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THE HSE in Clare are warning people, especially older people and those that live alone, about bogus health and care staff.

The warning follows an attempt by criminals to use a HSE identity as a cover for their activities.

The Health Service Executive is advising people throughout the midwest to always be satisfied that people presenting at their homes as HSE staff are genuine.

All HSE staff carry official I.D.

“Most people have an ongoing relationship with their HSE staff in the community and this is not a problem. However when a home visit is taking place on a one-off basis or new staff are appointed, the public don’t necessarily know the staff involved,” said a HSE spokesperson.

“In such cases it is always advisable to ask for I.D.”

If the public are not satisfied with the I.D. then they should ask for the office number of where the staff member is based and call to check that it is genuine.

If in doubt people are advised not to admit anyone to your home until fully satisfied.

Commenting on this issue, HSE area manager for the mid-west, Bernard Gloster, said, “In most cases our staff know the public and the public know our staff. However we are a large organisation and this is not always possible. We are concerned based on a recent report in the mid-west that the public need to be vigilant as unfortunately there are a small number of people who might try to use our identity as a means of gaining access to the homes of unsuspecting and vulnerable members of the public.”

“We continue to work close with our staff and the Gardaí in minimising such risk. Remember always ask for I.D. if you don’t know the person and even never let someone into your home until you are completely satisfied they are genuine,” he said.

FIVE Clare companies have exported a total of € 2 billion, and made their way on to the 2013 edition of Top 250 Exporters in Ireland and Northern Ireland, in association with Investec.

None of the five companies made it on to the top ten, but have been praised by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA), for contributing to the Irish export market.

Three Clare companies made it on to the top 100 with Benex Ltd making it on to the top 50 at 36th place.

The Shannon-based company exported € 1.074 billion worth of goods.

Mentor Graphics Ireland was in 74th having exported € 393 million worth of goods while Phardiag Ltd was in 77th place with € 368 in exports.

Zimmer Orthopedics Manufacturing Ltd was in 144th place with € 122 million exports and Enterasys Networks (Distribution) Ltd was in 153rd with € 114 million exports.

John Whelan, Chief Executive, The Irish Exporters Association, said, “The dominance of the information communications technology (ICT) sector in the top echelons of Irish exports industry continued in the Top 250 survey for 2013.

Total exports from the sector grew by 12 per cent in the past year maintaining Ireland’s place as the second largest exporter of computer and IT services in the world. Of the Top 20 companies listed, 10 of them are focused within the ICT arena.”

HOLIDAY homeowners are disposing of their rubbish at beaches in Kilkee and Lahinch.

Although the majority of these holidaymakers are leaving their rubbish beside public bins, they are still in violation of the Litter Act 1997.

Clare County Council’s Environment Section spokesperson Mary Skehan warned that people caught dumping their domestic rubbish on the beach, near or beside refuge bins, will be prosecuted.

“The record volume of people visiting our beaches has resulted in an increase in littering and the council has employed additional resources and installed extra bins to ensure the problem is minimized,” she said.

“However, some people are taking advantage of the situation by depositing domestic refuse at our bin collection points. Such dumping is unsightly and tarnishes the image of the locations in question and indeed, it is a breach of the Litter Act 1997 to depose of refuse in such a manner.”

Since the beginning of the warm spell of weather, the local authority has recorded a significant increase of domestic rubbish being placed alongside bins at popular seaside resorts.

“Holiday home owners and other householders are reminded that the onus is on them to dispose of their domestic waste at either of the Council’s West Clare Civic Amenity Site Recycling Centres at Lisdeen and Ballyduff beg or to avail of a private refuse collection service,” explained Ms Skehan.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council is also urging visitors to Clare’s main beaches to take responsibility for their rubbish by bringing it home with them.

“The council wishes to acknowledge those who have used the public bins to dispose of their litter. These bins are emptied regularly each day but often reach their capacity due to the unprecedented large volumes of visitors to the beaches. In Kilkee, we are finding that some people are dumping their litter along the seawall, on the beach or beside already full bins rather than bring their litter home with them. We have installed additional bins to counteract the problem but would continue to ask the public to take responsibility for their rubbish.”

Leaving or throwing litter in a public place is an offence that can be subject to an on-the-spot fine of € 150 or a maximum fine of € 3,000 if convicted of a litter offence in the District Court.

HUNDREDS of Clare cars are set to be forced off the roads indefinitely later this year as a change to the procedure for taxing cars could make driving a car too expensive.

That is according to Clare based community group Dealing With Debt – who believe that the proposed changed will force poorer motorist off the road indefinitely.

Under the new scheme motorists will have to declare their vehicle off the road in advance in order to avoid being penalised and having to back tax their vehicles, even if the vehicle is not being driven.

“According to the Government the new motor tax bill was introduced to deal with non-compliant motor tax payers. [Minister for State] Fergus O’ Dowd’s comments on this, in which he describes the motor tax evasion loophole, shows the lack of reality on this issue,” said DWD chairperson, Joe Corbett.

“The sad reality is that the majority of these people cannot afford the extremely high levels of motor tax especially on older vehicles. People that can afford newer Eco Friendly vehicles can avail of the relatively low taxation bands available, however less well-off people with older and larger vehicles are penalised for not being able to afford such vehicles.”

Mr Corbett says that this new system will create a situation where poorer motorists are forced to subsidise richer motorists.

“They are further penalised in the limited payment methods available – as taxing on a three month basis is more expensive than on a 12 month and no direct debit or similar methods of payment are available under the new motor tax legislation,” he said.

“The lack of public transport especially in rural areas makes a car a necessity therefore a more realistic and affordable motor tax scheme is required.

“The bill doesn’t seem to take into account everyday problems such as NCT failures, illness and such matters which are impossible to have prior knowledge of.”

NUI Galway has issued a final call for applications from Clare to its Sports Scholarships Scheme for 2013/14.

Clare has a long tradition of provided students to the university who have secured scholarships, among them a slew of hurlers such as Donal Tuohy, John Conlon, Patrick Kelly Domhall O’Donovan, Caimin Morey, Cormac O’Donovan and Gerry O’Grady as well as current Clare and Sixmilebridge camogie player Chloe Morey.

The Scholarship Programme is aimed at student-athletes of outstanding calibre who register as students of the University. The scheme is open to students who are only attending the college this September for the first time.

The scheme is also open to students already studying at NUI Galway.

The deadline for application for current and prospective students is Wednesday the 31st July at 5pm.

In the current academic year, student athletes at NUI Galway received significant financial and professional support services.

The scholarships aim to help aspiring young sportspeople to continue to develop their sporting prowess while attending the university.

Currently 60 students receive support under the scheme in a broad range of sports.

The scheme has assisted dozens of athletes’ progress to the highest levels of their sport in recent years and is aimed at providing them with the tools for success in their careers in the long term.

“The strongest selling point of our Sports Scholarship program is the results that it is producing,” said Gary Ryan is Elite Sports Develop- ment Officer at the university.

“We have supported the development of numerous Irish Internationals including some World Champions and medallists over the last number of years as well as the enormous success that so many of our GAA players have enjoyed at Senior and U21 level in recent years.

“Our focus is on the support of our student athletes in their dual careers. We strive to offer world class supports in one of the Ireland’s leading universities.

“Our scholarship students develop skills that will sustain them in their future sporting and professional careers and the long list of successful sporting alumni is testament to that,” he added.

The deadline for application for current and prospective students who may be thinking of attending NUI Galway is Wednesday the 31st July at 5pm.

IARNRÓD Éireann has been told to come up with a plan to fix the Ennis to Athenry section of the Western Rail Corridor.

Despite an overall increase of 7 per cent on the numbers travelling between Limerick and Galway last year – the section of the track between Ennis and Athenry continues to struggle.

The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Alan Kelly (FG), last week told Iarnród Éireann to get the service back on track. This is the second time in recent months that Minister Kelly has publicly criticised the service.

Campaign group West-On-Track also criticised the rail operator last week for not making the route attractive for commuters. Spokesperson for West On Track, Colmán Ó’Raghaillagh, said that a number of long standing issues – such as online booking – has not yet been addressed.

He also called for a more intigrated connection between the rail and bus timetable and proposed the idea that people could travel from Galway and Limerick to Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher using a combined rail/bus ticket.

“We should have proper inter-city trains [on the route], and a lot of people don’t find it attractive by travelling in older trains,” he said.

“Online booking is still not available after our proposals. It seems odd that you cannot go online in Limerick and book online to save yourself a tenner.

Mr Ó’Raghaillagh also criticised the way that passenger numbers on the service are calculated.

“The measurement of this increase has always been problematic. If you get on the train, on the LimerickGalway line, and get out at Ennis, they won’t count your seat. Likewise, if I get on in Galway and I get out at Athenry, I am also not counted,” he said.

Minister Kelly last week ruled out any move to close the section of track between Ennis and Athenry – which was reopened in 2010.

“The numbers aren’t what we would like. I have spoken to the chief executive of Irish Rail with a view to looking at various different strategies to encourage more to use the line,” he said.

A STUDENT who pleaded guilty to drink driving an ambulance he took unlawfully while it was on a call out in Kilkee, and being in possession of a steak knife at the time, has been suspended from driving for three years, fined € 250 and given a total of 200 hours community service in lieu of a prison sentence at Kilrush District Court.

Conor Hannon (21) of 102 Sycamore Drive, Rathbane, Limerick was ordered to carry out 100 hours community work in lieu of a three month prison sentence for being in possession of a fire arm – a black handle steak knife.

He was handed a further 100 hours community work in lieu of another three month prison sentence for unlawfully taking the HSE ambulance contrary to Section 112 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, which is to run consecutively to the first sentence.

He was also fined € 250 and dis- qualified from driving for three years under the drink driving charge.

The court heard that gardaí were called to Victoria Terrace, Dough, Kilkee on May 6, 2013 at 2.30am by the ambulance service who were caring for a patient who had fallen and hurt his head.

A highly intoxicated Mr Hannon got into the ambulance and drove it forward a “few feet” before he was removed by ambulance personnel.

Garda Conor Flaherty gave evidence that as Mr Hannon was being removed to the Garda van a knife was found on him.

The garda added that the second year tourism student had been very apologetic the following day.

Defence solicitor Michael Ryan said that it was an indication of his client’s character that there was no element of violence on the night even though he was highly intoxicated, and that he had no recollection of the knife.

“He does feel that his drink was spiked on the night. We are not of- fering that as an excuse,” he added.

“When he got into the seat he put on the belt.

“That is an indication of the intoxication,” said Mr Ryan.

In sentencing Mr Hannon Judge Patrick Durcan said;

“In my view there is only one way to deal with that and put the message out loud and clear.”

The judge said that in his opinion “Someone who works for the ambulance service does a critically important job and if you turn on your radio and listen to Miriam O’Callaghan, Pat Kenny or better still, ‘Joe Duffy in the afternoon’, you will hear people without doubt complaining ‘the ambulance didn’t arrive on time’.

“Into this mix, you have Mr Hannon, filled to the gills with drink and he interferes with the ambulance service.”

The judge then issued the sentence suspending Mr Hannon from driving for three years, fining him € 250 and giving him a total of 200 hours community service

A WOMAN was hospitalised after bring struck by Dusty the Doolin Dolphin in the water off Doolin Pier on Friday.

The woman, who is from Westport in Mayo, was struck in the abdomen and legs by the Dolphin – who has made Doolin it’s home for the past two years.

The woman received medical at- tention at the scheme and was transferred to hospital in Galway – but her injuries were not understood to be serious.

A number of reports of swimmers interfering with the dolphin have been reported in recent times. The woman was assisted by members of the Doolin Unit of the Irish Coastguard, who have warned people not to get close to the Dusty.

“However it happened the dolphin hit her with her tail and she had lower abdomen pain. We tended her while she was waiting for the ambulance,” said Matty Shannon of the Doolin Coastguard.

“She [the dolphin] is a wild animal – people have to be careful. She enjoys the noises and vibrations of the boats and just because she swims in that area, does not give people the liberty to catch her and touch her. And that’s what’s happening.

“People seem to think that they can just catch her fin or catch her tail and when the dolphin gets frustrated then she is bound to strike back a little bit. She is perfectly fine and calm if people just give her her own room and space.

“Just like any wild animal tempers can vary. Just because one dolphin allows people to swim with them doesn’t mean that you can do it with all dolphins. People need to be aware that she is wild and she needs her space. If people want to see her that can see her from the top of the pier. People need to be responsible for themselves.”

The Doolin-based lifeguards were flying the red flag – signifying danger – at the time of the incident. It is now policy for the lifeguards to fly the red flag any time the dolphin enters the area.

A video taken last year showing Dusty getting angry with swimmers can be viewed on youtube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AAMFBvpPQ4.

FIFTEEN new high end jobs are coming to the Burren with the announcement that American maritime consultancy and recruitment firm, Flagship Management, will locate its European, Middle East and African Headquarters in Kinvara.

The new Kinvara operation provide consultancy and recruitment services to maritime companies operating in the North Sea and Gulf regions. The positions created will include a local head of operations, maritime consultants, recruitment consultants as well as finance and administrative staff are are expected to come on line over the next three years.

The Florida-based company is one of the maritime industry’s leading consulting firm for executive recruiting.

The company has enjoyed rapid growth in the European market over the last 18 to 24 months and the Kinvara operation is expected to drive that growth over the next decade.

Flagship Management’s spokesperson, John Mylott, said that Kinvara is perfect for the company’s expansion.

“We are delighted with the location in Kinvara and we have had a very warm reception from the community to date. We look forward to growing our European, Middle East and African business from Kinvara into the future,” he said.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State, Ciaran Cannon (FG), said it is very welcome boost for the Burren region.

“This is a company which would not otherwise have come on to the radar of the IDA, now choosing to locate operations in a location which doesn’t traditionally benefit from multinational investment and jobs. This is great news for Kinvara, I commend all involved and wish them every success for their future in Ireland,” he said.

“The fact that this company can serve markets across all of Europe, the Middle East and Africa from Kinvara is proof positive that with the right broadband connection any of our small rural communities can serve as a base for further job creation. All it takes is a little innovation and creativity on all our parts.”

THE people of Clare were not to blame for the current financial crisis – including the creation of a property bubble in the county. That is according to a new book about to be published by Clare resident, André Hakizimana.

The book, entitled ‘The Irish Economy – Past, Present and Future’, lays the blame for the ongoing recession on the policies used by the past and current government. According to the Ennis resident, the previous governments concentrated too much on exports, and this did not benefit the local domestic economy.

The present Fine Gael/Labour coalition government, he believes, is making the same mistake and should concentrate on investing and improving the domestic economy of many small regions, like County Clare.

“The housing boom and bust in Clare is a cause to the recession, but is not the core – the strategy [employed by the Government] is,” said Mr Hakizimana. “The Government should look to boost the local economy, rather than exports – where there is little or no job creation.

“The Government, the banks, but also the people must take responsibility for peoples current finincial status, but the public should not be blamed exclusively.

“The Government should invest in local enterprise as this would help people go back to work. This is key to improving our economy.”

Mr Hakizimana has been a Clare resident for almost 10 years and has a first hand experience of the effects of the economic boom and bust.

‘The Irish Economy – Past, Present and Future’ outlines the economic strategy of Ireland in recent decades and aims to pinpoint where everything started to go wrong. The book is available from The Ennis Book Shop at a cost of € 15.