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TOURISM bodies in the mid-west and Shannon airport management must “get their act together” in the aftermath of the end of the Shannon Stopover.

That was the message delivered by Transport Minister Martin Cullen (FF) yesterday, who said an urgent marketing strategy is required. He promised Government support for Shannon.

“Is there a fu- ture there for Shannon? Abso- lutely. People in the mid-west have to get their act to- gether,” he said.

He dispelled

suggestions from opposition politi- COE TeNsmanet-| mp usseele) Vc ing the stopover was akin to re- moving “a piece of infrastructure’ from the mid- west.

“l’m spending billions to ensure infrastructure remains in place in Clare,’ he said.

He said that while the Open Skies deal was being negotiated over the past few years, Shannon may have “held back” and remained in a “‘com- fort zone”’.

“Twenty-two different gatewaus in the States have expressed inter- est in having a connection with Ire- land. Not all of them will develop, but some of them will. Competition

for Shannon is not necessarily from Dublin. Shannon’s competition 1s other airports in the UK and Eu- rope,” he said.

“One only has to see Knock de- veloping new routes going into the States, and it hasn’t the population base that Shannon has. Shannon is very sustainable,’ he said.

‘This debate is over. The sooner we accept that, the better,” he said.

Clare Fianna Fail TD Tony Killeen

said it was obvious for a number of years that the end of the stopover was “imevitable”’.

Je CRS Hem aet-dmcybelee it was first mooted, major progress has been made on various tour- ism projects in the mid-west.

‘There is no rea- son why Shannon can’t get some of them (22 Ameri-

can gateways). Shannon is in a much better position than it was in the late 80s/early 90s,” he said.

He said he did not believe the tim- ing of last Friday’s agreement was hugely significant, in the face of the imminent general election.

“T think it is good timing to tell the people what the situation is, surely. In terms of timing, I think it 1s per- fectly alright to tell people now be- fore the election,’ he said.

ORGANISERS are hopeful that a re- vamped Lisdoonvarna Festival will be granted planning permission by Clare County Council, despite the local authority’s refusal to allow it to take place in Clare in 2003.

The festival was forced to relocate to Dublin following a decision not to grant planning permission for the event by the local authority in May of 2003.

In a written statement issued by the

planning department, it stated that “the unsuitability of the road net- work serving the area in terms of ca- pacity and width and the unsuitabuil- ity of proposed car parking facilities and threat to pedestrian safety” were the main reasons for not allowing the festival to take place.

The council also said the concert would unduly interfere with safety and the free flow of traffic and en- danger public safety by reason of traffic hazard but did accept “the general suitability” of the concert

venue Site.

A group of 200 motorcyclists from Waterford were blamed for marring the last festival which took place in Lisdoonvarna is 1983.

The large group reportedly de- scended on the north Clare town on the Saturday evening of the festival wielding iron bars and threatening festival-goers.

The scene was described at the time by Superintendent Tim Leahy as “one of the roughest and dirtiest we have experienced”.

late last year, Mr Aiken told of his ambi- tion to bring big-time musical enter- tainment back to Lisdoonvarna.

“To revive the old festival would be impossible. It would be just too hard to get planning. But there is no reason why a new festival can- not be designed. If Paddy Doherty and Christy Moore came on board, I would be more than ready to listen.

“We did attempt to revive the old Lisdoonvarna Festival, but it is very

difficult. But look at the likes of Bruce Springsteen and his new al- bum. If he decided to do a folk festi- val and someone asked me where to go with it, | would say Clare.”

Lisdoonvarna festival organiser, Paddy Doherty, paid tribute to the support that Aiken gave to the festi- val over the years.

“When we started off in 1978, Jim Aiken was the big promoter in the country,’ said Mr Doherty. “I always remember him calling up and wish- ing us the best. We were just two guys from down the country and it meant a lot for him to do that.

“I have great respect for him and have worked closely with him down the years and up as far as last Christ- mas. We have an ongoing associa- tion with Aiken Promotions and we would be looking to continue this relationship for any future Lisdoon- varna Festivals.”

Born on October 4, 1932, Jim Aik-

en was a physics and maths teacher for a number of years in Belfast, be- fore turning his attention to music promotion.

He finished teaching in 1965 to set up Aiken Promotions, which helped place Ireland on the international map for music over the last four dec- ades.

His other business interests in- cluded radio – he was involved in FM104 and Red FM – as well as music shops, and he was part of the consortium which brought HMV to Ireland.

Jim is survived by his wife, Anne, and his five children, Claire, Susan, Cathy, Joan and Peter who now runs Aiken Promotions.

SIPTU 1s to ballot its members for in- dustrial action at Shannon Airport.

Crunch talks are to take place to- morrow (Wednesday) at the airport between management and unions. The talks will centre on the thorny issue of staffing the security opera- tion at Shannon.

Already, 23 of the 90 temporary workers at Shannon have been told that their contracts will not be re- newed on March 23 next.

This follows the rejection by unions of the €35 million restructuring plan put forward by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), which involved the voluntary redundancy of 200

workers.

The meeting tomorrow between the Executive Chairman of the Shannon Airport Authority, Pat Shanahan, the airport director, Martin Moroney and senior union officials is seen as crucial to any alternative package that might be agreed.

However, SIPTU Industrial Or- ganiser, Tony Carroll confirmed in a letter circulated at Shannon, that the union was proceeding to a protective ballot for industrial action.

“The Labour Relations Commis- sion (LRC) convened a meeting of the three unions in Dublin Airport Authority Shannon last Wednesday to look at ways of involving the 1m- passe in the stalled cost reduction

programme at Shannon Airport,” the letter states.

“SIPTU and the union sought a reversal to the status quo situation relating to decisions made and an- nounced by the airport management including the giving of a terminal notice and contract workers to finish on March 23, 2007.

“SIPTU has now decided to pro- ceed to issue notice of its intention to ballot its members on a protective ballot for industrial action to be im- plemented in the event of the DAA proceeding to impose change unilat- erally which may affect in anyway on our members and/or in breach of our procedural agreements.

“The protective ballot for indus-

trial action in no way diminishes our commitment to engage with the DAA management through the LRC in trying to secure a settlement of all TSS UC ehe

“This ballot would not have been necessary had the company agreed to revert to the status quo as request- ed at the LRC while we processed the dispute through the normal pro- cedures. In the meantime, you may be approached by management to discuss matters, you are under no ob- ligation to talk to management as all these issues are 1n process.”

Already, the stalemate has resulted in the closure of the Marsh Point bar and the curtailment of restaurant hours.

AER LINGUS staff at Shannon may have to adopt a range of new work practices, following recommenda- tions from the Labour Relations Commission.

The LRC yesterday released its rec- onebaelesslee-T allele Rene (ore mel Moon ODNITcMmNals long-running dispute between unions and management.

The airline has been told to discuss cost-cutting practices with staff in- stead of seeking to impose them on a unilateral basis. The Labour Rela- tions Commission also recommend- ed staff be compensated for loss of earnings or annual leave.

The court states that where loss of

holidays or earnings result from the new measures, compensation should be paid. The precise level of compen- sation is likely to be the subject of further negotiations to be completed within four weeks.

However, it was also recommended that major changes in work practices would have to be implemented if cost cuts were to be achieved at the air- line.

The changes have been the source of a serious dispute between unions and management, which almost re- sulted in strike action.

LRC Chairman Kevin Duffy said he was satisfied that the current situ- ation warranted the implementation of measures to bring about further

cost savings and efficiencies.

Both sides have welcomed the recommendations, but stated more would be needed to bring about a to- tal resolution.

Michael Halpenny, SIPTU Nation- al Industrial Secretary, said the LRC had clearly indicated in its findings that Aer Lingus had compromised existing work agreements and the se- curity of future agreements.

He said SIPTU’s disputes’ commit- tee would meet again to discuss the document.

Aer Lingus Chief Executive Der- mot Mannion welcomed the input of the LRC but added, “Much remains to be done and management remains committed to addressing the real

commercial issues that the company faces and ensuring unnecessary cost is removed from the business.”

The court is recommending that staff who currently get 26 or more days of annual leave per year should relinquish two days. Staff entitled to 23, 24 or 25 days should relinquish one day. Greater flexibility over shift arrangements is also recommended, as is the elimination of the practice of working through breaks and fin- ishing early.

SIPTU shop stewards at Aer Lin- gus are meeting on Thursday morn- ing to consider the Labour Court Recommendation on the company’s Programme for Continuous Improve- ment 2007.

THE roads and byways of east Clare have been humming with the rich sound of singing over the last few months as a group of interested peo- ple have established a new commu- nity choir in Scaruf.

The inspiration for the group came after a visit from Archie Simpson of the Lismorahaun Singers last year which saw the north Clare based voice teacher offer a singing work- shop for the locals.

So popular was the work-shop that another workshop was organised

with Kate Daly, also from the Lis- morahaun Singers.

“We really like it and a couple of us came together with the idea of start- ing a singing group of our own,’ said Carla Bauer, one of the organisers.

‘In October we organised a second workshop, this time with Kate Daly. It was so popular, about 25 or 30 people turned up and after that we have been continuing the group on our own steam.

“We call it a choir but at the mo- ment it is more like a singing group really. We are hoping to one day to erow to become a choir.”

Carla is currently studying a mas- ters degree in Community Music in UL while her co-organiser Cather- ine Patience is a professional voice coach.

“We have a good mixture of people – there are a few teenagers as well as a mixture of men and women. We really try to stay open to everything that the members want to do,” con- tinued Carla.

“We enjoy examining different styles and different songs and every idea that is put forward is very wel- come. Overall though, it’s isn’t so much like a church choir, so far any-

way. It is more lively like a Baptist choir or something like that.”

Carla is currently hosting a series of six workshops with the group through her University of Limerick fo) actos

“We are going to experiment a bit during the workshops,” said Carla. “We will try a few different vocal exercises and see how we get on. We also want to introduce differ- ent rhythms and some instruments. Hopefully at the end of it we will come up with something original.”

Anyone interested in learning more can contact Carla at 061 – 921633.

AN east Clare school has scored top marks in areport issued by the De- partment of Education and Science.

Ballybrohan National School was characterised as having a ‘warm child-friendly atmosphere’ and praised for the high standards achieved by pupils in language, lit- eracy and mathematics.

The school is also commended for the very good quality of teaching and learning in evidence and the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum.

However the report also notes that with enrolment numbers expected to rise in the immediate future, there will be further pressure on the school to expand.

Ballybrohan was one of 144 pri- mary and post primary schools sur- veyed nationwide.

Ballybrohan National School is a four-teacher co-educational primary school situated approximately half way between the towns of Scariff and Killaloe. The school is under the patronage of the Catholic bishop of the diocese of Killaloe.

The report states “the school mis- sion statement, as well as reflecting its Catholic ethos, also promotes partnership between the school, par- ents and the wider community in an atmosphere of mutual respect”.

The school serves mainly the fami- lies living locally and the number of pupils now attending stands at 105. The school also has a class for pupils

on the autistic spectrum with four pupils presently in attendance.

During the evaluation, the inspec- tors held pre-evaluation meetings with the principal, the teachers, the school’s board of management, and representatives of the parents’ as- sociation. The evaluation was con- ducted over a number of days during which inspectors visited classrooms and observed teaching and learning.

It also comments on the relation- ship between school management and the parents association.

‘Parents have been involved in the formation of a number of school pol- icies particularly in the areas of be- haviour, enrolment and homework.”

“The parents’ association officers stated that parents are made welcome

in the school and it was reported that the concerns of the members of the association are dealt with promptly by teachers and board of manage- ment. Communication among the as- sociation, the board of management and the teachers is satisfactory.”

The report recommends “that greater emphasis be placed on the development of the local History and Geography, and the use of informa- tion and communications technology (ICT) as a tool in the investigation and presentation of findings should be further expanded”.

‘“Post-evaluation meetings were held with the staff and board of man- agement where the draft findings and recommendations of the evaluation were presented and discussed.”

TWO childcare groups in Clare are celebrating this week, after being successful in their applications for funding.

The Department of Health and Children announced that the Inis- cealtra Preschool in Mountshannon and Bridget’s Garden Group in Tua- mgraney are to be given €1,000,000 and €600,000 respectively.

The Mountshannon facility cur- rently provides care facilities for up to 45 children from a pre-fab on the national school grounds.

The creche is run under the aus- pices of the Mountshannon Com- munity Council and chairman, Paul Bugler, said the cash will be a mas-

sive boost.

“This will allow us to move ahead with plans to expand the facility and to hopefully have purpose built ac- commodation. There is a real need in this area for childcare, both in terms of affordability and availability,” said Paul.

“For some parents who work in Limerick or Shannon it can mean hav- ing to shift children out at 6.30am. A lot of grandparents are stepping in to fill the breach and some of them are feeling the pressure. We need locally available pre-school and afterschool or Kone

The money will allow the facility, which has been in the very capable hands of Veronica Bleach for almost four years, to expand the hours dur-

ing which care can be provided, as well as provide better facilities.

Currently, the childcare facil- ity caters for up to 45 children for a number of hours each day but the new building will allow the service expand to include after school care up to national school age.

Meanwhile, the Bridget’s Garden community childcare facility is also planning to spend it’s €600,000 al- location on accommodation.

The group has been in existence for seven years, catered for more than 80 children in that time and has had to move four times in that period.

They cater for babies from six months old to children of four.

The facility is currently operating in Bodyke but it is hoped that now a

permanent home can be secured for Bridgets Garden.

Co-Founder of the facility, Lina Pelaez said that everyone involved was “delighted” to hear the grant was approved.

“It is very emotional to have the work that is being done recognised. We had such great help with the ap- plication from the Ennis Childcare Committee and the work done by parents has been amazing. There was such a lot of work involved in making the application and parents are not professional form-fillers but they really worked at it.”

BREAK out the maracas and shake those hips, its salsa time in Ennis.

One of the country’s most thrilling live salsa bands are coming to Ennis this Friday (March 9). Galway’s own Cuba Libre take to the stage in their new monthly residency at the heart of Ennis town centre in The Old Ground Hotel.

This eight piece band, which boasts two percussionists, piano and a pow- erhouse brass section 1s fronted by re- nowned vocalist Andres Martorell.

A native of Uruguay, he has worked with some of the most influential names in modern Salsa circles such as Eddy Pe Alver.

Musical director Stefano Mus- covi has collaborated with Europe’s top Latin acts such Oche Rios who played at the 7Oth birthday of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. It promises to be a terrific night featuring the music of Latin legends such as Ru- bens Blades, Oscar D’leon.

The concert is being organised in order to raise funds for the Ennis Street festival which takes place July 1. Festival organiser Ana Bella AlI- varez says people can expect a great vprcaalme elm

‘They have been playing in Galway

for years and they are really popular. It’s mostly Cuban music with lots of dancing, lots of people shaking their hips!”

This will be the second year of the Ennis Street Festival which brought colour and a carnival atmosphere to the market area last summer. Or- ganisers say this years event will be bigger with more acts while there are also plans to launch a festival web- Site

“T received a lot of encouragement from local people who had asked me to organise the festival last year. This year it will be bigger, there’ll be en- tertainment around the town, music and dance workshops and a stage with live music. I’m really looking forward to it, its really exciting”

She continues, “We would like to take this opportunity to call on local artists to collaborate with their own work or with ideas for the festival. For those interested, please call 065 6893966/086 3096096 or email us at ennisstreetfestival@eircom.net.”

Anyone wishing to make a dona- tion can do so at account number AIB 935387/063 91089.

KILRUSH Marina is quickly becom- ing the focal point for yacht racers and enthusiasts around the country, even before the announcement of the €50 million investment into the sur- rounding lands.

At the request of Trinity College Dublin the Western Yacht Club, Kil- rush hosted the 2007 Irish Universi- WUE TIED a OHO GROIN eO Mh Te tional team Racing Championships, just a short few weeks ago.

The IUSA Nationals consist of 25 sailing teams from participating Irish Universities and third level Colleges competing in three days of dinghy

racing. This race then goes towards deciding which team will go to the World Team Racing Championships to be held in La Rochelle, France this year.

A Celtic flavour was brought to the IUSA Nationals in 2007 by the at- tendance of a number of teams from Scottish Universities.

A total of 150 sailors participated in Kilrush and competed in 176 races over the three days all of which were comfortably completed in courses laid out within the confines of Kil- rush Creek Marina.

It is estimated that the IUSA Na- tionals 2007 was worth €60,000 to the West Clare economy, a welcome

injection of funds to the town consid- ering it is off-season for tourists.

The event provided a colourful spectacle over the three days of rac- ing as each race consisted of two teams of three firefly dinghies with each team’s dinghies having differ- ent coloured sails.

Large numbers of people viewed the event from the Marina Gates causeway and from lands around the marina itself.

A major logistical effort consisting of the running of 60 races a day at three minutes intervals each, and the daily on-water transportation of up to 600 sailors from the marina pontoons to the race area, was successfully co-

ordinated by the Western Yacht Club with the help of its many members.

The Naval Service Reserve located in Kilrush, through its assistance, provided a unique Naval and profes- sional aspect to the event.

The event was a major success and approaches have already been made with regard to the hosting of the Na- tionals or a similar event in 2008.

Trinity College won the overall oLeynel oer eI ele) NF