Slowing down increases CO2 - New research suggests that reducing speeds can cause a rise in exhaust emissions.

A shock new study shows that driving at 20mph instead of 30mph actually pumps out more CO2. Research carried out by the AA has revealed that slowing traffic down can boost carbon dioxide levels by as much as 10 per cent.

And the motoring organisation is warning local authorities that well intentioned safety schemes could backfire in environmental terms. The hike in CO2 is due to the fact that cars aren’t at their most efficient when running very slowly.

The AA‘s investigation claims a petrol model on a 20mph street could emit nearly one tonne of extra CO2 per mile. “Trans port planners have minimal official guidance on the environmental imp act of 20mph speed limits,” explained AA president Edmund King. “It would be a bitter irony if local authorities are found guilty of pumping up emissions through the indiscriminate use of these restrictions.”

Cruinniu raise 10,000 Euro, and present it to local school

A photo from the Limerick Leader, 18 January. Cruinniu are seen here with UL President Don Barry and Micheal O Suilleabhain as they present a cheque for 10,000 Euro to Anne O Sullivan, principle of St. Vincent's School.

So you think your 4x4 actually has 4 wheel drive?

Is it a Subaru? If not, you may be in for a shock! Independant tests of the 4wd systems in the Honda CRV, Toyota Highlander, VW Passat 4-Motion, and Subaru Forester and Legacy. Just shows that the toughness of a car's appearance has nothing to do with its abilities. Mind you, most CRV owners have probably never got their tyres muddy in any case, so only being essentially front wheel drive is not an issue! Interesting that Honda and Toyota do not reveal what traction systems their cars actually have, and that we have to go on blind faith that when they tell us their cars are 4wd, they actually are capable (or not!) of transferring power to the rear wheels...

Well, it's a new year again...

So here we go, all tensed up and prepared for big changes, motivated beyond all belief, but after the first 10 minutes, everything slips back to normal... Reminds me of the Father Ted cleaning scene... "Let's clean this mother!"

Cleaning the house