Latest news with #Municipal
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘Miniscule' funding allocated to help brighten up one Tipperary town
At the July meeting of the Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District, councillors were told that just €2,124 has been allocated under the Painting Enhancement Scheme. The Painting Enhancement Scheme aims to support property owners in the primary retail areas of towns to improve and enhance their properties and public areas. Grants of up to 50 per cent of the total cost of painting, up to a maximum of €500 are available to property owners to brighten up their properties under the scheme. However, the allocation for Carrick-on-Suir has been criticised as being very limited. Cllr Kieran Bourke said that the funding amount is 'miniscule' and said that painting can be an expensive job. "It seems a miniscule amount of money for a painting enhancement scheme, to get a door painted it could cost you a couple of hundred euro,' he said. The district administrator explained that funding is allocated from Tipperary County Council. "This funding is coming from the economic section and we would say that it's a maximum of €500 or 50 per cent of what you've spent, so in order to get €500, you need to have spent €1,000, if you spend less you can get up to 50 per cent,' the district administrator explained. "But you're essentially only supporting four to five people maximum in the district,' she added. Other districts across Tipperary sometimes chose to match the funding allocation in order to support more people, the meeting was told, but this hasn't been the case in Carrick-on-Suir so far. "My thoughts were to come back to you if we had a huge uptake, and say this is the uptake we have, and do we want to allocate some funds from GMA (General Municipal Allocation) if we didn't get some of the bigger projects that we needed matched funding for perhaps,' the administrator told councillors. The GMA is discretionary funding allocated to municipal district members within a local authority's draft budget. Cathaoirleach of the district David Dunne said that the issue of matched funding could be looked at if there is money remaining in the GMA, but that any funding to help towards the cost of paint is a help to property owners. "If you could get €100 or €200 worth of paint, at least it goes a little bit towards trying to do something, I know it's not a whole lot but that's what we have to deal with unfortunately,' Cllr Dunne said.
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Al Manakher: A hidden gem in the heart of Jabal Akhdar
Jabal Akhdar : Tucked away in the eastern heights of Jabal Akhdar in Oman's Dakhliyah Governorate lies the picturesque village of Al Manakher, a destination celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant agricultural life. Often the first village to greet the morning sun, Al Manakher is also the first stop for travelers ascending Jabal Akhdar from the Birkat al Mouz route. Surrounded by wild flora and perennial trees like atam , but , al-'alan , and shahs , the village offers a scenic haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The locals sustain themselves through the cultivation of pomegranates, peaches, apricots, olives, and walnuts, along with livestock farming—activities that provide both sustenance and income. The lush agricultural trails that wind through the village add an element of exploration, offering visitors an immersive experience in a traditional Omani mountain lifestyle. Historical and cultural treasures abound, with seven mosques including the beautifully designed Al Bilad Mosque , and heritage landmarks like the restored Ghaba Tower and Matrah Bokbir , the largest seasonal waterfall in the area. These elements speak to the village's deeply rooted cultural and religious identity. According to Ahmed bin Hamad al Nabhani, Municipal Council member for Jabal Akhdar, Al Manakher is also well connected to nearby wilayats via several mountain roads, making it a strategic hub for hiking and eco-tourism. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has placed signposts along these routes to encourage responsible exploration and highlight the region's historical significance. Mahmoud bin Salem al Tubi, a local resident, emphasized the village's appeal as a sustainable tourism destination, especially during fruit harvest seasons and rose blooming periods. The presence of numerous springs and aflaj—such as Falaj al Manakher , Biban Spring , and Rummanah Dam —not only supports agriculture but adds to the village's natural charm. Al Manakher stands as a symbol of rural resilience and cultural richness, offering a unique experience that blends heritage, adventure, and natural splendor in one unforgettable setting.
Arab Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Now, Saudi Arabia Will Allow Expats To Own Properties
RIYADH, July 11: In a landmark policy shift aimed at boosting foreign investment, Saudi Arabia will permit non-Saudis to own real estate in designated areas across the Kingdom beginning January 2026. The move comes under a newly approved property ownership law, marking a significant milestone in the country's broader strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen the real estate sector. The decision was endorsed by the Saudi Cabinet and announced by Majed Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing and Chairman of the Real Estate General Authority, who described the legislation as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's ongoing real estate reform program. Under the new framework, foreign nationals will be permitted to purchase property in specific zones, primarily in Riyadh and Jeddah, while ownership in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina will be subject to stringent regulatory conditions and additional oversight. 'The updated law is designed to expand the real estate supply, attract international investors and developers, and stimulate foreign direct investment in the Saudi market,' Al-Hogail said, adding that the legislation includes procedural safeguards to protect national interests and ensure the integrity of the housing sector. The Real Estate General Authority will play a central role in implementing the law. It will define the geographical zones open to foreign buyers and draft the accompanying executive regulations. These regulations will be made available for public consultation via the 'Istitlaa' platform within 180 days of the law's publication in the official gazette. The guidelines will detail eligibility requirements, application procedures, and compliance mechanisms, ensuring a balanced approach to economic liberalization and social responsibility. The law complements existing frameworks such as the Premium Residency Law and property ownership rights extended to GCC citizens, further reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to regulatory modernization under the Vision 2030 transformation plan. By opening its property market to global investors, the Kingdom seeks to position itself as a competitive real estate destination while addressing domestic housing demand and fueling long-term economic growth.
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Major Augusta golf project showing significant signs of progress
Although it's been three months since Rory McIlroy captured his career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters, there's plenty of excitement in Augusta, Georgia, on the golf front these days. Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley announced in 2023 that the club was creating a partnership with Augusta Municipal Golf Course, First Tee of Augusta and Augusta Tech to strengthen public golf in the community. Ridley then followed with an announcement at the 2025 Masters that the club is partnering with five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods to design a nine-hole short course as part of the renovation of the muni lovingly referred to as "The Patch." Woods' non-profit, the TGR Foundation, will also construct a TGR Learning Lab in Augusta. A new video released by the course shows that sod is being laid and the renovations are beginning to take shape. It was previously announced that Augusta Tech would relocate its golf course management program to The Patch, creating a living classroom environment. The course, which is being handled by design teams from Tom Fazio and Beau Welling, is expected to be completed in April 2026. Woods, who has worked with Welling in the past, visited the site in late June with Ridley.
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Mark Wahlberg And Municipal Plan Performance Footwear Expansion
The Municipal Origin was the first footwear launch from the brand. Mark Wahlberg tells me he's not really a patient person. But he wasn't about to rush the technology that defines his Municipal brand's footwear: 'When I say it took years to get right, I'm not kidding,' he says, adding that he knows it takes time to build something special. 'I personally must've tested at least 10 versions of it myself, but it's about having a mentality that isn't satisfied until you reach the vision you set out.' As Municipal—a brand co-founded by Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Harry Arnett—has crafted apparel and footwear to 'inspire people to get out there and start making it happen,' the brand has used the technology in its Origin premium trainer and All-Terrain Golf shoes, with plans to expand into additional performance categories over the next 24 months. The technology within the Origin trainer marks a comfort-focused technology from Municipal. 'We want to make the most comfortable performance footwear. Period,' Wahlberg says. ' combines layers of premium materials to create that feeling where you're almost sad to have to take them off at night. And then taking that technology across the new and different franchises we have and have on the way, again, never satisfied.' Arnett, Municipal CEO, tells me that when the Origin launched in November 2023 it was an entire line of a single silhouette, six colors 'straddling the fence of lifestyle and performance.' Less than 12 months later, they launched the golf shoe and now footwear is 30% of Municipal's business. 'We are incredibly bullish about the category,' Arnett says. 'We think we have the chops to really compete in a unique way, doing our own thing.' Arnett believes people are drawn to the style because of Municipal's technology. Calling a system, the tech features five layers of multi-density materials interacting with a supercritical foam for a 'luxury comfort, style experience.' Municipal plans a footwear expansion over the next 24 months that includes a mix of performance ... More models. The comfort value was the key. 'We were focused on occupying the comfort lane so when people think of Municipal.,' Arnett says, 'they think of comfort, performance and style coming together in a clean, elegant way.' The success breeds more silhouettes, with the next 24 months including a relaunch of the Origin and three new models: a trainer, a court shoe and a performance runner. 'There is a lot of technology work we are doing that is more advanced than in the past,' Arnett says, 'with carbon fiber and supercritical foam. We feel we have the product market fit box checked and are ready to put the pedal down.' The ownership group wants to attack the footwear category as an outsider. Wahlberg believes the mix of founders helps with that. 'That's our biggest strength,' Wahlberg says. 'We come from entertainment, sports, business, branding and we all bring something different to the table. That mix of perspectives helps us create a dynamic and well-rounded brand, and incredibly well-made products that not only perform but also deeply connect to real life. You know when something makes it as an actual product, it went through a lot of debate and collaboration to get there.' The Municipal Origin. Wahlberg is hands-on. 'Every day is something new, both exciting and challenging,' he says. 'I talk with Harry multiple times a day on anything from product ideas, business development, things I'm seeing, opportunities, long-term vision. The energy and the passion that goes on behind-the-scenes is what I love. Everyone looks at the finished product as being the goal, and that's true, but the community we're building is probably the most exciting part of the whole experience. When people come up to me and say they love the brand and everything it stands for, that's really gratifying.' As the young brand looks to evolve, Wahlberg says they remain focused on connecting with people who want to make a commitment to getting better every day. 'That's really why we started,' he says, 'to inspire people to get out there and start making it happen. It's an authentic mindset we all share.' Municipal began in 2019 and launched product in the middle of 2020. Built from scratch with the three co-founders, they saw an opportunity to combine the best elements of athleisure, health and wellness, street style with luxury underpinnings for both men and women living the type of life that starts and sometimes ends in the gym. Finding limitations with the brands already on the market, the group decided to build what they wanted themselves, calling it a 'sport utility performance' design. 'Municipal is the brand and gear for modern ambition,' Arnett says. Footwear now makes up roughly 30% of the Municipal business. Arnett says one of the cool parts has been the range of demographics drawn to it. The core group of young professionals, both men and women aged 25-35, is joined by the next gen category of those age 18-24, now about a quarter of the business. Also in the mix is the 36- to 54-year-old segment. 'We are kinda the favorite brand of old dudes like me and the high school and college kids who love the brand and love the style,' Arnett says. 'In that segment, they are not used to the quality being accessible to them.' With the community growing, the launch of shoes happened earlier than expected, giving the brand the head-to-toe solution it knew it wanted. The move into footwear for Municipal was natural, especially for Wahlberg who has a well-known love of shoes. But it was having true innovation in the footwear—and not just a fashion style with the brand name on it—that was going to be the first to release from the brand. 'It had to have world-class level of comfort you couldn't find with other brands,' Wahlberg says. Engineers worked with the layers of materials to interact with each other in a way that 'when people try it on, they have an immediate wow factor.' Municipal aims to broaden its appeal. 'There's a healthy degree of outsiders' perspective that drives the innovation and experience,' Arnett says. 'We are bringing a new approach to this type of category we felt like hasn't existed before.' MORE: On's The Roger Footwear Line Modernizing And Growing MORE: Lululemon Brings Brand's Approach To Wildfeel Trail Shoes
