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THE Diocese of Killaloe yesterday moved to dampen speculation that the Bishop Kieran O’Reilly is being lined up to replace Seán Brady as the Primate of All Ireland. Bishop O’Reilly will attend a special synod or meeting of top-ranking bishops in Rome this Sunday, in the place of Cardinal Brady. This is the first synod not attended by Cardinal Brady in his time as Primate of All Ireland and it has been seen by some as an indication that he soon intends to step down. Cardinal Brady has faced a number of calls for his resignation over the last 12 months and, while Bishop O’Reilly is one of the newest bish- ops in Ireland, it is thought in some circles that he would be the ideal candidate for the position – should it become available. Spokesperson for the Killaloe Diocese, Fr Brendan Quinlivan said yesterday that while his elevation is “not beyond the bounds of possibility” it is more likely that he is being asked to attend because of his missionary experience. “While it is true that Cardinal Brady would have attended all of these meetings in the past, I’m not sure we can draw too much from that. “The theme of this meeting is the new evangelisation of the faithful and I think Bishop O’Reilly’s experience in the missions makes him a perfect candidate to attend,” said Fr Quinlivan. “He is very happy in Killaloe. He has really thrown himself into the role and has been travelling the diocese, meeting and getting to know all the clergy here and getting into the work of the diocese. That said, it is not beyond the bounds of possibility.” Bishop O’Reilly will be joined in Rome on Sunday by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin who, as Cardinal Brady’s number two, also attends all of the synods. Archbishop Martin is considered by some to be too radical – given his previously stated opinions in support of gay priests – to be acceptable to the powers that be at the Vatican.

A NUMBER of strategic sites in Clare were identified as being key to Nazi Germany’s plan to invade and occupy neutral Ireland during World War II, a new top-secret dossier has revealed this week.

The document, which went under the hammer at an auction in England last Thursday for € 2,961 – almost four times the reserve price – was compiled by Nazi spies in Ireland and graphically illustrates that Clare would have been given a crucial part to play in any German war effort conducted from Ireland.

In all, seven Clare sites were singled out by Nazi intelligence as having a role to play in German’s invasion plans in a document that clearly showed that neutral Ireland and the constituency of Taoiseach Eamon de Valera was viewed of strategic importance by the fascist regime.

The detailed document, which includes maps and analysis of the Irish countryside compiled by Nazi spies, shows how under Operation Green/ Sealion, Hitler planned to overthrow the State and turn it into one of six regional hubs for Britain and Ireland.

Ardnacrusha Power Station – which had been constructed by the pride of German engineering, SiemensSchuckert in the 1920s, at the cost of £5.2m, and at that time the biggest hydro-electrical plant in Europe – was circled as being a vital component in the German rule in Ireland. Other key Clare sites included former capital of Ireland Killaloe, probably because of Lough Derg’s potential to cater for flyingboats, while the key coastal areas targetted by the Nazi regime were the Cliffs of Moher and Blackhead/Ballvaughan area. The document entitled Militärgeographische Angaben über Irland contains detailed maps and postcards, with a number of images of Ardnacrusha highlighting it importance to the state. These key places were numbered by military officials before being plotted on a series of eight fold-out maps, which would have been used during ‘Operation Sealion’. However, on September 17, 1940, Hitler was forced to scrap Operation Sealion because of the Luftwaffe’s failure to gain air supremacy over England during the Battle of Britain. The Nazi offensive never took place after the German defeat in the skies, but experts believe the book reveals what could have happened if the Nazi’s had conquered Britain.

THE number of Clare homes that have registered their septic tanks has doubled over the past week as the deadline for the reduced € 5 registration charged passed on Friday.

According to figures obtained from the Local Government Management Agency yesterday, a total of 7,603 septic tanks have now been registered in Clare. This is an increase of more than 100 per cent, 3,534 of which had been registered in the county on the same day last week.

In addition to the 7,603 online registrations, the Local Government Management Agency found that there are an estimated 70,000 registration forms which have been processed at local authority offices around the country and have yet to be added to the current figure.

When processed, these registrations could bump up the numbers signed in Clare by more than 2,000 and bring overall registration close to the 10,000 mark.

It is still unclear exactly how many septic tanks currently exist in Clare. Last year, the former Director of Services, David Timlin, put the number at close to 19,000. However, more recent research has estimated that there could be as many as 31,000 septic tanks in the county, with 11,700 in the River Fergus catchment area, 8,400 in the West and North Clare area, 7,600 in the Lough Derg area and 3,400 in South Clare.

The registration fee for the septic tanks had been set at € 5 by the Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan (FG), until last Friday, September 28. Anyone who wises to register their septic tank from now on will have to pay € 50 and homeowners could also face a fine of € 5,000 if they fail to register their tank before February 1, 2013.

Clare currently has one of the highest registration rates in the country with only Wexford, Galway, Meath and Mayo reporting more registered septic tanks.

AN Ennis teenager found to have been selling cannabis to his friends was fortunate to have been caught by the gardaí, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Anthony McNamara (18), with an address at 14 Sean Dun, Tulla Road, Ennis pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and having the drug for sale or supply on February 13 (2012).

The court heard that members of the Clare divisional drugs squad found cannabis valued at € 940 during a search, under warrant, of 14 Sean Dún, Tulla Road, Ennis on February 13. The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the matter.

Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction. Inspector Michael Gallagher explained that quantities of cannabis were found in tinfoil wraps and small plastic bags.

Insp Gallagher said the accused admitted selling the cannabis. He said gardaí accepted that this was the first time Mr McNamara had engaged in drug dealing.

Defence solicitor Joe Chambers told the court that his client had sold the drugs to his friends and not “Joe Public”. He said Mr McNamara was rarely paid by his friends.

Mr Chambers added, “This was a tight knit matter in which he was the mule.” Mr McNamara had never come to garda attention before this incident, the court heard.

Mr Chambers said his client was fortunate to have been caught so early. He added, “There was a certain innocence to what he was about.”

Mr Chambers told the court that Mr McNamara no longer smokes cannabis.

“He needed a sharp reminder of what he is doing is wrong”, he said. Insp Gallagher said Mr McNamara “wouldn’t be a typical drug dealer.”

Judge Patrick Durcan ordered that Mr McNamara engage with the Probation services. He adjourned the case until November 14.

A DEAL to purchase Tinarana House in East Clare looks set to be complete before the end of the month as three separate offers have been made for the property.

The property, which was bought for an estimated € 14 million less than a decade ago, is likely to be sold for € 2 million.

The property is being sold by GVM Auctioneers in Limerick, who yesterday confirmed that a deal was imminent.

“We have had a lot of interest in the property and a lot of viewings. At the moment, we are looking at three different offers which I would describe as being substantial,” said Tom Crosse of GVM.

“While I can’t give any more detail about the offers, I can say that they are in the region of the € 2 million guide price. Things are moving quickly and we would expect a deal to be finalised before the end of the month.”

Located in Ogonnelloe, Tinarana House boasts 16 bedrooms and 222 acres of grassland and woodland.

Plans had been approved by Clare County Council to convert the property into a major tourism, sports and leisure centre but planning permission for a € 100 million development at the site were turned down by An Bord Pleanála.

One of the reasons for overturning the local authority planning permission was that it was in an area designated as visually vulnerable in the 2005. The latest version of the Clare County Development Plan sites the development of a tourism facility at Tinerana House as one of its desired outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Merriman Hotel in Kinvara was purchased last week for an undisclosed fee, understood to be in the region of € 400,000. The 32bedroom hotel was due to go up for auction on Saturday but an agreement was reached before the auction could take place.

Auctioneer for the sale, Colm O’Donnellan could not give any detail of the final sale price of the property but did confirm that the property was sold as a going concern and will be relaunched as a hotel.

A MAN who damaged an ambulance and insulted paramedics near Ennis General Hospital has received a suspended six-month prison sentence.

Paul Daly (50) was convicted of a breach of the peace and two counts of criminal damage in April.

The charges relate to an incident that occurred near Ennis General Hospital on Sandfield Road in Ennis on October 23 (2011). Mr Daly contested the charges.

The court previously heard that Mr Daly, with an address at 41 Sandfield Centre, Ennis kicked and banged an ambulance and another vehicle belonging to the Health Services Executive (HSE).

Medical personnel gave evidence of Mr Daly behaving in an aggressive manner towards a paramedic.

The disturbances occurred as emergency services responded to an urgent call of a person who was lying on Sandfield Road.

Mr Daly previously told the court that he had been frustrated by noise levels generated from construction work that had been ongoing at the hospital at the time.

A total of € 1100 worth of damage was caused to the HSE jeep while € 500 euros of damage was caused to the ambulance in the incident.

A report from the Probation Services was handed into Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett described Mr Daly as a “complex individual” who had problems with alcohol. Mr Hassett said he had concerns over his client’s mental health. He added, “I think this man needs assistance.”

Mr Hassett told the court that Mr Daly has not been in any further trouble since the incident.

During proceedings, Mr Daly attempted to address Judge Patrick Durcan directly, at one point saying, “You call people in here to justify their actions and you don’t justify yours. It’s a two way street.”

Mr Hassett said that Mr Daly, who is originally from Dublin, holds “certain views”.

He added, “I don’t think he’s suitable for prison.”

Judge Durcan imposed a fine of € 250 and two consecutive three month prison sentences.

By virtue of Mr Daly’s circumstances and Mr Hassett’s comments on his behalf, Judge Durcan said he was suspending the sentences for a period of 12 months.

A SHANNON student has been told to be on his best behaviour over the coming months or face a “lengthy stretch” behind bars.

Mark Hayes (23), with an address at 106 Aidan Park, Shannon, received the warning at Ennis District Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

The court heard that Mr Hayes was involved in an altercation near Supermacs in Shannon town centre on November 21 (2011).

Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that Mr Hayes called another man a “poof” and grunted at him in an aggressive manner.

Solicitor Daragh Hassett told the court that Mr Hayes and his brother had been set upon by another group of people.

He said Mr Hayes appreciates that the attendance of the gardaí on the night prevented the situation from getting worse.

Mr Hassett told the court that Mr Hayes is a full time student and has been accepted at Limerick Institute of Technology.

He said his client had endured a difficult upbringing.

The court heard that Mr Hayes has previous convictions for public order offences and violent disorder.

Judge Patrick Durcan said, “Your client in terms of previous convic- tions deserves a lengthy stretch.”

However, he said that Mr Hayes also deserved a chance to show he can “mend his ways.”

Judge Durcan adjourned the case until November 14 for review.

He ordered that a full report regarding Mr Hayes’ attendance and progress be provided on that date by his school.

Addressing Mr Hayes, Judge Durcan said;

“When you leave this court, buy a mirror, look at yourself and ponder where you are going.

“Its up to you whether you want to go to prison.”

Judge Durcan said the report should issue from the school after November 7.

A Kilrush man has been sentenced to five months in prison for offences committed on the premises of a shop in the West Clare town earlier this year.

Patrick Hall (26), with an address at 3 Chapel Street, Kilrush, appeared before Ennis District Court on Tuesday.

Mr Hall pleaded guilty charges of theft, trespassing and criminal damage.

The charges arose out of an incident at Patrick Burke Menswear in Kilrush on March 26.

After hearing a brief outline of the facts of the case, Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction.

Garda Conor Flaherty of Kilrush Garda Station told the court that gardaí responded to a call of a man on the roof of Patrick Burke Menswear.

Garda Flaherty said that he observed Mr Hall damaging an air con- ditioning unit.

He said the accused took a copper pipe from the unit. Mr Hall was arrested but gave no explanation for taking the pipe.

The court heard that € 200 worth of damage was caused.

No compensation has been paid. Inspector Tom Kennedy said Mr Hall has 43 previous convictions.

Solicitor William Cahir said his client has suffered from serious alcohol and drug problems.

He said Mr Hall is a “gentlemen who is easily led.”

Mr Cahir said that Mr Hall is apologetic for his “mindless beahviour.”

Inspector Kennedy said Mr Hall’s activity had “caused an awful lot of difficulty” to gardaí in Kilrush.

Judge Durcan imposed a five-month sentence for criminal damage and a three-month concurrent sentence. The sentence was made retrospec tive to July.

ENNIS Courthouse was witness to some chaotic scenes last week as fighting broke out on several occasions in the foyer of the building as cases were being heard inside the courtroom.

An eyewitness described the scenes as “something out of the wild west” as people attacked each other as court cases were being heard just yards away on the other side of the courtroom door.

The noise and screaming from the incidents required the court to be stopped as gardaí rushed outside to intervene.

The court was interrupted on three separate occasions as a result and 29 gardaí were forced to deal with con- frontations between various families in the foyer of the courthouse. Three people appeared in court on Tuesday charged in connection with the events. Insp Kennedy told the court subsequently that there were indications that more people could be charged in connection with the disturbances.

Judge Patrick Durcan said the business of the court had been greatly disturbed on Tuesday.

He said, “Twenty nine members of the gardaí on three occasions had to leave at speed and stop a melee that was audibly evident.”

He added; “This kind of behaviour around courthouses will not be tolerated.”

LABASHEEDA is a village on the Shannon estuary, an area of high environmental sensitivity, yet its people are asked to survive a recession, develop the area and care for the environment without any sewerage scheme.

And despite more than a half a century of promises from different governments and plans and funding being allocated by the second last Minister for the Environment, the plans have been cancelled and the money taken back.

This is of little surprise to the despondent local people, who have spent the last decade working with planners, the county council and government departments in developing the plan for the village.

Among those involved was local school principal, Liam Woulfe.

“I’m convinced that it was never a runner from day one, and the Department of the Environment were merely playing with figures and statistics just to show that a number of projects were being considered, to look good in Europe,” he said.

“They constantly changed the conditions relating to the type of system to be installed, and Clare County Council, in good faith, would have to go back to the drawing board. We were being regularly told that the money was ‘ringfenced’, a term I don’t want ever to hear in use again, it just seems to mean that the funding is never really there in the first place,” he added.

The “ringfenced” money for the Labasheeda and Carrigaholt Scheme has now disappeared and the goalposts have changed again, so much so that the council can no longer apply for a scheme for Labasheeda.

Sean Ward, Senior Engineer with Clare County Council told The Clare People , “The rules governing the 2011 Annual Review did not give us any leeway for re-submission of the Labasheeda element of the scheme.”

“As neither of the two villages (Carrigaholt or Labasheeda) was included in the new WSIP, the budget allocated in 2008 is no longer available. Clare County Council was reim- bursed by the department for the design and other planning costs, which it had incurred up to the time the scheme was dropped from the Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP),” he said.

The engineer was not confident of a resolution to the situation anytime soon.

“Unless and until the scheme can be reconsidered as part of any 2014onwards WSIP, it isn’t possible to say if and when a sewerage scheme can be built in either Carrigaholt or Labasheeda,” he said.