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LOCAL councillors and Clare’s Dail representatives are to meet to high- light the growing pressures on the school system in Ennis.

Members called for private discus- sions with TDs from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael at last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council.

The main topic of discussion 1s likely to be the delays in approving new buildings for the town’s primary schools.

Feasibility studies for Ennis Na- tional School, Ennis CBS and Scoil Chriost Ri, Cloughleigh, were first carried out by the Department of Education in 1999.

Despite these studies all recom- mending extensive building accom- modation works, none have been or Neuere melvle

The Diocese of Killaloe at Ashline, Ennis, has provided a site for Ennis National School but the project has yet to receive the go-ahead from the Department of Education.

Staff and parents at Ennis Educate Together have also lobbied inten- sively for a permanent home for the school’s 165 students.

The school is currently located on the Gort Road. Children attend class- es in prefabricated classrooms.

“The conditions that students have to work under, in this day and age, are unacceptable, even in a time of recession,’ said Mayor of Ennis Pe- ter Considine.

Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said there was a need for four new school buildings in Ennis.

“It seems that in Ennis we are for- ever on the long finger. I wouldn’t like to see a political football made

out if this (meeting). We should all sit down together”, added Mr. Bren- ee

ClUlr Tom Glynn (FF), a teacher at Ennis National, warned cutbacks an- nounced in last October’s budget will seriously affect staffing levels.

“Schools will loose teachers. All schools in Ennis will be affected equally. The issue of new buildings has been going on for a long time now. There are too many pre-fabs in Ennis. With everything happening to the hospital and Shannon airport, the West is being let down’, he said.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said there were currently 71 prefabs being used as classrooms in Ennis, a situation he described as “appalling”.

Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said that despite the efforts of staff and par- ents, “There doesn’t seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel for En-

nis National”.

He added that new buildings were also needed for Ennis CBS. “We’ve been on the back foot for too long” said Cllr Neylon.

Cllr Mary Coote Ryan (FG) said the cutbacks would impact on all lev- els of education.

“It’s a disgrace to see al those pre- fabs in our schools. I think too that we’re inclined to forget about sec- ondary schools but they are in trou- ble also”.

Cllr Considine (FF) urged that the meeting with the TD’s be held in pri- vate. He said the possibility existed that if the meeting was open to the public, “it would evolve into a gov- CHeabeeteyslmoy-bsleupencam ser: 1Ke) sla

“We want them (TDs) to be unified in purpose and to approach this situ- ation collectively rather than politi- cally”, added Clir Considine.

THE number of people who died from suicide in Clare last year was almost double the number that died on the county’s roads over the same twelve month period.

Figures supplied by the Clare Coronor’s Office, show that 17 peo- ple died of suspected suicide in 2008 when nine people died in road traffic accidents.

The high number of suicides prompted a call for increased gov- ernment funding and action to ad- dress the problem from consultant psychiatrist, Dr Moosajee Bhamjee.

The number of road deaths last year was a drop of three on the previous year and Dr Bhamjee said that the same level of government awareness and action needs to be taken in rela- tion to suicide prevention as to road rN AYs

“The drop in the number of road deaths both in Clare and nationally shows what can be done when re- sources are dedicated to the issue. The same needs to happen in relation to suicide.”

The numbers taking their own lives in Clare remained unchanged from 2007 levels with twelve men and five women suspected of taking their own

lives in Clare last year.

Seven people under the age of 30 are suspected of taking their own lives, made up of three teenagers and four people in their twenties.

Four people in their 30s are sus- pected suicide victims while the highest proportion of people taking their own lives were in their 40s with Six cases in this age group.

The number of people who took their lives at the Cliffs of Moher last year were four, including one Czech national who travelled from his Irish home in Westmeath.

Eight of the suspected suicides oc- curred between June to the end of

August.

Commenting on the figures, Dr Bhamjee said more needs to be done to tackle the problem and for earlier inteventon. “There remains a high incidence of alcohol in the system of people who do commit suicide. There needs to be more awareness,” he said.

The former Clare TD said he 1s aware of at least three to four people that have been referred to the psychi- atric service after they were spotted by rangers at the Cliffs of Moher.

“The rangers have done a great job and there should be funding for more’, he added.

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.

that there has been no consultation with GPs in the county, who will be asked to take on extra responsibility as a result of the oe nee

“If casualty goes, there is an expec- tation that GPs will fill the gaps but no one has spoken to us to ask how this will be implemented. We feel we are not the appropriate people to become A and E doctors overnight,” he said.

He said insurance, manpower and qualifications won’t allow it and dis- puted the figures used by the HSE to change the 24-hour A and E service

to a 12 hour service to deal with m1- nor injuries.

According to the HSE, the average number of attendances between 8pm and 8am at Ennis A and E 1s 9.2 and of these many are self-referral who “would be more appropriately dealt with by GP out of hour services”. There 1s no indication if these figures are contemporary.

PUKE IE Noe Iioke) MORON eon cy ambulance calls in Ennis at night. While A and E will be transferred to Limerick, plans are also in place to transfer all surgical emergencies from July. The HSE said it is clos- ing the A and E service as the night numbers is so small.

The Ennis General Hospital Action Committee, who has campaigned against such an eventuality has de- scribed the plan as “a murderous pol- icy’ which will “sound a death knell to the ability of rural areas and pe- ripheral towns to attract investment and jobs into areas with restricted access to acute medical and surgical Services’.

‘The report is a missed opportuni- ty, containing very little primary re- search and recommendations which are based on inappropriately used Statistics.”

, 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 solicitor for a woman who had asked to be sent to jail in order to get treatment for her heroin addiction has now said that Limerick prison is ‘conducive’ to her habit.

The comments were made in the case of Cora Mulqueen, of Kin- cora apartments, Shannon, who has pleaded guilty to a number of charges under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

She pleaded guilty to altering a Department of Social and Family Affairs cheque and three other of-

fences, arising out of an incident in December 2007.

She spent a week in jail in Decem- ber, after her solicitor had requested this, in the hope that she could enter a detoxification programme.

However she was released after her solicitor told a court that no treat- ment was made available to her in the prison. She has remained on bail since.

Jenny Fitzgibbon, representing Mulgqueen, told Shannon District Court last Thursday that she wished to have the matter disposed of that day.

“She is under the care of Dr Bhamjee at the moment,” she said.

She said that her client was clean of heroin and while she suffered a set- back during the Christmas, “she feels if she goes back to Limerick prison she will go back on the heroin.”

“The environment is conducive to her habit,” she added.

The case was adjourned for two months for preparation of a proba- tion report and the accused was re- manded on continuing bail.

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

A WOMAN sustained a black eye after she was pushed down the stairs at her place of work in Kilrush, a court heard yesterday.

Arising out of the incident, Michael Sweeney (20), of Wood Road, Kil- rush, admitted assaulting Bernadette Adams at Leahy’s accountants in Kilrush, on April 6, 2006. He also admitted stealing a mobile phone from the office.

Garda Donal Corkery told Ennis Circuit Court that Ms Adams had been pushed down the stairs, after two youths had entered the office.

She sustained a black eye and suf- fered from headaches in the after- math of the incident.

Gda Corkery said the two young men appeared to have entered the of- fice – located upstairs – after they saw the door open and climbed the stairs. However he said that Sweeney’s character had improved significantly since the incident.

‘He’s not associated with the peo- ple he used to associate with. These people were his downfall,” he said.

Judge Carroll Moran told Sweeney he hoped he appreciated that the garda had been very fair to him.

He imposed a 12 month jail sen- tence and suspended it.