Category: News

A VISUALLY-IMPAIRED Ennisman is terrified that he will effectively be a prisoner in his own home in four months time, as he faces the loss of his Mobility Allowance.

Thomas Connole believes that the loss of this monthly grant that allows him limited independence and dignity is very likely, as the Government has failed to guarantee an alternative fund.

The 45-year-old depends on the funding system to provide for taxi trips so that he can attend social outings and be free to leave and return from his own home at will.

There is not sufficient public transport to meet with Mr Connole’s needs, and as he is blind, driving is not an option. This grant provides for his only form of transport, and now he fears it will be taken from him, and more people in the county who are highly dependent on it.

“If this goes it means I cannot get out,” he said.

Mr Connole is supported by a personal assistance for a few hours every day, but as he pointed out they are not always available.

He then uses his mobility allowance to attend his horse ridding classes or to socialise.

“I am a huge music fan and there are a lot of dances at a local hotel and I like to go there,” he said.

“This allowance will go, and I am worried I am going to be housebound. I will effectively be trapped in my own home. I also fear I will have to stop horse ridding if it is taken away.”

The music enthusiast is most fearful of the isolation of being restricted to his own home, an isolation that could impact on the mental well being of many people reliant on the payment for their independence.

“That is what the Government don’t think of. They think of the overall picture and not of how it impacts on those involved. There are talks that they are going to give the money to organisations and that won’t work for the individual. No one person has the same needs, or have the same appointments,” he said anxiously.

The Mobility Allowance was a means-tested monthly payment payable by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to people aged between 16 and 66 years who have a disability and are unable to walk or use pub- lic transport and who would benefit from a change in surroundings.

The Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly repeatedly warned the Government that by putting an age limit on the scheme it was in contravention of equality legislation.

Last week the Department of Health axed this payment and the Motorised Transport Grant stating the two schemes would be a burden on the exchequer if they were to operate in accordance with Equal Status Acts. The Government has failed to guarantee that an alternate fund- ing stream will be in place for people with disability next July, when payments of existing mobility support ceases.

The Department of Health has set up a review of the schemes, with the review group instructed that any solution to the mobility needs of those affected must be devised within a funding limit of € 10.6m.

The Minister for Health James Reilly maintains that extending the schemes along with Ms O’Reilly’s recommendations would cost approximately € 170m per annum.

Dermot Hayes, Disable People of Clare, criticised the Government as they had been aware of the Ombudsman’s concerns about this payment for a long time, but failed to act or put an alternative in place before axing the current payments.

“This is a huge cop out. They can sort the banks with an overnight sitting of the Dáil. I cannot understand why they cannot change this quickly,” he said.

THE HSE West outlined in its Regional Service Plan for 2013, how it will cut waiting times, increase patients’ safety and provide even more services within a budget cut by € 24.46 million.

Authors of the blueprint for the health services in the region, which includes County Clare, admit that its success depends on a lot of “assumptions”.

The services for the rest of this year must be delivered within a € 1.2 billion budget and within the overall employment control limit of 15,750.

This means staffing levels must be cut by 653 people, or four per cent.

Hospital budgets have received a 10 per cent increase, however there are still what the HSE describe as “serious cost containment measures” required, as the increased budget is less than the outturn costs of the hospitals in 2012.

The € 238.344 million 2013 hospitals budget is an increase of 10 per cent on 2012. However, despite this increase, there remains a substantial financial challenge of € 21.759 million for the year. A financial plan, comprising a variety of cost containment initiatives, is in place to deliver breakeven, according to the HSE.

Ann Doherty, CEO Midwest Region Hospitals Group, said “National cost containment initiatives including legislation to increase income from private patients, in addition to general income maximisation, staffing efficiencies, procurement and stock controls, and HSE funding for oncology drugs are all part of the breakeven plan.”

She admitted, however, “This plan is based on a number of assumptions and like all assumptions there are risks that these assumptions may not be realised, e.g. if our assumptions on income are not realised or demand growth is required to maintain our targets, we will then have to find other measures to address this shortfall,” she warned.

“There is a degree of uncertainty at this point regarding our work force as we do not have good visibility on the impacts of the proposed schemes aimed at reducing headcount and the impacts these will have on our services and financial plan. This will be monitored closely so that remedial action can be taken quickly if required.”

Likewise a further € 3.558 million in non-acute services in the mid west must be saved, which is not accounted for in detail in the plan.

It is predicted that the required expenditure in this area for 2013 is € 308.785 million with an available budget of € 305.227 million equating to approximately 1.15 per cent of a pressure on cost against budget.

“This is on the clear assumption that the costs will be maintained at the quarter three 2012 levels or appropriate alternative adjustments will be made where those costs increase,” the HSE stated.

DISABLED groups in Clare looks set to come out fighting against government plans to remove the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant.

The cut, which is set to come into place in four months, looks likely to bring disable people out in the street protesting in ways that have not before been seen.

According to Ennis man Dermot Hayes, now that disabled people have had a taste of independence, they are not willing to give it up.

“The money involved in this is very small. It is a direct payment to the individuals that aids that person to get out and about and live an independent life. We have been working to tear down the walls of disabilities institutions for decades and it has been a long time coming. Now that we have received a level of independence we are not prepared to give that away,” he said.

“It can be very disillusioning [being trapped at home]. You start to wonder ‘is this what life is all about’. Having a small grant which ensures that you can get out every once and awhile is huge for a disabled person. It is the whole world.”

According to East Clare man and the former National Vice President of the Centre for Independent Living, Tom King, disabled people are ready for this fight.

“There is an appetite on the ground to fight this. People with disabilities are feeling the recession as much as everyone else. We don’t have the money in our pockets to cover this and we are ready to fight for this,” he said.

“They [the HSE] are talking about putting some of the money into organised transport. That is going to make an institution of transport, and we will be back to a situation where everyone who has a disability is on one bus together travelling together at time that doesn’t suit. It takes away the possibility of employment and a social life but the main thing that it takes way is independence. This is going to leave disable people isolated, in their homes, alone.”

The Disabled People of Clare (DPOC) organisation has asked for the Department of Health to shelve plans to cut the scheme until a better solution can be worked out.

“Any confidence that individuals and the families of those with a disability had in the department of health, nationally, is being undermined as a direct result of a number of recent issues,” said Margaret Kinnane of DPOC.

“We ask that the Government leave in place the current Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grants, until they have entered into talks with disability organisations, representing the individual with a disability, such as the DPOC,” she said.

THE waiting for Doolin residents, local surfers and Clare County Council will be over later today as An Bord Pleanála are set to announce whether the planned new pier for Doolin can go ahead.

A final decision on the development was expected to be announced yesterday, but no nothing was announced by the planning authority. Indeed, this is the fourth promised deadline that An Bord Pleanála have missed so far in 2013 and locals are becoming anxious at the time taken to come to a final decision.

“People are waiting for this decision to be made so their can get on with their lives. Whatever the decision turns out to be, people have been left in limbo,” said ferry operator Eugene Garrihy.

“We were given a date of January 2 [for a decision], then it was February 18. Then it was supposed to be last Friday and then today. I was on the phone to Clare County Council a few minutes ago and there won’t be a decision today.

“There is a lot of frustration locally with the amount of time that this is taking. People just want to get on with their lives.”

The development of a new pier in Doolin had looked set to go ahead two years ago after Clare County Council granted Part 8 planning permission for the development. This decision was challenged by a number of surfing organisation, including the Lahinch based West Coast Surf Club, who believe the damage a famous surfing wave in Doolin.

They applied to An Bord Pleanála to force Clare County Council to complete an Environmental Impact Statement for the project before giving it the green light.

A MOVE towards group transport for disabled people in County Clare may prove uneconomical in the future – as it would prevent disabled people from accessing employment and becoming tax-payers themselves.

That is is the opinion of a number of disabled Clare people who have been able to find work after accessing the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant.

One such person, Declan Considine from Kilmihil, believes he would never have been able to gain employment without the motorised Transport Grant.

“I did a course with NUI, Galway, and from that course I received a placement in the Civil Service. That placement was down in Clonakilty in Cork.

“I used the Motorised Transport Grant to help me to buy a car that would allow me to go to work every day. If there was no grant, there would have been no job for me,” he said.

“For the majority of people with disabilities, social welfare or a FÁS scheme is their only way of surviving.

“It would be virtually impossible for someone to purchase a car to get to education or work if it wasn’t for the help of this scheme. And without a car there is no chance of mov- ing on.”

Clare woman Anne Dunne says that group transport schemes – such as the one operated by the Disabled People of Clare (DPOC) – are not a sufficient solution to allow disabled people to live independent lives.

“Independence is a key issue for a person who is disabled. I had to go to the hospital last week. I booked transport with Disabled People of Clare (DPOC), who do a great job, two week ahead of time and they came back and asked me could I share a bus into Limerick that morning.

“The other person’s appointment was at a totally different time to mine – so what happens is that we are both in the hospital all day long, waiting hours for each other,” she said.

North Clare woman Anne Marie Flanaghan, says she would never have been able to find employment if it has not be for the schemes.

“I used to get the Mobility Grant and the Motorised Transport Grant and that helped me to get my first car.

“If it wasn’t for these grants I could not have gone to college and I wouldn’t have been able to get a job.

“Because I got this grant. I am independent today; I am working and paying taxes. I am now in a situation that I don’t need or qualify for the grant anymore and that is how it should be.”

TRIBUTES have been paid to the late Seamus Mullane, a man warmly recalled yesterday as the “friendly face” of the Court Services in Clare.

Circuit Court judge, Judge Carroll Moran led the tributes to the married father of four and caretaker of Ennis courthouse, who died suddenly on Sunday.

Mr Mullane (49) from Corofin died of natural causes after being out with friends for a cycle on Sunday afternoon.

He previously worked with Aer Lingus and was appointed to the Courts Service in August 2008.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Monday, Judge Moran said, “We’re all in the most profound state of shock at Seamus’s passing. It is completely unexpected. He was very obliging to anyone he met here and he did his work in the most efficient manner.”

On behalf of the Courts Service, Josephine Tone said, “Seamus was a wonderful person. We are all completely devastated by his loss. He was a true friend and colleague.”

In a statement on behalf of the courts service, Ms Tone added, “As Service officer, Seamus was the face of the Courts Service in Ennis. He was well known to all who visited the Courthouse and a role model for all civil servants who deal with the public. He was pleasant, courteous and helpful to all. Ennis Courthouse is a busy and at times a stressful place to visit but Seamus’s friendly face at the public counter put people at ease.”

On behalf of the Clare Law Association, solicitor John Casey said, “It was a privilege to say that Seamus was a friend of mine. I was with him yesterday (Sunday) cycling back from Kilshanny to Ennistymon.” He said, “He did his job and did it well but Seamus’s interest in life was his wife Brid and his four daughters.”

Mr Casey said, “As a person to work for, he was brilliant and he was a true friend and, personally, I will miss him very, very much.”

On behalf of the Clare Bar Association, Michael Collins BL said, “Those of us who have the privilege to work at this courthouse are enriched by the manner in which Seamus carried out his duties.”

On behalf of the State solicitor’s office, solicitor Ashling Casey described Seamus “as a pure gentleman who never, ever allowed me to carry files into court. He would always come out to the car and carry my files”.

Patrick Wallace, County Registrar and Returning Officer, paid tribute to Seamus for his extensive work in the preparation for Elections and referenda.

FOUR people have been returned for trial for their alleged involvement in a public order disturbance at a roundabout in Ennis last year.

At Ennis District court on Wednesday, Books of Evidence were served on Bernard McDonagh Snr (45) Christopher McDonagh (38), Bernard McDonagh Jnr (22) and a 16year-old boy.

The four are facing charges arising out of an incident at the Maid of Erin Roundabout, Ennis on October 14 (2012).

Bernard McDonagh Jnr (22), with an address at 1 Ashline, Kilrush Road, Ennis is charged with possession of an article with intent to cause injury and the production of an article in the course of a dispute.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with possession of a hatchet with intent to cause injuries to John Doherty, Martin Doherty and Jimmy Doherty. He is also charged with the production of a hatchet.

Christopher McDonagh, with an address at 1 Davitt Terrace, Cloughleigh, Ennis and Childers Road, Ennis, is charged with production of an iron bar and possession of an iron bar with intent to cause injury to John Doherty, Martin Doherty and Jimmy Doherty.

All three accused are also facing a charge of violent disorder arising out of the same incident.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that the State were seeking an amendment to the wording of the charge of violent disorder against all three accused.

Insp Kennedy said the State wanted to replace the names of individuals contained in the charges with the phrase, “two or more persons.”

Solicitor for Bernie McDonagh Jnr and the teenager, Daragh Hassett, consented to the change.

Solicitor for Christopher McDonagh, Tara Godfrey, said she had been instructed to object to the amendment. She said the amended charge represented a “fundamental change in the allegation” against her client.

Insp Kennedy disagreed, saying it did not alter the substantive matter of the violent disorder charge.

Judge Patrick Durcan said he agreed with Insp Kennedy. He approved the amendment.

Garda Irene O’Flynn gave evidence of having served the Books of Evidence on all three accused.

Curfew for Bernie McDonagh Jnr was extended to 11pm. Legal aid was approved for solicitor Shiofra Hassett and one junior counsel.

In respect of the teenager, legal aid was approved for solicitor Joseph Considine and one junior counsel.

Legal aid was approved for Ms Godfrey and one junior counsel in respect of Christopher McDonagh.

The Book of Evidence was also served on Bernie McDonagh Snr.

Mr McDonagh, with an address at 1 Ashline, Kilrush Road, Ennis is charged with the assault of John Doherty.

He also faces three charges of criminal damage and one charge of dangerous driving.

It is further alleged that Bernard McDonagh Snr drove a vehicle in a dangerous and reckless manner, which created substantial risk of death or serious harm to another.

Bail was approved for Mr McDonagh on condition that he reside at Nashes Boreen, Cork City and report daily to a garda station.

Legal aid was approved for Daragh Hassett and one junior counsel.

All four accused were returned for trial to the current sittings of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court.

THREE well-known Ennis landmarks will be illuminated in green light during St Patrick’s Week, Ennis Town Council has confirmed.

St Flannan’s College, the Daniel O’Connell monument and Ennis Courthouse will be joining the Pyramids of Giza, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Sydney Opera House, and dozens of other landmarks and iconic sites around the world as part of Tourism Ireland’s annual ‘global greening’ initiative.

According to Ger Dollard, Ennis Town Manager, “Clare Local Authorities are delighted to able to support Tourism Ireland’s annual ‘global greening’ initiative, particularly during the year of the Gathering and as a tourism promotional tool to attract visitors to Ireland and particularly through Shannon International Airport.”

Meanwhile, St Patrick’s Day 2013 in Ennis promises to be a major cel- ebration this year with large crowds expected on the streets of the county capital.

The centrepiece of the day’s festivities will be the annual parade, the theme of which is ‘Ennis – A Musical Town’. The parade commences at 11am and will proceed through Club Bridge, Abbey Street, O’Connell Square, O’Connell Street, Barrack Street and terminating in the Market.

The Mayor of Ennis will lead the parade in a horse-drawn carriage, which will be followed by 50 groups representing the many aspects of life in Ennis and County Clare. This year’s parade will also feature the 50-strong St Mary’s Catholic School Marching Band from Phoenix who are travelling to the Clare County capital as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of Ennis’ twinning relationship with the Arizona state capital.

The Mayor of Langenfeld, Frank Schneider, will lead a delegation from Germany to Ennis following on from the establishment of links between Ennis and the German town, which lies between Düsseldorf and Cologne.

Special traffic management arrangements will be in place involving road/street closures, restricted access to the parade route and traffic diversions. Gardaí will be on point duty on the day. The co-operation of the public is requested and vehicle owners are asked to observe the road/street closures which will be in place from 8am to 2.30pm.

A TATTOO artist has received a six month suspended sentence for his role in an incident that saw a car set ablaze outside an unoccupied house in Ennis three years ago.

Siegfried Avenstrup (23) acted as lookout when the grey Suzuki car was damaged by fire at 6 St Anne’s Terrace, Clon Road, Ennis on December 9, 2009.

Mr Avenstrup, with former addresses at Lios an Cnoic, Barnaderg, Tuam, Galway and Laurel Lodge, Ennis, pleaded guilty last month to a charge of criminal damage.

A jury last month unanimously found Mr Avenstrup not guilty of a charge of damaging the house by arson.

He was one of three people who were on the premises when the incident occurred.

Garda Emmet Roche of Ennis Garda Station told the court that Mr Avenstrup and two others had come to the house with the intention of stealing the car.

When they discovered the car was incapable of being stolen, the court heard, a decision was made to set the car on fire.

There was no engine in the car, which was valued at € 500.

The court heard that Mr Avenstrup was part of the decision to set the car on fire.

The court heard that the car had been parked at the house to give the impression the premises was occupied as homeless people had been entering the house.

Garda Roche said the accused was subsequently arrested and made full admissions.

The court heard Mr Avesntrup is originally from South Africa and had lived in Sixmilebridge. He is currently leasing a tattoo parlour.

Counsel for Mr Avesntrup, Pat Whyms BL, said his client had not wanted any part in stealing the car.

He said his client acted as lookout while other people set fire to the car.

Mr Whyms said his client “strongly apologises” to the owner of the car that was damaged.

He added, “He greatly regrets his involvement in this activity on that night.”

Judge Gerard Keyes said Mr Avenstrup had shown a “complete lack of respect” to the owner’s property.

Judge Keyes said that while the accused was not involved in the burning of the car, he participated in an important aspect of the offence, that of lookout.

He said the law regards a person who acts as lookout to be as important as the person who burns the property.

He imposed a six-month sentence, suspending it for one year.

Mr Avenstrup was also ordered by the judge to pay compensation of € 200 to the car owner within six months.

A NORTH Clare cheese producer claims that they have been placed “under the microscope” by the authorities because they continue to use non-pasteurised milk in their cheese.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) issued a warning last Friday that E.coli had been found in a block of Kilshanny Cheese. Traces of E.coli O157 were found to be present in a block of Gouda Herb Cheese produced by the company.

A spokesperson from the North Clare company told The Clare People yesterday that Kilshanny Cheese has been targeted because they refuse to use pasteurised cheese.

“We are under the microscope all the time.

“They want us to use pasteurised milk and they are making it as difficult as possible for us to continue to operate. I am still eating the cheese, I know many of our customers are still eating the cheese and they are fine.

“Cheese was made without being pasteurised for hundreds and hundreds of years. I have been operating here for 30 years and I have never once had an issue,” said a spokesperson for Kilshanny Cheese.

“The milk is all sourced from my neighbour who runs a fantastic operation.

“I can literally push the tank over to collect the milk so there are no food miles or anything like that.

“I was producing cheese here for 10 years before I saw anybody [inspectors]. Now they are here every month.”

According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the bacteria was found in a batch of cheese which was produced in September of last year and which has been sold by retailers in Clare and in Limerick Milk Market. Kilshanny Farmhouse Cheese has been ordered by the Department of Agriculture to withhold placing any further batches on the market and the FSAI has warned consumers not to eat the implicated cheese due to the possible presence of E.coli

Tests continue to be carried out on the entire stock of Kilshanny Cheese and a company spokesperson hopes that the cheese will be back on the market again soon.