Latest news with #ORIS
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Wicklow's Great Sugarloaf has a new trail open for summer hikes
Almost three years of planning had gone into the project, with the final proposals approved last April to preserve the mountain, making it more sustainable and more accessible for walkers. The mountain, described by Wicklow County Council as 'one of the busiest recreational areas' in the county, was suffering significant erosion and habitat destruction, while the car park was in dire need of an upgrade. The urgency to do something was borne out in the footfall, with figures last summer showing an average of 220 people made the climb every day – with a spike of roughly 870 on a Saturday and 760 on a Sunday. The works were well underway last summer, and involved a local contractor Howie Miller with his own team, which included workers who completed the restoration of the Croagh Patrick trail. Councillor Stephen Stokes was at the foot of the mountain with the cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, councillor Paul O'Brien, as the finishing touches were approved on Wednesday, May 21. It was also the official launch of the Wicklow Trails app, an innovative digital guide designed to enhance the visitor experience across the county's scenic walking routes. 'The Great Sugarloaf is a treasured part of Wicklow's landscape and identity,' Cllr Stokes said. 'This restoration project ensures that the mountain is protected while enhancing the visitor experience. The Wicklow Trails app is a fantastic tool for both locals and tourists to explore our county's breath-taking walks, and to do so safely and sustainably." The Great Sugarloaf restoration project was led in collaboration with key environmental partners, with funding received from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). Cllr Stokes explained the project focused on repairing eroded paths, improving trail safety, and preserving the mountain's unique landscape for generations to come. The initiative has ensured that the Great Sugarloaf remains accessible while safeguarding its natural beauty. Cllr O'Brien praised the collaborative effort behind the project and the potential of the new app to boost sustainable tourism in the region. Since its soft launch, earlier this year, the Wicklow Trails app has had over 11,000 unique visitors, with the majority coming from Dublin. "Of particular interest is that 20pc of visitors are viewing the website from a desktop,' Cllr Stokes added. 'This indicates that people are planning their journeys in advance. Part of the goal with the app is to encourage walkers to consider alternative trails, which encourages tourism right across County Wicklow rather than a few key sites." ADVERTISEMENT The Wicklow Trails app includes interactive trail maps, and safety tips making it an essential companion for walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. 'This is a wonderful day for County Wicklow,' Cllr Stokes said, as he extended his thanks to the local community, volunteers, and project partners for their dedication throughout the Great Sugarloaf restoration works. 'Not only have we preserved a vital part of our natural heritage at the Great Sugarloaf, but we are also embracing technology to promote responsible outdoor recreation. The Wicklow Trails app will empower users and encourage more people to discover the beauty of our county."
Irish Examiner
19-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Councillors call for more parking and better amenities at Kerry's beaches
Lifeguards should be placed on duty on Kerry beaches earlier than scheduled and whenever there are prolonged periods of fine weather, a meeting of Kerry County Council has been told. The meeting also heard of 'traffic chaos' at major beaches over the weekend and there were calls for parking facilities to be developed by the council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at Inch which is part of the country's newest national park. Kerry was awarded 15 Blue Flags for beaches and coastal amenities for 2025, the highest number in the country. It has seen crowds on beaches over the prolonged period of fine weather. However, lifeguards traditionally do not come on duty until the first weekend in June. 'Not to have a lifeguard on duty is not where we want to be,' Fianna Fáil councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald said. While he was well aware next April and May might have very different weather, periods of fine weather such as this should signal the need for lifeguards to be brought on, Mr Fitzgerald said. The meeting also heard of 'chaotic scenes' with traffic at Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula over the weekend. The beach is the most popular in Kerry on social media tourist websites and is used all year round. It is is now part of the new Páirc Náisiunta na Mara. 'There was traffic chaos Saturday and Sunday,' Fine Gael councillor Tommy Griffin said. Cars got stuck in the sand, a bus got stuck on the road, and locals in high viz jackets had to try to direct traffic and bring order to the scene. A number of vehicle were clamped. During a medical emergency on Sunday at the beach volunteers from the local community council had to intervene. The situation at Inch had been going on for years, Mr Griffin said. I am calling on the NPWS to address the situation and designate a car park. There are thousands of acres on Inch beach. 'Were soft sand to be removed in early spring, that would have prevented a lot of the chaos,' Sinn Féin councillor Robert Brosnan said. Meanwhile, Banna Beach near Tralee where facilities including access and amenities have been seriously downgraded, will finally get funding, Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Ferris was told. She had been seeking such funding for five years. Safe beach access and basic amenities such as benches on the promenade are long standing issues, she said. Funding under the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) for the design and installation of Trail Head / Recreational Support Facilities at three Blue Flag beaches including Banna has been obtained, the council said. Consultants have been appointed by Kerry County Council to undertake detailed design works and initial site surveys are currently being undertaken in Banna. Subject to completion of detailed design, facilities at Banna will include cycle stands, accessible seating and a picnic area. "The provision of these facilities will provide access-for-all and promote outdoor activities and water safety support,' the council told her in a written reply. An additional access point to the beach at Banna will also be considered for future suitable funding submissions under the appropriate grant headings. A draft plan is also being finalised for Inch Beach, also under ORIS funding, Mr Griffin was told. Meanwhile the council's director of roads Frank Hartnett said a council traffic warden was on duty at Inch over the weekend. Otherwise the situation would have been much worse. This article was funded by the Local Democracy Scheme.
Hype Malaysia
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hype Malaysia
ORIS Presentation, New Balance's Grey Days, BYD/Denza Roadshow & More: Dope Events We Hit Up This Week!
Another week, another whirlwind of totally EXTRA events! We were here, there and everywhere! We were on the scene and vibing like a boss! Just check out our social diary for this past week (don't be jelly!): ORIS New Novelties Presentation Watch enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that ORIS will be releasing new timepieces. Founded in Hölstein, Switzerland, in 1904, the brand's vision is to create beautiful mechanical watches that make people smile – and they always deliver! We had the opportunity to preview the latest collection at a special presentation at Aloft KL, and while we were there, we also had a fun escape room session at Breakout Nu Sentral! Here's what went down at the event: Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: New Balance Kicks Off Grey Days 2025 New Balance has kicked-off Grey Days 2025, the month-long celebration of its signature colour. Grey Days is an homage to everything New Balance represents, bringing together the brand's family of ambassadors and athletes for a range of special-edition products, events, and stories. This year, the annual celebration in Malaysia is spotlighted at the New Balance Grey Days pop-up in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and the in-store experience. The pop-up features all the pieces in the latest collection, including a first look at the 2025 reissue of the legendary 1300JP. Also available in stores is the Grey Days apparel line-up, including t-shirts and hoodies. The Grey Days Pop-up is open until 18th May 2025, while the in-store experience will run until 2nd June 2025. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: BYD & Denza Roadshow At TRX Denza and BYD were cooking up something, and we got a full taste of it on 2nd May – the Atto 3 Ultra and the rising Denza D9. As the flagship model, the D9 combines advanced EV tech with luxury design, featuring innovations like a three-motor e3 system, rear-wheel steering, and the DiSus intelligent body control system – all built to redefine modern electric mobility. More than just an auto launch, the event underscored Denza's lifestyle positioning with the announcement of its exclusive automotive sponsorship of the Jacky Cheung 60+ Concert Tour this August. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a luxury lover, or just someone who appreciates a good ride, dreams are definitely being built here. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: Benihana Open House At Suria KLCC Benihana, the world-famous teppanyaki restaurant, officially opened its first location in Malaysia at Suria KLCC recently, and we were invited to enjoy a meal and witness skilled culinary artistry and lively entertainment amidst a tastefully-decorated and inviting setting. For decades, Benihana has dazzled visitors from all over the world by turning a straightforward meal into an enthralling show. The art of tableside teppanyaki, in which skilled chefs slice, flip, and sear food directly in front of diners, is central to the Benihana experience. We had such a thrill! Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: Shangri-La's 40th Anniversary Afternoon Tea Celebration Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is marking its 40th anniversary in style with a special Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge, running from now until 30th June. In collaboration with the London Tea Exchange – making its Southeast Asian debut – the hotel is offering a curated selection of 40 exquisite teas. Highlights include the Premium Rosebuds, an elegant Iranian rosebud infusion, and the Pistachio and Truffle blend – crafted over two years for a perfect balance. Paired with bites like Truffle Egg Salad éclairs and Charcoal Goat's Cheese quiches, it's a fusion of heritage and modern flavours. Plus, there's a takeaway set for RM188. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: BOH Cameronian Arts Awards 2025 The BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (BCAA) 2025 marked a milestone with its 20th edition, celebrating Malaysia's top talents in theatre, music, and dance. Leading the night was Randai 'MacBeth', which took home an impressive seven awards, solidifying its place as a major force in the local arts scene. Geetha Shankaran-Lam, at 56, clinched the Best Performer in Dance award for her role in Samskara – Past Reflections, Present Expressions, proving that brilliance only deepens with age. The evening also honoured other exceptional talents, including Dr. Bernard Tan and the creative team behind Teater Muzikal Sakti Merong Mahawangsa. As BCAA 2025 wrapped up, it was clear that Malaysia's arts scene continues to thrive, with each award underscoring the passion and creativity fueling the country's vibrant cultural landscape. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: Latihan Pestapora Malaysia Drops First Phase Lineup The anticipation for Latihan Pestapora Malaysia is heating up as the festival reveals its first phase lineup, featuring an exciting blend of Indonesian and Malaysian talent. Set for 26th July 2025, the event will showcase acts like . Feast, Hindia, Kunto Aji, and Pamungkas from Indonesia, alongside local favourites such as Bittersweet, Bunkface, DOLLA, SonaOne, and Salammusik. This festival isn't just about the music – it's a cultural exchange, giving fans a preview of the main Pestapora event in Jakarta this September. With tickets already flying off the shelves, Latihan Pestapora is shaping up to be a major moment in Malaysia's music scene, celebrating the rich musical connection between both nations. Grab your tickets NOW: Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel: KAO Malaysia Unveils 'Skin Protection, Life Perfection' Campaign KAO Malaysia, in collaboration with Watsons, launched the 'Skin Protection, Life Perfection' campaign, aimed at encouraging Malaysians to adopt skin protection as a foundation for lifelong health and confidence. To support this goal, the campaign introduced a collaborative ecosystem by combining Bioré skincare solutions with Watsons' rewards-based programmes, and includes a 1% sales donation drive benefiting local research to advance awareness and practices around skin protection and lifelong skin health. 'At KAO, we believe that skin protection is more than just a daily routine – it's the foundation of a life well lived. Through this campaign, we want to remind Malaysians that every act of care, no matter how small, can shape a more radiant and confident tomorrow,' said Mr. Yamazaki Hirobumi, President of KAO Malaysia. Watch Hype's Exclusive Reel:
