News
What kind of insurance does a carpenter or joiner need?

By John Healy of Healy Insurances
When we are advising carpenters and joiners on their insurance we establish what assets are owned by the business and also what tasks would be performed.
Sole trader carpenters who work on sites will need to have Liability Insurance in place; Public and Products Liability and Employers Liability if applicable. If the business has a workshop with fixed woodworking machinery and stock then a Combined Property Policy should also be in place. Woodworking risks are typically rated higher than a standard factory rate and safety measures such as guarded machines and integrated fire and smoke detection systems would be necessary. Below is an outline of the typical covers needed:
Employers, Public and Products Liability Insurance
Employers Liability Insurance covers your legal liability in the event that you are negligent and required to pay compensation for bodily injuries to an employee in the course of their employment.
Employee numbers and annual wages will need to be disclosed accurately and annually.
Public Liability Insurance covers your legal liability in the event that you are negligent and required to pay compensation for bodily injuries or damage to third party property in the course of your business activities.
Your annual turnover will need to be disclosed and reviewed annually. Many main contractors and State bodies may require you to have a minimum of €6.5 million limit of indemnity.
Products Liability Insurance covers your legal liability for injuries and property damage in connection with goods sold or supplied.
Additional covers such as tools and equipment and personal accident can be included on some policies.
Commercial Vehicles
First and foremost, if you have a commercial vehicle then road risk cover is a requirement by law. As with all other motor insurance products, the cover options would be comprehensive, third party fire and theft, or third party only. Optional extras are windscreen cover and trailer cover.
The value of the vehicle is important to review each year, as are the drivers.
Light commercial vehicle policies usually give “open driving 25 to 70-year-olds” but sometimes naming the drivers who will use the vehicle is a better option and can save you money.
If you do not have a fully earned No Claims Bonus it may be an option to have your driving history on other vehicles taken into account, for example on your own private vehicle.
Forklifts should be covered for road risk cover and inspection to comply with health and safety legislation.
You should seek out the expert advice of a professional Insurance Broker to review your insurance needs. At Healy Insurances, we can review your business requirements, offer expert advice and save you money on your premiums.
News
Students awarded for their contribution to school life
By Michelle Crean Students were honoured for their contribution to school life this week during a special end of year awards ceremony. Held in the school gym on Wednesday afternoon, […]

By Michelle Crean
Students were honoured for their contribution to school life this week during a special end of year awards ceremony.
Held in the school gym on Wednesday afternoon, the students from St Brigid’s Presentation were presented with a variety of awards from sport to science, music and visual art while Sixth Year student Saoirse Coffey received the Orla Benson Award.
“During this school year, our students have showcased their brilliance and extensive talents,” teacher Adrienne Brosnan, said.
“We are all so proud of these outstanding achievements across all aspects of school life. Awards day is a truly special occasion for all members of the St Brigid’s community and one which we relish the opportunity to celebrate. It is a time of anticipation, a time of excitement and a time of great joy. The awards that are presented are a testament to that dedication and we also acknowledge all the great work that is done by the teachers here in St Brigid’s.”
Sixth Year students also said their final goodbyes ahead of their State exams next month.
“We wish them the best of luck as they spread their wings and leave the shelter of St Brigid’s for the beginning of a new adventure.”
AWARD WINNERS
Other awards winners were:
Anna Dunlea received the Contribution to Graphics award while Leah Vinluan got the Design and Communication Graphics award.
Clodagh O’Connor and Sarah O’Sullivan both received the Contribution to Visual Art award.
Abbie Finan was awarded Soccer: Player of the Year, Chloe Hue Senior Football: Player of the Year, Emily Buckley 1st Year Football: Player of the Year, Abbey Cronin 2nd Year Football: Player of the Year, and Andrea Murphy Junior Football; Player of the Year, Senior Basketball: Most Valued Player went to Tara Donnellan, the Minor Basketball: Most Valued Player was given to Ciara O’Sullivan and the Cadette Basketball: Most Valued Player went to Leah McMahon.
Kara Huggard earned herself the LCA Student of the Year, Sarah McGrath received the CEIST Award, Excellence in Science was awarded to Emma Myers and Jennie O’Mahony, while Rita Akhter received the Overall Contribution to STEM.
Bríd O’Connor who wrote the book Spark presented Saoirse O’Sullivan with the Outstanding Achievements in Music award.
News
Businesses face closure due to staff shortages
Hospitality sector businesses might have to close a few days a week to off-set staff shortages. Fáilte Ireland last week launched a recruitment drive to attract part-time workers into hospitality […]

Hospitality sector businesses might have to close a few days a week to off-set staff shortages.
Fáilte Ireland last week launched a recruitment drive to attract part-time workers into hospitality and tourism roles, where it is estimated that there is as much as a 40,000 shortage in such roles for the peak summer season.
Damien McCarthy of HR Consultancy firm HR Buddy, founded in Killarney but now based in the RDI Hub in Killorglin, said that workers are losing out due to a more cashless society.
“Hospitality businesses may have to consider shutting their doors or decreasing their operational hours during the peak summer season as many businesses such as bars, restaurants, cafes, B&Bs and hotels are struggling to find staff for the demand. The industry is suffering over these few current weeks in particular as many part-time student workers are not available due to college and Leaving Cert exams. This shows how dependant the industry has become on young student workers,” he said.
“Many service industry workers choose part-time or casual work in hospitality roles because of the tip bonus, but this has even been impacted negatively now as most tips are taxed because they are coming in electronically. The worker is losing out and this key attraction tool that existed when we were a more cash orientated society in pre-pandemic times, is now gone.”
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