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A NEW medical device developed under an InterlradeIreland business network will help sufferers of some of Ireland’s most prevalent chronic lung ailments.

The Vitalograph COPD-6 is a small, affordable and easy-to-use device, which will not only make life easier for sufferers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), but save time and resources at hospitals PNNeme pte Nee

The device, which was developed under InterlradeIreland’s REMINAC project, allows sufferers to monitor their condition remotely, rather than having to travel to their GP surgery or hospital.

The developers, a tripartite collabo- rative network of companies in Lim- erick, Ennis and Lisburn, County Antrim, are already adapting the de- vice so it can also be used to monitor other ailments like asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Outsource R&D company, Martu- rion Ltd of Lisburn, was responsible for the design of the device, includ- ing the electronics and embedded software. Marturion partnered with Limerick company Eirwave, who designed the Bluetooth technology which enables the device to transmit data remotely to a monitoring centre, and Ennis-based Vitalograph, who developed the software to receive and monitor that data.

General Manager of Vitalograph Ireland, Frank Keane said: “COPD, Asthma and cystic fibrosis are amongst the most common life- threatening lung conditions here in Ireland but can be more effectively treated if monitored regularly so we saw the need for a device which could provide simple and effective pre-spirometry remote screening to those at risk of these diseases.”

Dr John Nelson, managing direc- tor of Eirwave, said that there were numerous benefits of working as

part of a tripartite network: “The REMINAC network brought us the advantage of being able to utilise the complimentary skills and expertise of the three companies to develop leading edge solutions in wireless connectivity for medical devices,’ he explained, “and this would not have been possible without InterIra- delIreland. Its involvement was key to initiate, develop and strengthen the cross-border link between the three companies.

‘An essential aspect of doing busi- ness on a cross-border basis is to have the necessary market awareness and confidence in suppliers and partners. InterTradeIreland were superb in ad- dressing both.”

Dr Andy Barr, managing direc- tor of Marturion commented: “The economic benefits of this device for the health service, in particular, are numerous. Sufferers of lung diseases are among those patients who have the lengthiest stays in hospital and this device could cut down their time in hospital, saving money as well as greatly reducing the risk of cross in- fection by sitting in GP clinics and hospital waiting rooms.”

Chief Executive of Interlradelre- land Liam Nellis said: “InterTra- deIreland brings together networks of companies to help them to become more profitable and competitive through joint marketing, skill-shar- ing, product or process development,

meeting supply needs or co-produc- tion opportunities.

“The REMINAC network is an ex- cellent example of the real practical and mutual benefits of cross-border co-operation. Sharing knowledge generates innovation which is key to success in business particularly in the current economic climate and has helped to accelerate the development of a new product which will make a difference to thousands of people all over the world.”

A CLARE shop owner, whose busi- ness was closed down because of a decision of An Bord Pleandala, had to make all his staff redundant including a woman on maternity EA or

Cheryl Kilmartin, from Kilna- soolagh Park, Newmarket-On- Fergus, took an appeal under the Redundancy Payments Act to the Employment Appeals Tribunal af- ter being let go by David Crimmins, of Newmarket-On-Fergus.

Ms Kilmartin gave evidence to the Tribunal that she started working in Mr Crimmins shop in September 2005. She took maternity leave on September 5, 2007. She completed the relevant form for this leave and stated her date of return to work as

March 5, 2008. In the interim the shop closed down on the October me

The owner had informed the em- ployees some time previously that the shop would close but he did not know on what date.

Mr Crimmins told the Tribunal that An Bord Pleanala overturned a planning decision granted to him by the county council. As a result he was instructed to close down his business until he succeeded in se- curing planning permission.

When the business closed all of the employees were made redun- dant. Due to financial difficulties Mr Crimmins was not able to pay redundancy.

The Tribunal awarded the shop worker redundancy lump sum pay- ment under the Act.

Dynamic solutions topping the bill

Shannon drugs unit looks to nip problem in the bud

RTE Maghera mast bogged down in planning

MANY horses in Clare are being left to starve – because the recession has left their owners with no money to feed them.

The voluntary body Clare Animal Welfare has said in its annual report that the last year “has been an ap- palling year for equine cruelty and we have witnessed large numbers of horses abandoned in unsuitable conditions because their owners are unable to afford to feed and manage dete e0 a

Horse owners have been pleading with the group to help them care for animals. “While individuals do not wish to perpetuate cruelty, they are unable to sustain adequate feed and shelter for these animals any longer,” the report states.

CAW provided farrier assistance to five horses, one donkey and two po- nies and nursed two foals and mares. They have also sent several donkeys to the donkey sanctuary warden in ETc

CAW provided fodder for at least 32 neglected and abandoned horses and ponies in several areas, including Ennis, north Clare, Shannon, Tubber and Gort, County Galway.

“This proved costly and time-con- suming for our volunteers. Outdoor rugs were provided to all animals and veterinary attention continued while rehabilitation and relocation was underway.

“All the neglected equines have

been logged and the Clare SPCA of- ficer notified,” the report says.

“The increase in equine cruelty and neglect has reflected the current state of the Irish economy and CAW is unable to address all calls for as- sistance. It is our view that this is a national problem that will continue to escalate, and measures to address the provisions for equines is urgently needed. We are liaising with other welfare organisations and providing shelter for horses through network- ing with local riding establishments, pony clubs and breeders,” a spokes- woman for the organisation said.

In the last year, CAW has helped re-home 75 dogs who were in their care as well as working to re-home dozens more who remained with the owners until that was possible.

They have assisted 27 cats and

kittens directly through neutering worming and vaccinating and CAW is also carrying out a programme of helping with the cost of neutering and treating pets for people on lower incomes.

CAW is a totally voluntary organi- sation and depends on contributions from the public and the Department of Agriculture to carry on with it’s work. For futher information or in- formation on how to donate, contact 087 7954351 or 087 1315904 or 086 1031662

Log on to _ http://www.clar- eanimalwelfare.net or eer ne info @clareanimalwelfare.net.

The long wait goes on for Element Six employees

MUHAMMAD Ali crossed the At- lantic on Tuesday, 25 August — went to Old Trafford, visited Ricky Hat- ton’s gym, did charity gigs in Man- chester and Dublin and much more.

All, however, were just cameos and Supporting bouts before the main event on the card — that event was in Ennis where his heart wanted to be. “That’s why he left best for last,” said Dr Pearse Lyons of Alltech, the man responsible for bringing Ali to

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“Ennis is the place he really want to come to, because this is where his ancestors come from. It dawned on him in many respects that he was coming home. He has been emotion- Yi leye) olan |

‘When he arrived we saw The Clare People and he’s inside the back going through it page-by-page. If there’s one thing that Muhammad loves it’s that he likes to read about himself.

‘““We’ve had packed houses wher- ever we went over the past week

— and in those houses only one man touched everyone, yet that one man said nothing. He was able to touch all those people by his presence alone,’ he added.

And, Dr Lyons also pointed out that it was Ennis that Muhammad Ali wanted to reach out to the most. “We are here in Ennis, because it is from Ennis that this great voyage started,” he said. “It’s from Ennis that Mu- hammad Ali’s Irish roots started. He is an icon from Ennis, probably the greatest inspiration in the world, the champ, a proud Irish man.

“It’s impossible to put into words — there’s such a warmth in the man, there’s such a radiation coming from the man. He’s a man that you want to follow and that’s why the people have come out in Ennis today. Mu- hammad is not Irish, he’s global, but today he has realised that he is part Irish and he’s proud of that, very proud of that.

‘“There’s nothing that saps you en- ergy more than emotion — today’s he’s little tired, but that’s because he’s so emotional about it. When we showed him the local paper, the shop windows, the American flags and the Irish flags, his sister-in-law kept say- ing Muhammad, you’re Irish, you’re home.

“Muhammad Ali himself realises that and that’s why this visit to En- nis has been so important to him. It has touched him deeply, just as it has touched the people who came out to see him today,” added Dr Lyons.

Physical restraint incidents for patients on the increase

TUESDAY last was one of the best, if not the best day, of Patrick Dono- van’s life.

The Ennisman shook the hand of Muhammad Ali and presented him with a book.

A huge fan of ‘The Greatest’, Patrick left his home in Clancy Park three hours later on a mission to see and meet him lifetime hero.

He had dreamed of brining his son Thomas to see an Ali fight but it was never to be, but when Ali came to Ennis, Patrick said all his dreams came true.

Dressed in a t-shirt with the man they once called Cassius Clay on the front and armed with a book he had for ten years – “Ali the King”, Patrick waved to Ali as he made his way back from the photographers

towards the monument that had just been unveiled in his honour.

Patrick called to him, like hundreds more that made up the excited crowd. Ali looked up, and dismissing any protest from publicists and security guards made his way over. He spent a few moments with Patrick looking at the book and pictures that captured Ali in his prime. For a few moments a glint of the old Ali returned to his eye and as much of a smile as his ill- ness would allow.

Then he took the book and left, but Patrick didn’t mind.

“Of course it was worth it, why wouldn’t it be worth it, sure there will never be a man here like him again,’ he said.

His dream had just come true.