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THE Cliffs of Moher have been picked to represent Ireland in a bid to find the new seven wonders of nature – beating the Burren to the precious nomination.

The north Clare tourist attraction is among the 261 global beauty spots which were chosen following an online public vote run by a private Swiss organisation.

The cliffs will compete for a place in the top seven with well-known at- tractions such as the Grand Canyon, Ayers Rock and the Amazon rain forest.

“It is not surprising given the glo- bal recognition factor of the cliffs. They have been used by other Irish brands for promotion and as an icon- ic view of Ireland,” said a spokesper- son from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

The 214-metre-high sea cliffs were the most visited natural attraction in Ireland in 2007 with almost one mil- lion visitors.

The Cliffs of Moher have already passed the first knockout round of competition, surviving when nomi- nated sites were narrowed down from 400 to 261. The Burren, which made it into the last 400, was cut during this process.

Considerable controversy has sur- rounded the voting method as the

organisers allowed entrants to pur- chase additional votes through a text-messaging service.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), which awards World Her- itage status to historical sites world- wide, has reportedly pulled out of supporting the awards because of the controversy.

An Irish advertising campaign to promote voting for the cliffs was be- ing planned following the announce- ment. The list will be narrowed down to 77 by public vote over the next seven months. Votes can be cast at Www.new/wonders.com.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council yesterday backed a proposal to have the Burren included as a World Her- itage Site. Currently, there are only two Irish heritage sites on the pres- tigious Unesco World Heritage List

A report by acting senior planner at Clare County Council, John Bradley, went before the council at yester- days meeting describing the Burren as having the requisite designations and potential to meet the stringent requirements of Unesco World Her- itage status.

Ireland’s current UNISCO sites and Bru na Boinne in Meath and Skellig Michael off the Kerry coast.

AN BORD Pleanala has cast doubt over plans to provide a crematorium for Shannon by stating that it could be a public health concern and exac- erbate the risk of flooding.

Last year, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael county councillors combined to contravene the South Clare Plan and grant planning permission to the project by 26 votes to 1. The two directors of the company behind the plan are former councillors, Sean Hillery (FF) and Tony McMahon Csi6)}

Independent Shannon-based coun- cillor, Gerry Flynn was the only dis- senting voice in the debate and resi- dents of Gleann an Oir appealed the

decision to An Bord Pleanala on the basis that it would “disturb the natu- ral environment and was not in keep- ing with the character of the area”.

They also claimed that there were no proposals to “deal with or mini- mise the impact of additional traffic in the vicinity of the proposed devel- ey eyeeto nian

Along with the residents appeal- ing the decision, Cllr Flynn also ap- pealed the ruling while Donnacha Minogue from Nenagh and Rod McAuliffe from Clarinbridge, Co Galway also lodged appeals.

Now, in a letter throwing question marks over the project, An Bord Pleanala wrote to the parties con- cerned to state that it is not satisfied that the proposed development might

not be a risk to public health through flooding, or exacerabte the risk of flooding on these lands.

The appeals board raised its con- cerns having regard to the proposed percolation area, the low-lying na- ture of the appeal site and the pattern of drainage in the area as well as its proximity to the Shannon estuary and associated flood embankments.

Responding to the letter, the coun- cil stated it carried out an assessment of the area and found that there was “sufficient land available to accom- modate an adequately sized percola- tion area or polishing filter”.

“The council’s decision in recom- mending a grant of permission was considered to satisfactorily address the shortfalls of the application.”

THE recent devastating job cuts an- nounced by Dell in Limerick will be brought into sharp focus in a com- prehensive economic strategy docu- ment currently being prepared in the mid-west region.

The Mid-West Regional Author- ity (MWRA), in conjunction with Shannon Development, Forfas, other regional agencies, the wider business community and Local Government, is preparing the Regional Economic Strategy for the Mid West.

According to Mr. Liam Conneally, Director of the MWRA, “The strat- egy document will provide a policy platform for the region’s economic development over the next decade and how it can position itself higher up the economic value chain. It is designed to inform and guide other agencies in jobs creation initiatives in the Limerick/Shannon gateway and wider mid-west region.”

Meanwhile, Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Develop- ment, said that “immediately, and over the medium term, we will be doing everything we can to enable Limerick and the regional economy recover from this severe blow”.

“These job losses will have a se- vere impact on the economy of this region. Shannon Development, as the regional development agency, will work with Dell and with the IDA and other relevant agencies and bodies, to assist in every way we can

in developing alternative options.” he Se nLGe

Meanwhile, Industrial Develop- ment Agency Chief Executive Barry O’Leary has downplayed Defence Minister Willie O’Dea’s claims that there could be 750 new Dell jobs in the company’s Limerick plant, say- ing it was “wrong to speculate about numbers. Minister O’Dea had said

the IDA was talking to Dell, and came up with a plan for a bid to cre- ate 750 jobs at the plant. We’re in dis- cussions with Dell about the Raheen facility.” he said.

And IBEC in the mid-west has called for the launch of a “business viability fund” to support enterprises exposed to the sterling currency cri- sis and worsening credit conditions.

“As the country’s largest exporter and the region’s largest employer, the decision to scale back operations comes as a hammer blow ,’ said IBEC Regional President Dr Maria

Hinfelaar.

, the low cost of la- bour in Poland was the main driving force behind the move. According to figures produced by top US econo- mist Dr Robert Kennedy, Ireland’s average wage, when calculate as pop- ulation divided by GDP, is €37,000

compared to just €8,190 in Poland.

According to the latest statistics available from the CIA’s World Factbook, Poland had _ industrial growth rate stands at nearly nine per cent – far in excess of that in Ireland. Despite this growth however, the un- employment rate still stands at 12.8 per cent with inflation less than two ome ale

Both these factors help to keep wages in Poland low compared to Ireland.

‘Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since 1990

and today stands out as a success story among transition economies,” said the CIA World Factbook.

“GDP has grown by an estimated 6.5 per cent, based on rising private consumption, a jump in corporate investment, and EU funds inflows. GDP per capita is still much below the EU average, but is similar to that of the three Baltic states.”

Meanwhile, an EU Commission in- vestigation into the €52 million pay- ment to Dell from the Polish govern- ment will commence this week.

The commission has doubts as to

its compatibility with the rules on regional aid for large investment projects and in particular needs to verify more closely the definition of the market for the products to be made at the plant, the extent of the increase in production capacity re- sulting from the investment and the extent to which demand for these products is in decline.

THE sale of defective cars to young people is at the root of many serious road crashes. That’s according to a Fianna Fail town councillor, who has urged car buyers to ask questions as to the history of the vehicle.

Shannon-based councillor Sean Hillery said a lot of cars are being sold, “but not in a legitimised way”. Faults in steering or brakes lead to bad accidents, he said.

“If you buy a car, it 1s supposed to be of a certain standard. There are a lot of terrible accidents. I see cars for sale in the middle of fields. Is that a proper way? Is that legal? I see other cars stuck on the side of the road and in parks for sale,” he said.

“Young lads today have money to go out and buy them. It doesn’t take a massive speed to kill you in a car. I don’t believe all these accidents are caused by drugs or drink. I believe there are other causes. These cars that are being sold don’t all have MOTs,” he added.

He said the onus on ensuring all cars on the road are roadworthy falls with both the buyer and seller of a car. ‘There was a time when there was a lot of cowboys around who would sell anything. I thought it was wiped out. I don’t think it 1s,’ he added.

While gardai in Clare say that the matter is not a major issue, however several car owners have been pros- ecuted for failing to have a national car test (NCT) disc displayed on their cars. Cars fail the NCT due to one or more defects. Gardai have the power to seize cars that do not have

an NCT three months after it should have been tested.

Meanwhile, the number of penalty points issued to Clare drivers has just topped the 10,000 mark.

Since the points were introduced six years ago, a net 10,021 were handed to drivers with Clare addresses. The gross figure of points issued is sig- nificantly higher than this, as points

are removed from licenses after three years.

Up to the end of December, five drivers had been disqualified from driving for six months each, having obtained 12 penalty points, while another 25 drivers are on the verge of being disqualified: 24 drivers have 10 points each, while one driver has 11 points.

The overwhelming majority of drivers – 7,/44 – have two points on their licenses. 1,484 drivers have four points, while 354 have six pen- alty points.

Speeding is the main offence for which drivers in Clare are getting points on their licenses, with almost 9,000 drivers caught for this offence.

Since the introduction of the of- fence in September 2006 of driving a vehicle while holding a mobile phone, 1,262 Clare drivers have been handed points for this.

Anyone caught using a mobile phone while driving faces a fine of €60 and two penalty points. Those who fail to pay the fine and end up with a conviction in court will re- ceive four penalty points and a fine of up to €2,000.

1,148 drivers have been penalised for failing to use their seat belts, while crossing continuous’ white lines, failing to obey traffic lights, failing to comply with traffic signs and driving without reasonable con- sideration have all resulted in dozens of points being amassed by Clare Cle Aone

Defective cars blamed for deaths

SUBSTANTIAL start up costs have resulted in a regional radio station, which has former Irish rugby captain Keith Wood amongst its directors and main shareholders, incurring losses of almost €1 million.

According to accounts recently returned to the Companies Office Spin South West, which broadcasts to the Shannon region, had accumu- lated losses of €996,341 at the end of 2007.

The station started broadcasting in the second half of 2007 and a spokes- man said yesterday that the accounts are for the initial six months of trad- ing and reflect the high set-up costs involved in launching a radio sta- tion.

“In our business plan submitted to the Broadcasting Commission of Ire- land (BCI), we anticipate losses for the first four years of trading, but we are confident we will not alone reach but exceed targets set out in that busi- ness plan given that we have already soared to the top in terms of listener- ship figures.

‘In the space of just twelve months , we became the number one listened- to radio station and top market share for 15 to 34 year olds in the region, which is unprecedented for newly launched stations and completely bucks the trend for regional radio stations.

“The 15 to 34 year old market is the biggest spending segment in so- ciety and the one the vast majority of

advertisers wants to reach. Because SPIN South West is already the dominant force in that sector in this region means we can look forward to a very bight future indeed.”

The accounts show that Kulla- loe man, Keith Wood has 200,000 Shares in the station and also sits on the board. Also on the board 1s chief executive of Clare FM, Liam O’Shea who owns 100,000 shares.

Other shareholders include the own- ers of Clare FM, Clare Community Radio Holdings plc, Communicorp Group Ltd, Stockbyte multimillion- aire, Jerry Kennelly, John O’Connor and Setanta Radio Ltd.

Spin South West beat off competi- tion from a consortium that included

Red FM from Cork that counted An- thony Dinan, the managing director of Thomas Crosbie Holdings which owns

IT’S days like this that Bunratty real- ly earn their badge as league leaders. A tricky away tie to newly promoted Bridge United, torrential rain, a driv- ing wind and treacherous underfoot conditions combined to thwart the form side of the division but through Sheer obstinance and determination, Bunratty dug in to complete their sixth successive league victory.

The key to the victory was strik- ing early and catching the home side cold. Bridge Utd have struggled to adjust to the top division this season but with a plethora of games in hand and coming into some decent form recently, they would have felt confi- dent in taking on the league leaders at home. Undoubtedly, their team talk would have consisted of keep- ing things tight in the early stages in order to frustrate Bunratty but that plan went out the window as early as the third minute when Con Collins stooped at the back post to guide a curling David Hogan free kick into the left corner of the net.

With Bunratty backed by a strong breeze, it was a sucker-punch for the home side who had to resort to long balls to their lively front pair- ing of Trevor Maxwell and Derek Fahy. Instead, Bunratty used the lead and wind advantage to control the midfield with Shane O’Connor pre- dominantly foraging alone up front as Peter Ballough dropped deep to make a midfield five. It worked well

as Ballough found space in the hole between United’s defence and mid- field but despite a 12th minute effort that went straight at goalkeeper Tuo- hy, the Oscar Traynor player often preferred to become provider rather than striker.

It took the home side 25 minutes to produce their first clearcut oppor- tunity but after a neat build up that saw playmaker Greg Deegan set up Tadgh Keogh at the edge of the box, the midfielder blazed his shot over the crossbar.

As the half wore on though, Bun- ratty began to up the tempo and it had to take some brave defending to keep them at bay. In the 34th minute, a Noel Collins inswinging corner had to be clawed away by goalkeeper Paul Tuohy and the subsequent shots were repelled by the Bridge defence. Then in the space of a minute, Bun- ratty had two efforts deflected to safety, first from Con Collins which ended up in Tuohy’s arms while the second from Shane O’Connor just squirmed wide of the right hand post for a corner.

Bridge Utd meanwhile had to de- pend on counter-attacks and right before half-time, the ball fell nicely to winger Geoffrey Flynn but his shot held up in the mud, much to the delight of Bunratty keeper Gary Mc- Gettrick.

The second half was a complete transformation as it was the home side who now had the advantage of the gale that blew towards the vil-

lage. They were also helped by the fact that Bunratty goalscorer Con Collins was substituted at the break and right winger Ryan Kelly soon followed after picking up a knock rN e base M atom Or nem

In fact, Bridge Utd could have equalised as early as the first minute when Greg Deegan’s free kick was spilled by McGettrick but neither Trevor Maxwell or Tadgh Keogh could reach the ball in time. It did give the home side confidence how- ever, and even though Bunratty did have a goal ruled off for offside, it was a rare attack in a sea of United EAU Ke

For all their endeavour though, the Sixmulebridge side’s final ball was repeatedly disappointing and Max- well and Fahy seemed to receive the ball in non-threatening areas and had to feed off scraps. There were several goalmouth scrambles but McGettrick was rather untroubled in goal and it led to increasing frustration for the home side.

In fact, for all Bridge Utd’s pressure, it was Bunratty who arguably creat- ed the best chances of the half, with Ballough the main threat. In the 63rd minute, his effort from distance went straight at Tuohy and twenty minutes later, he produced the best out of the Bridge goalkeeper with two succes- sive shots, the first from a free kick that was tipped over the bar and the second a stinging attempt from that set piece that made Tuohy scramble through the mud to save at the front

post. Substitue Christy Griffin also had a late effort saved but there was still time for one final opportunity for Bridge Utd when Derek Fahy re- ceived the ball at the edge of the area but his curling effort just evaded the top of the crossbar.

Bunratty’s relief was compounded by the news that Bridge Celtic had beaten second placed Lifford, thus Open up a seven point gap for the leaders at the summit. It’s still early days yet and their other rivals still have games in hand but if Bunratty can keep churning out results Ike this, it will be difficult to stop them.

ROCK Rovers moved to the top of the first division with a hard fought victory over Shannon Olympic on Sunday.

The two sides are level on 13 points apiece but Rovers sit top with two games in hand on their nearest ri- vals.

The win stretches Rock’s unbeaten league record to five games. It’s a

record Rock did well to keep intact after a tough and desperately hard fought game. This was a battle in every sense of the word, made so by the heavy, muddy conditions.

Following rain and the schedul- ing of a youths fixture on the same surface the night before, Olympics home ground resembled a mud bath, making any sort of lead all the more prized.

Leading 2-1 at half time, the visi-

tors extended their lead courtesy of Stephen Hickey’s 53rd minute pen- alty. Olympic hammered away in search of a breakthrough. It even- tually arrived with two minutes re- maining. Rock had just enough left in the tank to hold out.

The Clare Cup holders spent most of the first quarter on the back foot as Olympic made a fast start. Despite pinning Rock back inside their own half, Olympic created few clear cut

chances and were punished by their opponents on the break.

The energetic David Considine picked put Dean Gardiner on the left wing in the 22nd minute. Gardiner cut inside and he finished at the sec- ond time of asking to give Rock the lead.

The goal gave greater urgency to Olympic. The home side saw one low shot clatter against the post before scoring a deserved equaliser. Ray

Quigley created a yard just inside the 18-yard box and flashed a shot past Rock goalkeeper Leonard Keane.

With Hickey and particularly Marty McLoughlin in lively form upfront, Rock possessed a sharp cutting edge. McLoughlin was involved in teeing up Gardiner for Rock’s second goal, a powerfully struck shot from the edge of the area.

Rock will have been disappointed not to go in further ahead at the break. First, appeals for a penalty were waved away and later Hickey saw a goal disallowed for handball.

Olympic, playing with an attitude that augers well for the remainder of the season, made an excellent start to the second half and should have drawn level.

Shannon Olympic were denied by an outstanding save from Keane be- fore the rebound was fired over from close range.

The turning point arrived moments later. McLoughlin was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box from a Rock free kick. The decision was hotly contested by Olympic. Hickey buried the spot kick to make it 3-1.

Back came Olympic. Jason Regan linked well Richie Hanley and Ray Quigley, playing, at times, some ex- cellent football.

Rock had their own big perform- ers in defence in Shane Daniels and Keane. Rock’s rearguard was finally breached when Olympic scrambled home a late goal. 3-2 it ended. It’s getting tight at the top.

A CLARE businessman is leading Ireland’s biggest ever foreign trade mission to Asia – as he accompanies Taoiseach Brain Cowen for a week long mission in Japan.

Paul Neville, Managing Director of Ennistymon based company Data Display, arrived in Japan yesterday to research the Japanese concept of lean manufacturing.

The company, which employs some 130 people at it’s headquarters in En- nistymon, last week announced the opening of a new facility in Holland. The new 15,000 square foot factory in Rotterdam was opened in conjunc- tion with partners of the company, and will handle product distribution and maintenance.

In total, Data Displays now em- ploys 230 people in Ireland, Ameri- ca, France and Portugal.

Company founder and chairman, Kevin Neville, said that despite mak- ing a small operating loss in 2008 and reducing staff to a temporary four day week, that the order book is full for the year ahead.

“We are pretty well spread out which is a good thing but last year was difficult because of the weak dollar and the sterling situation. It 1s tight at the moment, there is no doubt about it but it going to be a very tough year,’ he said.

“We have always wanted to keep a broad base in places where we manu- factured and the markets that we sold

into. It was a grand plan to protect us against an economic slump. Of course all countries are suffering at the moment so it 1s very difficult to Aeros Lm

“Our aim has always been to spend more than 10 per cent of our turno- ver on research and development and that has worked as a good strategy so far.”

While much of the business from the business sector has dried up, Data Display has a number of large

contracts with national governments who will continue to invest in infra- structure during the downturn.

The company has deals with trans- port bodies worldwide, including an €8 million contract with the Nation- al Roads Authority to provide signs on all Irish motorways.

Data Display is also completing a major deal for signs in the French Metro system and has just completed work on a tram and railway system in Holland.

Although still a company director, Kevin retired as hands on manager of Data Display last year. The company is now being managed by his son Paul, while his daughter Anne Marie is head of sales.