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INCREASED foot patrols will be among employed by gardaí this month to tackle the seasonal rise in shoplifting.

Details of the crime prevention measures were outlined at a meeting in Ennis last night between local gardaí and businesses.

The Ennis Chamber Garda Accord was established in 2003 to formalise meetings between the business community and the local Gardaí.

Members of the Garda Crime Prevention Unit and Business Liaison Team will be in attendance to give advice to businesses on how best to protect themselves, cash and premises in the busy Christmas period.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, crime prevention officer Joe Downey said businesses are encouraged to take appropriate security measures.

The businesses most at risk tend to be chemists, newsagents, off-licenses and fast food outlets.

He said appropriate measures helped to protect staff, reduce losses and avoid the risk of increased insurance premiums.

Practical security steps that can be taken include: not leaving large sums of cash in tills; training staff in security procedures; maintaining safe keys under dual control and varying the times when cash is transferred to the safe.

Sgt Downey said, “This time of year you can typically have a rise in shoplifting.

“These meetings are an opportunity to emphasize and remind businesses about having the right security features and settings in their businesses.”

CEO of Ennis Chamber, Rita McInerney said businesses are also concerned about levels of anti-social behaviour on the streets of Ennis.

“It’s not widespread but there has been a few instances in the last few weeks.

“The gardaí cannot act unless they are informed about what is happening by businesses.

“There is a lack of reporting of these things, and I can understand that as well.

“But that shows the value of the Garda Accord, these concerns can be raised by businesses as a group.”

Ms McInerney said businesses are also hoping to discuss the possibility of using Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) to deter offending among young people.

At Ennis District Court last week, Judge Patrick Durcan said that shoplifting offences and thefts are creating major problems for small businesses in Clare and promised the courts would tackle the issue.

BEING a card-carrying member of the Fianna Fáil comes at a cost that is too rich for some blood.

Following the fall of the last Government, it cost life-long grass root members a certain bit of embarrassment, but now as the soldiers of destiny regroup it is the monetary cost of membership that is causing concern.

Each member must pay an annual fee of € 20 to be a member of Fianna Fáil.

For this the members are to have the right to vote at convention for their preferred candidate, however as some members struggle to pay the fee their voting right is withdrawn.

This was a concern for Cllr Pat Keane at the party’s West Clare con- vention last week, during which he was selected to represent the party in the next Local Elections on the first count.

“It is sad for me to see some people turn up here tonight and they hadn’t a vote, and I say to the two deputies [Timmy Dooley and Nial Collins who were at the convention] that this is something at headquarters we have to address,” he said following his selection.

“The one person one vote is a good idea but we have to make it a realistic charge if people are to become members, and I think we can have more members if we can get that rectified and I have no doubt that ye will,” he added.

The € 20 fee was also a bone of contention at the Ennis convention where delegates questioned why they pay it after a directive to select just three candidates came from the party’s National Constituency Committee who are later to add two.

Delegates argued that their right to select candidates for the 2014 Local Election was taken away, and all that they got for their € 20 was to fundraise for the party.

It is understood that Fianna Fáil’s finance committee is now looking at “equitable ways of spreading cost on members”.

CLARE motorists have received more penalty point each over the past two year than motorists from any other county in Ireland.

New figures released by the Department of Transport show that between January of 2011 and November of this year each Clare motorists received an average of 0.28 penalty points.

This means that motorist in Clare are more than twice as likely to receive penalty points as motorists in Donegal – who had the lowest level of penalty points.

After the Banner County, the counties with the worst records of penalty points were Longford, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Roscommon while the safest drivers were found to be in Donegal, Monaghan, Mayo, Kerry and North Tipperary.

The figures also revealed that the rate at which penalty points are being handed out to drivers in Clare is also increasing.

“It is a short period in trying to analyse a trend but what is key is the figures are going up, it is a cause of concern and it should galvanise us all into action,” said a spokesman for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

“We need to ask ourselves, both individual drivers and state agencies, what we can do to reverse those trends. We should be mindful of using the roads at this time of year as we don’t want any further loss of life.”

A total of 684,974 penalty points have been handed out to motorists between January of 2011 and November of this year accounting to the Department of Transport.

More than 111,000 drivers dodged receiving penalty points over this period because they did not have a driving licence or failed to bring it to court when summoned to appear for offenses that require a mandatory court appearance.

Some 177 people have been killed so far this year, which is an increase of 25 on the same period in 2013.

A MAN, who was murdered while sleeping rough in the Phoenix Park in Dublin at the end of November, will be laid to rest in a family grave in Kildysart Cemetry today (Tuesday).

Gerard Donnelly will be buried along side his father after 11am Mass tomorrow.

The 36-year-old was found burned to death at Wellington Road, in the Phoenix Park, in the early hours of November 29 and it took Gardaí some time to identify the murder victim who grew up in Tallaght.

An only child, he has no remaining family in Dublin and so has been brought to West Clare to be laid to rest where his uncles and cousins still live.

His later father Flan was a native of Cranny and his mother is believed to be in hospital.

It is understood that the Gerard opted to live outdoors in the Phoenix Park on occasions as a “lifestyle” choice and was “not a typical homeless person”.

The father of one also had € 130,000 in a bank account following the sale of the family home five years ago.

Mr Donnelly’s remains reposed in Kildysart Church last night before his funeral Mass and burial today.

Ciaran Moran (27), who has an address at Camden Hall, Camden Street, Dublin, has been charged with his murder at Dublin District Court.

Two other people – a 20-year-old man and 17-year-old woman – were also arrested but both were later released without charge.

ONE of the key reason cited for low passengers number on the Ennis to Galway section of the Western Rail Corridor has been removed following the introduction of online booking by Iarnród Éireann.

Nearly two years after the issue was first raised with the rail company – Clare passengers can now book their journey up to 60 days in advance and collect their ticket at the station.

The issue of problems with the booking system came to light in January of 2012 when a report into the railway indicated that as few as eight passengers were using the service on an average trip.

While these figures were bitterly disputed by rail campaigner such as West-on-Track, the issue of a lack of online booking was recognised by all concerned as a major problem.

Passengers numbers on the route have been growing on commuter routes such as Ennis/Limerick and Athenry/Galway and it is hoped that online booking may also help to pro- mote business from Ennis, Sixmilebridge and Gort.

“We know this is something which our customers and the wider community have been anxious to see provided for some time,” said a spokesperson from Iarnród Éireann.

“In particular, we’re pleased to be able to provide this in the run-up to Christmas, to give an opportunity to those who have not used the route previously to experience the service, and do their Christmas shopping and other activities without worrying about traffic congestion and parking charges. Our fares from € 5.99 each way for adults and € 2.99 each way for children are extremely competitive, giving big savings to families at a time of year when every cent counts.”

Meanwhile, Corofin company Corporate Catering Services won the contractors award at this year’s Iarnród Éireann Customer Services Awards. The North Clare company operate catering services on the Dublin to Belfast rail line.

The award was presented to Teresa Keenan and Joe Sloan on behalf of Corporate Catering Services.

A WOMAN who claims she has fallen into debt to moneylenders in Ennis has told a Judge she will have to pay the money back from her social welfare payments.

The woman, who is facing a possible 18 month prison sentence for a string of shoplifting offences, says she owes € 1,000 to a moneylender.

At Ennis District Court on Thursday, the 19-year-old woman told Judge Patrick Durcan the moneylender will be looking for her.

Asked by Judge Durcan how she would re-pay the money, the woman said, “I’ll have to give them money out of my dole.”

Her solicitor Tara Godfrey said, “I’ve done what I can to get her to make a statement but she won’t”.

Ms Godfrey said the woman fell into debt because of her cannabis addiction.

“This is not like AIB or the Bank of Ireland, the terms are quite severe. My client was afraid to be at liberty,” she added.

Earlier this year, the teenager admitted stealing € 1,300 worth of goods from Clare businesses in an 11-month shoplifting spree.

She pleaded guilty to 14 thefts from shops and pharmacies in Ennis and Clarecastle between November 2012 and September 2013.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the woman had committed a high number of thefts. “We’re at the sentencing stage and where to go next is a big deal. “I would be delighted to see her rehabilitate herself,” added Insp Kennedy.

The court heard the woman’s father and mother are both dead and her younger brother died when he was just three years old.

The woman was described in court as a “vulnerable person at the end of her tether, financially speaking”. The court heard she was a victim of neglect as a child.

After reading a Probation Report on the woman’s family history and apparent troubles with moneylend- ers, Judge Durcan said,

“In my time as a judge this is one of the saddest reports I have read.”

Judge Durcan told the woman she is facing between 15 and 18 months in prison.

He said if the woman shows a genuine willingness to engage with the Probation Services, he would put the matter off further.

Judge Durcan remanded the woman in custody, on consent, to appear again at Ennis District Court on January 8, 2014.

Earlier this month, gardaí launched a massive operation against suspected illegal money lending in Clare. Gardaí have urged anyone affected by money lending to contact them.

CALL outs to Christmas fires in Clare fell last year again for the third consecutive year, and the county’s fire service is determined to continue that trend this festive season.

The Clare Fire Service reported that brigades throughout Clare were mobilised to 44 incidents during last Christmas.

The call-out figures for the period December 20, 2012, to January 3, 2013, were less than those recorded during the corresponding periods in 2009, 2010 and 2011 when the Fire Service was mobilised to 81, 64 and 48 incidents respectively.

The majority of emergency callouts were attended by Ennis Fire Brigade (20), followed by Shannon (13), Killaloe (3), Ennistymon (3), Scariff (2), Kilrush (2) and Kilkee (1).

Six of the call outs related to chimney fires, down 18 from the previous year, while firefighters also attended 10 road-based incidents, two agricultural building fires, two storage building fires, one house fire, one outdoor rubbish fire and 11 false alarm incidents.

The main causes of fire during the festive season are candles left unprotected, fairylights left on all night or improperly wired, Christmas trees falling over, open fires without fireguards, and decorations catching fire.

According to Adrian Kelly, Clare Chief Fire Officer, “Open fires are used for longer periods during the Christmas period as people spend a lot more time at home. Electrical items and extension leads are used more. Add in flammable decorations, candles and alcohol and it becomes apparent that the risks increase during the festive season.”

Mayor of Clare Cllr Joe Arkins has urged members of the public to familiarise themselves with the fire safety advice, which may be viewed on the Clare County Council website at www.clarecoco.ie.

“While Christmas is a time for celebration, it is important that the public remains alert to the fire dangers that exist at their homes. I encourage householders across County Clare to think about fire safety ahead of and during the Christmas period to avoid the risk of their Christmas being ruined.”

A SEARCH will continue today for a man who was swept into the sea off the North Clare coast at the weekend.

The man, believed to be a Latvian national in his 40s, was fishing with a friend near the lighthouse at Blackhead when he fell into the water. It is understood his friend went to get a life buoy but when he returned the man was no longer visible in the water.

The alarm was raised after gardaí at Tuam Garda Station contacted their colleagues in Ennistymon Garda Station. The Irish Coast Guard marine rescue coordination centre mounted a search operation at around 4.30pm on Sunday evening.

The Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard unit was alerted and mobilised while the Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter was also tasked. The RNLI lifeboat based at Inis Mór in the Aran Islands was also sent to assist in the search.

That search continued yesterday along a stretch of coastline from Fanore to Ballyvaughan.

The five-hour search, which involved the Doolin Irish Coast Guard unit, a search a rescue helicopter and some local boats, was stood down on Monday evening. It is thought the search will continue over the next five or six days. It is hoped that if sea conditions improve Navy Divers and divers from local sub-aqua clubs will be able to assist in the search.

A CASE where it is alleged a GAA fan ran onto a pitch during a Clare club football game and kicked a player in the head is to be heard in the Circuit Court.

After hearing an outline of the alleged assault, Judge Patrick Durcan refused jurisdiction at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Eamon Leahy (51) has been charged with assault causing harm of football player Richard Carmody (29) during a football match at Wolfe Tones camogie grounds on May 12.

The alleged assault is alleged to have occurred during a Division 6 Junior B football match between Wolfe Tones and Killimer.

Mr Leahy, with an address at Cronan Park, Shannon, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the case in the district court on a plea of guilty only.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said he had reviewed evidence and written to the DPP. Mr Hassett said his client had indicated he would plead guilty on the basis that he struck the alleged injured party just once.

Mr Hassett said witnesses had given varying accounts of what happened on the day.

Insp Kennedy said it was acceptable to the State for the case to proceed on the basis Mr Leahy struck one blow.

Judge Patrick Durcan requested an outline of the alleged facts to allow him consider jurisdiction.

The court heard Mr Leahy’s son Daragh was playing corner forward for Wolfe Tones when an incident developed on the pitch.

Insp Kennedy explained Eamon Leahy left his position on the sideline when a skirmish involving a number of people developed on the pitch.

“The State will say Mr Leahy came in from the sideline and kicked Richard Carmody (Killimer) in the head on the ground.

“It was a severe kick,” he added.

After viewing a medical report of the injuries suffered by the alleged victim, Judge Durcan said, “This man was kicked into the face, into the teeth. He was kicked unconscious.”

Insp Kennedy said, “He [Carmody] was dizzy, when he tried to get back on his feet he collapsed and lost consciousness.”

After hearing the alleged facts, Judge Durcan refused jurisdiction. He extended time for the service of the book of evidence.

MONEYPOINT Power Station will be fuelling the West Clare economy for at least another decade, but concerns have been expressed for the future of Kilrush and the environs if and when this station closes.

“A power station that was built in the 1980s would have probably been designed at that time to run for maybe 30 to 40 years or what ever would be typical enough for a plant. I suppose we have done the maintenance over the years to keep that in line. I would be surprised if the station didn’t have it running for another decade any- way,” said, Brendan Kennedy, Station Manager at the ESB plant.

“I would expect Moneypoint to run on a high merit in the national grid for the next number of years,” said the Ennis native.

The ESB company pays up to € 12 million in rates to Clare County Council every year, as well as supporting sport facilities, clubs, organisations and the Christmas lights in Kilrush and West Clare.

“I hate to think what Kilrush would be like if Moneypoint never came,” said former mayor of Kilrush Liam O’Looney.