Author: admin

THE new independent Shannon Airport has been warned away from entering into a new deal with Ryanair similar to the one that resulted in record passenger numbers of over 3.6m passing using Clare’s international airport in 2007.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar told a media briefing in the Dublin Convention Centre that was attended by key figures from the Shannon Airport Authority, Shannon Development, Clare Oireachtas members and the mayors of Clare and Ennis that any dealings with Ryanair in the future should be on “a commercial basis” and instead pointed to the benefits of securing more military traffic through the airport.

Shannon’s passenger numbers rocketed to 3,620,623 in 2007 on the back of an incentive package arrangement between the airport and Ryanair that saw the low-cost carrier operate over 50 routes, but since then have declined year-on-year with figures expected to dip below 1. 5m by the end of 2012.

“I would expect that any deals that the new Shannon Aiport makes would be on a commercial basis that can be sustained, which was not the case in the previous Ryanair deal,” said Minister Varadkar, before revealing that targeted growth of having up to 2.5m passengers over the next decade was not dependent on a new Ryanair deal.

“They did reach a peak of 3.6 passengers largely on the back of that arrangement (with Ryanair),” said Minsiter Varadkar, “but bear in mind that prior to that they were well over 2m passengers on various occasions and up as far as 2.7m passengers at one point”.

Last June, Ryanair made a pitch to treble its passenger numbers through Shannon to one million if it was given a new deal by the Shannon Airport Authority whereby all charges would be waived for all additional passengers over the current level of 375,000.

Meanwhile, as late as last week it was revealed in The Clare People that the budget airline was on the cusp on announcing a new investment at the airport to bring in one million extra passengers providing an extra € 100m passenger spend to the region.

However, instead of looking to Ryanair, Minister Varadkar championed the cause of secured extra military stopover at Shannon as a way of boosting the airport’s figures.

“I have indicated for a very long time that Shannon has been a transit point for military flights and part of the plan would be to grow that,” he revealed.

A FORMER mayor of Shannon has called on Shannon Town Council authorities to outline to members of the local authority where over € 10,000 that has been put into a fund for the 2014 local elections has been diverted to.

Cllr Sean McLoughlin has made his comments ahead of the 2012 Shannon Town Council Budget meeting because the money put aside for the 2014 election won’t now be used for its intended purpose as the council is set to be abolished as part of the Government’s new blueprint for local government coming into effect in 2014.

“Every year we put away so much money for the local town election,” revealed Cllr McLoughlin.

“I am just wondering where is the money that was put in that pot, for a better word. I am wondering be- cause we won’t need to have a town election next time around, so the money that was put away won’t be used for the purpose it was put away for.

“I think there was roughly about € 3, 500 put aside each year since the 2009 election.

“The fact that it wasn’t taken out of this year’s budget drew my attention to it.

“I want to know where the three years of that money has gone,” added Cllr McLoughlin.

The Fine Gael representative has told The Clare People that money should now be ring-fenced for another project in the town.

“There was money put aside for the past three years.

“That’s over € 10,000, which is a lot of money.

“That money is just sitting there, money that could and should be put to use for something in Shannon,” he added.

ONE out of every six houses located in a Clare ‘ghost estate’ is vacant. According to new figures released by the Department of the Environment, Clare has one of the highest rates of vacant properties in unfinished, or so-called ghost, estates of anywhere in the county.

In total, there are 346 vacant houses and 194 vacant apartments located in estates which have been classified as unfinished or ghost estates. These 540 vacant houses in unfinished estates equate to one out of every 80 houses in the county.

According to property website MyHome.ie, there are currently 1,280 properties for sale in the Clare. With a total of 540 vacant houses and apartments located in areas classified by the Department of the Environment as unfinished, it is likely that a sizeable proportion of the properties for sale in Clare are located in these areas.

The results of the National Housing Development Survey also revealed that a large number of unfinished developments still exist in the county.

The Department of the Environment officially classifies 72 locations in Clare as unfinished estates. Many of these estates are fully serviced and largely complete and have high numbers of occupancy.

Indeed, only 23 of these 72 estates were exempted from paying the household charge this year because of being classified as unfinished.

A number of buildings in the 72 estates are virtually complete but, for one reason or another, the developer or receiver has been unable to bring the properties to completion.

According to the survey, 22 houses in the Aisling Estate in Ennis and 20 in Acha Bhille have been classified as “near completed” but have no construction work currently ongoing.

Road infrastructure was a particular problem on developments in the county, with more than 600 properties deemed to have a basic road base, with no completed surfacing work.

A total of 132 properties in the Moyard estate in Shanballa, Ennis, were deemed to have road access, while 97 on the Tulla Road, Roslevan and 72 properties in Cregaun Na Hilla in Clarecastle were classified as having unfinished roads.

Of the 72 estates identified in the National Housing Development Survey, construction work was ongoing on only four projects – the Cluainin and Tullyglass Lowlands developments in Shannon, as well as the Cois Tra and Cregg Beach development in Lahinch. The survey also identified a number of Clare estates where lighting and completed footpaths were a major issue. The names used to describe these estates are presented as identified by the Department of the Environment in the National Housing Development Survey and may be known differently locally.

COMPANIES are queuing up to do business in the Shannon Free Zone and provide thousands of new jobs – the only thing they’re demanding to turn this commitment into a reality is that Clare’s international airport be freed from the strictures of Dublin Airport Authority control and be given its full independence.

This promise of a jobs bonanza for the region was delivered by Rose Hynes, the chairperson of the Aviation Business Development Task Force that has helped draft a blueprint for the independent Shannon Airport structure over the last four months.

“We have people lined up who are willing to do business with Shannon but they are only willing to do it if the airport and the new entity is created on the basis of separation,” Ms Hynes revealed at Monday’s press conference heralding the timeframe for the airport’s independence.

“People are willing to do business, but not when there’s an air of uncertainty. They want to do business when there’s certainty and separation. We are already talking from a position of strength where we have commitment for a 1000 of those jobs – that’s a position of considerable strength. We are talking a success- ful airport that when combined with the landbank we can actually create and additional 3,500 jobs over five years,” she added.

Ms Hynes, who is tipped to become chairperson of the new Shannon Airport structure, has moved quickly to dispel thoughts the jobs target is overly ambitious, telling The Clare People that the plan represents “the beginning of a new era” for the airport.

“We had intensive discussions and we formed the view that the status quo was not a sustainable option and that a restructured Shannon and Shannon Development can be sustainable and can be successful,” said Ms Hynes. “Shannon cannot just remain where it is at the moment. We have looked at the Shannon situation high up and low down and we are absolutely convinced that we have a plan that’s viable, that’s going to lead to a successful airport.

“We had a philosophy in the task force where basically we decided that we weren’t going to leave behind a set of recommendations that were going to just gather dust somewhere. We decided that if we were going to recommend something we were going to put momentum into it.

“We were going to try and take that as far as we could do. We did that in relation to job numbers; we did that in relation to every other recommendation that we made. It means that when we talk about it, we talk about something we believe,” she added.

Commenting on the cabinet decision, Shannon Airport Director Mary Considine said, “Today is a pivotal step in the process of separation. The focus of staff and management at Shannon Airport has been on ensuring that the airport is financially and operationally ready for separation.

“This entire process is all about securing a sustainable future for all the stakeholders of the Airport and that Shannon Airport delivers on its role as a key economic driver for the West of Ireland,” she added.

THE community spirit of the Clare Tidy Towns effort was celebrated on Thursday night by the county’s flagship centre in the national competition over the last number of years.

Ennis was presented with seven different awards on the night, with the chairperson of the Ennis Tidy Towns Committee, Áine Purcell hailing what she called “a back to basics” approach as being the major contributory factor for the county capital’s achievements.

“In Ennis this year what we decided to do was go back to basics,” Ms Purcell revealed when accepting the award for Ennis as Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre. “We led by example. I know Tuamgraney do it, I know Mountshannon do it, I know Kilrush do it – I know all of you do it.

We asked people. People like to be asked. Everyone likes to be part of a community so we asked people.

“We didn’t make any emails, we didn’t make any phone calls, we didn’t write any letters – all 22 of us just went around and asked people. It paid off very well in that there’s a tradition that we’re very proud of, but it paid off more importantly in that it brought everyone together as a community,” he added.

Ennis’ other honours were as in the Gum Litter Taskfore competition, where the town was named both the large urban centre and national winner, the Tourism Town Award, the County Award, as well as a Gold Medal and the Shannon Region award winner.

“One of the highlights for me personally,” continued Ms Purcell, “was after we won the award as Ireland’s largest urban centre, someone said to me in the street ‘didn’t we do well in Dublin’.

“That was powerful because there was a sense of ownership in that because it was the community coming together.

“We are very, very fortunate in Ennis in that we have a very positive and great working relationship with our town council. Any positive relationship that you can foster is brilliant. SuperValu are to complimented for promoting Tidy Towns and promoting bringing communities together,” she added.

TWO sisters charged offences allegedly committed outside an Ennis primary school are expected to be sentenced in January.

Rose Mahon (22) and Laura Molloy (21) are charged in relation to an incident at the Holy Family School, Station Road on March 20. Rose Mahon, with an address at Bay 3 Ballaghboy, Quin Road, Ennis, is alleged to have caused € 1500 worth of damage to a car. Laura Molloy, with an address at Bay 3 Ballaghboy Halting Site, Quin Road, Ennis, is alleged to have provoked a breach of the peace. Defence solicitor for both accused, Daragh Hassett, told the court that the cases are remaining in the district court. He said his clients would not be contesting the charges.

Mr Hassett said he was requesting an adjournment of the cases to allow him to prepare detailed pleas in mitigation in respect of his clients.

Judge Patrick Durcan noted guilty pleas in respect of both accused. He remanded both women on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on January 9 for sentence.

A MAN has appeared in court charged with drugs and firearms offences in North Clare two years ago.

Sean McNamara (21), with an address at Doonogan, Mullagh, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

It is alleged that on October 16, 2010, Mr McNamara possessed a 12-gauge double barrel shotgun. It is alleged that he did not have the shotgun for a lawful purpose.

Mr McNamara is also charged with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine for sale or supply at Doonogan, Mullagh on October 16.

Detective Garda Stephen Hession of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He said Mr McNamara gave no reply to charge after caution.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial on indictment.

The case was adjourned until January 9, 2013 for the service of the Book of Evidence.

GARDAÍ in Ennis have admitted they were “extremely concerned” when a convicted sex offender who failed to inform them of a change in his address fell of their “radar” last month.

The 40-year-old man pleaded guilty at Ennis District Court on Wednesday to a charge of failing to inform gardaí of a change in his address.

It was alleged that the man, on dates unknown between September 29 (2012) and October 10 (2012), within the jurisdiction of the State being a person to whom part two of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 applied, did fail to notify the gardaí of his home address on the relevant date as required by the provisions of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.

Detective Garda John Casey told the court that as a result of the man’s previous conviction he was required to inform gardaí of any change in his address.

Det. Casey said he learned the man had moved from his previous address in Clarecastle but had failed to inform gardaí of his new place of residence.

Defence solicitor John Casey told the court that his client had lived rough in the Mill Road area of Ennis after his previous accommodation no longer became available to him in Clrecastle.

He said the man did not have the necessary money to get new accommodation but has since secured a new address.

Mr Casey said his client is in very poor health and had no family or friends to turn to.

He added, “This was a breach of very serious and onerous condition.”

Det. Casey said it came as a “great surprise” to him that the man had been living in the Park on the Mill Road.

He said, “When he went of my radar, I was extremely concerned.”

“It goes without saying that people subject to the register are closely monitored,” he added.

Det. Casey told the court that he is now satisfied that the man has a new address

Judge Patrick Durcan said, “This is a very serious case and people are obliged to comply with the directions of a garda.”

Judge Durcan imposed a twomonth prison sentence, suspending it for two years.

He said he was imposing such a sentence “because of the seriousness of the matter.”

A JUDGE has said he will reflect on his decision to accept jurisdiction of a case involving a Barefield couple charged with harassment.

Martin McLoughlin (65) and Ann McLoughlin (62) both appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

The couple, both with an address at Ballymaconna, Barefield, are both charged with harassment of two named people in Barefield.

It is alleged that Mr McLoughlin made a threat, which a man believed would be carried out to kill or cause serious harm at Cregard Barefield on March 19 (2011). He is also facing a similar charge relating to an alleged incident at Cregard Barefield on September 24 (2011).

He is also facing two separate charges of harassment on dates unknown between January 2004 and March 2012.

It is alleged that Mr McLoughlin caused criminal damage to trees and shrubs at Cregard, Barefield on September 24 (2011).

Ms McLoughlin is charged with alleged harassment of a woman in the district court area of Ennis on dates between October 2006 and March 2012.

Defence solicitor James Nash told the court that he had a problem had arisen in the discovery process.

He said the State are refusing to hand over correspondence between Gardaí and a local authority. Mr Nash urged Judge Patrick Durcan to dismiss the case on the basis of discovery being refused.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the State are not at liberty to disclose letters between the local authority and the alleged injured parties. Mr Nash said his clients could be “prejudiced” by the correspondence.

“I’m entitled to see it,” he added. Insp Kennedy said a court order would be required for the State to disclose correspondence.

He described the case as “very involved” and said the issues dated back to 2006.

Judge Durcan adjourned the case to tomorrow.

He said that while had accepted jurisdiction of the matter; the case had been “troubling” him.

He said he would reflect on his original decision. “My mind is open on it,” he added.

A WEST Clare man has been ordered to return home to live with his mother after pleading guilty to a number of theft and trespass offences in Ennis.

Noel Garry (19), with an address at Apartment 173, Parnell Street appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

The court heard that Mr Garry was one of three people who took a car that had been left running in the market in Ennis on August 10.

The court heard that the car was brought to the Moyross area of Limerick and burnt out.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that € 1500 worth of damage was caused to the car and no compensation had been paid to the injured party.

Mr Garry also admitted to being one of two people who broke the window of the Tunstar shop at Parnell Street on the hours between August 26-27. A number of mobile phones and phone covers were stolen in the incident.

Mr Garry pleaded guilty to being one of two people who entered the 7 Days Shop, Cabey’s Lane, Ennis between September 5-6.

Insp Kennedy told the court that the premises serves as a Western Union money transfer shop.

He said that on the night in question € 675 was stolen from an envelope. He said the accused received a small amount of money.

Insp Kennedy told the court that Mr Garry co-operated fully with gardaí.

“He wasn’t the ringleader but he is easily led” he added.

Defence solicitor Fiona Hehir told the court that her client was 18 when he embarked on a “crime spree.”

She said Mr Garry had fallen in with a bad crowd in Ennis and that his mother is “extremely worried” about him.

Ms Hehir said Mr Garry had been involved in drugs and crime and that his behaviour must be “nipped in the bud.”

She told the court she had been instructed to enter an early guilty plea by her client.

Ms Hehir added, “He was in Castlerea prison for a week and he did not like it.”

Judge Patrick Durcan said was considering imposing a 10-month sentence.

He adjourned the case until January 23 for a report from the probation and welfare services. He also ordered Mr Garry to return home to live with his mother in Kilrush.

“Mr Garry, you have to wake up,” he added.

Mr Garry was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on January 23.