Month: April 2013

AFTER months of delegations meeting with ministers, political lobbying and strategic plans drawn up, the Loophead Peninsula was part of the new tourism imitative, the Wild Atlantic way, announced this week.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring (FG) unveiled the final route for the new touring route running from Donegal to Cork, which includes the picturesque and rugged coastline of Clare.

The 2,500km final route was unveiled following a comprehensive public consultation process and includes 156 strategically placed discovery points for tourists along the way. While the route comprises the main spine of the Wild Atlantic Way, a series of looped itineraries off the spine are also planned to further develop the experience for visitors.

This includes a detour to Clare sights such as the Loophead Light- house and the Bridges of Ross.

While new clearer signage is to be erected to accommodate busloads of tourists embarking on the longest coastline drive for tourists in Europe, there are no immediate plans to upgrade the road infrastructure along the Clare part of the route.

The majority of the Clare part of the tour is along the N67, a national primary road, but the route also diversifies on to secondary routes particularly around Fanore.

Senior engineer with Clare County Council Tom Tiernan said that while realignment along the route is desirable, it is not on likely in the near future.

“Significant allocations of the route need significant improvement, but that is not part of any immediate plans,” he said.

He explained the buses and coaches are already using this route, and that the condition of the roads is similar to a lot of other counties along the scenic route.

FIFTY-FIVE years after its first transatlantic flight from Shannon, Aer Lingus is on the cusp of resuming a year-round transatlantic operation from Clare’s international airport.

Aer Lingus sources have confirmed that the restoration of the permanent 12-month a year service from Shannon to both New York and Boston could be facilitated by the use of smaller, more fuel efficient aircraft on the transatlantic fleet from next winter.

The move comes just under three years after the national airline announced its first suspension of services to Boston and New York from Shannon – the first 11-week break from taking place from January to March 2011, which was repeated in both 2012 and 2013.

The decision to suspend services to Boston and New York during the off-peak winter months was made on the back of heavy losses on the two routes stretching back over 15 years.

“Both these routes have incurred significant losses during the winter months in 14 of the past 15 years. Since 1995, Aer Lingus has lost a total of € 163m on its transatlantic flights from Shannon during the winter months, with an average operating loss per winter season of almost € 11m,” said Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller.

“In addition, the airline has sustained declining load factors on these routes for a number of years. Aer Lingus is committed to the Shannon market as an important part of our network. However, in order to maintain the viability of our Shannon transatlantic operations throughout the remainder the year, the three-month suspension of these routes when seasonal demand is at its lowest is crucial,” he added.

However, three years on it’s hoped that the year-round service will be resumed through the use of the smaller and more viable Boeing 757 aircraft on the route.

Aer Lingus has completed a deal to lease three Boeing 757 jets to operate North Atlantic services starting in early 2014. It’s understood the aircraft will be leased from Dublin based air contractors.

CLARE farmers will need in excess of 15,000 bales of silage to see themselves through the next two weeks as the fodder crisis reaches breaking point.

More than 1,200 bales which were harvest at Shannon Airport over the weekend have already been distributed – with some farmers who asked for 20 and 30 bales being allocated just three bales each.

The IFA is hopeful to be in a position to harvest a further 600 bales from the airport later this week but this will be a difficult operation, involving grounds close to the main runway at Shannon Airport.

The mortality rate on Clare farms was last week estimated to be between 45 per cent and 60 per cent higher than normal – with a lack of quality feed the main factor. Animals deaths in Clare are understood to have reached several hundred already this year and, while no official figures are yet available, the Dead Animal Collection Service has been forced to curtail its operating hours because of the sheer scale of dead animals on Clare farms.

Clare Marts Ltd yesterday took delivery of its first shipment of hay from Kent in the UK. The Department of Agriculture has not, however, extended its Transport Subsidy to the mart – which means that the cost of transporting the feed will have to be borne by the mart and by Clare farmers.

The Department of Agriculture is also understood to be examining the possibility for shipping in boatloads of fodder from the UK directly into Foynes and Galway – which could mean a cheaper and quicker of fodder to Clare farmers.

“The bales from Shannon are brilliant, but they are just the tip of the iceberg really. I though on Friday morning that we might have been able to wrap some of it and use it next week maybe, but the demand was so great that it was all gone straight away. It was hard to cope with the calls afterward. I took in excess of 100 calls from Clare farmers on Saturday,” said Clare IFA chairman, Andrew Dundas.

“This might keep people going for a day or two. Farmers are under severe pressure at the moment. Cash is a huge issue out there and people have already ran up a massive bill. And we have a way to go in this yet. The rate of animals deaths in Clare has increased dramatically. It has already ran into the hundreds of animal, without a doubt. It is a very large amount.” Ennistymon farmer Pat O’Donoghue praised the work of the IFA in securing the Shannon Airport cutting – two years before it was due to be cut. “There was a lot of negotiations but this is great,” said Mr O’Donoghue.

“IF YOU don’t have fodder for me, I’m not talking to you.” That’s according an upset farmer at the Ennis mart last Thursday.

Over the last few weeks we have heard a lot from the likes of Clare ICMSA and the Clare United Farmers Association about the fodder crisis, but when farmers of the county were asked how they were impacted by the crisis their reactions were one of hesitance, frustration and repetition.

“We have very little grass and we are running out of feed. It most certainly has impacted me, and the next week or so is seriously going to tell the tale,” according to Martin Cavanagh of Liscannor, “we really need the sunny weather to come and stay with us.”

Reluctant to speak, each farmer quietly portrayed their annoyance over the “horrendous sitiuation” everyone is stuck in at this time. Ireland’s typical weather did not fair too well regardless of whom spoke either; the next two weeks are of great importance to the county and our livestock and a sunny day here or there will not cut it for these farmers.

According to one dispairing farmer at the mart on Thursday “another week or so and it’ll tell us everything. Alot of people around me now are struggling and it’s a desperate situation that we are in. The prices of hay here are mad, but they have to be fed.”

Another farmer from West Clare also complained of the high costs: “It’s € 70 for hay and € 5 for a sqaure bale and farmers are running out. Prices are terrible at the minute and everyone is finding it hard. People have way too much stock and not enough fodder.”

Earlier this month an emergency fodder helpline was set up by Teagasc and local farming groups. The helpline has reported it was contacted by 60 farmers during the week, 28 farmers pleading for extra fodder supplies and 32 farmers offering their surplus in order to help other farmers.

Pat Cahill on the other hand said he is one of the lucky ones at the minute. “I have enough to do me a few weeks. I know in West Clare some haven’t been so lucky. The dairy farmers seem to have a lot of stock but sure they have to be fed, even on Christmas day!.”

“Sun, heat and dry weather is what we want,” Marty Meehan of Carron told The Clare People , “I bought about 200 extra bales of silage last year and not much is left. The fodder crisis has effected everyone. If the weather stays nice like this we might have some hope but we know it won’t.”

FARMERS from the North and West area of Clare are reporting thefts of bales and other fodder from their farms.

As the farmers endure the greatest fodder shortage in living memory, those lucky enough to still have some of last year’s harvest now fear it may be taken as some farmers already say they have been the victim of such thefts.

Gardaí say that while they have heard of a number of incidents of this happening, they have received just a few official reports to that effect.

Kilrush area Superintendent Gerry Wall described these thefts as “particularly nasty”.

The senior garda maintains that stealing bales, silage and other fodder from hard-pressed farmers, is adding to their stresses and making life even more difficult.

Farmers are not just at the financial loss of the bale of hay or silage, but find it difficult to replace it to feed their own animals as the crisis fodder continues.

“It [fodder] has a value, and people are taking advantage of those who are already in a difficult situation. It is a particularly nasty theft,” said the superintendent.

He encouraged people to come forward and report such incidents and anyone with any information to also call the Gardaí.

“This is a particularly difficult time for the farming community, and I am happy to help in any way,” he added.

Farmers say those with bales to sell can name their price as most farmers have come to the end of their own supply.

A wet summer and autumn last year resulted in a very poor harvest. Leaving many farmers short of the required fodder to feed their animals. A cold and wet spring is adding to their difficulties, as their animals cannot be let out to graze, adding to an already deepening agricultural crisis.

A NEW campaign to roll out the Burren Farming for Conservation Project across the Burren looks set to get underway in the coming weeks. The chairperson of Burren IFA, Carron farmer Michael Davoren, last week called on the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney (FG), to extend the project, which already includes more than 150 Clare farmers.

Last year just under € 1 million was paid out for essential biodiversity works to be carried out on 158 Burren farms.

Should the scheme be rolled out across the Burren it could mean an extra annual funding boot of more then € 10 million to the local economy. The funding is made available for works such as stone wall building, scrub removal and the construction of access tracks on Burren farms. This work is designed to help protect each of the different biological habitats which are natural in the Burren.

In recent years, the spread of scrub over areas of limestone pavement has been one of the major imbalances tackled by the project.

Scores of farmers in the Burren have returned to the ‘winterage’ method – which sees cattle left out on land during the winter, when they feed on young hazel and other scrub plants, which helps to prevent the scrub from taking over areas of limestone pavement.

Burren IFA chairperson Michael Davoren made the call at at BurrenBeo Trusts annual showcase last week.

“With the support of local conservation groups like the Burrenbeo Trust we have been able to pilot a new type of environmental scheme which rewards farmers for looking after the Burren,” he said.

“This meeting of minds has created a fair deal, which allows farmers to add to their income while giving society what it wants: a healthy Burren. We are now calling on the Department of Agriculture to roll out the Burren Farming for Conservation Project across all of the Burren – this will really transform the Burren and the lives of the people in it for the better.”

The Burrenbeo Trust is Ireland’s only registered landscape charity and their goal is the protection of the Burren and its communities.

LESS than three years from after it was decimated in a General Election, the Fianna Fáil party in Clare believes it is regaining its political stronghold once again in the county.

Two full buses left the Banner county on Saturday morning for the party’s 74th Ard Fheis in Dublin, with more travelling the night before.

Among the delegates were men with 30 years membership who had never before attended an Ard Fheis, and numerous young people.

The Clare branch of the party was celebrating the fact that it had reached 800 in membership, the majority of the new recruits under the age of 30.

Adding to their confidence of local support was the fact that they won a prize for the second year running for the second highest gate collection in the country and the second best contribution to the National Draw.

And to top it all off, there was a former Green Party councillor now one of their own also wandering around the RDS wearing a “guest badge”.

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) is now an official member of the party, but it will be another 12 months before he graduates to the stature of delegate and have a vote in party affairs.

The weekend and perceived growing support within the county was also a boost of confidence for those who must encourage and organise candidates for the local election next year.

Constituency organiser Michael Neylon said, “It shows that we are active.”

Clare is also punching above its weight when it comes to the national executive.

Two Clare men were elected to the “Committee of 20” at the weekend, to join Constituency Secretary Gerry Reidy and TD Timmy Dooley on the executive.

Ennis man Garrett Greene, who was returned to the “Committee of 20”, is even among the older members on the influential committee at just 38 years old.

Newcomer, Eoin Neylon also from Ennis is considered among the average age at just 26 years old.

Mr Greene is a manager of TTM Healthcare’s Medical Division in Ennis.

“The positive atmosphere and the energy we saw this weekend is testament to the fact that Fianna Fáil has a strong and vital role to play in the future of Irish politics. I want to thank all of those from Clare who attended the Ard Fheis and made their voices heard about the future of the party,” he said.

Mr (Eoin) Neylon is a structural engineer based in London and set up the city’s first ever Fianna Fáil Cumann.

“It is a wonderful honour to be chosen by Fianna Fáil members to represent them on the National Executive. I want to thank all the party members who voted for me and I will endeavour to perform my role to the best of my ability. The grassroots of the party needs to have a greater say in how the party is run and I hope to provide a direct link to the Ard Comhairle for many local members,” he said.

A WEST Clare man could have his Olympic dreams dashed if he goes to prison for firearms and drugs offences.

Weightlifter Sean McNamara is a Munster and All-Ireland titleholder. The 21 year-old also holds two under 23 national records and has been short listed for the Irish weightlifting squad for the 2014 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Mr McNamara, with an address Doonogan, Mullagh, appeared at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, having pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a sawn-off double barrel shotgun. He also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply.

The items were uncovered during a raid by the Clare Division Drugs Unit at Doonogan, Mullagh on October 16 (2010).

Detective Garda Stephen Hession told the court the gun along with 29.82 grammes of cocaine, glucose for mixing and a weighing scales were found in an abandoned farmhouse across the accused’s home.

Det Hession said the accused was under pressure to store the gun from other parties.

The court heard that at the time Mr McNamara was part of gang involved in drug dealing in North and West Clare. The gang, the court heard, was headed by a 17 year-old who had “control” over the accused.

Det Hession said the gun was sourced following an altercation between the gang and other parties carrying axes in Kilrush during October 2010. The court heard that the shotgun had been stolen in Kilrush in 2009. Mr McNamara had no connection with the theft, the court heard. Det Hession said the gun was sourced as a “scare tactic.”

Text messages sent by the 17-yearold from Mr McNamara’s phone were also read out in court by Counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan BL.

One of the messages sent by the 17 year-old stated; “Getting tooled up. Kilrush is going to get a shock.”

Det Hession said Mr McNamara co-operated with gardaí and has since broken all connections with the gang. He added, “I believe he was apprehended at the right time before anything serious happened.”

Defence Counsel, Michael Collins BL, said his client had “started hanging out with the wrong crowd and was completely out of his depth.”

Mr Collins said his client acknowledged that these offences may “jeopardize” his involvement in the Olympics.

Mr Collins urged the Court not to impose a custodial sentence as it might harm his client’s Olympics hopes. Judge Gerard Keyes adjourned the case to June 18.

THREE men alleged to have been involved in a “fracas” at a wedding in Ennis last year have had the charges against them struck out.

Three men – Jimmy Doherty (40), John Doherty (47) and Simon Doherty (41) were charged with offences arising out of an alleged incident at Ennis Cathedral, O’Connell Street, on October 11 (2012).

Jimmy Doherty, with an address at 8 Maiville, Kilrush Road Ennis, and Simon Doherty, with an address at The Cottage, Granard Road, Edgeworthstown, Longford, were both charged with the assault of John McDonagh at the Cathedral on October 11 (2012).

They were also charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

John Doherty, with an address at 60 Abbeyville, Ennis, was charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

John Doherty was also charged with assault causing harm to John McDonagh.

The court previously heard that it would be alleged that Mr Doherty struck Mr McDonagh across the head with a slash hook. Jurisdiction of John Doherty’s case was refused in the District Court.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Inspector John Galvin said he did not have directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Jimmy and Simon Doherty. He requested a two-week adjournment.

Defence solicitor John Casey said this was the second occasion the State had sought an adjournment. He added, “This is not a very complicated matter. There are not a huge number of witnesses. There has to be movement on it.”

Judge Patrick Durcan said the delays are “very unfair” on the Dohertys. He said, “This is crazy carry on. These men are innocent in my eyes. They have been coming to court since February 6.”

Judge Durcan said, “These men can’t be coming in here. They have other things to be doing.”

Mr Casey applied to have the cases dismissed. Insp Galvin applied to have the cases struck out.

Judge Durcan also struck the cases against John Doherty. He said, “John Doherty can’t be coming in here day after day.”

A JUDGE has rejected a Clarecastle man’s offer to pay € 5,000 compensation to a plasterer he assaulted with a golf club 17 months ago.

David Casey suffered a fractured skull when he was assaulted by Ian Considine (25) at St Joseph’s Terrace, Clarecastle, in the early hours of December 27 (2011).

Mr Considine, with an address at 55 St Joseph’s Terrace, Clarecastle, appeared at Ennis Circuit Crminal Court on Friday.

Judge Gerard Keyes rejected Mr Considine’s compensation offer, saying he was conscious of the perception that exists that people can attempt to “buy” a suspended sentence.

In February, Mr Considine pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Mr Casey, a father of two who also lives in the St Joseph’s Terrace area.

The court heard that on the night in question Mr Casey was involved in an incident outside the Considine family home.

Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station said Mr Casey threw a crutch at the door and broke one of the windows.

Members of the accused’s family including his father came outside, the court heard.

Mr Considine, who lives near the home, was awoken by his sister and arrived at the scene armed with a golf club, the court heard.

Counsel for the State Stephen Coughlan BL, told the court that for want of a better expression, Mr Considine, “literally pole-axed Mr Casey”.

Mr Casey was transferred to the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick and later Cork University Hospital.

He sustained a right frontal skull fracture and 6cm laceration.

Mr Casey required further treatment in 2012 to remove skull fragments that were “leaning on his brain”, the court heard.

In his victim impact report, Mr Casey said the incident had greatly affected his life.

He said he had been unable to work since the assault. He said he is worried every time he goes to the doctor.

Mr Casey added, “I have no grudge against Mr Considine.

“I want to put this behind me and move onto the next chapter of my life. …. “What is done is done and there is nothing we can do about it now.”

Defence Counsel Kenneth Kerins, said his client, a qualified carpenter, made a “very foolish and rash decision” on the night.

Mr Kerins added, “He stands before the court genuinely remorseful.”

Mr Considine has no previous conviction and has not come to garda attention since the assault, the court heard. Mr Kerins said there had no further incidents between the parties.

The court heard Mr Considine de- scribed as a hardworking, reliable man.

The father of two is a long serving member of Manus Celtic soccer club.

Mr Kerins said his client would be willing to pay € 5000 compensation to the injured party.

Judge Gerard Keyes said he found the figure too low, noting the length of time the victim had been out of work.

Judge Keyes said he was also conscious of the perception that exists among the public that defendants can attempt to “buy” a suspended sentence.

Judge Keyes indicated that he might accept a figure of € 10,000 but added that payment is no guarantee that a suspended sentence will be imposed.

Judge Keyes said he required time to consider the case in greater length.

He added; “I cannot ignore the seriousness of the injuries inflicted on this man with a golf club.”