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CLARE people waiting for out patient appointments in Galway are among 40,517 hoping to get a call, with many waiting years for that coveted appointment.

Galway has the longest waiting lists in the country, but the CEO of the Galway/Roscommon Hospitals Group, Bill Maher, said he was more concerned with the duration people were waiting rather than the length of the list.

He also said the 40,000 plus figure was “a worse case scenario” as it had not yet been validated and once it was he expects the figure to fall significantly.

He told members of the Regional Health Forum West that some of the names on the list were duplicated, on other hospital lists or no longer required the service.

“Once validation is complete we would expect a reduction in this number. We know for example that a number of patients are referred routinely to the same or similar services in a number of hospitals,” he said.

Describing the list as “frightening” chairman of the HSE West Forum Cllr Padraig Conneely said he was “getting horrific stories of people waiting years” on the list.

“This is a figure I wouldn’t be happy with either. The real issue for me is not the number of people in the list but how long they are waiting. There are some specialise where people are waiting for years,” the CEO admitted. “I wouldn’t be sure if all patients are still active on the list. To validate the list properly would entail writing out to 40,000 patients and await a response,” he said.

Mr Maher added the HSE had set itself a target to shorten the list significantly within the next 12 months.

“We have set ourselves a target that no one will still be on the list in 12 months. 12 months is still too long for patients to wait for an out-patient appointment but we have to start somewhere,” he said.

“On March 23, 2012, the SDU launched an initiative to deal with the out-patient waiting list. This is similar to the initiative currently underway for in-patient waiting lists. We are currently preparing to take part in this initiative and will be addressing out-patient waiting lists across the hospital group.”

He also denied that the waiting list was as a result of a staffing issue.

The CEO told the HSE forum members that when he had exhausted all of the resources he had, and if he still needed more then he would apply for some.

THERE was an increase on the number of people from Clare seeking help from suicide intervention service Pieta House in 2011. 348 people accessed Pieta House Mid West’s centre in Mungret, Limerick. 54 people came from Clare.

Tom McEvoy of Pieta House in Clare confirmed the increase ahead of the service’s second annual ‘Darkness into Light’ charity walk in Ennis next week. There are currently 20 people on a waiting list for the centre.

Mr McEvoy said, “We have a waiting list unfortunately. That isn’t the way we want Pieta House to run because we were fortunate up to now that we were able to cope with the numbers of people coming in the doors. However, we had 15 and a half per cent of the total number of people availing of Pieta’s services last year from County Clare. That’s a firm statistic.”

Mr McEvoy said the service urgently needs funding to meet its goal of providing a centre within 100km of every person in the country.

“There was a gesture made through the lottery and health board. We got € 100,000 which partly paid off the debt that we have on Pieta Mid West, our facility there. It’s like scraping all the time for funding. Instead of having a figure that we can work with, we’re continually going for bits and pieces. It’s not good enough and I feel strongly that we need to drive harder for funding.”

The Darkness into Light walk starts at 4am on Saturday, May 12 at 4am. Registration takes place at Lees Road on Thursday, May 10 and on the day.

THERE have been calls for teachers in Clare to receive training to help support students who may be feeling suicidal or depressed. Services and organisations that help prevent suicide and self-harm should also be publicised through secondary schools.

The suggestions were put forward in Ennis on Friday at the launch of Pieta House’s Darkness into Light walk, which takes place at Lees Road in Ennis on Saturday, May 12.

Pieta House is a non-profit organisation providing a specialised treatment programme for people who have suicidal ideation or who participate in self-harming behaviours.

The Ennis launch was attended by local politicians including the Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Hayes, gardaí, clergy and teachers. The walk is also supported by Davy Fitzgerald and the Clare senior hurling panel.

John Burns, Deputy Principal of Rice College, Ennis, said it is “vital” that the availability of services such as Pieta House is promoted through schools. He added that training should also be provided to teachers.

Joan Freeman, CEO of Pieta House, said the service has refused requests to speak at schools. She said that after hearing from Pieta House, teachers were often left “to deal with the aftermath” amongst students, a situation she described as “unfair”.

Ms Freeman said Pieta House has initiated a ‘Mind Your Buddy’ programme, which encourages students to tell someone if one of their friends is in crisis.

Ms Freeman said the service would be happy to educate staff.

A recent meeting in Ennis heard that 899 children were referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary last year. In 2009, that figure stood at 419, while 710 children were referred in 2010.

Cllr James Breen (Ind) told the launch that the decision by the Minister for Education and Skills to abolish guidance counsellor posts in schools was a mistake.

“They understand the pressures pupils are under. This can avoid people committing suicide. Career guidance is a very important part of the curriculum.”

Mayor of Clare, Pat Hayes praised the work of Pieta House, who operate a centre in Limerick.

He said, “We all have a duty of care to try and help people who seek help. Thank you for the good work that you do. It is the voluntary and community organisations that are keeping this country afloat.”

CLARE’S most senior garda has acknowledged the “widespread” problem of fuel theft in Clare.

Chief superintendent of the Clare Garda Division John Kerin said yesterday that gardaí had received an estimated 40 reports of fuel theft so far this year. He said roughly 25 report referred to the theft of home heating oil while around 15 to 20 concerned theft of fuel from cars.

He explained, “It is fairly widespread, right across the country and people are using sophisticated methods.”

Chief Supt Kerin was speaking at a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) in Clare County Council.

There have been calls for greater use of the community text alert scheme to halt the rise of robberies in rural parts of the county.

Speaking yesterday, Chief Supintendnent of the Clare Garda Division, John Kerin, said there had been 14 more burglaries in Clare over the first three months of 2012 compared to the same period last year.

The number of assaults was down from 302 in 2010 to 225 last year. There were 36 incidents of arson in 2011, while gardaí in Clare dealt with 46 sexual offences.

Clare’s most senior garda also confirmed that the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is carrying out investigations in the Clare area.

There have been 440 garda checkpoints set up in Clare during the first four months.

Chief Supt Kerin added, “I want to get guards out of the station and onto checkpoints.”

Councillors backed proposals to extend the use of community text alert schemes to all parts of the county.

The meeting also heard that there had been 41 garda retirements in Clare since 2010.

CLARE’S most senior garda has acknowledged the “widespread” problem of fuel theft in Clare.

Chief superintendent of the Clare Garda Division John Kerin said yesterday that gardaí had received an estimated 40 reports of fuel theft so far this year.

He said roughly 25 report referred to the theft of home heating oil while around 15 to 20 concerned theft of fuel from cars. He explained, “It is fairly widespread, right across the country and people are using sophisticated methods.”

Chief Supt Kerin was speaking at a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) in Clare County Council.

JPC Chairman Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) said people should not be tempted by offers of cheap fuel.

He said, “If the price is unbelievable then don’t believe it.”

Cllr PJ Ryan (Ind) said his business had been a victim of fuel theft. He added, “It seems to be on the increase over the last few weeks.”

The meeting heard that 54 neighbourhood watch schemes are currently active in Clare along with 41 Community Alert Schemes and 10 Business Watch Schemes.

Chief Supt Kerin said the gardaí are placing a “major focus” on establishing new scheme and revitalising existing ones.

He said, “The Business Watch Scheme on the industrial estate in Shannon is one of the very best I have ever seen. Crime has been reduced to virtually nothing.”

Concern was also expressed about the number of burglaries in Clare.

Chief Supt Kerin said 33 per cent of all burglaries occur as a result of people leaving doors or windows open.

Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) said it was “soul destroying” for communities to see criminals with numerous previous convictions receive suspended sentences.

Labour TD for Clare Deputy Michael McNamara said gardaí could be freed up from court time if they a new system was introduced that would allow Garda seargents to give evidence of minor crimes.

A NEW organisation dedicated to providing employment services for people with illness, injury or disability has been established in Clare. The launch of EmployAbility Clare represents a rebranding of the former Clare Supported Employment Service.

The new identity was unveiled by Caroline Casey, a well-known campaigner for people with disabilities, while addressing an audience of almost 190 people at Dromoland Castle last Wednesday.

Speaking to a theme, ‘Impossible is an Opinion’, Ms Casey said the new name, which “puts the focus on a person’s ability to work, rather than their innate or acquired disability, describes what supported employment is about”.

“While our service centres on supporting people with an illness, injury or disability to secure employment, we’re also concerned with assisting employers,” said EmployAbility Clare team leader, Alice O’Carroll.

“People are living longer, and as the population rises, more and more people acquire disabilities. People in the older age groups hold most of the wealth in society and naturally have more purchasing power. It makes sense for businesses to attract as broad a range of customers as possible. They can learn how best to be accessible to people with disabilities by finding out, first hand, from people with disabilities how to make their products and services attractive and accessible,” she added.

EmployAbility Clare, which offers a range of supports, including workplace adaptation grants, wage subsidies and on-site employment facilitators, is key in supporting people with an injury, illness or disability overcome the challenges of adapting to employment and to being accepted in the workplace. It also works with employers to ensure new recruits make a meaningful contribution to the business’s bottom line.

“We strive to reassure employers and give them the confidence to see the benefits of working with us. The new identity, which focuses on the positive benefits of ‘employing ability’, rather than ‘supporting employment’, will help to address any existing misconceptions,” aid Ms O’Carroll.

The launch was organised by EmployAbility Clare in conjunction with Shannon, Ennis and Limerick Chambers, IBEC, and co-sponsored by UCB Manufacturing Ireland Limited, Shannon Development, Vitalograph, Dromoland Castle Hotel, ZAGG International, and the Cregg Group.

UP to 100 additional aircraft maintenance jobs are expected to come on stream in Shannon after the launch of Transaero Engineering Ireland by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny on Friday last.

The new company marks the official take over of the former Air Atlanta Aero Engineering facility at the airport by Transaero Airlines, the second largest airline in Russia.

In heralding the new company, the Taoiseach said he was “delighted that a significant global airline such as Transaero has chosen Shannon as a location for its maintenance facility.

“It is a major vote of confidence in the workforce of Transaero Engineering Ireland, the Shannon region and in the continuing economic recovery of Ireland. It highlights the value of economic stability in attracting new investment to Ireland. I am delighted that the maintenance company with its skilled workforce will continue to operate in Shannon and that the addition of new aircraft types to their product range will result in more skilled and qualified staff being added in the near future. This deal very much fits within the Government’s focus on developing strategic trade relations into devel- oped markets such as Russia. This investment can showcase the capabilities of Irish companies within the Russian Federation,” he added.

“Shannon Airport and the surrounding infrastructure offer excellent opportunities for expansion which was one of the key drivers in the acquisition of AAAE,” said Transaero Airlines, Managing Director, Alexander Krinichanskiy. “Currently a number of Transaero Engineering Ireland’s staff are undergoing EASA 147 training for line/project maintenance on the Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft to enhance the product range of the facility and we will also seek to increase interior, engineering and training capabilities and we would expect to increase the staff numbers from the current 241,” he added.

Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, said, “Air Atlanta Aero Engineering is a key client of Shannon Development in the Shannon Aviation cluster and we are delighted with today’s announcement. We welcome Transaero Airlines acquisition of Air Atlanta and look forward to working with the company to support them to grow their business at Shannon. Transaero is a globally recognised progressive airline and represents a significant addition to the aviation base at Shannon.”

THE HSE spent more than half a million euro on wheelchairs for Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary last year.

It was unable to say how much it spent on other aids such as walking frames and crutches last year stating they were included in “a generic cost centre of either beds and hoist or medical surgical equipment”.

In 2008 the HSE spent € 1,121,193 on aids and appliances in Clare.

However the cost of wheelchairs in the former mid-west area was recorded at € 511,260.84 in 2011 and € 491,231.07 in 2010.

Green Party councillor Brian Meaney raised concerns that aids such as crutches and wheelchairs were not being recycled by the HSE.

He asked if it was still the policy of the HSE not to return such mobility aids.

In its reply the HSE said it has recently signed a contract with the company Homecare Medical.

“This contract award supports and supplements existing recycling services and will ensure high standards in infection control and appliance service and maintenance. This contract will also support the movement of aid and appliances to ensure equity of service for clients in the community,” said Philip Browne from the HSE’s Procurement Department.

“It will increase current recycling levels and reduce the need for purchase of new appliances,” he said.

It is still unclear what equipment and aids will be recycled and how much will be saved each year under the project.

HUNDREDS of potential West Clare jobs will be lost if Shannon LNG pulls plans to develop a € 1 billion gas terminal along the Shannon Estuary.

The company has reached an impasse with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) over tariffs the regulator claims it will be liable for.

The company estimates this could cost it up to € 83 million per year.

Following a meeting between the Kilrush area members of the council and Shannon LNG last week, Clare County Council has also invited the energy regulator to address the members on the issue.

Kildysart councillor Oliver Garry (FG) said that the issue must be resolved in the interest of job creation and the provision of gas to Ireland.

It is estimated that the building of the terminal between Tarbert and Ballylongford, across the estuary from Clare, will create more than 650 construction jobs and more than 100 permanent jobs.

Cllr Garry said that many of these jobs will be available to Clare workers.

“This is the biggest project to come to the estuary since the building of Moneypoint in 1980,” he said.

The chair of the Kilrush area councillors said that just as many of the workforce at Moneypoint came from Kerry on the ferry, so too would Clare workers be travelling to Ballylongford.

“We have to see where a solution can be found. It is so important that we develop industry on the estuary,” he said.

Shannon LNG has already invested € 45 million in the project that is already four years in the making.

Planning permission for the terminal was granted in March 2008, while permission for the pipeline from Ballylongford to Foynes was granted in February 2009.

Shannon LNG now maintains that just as it was getting all major consents for the project, such as a foreshore licence and third party access exemption, the CER proposed changing the pipeline tariff structure, introduced by a Government directive in 2001 to encourage new infrastructure.

The company said it needs Government support, not subsidy, if it is to continue as well as regulatory certainty.

“Indecision and delay will further postpone project progress,” it said.

MORE than 110 years after being declared extinct in Ireland, the White-tailed Sea Eagle has returned to make Clare its home.

It was confirmed yesterday that a pair of White-tailed Sea Eagles have been seen building a nest near Mountshannon in East Clare. The birds were among a number of White-tailed Sea Eagles released in Kerry National Park last year but are the first to be seen breeding.

This is a major success for the reintroduction programme and could be the first step in the re-population of eagles in Ireland. Should the Mountshannon eagles succeed in breeding, their offspring will be the first born in Ireland since 1902 – which will also make them the first White-tailed Sea Eagles to hatch in the Republic of Ireland.

“This is fantastic news for Clare and reflects the outstanding landscape and biodiversity we have here that can attract such beautiful birds,” said Clare County Council’s Biodiversity officer, Shane Casey.

“While it’s understandable that everyone will want to visit the area and have a look for themselves, its important to remember that this is a very sensitive and critical time for the birds, and as such we need to show some patience and responsibility, and let nature take its course unhindered.

“We are all hopeful that this story ends in a chick, but we must remember that this is already a success story, and that the first white-tailed eagle egg laid in Ireland in over a century was laid right here in Clare.”

Meanwhile, Kinvara youngster David Cairney received a letter from one of his idols last week – nature expert Sir David Attenborough.

Nine-year-old David, who works at the Burren Bird of Prey Centre at the Aillwee Caves in Ballyvaughan, became one of Ireland’s youngest ever published authors last month when his debut book, Ra ptors, A Pocket Guide to Birds of Prey a nd Owls , was published.

“When I saw the writing, I immediately knew it wasn’t from someone I knew. When I opened it up, I couldn’t believe who it was from,” said David.

“David Attenborough is a real hero of mine. David Attenborough and Steve Irwin are probably my two biggest heroes. I would definitely have sent Steve Irwin a copy of my book if he was still alive.”