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PEOPLE born and living in Clare will soon be outnumberd by residents who were born outside the county.

That’s the future that’s in store for the Banner County if the population trends highlighted in the latest 2011 Census of Population bulletin report published by the Central Statistics Office continue.

All because, nearly half of the people now living in Clare were born outside the county. Census returns have revealed that 47.7 per cent of Clare’s population were born outside the county boundary.

This percentage translates into 55,903 of the population of 117,196 not being born in the county, a statistic that places Clare far ahead of the provincial and national average for people the CSO say were “born outside the county of usual residence”.

At a Munster level, the CSO fig- ures have shown that the average for those born outside the county of residence stands at 30.8 per cent of the province’s overall population of 1,246088, while nationally this figures stands at 37.6 per cent.

One reason for the high percentage rate in Clare has been attributed to the lack of maternity services in Clare, which closed in the late 1980s, while the census results have also revealed that 18,522 of the county’s population were born outside the Republic of Ireland, a figure that translates into 15.8 per cent of the overall current population of the county.

The figures were released by the CSO last Friday, with the other standout statistics being the continued growth in the environs of the western corridor, with the populations of Quin and Sixmilebridge jumping by 65.5 per cent and 51.1 per cent respectively.

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.

EAST Clare people commuting to Limerick City will soon be able to reduce their travel time to just eight minutes following the decision to grant planning permission for Mountshannon company Harbour Flights to operate a seaplane base in Limerick.

This completes Harbour Flights roster of six sea-airports in the region, and represents a major step forward in the Clare company’s bid to establish a commercial seaplane service for tourists and locals in Clare.

While Harbour Flights have now been granted permission to operate six sea-airports on Lough Derg, Galway, Dublin, Cobh, Foynes and Limerick, they are still awaiting final approval from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to operated as a licensed commercial airline. Once this final hurdle is achieved they will be able to begin trading in a matter of days.

According to Emelyn Heaps, CEO of Harbour Flight, the new company has the potential to revolutionise the tourism industry in Clare.

“This is a massive step for us – we have been waiting for 22 months for this decision to come though.

“Our plan is to offer scenic flight from these locations as well as commuter services. We will have you into Limerick from Lough Derg in eight minutes. We will also be able to take people from Lough Derg to Dublin in about 40 minutes,” he said.

“Tourism is going to be our main product – that is why we started this in the first place. At the moment we in Clare have become a day destination for Dublin. People are getting on buses and travelling to the Cliffs of Moher or Bunratty and then back to Dublin again. The concept behind this was to make Dublin the day visit, not Clare.

“We can have people in Dublin from any of our regional airports. So people can enjoy their day in Dublin and then come back here and stay and spend their money is Clare,” added Heaps.

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.”

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.”

A BARMAN was punched in the face by the best man at a wedding as he attempted to close the bar, a court has heard.

Details of the assault were heard at Ennis District Court on Tuesday. Anthony O’Grady (34) with an address at Phairs Road, Meelick, was charged with assaulting barman Neil O’Gorman at the Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty on June 27 (2010).

Mr O’Gorman told the court that he had pulled the shutter halfway down the bar at around 2am.

He said at that point Mr O’Grady attempted to push the shutter back up.

He recalled that when he said the bar was about to close, Mr O’Grady told him, “we’re paying for this f****** wedding and we’ll say when it closes.”

Mr O’Gorman said that as he attempted to close the bar , Mr O’Grady struck him in the side of his face with his fist.

The court heard that Mr O’Grady had been the best man on the day. Judge Patrick Durcan remarked that in this case, “The best man was the worst man.”

Solicitor Stiofan Fitzpatrick said his client had been heavily intoxicated. “He’s normally a light drinker. This was completely out of character.”

The court heard that Mr O’Grady is a father of three currently working in Poland. He has no previous convictions.

Mr Fitzpatrick added, “He is extremely apologetic and has been very anxious about this matter.”

Judge Durcan described Mr O’Grady’s behaviour on the night as “abominable.”

Referring to Mr O’Gorman, the judge said:

“Those who enforce the law in a peripheral manner shouldn’t be faced with loutish and ignorant behaviour.”

Noting Mr O’Grady’s good record, Judge Durcan ordered that he pay € 750 to Childline. No conviction was recorded against Mr O’Grady.

A MAN who taunted another man over his family’s difficulties with suicide has been fined € 200.

Michael Molloy (19), with an address at 2 Ballaghboy, Quin Road, Ennis, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

He was charged engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

The charge arose out of an incident at Abbey Street, Ennis on March 10 (2012).

Garda Niamh Browne told the court that Ennis Garda Station received a call about two men fighting outside All Bar One on Abbey Street on the night in question.

She said that when she arrived at the scene at 10.15pm, Mr Molloy was involved in an altercation with another man.

Garda Browne said she arrested the accused under section six of the public order act.

She told the court that as Mr Molloy was being brought away by gardaí, he sang lyrics about suicide from a song by the American artist Sean Kingston in the direction of the other man.

The court heard that a member of the other man’s family had committed suicide.

Mr Molloy told the court that he had been out for a drink with his wife.

He said he had been standing at the front door of the pub when he was hit in the back of the head.

He said, “I wasn’t going to let that go. I was defending myself.”

Mr Molloy accepted that he was uncooperative on the night. He said the pair had been calling each other names but denied singing songs about suicide.

Mr Molloy said he had previously been involved in altercations with the man.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said Mr Molloy had been fighting on the street when he was detected by gardaí.

Judge Patrick Durcan said Mr Molloy had given evidence that he was “set upon” on the night.

However he added that it was “curious” that no complaint had been made to gardaí.

He said he accepted Garda Browne’s evidence.

Judge Durcan said Mr Molloy had engaged in “appalling singing”.

Solicitor Daragh Hassett said Mr Molloy comes from a large Traveller family and had recently married.

He added, “He assures me he is staying away from this man. He has a young child.

“He won’t be repeating this behaviour.”

Judge Durcan imposed a fine of € 200. He said suicide was a problem that touched everyone in society.

He added, “I am not going to have people singing songs that abuse the issue of suicide.” Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

A MAN alleged to have committed a burglary in Barefield last month has appeared in court.

Michael Flaherty (26) with an address at 108 Clancy Park, Ennis, is alleged to have entered a building as a trespasser to commit theft at Drumcliffe, Ennis, on March 23.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Inspector Tom Kennedy said that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the matter.

Insp Kennedy said that it would be alleged that Mr Flaherty was in the process of burglaring the house when he was spotted by a passer by.

He said the alleged burglary took place at 2pm at a time when the house was unoccupied.

Insp Kennedy added, “It was fortu nate that this man was spotted and arrested.”

After a summary of the alleged facts, Judge Patrick Durcan said he accepted jurisdiction with the “greatest reluctance”.

Solicitor Daragh Hassett said the case would be contested. He said he is seeking disclosure from the State. Judge Durcan adjourned the matter until May 16 for a plea or a date.

A WOMAN suffered serious injuries including a fractured finger after allegedly being hit with a metal bar in her home in Ennis last month, a court has heard.

Details of the alleged assault against Bernadette Walsh at 179 Achabhaile, Ennis, were heard at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Alan Kilmartin (32) with an address at 14 Davitt’s Terrace, Cloughleigh, Ennis, appeared in court charged with assault causing harm to Ms Walsh on March 2 (2012).

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had not yet issued directions on the case.

Garda Sarah Murphy gave an outline of the alleged facts. She told the court that it would be alleged that on the night in question, Ms Walsh was in her home at 179 Achabhaile when she heard a knock on the door between 9.15pm and 9.30pm.

The court heard that half of the houses in Achabhaile are unoccupied. The area was described in court as a “ghost estate”.

She said that Mr Kilmartin, a security guard working in the estate, was at the door. She said that after the pair had a brief conversation, the woman went into kitchen.

Garda Murphy said that it would be alleged that when Ms Walsh turned around, Mr Kilmartin was standing in the house with a metal bar in his hand. It is alleged that he assaulted Ms Walsh with the weapon. The court heard that the woman sustained fractured fingers and to receive surgical staples for lacerations to her head. Garda Murphy said Ms Walsh and Mr Kilmartin did not know each by name.

“It was an unprovoked incident,” she said. Noting the alleged facts of the case, Judge Patrick Durcan refused jurisdiction.

He remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear at Ennis District Court on June 6 for service of a book of evidence.

The Burren will once again be in the hat when the management committee of the UNESCO World Heritage Site organisation meets in St Petersburg in the Russian Federation later this year.

It was confirmed yesterday that the Burren is one of a number of Irish locations that will go forward for possible inclusion as an official World Heritage Site. Should the Burren gain this prestigious status, it could result in thousands of extra tourists being attracted to holiday in North Clare each year.

The Burren was included on the so-called “tentative list” drawn up by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s Expert Advisory Group on World Heritage Sites. The Burren was included alongside a group application from the ‘Royal Sites’, which include Tara, Cashel, Dún Ailinne and Rathcroghan; the ‘Monastic sites’, which include Clonmacnoise, Durrow, Kells and Glendalough; and the Céide Fields in Mayo.

If the Burren succeeds in gaining UNESCO World Heritage status, it will becomes just Ireland’s fourth site after Brú na Bóinne, Skellig Michael and the Giant’s Causeway.

This is not the first time that the Burren has been close to gaining World Heritage status, having gone forward as one of Ireland’s final nominations in 2011 and 2010.

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher were granted Geopark Status earlier this year and it is thought that this might aid in the quest to be classified as a World Heritage Site.

The 36th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will take place in St Petersburg from June 24 to July 6. The committee, which is headed up by Russian diplomat Mitrofanova Eleonora, meets once a year to consider new applications for World Heritage Site status and to ensure that all current heritage sites are living up to their commitments under the programme.