IT’S a story that’s rooted in remote places, almost lost in the heather-clad hillsides of the south-west.

THE cold period has concentrated minds on the whole area of energy, especially that which heats homes, offices, factories and places that people frequent.

A FARMING friend doesn’t rely solely on weather forecasts any more. Instead, he observes the behaviour of his animals.

DO YOU want to be connected with the wider world through modern technology – even if it means putting up with occasionally obtrusive masts – or remain in splendid rural isolation?

THIS time last year one story dominated the news – the appalling weather, especially flooding in the west and south, notably Cork.

THERE’S scarcely a town or village in the country, never mind a city, without a so-called ‘problem estate’ in which houses have fallen into disrepair and the overall appearance is shabby and depressed.

THERE are few things people take for granted as much as they do water.

IT’S as inevitable as death and taxes – we are going to have more wind farms as the Government strives to meet renewable energy targets.

THE primal roar of the stags is echoing around the hills and valleys of Killarney these days, confirming the mating (rutting) season for the area’s native Red deer.

TRAILERS full of timber can be seen moving on roads across the country these days, as people secure their wood supplies for winter firing and the unmistakeable whine of the chainsaw echoes through the land.