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THE newly appointed Bishop of Galway, Dr Martin Drennan, and Minister for State at the Department of Education and Science, Sile de Valera were in Lahinch on Friday to officially open a major new €350,000 develop- ment in the Scoil Muire primary school.

The school, which is currently attended by 118 pupils, received funding from the Department of Education to construct three new state of the art classrooms as-well-as revamp much of the existing facilities.

The space left vacant through the new construction has been transformed into a library, computer room and two resource rooms for special education teachers.

Speaking at he launch Minister de Valera paid tribute to all those involved in the project and the important role that schools play within the community.

“T want to congratulate the board of management and all those associated with the school because they have re- ally worked tremendously well with the Department of Education.

‘The department was able to supply €350,000 for the refurbishment and the new classroom here but really it was because of the dynamism among the community and the board of management that helped to put all of this together,” she said.

“The importance of a school isn’t just for the children and indeed the parents and the teachers, but really a school is the hub of a community and it’s wonderful to see SO many young people here celebrating what is a very important day for the whole of the community.”

The campaign to expand the school began in 1999 but it was not until January of 2004 that good news was forth- coming. School Principal Kevin Glynn and the chairper- son of the board of management Fr Tom Culloty met with officials from the Department of Education in Tullamore and negotiated the sizeable grant.

In addition to this €24,000 was donated by local man Tom Kavanagh towards developing computer facilities for the school. The school now boasts five full-time teachers as well as two special education teachers, a visiting rural co-ordinator and a resource teacher for children from the traveller community.

Earlier this year the students of the school raised some €3,000 for the victims of the devastating tsunami that hit south east Asia. A boat was purchased and christened ‘Lahinch National School, The Banner, Ireland’ and do-

nated to help in the relief effort.

In the past the school has also raised money for a varie- ty of charities including Bothar and the Special Olympics. The school also has a strong sporting tradition and music and art are also a central part of both curricular and extra curricular activities.

THE State has applied to the District Court to secure the medical records of the man charged in connection with the death of Ann Walsh in Kilrush last month.

Raymond Donovan, of New Houses, Co- oraclare, is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing harm to the 23-year-old woman at Toler Street, Kilrush, on August 24. He is currently in custody at Limerick Prison.

His solicitor, Tara Godfrey, had previously expressed concern that he had not seen a psychiatrist at the prison, after he had spent

more than a week there. However, the court was told last Friday week that he had been assessed, but the report on that assessment was not available to the court at that stage.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told Ennis district court last Friday that Kilrush Supt Joe McK- eown — who is leading the investigation in the death of Ms Walsh — 1s seeking to ob- tain the records in respect of Mr Donovan.

Ms Godfrey said, “I would have to ask, be- cause of the seriousness of this case, why the State is seeking such records?”

Judge Joseph Mangan adjourned the ap- plication until Friday, when the accused is again due before the court.

AN English company made moves this week to secure the go-ahead for a ‘Wellness’ destination Spa hotel near Killaloe.

Last month, Clare County Council refused planning permission to Unfinity Ltd of Worces- tershire, England, to develop a destination spa 28-bedroom hotel on 37 acres of land near Kil- laloe.

The local authority refused the application on three grounds, ruling that the proposal would seriously injure the amenities of the area; that the additional traffic movements would inter- fere with the safety and freeflow of traffic on local roads and that the development’s scale, siting and design would fail to integrate into the rural landscape.

However, the company has now lodged a comprehensive appeal to An Bord Pleanala in a fresh bid to kick-start the project.

In the appeal, the company explains the con- cept behind its development. It states: “The proposal is aimed at a niche market known as ‘Wellness’ destination spas.

‘The destination spa’s sole purpose is to pro- vide guests with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally administered spa services, physical fitness, edu- cational programming and on-site accommoda- Beer

‘The location 1s a critical part of the guests’ experience, where peace and quietness is the primary consideration and provides a distinct contrast to the busy urban environments most of the visitors will be used to.

“Wellbeing holidays account for 15% of the European holiday market but facilities of this nature are very uncommon in Ireland. The con- cept behind this tourist product is a purpose built spa designed by internationally renowned consultants.”

In their appeal, the company state: “The de- cline of agriculture has deprived the rural com- munity of valuable public, social and economic Services.

“In order to address this concern, the Develop- ment Plan observes that the long-term sustain- able development of rural community can only be achieved through the provision of alternative employment opportunities.

“The proposed development represents an opportunity for the creation of employment op- portunities and inward investment to address rural decline in the surrounding area.

“Whilst agriculture is declining as a source of employment for rural people, the need to retain rural communities is still a major concern for the Council. It is our view that the proposal can be justified on planning grounds in reference to these objectives.”

A decision is due on the appeal in December.

THE Shannon Airport Au- thority (SAA) has told Shan- non Development that it will no longer contribute towards the funding of future tour- ism marketing campaigns.

In a policy shift for the low-cost airport, Director of Shannon Airport, Martin Moroney, said this week, “we are now delivering the Seats; the tourism bodies should be delivering the pas- sengers.”

Mr Moroney revealed that the SAA Board recently re- jected a concept put forward by Shannon Development, to continue pooling financial resources to market the West of Ireland.

This year, the SAA con- tributed <€100,000 towards a €1 million fund to market the West of Ireland in the UK. Shannon Development contributed €100,000 to the JaUU ATO Dmr-W(Oyetcammr‘sleMe)H elo) mm-bexes 0c cies along the western sea- board. “We shouldn’t be expect- ed any longer to contribute financially to these cam- paigns. They are campaigns for tourism and should be confined to tourism. Any request from any organisa- tion in the future will be re- jected on the basis that it is the tourism sector’s job to promote tourism. “We contributed €100,000 to the campaign this year. But our model now is getting in the airlines, building our facilities and over the future, driving down our charges. Mit lmehmeltlamessrletdmeerieec oLULSCOyO MUM Aaomner-DENE “If anything, they should be offering money to help us develop the airport and get- ting more airlines in. “We're saying no, we’re not contributing, we shouldn’t be expected to. It might have made sense before when we were a bit weaker, but not now, when we are providing all the seats.” Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said, “I was disturbed to hear that Shannon Development was in with the Board of Shan- non Airport looking for money the other week. That is not the way tourism busi- ness is going to be developed in this region. If that is what Shannon Development is up to, the sooner they are dis- banded the better.” At spokesman for Shannon Development said that the company was disappointed at Mr O’Leary’s reported comments and said _ they didn’t reflect the company’s tourism promotion efforts.

CLARE cattle are in demand on the continent and in Italy in particu- lar according to livestock exporter David Murphy. Speaking at the IFA Livestock meeting in Ennis last week, the Cork based exporter out- lined the growing demand for good quality weanling heifers and bulls vem Le Nave

Mr Murphy went on to compli- ment the quality of animal that is being produced by farmers in Clare and told of the importance of export- ing cattle and the need to insure that cattle are in test when they are sold. A large crowd was in attendance at the meeting which took place in the Auburn Lodge on Tuesday evening.

A panel of expert speakers out- lined how the weanling trade and beef trade post decoupling is shap- ing up. Martin McNamara of Clare Marts also spoke at the meeting and revealed that there are a large number of exporters attending marts in Clare. He went on to confirm the point made by Mr Murphy and said

that good quality weanlings are making good money in the export market.

Mr McNamara also advised Clare farmers to sell their cattle in a mart as this is the only place where they are sure of payment. He warned that a number of farmers who sold their cattle off the land did not receive payment.

The IFA’s National Chairman of the Livestock Committee John Bryan, spoke about the problem of imports of Brazilian beef which are putting a lot of pressure on Irish beef price. He outlined a four point plan that the IFA is putting forward to deal with the problem.

The plan includes correct labelling of beef imports, the role of Feile Bia, placing a tariff on imported product and introducing a ceiling on beef tonnage entering the EU.

Mr Bryan also revealed that while on a recent visit to the continent he was able to assess the current qual- ity of foreign beef. He reported that beef from Ireland is among the best quality on the European market and

that French beef would be our main oyenereeicoe The meeting was followed by a

lively questions and answers session between members of the panel and the farmers who attended.

PFIZER nurses will be on hand to pro- vide free cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose checks at this years Na- tional Ploughing Championships. This is the second year that the pharmaceutical company will offer health checks as- well-as advice for stopping smoking.

Heart disease and stroke are the two leading causes of death in Ireland today claiming in excess of 10,000 lives a year. The IFA Farm Family Committee 1s sup- porting Pfizer’s efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure and cholesterol.

‘Many people don’t know their blood pressure or cholesterol level,’ said Mary McGreale, Chairperson of the IFA Farm

Family Committee. “Farmers, especial- ly those over 50, need to become more proactive in making sure that their cho- lesterol level and blood pressure are in the healthy range.”

The Pfizer nurses will be joined by nurses from the Irish Heart Founda- tion (IHF) and the Diabetes Federation of Ireland (DFI) who will also conduct health checks on patients and offer a wide range of health information.

Staggeringly almost some 50 per cent of those tested at last year’s champion- ship were required to be referred to their GP for either raised blood pressure or high cholesterol.

“The Health Check at the National Ploughing Championships forms part of Pfizer’s overall health check pro-

gramme, which has actively partnered with the IFA in the past year,” said Ryan Quigley of Pfizer. “As well as a presence at the National Ploughing Champion- ships, Pfizer has also conducted health checks around the country through the [FA’s Regional branch structure.”

“In addition, Pfizer and the IFA are carrying out a detailed survey of the Car- diovascular Health of the Irish Farming Community for the over 50 age group,’ he continued.

Those interested in having a health check during the event should visit the ty Aa mpaetcduelt(crer

Health checks will be conducted on a first come first served basis, though Pfiz- er will do its utmost to accommodate all requests.

Clare County Councillors have voted to change the County Development Plan in a move which could see people who have nev- er lived in the county, being given the same planning rights as families who have lived here for generations.

Councillors supported a call from Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) to allow anyone who owned land in the county in January 1999 to apply for planning permission in areas where normally only locals would be considered as special Or Wor

Councillor Kelly said that he was simply

seeking a “wider interpretation” of the regu- lations and he was supported by other mem- eo Ese

They agreed with Cllr Kelly that it would be important to facilitate people who own land and want to help give their children a start.

In reply to the Councillor’s written motion, county officials pointed to Government poli- cy on rural development. The reply stated that to “adopt any person who owns land as being local would undermine the local rural com- munities in the county who are intrinsically linked to the their area.”

The reply went on to say that the “Minister’s policy makes no reference to persons who

have no connection with the rural areas other than owning land.”

The county’s Director of Services for Plan- ning, Liam Conneally, warned that the move would be, ‘in contravention of the rural plan- ning guidelines and also in direct contraven- tion of the Government’s National Spatial Strategy which is why I would like legal ad- vice.”

The director pointed out that the regulations refer to making exceptions in areas where planning permission would not normally be granted.

However, the County Manager said that he would proceed on the vote of the councillors.

THE new Telemedicene service was launched by Albert Reynolds in hospi- tals in Ennis last week.

The Mid-Western Regional Hospi- tal, Ennis and Cahercalla, will benefit from the this new consultancy service.

This new service will allow doctors from all over the world to offer online ob TFs slot

Special tributes were paid to fami- lies that played a major role in bringing the service to Clare.

Marie O’Sullivan initiated a fund- raising drive after her sister Caroline, died from cancer when she was 13.

She wrote to schools asking students to donate a euro each for cancer treat- ment.

This led to the Ireland Children for Children Foundation leading a drive to bring Telemedicene to hospitals throughout Ireland.

On Wednesday, Marie’s fundrais- ing efforts were recognised with the

installation of the new technology in Ennis Mid-Western.

At Cahercalla Hospital another Tele- TNasLON (CAI emN To M’s (CONE RM UDER oI OLsOe

During this ceremony Andrew and Loretta McLoughlin also presented a cheque for €13,500 to the hospital in memory of Anna McLoughlin.

Anna McLoughlin died from cancer in 2002.

Mr Reynolds paid tribute to the ef- forts made by all families who had helped in the fundraising efforts.

He also revealed that the service may become more widespread throughout Ireland.

‘The Department of Health and the new health authorities are considering making it a new national programme and putting proper structures in place.

“They are planning to talk to us about bringing it to more a adult hospi- tals,” said Mr Reynolds.

The former Taoiseach is currently chairman of the the Ireland Children for Children Foundation.

IT’S clear that the govern- ment, and the computer software industry sector are seriously worried about the fall-off in interest in careers in ICT Gnformation and com- munications — technologies), science and engineering.

The question being asked is where are the innovators of the future going to come from? More basically, as Bill Harris the director general of Science Foundation Ireland said last week: “without en- gineers, how are we going to make things?”

So, national and regional partners in the ICT industry have now come together in a concerted effort to promote the ICT industry as a career, by sending role models work- ing in ICT companies into schools to talk about their careers. The idea is to encour- age secondary school students to take science and technol- ogy based subjects at Leaving Certificate level, and to con-

sider ICT-related courses at third-level, including compu- ter science, science and elec- WUCereU oT aNieunetee

As part of a nationwide ef- fort to promote the take-up of high-tech careers, the ICT Champions programme was launched in Shannon last week, with a briefing work- shop in Intel Communications for the role models taking part in the programme.

Three Clare schools have already signed up for visits from the ICT’ Champions – St Caimin’s in Shannon, En- nistymon Secondary School, and Kilrush Community School. The Champions will be visiting them to tell the students what roles, oppor- tunities and challenges ex- ist within the industry. Intel, which has a cutting-edge re- search and development facil- ity in the Shannon Industrial Estate, and Dell and Chorus in County Limerick, have supplied over 20 volunteers to visit schools.

“Intel will be approaching other Clare schools to see if they are interested in the pro- gramme,’ Hannah Grene of ICT Ireland told

CLARE woman Lottie McClure has been re-appointed to the board of the National Disability Authority (NDA).

A native of Shannon, Mrs McClure will work with the statutory body that advises the Government on the co-ordination and development of policy on disability.

She has already warned about the dan- gers of funding for the disabled being ab- sorbed by administrators.

“Unless proper structures are put in

place, standards for services are introduced and services are co-ordinated across all Government Departments, there is a real danger that the bulk of this money could be absorbed by administrators and service providers instead of making a real impact on the daily lives of people with disabili- ties” she said last week.

Due to a streamlining strategy, the board of the NDA has been cut from 23 to 13 members. Mrs McClure believes this will allow the organisation to adopt a more “fo- cused approach”.

Along with transport and education the issue of personal assistance grants for people with disabilities is a major issue in ETc

“There is great demand for personal as- sistants but unfortunately there is an is- sue with funding and this is something I hope to address through my work with the board” said Mrs McClure who is also involved with the Clare Branch of People with Disabilities in Ireland.