Author: National Ploughing Association

Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien look forward to promoting outdoor recreation and community engagement at the 2023 National Ploughing Championships. 
·       8-metre climbing tower for visitors to try out skills
·       Department exhibit to showcase supports available to communities
·       Hands-on computing and robotics demonstrations
·       Mobile library and games to feature
The sustainable development of outdoor recreation in rural areas will be a key focus for the Department of Rural and Community Development at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, due to begin in Ratheniska, Co. Laois on Tuesday 19^th September.

The Department’s exhibit, ‘Our Rural Future – Supporting People and Communities’ will be located in the heart of the Government of Ireland Village (Block 3, Row 22, Stand 348).

It will include an eight-metre climbing tower, supplied in partnership with Mountaineering Ireland and Awesome Walls, where visitors can try out their climbing skills and learn more about how to embrace Ireland’s outdoors.

Speaking about the benefits of outdoor recreation Minister Humphreys said:

“Last year I launched a new government strategy – ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’ which is helping us to shape the future of outdoor recreation in Ireland.

“The strategy provides a framework to support the sustainable development of outdoor recreation activities such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming which will, in turn, provide social, economic and health benefits for all.

“Indeed in the last five years Government has invested over €2.4 billion in outdoor recreation related amenities and the National Ploughing Championships is an ideal event to showcase what has been delivered, and what is planned for the future.” 

While the Department is encouraging people to embrace Ireland’s outdoors it is essential that it is done in a safe and respectful manner.

The Department’s exhibit will include Water Safety Ireland demonstrations, advice and support from Rural Recreation Officers and an area focusing on responsible dog ownership. 

The issue of dog attacks on livestock is of grave concern to the farming community. 

Local authority vets and dog wardens will be at the exhibit discussing the importance of keeping dogs under control, the issues of livestock worrying, the requirement to have a dog licence and general animal welfare.

In relation to responsible dog ownership the Minister added:

“Visitors to our exhibit will notice the focus on responsible dog ownership where we will be emphasising the importance of keeping dogs under control in rural areas and dog owners responsibilities.

“We will be reminding attendees of the need to respect landowner’s requests and about where dogs are welcome and where they are not.

“Attacks by dogs on livestock cause huge emotional and economic harm to our farming families.

“It is vital that we promote responsible behaviour so everyone can enjoy the countryside without causing harm to farmer’s livelihoods.”

The exhibit will also include; information on rural and community funding, Public Participation Networks, Volunteer Ireland, coding and robotics demonstrations, a mobile library, and more.

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities Joe O’Brien TD said:

“My Department’s presence at the National Ploughing Championship is always a highlight of the year and is an important opportunity for ministers and officials to engage directly with those who have a specific interest in rural Ireland.  

“We play a vital role in supporting rural communities across a range of programmes and initiatives. The exhibit at the Ploughing Championship is a fantastic opportunity to both highlight that work and to listen to feedback and suggestions on how best we can continue to support rural Ireland.”

The ‘Our Rural Future Supporting People and Communities’ exhibit will also include stands from:

•         Unfair Trading Practices,

•         Revenue Commissioners,

•         Competition and Consumer Protection Commission,

•         Workplace Relations Commission,

•         Department of Social Protection, and

•         Health Insurance Authority.

For further information visit gov.ie/ploughing

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Applied set to launch its Varimount 120 PTO driven air compressor at the National Ploughing Championships, Tue, Sep 19, 2023 – Thu, Sep 21, 2023

County Offaly based designer and manufacturer of the world’s number one PTO compressor, Applied Concepts Ltd., is set to launch its Varimount 120 – little brother to the Varimount 350 – at the upcoming National Ploughing Championships on 19 September 2023. And it’s chosen Father Phil – father of popular agri influencer, Farmer Phil – to host the launch.

The latest addition to Applied’s PTO compressor family builds on the same features and functions that have made the Varimount 350 the benchmark in PTO driven compressors. With a guaranteed output of 120 CFM, the Varimount 120 is ideally suited to a range of agricultural, commercial, construction, and industrial applications like blowing down equipment, powering a blasting machine, or jetting cable into a pre-installed duct.

The air power you need, when you need it!

“When we set out to design the Varimount 120, we wanted to create a PTO Compressor that delivers the same level of reliability, versatility, and durability offered by the Varimount 350 without requiring the same horse power and with an emphasis on affordability,” explains Mark Clendennen, CEO of Applied Concepts Ltd.

“Everything about the Varimount 120 is informed by our customers’ feedback. They wanted an equally robust, but more compact, lightweight version of the Applied Varimount 350 that can run off smaller model tractors and the Varimount 120 is exactly that. We’re very conscious of the economic burdens facing our customers and our role in engineering machinery geared to help them cut their running costs while boosting productivity and efficiency.” 

“We felt the demand warranted investing in the development of a PTO compressor that delivers the air power to tackle everyday agricultural, commercial, construction, and industrial tasks at a price point that fits our customers’ budgets, essentially a little brother to the Varimount 350.”

“It’s a project that has been two years in the making and we’re excited that Father Phil will be hosting the launch of the Varimount 120 and equally thrilled that the launch coincides with the National Ploughing Championships, arguably the highlight event of the agri industry calendar,” continues Mr. Clendennen.

Following in the footsteps of the world’s number one PTO Compressor

The Varimount 120 follows in the footsteps of the Varimount 350, the world’s leading PTO compressor. The brainchild of Applied’s expert mechanical and product design engineers, it is designed and manufactured at Applied’s state-of-the-art facility in Birr, Co. Offaly. Over one thousand hours of field testing have proven it tough enough to surpass customers’ expectations in a range of applications, even in the harshest of outdoor environments.

“Our customers deserve a compressor that can handle anything they throw at it. That’s why we’ve checked and rechecked every element to ensure it lives up to the same attention to detail and exceptional manufacturing standards they’ve come to associate with the Applied name,” adds Mr. Clendennen.

Like the Varimount 350, the Varimount 120 can be quickly and easily mounted onto the rear or front linkage of any tractor. What’s more, the Varimount 120 shares the tractor’s engine. This two-for-one design means diesel emissions are automatically halved, making it better for customers and better for the environment. Plus, its compact size makes the Varimount 120 suited to manoeuvring in tight spaces without adding unnecessary extra weight.

“Every aspect of the Varimount 120 is engineered to ease our customer’s workload while eliminating the challenges and potential hazards of towing a standard mobile compressor. From its Pinnacle Air End and patented pneumatic controls to its Combi-Cooler and premium quality finish, the emphasis is on maximised performance and hassle-free maintenance, making the portable air power our customers need more attainable and affordable.”

“We look forward to showcasing the Varimount 120 at the 2023 NPA Exhibition. And we’re proud to have Father Phil on board to launch the latest addition to our PTO compressor family because he so perfectly represents the values that make Applied a world leader – innovation, tenacity, and a commitment to designing products that put our customers’ needs first. Come join us at the opening of the National Ploughing Championships and take advantage of our special introductory price and other available offers,” concludes Mr. Clendennen.

About Applied Concepts Ltd.

Applied Concepts Ltd is Europe’s leading designer and manufacturer of blasting machines and PTO driven air compressors. Established in 2010, the company operates out of Birr, Co. Offaly, in the Republic of Ireland where its state-of-the art production facility is based. From superior quality, CE approved portable blasting machines and blasting cabinets to best-in-class PTO compressors, the Applied name comes with a promise of safety, durability, and unbeatable value for money backed by the technical support of its expert Applied Service Team.