THERE are renewed concerns about the future of the Shannon to Heathrow slots in the wake of the latest “body blow” to tourism and business following a cutback in some weekly flights in order to meet the London airport’s cap on passenger numbers. Aer Lingus has decided to cull one of its flights to Shannon from Heathrow ein a move, which may continue for a number of weeks. The Shannon Group has been informed by Aer Lingus that selected flights on one of its three daily Aer Lingus services from Shannon to Heathrow have been cancelled due to London Heathrow’s mandated capacity reduction. The group’s advice to passengers is to keep in contact with their airline for flight updates.” The following flights were cut EI387/388 London Heathrow – Shannon – London Heathrow from Tuesday to this Thursday and the EI385 London Heathrow – Shannon on Saturday. There are no cancellations planned for Friday or next Sunday. Lahinch hotelier, Michael Vaughan …

THE provision of tented facilities for up to new 100 asylum seekers in Meelick has prompted concern about “two-tier” accommodation. Clare Immigrant Support Centre co-ordinator, Orla Ní Éilí is worried short-term emergency accommodation could be in place for months or years in a worst case scenario. “This is very worrying. Asylum seekers in the Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre can hang out in their bedroom whereas up to ten asylum seekers could be living in one tent. “It is introducing a new two-tier accommodation system for asylum seekers.” It is understood the tents in Knockalisheen will be used to accommodate single, asylum-seeking men. Ms Ní Éilí said people are coming to Ireland seeking asylum from several different war-torn countries because transport has opened up again following the Covid-19 pandemic. The Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre accommodates about 200 people including families. Clare Immigrant Support Centre along with other organisations working with the Ukrainian community and the international protection community are concerned about the provision …

A RETIRED school principal and wife of the last lighthouse keeper at Loop Head Lighthouse has described her time living at the edge of the ocean as “heaven”. Located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary with its origins dating back to the 1670s, the lighthouse was first opened to visitors in 2011 and has since become one of West Clare’s most popular attractions. The lighthouse also is one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland and is one of two “Signature Discovery Points”, as identified by Failte Ireland, in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way. Kitty Garvey, who attended the recent reopening of Loop Head Lighthouse for the first time since 2019, is thrilled with the major investment that has provided running water, refurbished buildings and a proper access road to this popular visitor attraction. Following her retirement from St Cuan’s National School, Kilbaha, she taught in various schools throughout the county on a part-time basis …

Clare deputies have hit out at AIB’s decision to go cashless in 70 of its 170 branches nationwide, including Ennistymon, Killaloe, Kilrush and Shannon. AIB branches will be losing traditional services in the coming months, meaning that no transactions involving notes, coins, cheques, foreign exchange or bank drafts will be offered in the affected banks. ATMs located outside the 70 branches are also set to be removed. “This is yet another blow to rural Ireland and even more so to those who are of an older generation,” said Deputy Cathal Crowe. “There are people out there in their 70s or 80s – many younger again and some even not far off my own age – who have never used a debit card and prefer to operate in cash. “While this won’t be the way forever, it’s completely unjust to dismiss these people who have spent their lives working and contributing to society in the later years of their lives. “This …

HSE chief executive, Paul Reid visited health services in Limerick and Clare this week as part of a series of visits to services around the country. Councillor Cillian Murphy described this visit as a “farewell tour”. During his visit, Mr Reid met staff involved in a range of initiatives and heard in particular about how acute and community services are collaborating and integrating to improve health outcomes. An important element of the visit was to acknowledge and thank staff for their work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a HSE press statement. At University Hospital Limerick, he saw specific services designed to reduce Emergency Department waiting times and avoid hospital admission for patients who would be better cared for in appropriate services in the community. He spoke to the team promoting early stroke discharge, which is leading to better outcomes and less use of acute beds, visited the cancer directorate, which is eliminating ED delays for cancer patients, and heard …

A KILLALOE long distance swimmer negotiated a treacherous strait of water with mixed current during a 45.866 kilometre swim around the Big Apple in the United States of America. Wearing a Munster red togs with FOLEY 8 on the back and an Irish flag on the front, Rosie Foley and her best friend Andrea Newport swam together in tandem under all 20 bridges around Manhattan Island. They swam 28.5 miles in eight hours and 28 minutes. To make sure Rosie and Andrea were safe in the busy waters, they were accompanied by another close friend Fionnuala Walsh from Cappa near Kilrush, who swam this route eight years ago, on one of three support boats. There was also a kayaker beside them from New York Open Water and they had plenty of support on dry land. “My husband Pat, who was born in New York, and three children Oisin, Brendan and Siofra plus Andrea’s partner Alex were on land,” said Rosie. …

ADVANCED paramedics should be permitted to use their clinical judgement to treat patients for non-life threatening injuries in their own homes when they deem this is safe and appropriate. That’s according to Councillor Cillian Murphy, who has claimed patients are being brought to the ED in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) for relatively minor injuries or illnesses, which could be treated elsewhere. However, the HSE West Forum member stressed because of the current HSE system ambulance personnel haven’t the authority to treat people in their own homes and must bring them to a public hospital. “If you have a patient that is transported in an ambulance for something that could be treated in a Local Minor Injury Clinic, and the ambulance is now gone from West Clare for three and a half or four hours, this could be very serious for someone with a life-threatening condition. “This also has an impact on overcrowding in ED after recent figures I obtained show …

THE PROFESSIONALISM, kindness and compassion displayed by members of An Garda Siochána since its foundation was lauded by Killaloe parish priest, Fr James Grace. A Mass celebrating the centenary of the establishment of An Garda Siochána in Ireland took place in St Flannan’s Church, Killaloe recently. Speaking at this special Mass, Fr Grace said he had witnessed gardai working beyond the call of duty displaying professionalism, kindness and compassion, in particular during tragic deaths such as suicides. Fr Grace also welcomed and praised the contribution made by Killaloe Coastguard, Killaloe Firemen, Civil Defence and all volunteers who contribute to the safety of the twin communities. At the start of the Mass, retired Detective Garda Albert Kelly brought a cap from the original Garda uniform to the altar, representing the establishment of An Garda Siochána and all members past and present who represent the force. Garda Annette Ryan brought up the official Garda crest as a symbol of the work the …