Month: June 2011

THE huge contribution made by Tomás Mac Cormaic to the development of Shannon over many years has been recalled after the sudden death of the former Town Clerk last week.

The Kilkishen native, who was 76 years of age when he died suddenly last Tuesday, served as Shannon Town Clerk for 27 years between the advent of Shannon Town Commission in 1982 until his retirement in 2009.

At his funeral mass on Friday, Shannon parish priest Fr Tom Hogan described Tomás as “the man who owned Shannon”. Those were the words used by one of his grandchildren in the immediate aftermath of his death and were affectionately recalled to the hundreds who turned out to pay their last respects.

Tributes in Clare have been led by former Mayor of Clare and Shannon, Cllr Patricia McCarthy, who worked with Mr Mac Cormaic throughout his 27 years as Town Clerk.

“Even before he became Town Clerk, he would have been involved in a lot of community committees and activities,” said Cllr McCarthy. “He brought his knowledge of the town and the community into the Town Commissioners. He made a hugely positive and crucial contribution to Shannon.

“There was no history of elected representatives in the town, no history of how local government would work in the town. Tomás played a vital role with councillors of weaning Shannon away from being run by a semi-state company and helping the town taking charge of our own destiny,” she added.

These tributes were echoed by Senator Tony Mulcahy, who also served as Mayor of Shannon and Clare during Mr Mac Cormaic’s time in local government.

“In his 27 years as Town Clerk he never missed a meeting,” said Senator Mulcahy. “That tells you about him. He was totally committed to his family, his work and his friends. Tomás was one of the father figures within the town. He was a Commissioner of Oaths and a Peace Commissioner, so he engaged with a huge number of people in the Shannon Community.

“He made a huge contribution to the development of the town. He was always the great man for a solid word. He was available to the community 24/7 – that’s the man he was for Shannon,” Senator Mulcahy added.

Mr Mac Cormaic is survived by his nine children, Padraig, Máire, Cathal, Ciaran, Áine, Eimear, Eithne, Eoin and Gearóíd, his brothers Máirtín, Micheál and Noel, sisters Josie and Margaret; sons-in-law, daughters-inlaw and 12 grandchildren.

Mr Mac Cormaic’s remains were removed to Mary Immaculate Church in Shannon last Thursday, while the funeral mass took place on 12 noon on Friday with burial afterwards in Lemenagh Cemetery.

KILMALEY woman Emma Healy got a little help from her friends – 15 of them to be precise – last week when she went to run the Flora Mini Marathon in Dublin. The Clare ladies organised themselves to run alongside Emma and raise sponsership for her trip as a volunteer with the Building of Hope next year.

“They were absolutely fantastic and we had a great day,” said Emma, who works in Ennis General Hospital.

But this is not the first time she has been given a helping hand, or in a recent case a helping head, chest and lots of legs. “We had a waxathon and, fair play to them, the Kilmaley United soccer team turned out to be waxed and shaved. One chap got his whole head of hair and beard shaved off, another got his chest waxed and lots of them got their legs waxed – it was a brilliant night,” Emma told The Clare People .

Also helping on the night at the Bogdale House in Kilmaley were pals Lorraine Tuohy and Anne Killeen, who fed the starving hoardes, as well as Emma’s sister Martina, who did the waxing, and local barber Joey Woulfe, who took care of the shaving.

Irish Pride and Brendan Keane butchers sponsored the barbecue for the waxathon and Barry Lynch of Lynch’s Centra on the Gort Road sponsored lunches for the women on the marathon.

Now Emma – who teaches Irish dancing to adults and children – is planning a fundraising ceili for October 14 in the Auburn Lodge when Michael Sexton’s two-piece ceili band will be playing. The fun will start at 9.30pm.

This will be 27-year-old Emma’s first trip to Africa and she doesn’t know, as yet, what she will be doing.

“Olive told me it could be anything but she did ask me to bring my dancing shoes to teach some of the local kids how to do a bit of dancing.”

THE activities of “cowboy coal-sellers” are hurting Ennis businesses and damaging homes, a meeting has heard.

At last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) had sought support for a motion calling on the Minster for Finance to exempt domestic solid fuel from the carbon tax.

Cllr Neylon, who runs a coal and smokeless fuel distribution business, told the meeting that coal-sellers from outside Clare had operated in the county over the past two years. He described the coal as like “burning rubber” and claimed, “the people who were selling coal, 90 per cent of them are on the dole”.

He said coal distributors in Ennis had been hit hard by “outside suppliers bringing in rubbish coal”.

He added, “If we keep going like this, we are going to pay a massive price in terms of pollution.”

Cllr Mary Coote Ryan (FG) told the meeting that a neighbour had almost been injured by coal purchased from people she described as “cowboy coal-sellers”.

“A big stone flew out of the fire and broke everything and just passed this man’s head,” she explained.

Cllr Peter Considine (FF) urged the council to write to the Minister of Finance and the Minister for Social Protection.

Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) said the past two winters had been unprecedented. He said it had been so cold that elderly people “had gone to bed early to conserve coal”.

A DECISION to extend the so-called ‘Smoky Coal Ban’ to include Ennis may raise fuel costs and hit elderly people the hardest, according to one local coal merchant.

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD announced last week that, with effect from August 1, Ennis will be added to the list of towns and cities covered by the ‘Smoky Coal Ban’, under which it is illegal to market, sell, or distribute bituminous or ‘smoky’ coal.

While coal merchants have welcomed the plans to reduce air pollution, some say that the cost of new smokeless fuel allied to the imposition of a carbon tax will be too much for some sections of the community.

Coal and gas merchant, Michael O’Brien, explained that while some smokeless coal is “very good” other products are “dirt”. He said customers are unconvinced by a lot of smokeless coal, which he said can be difficult to light. Mr O’Brien, who has run a coal and fuel business for 20 years, said that as a result many homeowners stopped burning coal and “went back to buying heating oil”.

Good quality smokeless coal, he said, was typically € 1-€ 2 dearer in price. He added, “That would put elderly people in fierce trouble. Over the last winter, you had people staying inside with their coats, not buying coal.” Mr O’Brien said business had declined by almost 50 per cent over the past two winters.

A spokesman for Ennis-based Galvin Coal and Solid Fuel Merchants said there were a lot of “grey areas” in the ban. He said it was still unclear whether the ban applied to the burning or selling of bituminous coal. He explained, “It seems to apply to sellers within the zone (Ennis) but then it seems that people are free to go outside the zone, buy it and burn it in Ennis, which is ridiculous.”

Welcoming plans to reduce air pollution, the spokesman said the coal industry had been affected by the recession.

He added,“I did see a massive increase in the sale of cheap coal. It’s the first winter I saw that.”

AFTER three years of community effort a new € 114,000 playground will be officially opened in Quin on Saturday, June 18.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Christy Curtin (Ind) will be joined at the event by the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald.

Funding for the project was secured from Clare County Council (€ 84,333) and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (€ 30,000). Money was also raised by the local community.

The need for the playground in Quin is highlighted by the fact that over 250 children attend the primary schools of the Clooney Quin parish.

In early 2007, a community survey carried out by the playground committee identified a playground for the Quin area as critical infrastructural requirement.

The project was spearheaded by committee members – Cllr Sonny Scanlon (FG), Liam Conneally, Nancy Cantwell, Carmel Crosse and Alison Deane.

Cllr Scanlon said, “This is an important day for the Clooney Quin parish and in particular the people of Quin. It is important that we develop facilities such as this for the children of our community and the playground will only enhance the amenities for the existing residents of Quin village.”

Commenting on the opening, Liam Conneally stated, “During the recent economic boom, much development took place in the parish of Clooney Quin resulting in significant population increases for the area.”

He added, “The construction of a community playground will add another important piece of infrastructure to the area to be enjoyed by children of current and future generations.”

Mr Conneally said the committee are also thankful to Cyril O’Reilly, local business people and the staff and members of Clare County Council, in particular the community and enterprise section in bringing the Quin playground to fruition.

He added, “The playground will allow Quin village to reach its potential in terms of being an attractive place to live for its citizens and visitors alike.”

Cllr Scanlan also acknowledged the support of local businessman John Beirne, farmer Pat Scanlon and landowner Martin Liddy.

He said the project was also supported by Brian McCarthy and Pat Hassett.

A SECTION of the historic Ennis Friary will not be available for wider public use or community-based events when it re-opens next year, according to the Office of Public Works (OPW).

A roof has been installed over the 18th century church in order to provide protection for the collection of carved features, which survive at Ennis Friary.

The OPW also plans to improve visitor access at the site. A design for the display of the Friary’s carved stone features is also being finalized. The project is expected to cost € 100,000.

In a letter to Ennis Town Council, Marie O’Gallagher, of the OPW’s National Monument’s section, explained that the OPW is implementing “plans for the protection and presentation of the significant collection of medieval carved stone features and in improving visitor access to the site”.

Cllr Johnny Flynn had called on the OPW to open up the Friary for “wider public use, educational, cultural and community purposes within a management plan to increase its relevance to residents and visitors”.

Ms Gallagher said that work on the project, which will include a wire mesh to provide security for the display area and deter birds and wildlife, is due to be complete by the end of 2011.

She added, “However it is not envisaged that this space will be available for wider public use or communitybased events. It is anticipated that the site will re-open to visitors in 2012.”

GREATER transparency in the allocation of private and local authority housing would help to prevent antisocial behaviour in estates in Ennis, a meeting has heard.

Ennis Town Council has adopted a draft allocation scheme, which incorporates new clauses relating to estate management.

However members have expressed concern over the level of information available regarding the allocation of housing in Ennis.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) told the Council’s June meeting that tenants in some estates in Ennis “are doing a lot of damage in the communities they move into”.

“I’m hearing stories that people are thrashing houses and moving on,” he added.

Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said elected representatives are “handcuffed” when it comes to housing policy. He said it would be helpful if councillors had access to information regarding the number of houses on the waiting list and who they are available for.

Cllr Peter Considine (FF) stressed that councillors have “no hand, act or say” in the allocation of local author- ity housing.

However, he said that there should be some means by which councillors can convey information about potential tenants to the housing section. Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said it should be an aim of the Council to ensure that tenants that “arrive into an area are best for the area”.

Town Clerk Eddie Power explained that when the Health Services Executive (HSE) are involved, tenants select the house and then receive financial support from the HSE. He explained that the Council advises that all standard letting agreements include provisions for anti-social be- haviour.

Mayor of Ennis Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said that when tenants in HSE supported housing create antisocial behaviour, neighbours often did not know who to complain to. Describing it as a “big issue” in some private estates around Ennis, Cllr Brennan said, “No one can make a complaint to because there is no one to make a complaint to.” Cllr Brennan added that there “was no way the HSE should have anything to do with housing”. Town Manager Ger Dollard said that local authority tenancy agreements are structured in a way to deal with anti-social behaviour.

Niall O’Keefe, of the Council’s housing’s section, told the meeting that approaches to state agencies and developers for houses “hasn’t been successful”, resulting in just four units being made available.

Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) said the Council should allocate more staff to estate management. Cllr Guilfoyle said anti-social problems are mainly occurring in private estates and the Council’s estate manager only deals with local authority housing.

Mr Dollard said that while there is case for more staff, 47 positions had been lost in the Council in the past two years.

CONSIDERATION should be given to a reduction in commercial rates in Ennis, one of the town’s longest serving councillors has said.

Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said that many businesses in Ennis are finding it difficult to pay rates.

He said, “We should be looking at a minor decrease in rates to assist businesses that are struggling.”

Cllr Considine was speaking at the June meeting of Ennis Town Council, where members were presented with the Council’s annual financial statement for 2010.

In his report, Town Manager Ger Dollard states, “2010 resulted in a small positive operating result of € 102,725 on the revenue account. This represents an overall improvement in Ennis Town Council’s revenue account and reverses the negative result of 2009.”

He added, “Overall, it should be noted that the AFS reflects the position at a particular point in time and underlying issues and trends need to be taken into consideration.”

The statement shows that expenditure on the revenue account (excluding transfers) amounted to € 11,867,320 while income on the revenue account (excl transfers) amounted to € 5,214,747.

Mr Dollard explained there were a number of reasons for the principal variances in income and expenditure for 2010.

They included: loan charges under budget mainly due to the fact that an additional loan for section E of the Inner relief road that was budgeted for and not drawn down; income from traffic fines and parking charges being less than expected; the requirement of a higher provision for potential bad debts of commercial rates due to the current economic crisis and additional expenditure (€ 666,594) on Lees Road and other recreational facilities.

The report shows that the figure for irrecoverable rates in 2010 was € 528,930. Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) urged the Council to get tough with some business people whom he said are “not paying rates and moving from one shop to another”.

THERE have been calls for Ennis Town Council to seek a more cost effective way of providing public toilet facilities after it emerged that costs for 2010 stood at almost € 70,000.

Figures contained in the Council’s annual financial statement show that the so-called “super loos” generated just over € 3,000 in income.

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) told the June meeting of Ennis Town Council, that the scheme has “obviously not been flush with success”. He questioned whether or not the Council should continue with this level of expenditure.

Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said that while the cost of running the toilets “looks enormous”, they represent a better option than larger public toilet units. “It is value for money,” he said.

Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) said it was “essential” that public toilets are available in Ennis in light of the town’s bid to host the 2012 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. However he asked if the Council could “get better value”.

Town Manager Ger Dollard said it was his experience that public toilet buildings were “fairly poor facilities” that were expensive to operate.

He said toilets provoked “constant complaints” and caused hygiene problems. “The super-loo arrangement does represent value for money,” he added.

A MAJOR piece of research into the social condition of family carers in Clare will be launched today as part of National Carers Weeks.

The research, which is being launched by Professor Eamon O’Shea from NUI, Galway, will be used to find out how well family carers in the county are able to remain connected with society and not become isolated as a result of their role as carers.

A host of other events are taking place all over the county to mark the fifth ever National Carers Weeks. On Wednesday, June 15, there will be a wellness and relaxation session for carers with Geri Quinn in the Ennistymon Public Library, while Tai Chi for Carers with Margaret O’Connor will take place in De Valera Public Library in Ennis. Also on Wednesday, Caring for Carers West Clare will be promoting positive mental health in Regina House in Kilrush at 8pm.

On Thursday a ‘Go for Life’ session, which involves 60 to 90 minutes of relaxing, fun activities for carers, will be held with Kathleen O’Connor in the Ennistymon Community Centre from 11am, and in Shannon Library from 11am with Deirdre Daly.

On Friday, June 17, MEP Marian Harkin will present certificates for the Leonardo da Vinci Lifelong Learning Project to carers in the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis at 2.30pm. The festivities will culminate on Friday with celebratory dinners for family carers in the Clare Inn Hotel at 7.30pm.

The week’s events are being organised by Caring for Carers in Clare in partnership with Clare County Library, the Clare Volunteer Centre, Clare Sports Partnership and the Health Service Executive Health Promotion Services in Clare.

The aim of this week of activities is to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work that family carers do and to provide them with the opportunity to take time for themselves to concentrate on their own health and well-being. The theme of well-being will run throughout the week and carers will be encouraged to get active and enjoy a programme of fun and recreation.

Family carers are typically immediate relatives who provide very high levels of care at home, for children and adults with severe disabilities, frail older people and people who are terminally ill. According to the 2006 census, there were 4,507 carers based in Clare. For more details on the events taking place during National Carers Weeks, visit www.caringforcarers.org.