News

IT has been decided that an expert panel should be established to carry out an urgent investigation of how a final resolution of the industrial relations issues relating to the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS) can be secured. This follows consultation by the secretary general of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Tom O’Mahony, and the secretary general of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, John Murphy, with both the chief executive of Ibec, Danny McCoy, and the general secretary of Congress, David Begg, Ibec and Congress have each nominated an industrial relations expert to lead the investigation, with the support of a financial expert, to comprise the Panel. The Panel members are: Mr Brendan McGinty and Ms Laura Gallagher (KPMG), and Mr Peter McLoone and Mr Eugene McMahon (Mazars). Important areas of disagreement remain between the parties, which have resulted in the current impasse. However, in the case of DAA and Aer Lingus, it is noted that …

THE United Nations General Assembly has dedicated this Monday as the inaugural World Wildlife Day, a day to celebrate wildlife and to commit to its protection and conservation. The ISPCA is asking Irish people to reflect on how some wild animals are treated in this country. The ISPCA cares for all animals, including wild animals and is shocked by how our wildlife is treated by some people in this country. “In 2013, the Government missed an opportunity to consign hare coursing, fox hunting and the use of wild animals in circuses to the history books where they belong, but the proposed amendments to the imminent Animal Health and Welfare Act were voted down by TDs,” a spokesperson said. “Ireland is lagging behind other countries in protecting wildlife and the ISPCA encourages citizens to stand up for wild animals and support legislative change. We call on the government to introduce legislation to consign these cruel practices to history and to demonstrate …

A NATIONWIDE quit smoking pharmacy service for the public has been launched by the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly. Smoking, and related illnesses, is a major public health issue with 5,200 people dying in Ireland from diseases caused by tobacco use every year. 1 in every 2 smokers will die from smoking-related diseases. The service, which is available in community pharmacies nationwide from Ash Wednesday, is supported by the Irish Cancer Society and the HSE. As part of the service, pharmacists will assist smokers by giving advice on quitting and the health-related benefits. Pharmacists can also give accurate information and advice on options for quitting, including nicotine replacement therapies, which have been proven to double smokers’ chances of success. “This is a great initiative by pharmacists who are using their training and skills to help smokers make that quit attempt. Let there be no doubt – the single best thing a smoker can do for their health is to …

A €3.5 MILLION investment has been made in elderly care at Cahercalla with a comprehensive refurbishment bringing the well known Clare Nursing Home up to HIQA regulatory standards. According to those at the facility the investment will greatly enhance the care, stay and safety experience for current and future residents. All of the bedrooms in the three- storey 1960s nursing home have now been renovated and redecorated. Uniquely based on a community model, Cahercalla Nursing Home which employs 130 people, has been a hugely significant facility and service to people and families throughout county Clare. The new developments bring the 111 bedded Nursing Home in line with the highest care standards deserved by the elderly who have contributed so much to life within the county. According to Paula O’Halloran, CEO of Cahercalla Hospital and Hospice, the refurbishment has not alone physically transformed the Nursing Home but has created a “home from home” atmosphere among residents, visitors and staff. She also …

  By Owen Ryan CAR parking charges at airports can be a real nuisance of a cost, particularly as the effects are only felt after returning, but Shannon is about to take steps to take some of the sting out of it for its customers. At the Shannon Chamber business breakfast in Dromoland on Wednesday morning Airport CEO Neil Pakey said he was planning to take a leaf out of the book of Ryanair Deputy Chief Executive Michael Cawley, who was addressing the attendance. “In line with Michael’s model we’re going to be introducing a Park for Less Car Park not far from the airport, which will be cheaper than the present car parking charges.” He said the airport are responding to what people have told them and they’re hoping for a good response once it opens. “It’s one reason someone might traipse across the country to get to another airport. We’re reflecting on it and we’re going to launch …

By Dan Danaher FORMER Clare Labour Party activist, Paula McNamara will contest the Local Elections as an independent candidate in May. In addition to stepping down from the Labour Party’s Central Council, Paula McNamara, Magowna, Inch, resigned from the party last month. The daughter of former Ennis Hospital Development Committee chairman and Labour Party activist, the late Peadar McNamara, Paula also relinquished a number of administrative roles including PRO of the Ennis Labour Branch, county women’s’ officer, and co-treasure. Involved in numerous community projects from a young age, she hopes voters will judge her  ability to make a difference on the council on what she has achieved in the past. “I am young energetic person who likes to get things done. I hope my years of community involvement will give voters a glimpse of what I have and can achieve with their support,” she said. Revitalising Ennis town centre to make it a more attractive place for local shoppers and tourists …

GARDAÍ in West Clare are investigating reports of attempted break-ins by a person, who it is claimed was attempting entry using a supposed master key. The gardaí are reacting to a matter raised by Councillor Oliver Garry at Monday’s meeting of the JPC, where he said he had received calls from members of the public in Kildysart, who had told him “a person was going around with a bunch of keys trying specific doors of houses”. He said on receiving a call about it, he phoned gardaí in Kilrush. He asked if the gardaí were aware of certain doors that could be accessed by using a “master key”. “He was only trying certain doors. I don’t know the specifics of the particular one,” he said. Superintendents Derek Smart and Seamus Nolan were not aware of this specific incident but said they would make enquiries. Following the meeting, Superintendent Smart said the gardaí had not heard about this particular type of …

THE Clare Champion’s coverage of Community Games activities was recognised at the national annual general meeting which was held in Westport in Mayo at the weekend. In the Provincial media section, the Clare Champion captured third prize. Sports editor, Seamus Hayes received the award from the organisation’s president, Gerry Davenport. The public relations officer of the Clare organisation, Mary Phelan from Sixmilebridge received an award for her work in that role. Over 200 volunteers descended on the Mayo town where keynote speaker, Kieran Mulvey, chairperson of the Irish Sports Council, praised the HSE Community Games for being a “nursery of sporting talent” in Ireland today. “The HSE Community Games is a shining star in Ireland today and the Irish Sports Council are proud to be associated with this nursery of sporting talent. This year, the HSE Community Games received funding of €260,000 from the ISC (Irish Sports Council) and €25,000 from Women in Sport and we consider this to be …