Category: News

OPPOSITION to a € 60 million fishfarm proposed off the Doolin and Fanore coast solidified this week week with Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and Clare TD Michael McNamara all coming out against the controvertial development.

The two main opposition parties have now both adopted policy documents against the proposed fish farm – and nine other large scale fish farms which are understood to be in line for construction along the west coast – should the Clare fish farm be granted a licence by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney (FG).

Michael McNamara has also become the first Clare Oireachtas member to put his cards on the table about the proposed fish farm. Following a meeting with North Clare fishermen and other connected with the fish-industry last month, the East Clare deputy last week raised concerns about the scale of the proposed development.

He also questioned whether Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), who are proposing the construction of the fish farm, have done enough to promote the fish-related employment which already exists in North Clare.

“I would question whether the scale of proposals by BIM, in relation to the development of salmon farms, is compatible with marketing and developing our own indigenous inshore fishing sector. The on-going availability of fresh, high-quality fish is also crucial to our tourism sector and should not be jeopardised under any circumstances,” he said. “Speakers [at the North Clare meeting] said that the cages would be unsightly from Doolin and the revenue yielded by tourism to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and the Burren could be put in jeopardy.” Deputy McNamara also said that markets for species such as bass, cod, mackerel and velvet crab should be assisted by BIM rather than proposing to build a very large salmon farm and end up “destroying” the industries and activities on which the coastal communities depend. Tue07May13

GARDAÍ were forced to intervene when members of two Ennis famillies were allegedly involved in an confrontation at Ennis Courthouse on Wednesday.

The alleged incident took place just inside the door of the courthouse shortly before 10.30am. As many as three men were allegedly involved in the incident.

Sittings of Ennis District Court and the Family Law Court meant a large number of people were in the Courthouse at the time. One man required hospital treatment as a result of the alleged assault he occurred.

Two men were arrested, with one appearing before the District Court that afternoon.

Edward McDonagh (33), with an address at 18 Davitt Terrace, Cloughleigh, is charged with assault and engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the accused appeared before the court following a “fracas” that developed outside the courtroom.

He said the State strongly opposed bail for Mr McDonagh. He said he did not think the conduct that is alleged in a public place could be condoned. “Its happening too often,” he added. Insp Kennedy said it would be alleged that the incident stemmed from a “violent feud” that developed in the town over the last 12 months.

He said the State opposed bail because the “public interest demanded something be done.”

Insp Kennedy added, “How much more are going to have to take, short of them coming into the courtroom and attacking all and sundry, if they can’t restrain themselves from disrespecting this courthouse.”

Defence solicitor Fiona Hehir told the court that her client will say he was spat at and provoked. Detective Garda John Casey, who gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution, said he accepted there may have been an element of provocation.

Judge Durcan said he shared some of Insp Kennedy’s concerns. He said he heard some of the “consternation” outside the courtroom.

Judge Durcan ruled that no issues arose under the Bail Act. He remanded Mr McDonagh in custody with conset to bail. A surety was later approved for the accused and he was released on bail.

Judge Durcan ordered the case be listed for hearing tomorrow (Wednesday).

He said, “I’m not going to have people coming in and treating this Courthouse and the public the way he allegedly did.”

COMMERCIAL companies, including organisations that have a charitable ethos are erecting clothing banks on public and private property in Clare without permission, according to Clare County Council.

Some of these banks are duping people into believing they are donating to charity, while they are really contributing to a multi-million euro private enterprise.

Clothes recycling is a multi million-euro business in Ireland with charitable organisation using second hand clothing as a form of fundraising. What is not sold as clothing is shredded and used as industrial rag cloth. However not all clothes banks are for charity, including some that claim to be.

Clare County Council has adopted a policy of putting warning notices on offending banks and removing them from the sites if the warning is ignored. A lack of legislation however makes it impossible for the local authority to regulate clothing banks, and it is therefore impossible to calculate how many clothing banks are in the county.

Not all clothing banks are erected illegally however. Clare County Council has 17 sites with Clare County Council Clothing Banks on them. These include the five recycling centres and 12 bring bank sites. Some of these sites have a single clothes bank, while others have two, which is dependent on the amount of clothing being brought to the sites and if there has been a history of issues with clothing be dumped at sites with banks overflowing.

Clare County Council does not rent space to companies and clothes banks that are installed at Clare County Council sites as part of an agreed contract are not belonging to any charity at present. Charities have tendered for this contract however and it is expected that charitable contracts will be awarded shortly.

While the local authority only put Clare County Council clothes banks on council property, there have been issues with private individuals or companies illegally installing banks on council property. The council has issued warnings and removed these banks when they are discovered.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council said that there are a number of clothing banks also on private property, both with and without the owners’ permission. “Numerous companies and charities place clothes banks on private property including sites where Clare County Council have bottle banks. This may be with the agreement of the owner of the property and sometimes a financial agreement takes place between both parties. There are occasions where clothes banks are put on private property without the permission of the owners and Clare County Council have been contacted in relation to this, looking for the banks to be removed,” he said.

“There is no legislation in place for dealing with this and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) do not consider clothing banks to be a waste stream, therefore waste permits are not required to install clothing banks on properties.

“A lot of clothes banks may advertise charities on them but the charity may not own the banks. The charities get a percentage of the profit from the banks. There are also a lot of questionable charity names on some banks,” he added.

A RESIDENT has described what he called the “neglect” of Ballyalla Lake over the past 30 years as “an absolute disgrace”.

Noel O’Driscoll who has lived across from Ballyalla Lake for 33 years, was speaking at public meeting in Ennis last week.

Mr O’Driscoll said the area has been blighted by the illegal dumping of waste.

He said he has seen all types of waste dumped around the lake. Mr O’Driscoll said numerous promises had been made during election cam- paigns but nothing had ever been done to solve problems at Ballyalla.

He added, “It has been an absolute disgrace the way this amenity has been neglected.”

Around 47 people attended the meeting at the Auburn Lodge Hotel, which heard a number of proposals for Ballyalla including unlocking the lake’s Blue Flag potential.

13 people expressed an interest in joining a working group.

A majority of people present also voted in favour of pursuing Blue Flag status and protecting the area’s unique biodiversity status.

The meeting was called by local councilor Johnny Flynn (FG).

Cllr Flynn told the meeting that Blue Flag status would be accompanied by byelaws that could prevent the use of speedboats and jet-skis, an issue that arose as a point of concern for some contributors at the meeting.

At the May meeting of Ennis Town Council, Cllr Flynn is calling on Ennis Town Council to draft byelaws that would allow for Gandelow boat journeys on the River Fergus, from Knox’s Bridge, to Steele’s Rock to the Post Office Field.

A Gandelow is a boat that had been used on the River Shannon and Fergus Estuary.

Cllr Flynn said the initiative would seek to promote Ennis as the midwest’s premier romance town.

Brian O’Neill, Chairman of Promote Ennis, said Ennis would benefit from having a top class environmentally friendly waterside amenity in close proximity to the town.

He said, “The benefits are simple. It would be more likely for tourist to come to Ennis, to stay for longer to spend more money, which in turn would create more employment. It could be a major employer for the town of Ennis.”

He added, “With the motorway you can now be in Dublin in two-hours. For this reason it’s now feasible for tourists to go to the Cliffs of Moher and back without spending € 1 in Clare. The Wild Atlantic is fantastic for towns and villages in the west of Ireland but it is giving them another reason to bypass Ennis. We need to give people as many reasons to divert into town.”

He said, “There is something missing. From my own conversations with tourists; they are looking for something else to do. Whether it’s a couple or a group of friends. Lees Road is a fantastic amenity but it is mainly a sports amenity. But there is a demand for activity-based tourism, surfing kayaking rock-climbing. There is a demand and the demand is growing.”

THE scope of any plans to develop or enhance the recreational and leisure potential of Ballyalla Lake would be limited by the legal designation of the area, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has warned.

Seamus Hassett, NPWS District Conservation Officer, told a public meeting that consent is required in order for certain activity to take place on the lake.

He said the recently established Ballyalla Working Group would have to bear in mind the legal designation of the site.

The area is subject to three levels of protection, the meeting heard.

Ballyalla is a wildlife sanctuary, a special area of conservation and a special protection area.

The area is a habitat for around 2,000 to 3,000 birds.

David Lyons of the NPWS told the meeting that there has been a decrease in the numbers of some birds at the lake.

Mr Hassett said the lake’s legal designations does not prohibit activity on the lake. However he said any proposals to increase activity would have to go through a “screening” process.

John Murphy of Birdwatch Ireland said there are many issues around the lake that are disrupting the bird population.

He described any proposal to select Ballyalla, as Ennis’ flagship lakeside amenity as “crazy”.

He suggested that Lough Girroga would be a more suitable location for water-based activities.

Mr Murphy warned against development around Ballyalla that would upset the “distinct wildlife of the area”.

Clare Fine Gael TD, Deputy Joe Carey told the meeting that Ballyalla Lake needs to be utlished more by people in Ennis.

He added, “Obviously there are sensibilities around development. But there is no reason why it can’t be developed in a sensitive way.”

Cllr Tony Mulqueen (FG) said he believes that the lake has been “overused” in recent years. He said Ballyalla should be preserved and any plans for water sport activities confined to waterways between Clarecastle and Ennis.

A GREATER focus on environmentally-friendly water-based activities at Ballyalla Lake could create opportunities for employment around Ennis, a meeting has heard.

Rowing clubs and businesses involved in water sports were among those to address a public meeting called to discuss issues concerning the future of Ballyalla Lake.

Ennis-based businessman John Dillane said anything that provides employment for young people in Ennis must be encouraged.

He said, “We’re coming into a time of the year where students are going to be looking for summer jobs and there are very few out there…A lot of things could be done around Ballyalla to generate summer employment.

Mr Dillane, a former President of Ennis Chamber, added, “It is extremely important that we do something that will create jobs for young people in the town.”

Alan Coote of Clare Kayak Hire told the meeting that there is demand for a water sports centre near Ennis.

He explained, “At the minute everything seems to be up around Lahinch. There is nothing in the town. I see people doing kayak trips in Corofin, Inchiquinn but I really think there is a need in Ennis for a water sports centre.”

Mr Coote, who runs kayak and stand up paddleboat classes, said any increased activity would not impact on the wildlife in the area.

He said, “There would be no motors, no pollution. The noise would be minimal for wildlife and people around the area. I think there is an opportunity to create jobs. In Ennis it could be all year around with the schools. There are around 5,000 school kids in Ennis. I talked to a good few people who said they have to factor in the cost of travelling for school trips. They would rather there was something in the town.

“Everything I’m talking about doing is going to be real eco-friendly. There isn’t going to be any noise pollution. We won’t be going in around where the birds are,” added Mr Coote.

Síle Ní Dheargáin is the co-founder of the popular Clarecastle-based Fergus Rowers Club

Ms Ní Dheargáin said access to Ballyalla has been hugely beneficial for the club.

She said, “Every Saturday we have Ballyalla Lake taken over from 11am to 3pm in the day. We have the two boats going constantly. We have one senior rower out on the boat, training them in. It’s a really safe environment; there are no currents. In Clarecastle there is a tidal aspect so you need that bit more experience to bring in boats when the tide is going out.”

Ms Ní Dheargáin said Ballyalla could be improved from a water sports perspective by the addition of secure storage space for boats and other facilities such as handrails and a pontoon.

ALMOST 80 per cent of Clare householders have paid the household charge. Householders have until today (Tuesday) to ensure their registration for the property tax is in the post and appropriately post marked.

It is possible to register on line before May 28.

While it is unknown how many Clare properties have been registered it has been revealed that 79.5 per cent of property owners in Clare are compliant with last year’s household charge.

Homeowners in County Clare who have not yet registered their property for the Household Charge, as opposed to the property tax, are being reminded that the charge can be paid up to June 30. As of May 1, a total of 36,400 residential property owners in Clare have registered their property for the Household Charge, equating to a compliance rate of 79.5 per cent compared to the national compliance rate of 74% (1,198,091 households).

Residential property owners are also being reminded that they will be required to demonstrate compliance with the Household Charge legislation when selling a property; non-compliance will complicate the conveyancing process.

Meanwhile those with a second property have added property bills before the end of next month.

Clare County Council has reminded property owners affected by the Non-Principal Private Residence (NPPR) scheme that the deadline for payment of the € 200 charge for 2013 is June 30. The annual charge applies to any residential property in which the owner does not reside as their normal place of residence.

It also applies to vacant residential property and properties where the owners live abroad. NPPR property owners are liable for the charge in 2013 in addition to the half-year Local Property Tax.

Seamus Halpin, Senior Executive Officer, Finance Department of Clare County Council, said; “The NPPR Charge, which was introduced under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 set an annual charge of € 200 per residence, with a significant late payment fee. A € 20 late payment fee will apply in respect of each month or part of a month per each annual charge during which the charge remains unpaid. Anyone who has not registered and is liable to the NPPR charge has already accrued significant late payment fees on their property.”

A MOTHER has spoken of the “nightmare” she endured when she was sexually assaulted by a man in her home two years ago.

The woman says her life was a “complete” daze following the assault that occurred in mid-Clare in December 2011.

The man assaulted the woman as she slept in bed with her then partner following a night out.

In he victim impact statement read out at Ennis Circuit Court last week, the woman recalled feeling “terrified” at the time of the assault.

She said she does not remember her daughter’s first Christmas, adding that such a special occasion was “stolen” from her because of the assault.

She said the incident has had major impact on her life.

The mother of one said she suffers from “night terrors” and frequent “panic attacks.”

She explained that she checks several times to make sure all doors and windows are locked at night.

She added, “I am a nervous wreck, a victim. This is not who I want to be. This is not who I was.”

“One person’s evil action can change an innocent person’s life forever,” she said.

The woman thanked her family and counsellor for the support provided. The court heard she has not returned to work since the assault.

A 32-year-old Polish man pleaded guilty to sexual assault at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court in September.

Last week the court heard the man entered the bed and twice digitally penetrated the woman.

Detective Sergeant Kevin O’Hagan told the court that the woman was scared the man would become aggressive so she woke up her partner discreetly.

The woman ran out of the house and rang the gardaí, the court heard.

The court heard the man has five previous convictions, none for sexual offences.

Defense Counsel Elaine Houlihan told the court that her client had a lot to drink on the night and has restrained from drinking alcohol since.

Ms Houlihan said the man is “extremely remorseful” for what happened.

She added, “He has accepted responsibility for this monumental misjudgment of error.”

Judge Caroll Moran said, “This is a serious case, a difficult case.”

He adjourned sentencing until June 24. Reporting restrictions were place on the case.

A MAN who committed a series of offences on Holy Thursday that included the theft of two Jack Russel terriers has paid compensation of € 1700 to victims of his crimes.

William Donovan (20) appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday having previously pleaded guilty to a number of offences committed in North Clare on March 28.

Mr Donovan, with an address at 54 Clancy Park, Ennis admitted stealing two tan and white terriers worth € 200 from 18 Ardnaculla, Ennistymon on March 28. The dogs were returned to their owner.

He stole an alloy wheel at Station Road, Lahinch. He also entered a building on Station Road, Lahinch as a trespasser.

Mr Donovan admitted damaging the front window of Kenny’s Pub, Lahinch, causing € 1000 worth of damage.

Mr Donovan broke a window at the Claremont Hotel causing € 125 worth of damage.

The court was also told that the accused smashed the window of a silver Toyota Avensis before attempting to hotwire the car.

The court heard Mr Donovan then broke the windscreen of another car, belonging to the mother of the previous car owner, causing € 400 worth of damage.

Gardaí stopped Mr Donovan around 40 yards from where he stole the alloy wheel.

The court heard the accused’s car had only three wheels as it appeared a tyre may have blown out.

The court heard that gardaí were able to trace Mr Donovan’s movements on the day by following the tracks made by the three wheel car.

On Wednesday, solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that Mr Donovan’s family had gathered € 1700 for compensation to injured parties.

Of the series of incidents on Holy Thursday, Ms Godfrey said;

“There was a lot of prescription drugs taken and he lost the proverbial run of himself.”

However Ms Godfrey added that Mr Donovan is a “completely different person” from the one who appeared in court in March.

She told the court that her client is committed to entering a residential treatment programme.

Addressing Mr Donovan, Judge Patrick Durcan said; “You’re a young man and there is no reason why you can’t face up to challenges in life.”

Judge Durcan placed Mr Donovan on a probation bond for nine months. He ordered him to abide by all directions of the Probation Services.

A LIMERICK man who spat in the face of garda in Kilkee last summer has been sentenced in eight weeks in jail. Lee McNamara (25) had to be restrained by three gardaí during an incident at Strand Line, Kilkee on August 15, 2012.

Mr McNamara, with an address at 150 Glenbrook, Old Singland Road, Limerick, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to charges of intoxication and provoking a breach of the peace. The court heard that Mr McNamara was sitting on a wall and shouting obscenities. Inspector Tom Kennedy said that when gardaí intervened, Mr McNamara got more aggressive and spat into a garda’s face. The court heard it took three gardaí to restrain Mr McNamara. The accused has 38 previous convictions, the court heard. Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said, “He apologises unreservedly. He was incredibly intoxicated”. Ms Godfrey said Mr McNamara, a father of one, had been involved in a family dispute on the day. She said her client has lived a life of “misery, drug abuse and addictions. It is about the saddest case I’ve ever seen. There is a sense of sadness pervading Mr McNamara,” she added. Ms Godfrey said her client is a man without hope and without much prospects. Insp Kennedy said that while he did not know the circumstances of Mr McNamara’s life, “his behaviour on the day was deplorable to his child and to the gardaí.”

Addressing Mr McNamara, Judge Patrick Durcan said; “You may not like the gardaí but the guards are empowered to do a job. They do a difficult job.” He said tourism is very important to areas like West Clare and people have the right to go for a walk without seeing such behaviour.

Judge Durcan said he accepted that Mr McNamara has had a difficult background but this did not give him the right to visit these difficulties on the public. However, he added, “someone who spits on the gardaí deserves very little sympathy.”

He fined Mr McNamara € 400 and imposed a 10 week prison sentence. Judge Durcan reduced the sentence by two weeks. A JUDGE