Rapid Cabs new App - creating a high-tech taxi service

Waterford City’s Rapid Cabs  invests €200,000 this year on making its taxi service the most high tech outside Dublin.

Safety and security has always been paramount to Rapid Cabs, but now its new Rapid Cabs ‘Hotel Booker’ is the most modern, safest and smartest way to book a taxi in a hotel in Waterford.

Visitors to Waterford simply click to book a taxi, enter their name and telephone number and watch the taxi being dispatched and arriving at the hotel. The Rapid Cabs hotel taxi booker has six different languages to choose from including Spanish, French, Portuguese and Russian.

For locals the service is just as impressive, the new Rapid Cabs App is the most secure way to book a taxi with just two clicks. The app will show an image of the driver along with their name of the driver, registration of the taxi, the car make and model and the even the colour of the car.

The app gives customers an estimated time of arrival and cost of the fare, as well as the capacity to track the taxi and pay securely via debit or credit card. Booking notifications and emailed receipts are also standard, if required.

Rapid Cabs CEO Eric O’Brien, explains the importance of these advances, “Rapid Cabs are dominant in the taxi market in Waterford already, but in our business a reputation for safety and security is so important. We cannot take anything for granted, we need to push ourselves to invest and increase the level of service to our customers in order to stay at the top of our game. These investments and advancements are also required and expected in the corporate world, an area which we hope to grow in the next year or two.”

Rapid Cabs is a family run business located in Waterford City. Established in 2000 with only five taxis, it now has the largest range of taxis in the south east of Ireland, including taxis, hackneys, people carriers, wheelchair taxis and a large range of coaches.

All drivers are fully vetted by Garda and fully insured and licensed. Open and accessible 24 hours a day 365 days a year, Rapid Cabs has a fully computerised booking dispatch system from its local taxi call centre and has installed in-car computers in all of its taxis to ensure as such efficiency as possible.

The new App is available free on Apple and Android.

Waterford served up on a plate at Waterford Harvest Festival

With a tasty, jam – packed programme of events scheduled for Waterford Harvest Festival (September 11^th to 13^th), an exciting collaboration of Waterford restaurants is flying the flag for local producers.

The premise of this year’s Harvest Festival is Waterford Food Heroes and “EAT Waterford”, a collective of Waterford restaurants and hotels will champion the best of local produce.  Set in the Marquee on the Mall, in the heart of the Viking Triangle, diners will be able to enjoy a five course tasting menu, prepared by the participating restaurants using fresh, seasonal ingredients, sourced from local producers.

Paul Power, Head Chef with Waterford’s Bellissimo Restaurant, a member of EAT Waterford, outlined the group’s food philosophy and how EAT Waterford is committed to shining the spotlight on Waterford as a burgeoning food tourism destination.

“The last ten years have seen an exciting, passionate food movement in Waterford.  There has been the development of a food philosophy that values local and regional produce and from that ensures the best dining experience for customers.”

“Waterford and its surrounds are spoilt with a fantastic array of great growers and producers and, of course, natural resources, so there is no excuse for restaurants to provide sub-standard dining experiences.”

All of the EAT Waterford restaurants are ardent supporters of artisan producers and there is currently an exciting cohort of such producers in Waterford.  The home of the blaa, rashers and even the humble cream cracker has inspired a generation of local producers of great meat, seafood, breads, vegetables, beer and spirits.

“In the last decade, Waterford producers, growers, chefs and restaurants began to sing from the same hymn sheet.  Working in tandem, from grass roots level to the dining table, has resulted in a more enjoyable, positive, memorable experience for diners in Waterford city.”

“EAT Waterford was formed earlier this year to harness local restaurants that adhere to a similar food philosophy and those that recognise the value of working together to raise the profile of our vibrant restaurant scene.”

The EAT Waterford Marquee on the Mall takes place throughout Waterford Harvest Festival with sittings at 7pm on Friday, September 11^th, 1pm, 5pm and 8.30pm on Saturday, September 12^th and 2pm  on Sunday, September 13^th.

Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.ie or from  participating restaurants; Loko, La Boheme, L’Atmosphere, Bellissimo and Zak’s Restaurant (Athenaeum House Hotel).

Not only will Waterford Harvest Festival be the home of the Marquee on the Mall dining experience, there is an emphasis on all things fun, food and family. 

The wide and eclectic programme of free events for all includes the Festival Market on the Mall, Farm to Fork, The Big Taste, Enterprising Food Market, Trad Craft Corner, Harvest Time in the Garden, The Ballybricken Festival Fair, Harvest Kitchen and Play ‘n’ Picnic in the Park.

This year’s festival promises a congruence of sights, sounds, tastes and aromas with cookery demonstrations, foodie films, tastings and workshops, all making Waterford City one big street party for Harvest weekend.

All roads lead to Waterford from September 11^th to 13th.  If you want to know more, the Waterford Harvest Festival full programme of events is available on www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie

Be sure to keep up to date on all things Harvest Fest by checking it out on Facebook and Twitter #WaterfoodHeroes and #WhattheFork

Local food producer to speak about Waterford’s rising food reputation!

As part of the Harvest Festival in September the Local Enterprise Office in Waterford will host its annual ‘Enterprising Food Lunch’ on Friday, September 11^th in Dooley’s Hotel.

The key note speaker at the lunch will be Dermot Walsh, co-owner of Walsh’s Bakehouse (formerly M&D Bakeries), a third generation family bakery. This lunch is a celebration of food in Waterford. With the assistance of Love Irish Food, diners will enjoy the best east and west Waterford has to offer.

One of the most famous offerings in the Walsh’s Bakehouse portfolio is the Waterford Blaa.  In 2013, the Waterford Blaa received the highest recognition as a quality European foodstuff – Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.  This prestigious designation meant that the Waterford Blaa could claim its place among the ranks of internationally renowned products such as Italy’s Parma Ham, France’s Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Greece’s Kalamata Olive Oil. 

Driven by the The Blaa Bakers Association, which consists of Walsh’s Bakehouse, Hickey’s Bakery, Barron’s Bakery and Kilmacow Bakery, the group, between them, produce over 100,000 blaas weekly.

Mr. Walsh added, “Since the awarding of PGI status, the blaa can be found throughout Ireland, the UK, France, the U.S. and now in the Middle East.  It’s been an exciting journey for the once humble Waterford foodstuff that can trace its origins back to the 1690’s.”

Richie Walsh, Head of Enterprise, LEO Waterford commented on the importance of the event, “The Enterprising Food Lunch has become a popular event during Waterford Harvest Festival and we are delighted to have such an inspirational speaker this year. This industry has grown exponentially throughout Waterford.  With its rich and fertile hinterlands and seas, and such an abundant trading heritage, Waterford has been fortunate to have a proliferation of quality food producers.  The Enterprising Food Lunch is important, to celebrate what we have, but also to inspire others to enter the food business.”

The lunch will also serve as the launch platform of the Harvest Festival.  Being the first event of the festival weekend it is a fitting and appropriate start to the festivities.

Waterford Harvest Festival Chair, Paul Nolan (Business Development Manager of Dawn Meats), “We are delighted to link up with the Local Enterprise Office for this Enterprising Food Lunch, the food industry has always been very strong in Waterford and I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to launch the Harvest Festival”.

Tickets (just €15) for this lunch can be purchased from the Customer Services Department, Bailey’s New Street, Waterford Tel 0761 10 20 20 (street at side of Reginald’s Tower) or Customer Services Dept. Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford Tel 058 22 00 0.

Early booking is advised.

The Local Enterprise Office offers support services for start-up and existing SME’s in Waterford City and County. For more information on food production assistance please contact your Local Enterprise Office at 32 the Mall.  Tel 0761 09 99 05 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .  

A time of change at Rotary Club of Waterford

It’s all change at the top as Nora Widger takes up the reins as president of the Rotary Club of Waterford. Ms. Widger was welcomed as the new president of Rotary Club of Waterford on the 20th July by outgoing President Anne Marie Caulfield.

Ms. Widger has been a Rotarian for 6 years and her fellow members were delighted to welcome her in as their new president for the forthcoming year.

Ms. Widger said: “I am honoured and privileged to become the President of Waterford Rotary Club for 2015/2016. Through the many projects and events which Waterford Rotary run the Club provides community service to both local and international communities.  This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian - the chance to do something for somebody else and the self fulfillment and satisfaction that comes in the process . Waterford Rotary Club is in existence for 47 years and I am looking forward to ensuring that the dedicated work undertaken in the past is continued in my year as President".

  

Ms. Widger is a well-known Waterford City business woman. She previously managed Bank of Ireland Branches in Tramore, Dungarvan and Waterford City and more recently worked as Senior Manager on the Banks Customer Experience Programme. A  previous President of Waterford Chamber, Nora continues as a director of the Chamber. Nora also sits on the board of SEBIC, on the BOM of Butlerstown School and is a committee member of Butlerstown GAA Club.

  

The Rotary Club of Waterford, Ireland is a very active club with dedicated members working on many projects throughout each year. The past 12 months have been particularly busy for former president Anne Marie Caulfield, with the Rotary Club of Waterford presenting  a total of €20,000 to a number of local  charities including Waterford Hospice, The Ronald McDonald House, Pieta House, St Vincent de Paul and Solas.  €5,500 was sent internationally to support the  Rotary Shelter Boxes for Nepal, Rotary Sand Dam Water Project and the Belarus Dental Project.  

The club is active all year round organising activities such as charity cycles, celebrity chef nights, community events and of course the annual memorial Christmas Tree and their very successful annual Senior CItizens event which is held on Shrove Tuesday annually.

Waterford Rotary meets every Monday except Bank Holidays in Tower Hotel Waterford, Ireland at 1pm until 2pm. If you are interested in becoming a member of Rotary Club of Waterford full details can be found on the Rotary Club website or by contacting president@waterfordtotary.org. 

Whitfield Clinic receives ISO 9001

Mr. David Beirne, CEO of Whitfield Clinic being presented with the ISO 9001:2008 certificate for Cleaning Services at Whitfield Clinic by Mr. John O Carroll, Managing Director of Zehnacker Healthcare Ireland.

This award represents Whitfield Clinic’s commitment to total quality management; a continually improving process approach implemented throughout the hospital. Critical cleaning processes and their interactions are understood and documented, with a strong organisational commitment to all the facets of the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. The quality management system is verified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) with the aim of improving the quality, the design, the performance and the safety of the Cleaning Services at Whitfield Clinic.

Whitfield CEO David Beirne emphasises the importance of this award, “Hygiene standards are a vital component of the service we provide. This award provides an independent recognition of the standards we demand internally. It recognises the measures our clinical team put in place, and the efforts of our staff and partners to implement these measures. We are all very proud to receive this recognition.”

NAS Training Centre workshop to help family Carers

The NAS Training Centre has devised the “People Moving” workshop in order to provide family members and carers with practical guidelines and vital information about the moving and handling of people in their care.

The course is for those who look after family members in their own homes and the content focuses on back care, safe moving techniques, including moving people that are being cared for in bed, helping a person get up out of bed/into bed, helping someone walk that requires assistance, and equipment demonstrations.

Danette Connolly, Director of NAS Training said the premise of the course is to ensure that carers have the knowledge and skills to ensure that moving people is done with less effort and the upmost comfort.

“There is a growing number of carers in Ireland.  In fact, between 2004 and 2014 the number of people in receipt of a carer’s allowance has increased from 23,000 to 57,200.”

“The degree of care varies from person to person, however any carer who has to move a family member needs to ensure not only are they doing it correctly, but that they are safeguarding themselves against injury.”

The three hour workshop covers a wide range of techniques such as chair to chair transfers, log rolls, sitting and repositioning, use of equipment such as wheelchairs and transfer boards and hoist demonstrations, the same techniques nurses and carers use.

Taking place each Tuesday afternoon in NAS’s state of the art training facility at Cleaboy Business Park, Waterford booking is essential.

To find out more about the courses on offer at the NAS Training Centre or to book your place today call NAS Training Centre on 051 333960 or check out www.nas.ie

Rapid Cabs, taking care of the aged seriously

Any business who deals with Waterford Seniors over 50,000 times each year needs to take its duty of care seriously.

That is why Rapid Cabs taxi company has teamed up with NAS Centre & Home Instead Senior Care to make sure its drivers are qualified and competent when it comes to their safety and the safety and security of senior passengers.

The first Phase of the training Rapid Cabs has signed up for includes is Manual Handling & People moving training being delivered by the NAS Centre.  This is to equip the drivers with the necessary skills to assist their customers into the car in manner that is safe for themselves and the customer.  This could be using the wheelchair ramps or simply a helping hand getting into the passenger seat. Home Instead Senior Care will provide senior safety awareness and dementia awareness training to the drivers.

Rapid Cabs Managing Director Eric O’Brien, explains why this training is so important, “All progressive businesses are constantly seeking to provide a better service to their customers and improve. Everyone at Rapid Cabs feels strongly that they have a responsibility to their customers. This responsibility is even more important to our more vulnerable passengers. Our drivers need to know how to help each and every customer when they need us. That is why we decided to undertake this training. It’s a signal to the public and to ourselves they we must continue to improve and develop as a business and as people.”

Michael Connolly, Managing Director of NAS Centre was delighted to be approached by Rapid Cabs, “This is exactly the progressive thinking which we value. We have given this form of training many times but never to this profession. We are pleased Rapid Cabs has shown the foresight and responsibility of care required in their industry.”

‘Better understanding of the needs of seniors will really enhance the customer service being provided by Rapid Cabs and we are delighted to help them’. Danette Connolly, Director of Care Home Instead Senior Care explains.

Rapid Cabs is a family run business located in Waterford City. Established in 2000 with only five taxis, it now has the largest range of taxis in the south east of Ireland, including taxis, hackneys, people carriers, wheelchair taxis and a large range of coaches.

Open and accessible 24 hours a day 365 days a year, Rapid Cabs has a fully computerised booking dispatch system from its local taxi call centre and has installed in-car computers in all of its taxis to ensure as such efficiency as possible.

Rapid Response is the company’s automated priority booking service, when you register your telephone number and your four main pick up locations with Rapid Cabs their system detects your landline number and asks you to confirm your address so you can literally book a taxi in seconds. This service is particularly important to the elderly who regularly use the Rapid Cabs service and enjoy the security if gives.

Eric and his team are committed to providing customer service, security and safety, rapid response and accessibility. These are the core elements to the Rapid Cabs business and the reasons why they have grown over the past fifteen years.