Category: News

DOUBTS were raised this week over the readiness of the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Ennis to cope with an outbreak of the deadly human form of the Bird Flu virus.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) failed to provide answers to a number of questions put to it by The Clare People .

A spokesperson for the HSE in the Mid-West was unable to provide answers to any of the questions and indicated that it would be unlikely that anyone representing the hospital would be willing to provide any general status report on the readiness at Ennis General Hospital.

At the time of going to print, no response had been forthcoming from the hospital, or the HSE.

The questions which were put to the HSE were: what plans (if any) are in place in Ennis General Hospital in the event of an outbreak of Bird Flu in Clare, how much vaccine (if any) has been pre-ordered for Ennis, how many staff members will be given the vaccine, how many will not; when is the vaccine due to arrive in Ennis and what plans (if any) are in place in Ennis General Hospital in the event of a case of the H5N1 being found in a human in Clare?

The Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, last month announced the pre-ordering of some 400,000 doses of an experimental vaccine against the H5N1 strain. This vaccine, which is as yet unlicensed, has been earmarked for the inoculation of 200,000 health care professionals in the case of an outbreak of Bird Flu in Ireland.

However, it is not yet clear which health care professionals will receive the vaccine and which will not. It is also unclear when the vaccine will be delivered.

A spokesperson for the Office of Emergency Planning, whose role it is to co-ordinate and oversee the work of Government Departments in emergency planning, told The Clare People that the office’s chairperson, Minister for Defence, Willie O’Dea, was satisfied with the current level of preparation.

However, the spokesman would not provide any details on the nature of these preparations.

“Minister O’Dea has chaired a meeting recently on the readiness of the Departments of Health and Agriculture and he is very happy with the overall preparations,” the spokesman said.

CLARE County Council has been hit with yet another notification of non-compliance by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their management of the Inagh landfill.

It is understood to be the tenth such notice that the council has received since the landfill opened in September 2002.

At last night’s March council meeting, the Council’s Director for the Environment, Ger Dollard told councillors that the council was to contest the notification with the EPA because it lacked sufficient grounds.

The EPA’s move followed the instituting of High Court proceedings by residents, in a bid to have the facility shut down. They’re also seeking damages. Mr Dollard didn’t reveal the details of the non-compliance, but commenting on the High Court action, he said it was unfortunate that it had gone to court.

“The Council has put in place a huge number of measures at the facility to ensure that it is operated to the highest standard.”

The level of waste being disposed at the landfill has plummeted with possible ramifications for the Council’s Environment budget. Mr Dollard said that the rate of tonnage at the landfill this year was operating at 42 per cent of its capacity.

This was due to the additional options waste collectors had in disposing of waste at alternative landfill, he said. Mr Dollard said that the drop in waste being deposited at the landfill “will have huge financial implications”.

THE number of people travelling the train line between Ennis and Limerick went up by almost one quarter last year, according to new figures.

A total of 56,000 people used the service last year, up from 45,000 in 2004, according to the figures released by Iarnród Éireann. Passenger numbers on the Ennis to Dublin route increased by 5.7 per cent. Overall passenger numbers from Ennis last year went up by 15 per cent.

“We are very pleased with the increase in numbers. The services are doing very nicely,” said Iarnroíd Éireann’s Business Development Manager for the Mid-West, Jim Gallivan.

However, Mr Gallivan said there were no plans to double capacity by carrying out works to allow trains go in both directions at the same time.

“We will live with what we have at the moment.”

Mr Gallivan confirmed that the company had lodged a proposal with the Department of Transport to allow for the re-opening of the EnnisAthenry rail-link.

That will allow train services from Galway to Ennis, Limerick and Cork.

“We are awaiting a response and we are hopeful that work will start on the track at some stage this year,” he said.

Mr Gallivan also confirmed that the upgrading of rail facilities would take place at Ennis train station in the next two months.

Green Party councillor, Brian Meaney, welcomed that increase.

“The rail-link with Limerick has improved progressively each yeah. They need to apply the same logic to the development north of Ennis and I am concerned that there is foot-dragging from the Department of Transport over the issue.

“The recent economic report anticipating that there will be a doubling in the number of cars means that we have to look at more seriously the need for a public transport system.

Fine Gael deputy, Pat Breen said that the figures showed that the public would use good services, especially because the roads were gridlocked everywhere.

“When the new coaches are provided for the service, it will become even more attractive. This is good news and the Government must now very quickly finance the upgrading of the Ennis-Athenry line.”

The upgraded Ennis to Limerick service was opened in December 2003 after a €12 million spend over three years, in a bid to return the 24mile line to mainline standard.

THE LIFE of a much-loved Tulla man was celebrated at a night in his honour and the honour of brave searchers who spent 10 days looking for him.

Members of the Doolin coastguard, friends, neighbours and workmates gathered in Tulla at the invite of the family of tragic Joe O’Callaghan.

Joe and his two pals, Mick Doran from Broadford and Martin Griffin from Ennis, died when the jeep in which they had been travelling, went over the cliffs at Doolin on October 31.

At the weekend, the bereaved Tulla family organised an evening to raise money for the Doolin rescue service and “to thank all of the people who helped in the search and people who were so good to our family then and since,” said Joe’s sister, Arda.

Last Wednesday would have been Joe’s 35th birthday and the family decided to hold the fundraiser as close to the date as possible.

“We couldn’t possibly go round and thank all of the people individually who helped us, so this is a way of saying thank you and of celebrating Joe,” said Arda.

She revealed that during the terrible search for Joe’s body, helpers travelled from as far away as Barretstown Children’s Camp in Meath, where the young Tulla man volunteered to help sick children by building a pet farm for them.

“Joe’s girlfriend, Louise, is a camp director there and he worked there. They came down by bus and went back at night, then another bus-load arrived each day. People came from Cork as well. Local people were also fabulous. They joined the search and they kept calling to my family, even after it was all over.”

Among the prizes won at Saturday night’s event was a €1,000 spot prize donated by Browne Brothers Landscaping in association with Geaney in West Cork and weekends away, courtesy of Lynch hotels.

A MAN who admitted handling stolen property has been warned by a judge that he may face a six-month jail term.

At Ennis District Court, Mark Mooney (29), of Cahercalla Estate, Ennis, pleaded guilty to handling stolen property in the carpark of the social welfare office, Kilrush Road, Ennis, on December 15 last.

Mooney also appeared on a charge of interfering with a car in the carpark on the same date. Inspector Michael Gallagher said the accused was arrested a short time after gardaí received a report that a man was interfering with a car. He pleaded guilty to handling stolen property, on the same date. The court heard that when arrested, he had the stolen property on him.

Defending solicitor, Tara Godfrey, said her client had significant addiction difficulties, going back a number of years. She said he had suffered from depression and was dependent on prescription drugs.

He is attending Sláinte, on the recommendation of psychiatrist, Dr Moosajee Bhamjee. Ms Godfrey asked for an adjournment, for Dr Bhamjee’s report to be compiled. Judge Joseph Mangan agreed and said, “my intention is six months imprisonment. I doubt very much Dr Bhamjee is going to change my mind in any way.”

A MAN who gardaí say went on a 10day crime spree has been remanded in custody after a court heard a fear that he would re-offend if granted bail.

Patrick McNamara (29), from Miltown Malbay and with an address at Lisdeen, Kilkee and also of no fixed abode, appeared before Kilrush District Court, facing five charges.

He pleaded guilty to trespass, at Kilkee Bay Apartments, on March 21 last; trespass at Cunningham’s caravan park, Kilkee in January; and with entering Matt Lernihan’s garage as a trespasser and stealing €36 of petrol at Cree, Kilkee, on March 17 last.

He also admitted driving without insurance at Ennis Road, Kilrush, on March 19.

Detective Garda Michael McDonagh said the accused broke into an apartment at Kilkee Bay Apartments on Saturday, March 18 last and made it his own to live in.

In January, McNamara entered a mobile home at Cunningham’s caravan park and made it a place of abode.

He forced open a lock on a door at Lernihan’s garage in Cree, turned on the mains for petrol and filled the car with €36 of petrol before leaving the scene, on March 17.

The court was told McNamara had 25 previous convictions, including convictions for deception and false pretences and several for motoring offences.

Det McDonagh said the accused was “on a serious crime spree.”

“I believe Mr McNamara has serious problems, one of the most serious problems of any individual I have come across. Something is amiss there . . . he admits his crimes and then goes out and commits more crime,” said the garda, who added that “more serious charges” would be brought against him.

“He is living off his wits and in relation to the people of west Clare, he is committing crime after crime,” he added.

“I do believe the way he is at the moment, he will re-offend.”

“He has kept us very busy for the last 10 days in Kilrush. It is one thing after another. If he goes out again he will re-offend. There is no doubt in my mind,” he said.

His solicitor, John Ryan, said this case centred on a housing need. He said his client has made efforts to secure accommodation in west Clare.

Judge Joseph Mangan remanded him in custody to appear again in court later this week for various reports on him to be heard.

THE Health Service Executive (HSE) has advertised to recruit a GP for Quin, allaying fears that the area would be left without a permanent local doctor.

The HSE has decided the post is viable, even though the previous GP had only 76 medical card patients on her panel.

Last year, Dr Eileen Hassett retired from her post and the time taken by the HSE to replace her raised fears locally that she was not to be replaced.

Since Dr Hassett’s retirement, a locum doctor has provided services to the thriving village. The HSE is due to shortly hold interviews for the post. Deputy Mayor of Clare County Council and Quin-based councillor, Sonny Scanlan (FG), welcomed the move.

“It is very important that Quin holds onto its permanent doctor so I’m delighted that the HSE has advertised for the position.

“The last few months have been the first time in living memory that Quin has been left without a permanent doctor. There has been a massive increase in the population of Quin in the past 12 months and there is a definite need for a permanent doctor and a chemist, as I believe that Quin is one of the few villages in Clare without a chemist.”

Already, over the past decade, two other Clare villages, Quilty and Crusheen, have lost their GPs.

According to a HSE statement, “the GP in Quilty retired from his position on June 30, 1994. As his panel list was small, it was decided not to fill the position and the patients were given the opportunity to choose another GMS Doctor in the area. Most of the patients transferred to the doctors in Doonbeg, Kilmihil and Miltown Malbay”.

In relation to Crusheen, the HSE statement stated that “the arrangement some years back was that one of the doctors in Ennis provided medical services from a centre in Crusheen and, following his retirement, the doctor in Tulla continued with this arrangement. However, as the numbers attending were very small, the doctor, with the approval of the Health Board, discontinued the arrangement.”

Most Crusheen patients now seek treatment in Ennis and Tulla.

IT WAS close but when the winner was finally confirmed another World Championship gold medal was on its way to Whitegate.

26 year old Derek Malone produced the race of his life to win gold at the International Paralympic Committee World Indoor Games in Bollnas, Sweden last weekend. The Clare man edged out Russian rival Valerij Stepanskoy in a thrilling climax to the 400 metres, classes 36/38 event, in a winning time of 55.89 seconds. Trailing for the first 200 metres, Malone dug deep to snatch victory on the finishing line. The closeness of the finish ensured there were a few anxious moments as the race officials deliberated over the photo finish.

“It was very tight,” said Derek. “I was behind for the first part of the race and I just took it on the very last stride. There was a photo finish and the officials were checking just to make sure that no one had broken the line or anything. It was a relief.”

The IPC World Indoor Games at Bollnas is the first global indoor IPC athletics competition. It offers Paralympic athletes an opportunity to compete in winter as well as summer and is a step towards periodisation, where athletes try to peak twice a her mother, Mary, says that the plucky youngster never complains. “She would love to be able to go out with her friends but she can’t do those things. But if I’m low, she’s the one who tells me it will be all right. She never complains – she just says she’s fine.”

Having to watch her diet closely means that Sara can’t eat anything with a high salt content and she is restricted in a range of foods.

“I’d love to eat a packet of Tayto,” she told the Clare People “one of the hardest things is having just one night a week where I don’t have to be on the machine.” year instead of just once.

Having devoted most of his training to preparing for the outdoor season and in particular the World Outdoor championships in Holland this September, the weekend’s victory was an extra bonus for Derek, who usually competes in the 800 metres.

“I have dropped down to 400 for this season and so far my progress has been okay. but I would be looking to improve,” said Derek.

His latest title adds to an already bulging medal cabinet that includes a silver medal from the 2003 European Championships, two gold medals from the 2001 World CP Championships and a bronze medal won at the 1998 World Championships.

Derek’s mother Anne said she was immensely proud of her son’s latest achievement.

“I’m delighted, he has worked so hard and he has put his life on hold to compete. It’s wonderful to see the hard work pay off. You could never tell him not to do anything because he will just go out and do it,” beamed Anne.

Now Derek has his eyes firmly on the 2008 Beijing Paralympic games. His success could have knock on benefits for other athletes with dreams of competing at the highest sporting level. Sara has been on the transplant list for 18 months and needs an adult kidney, but she is also an uncommon blood group, making a donor organ even more difficult to get.

As well as the ten hours a day of home treatment, Sara has to travel to Dublin regularly for specialised blood tests and this means leaving home at 5.30am and not getting back until around 8.30pm, when she has to get hooked up to the machine.

Her mother explains that the whole family would benefit if Sara got a kidney. “We can’t think about taking a holiday. Even on a day out, we have to be ready in case a call comes. We don’t think too far down the road but we know it could be much worse.”

CLARE County Council has expressed serious concern over contentious plans for a €25 million housing development in Kilkee, because they don’t include enough houses.

The council has told developers Paddy Madden, Barry Madden and Jerry O’ Sullivan that the 60 homes planned for Dough, Kilkee aren’t enough. There must be greater density before their proposal gets the green light.

Council Planners have pointed to a policy that requires developers to make maximum use of land in an appropriate manner, in order to encourage a more sustainable pattern of development.

Twenty-five units per hectare is the minimum allowed.

The Dough plan had already run into local opposition. One local woman, Martha McGreen, warned the council that Kilkee was “losing the very charm that had made it so popular over the years”.

The town was losing its identity, she claimed.

She questioned how locals could afford to buy in Kilkee, or build there with the current zoning restrictions.

Independent town councillor, Dr Tom Nolan, has raised similar concerns and has called for developers to be obliged to provide social and affordable housing in the area.

“The sad truth is that local people can and never will be able to live in Kilkee unless developers are compelled to provide social and affordable housing in the area.

“No infrastructure, either social or essential, has been provided for the surge of holiday homes in Kilkee and it is not sustainable. Why doesn’t someone shout stop?”

Apart from the housing density of the Dough proposal, the council states that it has serious concerns for pedestrian safety and the piecemeal approach to the overall development of the land.

“Accordingly, the council is not favourably disposed to grant permission as it stands.”

However, planners add that the “council may be favourably disposed towards an overall comprehensive development of the entire lands zoned for residential housing”.

The applicants have six months in which to respond to the council’s request for further information.

THE annual Organ Donor Awareness Week campaign begins on April 1 with the aim of encouraging people to carry an organ donor card and give the gift of life.

There are currently more than 550 people in Ireland awaiting life saving organ transplant operations. “The amount of operations performed is dependent on the goodwill of the public and their decision to carry an organ donor card,” a spokeswoman for the Irish Kidney Association said.

On January 1 of this year, there were 1,364 people on dialysis with almost 1,150 of these on dialysis in hospital and 220 on dialysis which is conducted from the home.

In 2005, more than 200 lives were extended and saved by organ transplantation including heart, liver, kidney, pancreas and lung. In 2005, there were 129 kidney transplants, of which two were living transplants, as compared with 147 kidney transplants in 2004.

For the second year in a row there has been a record number of liver transplants with 57 being recorded in 2005 as compared with 45 in 2004. There was an increase in the number of heart transplants last year with 11 taking place in 2005 and just 7 in 2004. Eight lung transplant operations were performed on Irish patients last year, 3 of which took place for the first time in Ireland and the remaining, 5, in the UK. Five pancreas transplant operations took place in 2005 and these were done in conjunction with kidney transplants.

This donor card campaign is organised by the Irish Kidney Association, the national organisation which distributes the organ donor card in Ireland and promotes the welfare of kidney patients.