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AS BRITISH authorities downgrad- ed the chance of any further spread of foot and mouth to ‘very low’ over the weekend, the Irish Farmers As- sociation (IFA) has attacked the Irish Army for it’s use of Brazilian beef. Many in the farming community believe that contaminated Brazilian beef was to blame for the foot and mouth outbreak in the UK and have called for an outright EU wide ban on imported beef from South America. The IFA’s National Livestock Chairman, John Bryan, described as ‘a disgrace’ that the Irish Army pro- vide imported Brazilian beef to Irish soldiers on duty. “Livestock farmers

will be appalled that this is happen- ing and that Brazilian beef is being brought in the back door by the State to feed our troops. It 1s incredible to think that a British trading company is allowed supply the Irish Army with Brazilian beef.”

“T have to seriously question the Army’s purchasing policies. From IFA’s investigations in Brazil, we know their production standards do not meet EU requirements.

‘“T am therefore calling on the Min- ister for Defence, Willie O’Dea, to order an immediate investigation of this embarrassing revelation. The Department of Defence must ur- gently review the specifications for Army food procurement contracts to

ensure proper standards and quality assurance, and that Irish suppliers are well placed to fill contracts with meat of Irish origin.”

The use of Brazilian beef by the Irish Army was discover by IFA Livestock Vice-Chairman, Michael Doran, who joined in calls for an in- vestigation. “As a livestock farmer, I was disgusted to find out that the State was involved in purchasing Brazilian beef,” he said.

Meanwhile, across the water tests on three location where foot and mouth had been suspected all re- turned negative last week.

Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo in Surrey, a farm in Romney Marsh, Kent, and a meat processing

plant in Merthry, south Wales, were given the all-clear by British Gov- ernment scientists on Thursday

Temporary control zones restrict- ing the movement of livestock in the areas have been lifted.

One Scottish man is claiming to have already lost thousands because his famous ‘dancing sheep’ have been unable to perform as a result of restricted movement.

Stuart Barnes was on tour in Scot- land wide with ‘the Sheep Show’ when the outbreak happened.

The show, described as ‘an educa- tional 30-minute show which fea- tures dancing sheep doing The Hus- tle’, has been grounded as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak.

FINE GAEL leader, Enda Kenny is due to visit Clare next week to dis- cuss the Shannon crisis with party representatives.

Fine Gael’s western parliamentary party members and Clare councillors are meeting in the Park Inn today to formulate their response to the situ- ation.

“We are planning a private mem- bers motion for the return of the Dail,” said Deputy Pat Breen.

“This study group is a typical Ber- tie quick-fix solution. We had a re- view group set up after Open Skies was announced and, a year on, that report is still lying on a desk.

“Not one euro has been spent in preparation for Open Skies,’ said Do etiaa isore

Fine Gael Deputy Joe Carey said the Taoiseach’s intervention “‘illus- trates his lack of understanding of the issue. I believe the only solution is to re-instate the Shannon-Heath- row slots. Connection to hubs such as Paris and Amsterdam, while wel- come, would not address this issue. These connections would not be financially viable for an airline to operate and would not provide the required frequency for the business traveller’.

Deputy Carey has also called for the Cabinet meeting of August 29 to meet in Shannon, as a sign of the

Government’s commitment to the re- ion.

“If the Cabinet met here in Shannon next week, they could hear directly from those affected by the decision by Aer Lingus to remove the Shan- non-Heathrow slots.”

Meanwhile, Independent MEP, Marian Harkin has questionned the strategy behind the retention of the Government share in Aer Lingus if it was “not prepared to act when an action by Aer Lingus seriously dam- aged the economic and social fabric of an entire region”’.

She added that the “Government’s continued refusal to pressure Aer Lingus on the Shannon issue begs the question as to whether its share

in Aer Lingus is merely a blocking mechanism to be used in the event of a take over bid”.

A meeting of Fianna Fail politi- cians in Shannon last week called for the Government to take whatever ac- tion has the best chance of restoring the slots to Shannon.

Junior Miunister, Tony Killeen, who attended the meeting, said that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Trans- port Minister, Noel Dempsey are “extremely annoyed at the manner in which Aer Lingus pulled this par- ticular stroke”.

‘What we need out of this is an out- come that guarantees Shannon’s con- nectivity with London well into the future, through London Heathrow.”

COMMERCIAL organic farmers will now be able to benefit from funding outside of the main REPS portfolio following the launch of a new scheme by former Green Party leader and Minister of State with responsibility for Food and Horticul- ture, Trevor Sargent, last week.

The new scheme will be co-funded by the EU and the Irish taxpayer and is part of Ireland’s Rural Develop- ment Programme 2007-2013.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Sargent, said that the objective of the

new scheme is to deliver enhanced environmental and animal welfare benefits and to encourage producers to respond to the market demand for organically produced food.

Organic farmers can participate in REPS as well this scheme, but for the first time they have a choice.

“I see this as an important change. Up to now, organic farmers had to be in REPS to get support payments. Some farmers might have consid- ered the organic option, but didn’t find that joining REPS as well would have suited their particular situa- tion,” he said.

‘These would include producers of foods for which consumer demand is greatly in excess of what the Irish organic sector can supply at present. These would be small-scale horti- cultural producers, for example, or large-scale conventional tillage pro- ducers who might be interested in converting part of their land to or- ganic cereal production to meet the big demand for organic feed.

“The majority of producers will continue to participate in both REPS and the Organic Farming Scheme and we will be encouraging them to do so in order that they avail of the

maximum level of payments.”

In line with the latest round of so- cial partnership, the payment rates will be increased by 17 per cent com- pared to the previous programme. This means that between REPS 4 and the new Organic Farming Scheme an organic farmer will now be able to qualify for up to €21,650 during the conversion period and €15,860 a year with full organic status.

An organic producer who chooses not to join REPS will still qualify for up to €11,660 during the conversion period and €5,830 a year once he or she has full organic status.

FIVE thousand people marched in solidarity with Aer Lingus workers in Shannon on Friday night to signal their anger at the company’s con- troversial decision to terminate the Shannon/Heathrow route.

The event was organised by the Shannon Action Group and was at- tended by workers, local politicians, members of the local business com- munity and community and sporting organisations.

The march took place from the Drumline roundabout and concluded at the Ballymurtagh roundabout on the approach road to Shannon town centre. The crowd was led by the Tulla Pipe Band.

Addressing the crowd assembled at the Ballymurtagh roundabout, Fine Gael TD Pat Breen said there would be “no surrender” until all the Heath- row routes were restored.

Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley told the crowd that the Aer Lingus dec- sion placed jobs and future invest- ment in the region at risk.

Deputy Dooley, who topped the poll in Clare, was also critical of Government ministers.

He said, “It is extremely difficult to speak out against the actions of your own government and your own party. But unfortunately the kind of brief- ings that some of our ministers have been giving to the media have shown a scant regard for the concerns of this region.”

Independent MEP for Ireland South, Cathy Sinnot urged people in the mid-west to fight the Aer Lingus decision.

“Open Skies insists that there will be two airports in Europe, Heathrow and Frankfurt, and after that there will one layer of minor hubs and Dublin is fighting very hard to be one of those minor hubs. The big threat to Dublin has always been Shannon.”

Mayor of Shannon, Sean McLough- lin said Shannon wanted all of the Heathrow slots back.

Mayor of Limerick, Ger Fahy said, “The people of Limerick city are absolutely incensed with these pro- posals and they are 100 per cent full square behind the campaign to save our slots.”

The 5,000-strong crowd also heard from Frank Prendergast, Chairman of the Shannon Airport Marketing Consulting Committee, Aer Lingus workers ‘Tony Kinnane and Paul Barry and Jan O’Sullivan, Labour TD for Limerick East.

One of those taking part in the march was Paramyjit Neote, a busi- ness consultant with Cratloe-based PSN consulting.

He said, “We have our own busi- ness here in the aviation industry so we are going to be losing that con- nection to India. If you are taking a flight to India, the Aer Lingus flight was the only connection to Heath- row to catch the flights to India. So it is vital that these flights are main- tained.”

BUSINESS representatives meeting with Aer Lingus chief executive Der- mot Mannion last Friday remained bullish despite Mr Mannion’s insist- ence that the decision to transfer to Belfast would not be reversed.

Mr Mannion met with Government ministers, local TDs, councillors, members of the Shannon Airport Au- thority, representatives of IBEC and the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance. He was adamant that while he under- stood the concerns of people in the mid-west, Aer Lingus would be press-

ing ahead with the move to Belfast.

“We have gone into a tremendous amount of detail internally about how we Slice up the Heathrow slots. A considerable amount of time has been spent before we came to this difficult decision.”

Mr Mannion added, “The Govern- ment has said what the Government has said. It’s expressed its disappoint- ment to the decision.”

Solicitor and Atlantic Connectivity Alliance member, Michael Houlihan said the body presented a very strong case to Aer Lingus bosses.

He said, “They will have to reflect

on what they heard. They are under no illusions whatsoever that there will be challenges down the line, not only here but in the EU. The slots issue 1s something that will be seri- ously looked at by the EU, in relation to the manner in which they are dealt it. They are very seriously wrong and contrary to competition law.”

The Executive Chairman of Shan- non Airport, Pat Shanahan said he had a full and frank exchange of views with Mr Mannion.

‘We have been trying to engage Aer Lingus for some time on the econom- ics of their overall operations in Shan-

non. Assurances were, however, also given by Mr Mannion in relation to the continuation of Aer Lingus’ trans- atlantic services and we intend to find whatever means possible to make them profitable and sustainable in the Koyateai tou se eae

Following his own meeting with Dermot Mannion and John Sharman, the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance Chairman John Brassil said, ““The bat- tle to reverse the Aer Lingus decision to abandon their Shannon-Heathrow service is only beginning. We men- tioned to them that this commercial decision is fraught with mistakes.”

MANAGEMENT at Tesco Shannon have moved to reassure locals and staff that they have no intention of deserting the town.

The supermarket chain’s recent announcement that they are closing up their store in the centre is due to the fact that they cannot extend their lease any longer.

“We would like to reassure our customers and staff that we are fully committed to having a Tesco store in Shannon,’ a spokesman for manage- ment said.

“With our current lease due to ex- pire in March 2008, we have been ex- amining a number of short and long term options for a store in Shannon. These include temporary, replace-

ment and new store possibilities. We are currently working through these options with the appropriate author1- ties,” he added.

There were concerns in the town this week that Tesco might be pull- ing out altogether. Concerns were also raised for the jobs of the 50 staff working in the store, but manage- ment said they will be given other options.

“Staff in Shannon will be offered the chance to transfer to other stores in the locality, such as Coonagh Cross. We will be discussing these options with staff and their repre- sentatives over the coming weeks,” the management spokesman said.

The company is also “planning to develop an alternative new store at Shannon as soon as it becomes pos-

sible”’.

‘Following over 30 years of loyal support from our customers and staff in Shannon, Tesco Ireland would like to reiterate our long term com- mitment to the town,’ a statement from the company read.

Commenting on Tesco Ireland’s announcement in relation to the fu- ture of its Shannon store, Eoin Hoc- tor, Shannon Chamber President said, “Shannon Chamber is sorry to see a short term loss of shopping facilities. However, we are delighted to see in Tesco’s statement that there is a long-term commitment by Tesco to maintain a presence in the Shan- non area.

“Shannon chamber would urge all interested parties, Tesco Ireland, SkyCourt and Clare County Coun-

cil to ensure that the transition is a smooth one.”

He added that the development “highlights the need for a quick resolution in respect of the masterp- lan for Shannon Town Centre 2 and Town Centre 3”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Patricia Mc- Carthy, contacted the chain and was told “that in the event of deciding to opt for building a new store it would not be ready before mid 2008. In that event they would be looking at the possibility of applying for planning permission for a temporary store”’.

‘I intend to do everything possible to ensure that the employees will continue to have security of employ- ment and that the store will be able to continue trading in Shannon,’ she said.

THE people of Clare have rallied be- hind the campaign to save Shannon Airport’s Heathrow slots with almost 12,000 people signing up to an on- line petition in just six days.

As of 6pm last night, Monday, Au- gust 20, 11,463 people had signed the petition to save the Heathrow slots on Www.petitiononline.com. This equates to one official signature eve-

ry 45 seconds since the petition was started last Tuesday, August 14.

The online petition, which is ad- dressed to the board of Aer Lingus, also allows signatories to post a comment on the site, with a number of people calling for a boycott of Aer Lingus should the slot be transferred to Belfast.

“The decision to pull out of Shan- non is an absolute disgrace. I have used the convenient Shannon to Hea-

throw route more times than I can remember and will not put myself to the bother of going to Dublin or Cork to fly to London, but will use another carrier instead. I will give serious consideration as to whether I will ever use Aer Lingus again for any travel if this proceeds,’ said one respondent.

Signatories have also been very critical of the role played by the Gov- ernment in the dispute.

“This is an absolute disgrace that our Government can say nothing, do nothing and allow the whole mid- west to collapse in one fell swoop,’ said another respondent.

‘The management in Aer Lingus are mono-visioned and bereft of sound ideas, similar to the management style of the HSE. I will not be flying Aer Lingus for some time to come, even if they overturn their decision.

“Amazingly, they didn’t cut flights out of Dublin or Cork but they knew that the Government would have act- ed sooner if that happened.”

The site also includes a number of testimonials from local business people who illustrated the damage that the loss of the slots will have on the local economy.

‘As a telecoms consultant based in Ennis, I use the Shannon-Heathrow route regularly to allow me to travel to international destinations. If this link is to go, I will never fly Aer Lin- gus again,’ said one respondent.

One signatory, who claimed to be a coach operator, commented that, “The decision will have very nega- tive effects on our business with overseas clients”.

To sign the petition to retain Shan- non’s Heathrow slots, log onto www. petitiononline.com/EISNNLHR/pe- tition. html

AN African country struggling to deal with an AIDS epidemic is set to benefit from money raised by staff at Ennis General Hospital.

Through a series of fundraising initiatives, hospital staff collected money for the Faraja Centre in the Singida region of Tanzania.

The money will go towards alle- viating problems facing the Singida communities 1n relation to the spread of the AIDS and the increased bur- den on family resources, especially grand parents and parents struggling to look after young children.

Staff member Teresa Conlon re- cently visited the region to observe first hand the work done by volun- teers a the Faraja Centre.

Connie O’Halloran is one such per- son who has spent the past two years working in Tanzania. She praised the efforts of Teresa and her colleagues, saying the contribution would pro- vide a major boost in halting the spread of AIDS in the region.

“T have been working as a volunteer in the Faraja project, Singida, Tanza- nia for almost two years and I was overwhelmed with the generosity of the people of Clare who supported fundraising activities for the project. The fundraising events which were organised by Teresa Conlon were supported by our friends and Teresa’s colleagues at Ennis General Hospi- tal’”’.

Tanzania 1S experiencing a gener- alised AIDS epidemic, with 10 per cent of the population directly af-

fected. This constitutes not only a health crisis but also a development crisis for the country.

In Singida Town ‘Tanzania, the Faraja centre operated by the Med1- cal Missionaries of Mary offers vol- untary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS.

VCT is vital to the early diagnosis and therefore treatment of those suf- fering from HIV/AIDS. Early diag- nosis of HIV infection is crucial for two reasons; this support can go a long way towards reducing the risk of the transmission of the diseases to others.

It also provides an opportunity to initiate treatment early to prolong survival and improve quality of life. The centre offers a wide range of methodologies to implement their

programme, to educate and to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS”.

In the Singida community in which the Faraja centre operates, people can come freely to be tested for HIV/ AIDS and take control of their health status and avail of this continuum of oF Kes

Connie added, “We at the Faraja Centre sincerely wish to thank eve- ryone that attended and supported Teresa’s parents – your efforts and generosity are greatly appreciated by all here in Faraja.

A special thank you to all who donated spot prizes for the draw at Ennis General Hospital. Also a big thank you to my friends and Teresa’s friends who cooked various dishes for the meal at her house and all who donated so generously”.

O’DOLAN & Partners, Ennis have taken on what they describe as “a fan- tastic opportunity to acquire a thriv- ing business, in a prime location, in the heart of Ruan village”. The prop- erty 1s guiding at €900,000.

The property in question is “Dal- cassain Shopping Centre’, which comprises a bar, supermarket, filling station, post office and residential ac- commodation.

“This attractive and productive business is ideally located in the heart of the community, next door to all local amenities including the

church, school, and sports facilities,” said Diane Kelly of O’Dolan & Part- ners.

“Ruan village continues to show positive growth and this business handles a thriving daily trade. The traditional style pub is well estab- lished and draws a loyal local cli- entele and the whole complex com- mands a prominent trading position in the expanding village. This is a turn key business, well managed with potential for further develop- ment,” she said.

“Turnover figures as well as health and safety and fire certificates are all available upon written request.”

The accommodation comprises a public bar (6,130 sq ft), sub divided into three separate areas. There’s also a cold room, keg room and la- dies and gents toilets. The ground floor accommodation is completed with a kitchen. Upstairs there are four bedrooms at first floor level and two further converted attic rooms on the second floor. To the rear of the bar is a yard, which includes a smok- ing area.

The main supermarket also in- cludes a post office. The grocery business encompasses a cold meat Section, frozen food section and an off licence section, together with a

news agency.

Also included in the sale is a filling station to the side of the supermar- ket. There are two petrol pumps and a diesel pump with overhead canopy. The fuel yard to the rear of the fore- court has an enclosed high block wall and industrial gate for added se- curity. The business is an appointed agency for Calor Kogas, as well as being solid fuel merchants, and the vendors supply many farming goods to the surrounding farming commu- UIA

For full details on this property contact 065 6844395.

WEST Clare beauty Grainne Larkin has been crowned “Maiden of the Mourne’.

Grainne won the coveted title at the Warrenpoint Festival last weekend.

The 22-year-old Kilkee woman staved off competition from as far afield as America, Northern Ireland and Russia to secure the title for the Banner County.

Grainne won the Clare Maiden of

the Mourne title in Limerick during the summer.

Forty girls in total competed on that night for five titles – Miss Clare, Miss Limerick, Miss Universe repre- sentative and Maiden of the Mourne for Clare and Limerick.

The Limerick “maiden” was unable to travel to the final leaving Grainne as the only representative from the Republic of Ireland.

The Kilkee beautician enjoyed her first trip to Northern Ireland for the

festival, and could not believe she won the international competition.

“T nearly lost my life when they an- nounced the winner, my legs were shaking, I couldn’t believe it,’ she Sr HLGe

“It was definitely the best experi- ence of my life getting that crown,’ she said.

The Clare woman enjoyed the week of the festival, which is very similar to the Rose of Tralee.

“It was excellent. It was a really

good experience. We were not al- lowed to go out very late and were just allowed one glass of wine. They were every good to us and treated us like little princesses.”

The ten contestants were up every morning at 7.30am to begin their very busy schedule that went on until 10.30pm.

As well as touring Northern Ire- land, the girls were brought to Stor- mount, where Grainne’s claim to fame was sitting on First Minister Jan Paisley’s chair.

The girls also took part in a parade, visited senior citizens and youth projects, as well as paying visits to their many sponsors.

As well as the banquet ball, the contestants also had to go through numerous interviews before the Sat- urday night public interview on stage at the town hall.

Grainne was second after the break to speak to UTV news presenter Paul Clarke in front of a packed crowd. The talented woman also sang the Christy Moore song “Ride On”.

During her reign as Maiden of the Mourne, the Kilkee woman will have to return to Warrenpoint to turn on the Christmas lights, be part of the St Patrick’s Day festivities and other official functions.

Among the many prizes she re- ceived was Newbridge silverware jewellery, a designer dress and every girls’ favourite, a designer handbag.

She also received €750 on the night and will receive a second cheque for the same amount when her year is completed.

Grainne is the daughter of Delia and Patrick Larkin and has one sister Roisin.

Formerly a pupil of St Joseph’s Community College, OT rer Grainne now manages the beauty el- ement at the Sentosa Spa at the Kul- kee Bay Hotel.