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority to host information mornings at ten level crossings to mark ILCAD and educate road users about the dangers of not acting safely at level crossings. For DART users, these information mornings will take place at Sutton, Cosh, Bray, Merrion Gates and Serpentine Avenue. Advertisement For the national network, they will be held at Lisnagry, Co Limerick; Farranfore, Co Kerry; Athenry, Co Galway; Sullivan's Crossing, Co Galway and Oranmore, Co Galway. New safety cameras The company also announced that Gardaí are planning to introduce up to six Garda/Go Safe safety cameras to operate at railway level crossings to 'enhance safety for rail and road users'. The cameras will record motorists using the crossing and will automatically issue a fine of €160 for speeding, or €80 for breaking a red light, and are liable for three penalty points for either. 'Driver behaviour is becoming more and more problematic at level crossings and I believe these measures will result in improved safety for all, protecting rail and road users alike,' Irish Rail CEO Jim Meade said. The cameras will initially operate in a test phase and become fully activated once the test is completed. Irish Rail said they will be deployed dependent on driver behaviour. 'Where these safety cameras have been deployed across the roads network, driver compliance of up to 98.6% is achieved,' it said. There are currently 861 level crossings on the Irish Rail network. These are a combination of automated CCTV crossings, manned crossings and unmanned user operated accommodation crossings. Irish Rail said it is working to eliminate as many level crossings as practicable, having closed 134 crossings since 2014. Almost 300 people die at level crossings across Europe every year. Level crossing accidents account for 1% of road deaths in Europe, but 31% of all rail fatalities. Irish Rail said there have been no level crossing fatalities in Ireland since 2010. However, it said vigilance is 'essential'. It reminded users of the onus to use crossings responsibly: At automatic crossings: stop safely when the warning lights begin to flash. Never go through crossings when barriers are about to lower or lowering. At staff operated crossings: respect gatekeepers, whose role is to ensure your safety and that of rail users. Stop immediately when the gatekeeper requests it. At user operated crossings: Always stop before crossing to check the line, check the line again after crossing, and always close the gate after use for your safety and that of others. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘I always adored the fabric on the seats', says James Kavanagh on his Dart blazer
The well-known content creator and podcaster wore a blazer made from the green Dart fabric on the red carpet in Dublin last weekend. 'Growing up in Dublin, I was always obsessed with the fabric of the seats on the Dart – I thought it was beautiful,' he said. 'Anyway, the VIP Style Awards were coming up and I thought, 'What am I going to wear?' So I had the idea of wearing a blazer – oversized. 'I wanted it to be almost verging on Balenciaga style – very structured, with big, padded shoulders. 'I emailed Irish Rail and asked if I could please have some fabric to make myself a blazer. They very kindly sent me some fabric – fresh fabric, I should add, that hadn't been sat on,' he added. Ann Scully, now 90, was the woman who played an unexpected but iconic role in Irish transport history when she selected the original seat covering for the Dart in 1983. Then working for the CEO of Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), she was asked to choose from a table of fabric samples due to her 'good eye'. She picked the now-famous green and orange pattern, describing it as 'nice' and 'very Irish'. She saw her choice come to life on the Dart's inaugural journey in 1984 and was recently honoured by Irish Rail at a celebration marking the service's 40th anniversary. At the event, she was presented with a bum bag made from the original Dart seat fabric from Irish Rail's current CEO, Jim Meade. It was created by Upcycle Ireland, a group that repurposes old transport materials into new items. James Kavanagh shared the story of how he sourced his Dart blazer on Instagram, and said when he got the fabric from Irish Rail, he appealed to his followers for a great tailor to help bring his vision to life. 'I was recommended to go to Johnson Tailor in Tullow, who have also made some things for President Michael D Higgins,' he said. 'I emailed them a video of the fabric and, with no hesitation, they jumped on it. Now, they did say a few needles broke because of how thick the fabric is,' he added.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Three LBMC Leaders Recognized on Forbes' Inaugural America's Best-In-State CPA List
CEO, Co-Founder Among Top Honorees Driving Excellence and Innovation in 2025 Forbes Names Three LBMC Leaders to 2025 Best-In-State CPAs List Nashville, Tenn., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LBMC, a top accounting and business consulting firm in the nation, is pleased to announce that three of its top executives, Jim Meade, David Morgan and Jeff Drummonds have been named to Forbes' 2025 America's Best-In-State CPAs list. To identify standout professionals in the accounting industry, Forbes' editorial team created the America's Best-In-State CPAs list - a carefully curated recognition based on independent nominations and accolades from multiple CPA associations. Honorees were evaluated against a range of weighted criteria, including expertise, innovation, thought leadership, experience, and service to both their communities and the accounting profession. LBMC Leaders Recognized for Outstanding Contributions Jim Meade serves as CEO and Managing Shareholder of LBMC, PC. A 26-year veteran of LBMC, Meade served as a shareholder in the firm's assurance practice and led the technology industry segment prior to taking on the CEO role. His leadership focuses on firm growth strategy, mergers and acquisitions, technology, and talent development, with an emphasis on creating a tech-forward, employee and client-focused environment. Meade serves on LBMC's board of directors, affiliate boards, and governance committees, and in multiple leadership roles in the community through Leadership Nashville, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Nashville Capital Network. David Morgan, co-founder of LBMC, has been a pillar of the firm's success since its founding in 1984, setting the tone for the firm's entrepreneurial, people-centric culture for more than 40 years. He most recently served as Chairman of LBMC Financial Services, LLC, and continues to shape the firm's strategic direction. With a CPA career spanning 48 years, Morgan's contributions to the accounting profession were recognized with the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants' TSCPApex Lifetime Achievement Award. His enduring leadership extends to numerous roles in the TSCPA, AICPA, and Tennessee Technological University, reflecting a lifetime commitment to professional excellence, philanthropy, and community service. Jeff Drummonds, LBMC Shareholder, served as CEO and Managing Shareholder of LBMC, PC from 2015 to 2023 and contributed significantly to the firm's growth during his tenure. Before serving as CEO, Drummonds was the Partner-in-Charge of LBMC's tax division. His distinguished career includes coordinating tax services for public companies and advising on mergers, acquisitions, and private equity transactions across the healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Recognized nationally, Drummonds has received honors such as Top 100 Financial Influencer in the Nation, Power Leader in Finance, Power 100 Industry Giant, and Most Admired CEO. In a profession where accuracy, innovation, and trust are paramount, the inclusion of Jim Meade, Jeff Drummonds, and David Morgan on this prestigious list underscores LBMC's commitment to excellence, client success, and leadership within the accounting industry. Their achievements reflect LBMC's broader dedication to investing in top talent, embracing modernization through technology and AI, and maintaining a people-first culture that prioritizes leadership development, community engagement, and strategic growth. 'Being recognized by Forbes is an affirmation of the culture and vision that define LBMC,' said Jim Meade, CEO and Managing Shareholder, LBMC. 'It's a privilege to stand alongside David Morgan and Jeff Drummonds—leaders who have played pivotal roles in shaping our firm's growth and enduring values. This recognition reflects the strength of our entire team, our commitment to innovation and client service, and the trusted relationships we've built over decades. As we continue investing in technology, talent, and leadership development, I'm excited about what's ahead for our clients and our people.' About LBMC LBMC is one of the Southeast's largest accounting and business consulting firms and a top firm in the nation serving more than 11,000 clients with diverse needs across a spectrum of industries. Primary client groups include privately-owned and private-equity-backed middle market companies in the healthcare, manufacturing/distribution, real estate, and technology spaces. At the forefront of innovation, LBMC leverages advanced business intelligence and AI technologies to drive growth, efficiency, and strategic insights for our clients. Founded in 1984 as a traditional accounting firm, LBMC today is an industry leader in audit, tax, advisory, technology, human resources, and wealth advisory services for businesses and individuals. LBMC has more than 900 team members, with offices in Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; and Charlotte, North Carolina and remote offices. For more information on LBMC's experts and comprehensive services, visit our website or call 615-377-4600. Discover career opportunities and learn more about how LBMC's services and culture can support your business goals. Connect with us on LinkedIn for the latest insights on talent, client engagement, and business growth. Attachment Forbes Names Three LBMC Leaders to 2025 Best-In-State CPAs List CONTACT: Lisa Namm LBMC 6153092356 in to access your portfolio
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Laois train station wins ‘Age Friendly' status award
The station has undergone much development to create 'age friendly' car parking spaces, wheelchair accessible spaces and accompanying signage available on platform seating and waiting areas, along with accessible toilets. Iarnród Éireann has launched an 'Age Friendly Stations Initiative' today, which intends for all of the 146 stations nationwide to attain age friendly status. Ballybrophy Train Station now joins Kilkenny's MacDonagh Train Station and a growing number of public services and buildings across the country that have gone through the process. Phase one of Iarnród Éireann's Age Friendly Station Initiative will see a group of ten carefully selected stations from across the rail network go through the audit and recognition process. Chief executive of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade said: 'Our vision for rail in Ireland is to be the backbone of an integrated, sustainable, and accessible public transport network, connecting and serving all of Ireland's communities. 'We're investing in infrastructure upgrades across the network to enhance accessibility and facilitate safe, independent access for more of our customers, while also providing our staff with accessibility and disability awareness training. Initiatives like these are helping us to provide a better, more inclusive service to customers.' The award given by Age Friendly Ireland offers significant recognition following an extensive process aligned with the principles of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. Age Friendly Laois ambassador and managing director of the National Ploughing Association, Anna May McHugh said: 'With a high number of older people living in rural communities such as Ballybrophy, it is important that they have equal access to public transport, and that the work is done to ensure they can have a high quality of life. 'I want to empower older people in rural communities to avail of these services, and continue to live a long and social life. I look forward to taking more trips via Ballybrophy, knowing it now carries the Age Friendly mark.' The Ballybrophy Train Station accreditation represents a broader national movement towards inclusive design and services, guided by Age Friendly Ireland, which is a shared service of local government hosted by Meath County Council. Age Friendly Ireland directs, supports and provides technical guidance to the 31 local authority-led, multi-disciplinary age friendly programmes which includes 31 older peoples councils.
RTÉ News
02-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Ballybrophy becomes second 'Age Friendly' train station in Ireland
Ballybrophy train station in Co Laois has become the second train station in the country to be awarded Age Friendly status. The station underwent a comprehensive World Health Organization four-stage process to secure its Age Friendly status. The process included a walkability study, examining station areas and roadways. Accessible toilets, age-friendly car parking spaces and wheelchair accessible spaces are some of the improvements that were made. The initiative was led by Age Friendly Ireland in collaboration with the Laois Age Friendly Programme, Laois County Council and Iarnród Éireann. Ballybrophy Train Station now joins Kilkenny's MacDonagh Train Station and a growing number of public services and buildings across the country that have gone through the process. "Making public transport more accessible and age-friendly is part of the toolkit to ensure older people can age well and remain connected and integrated in their communities," said Minister for Older People Kieran O'Donnell. Iarnród Éireann said it wants all 146 train stations across the country to attain Age Friendly status. "Our vision for rail in Ireland is to be the backbone of an integrated, sustainable, and accessible public transport network, connecting and serving all of Ireland's communities," said Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade. "Today, with the recognition of Ballybrophy as an Age Friendly Station, we're delighted to launch of the first phase of our Age Friendly Stations Initiative - an initiative which ultimately intends for each of our 146 stations to attain Age Friendly Status," he said. "We're investing in infrastructure upgrades across the network to enhance accessibility and facilitate safe, independent access for more of our customers, while also providing our staff with Accessibility and Disability Awareness training," Mr Meade added. Initiatives like these are helping us to provide a better, more inclusive service to customers," he said. Other stations including Dublin's Heuston, Kildare, Limerick Colbert, Tullamore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Dalkey, Wicklow, Carlow, Killarney are going through the audit and reporting phases to attain the Age Friendly status.
