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SERIOUS questions have emerged as to the HSE’s commitment to the future of Ennis General Hospital as the long promised hospital upgrade has been put on the long finger.

Five months after planning was granted for the first phase of the €39 million upgrade, the HSE has still

not sent the plans to tender.

This week, the health service ad- mitted that the upgrade was depend- ent on the much feared Teamwork Report which was set up to review acute services in the mid-west. It also admitted that the plans for the hospital have been put on hold unless additional funding can be found.

A total of €39 million had been

included in last year’s capital budget for the project.

The HSE announcement flies in the face of reassurances made by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health before the last General Election.

Speaking in the Dail, Deputy Tim- my Dooley (FF) said, “Towards the end of last week, I was approached by a friend who works within the health

sector who advised me that the HSE has or is about to remove the planned upgrade at the Mid West Regional Hospital at Ennis from the national development plan of the HSE’s capi- tal works programme for 2007-11.”

He said that the HSE has tried to stop the development at every oppor- tunity by putting forward “the notion of value-for-money audits, cost-ben- efit analyses etc and has tried at every opportunity to block the project”’.

“What I want is a commitment that this project will go to tender this year. It is not acceptable to take mon- ey that is planned for the mid-west to use it to solve problems in Dublin,” he said.

Speaking during the same debate, Clare Deputy Pat Breen (FG) re- minded the Tulla TD that he was in government.

Meanwhile, the HSE released a statement that said it had submitted the 2008 capital plan to the depart- ment for approval.

“When the other acute priorities, which have no contractual commit- ments, are taken into account…there are some projects which will have to be delayed for a year or so or may have to be put on hold unless addi- tional funding can be identified or they can be substituted for another project in the plan.

“In the context of the capital fund- ing available this year, existing con- tractual commitments, competing national priorities and cash flow projections, the Ennis project is one such project.”

THE pupils attending a Shannon primary school have engaged in a project aimed at promoting active living in the local community.

The fifth and sixth class students at St Conaire’s school challenged them- selves to a project, in an effort to put something back into the community.

Helped by their teachers, the stu- dents participated in a project which highlights active living. Through the project, they raised €1,500 to provide a defibrillator for their local GAA club, Wolfe Tones na Sionna.

Teacher Audrey Cleary explained that the children were very keen to engage in the project.

“This project was initiated by the children, to show appreciation to their local club, in recognition of the commitment and dedication by the club members in engaging, mentor- ing and training the children,’ she PALO

The main fundraising initiative was a ‘sportathon’ which was or- ganised last week, during which the children participated in a variety of sporting activities over a number of hours. The children all got sponsor-

ship from their families, for the spor- ee eLOy OF

In addition to the sportathon the children of fifth and sixth classes recorded a selection of their own Christmas carols onto a CD and sold this locally.

“This entire challenge was a very worthwhile project. It generated a sense of achievement and fulfillment among the children while at the same time the sportathon promoted an awareness of a healthy lifestyle,” said Ms Cleary.

“The children’s efforts were whole- heartedly embraced and encouraged

by the families in the school commu- nity. The challenge was substantially supported and ensured the children achieved their target of raising €1,500. The Celtic Tiger may be a thing of the past, but the Celtic Wolf adorned in green and white is alive, active and spirited in Shannon,” she laughed.

“FOR first-time buyers, the property market has appeared more than a lit- tle overwhelming recently. However the misconception that the market has out-priced itself is now waning as a robust buyer’s market emerges,” said Liam Daly of Joseph Daly Prop- erty Partners.

He added, “The first-time buyer market has appeared to be particu- larly sensitive to changes in property prices, lending rates and the general feeling in the market.

‘However, with prices of some new and second-hand houses being cut by as much as 20 per cent and with rents in Ireland peaking at an all-time high in 2007, it makes sense for potential first-time buyers to now take that first step on the property ladder.”

He believes there has been “much scaremongering in the media of late which doesn’t actually translate when you look at the appropriate fig- ures. Cuts in interest rates and falling

house prices should be encouraging new buyers to feel optimistic again.

“Recent trends in the rental prop- erty market have seen more prop- erties become available yet rental property prices are not decreasing. Static house prices are delivering first-time buyers an opportunity to escape from the rent trap and get a firm foothold on the property lad- der,’ claimed Liam.

To assist first-time buyers in mak- ing the transition from tenant to homeowner, Property Partners has devised First Step, a guide aimed at buyers looking to purchase their first home.

The in-depth guide investigates such issues as house-hunting, or- ganising finance, mortgage options, expected costs, and includes a glos- sary of terms. Copies are available free by visiting the Property Partners Joseph Daly office or via the newly- launched Property Partners website at WwWww.propertypartners.ie or by phoning 065 6893257.

SHANNON International Airport has come under fire from Amnesty International, which has outlined how the Clare airport played its role in the extraordinary rendition of a Yemeni man.

The human rights organisation de- tailed how a plane, which transport- ed Khaled al-Maqtari from Baghdad where he was “arrested” to Kabul to a CIA “black site” prison, was refu- elled in Shannon just hours before.

Mr al-Magtari was held without charge in secret CIA prisons for over two and a half years.

Amnesty International Irish Section Executive Director Colm O’Gorman said, “There can no longer be any doubt that Shannon is being used by those involved in kidnapping and torture, dressed up as part of a war OE uKOe

“After nine days of interrogation in Abu Ghraib (Baghdad), Khaled al-Maqtari was taken by plane to a secret CIA detention facility in Af-

ghanistan, where he was held for a further three months. Flight records obtained by Amnesty International corroborated that a jet operated by a CIA front company left Baghdad International Airport nine days af- ter his arrest, heading for Khwaja Rawash airport in Kabul.

“This same jet, registered at the time as N379P, had left Shannon Airport on 20 January 2004 en route to Baghdad where it collected Mr al- Maatari,’ Mr O’Gorman said.

“In essence, Shannon was used as

a refuelling stop by the individuals who ‘disappeared’ Mr al-Maatari to Kabul. It is clear that Ireland serves as a Staging area for these kinds of operations, which constitute some of the worst kinds of human rights abuses,” he said.

Amnesty International called in the Irish Government to put in place a system to monitor flights through Shannon and a regime of inspections to ensure that Ireland was not being used to facilitate kidnapping and tor- ture.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern said the Government was totally opposed to the practice of extraordinary ren- eb TaCeyen

The Government said it was satis- fied with specific assurances from the US authorities, including from US President George W Bush and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, that no prisoners had been trans- ferred through Irish airports, nor would they be without Irish Govern- ment permission.

through the Freedom of Informa- tion Act show that a commitment to provide €20 million over five years was deleted from two earlier drafts and did not appear in the final plan that was published in January.

Drafts circulated within Govern- ment in September and December stated, “It is intended to provide ad- ditional funds, over and above ex- isting commitments in the National Development Plan, of €20 million over five years, for a targeted Tour- ism Ireland-led overseas marketing campaign for the wider catchment of Shannon airport from Kerry to Don- egal.”

However, the line was deleted from the plan that was published in Janu- ary. It is not clear why. However, a senior Department of Tourism offi- cial pointed out in an internal memo in November, “In estimates discus- sion with the Minister for Finance, I understand that there has been a pos- itive indication of funds for a special marketing push for the area in 2008, which, as you recall, featured in the plan considered by Government.

“However, there 1s no commitment from Finance for a multi-annual programme. In the circumstances, we are operating on the basis that approval for such marketing pro- gramme has to be obtained in the context of a Government decision on the wider plan.”

The strongest statement that the Minister for Tourism, Seamus Bren-

nan could make on the funding of the plan was in an accompanying press release last January when he said, “This initiative amounts to an anticipated €15 to €20 million over the next few years and will be imple- mented by Tourism Ireland.”

The plan was ready for publication last July with the department making plans to translate the plan into Irish.

It is not clear why it was delayed since not all records were released. The delay in publishing the plan also led to concerns within the De- partment of Tourism. In an internal memo last January, a senior official stated, “In the absence of any an- nouncement about the ‘plan’, there is a clear vacuum on the ground. This will be and is being filled by ad-hoc

eroupings driven by various organi- sational agendas.

“Despite all of the talk in the latter part of last year about the need to be nimble and innovative, there is little evidence of any new thinking from those who shout loudest about the need for it.

“Surveying the scene as it currently exists, I have little doubt that we will, within the very near future, see some other ‘group’ make a pitch for control of the marketing moneys.

They will, almost certainly, pro- duce their own marketing plan and demand funding for it.

In the absence of a decision to re- lease the funds and let TI get on with their job of putting together a cam- paign, in consultation with the in- dustry, the forces of incoherence will just gather momentum.

“The budget was about six weeks ago. That gave us the funds. What we don’t have is the green light to go spend them. this delay is most unfor- tunate. We have lost the winter. We stand to lose the spring also.

“With the best will in the world, it will be mid to late February before we can Start to roll out campaigns in the US. Given the loss of time, what we may end up doing there is seek- ing to build, incrementally, demand for travel next winter.

IT’S a well-known saying but now one Ennis man has found a way for married couples to physically tie the knot.

Sean O’Shaughnessy designed the Ennis wedding knot and is hoping that his idea will become part of wedding tradition.

The design is made up of a centre knot known as a true lover’s knot or cross knot or the shamrock knot.

This is encircled by a ring of twelve knots known as knots of faithful love and eternal friendship.

The last knot is made up of two

half-knots which, when the cords are pulled, unite to complete the circle.

Sean, a crafts enthusiast, had the idea after he went to the wedding of ARU(ONCe

“I got to thinking about the ceremo- ny and I suppose the whole thing of tying the knot and I though it would be nice for couples to have a way of physically tying the knot. It could be part of the wedding ceremony. It could be used to mark wedding anni- versaries. It’s quite a romantic thing and people see the knot in different FA

There has already been interest in Sean’s design from couples in Clare,

Mayo and Galway.

The knot is assembled and hand designed by Sean at his home in To- bartascain, Ennis. The knot itself is placed within a wooden frame. Some couples are looking for customised designs, with one Galway couple asking for the knot to be designed in the colours of their local GAA club.

‘There has been a good response. Everybody I have talked to about it so far has been impressed with it. We’ve got about 12 sold already and I’ve had people from Mayo and Gal- way asking about it. At the moment, there are only a few types and de- signs, but we are going to have cus-

tomised designs. Some people are looking for diamonds, or to have a silver case. I’ve had one couple who heard about it, and want it done in their club’s colours.”

Sean hopes that his design will, over time, develop a similar reputa- tion to the world-famous Claddagh Ring. “It would be great if it became as well known as the Claddagh ring in the future. It would be a great thing for Ennis. It’s been popular so far, so hopefully that will continue.”

DOONBEG Golf Club has recorded sales of luxury suites totalling €68.8 million, it emerged yesterday.

The latest accounts for the US- owned Doonbeg Golf Club show that an operating loss of €2.9 million was recorded.

This has resulted in an accumulat- ed loss of €18 million. The company has received a capital contribution of €66 million.

In a statement yesterday, the club Stated, “Our enthusiasm for the future of Doonbeg Golf Club is mirrored by the 65 individuals who have to date purchased suites totalling €68.8m at Doonbeg. Indicative of the demand for these suites, even in the current climate, has been the closing of three sales in the past 30 days.

“The €2.9m ‘loss’ as stated in the annual corporate accounts for 2006, reflects continued investment into the facilities, the future and our ex- oo aCeI Dene Rm

“During 2006, Doonbeg Golf Club employed over 240 staff in the high season, of which 120 are full-time personnel. With our first year of operations in 2007, however, these numbers increased marginally.”

The accounts show that the size of the golf club’s business has increased from €27 million in 2005 to €39 million in 2006, resulting in gross profit increasing from €5 million to €11 million.

The accounts also show that staff costs dramatically increased in 2006

when €4.5 million was paid out, compared to €1.8 million in 2005.

According to the club, “Golf activ- ity remains very strong, with over 20,000 rounds played in 2006 and a 15 per cent increase to almost 24,000 rounds in 2007.”

For 2007, operating revenues have increased over 30 per cent. Our in- vestment in the facilities and our commitment to the future has con- tinued strongly.

“Currently we are in the final plan- ning stages for a 14,000 sq.ft.con- ference and banqueting facility that upon completion – which is antici- pated for 2010 – will be a wonderful addition to the existing facilities and which will afford us the opportunity to take on the many largescale func-

tions such as weddings and large dinners about which we are continu- ously being contacted.”

The statement continues, “2006 was an extremely important year for Doonbeg Golf Club and its US com- pany, Kiawah Development Partners (K DP). May 2006 saw the successful opening of The Lodge, Doonbeg’s first 47 suites, the Longroom restau- rant, Darby’s pub, the Whitehorses Spa and the golf club member ar- Crh

The company points out that the overall investment in the project, including the club, resort and suite facilities, is approaching €150 mil- lion.

THE new €2.7 million extension to Cahercalla Community Hospital of- ficially opened its doors in Ennis on JDulerne

The development at Cahercalla Community Hospice and Nursing Home will bring the number of beds at the facility to 129, consisting of 103. nursing home/convalescence beds; lO hospice beds, seven set- down hospice beds and nine beds for the day surgery and out-patients clinic.

The facility provides a_ state-of- the-art hospice unit with 10 private rooms, social space looking out onto gardens, a family room which can provide overnight accommodation for relatives of patients and a kitchen.

Ten further beds are being pro- vided for the nursing home and the seven beds, which previously served as hospice beds, are now to be used as step-down hospice beds.

The extension was officially opened by Minister for Older People, Maire Hoctor.

Paying tribute to the dedication of

all volunteers who contributed to the project, Ms Hoctor said the extension could only serve to enhance Caher- calla’s already excellent reputation. She said, “I would like to acknowl- edge the generosity in terms of time and money invested by all those in these fundraising activities. I am deeply impressed by the commit- ment and dedication of all those working here. I congratulate each and every one of you involved in this development. The increased capacity will allow Cahercalla to build on its good name and, most importantly,

enhance its caring role and make a difference to the lives of even more individuals and families.”

Demand for hospice care has been a key feature of the growth of the hospital and its services. In 1999, the number of hospice admissions was 50 and that figure had risen to 70 per year by 2002. To date, over 1,000 people have received hospice care at Cr toerlee

Fr Harry Bohan, Chairman of the Board of Directors said Cahercalla Community Hospital said, “A com- munity 1s looking after its own by

providing within reach services for our ailing and old. The quality of the services here at Cahercalla 1s re- flected in the number of admissions from counties Sligo, Mayo, Kerry, ANIC Me Blo) oo e-v as

Cahercalla is chosen because pa- tients can be treated faster than in their own areas. So the process at Cahercalla is easing the waiting lists pressures on other areas.”

Built by O’Brien’s Builders of Mil- town Malbay, construction started on the extension in November 2006 and was completed in December 2007.

THE people of north Clare are being offered the chance to take advantage of the newly refurbished community space in Kilfenora.

The newly upgraded Kilfenora Community Centre will be formally re-opened this Friday evening and the centres committee is inviting lo- cal people along to see what the cen- tre has to offer.

“We already have badminton, set dancing, youth club, music, trad for teens, step dancing and we have the fitness club. There is lots on already but if anyone out there is interested in any other activities the should get in contact with myself or any mem- ber of the committee and we’d love

to help out,’ said chairperson, Pat aerator

“We also have a long tradition of boxing here in the hall. It’s been going here for years and they have achieved a lot of success over that apes lone

The hall committee has secured a number of grants for the hall, most notably a €30,000 grant from Clare County Council through the Com- munity Capital Scheme and has un- dergone fundraising activities.

The hope now is that the venue can become self financing before the end of the year.

‘We have done well with the grants and got some help from the local businesses. Our main fundraiser for the hall is our bring-and-buy sale

which takes place at Christmas. We use that to finance insurance, light and heat costs,” continued Pat.

“We hope that the hall can become self financing by the end of this year. We are looking at introducing a nom- inal fee, maybe a euro per head per hour, which would cover the basics of heat and light. Hopefully, if we get enough people involved we wont need to go fundraising anymore, it will be able to fund itself.”

Local councillor, Joe Arkins (FG) said the council funding was partly as a result of an increase in social hous- ing in the area over recent years.

“The hall at Kilfenora was badly in need of upgrading and is used by many orginisations in the commu- nity. The north Clare area committee

considered a number of worthwhile proposals. The members agreed on the Kilfenora proposal because it clearly met the criteria of the Social and Community Capital Scheme,” he said

The hall will be officially reopened this Friday, March 14, at 7pm. Any- one interested in organising or taking part in activities in the hall should contact Pat Keane on 086 8127903.

AN elderly man, who was seriously injured in a fire at his home near Feakle last week, has died in hospital in the second fatal house fire in the county in less than week.

Brendan McNamara (73) of Magh- erabawn, Feakle died at University College Hospital Galway on Friday evening from injuries he sustained in a fire at his home last weekend. Mr McNamara was related to a 79 year woman who died in a fire at her home near O’Callaghans Mills last Wednesday night.

WZ Da CONE Reekcverc MUI e-DDaUsLO mB ODRCMB DONEC ries as he was trying to light the fire in his living room possibly using a flammable liquid. The fire got of control setting the pensioner’s cloth- ing alight. He was rushed to Ennis General Hospital for treatment but was later transferred to UCHG where he passed away on Friday evening – almost a week after the incident.

Mr Namara was a cousin of Mary ‘Molly’ Carey who died after she

reportedly re-entered her burning home at Clonloum House, O’ Cal- laghans Mills last Wednesday and attempted to extinguish the fire her- self. She was overcome by smoke and died at the scene.

The popular local woman is sur- vived by two sons and a daughter. A week before her death, she was elect- ed President of the O’ Callaghans Mills Fianna Fail cumann.

Mr McNamara’s funeral took place yesterday (Monday) following 11.30 mass at St Mary’s Church in Feakle. Both victims lived just 18 kilometres from each other.

Local councillor Pat Hayes said, “We were shocked by Molly Carey’s death on Wednesday but to hear of the passing of Brendan McNamara at the weekend is a double tragedy for both communities and their fami- lies. Brendan was a great traditional singer and would travel to many of the regular local sessions. He par- ticipated in the Feakle Traditional Music Festival and everyone looked forward to his singing.