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RESIDENTS say a fence along the river bank at Willow Park, Ennis needs to be replaced and improved to prevent “‘loss of life at the estate”.

In a letter to Ennis Town Coun- cillors, Michelle Hanrahan, Chair- person of the Willow Park residents committee, outlines a series of health and safety concerns.

Apart from the danger posed by the

river to children, residents also have concerns over a 400-volt ESB trans- former, traffic volumes and street lighting.

The letter states, “Our green area 1s adjacent to the river bank with very poor fencing. There is an urgent need to replace and improve this fencing in order to ensure that there is no loss of life at the estate. The residents feel that the fence requires to be at least six feet in height (similar to other

estates along the river banks) Our estate has a large number of house- holds with young children”

It continues, “Due to the filling of the green area, the ESB 3 Phase mains transformer (400 volt) is too low. This requires it to be raised or appropriately fenced off to ensure that our children are safe”.

Ms Hanrahan continues, “With the increase in housing along the Watery Road. The impact has been that the

junction of Sandfield/Watery Road, poses many dangers. Access to main roads leads to traffic congestion.

This is due mainly to the fact that a two lane traffic ease of access only occurs at the top of the road – we would ask that consideration be given to removing some of the grass verge in order to accommodate and lengthen the two lane access,’ the leter concluded.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) has wel-

comed Ennis Town Council’s plan to improve pedestrian access in the area.

‘IT wish to welcome plans to put in place pedestrian traffic lights follow- ing discussions over the last couple o) mp ssleynlaatce

“I raised the remainder of these issues at the October meeting and I acknowledge your commitment to review them,’ the Fine Gael council- lor stated.

CLARE based catering company, Corporate Catering Services Ltd. joined in the celebrations in Dublin last week to hail the return of the Q Mark, the recognised symbol of quality for all consumers and busi- nesses.

Corporate Catering Services Ltd. joined the EIQA in celebrating the ‘Q’ in a fantastic parade on Grafton Street featuring music legends U2, colourful fire dragons, carnival queens, the iconic James Joyce and a host of other quirky characters from renowned entertainment group, Ar- cana.

Commenting at the launch, Grace Lefroy, Operations Manager, Cor- porate Catering Services Ltd. said: “Quality is at the core of everything we do. In the catering industry, our standards are the yardstick by which we are judged. Participation in the Q Mark programme provides the ulti- mate assurance to our customers that our services reach the highest stand- ards of quality and excellence.”

With over 30 years industry expe- rience, Corporate Catering Services Limited is a 100 per cent Irish owned company with extensive experience in all aspects of the catering industry. They offer a comprehensive range of Quality Assured services to all sec- tors of the catering industry, ranging from full in-house catering to spe- cialist consultancy services.

The Q Mark is awarded only to companies who achieve the highest standards of quality and excellence, with Q Mark criteria ensuring that clients exceed legal requirements rather than simply adhering to them. This further assures consumers that companies who hold the ‘Q” are committed to continuous improve- ment and best practice.

Speaking at the launch, Irene Col- lins, Managing Director, EIQA said: “We are delighted that so many of

our customers were able to join us at such an exciting event in celebration of the Q Mark. The launch of Q Mark is effectively a return to a recognised symbol that guarantees consumers that when they purchase a product or service that carries the Q Mark sym- bol; they are purchasing a product or service of the highest quality. The Q Mark is a must for any business or oyeee-episrs 1m (eye nam

All certification and awards offered by EIQA will now come under the Q Mark umbrella and include Q Mark

for Hygiene and Food Safety; Q Mark for Quality Management Sys- tems; Q Mark for Nursing Homes, Q Mark for Leisure Centres and the recently launched Q Mark for Acces- sibility (ABLE Business Excellence Award).

The EIQA offers its programmes across all sectors, with customers in retail, food service, manufacturing, institutions, prison services, govern- ment, healthcare, business and pro- fessional services, financial institu- tions, nursing homes, leisure centres

and not for profit organisations.

The new Q Mark awards and cer- tifications will be officially unveiled at this year’s EIQA Quality & Excel- lence Awards on Friday, October 30, 2009 at the Burlington Hotel, Dub- rhe

TROUBLEMAKERS from Limerick are not welcome in Shannon — that’s the overwhelming message delivered by town councillors.

The issue was raised at a meeting of Shannon Town Council last week, where Councillor Gerry Flynn (In- dependent), called for the council to condemn the decision by the county council to participate in the regional aLOLeRSbaveanie eel Ko ate

He made reference to a debate a year ago. During that debate, Shan- non town councillors voted to have no hand, act or part in any decision to

move undesirable people to the town, after concern was expressed about an upsurge in anti-social behaviour in the area.

“We got a fair old roasting when we said we wanted no hand, act or part in the regeneration programme,’ said Cllr Flynn.

“In Shannon alone we have 495 on the housing list and not too far off 2,000 in the county. I don’t think we should be expected to deal with problems in the neighbouring coun- ty,’ he said.

““€’750,000 has been made available to buy dwellings in County Clare, for people from the regeneration areas.

I didn’t support it then (last year). I don’t support it now,” he said.

Labour councillor Tony McMahon said that those on the social hous- ing waiting list in Shannon should be given priority in the event of any houses becoming available.

‘We have had experience in Shan- non of tenants coming out from the Limerick area. The havoc they have wreaked in Shannon was absolutely frightening. We have all been fright- ened of what happened in the past. I’d rather if they bypassed Shannon and found accommodation in the area where they come from,” he said.

His party colleague Greg Duff said

he would not get involved in gener- alisation or scapegoating the people of Limerick.

Fine Gael councillor Tony Mulcahy said that in the past, Clare County Council sold 17 houses and the elect- ed members had nothing to do with i

“I’d prefer a scenario where we have some control. Twelve months ago we didn’t have any control,” he reiterated..

Shannon Town Manager Bernadette Kinsella said that the €750,000 was ring-fenced. “We can’t use it for any other purpose. We can only use it to rehouse families from the Limerick

regeneration area.

“Limerick City Council purchased 17 houses in Clare. We weren’t con- sulted in any way. There isn’t large scale interest at this stage from fami- lies from the regeneration areas mov- ing to Clare,” she said.

Three families, she said, had ex- pressed interest by the middle of the year, but one of those since changed its position.

Asked by the mayor of Shannon, Councillor Sean McLoughlin was there interest in Shannon, she said, “We are not looking at acquiring the three or four houses in the Shannon area.”

AN insightful EU survey carried out in 24 regions from 13 countries shows that regions have a crucial role to play in economic recovery. “We need long-term solutions to the economic crisis, and national gov- ernments must work closely with re- gions to maximise economic growth potential,’ says Christina Diegel- mann, Senior Policy Coordinator for the Assembly of European Regions (AER).

The AER survey found that a coun- try’s economic performance can be improved with more influence from its regions at national level, more in- dependence of the regions from the national level, financial competences and resources for the regions, as well as more competences in recreation and culture, infrastructure, educa- tion and research, and health care.

“While national recovery plans mainly target large companies and the financial system, regions focus primarily on supporting entrepre- neurship, SME’s and innovation capacity. Regional actions can con- tribute to turning this crisis into an opportunity to strengthen regional economies and _ safeguard jobs. Working together with all relevant stakeholders, regions are close to businesses and can take appropriate measures. While national support plans mainly target larger mostly international firms, regions focus on regional clusters and support busi- ness start-ups and SME’s that make up the important part of Europe’s companies and employers,’ says Ms Dyer

Ms. Diegelmann is due to speak in Limerick at a national Shannon Development conference titled ‘Dy- namic Regions — Future Directions in Regional Development’. An expert panel of national and international speakers, leaders in their fields, has been assembled by Shannon Devel- opment for their forthcoming confer- ence which will take place on the 6th November at Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick City.

The conference will be chaired by broadcaster John Bowman, and addressed by Mary Coughlan TD, Tanaiste and Minister for Enter- prise, Trade & Employment, and Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, Ireland’s only regional development company.

“We have gathered an outstanding panel of national and international experts for our Conference and we hope it will pave the way for a wider national debate on the importance of regional action. It will include inter- national case studies from the As- sembly of European Regions, Lon- don Development Agency and the Basque Region of Spain. We see it as a key opportunity to share and learn, and we have assembled some of the leading experts in the field of region- al development to reflect its growing importance on the economic world stage. Our speakers will tackle a number of important topics that will provide the lead in new areas of re- gional action,” said Dr. Cunnane an- nouncing the conference.

The big sale: More houses for sale in Clare than ever before

BUNRATTY progressed to the next round of the Munster Junior cup after victory against Bridge Celtic B. Bun- ratty certainly justified their favour- ites tags with this good solid per- formance. Their preliminary round victory last week against Rhine Rovers certainly stood to them here and despite a number of injuries and a few players on Oscar Traynor duty

they still managed to grab a 2-1 win.

They dominated the first-half and looked far more likely to score com- pared to the hard working Bridge team. Bunratty launched a number of attacks but none resulted in a goal mainly due to some poor shooting and some great saves by the Bridge goalkeeper. They still continued to press though and even when this meant there was a lot more space for Bridge to create some counter attacks

neither team could find an opening OO Koam UOMO NCC EDI OOT- TEE

The second-half continued in the exact same fashion with Bunratty conveying their control on the game. Eventually after 60 minutes that first goal was found and with no Surprise it was taken by a Bunratty player. Midfielder Pat Twomey was the provider as his well judged effort bounced into the corner of the net.

This almost lifted a burden off the

Bunratty players as they now seemed to play with an even greater sense of confidence. They now doubled the work load of Bridge’s defence who were really at this stage just hanging on and hoping they could find some way back into the game. Unfortu- nately for them it was going to get a lot worse. With seventy five minutes gone they finally secured the vital second goal. This time it was sub Declan McDonald who proved to be a capable goal scorer. With one of his first major touches he doubled his team’s goal tally. He remained calm and slotted home his shot past the falling keeper. The heads of the Bridge players would surely drop now.

Bridge though had different plans. They still were going to fight on until the very end and hope they could finally pierce the Bunratty rearguard. They took their time and wasted two or three chances before they eventually did with five min- utes of the game remaining. Again it required the touch of a substitute as Jamie O’Gorman finally gave his team something to cheer about.

They went up the field now des- perately trying to find an equaliser but they just ran out of time. Overall Bunratty deserved this one and de- spite the wonderful efforts of Bridge at the end they just were not strong enough to win. Bunratty were more clinical and their two goals half way through the second half were the ul- timate difference.

Thumbs up for business week

THIS year has seen a large increase in people taking up cycling — some- what attributed to the government scheme – and the increasing number of events in the county and Ireland has provided an excellent platform to enjoy the sport with many events scheduled around Clare.

Events, including the An Post na- tionwide sportive series and the high profile Race Around Ireland meant that events ranged in scale from tens to thousands of participants over hundreds of kilometres to leisure events.

With this in mind, Clare cycle club Dolmen CC are building on this and see 2010 as a bumper year for cycling in Ireland and in the region.

“If you are aged 16 or over and would like to engage in cycling as a sport drop by the West County ho- tel on Wednesday 21st October at 8.30pm and chat to members of the club about our plans for 2010 and beyond and how you can take part,’ said martin McDonnell of Dolmen CGF

He also pointed out that 2009 has been an active year for Dolmen.

“In addition the very many leisure cycling events attended throughout the country and indeed internation- ally, Dolmen were part of a team that broke the record for the fastest Mizen Head to Malin Head non stop cycle, completing the cycle in under 19 hours.

“Dolmen has an embryonic and erowing racing team with good achievements in 2009, participating in National Road Races, Time Tri- als and Mountain Biking, and will be expanding the team for the 2010 season,” he added.

AT the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Ford of Europe is re- vealing the first of a fleet of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototypes based on the Ford Focus, and spe- cially developed to participate in the UK Government’s ‘Ultra-Low Car- bon Vehicles’ demonstration initia- tive next year.

The research programme aims to test the technology’s suitability for potential future application in Ford’s European passenger car range.

A consortium of Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy and Strathclyde University will use the fleet of fifteen prototype Ford Focus BEV vehicles and a charging infrastructure in and around the London Borough of Hil- lingdon from early 2010. The vehi- cles will be used by both the Scottish and Southern as well as a number of evaluation drivers located in Hilling- lore

This new BEV demonstration fleet is being developed partly with public funding from the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which promotes innovative industry- led projects that reduce CO2 while benefitting the country’s transport Ao 00F

“Electrification is a key element in the effective use of Ford’s global re- sources and talents,” John Fleming, Chairman & CEO Ford of Europe said. “The development of this fleet of Focus BEV prototypes is an im- portant step in our goal of delivering more efficient and sustainable mobil- ity solutions that are affordable and practical for our customers. We are looking forward to working with the various project partners on develop- ing a realistic solution and viable market for electric vehicles both in the UK and Europe.”

The Focus BEV prototype is based on the current European Ford Focus

and will use a new all-electric pow- ertrain, provided by the strategic supplier Magna. This technology is based on that being developed for Ford’s new-generation C-sized glo- bal vehicle architecture and which will be launched in North America in 2011.

To evaluate whether this technol- ogy is suitable for European road and driving conditions, a fleet of fifteen European Focus BEV prototypes is being built. These cars will deliver local zero emission mobility with-

out constraining the user needs and providing room for five passengers, a practical boot and other Ford Focus AAO WL OLE Kone

Under the skin of the Ford Focus prototypes is a state-of-the-art lithi- um-ion battery pack with the capac- ity of 23kWh and a chassis-mounted 100-kilowatt permanent-magnet electric traction motor. The BEV will have a range of up tol20 km (75 miles) and a top speed of up to 136 km/h (85 mph). Charging the batter- ies will take between 6-8 hours using

a common 230 volt grid.

The prototype incorporates key components from Ford’s proven North American hybrid technology, including the electric climate control system. The high-voltage air-condi- tioning compressor is a key feature of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, recently introduced in the North American market.

The successful co-operation that is allowing this UK programme to proceed also shows the potential for similar prototype vehicle fleets to be

considered for trials in other Euro- pean countries.

The Focus BEV prototype being revealed at Frankfurt joins the Ford Tourneo Connect BEV Concept which had its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

Like the Focus BEV prototype, the Tourneo Connect BEV Concept dem- onstrates how Ford Motor Compa- ny’s aggressive electric vehicle plan announced at the start of this year is extending its potential to Europe.

SIXMILEBRIDGE continued their impressive stranglehold on Clare un- derage hurling on Saturday to add a second successive Under I5A title to the Under 12, 14, 16 and 21 equiva- lents already captured this year. However, they certainly made hard work of their latest acquisition as from a position of total dominance, they were almost caught napping by a determined second half fightback from age old rivals Clarecastle.

Leading by ten points at the break, Sixmilebridge appeared to have the game wrapped up but two goals in four minutes from Mikie Casey and Joe Barry around the turn of the final quarter cut Sixmilebridge’s ten point half-time advantage to just four and with plenty of time as well as mo- mentum on their side, Clarecastle threw everything at the Bridge for the remainder.

Decisively though, instead of pick- ing off points, the Magpies went for the jugular and put all their efforts into obtaining a fifth goal but suc- cessive efforts from Gearoid Ryan, Cian Crimmins, Jonathan Griffey and Mikie Casey were all repelled by the inspired Dylan Flemming in the Sixmilebridge goal. In saying that, holders Sixmilebridge also had ampel goal chances to kill off Clare- castle with Paul Finnan in particular unlucky to see a few efforts hit the side netting but as the Magpies con- centrated in vain on hitting the net, the Bridge clung on to eventually see out the win.

It was a totally different story in the first half though as backed by the wind, Sixmilebridge settled quickest to open up a 1-5 to 0-1 advantage by the end of the first quarter. The key to the Bridge’s early advantage was

the strength of Jamie Shanahan and Brian Carey as well as an added bit of guile in front of the posts that saw the lively Brian Corry seize on a de- fensive lapse to grab his 12th minute goal.

The Magpies were visibly nervous but improved as the half went on, eventually getting their reward in the 21st minute when a Stephen Ward run Vuo nO elommacnCe(ed(omcolbnsle Mm Gur-Dem@smnenuenuners whose shot was saved by Flemming and Mikie Casey was the first to re- act to pull to the net. At 1-7 to 1-2,

it should have inspired the Magpies but crucially Sixmilebridge’s reply was immediate as from the puck-out, Corry again gathered possession and played in a ball for Stephen Mulready to flick to the net.

That see-saw pattern was to repeat itself again before the break as Ca- sey caught a Stephen Ward free and rifled a shot to the net only to see it cancelled out again when Brian Cor- ry was fouled in front of the posts and Jamie Shanahan produced an un- stoppable effort from 20 metres to

give the ‘Bridge a comfortable 3-9 to 2-2 half-time lead.

The second period started tenta- tively, with only a point apiece on the scoreboard after ten minutes of the restart but as Sixmilebridge began to misfire in front of the posts, the Mag- pies grew in confidence. In the 40th minute, impact substitute Jack Mc- Dermott set off on a solo run and was eventually fouled before Mikie Casey completed his hat-trick of goals from the resulting 20 metre free. This time though, there was no instantaneous

reply from the Bridge as a Stephen Mulready shot was saved by goal- keeper Conor Liddy and Clarecastle took full advantage by turning up the heat with a Joseph Barry goal at the back post after receiving a pass from Bobby Duggan.

Duggan and Finnan swapped points soon afterwards but having assumed the ascendency, Clarecastle’s over- eagerness to go for goal was to prove very costly. The Bridge’s wide tally was now hitting double figures but Clarecastle were unable to punish them with points and although they eventually realised their error, time was not on their side as the Bridge deservedly held on to collect their ninth underage title in two years.