Category: News

PLANS for the development of a community-owned pier is in stalemate, as a cash-strapped local authority does not have the funds to pay for a report that would allow the community to access Government funding.

Doonbeg Community Development and the Doonbeg Fisherman’s Association have spend years working on plans to develop Doonbeg Pier but have now been told a change in the planning process and the inability of the council to pay for a € 40,000 EPA report means their plans of developing tourism and the fishing industry can go no further.

The Doonbeg Pier was constructed in 1995, and was later extended by 35 metres.

Hundred thousand euro plans were then drawn up that would extend the capacity of the pier to allow boats to moor at high and low tide.

These plans to dredge the inner harbour, build a protective breakwater, which would protect Doonmore Tower House, reclaim the shore space and construct a larger slip way received planning approval from Clare County Council in 2007.

Shortly afterwards a foreshore lease application was submitted to the Department of the Environment but no conclusion was reached.

While the lease application gathered dust in government offices planning legislation changed, which meant that the planning permission granted in 2007 became null and void.

It was then recommended that the planning process would have to begin again.

In a letter to TDs senior engineer with Clare County Council Tom Tiernan said, “A new application would more than likely have to be submitted to An Bord Pleanala and there are significant costs involved with the preparation of such an application and the fee which would have to be paid in association with same – € 40,000 to € 50,000 is my best estimate. Clare County Council doesn’t have resources at its disposal to pursue this.”

An allocation in 2008 of € 525,000 from the Minister for Agriculture for the project also cannot be allocated until full planning permission is granted.

Tommy Commerford, PRO of the Doonbeg Fishermans Association, said that the current Minister or Agriculture, Simon Covney, has also reassured the community of his financial support for the project, but the council must first pay for the EPA report.

Michael Flanagan, Chairman of the Doonbeg Development Company, said the development of the pier would provide a new source of income for fishermen. There is currently just one fisherman working full time from the pier that once provided a livelihood for half a dozen local families.

The developed pier would also create extra jobs by stimulating the promotion of sea angling, leisure trips to view the cliff scenery off Doonbeg and help promote Doonbeg as an angling centre.

“In order for businesses like that to flourish we need to have the facilities,” said Mr Flanagan.

A WEST Clare school principal is expected to become the second president of the INTO from the county in six years.

At the primary teacher’s union 145th Congress in Cork this week, Mullagh’s Sean McMahon is likely to be elected vice president of the national union.

Traditionally this means he will become president at the union’s 2014 congress next Easter.

In March 2008, Corofin man Declan Kelleher was appointed president of the INTO after a long career in teaching and working for the union.

Like Mr Kelleher, Mr McMahon has been a strong union man championing the cause of small rural schools, class sizes and teaching principals.

The North Clare man has been involved in the INTO since the 1980s and had represented District 11; Clare, Tipperary and Waterford, on the CEC since 2007.

He will lead a strong delegation of 20 from the Clare branch of the INTO to a congress that will put forward such motions as calling for larger taxes for high earners and for free primary school education to live up to its constitutional claim.

The Clare West branch will also call for the INTO to fully investigate the proposed changes in school patronage with a view to ensuring that teachers’ rights are fully protected during these changes.

This proposal will be put forward by secretary of the branch Brid Hanrahan INTO and Liam Woulfe Principal of Labasheeda National School.

THE legendary West Clare athlete Willie Keane was hailed as a hero of Clare and all Ireland on Easter Sunday night as the Stella Maris Hotel in Kilkee played host to a special tribute night in his honour.

Over 200 people turned out at the celebratory function staged in the Kilkee man’s honour that doubled up as a fundraising night for the West Clare Cancer Centre in the town.

On the night friends, former teammates and rivals from around the county and around the country joined together to pay homage to the Kilkee colossus Keane whose remarkable athletics career saw him win 56 AllIreland titles between 1969 and ’79.

“Willie Keane was the king,” said former international cross-country colleague Mick Priest from Meath, “and as far as I am concerned he still is the king who did so much for NACA athletics in his career,” he added.

Sixty-three-year-old Keane was interviewed on the night by RTÉ GAA correspondent Marty Morrissey and in a wideranging discussion that was interspersed with contributions from the floor he recalled a stellar career in which he landed national titles in every distance on the track from 1500 to 10,000 metres as well as being cross-country runners of his or any generation.

“Every organisation needs a hero,” said former rival Colm Rennicks. “We didn’t have to look any farther when we got Willie Keane. That man is a legend. When you’re in the presence of greatness, you should recognise it. I knew I was in the presence of greatness the first time I met him. I still think it – it hasn’t changed,” he added.

World renowned physical therapist, Gerard Hartman revealed how it was the Keane who inspired to get involved in athletics – a journey that saw him become a scholarship student in America, multiple triathlon champion and physio to such athletic luminaries such as Paul Radcliffe and Sonia O’Sullivan among others as he has treated 61 Olympic medal winners and 47 World Champions.

“I used to see this man on Kilkee beach in an An Clár vest going up down, up down, up down. I didn’t who he was,” revealed Hartmann. “Willie was professional even though he didn’t know he was – it was his application that helped him win 56 national titles.

“Willie Keane was a great inspiration to us all – when I saw him on the beach in 1972 and I was inspired. I started running and became national triathlon champion seven times and been to six Olympic Games as a physical therapist.

“I wonder how many people have been inspired by Willie Keane – I’m sure up the country they’re all around the country. You were an inspiration to me. It’s a phenomenal tribute when you’re acclaimed by your own people. The parish and the people around you who value what you did are here tonight to respect years and years of application, dedication and success,” he added.

Among the other contributors on the night included Willie Keane’s wife Marie, Laurance Larkin of St John’s AC, former Clare NACA chairman Tommy McCarthy, Ger Keane on behalf of the Keane family, Paddy McDonnell who co-hosted the event with Marty Morrissey, chief Kevin Shaloo and Willie McGrath of the West Clare Cancer Centre.

THE Clare Crusaders Clinic is calling budding barbeque party hosts to dust off the barbeque and hold an event to remember in aid of the children’s charity.

The event to be held on Sunday, May 26, and supported by Munster Rugby and Clare FM is encouraging families, friends and local communities to come together across Clare and fire up their barbeques to help raise funds for the Clare Crusaders Clinic.

As part of the event, those wishing to host a barbeque for the clinic will be asked to pay a registration fee of € 10 to the charity. In return, hosts will be entered into a draw for a number of prizes with an overall winner’s prize of Munster Rugby player appearances at their barbeque.

Each barbecue organiser will be supplied with a promotional pack containing clinic tee shirts, posters, flyers and a donation bucket together with a discount coupon, which can be used to purchase a specially prepared barbeque pack at cost price from their local Centra store.

Manager of the children’s clinic Ann Norton said, “Many homes around the county often enjoy having a barbeque on a summer’s afternoon. This year we are asking families and groups to organise a barbeque for Sunday, May 26, with their guests donating to the clinic. Who knows who might arrive at your door?

“The initiative forms part of our continuing season-long relationship with Munster Rugby which has seen players visit the clinic, support with our cook book and the charities match day experience, providing essential funds and greatly boosting our profile.”

The Clare Crusaders charity was formed in 2005 through the ambition of a small group of parents to overcome a lack of publicly available therapy for children with cerebral palsy and autism in County Clare.

The clinic has expanded from one therapist to four full-time and four part-time therapists expanding the range of services provided to over 200 children. Services are provided at no charge to parents and include speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, special teaching and reflexology together with regular group therapy activities. The clinic is available to children of all ages from infants to young adults, ensuring early intervention at a young age or supporting a child’s progression through school life whether in the mainstream or special school environment.

TWO East Clare men alleged to have committed offences at Scariff Garda Station last week are due to make their second appearance in court tomorrow tomorrow.

Brian Moloney (34) and Neil Kelly (38) appeared before a sitting of Ennis District Court on Thursday having been charged in connection with offences allegedly committed in the hours between March 18 and March 19 at Scariff Garda Station.

It is alleged that Mr Moloney, with an address at Bohatch, Mountshannon, did cause criminal damage to two windows of Scariff Garda Sta- tion on March 18. Mr Kelly, also with an address at Bohatch Mounthshannon (separate residence), is charged with arson of a car owned by a female garda at Scariff Garda Station on March 19.

Garda Bernard Casey of Shannon Garda Station gave evidence of arrest charge and caution in respect of Mr Kelly.

He said Mr Kelly made no reply to charge after caution. Detective Garda John Mulvihill gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of Mr Moloney.

Det Mulvihill said the accused said he had “nothing to say” in response to charge after caution.

Inspector John O’Sullivan said the State strongly objected to bail in respect of both accused. He said that while the charges are different, the State would allege that the circumstances of the offence are the same.

He said it would be alleged that this alleged offence was a direct attempt to intimidate a young member of the gardaí from doing her job.

Insp O’Sullivan said the State opposed bail on two grounds: the nature of the alleged offence and the strength of the alleged evidence.

Defence solicitor for Mr Kelly, Eileen Whelan said her client would be willing to abide by strenuous bail conditions Mr Moloney was represented by solicitor Turlough Herbert. Mr Herbert said his client would also abide by any bail conditions set down by the Court.

Judge Patrick Durcan approved bail subject to a number of conditions.

Judge Durcan said the Court required an independent surety of € 3000 for each accused.

Both men were ordered to reside at named addresses, to sign on at garda stations in East Clare, be law abiding and to surrender their passports.

Judge Durcan directed that a letter be written to the Department of Foreign Affairs advising that both accused had surrendered their passports. Both men were remanded in custody with consent to bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on March 27.

NEW procedures aimed at reducing the risk of residents choking on food have been implemented at Kilrush District Hospital, an inquest has heard.

A full review of supervision at the hospital took place following the sudden death of Bridget Griffin (86) at the hospital on November 17, 2012.

Ms Griffin, a resident of the hospital for two years, died after choking on a piece of chicken, an inquest into her death heard yesterday.

Originally from Labasheeda, Ms Griffin lived in Kildysart prior to becoming a resident of the hospital.

An autopsy found that cause of death was asphyxia due to choking. A verdict of death by misadventure was returned at Clare County Coroner’s Court.

The inquest heard that Ms Griffin was served a dinner of chicken, vegetables, soup and a glass of milk on the day.

Care assistant Singiata Kuckauskaik stated in a deposition that cut the chicken into pieces for Mr Griffin. She said that Ms Griffin declined an offer to cut the chicken into smaller pieces.

Another hospital witness told the inquest the chicken had been cut into “reasonable” pieces.

The inquest heard that Ms Griffin did not like gravy so staff always ensured she always had plenty to drink.

Ms Kuckauskaik returned to check on Ms Griffin at 12.55 and found her pale and unresponsive, the inquest heard.

The emergency services were called and nurses performed CPR for 45 minutes. A doctor pronounced Ms Griffin dead at the scene. Gardaí attended the hospital and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) were informed of the incident.

Person in Charge, Tricia Joy, told the inquest that Ms Griffin underwent a procedure to have a lesion removed on the day before her death.

She said Ms Griffin underwent a full choking assessment on her return to the hospital. She was found to have a low risk of choking, the in- quest heard.

Ms Joy stated that reducing the risk of choking had been on the hospital’s agenda for the monthly quality, risk management and safety meeting since May 2012.

Ms Joy stated, “Significant changes involving the reallocation of staff have occurred to ensure that every communal room is supervised by at least two members of staff. Provisions have been made to ensure that residents assessed as being medium or high risk of choking are facilitated to eat in their room if they wish, under direct supervision of staff.”

A number of recommendations were made and implemented at the hospital following Ms Griffin’s death, the inquest heard.

These included the replacement of chicken fillets for chicken stew; mashing of vegetables using an electric mixer; full menu analysis; and the inclusion of a full choking risk assessment in every resident’s care plan.

Nurses are no longer allowed to leave the floor they are assigned to until every resident has completed their meal.

County Cororner Isobel O’Dea said she was happy that all safety procedures were carried as best as possible on the day. She returned a verdict of death by misadventure and expressed sympathy with the Griffin family. Insp John Galvin expressed sympathy on behalf of the gardaí to the family.

THE MYSTERY of the missing plaque commemorating three Ennis Republican Volunteers shot during the Civil War has been solved, as Ennis Town Council confirmed to the Clare People that it is “safely with a local community group.”

Republican Sinn Fein Clare plans to call for the reinstallation of the plaque on New Jail Road after its Easter memorial service this week- end.

According to a council spokesperson a local community group, who feared it would be damaged during the work, took down the plaque during the construction of the new road.

“It is still in safe keeping,” he said.

The town council plans to erect new signage on the New Jail Road next month and said it was happy to reinstate the plaque at that time, if the group wish them to do so.

The plaque remembers Patrick Mahoney (25), Christopher Quinn (21) and William Shaughnessy (18) who were executed on Station Road at the old gaol in 1923.

The three men will also be remembered at a memorial service on Easter Monday at the Republican plot in Drumcliff Cemetery at 3pm organised by Clare Republican Sinn Fein.

The group will also remember James Glynn who died on May 2 1934.

Wreaths will be laid afterwards by RSF Clare and the James Connolly Cummann.

SOME teenagers in Ennis are being forced to commit crimes to pay off debts to a ‘Fagin’ type figure in the town.

The man was referred to during a sitting of Ennis District Court on Friday where a 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty to charges of burglary, trespass and the unauthorised taking of a vehicle.

His solicitor, John Casey, said there had been an element of force attached to the crimes.

He explained that a situation might arise whereby the man would offer to lend a young person money.

Mr Casey said, “You might never pay this back but he might say to you to do this or do that.”

“A vulnerable young man like this can never get out of it. His mother is genuinely disturbed by all of this.” he added.

The man, whom the court heard is known to gardaí, was compared at a previous court sitting to ‘Fagin’, the criminal mastermind from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

The court heard that the boy has now moved out of Ennis to a rural part of West Clare.

He has also removed the SIM card from his mobile phone so he could not be contacted by people in Ennis.

Addressing the court the teenager said; “Since I left the court the last day, I’ve done everything the court asked me to do.” Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the case until May. SEPARATELY a different 17-yearold boy has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of theft and burglary at premises in Ennis and Kilfenora.

At Ennis District Court on Friday the boy pleaded guilty to handling a stolen Samsung Galaxy phone on Newbridge Road on October 31; handling a stolen Samsung phone in Considine’s Road, Cloughleigh, Ennis on January 20 (2013).

He also pleaded guilty to stealing a mobile phone on Watery Road, Ennis on February 4; theft of a black Apple iPod from Old Gort Road on February 8 and stealing a Nintendo DS and camcorder from Hermitage, Ennis on dates unknown between December 30 and 31.

He also pleaded guilty to entering Ennis Rugby Club as trespasser to commit the theft of a 32 inch television on dates unknown between December 1 and 25.

Also listed was theft of a Playsta- tion at Doctor’s Hill, Kilfenora on dates unknown between December 25 and 27; entering 66 Westwood, Ennis as a trespasser to commit the theft of jewelry worth € 300 and a mobile phone on dates unknown between December 25 and 26; entering 8 Showgrounds View, Ennis, as a trespasser to commit theft of a Samsung TV, laptop computer and Playstation on dates unknown between December 26 and 27.

Judge Patrick Durcan said he was very concerned about the teenager. He sought a pre-sentence report from the Probation Services. The case was adjourned until April 17.

ALLEGATIONS of council corruption led to an hour-long debate, that went round in circles in the council chamber on Friday evening last, and eventually ended up back where it started, albeit with a happier council membership and executive.

Elaborating on his questions into council contractors, how the contracts are awarded and if the contractors are compliant with employment law, Cllr Gerry Flynn (Ind) quoted a paper “Political Corruption is not just about Brown Envelopes” and presented by Frank Flannery at the MacGill Summer School in Donegal last year.

“Among the public there is a belief that corrupt practices are endemic in political life,” said the councillor.

County Manager Tom Coughlan was quick to raise concerns about any accusations of corruption that may be contained in quoting an article that specifically referred to political corruption.

“Are you alleging corrupt practices yes or no please?” he asked the Shannon Councillor.

Cllr Flynn said he was merely quoting from Frank Flannery, adding he carefully worded his motion with council workers and union representatives.

The county manager said that none of the issues had been brought to his attention when he met with the union just “a couple of weeks ago”.

“The chamber is not the place for these issues to be raised,” he added.

In reference to a query as to whether council staff, elected members or members of their immediate family, provide goods or services either directly or indirectly to Clare County Council the manager replied;

“It is a small county. A lot of people are related to a lot of people.

“You cannot expect me to carry out a witch hunt,” adding there was a contingency in place that put the onus on the contractor, employee or council members to reveal any such information.

“If any councillor considers there are any corrupt practices in this council let me know,” he said.

“You may not be aware but your members are aware that not all contractors are compliant,” said Cllr Flynn.

“You say you are aware. Will you give me that information?

“I don’t see how I can do something if I am not given the facts,” replied the county manager.

Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) told the chamber the issue could not be disbanded with until Cllr Flynn made it clear who he was accusing of corruption, stating a grey cloud now hung over the council.

Different members of the council called on the controversial Shannon councillor to make clear his accusation.

In an attempt to bring an end to the debate, Mayor Cllr Pat Daly (FF) “I do not think anyone is corrupt”, to which Cllr Flynn said “I didn’t say the manager or the executive was corrupt.”

“We take it from that it was the councillors that are corrupt,” said Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind).

“She’ll know next year when the elections are on I’ll give her a chance to come back,” retorted Cllr Flynn.

“I am the only female member here to say her is to suggest he is referring to me,” she replied angered.

“Are you corrupt?” said Cllr Flynn.

“Take that back,” Cllr McCarthy replied.

“Not for one minute did I state Cllr McCarthy or the manager is corrupt,” he conceded.

The manager then noted there were now not allegations of corruption at executive level.

Councillors then called on Cllr Flynn to name who he considered corrupt.

“Don’t start the innuendo and walk away from it and leave the mud on the rest of us,” said Cllr Joe Arkins (FG).

Eventually Cllr Flynn conceded somewhat – “not once did I say the council elected members or executive are corrupt. I was speaking in terms of speech from MacGill Summer School.”

This was enough for the council and we all got to go on with our lives – one hour later.

THE issue at the centre of the question over shadowed by allegations of corruption at this month’s adjourned meeting of the county council seemed to centre on a change in method of hiring local authority contractors.

In the public gallery were council workers frustrated at a new IT system that calculated tenders on a point system.

In his motion Cllr Gerry Flynn (Ind) asked the County Manager to provide comprehensive information concerning contractors employed by Clare County Council.

He specifically asked for a list of any of the council staff, elected mem- bers or members of their immediate family, provide goods or services either directly or indirectly to Clare County Council “in the interests of accountability and transparency in Local Government.”

The Shannon Councillor also inquired if contractors were compliant with working conditions set out by the Local Government Advisory Board such as rates of pay, pension fund, sick fund, and revenue.

He also asked for the terms of reference governing senior engineers granting contracts and if the council supplied a list of successful contractors to the trade unions.

Speaking on behalf of the council executive, Senior Executive Officer Corporate Services Michael McNa- mara said the council was not aware of any Contractor or Sub-Contractor that was incompliant with the various statutory requirements.

He also assured the councillor that a list of all successful contractors is forwarded to the unions.

“The Council’s purchasing procedures sets out levels of expenditure which staff at various levels have authority to approve subject to availability of budget.

“It is the responsibility of each approver to ensure compliance with the various statutory requirements,” he continued.

Furthermore Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides for an Ethical Framework for the Local Government Service ensure that up to 137 employees and elected members complete a declaration of occupation, land ownership, shares, directorships annually and these are available for inspection.

Cllr Oliver Garry (FG) said that in his experience the tendering landscape has changed significantly in the last five years.

“I am a director of a company but I want to make it clear we do not tender for Clare County Council contracts.

“We do tender for other public contracts but not Clare County Council,” he said.

“Anything we tender for now is 100 per cent on price. Once it was on experience, or equipment or the engineer may even have had a say, but now the only concern is price.”