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AN APPLICATION by the Ameri- can government that whistleblower Edward Snowden be arrested if the lands in Shannon en route to Cuba where he could be granted political asylum was turned down by the High Court on Monday. Judge Colm Mac Eochaidh said in his judgment that he was “compelled” to reject the application for an arrest warrant made by the US embassy to the Department of Foreign Affairs last Friday. Judge Mac Eochaidh said he was satisfied that the US request met a number of the conditions set out in the relevant act for him to grant the arrest warrant. However, the judge observed that the request did not state where the offences actually took place – a condition that must be met by such applications. “The question of where the offence took place is not a minor detail but is a matter which could have very serious consequences in any further stage that might be reached in an extradition process,” he wrote. “That is because if it is the case that the offences took place outside of the territory of the United States of America, the question will arise as to whether there is extraterritorial effect in respect of the US offences, but more importantly, whether the Irish equivalent offences have an extraterritorial effect or aspect to them. “There would need to be sufficient similarity between the two offences in order for there to be an extradition,” he added. Snowden is currently holed up in Moscow airport after applying for asylum in over 20 countries. Ireland is one of the countries considered for asylum by the 30 year old who worked as a consultant for the National Security Service. Tue9July13

THE sunshine has seen a major boost to retail operations all along the west coast of Clare in the last few days with all stores reporting a welcome surge in business.

Last weekend saw roads to and from a host of Clare beaches thronged and with forecasts suggesting at least ten more days of warm and sunny con- ditions, the mini-boom looks set to continue.

John McCarthy from the Lahinch Surf School is delighted with the upswing he has seen in the last two weeks.

“These weeks are usually our quitest weeks of the summer, but this year we have had a great turnout at our surf school. It’s geat to see all the local businesses doing so well, the waves are great out here, it’s been like California,” he told The Clare People .

Accommodation has been at a premium in West Clare and the famed Willie Clancy Week will also boost local trade and employment.

According to managing director of the Armada, John Burke, their combined hotels now employ around 225 people, which up up 35 from last year.

Speaking about their boost in business, John said, “It’s a combination of a number of factors, but the weather is certainly supporting it. We are working hard to maxamise opportunities, with additional seating outside, barbecues, a local activity club, strawberry and ice cream stands, and cold plates; customers are reacting well to these so far,” he said.

The weather has been a great boost for local companies specialising in water sports such as surfing, kayaking, cliffs cruises and stand up paddling, while bicycle hire has also seen a huge increase in demand.

Forecasters are predicting the good weather for at least ten days, with temperatures in Clare expected to hit the 28c mark mid-week.

A REPORT on proposed changes to the market area of Ennis has recommended major improvements to access and the appearance of the town’s main market trading area.

A preliminary report by architect Richard Rice says trading activity should be retained in Market Street and Market Place but urges infrastructural improvements to both areas.

The report, commissioned by Ennis Town Council, looked at the entire Ennis Market area with particular reference to the provision of covered markets.

On the future of Market Street and Market Place, the report stated, “These market areas would represent the traditional market traders with larger stalls and farmers selling their vegetables directly to the public. In our consideration of these two locations, we would see market activity being retained at these locations but it would be important to improve the public realm in order to improve the overall visual appearance and function of the market in these areas.”

The report recommends widening public footpaths and reducing road width to make the area safer for pedestrian use.

It also proposes removing the existing market roundabout to “convert the footprint of this area to pedestrian space, incorporating the sculptures into that space”.

The assessment undertaken looked at a variety of locations in Ennis town. These looked at the existing markets locations at Market Place, Market Street, Garraunakilla.

The report also looked at other locations in the town centre including Wood Quay, Parnell Street car-park, Abbey Street car park, spaces adjacent to Temple Gate Hotel and Clare County Museum, Old Barrack Street and Lysaght’s Lane.

However in preliminary assessment, the report concludes that the “market needed to be retained at its historical base Market Place and Market Street with consideration of Garraunakilla (location of existing Farmers Artisan Market) and Lysaght’s Lane (existing surface car park located “behind O’Connell Street / Parnell Street”.

The report considered Garraunakilla to be “challenged as a market location”.

The report states that the footprint for expansion would involve taking in a public roadway; the location is removed from the retail core of the town. “The location is challenged by traffic being immediately adjacent to the market location which would be seen as a concern for parents and their children,” it adds.

The report strongly recommends the northern elevation of Garraunakilla to develop appropriate retail activity. It also recommends the inclusion of a covered area and a kiosk if Garraunakilla is retained as a Farmer’s Market.

THE announcement of visitor numbers and the confirmation of an estimated € 5m boost to local coffers was made at the launch of a Gathering Clare Festivals and Events booklet for July to December 2013.

The booklet is being made available at tourist offices, hotels, Council offices and Libraries throughout the County to promote the dozens of events scheduled to take place during the second half of the year.

Amongst some of the key events held during the first six months of 2013 was the Bunratty International Chess Festival, The Burren Tolkien Society Festival, Kilfenora Music Festival, International Junior Tour of Ireland, Festival of Finn, Russell Memorial Weekend, Whitegate May Bank Holiday Festival and the Gathering the Scattering Family History Conference, which were collectively attended by more than 1, 500 overseas visitors.

July and August will increase those numbers as a number of local festivals are due to take place. “We are delighted with the success of The Gathering which has brought huge economic benefits to communities across the County,” explained Monica Meehan, Gathering Clare coordi- nator.

“Communities in every corner of Clare have thoroughly embraced the Gathering initiative and we are glad to say that the quality of festivals and events is excellent. Recent visitor figures released by the CSO reflect the contribution made by the Gathering to the wider tourism sector.

“This is evidenced by the 10 per cent increase (404, 535 overall) in visitors to the Cliffs of Moher during the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period last year.

“Furthermore, almost a quarter of the 5750 people who have visited Loop Head Lighthouse between March and June have been from overseas,” Monica added.

ENNIS Town Council has advised against members of the public carrying out repairs to a vacant apartment block in Ennis.

The warning from Ennis Town Manager Gerard Dollard came after a local councillor offered to provide building materials to make the Fairways building safe. The area has been a source of concern among lo- cal residents due to the derelict condition of the building and the level of anti-social behaviour it is attracting.

A number of homeless people have also been residing in the building.

There have also been calls to demolish Fairways, which has been declared a derelict site by the Council

At the July meeting of Ennis Town Council, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) asked if there was anything preventing members of the community from carrying out repair work. Cllr Flynn said he would supply materials for the work.

However, Town Manager Gerard Dollard said that from a health and safety point of view, the Council would caution against members of the public working on a privately owned structure. The issue was raised by Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) who has called on the Council to issue a vesting order to take control of the property.

He said such an order would enable to take possession of the building for a nominal fee.

Mr Dollard said the Council is pursuing the matter under the dangerous buildings legislation and is obliged to follow correct legal procedures. He told the meeting that issues had arisen in trying to identify the owner of Fairways. “It is something that we are not ignoring”, he added.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Mary Coote Ryan (FG), described Fairways as an “awful looking building.”

WORK on a new development plan for Ennis and its Environs is expected to come to a halt following the publication of new local government legislation.

Last week, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, published the Electoral, Local Government and Planning and Development Bill.

Speaking yesterday, Director of Service and Ennis town manager Ger Dollard said the new bill contains a provision to grant discretionary powers to local authorities facing abolition to extend the lifetime of the existing development plan and to cease any development plan reviews already commenced.

Ennis Town Council had begun the process of drawing up the Draft Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2014-2020.

Mr Dollard was speaking at the July meetings of councillors in the Ennis electoral areas.

Councillors in the Ennis West Electoral Area committee heard calls for the development of a Green Plan for Ennis. The proposal was contained in a motion out forward by Cllr Brian Meaney (FF).

Cllr Meaney told the meeting that Ennis contains a number of unique, green spaces that could be better utlised to improve the town.

In his reply, senior executive planner Brian McCarthy stated, “The provision of a Green Infrastructure Plan in and around urban areas is now widely recognised as contributing importantly towards creating places where people want to live and work. Green infrastructure can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, protection against flooding and erosion as well as enhancing the quality of life for residents of the areas and enhancing their awareness of the local environment.”

Mr McCarthy continued, “The natural heritage of Ennis and environs with its natural and semi-natural amenities is an important aspect to the quality of life of its citizens and tourists and is ideally placed for the development of a green infrastructure plan. A green infrastructure plan offers huge potential to enhance green spaces and biodiversity for the benefit of the people of Ennis to create and enhance attractive and accessible places for people to enjoy direct and regular contact with the natural environment.

“It is considered the development of a Green Infrastructure Plan for Ennis and Environs is ideally provided via the preperation of the Draft Ennis and and Environs Development Plan.”

THREE Clare Garda stations could be going under the hammer, although the Office of Public Works would not confirm for certain last evening that all stations closed in the Clare district in the last two years would be put up for sale.

It is understood however that the recently renovated former Garda station in Broadford, the station in Carrigaholt and the one in Labasheeda are being put on the market.

The OPW said it would confirm later exactly which of the Clare properties would be for sale. It is currently trying to appoint estate agents to sell the former Garda stations.

“For disposal purposes the properties are divided into Lots. Interested agents may put forward proposals for any or all of the Lots which will be disposed of on a sole agency basis,” a spokesperson said.

Final date for receipt of applica- tions is by close of business on Friday, July 19.

“Agents will be expected to advise on the market value of the properties, arrange and fund the production of BER certificates. It is envisaged that unsold properties will be withdrawn from agents after six months,” according to the OPW.

Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes said his department has identified no alternative State use for the properties that are to go on the market, though he added he’s received requests from various community groups expressing an interest in some of the former stations.

ALMOST € 65,000 has been allocated to 15 childcare facilities in the county for repair and building work.

The allocations are part of the second round of Childcare Capital Grants awarded since 2008.

Among the facilities to benefit are Teach Spraoi, Toonagh (€ 2,148); Fledglings Early Years Cuan Samh, Kilrush (€ 9,886); Lifford Childcare Centre in Ennis (€ 1, 542); Redeemer Pre-school in Ennis (€ 9,324); Bridge Kids, Sixmilebridge (€ 4,948); and Brigit’s Hearth, Tuamgraney (€ 4,720). Kilmaley Community Crèche Ltd will receive € 2,979, while Naíonra Na Leanaí, Westbury, will get € 2,997; Daisychains Playschool, Bridgetown € 2,988; Tic Toc Nursery Ltd, Westbury € 2,919; Wonder Years Crèche, Ballynacally € 2,994; Stone Court Childcare Initiative, Ennis € 1,308; Maghera Gardens Crèche and Playschool € 2,389; Kincora Kids, Killaloe, € 4,960, and Little Harvard’s Montessori, Quilty € 8,519.

Nationwide € 2.75 million is being allocated to 671 childcare providers.

Clare senator Tony Mulcahy (FG) said, “I understand that all submitted applications were considered in order to find those that most closely met the criteria and objectives of the programme. Applications that were successful were those that represented the most complete, coherent, and compelling cases for funding with particular consideration given to additional supporting material and the level of deprivation of the areas according to the Pobal Haase index. I would like to congratulate all of the 15 successful applications in Clare.”

“This investment is being targeted to have high impact on the successful childcare providers involved. Funding will go towards providing safe outdoor play spaces in childcare services, improving buildings and supporting services to ensure that children with disabilities have better experiences within early years settings.”

ENNIS Hospital has never been busier according to the Health Service Executive (HSE), even with the removal of 24-hour accident and emer- gency service four years ago, and the “down grading” of the replacement 12-hour local emergency centre yesterday to a local injuries unit. A spokesperson for the HSE maintained, “Ennis Hospital is now busier than ever. The reconfiguration of sur- gery in the region has seen surgical activity increase from 2,723 procedures in 2010 to 4,585 procedures in 2012. “It is now the centre for bowel cancer screening for the region. The ambition of UL Hospitals is to grow services in Ennis, particularly services for chronic diseases and planned care,” he said. The new Medical Assessment Unit also opened yesterday (Monday) along with the local injuries unit are only “the latest in a series of developments costing over € 12 million which has resulted in the transformation of the hospital,” he said. “Ennis Hospital is an essential part of UL Hospitals, which operates over six sites in the mid-west with a single management structure, medical leadership, budgeting and governance.” The spokesman also denied suggestions that the changing status of the hospital would make it more difficult to attract experienced doctors and nurses to its staff, an issue that has been ongoing in the mid-west region within certain specialities. “Attracting medical and nursing staff to work in stand alone hospitals like Ennis is difficult. Incorporating Ennis as part of the UL Hospitals means that doctors and nurses are exposed to greater clinical variety which makes recruitment and retention less of an issue,” he said. He also stressed that while seriously ill or injured patients are directed to attend the Emergency Department at the University Hospital Limerick, no sick person will be turned away from Ennis. “A sick person will never be turned away. Anyone who needs treatment will be assessed, stabilised and transferred to Dooradoyle if their condition warrants it,” he said.

PARENTS with children under five years of age, who have sustained injuries or are seriously ill, must go directly to the Accident and Emergency Unit at the University Hospital Limerick, by-passing the Local Injuries Unit at Ennis Hospital.

Clare people with “conditions due to medical illness”, serious head injury, abdominal pains, gynaecological problems, neck and back pain, injuries due to self harm and major injuries must also go direct to Limerick as the Local Emergency Centre in Ennis became a Local Injuries Unit yesterday (Monday).

As part of the reorganisation of health services a new 10-hour, fiveday week, Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) was also opened yesterday at Ennis Hospital.

The MAU will be open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

The unit will see patients who are referred by their GPs with certain symptoms that may require hospital admission such as chest infections and chronic diseases including asthma and diabetes.

Shannondoc and GPs can also admit medical patients directly to the hospital outside the opening times of the MAU, following discussion with the medical and nursing staff.

In announcing the change of services at the County Clare hospital, the HSE said, “the hospital will continue to provide consultant delivered selected acute medicine.

“It is being done as part of an ongoing programme to improve patient safety and efficiency. The Small Hospitals Framework published in May 2013 sets out a very clear role for hospitals such as Ennis. Ennis hospital has a pivotal role in treating patients from Clare.”

The new look Ennis hospital is now not a million miles away from what the Hanley Report proposed in 2003. That report was campaigned against by the Ennis General Hospital Development Group for years and was the subject of differing election promises in the last decade.

In April 2009 the then Mid Western Regional Hospital Ennis lost its 24hour Accident and Emergency Department, which was replaced with a 12-hour local emergency centre.

In May of this year the HSE published The Small Hospital Frameworks, which outlined yesterday’s changes and included Ennis in the University Limerick Hospital group.

The new Local Injury Unit will be open during the same hours as the emergency centre it is replacing from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

It will treat adult patients and children aged over five with minor injuries such as suspected broken bones, sprains and strains, facial injuries, minor scalds and burns. The unit is led by a consultant in emergency medicine and staffed by registrars, nurses, radiographers, pharmacists, multi-task attendants and clerical staff. People can self refer to the Local Injury Unit or be referred by their GP/Shannondoc.

Anyone requiring treatment outside of the opening hours should attend the Emergency Department in either University Hospital Limerick or Galway Hospital; or visit Shannondoc.

Those with minor injuries may also wait to attend the Local Injury Unit the following morning.