Category: News

EDUCATION Minister Ruairi Quinn has warned that it’s “unacceptable” that every national school in the Shannon and Newmarket-on-Fergus area remains under the patronage of a Christian Church.

Minister Quinn made his comments as the month-long school patronage survey close on Friday, just as fears have been raised locally that “pressure” was brought to bear on parents to demand that the status quo of eight Catholic schools remain in the Shannon and Newmarket-onFergus catchment.

“Ireland is a changed place and we have to reflect that change,” warned Minister Quinn, “so it’s simply not acceptable that 96 per cent of primary schools in the country be under the patronage of a Christian Church.

“The Shannon area has to play its part in that, so we have asked parents what kind of ethos they would like to have other than what’s already there. I would expect that in the Shannon region it’s not unreasonable to say of the eight Catholic schools, at least one of them should be in a position to be transferred by way of patronage to the Department of Education.

The eight Catholic schools in the survey area are Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire, Clonmoney and Stonehall in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Gaelscoil Donncha Rua, St Aidan’s, St Tola’s, St Senan’s and St Cronan’s in Shannon. A number of parents have complained that a letter circulated in Newmarket-on-Fergus amounted to pressure from the Catholic Church wanting three schools in the parish included in the survey to remain under Catholic control.

“The schools are rooted in the community and each one has its own distinct identity. A change of patronage would have major implications for staff, boards of management, parents and children,” the letter said.

The results of the survey of these schools will be made known to the Catholic authorities by the end of the month. The church authorities will then have to come back to the Department of Education within three months, ahead of a final resolution of the patronage issue by the end of the year.

“We want to reflect the change in Ireland and provide people with a choice,” said Minister Quinn. “We will assist the Catholic Church authorities in whatever way they want in identifying and selecting a school that could be reasonably transferred.

“In this day and age I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say that one or two of those schools can’t change. If this is a true Republic and we accommodate and respect everyone equally. If this is the Banner County, where De Valera was elected for so many years, he would be to the forefront of a republican approach.”

A NUMBER of prominent environmental organisations came together last week to question the public consultation process being undertaken in relation to a giant Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) fish farm planned for six miles off the Fanore coast.

An Taisce, Coastwatch, the Irish Seal Sanctuary and the Irish Wildlife Trust released a joint statement last week in which they requested that all consultation documents related to the project be made public.

The controvertial fish farm has seen the creation of a rift between the two government fisheries agencies with BIM and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) taking opposing position over the development.

The situation took a dramatic turn last week when BIM released the finding of a Irish Marine Institute study, which claimed that sea lice created by the farm would not cause any significant difference to the local wild salmon population.

IFI struck back in recent days, claiming the 1 per cent threat to wild salmon stocks predicted in the Marine Institute study could be the “tipping point” for wild salmon stocks.

“We welcome the fact that there is now a clear acceptance of the negative impact of sea lice on juvenile salmon and the debate can now progress to identify the best methodologies to reduce or eliminate this impact. IFI would also like to see similar progress in relation to the issue of escaped farmed salmon,” said an IFI spokesperson.

“In recent years approximately five per cent of all juvenile salmon going to sea return back to their native rivers as adults to spawn. Precisely because natural mortality rates of salmon are high, even a proportionally small additional mortality from sea lice can amount to a large loss in salmon returning.

“To put this average of 1 per cent reduction in return rates, as reported by the Marine Institute, in context, if 3,000 salmon return to a river, and this represents a five per cent return rate, a reduction in the return rate to four per cent translates into a reduction of 20 per cent of the adult salmon – 600 fewer fish returning.”

CLARE has one of the highest rates of sheep kills by dogs in Ireland, according to new figures released by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA). Figures compiled by the IFA reveal that Clare recorded the sixth highest number of sheep kills in Ireland last year, despite having a relatively low sheep stock compared to other counties.

According to Clare Dog Warden, Frankie Coote, the number of sheep kills recorded by the IFA is only the tip of the iceberg as most kills are never reported. “There would be an awful lot more attacks than that in Clare. That is only the number reported to the IFA. The real number is likely to be much much higher.

“Just four years ago we had 42 sheep killed by two dogs in one night down in Shannonbanks. That was € 5, 500 worth of damage in one night. We were lucky enough to catch the own- ers in that case and they had to pay for the damage done. The dog owner is always liable in that situation.”

Frankie also urged dog owners to be sure that their animals are secured properly over the lambing season – even if there are no sheep flocks nearby and your dog does not have a history of violence.

“Lambs have been born all over place in the last two weeks and it is inevitable that dogs will attack sheep. Dogs will travel; if they hear sheep far off in the distance they will travel to find them,” continued Frankie.

“Dogs will come out of towns, out of villages, out of housing estates and look for sheep, but also from farm houses. The law states that dogs must be on their own property and secure.

“All dogs will attack sheep, given the opportunity. Everybody thinks that their own dog won’t attack a sheep but the reality is that 95 per cent of dogs will. Dogs gather in packs and the wildness come out with them.”

A MAN was allegedly assaulted with a slash hook during a fracas that broke out at a wedding in Ennis last year, a court has heard.

Three men – Jimmy Doherty (39), John Doherty (47) and Simon Doherty (41) – have been charged with offences arising out of an incident that occurred at Ennis Cathedral, O’Connell Street, on October 11 (2012).

None of the accused were present when the matters came before Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Solicitor for all three accused, John Casey, told the court that he had received an email from the State advising that his clients stay away from the Courthouse for “security” reasons.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that he had been in contact with the Courts Service regarding the matter. He explained that the accused’s presence had been excused for “operational” reasons.

Jimmy Doherty, with an address at 8 Maiville, Kilrush Road Ennis, and Simon Doherty, with an address at The Cottage, Granard Road, Edgeworthstown, Longford, are both charged with the assault of John McDonagh at the Cathedral on October 11 (2012).

They are also charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

John Doherty, with an address at 60 Abbeyville, Ennis, is charged with engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. John Doherty is also charged with assault causing harm to John McDonagh.

Insp Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the assault charge against John Doherty.

Insp Kennedy said it would be alleged that Mr Doherty struck Mr McDonagh across the head with a slash hook.

He said Mr McDonagh received 18 stitches as a result of the alleged assault. Insp Kennedy told the court that the incident occurred during a wedding ceremony.

The court heard that it would be alleged that a fracas developed and spilled outside the Cathedral.

Judge Patrick Durcan declined jurisdiction, saying the nature of the alleged injuries and the allegation that a religious service was disrupted were seriously aggravating factors.

The case is to be referred back to the DPP. All three accused were remanded on bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on March 27.

A FAMILIAR face will return to Kilrush Town Council this evening (Tuesday), when Christy O’Malley (FF) is welcomed back to the council. The former mayor of Kilrush, who lost his seat in the 2009 election, has been seconded by the Fianna Fáil party to take the seat vacated following the death of the late Cllr Stephen O’Gorman (FF) last December. At a Fianna Fáil convention on Sunday evening in the Haven Arms, Kilrush, the retired Garda sergeant was returned unopposed to take the seat. Law student Emmet Greaney, a native of Kilrush and member of the local Cumann, had also been nominated, along with Mr O’Malley, to contest the appointment. He withdrew his nomination on the night, however, and the more experienced Fianna Fáil man was returned uncontested. The soon-to-be-reappointed Cllr O’Malley is no stranger to local politics. As well as serving on the town council, he was also chairman of the Kilrush Special Olympics Committee when Kilrush Town hosted the Georgia Republic in 2003. His party colleague, Cllr Tom Prendeville, said the former mayor took some persuading as he was convinced to return to local politics. “He brings with him so much experience and expertise. I always felt he brought common sense to the council table,” he said. Cllr Prendeville added that Mr O’Malley’s selection was met with a positive response from the community as it pointed to continuity within the council. Christy will take up his appointment this evening when the February meeting of the council begins at 7pm. He will take part in just 14 more monthly meetings before the council is disbanded in 2014.

TWO Kilrush brothers who beat a man with a golf club and stabbed him in the buttocks in the West Clare town two years ago have received prison sentences.

Daniel and Martin O’Brien were jailed last week for what a Judge described as a “concentrated effort” to assault the man at Place De Plouzone, Kilrush, in March 2011.

Daniel O’Brien (24) punched the man and stabbed him in the buttocks with a sharp object. Martin O’Brien (31) struck the victim four or five times with a golf club.

Ennis Circuit Criminal Court heard on Friday that the brothers assaulted the man over an alleged debt to Daniel O’Brien.

Daniel, with an address at The Square, Kilrush, and Martin, with an address at the Bungalow, Wood Road, Kilrush, initially denied the charge of assault causing harm at Place De Plouzone, Kilrush on March 1 (2011).

However the court heard that after the victim gave evidence at their trial in Ennis last October, the brothers changed their pleas to guilty.

The court heard that the man declined to give a victim impact report, indicating that he was satisfied with the evidence he had given.

Counsel for Daniel O’Brien, Brian McInerney BL, told the court that his client had been a chronic heroin addict at the time of the offence.

He said Mr O’Brien has since kicked his heroin habit and removed himself from the circle of people he had previously associated with.

Mr McInerney said his client, who is currently serving a prison sentence, has remained drug free while incarcerated.

He asked the court to consider suspending a portion of his client’s sentence.

Counsel for Martin O’Brien, Mark Nicholas, said his client had also been a drug user.

He said Mr O’Brien has since stablised his lifestyle.

Judge Gerard Keyes noted that Daniel has 23 previous convictions while Martin has 35 previous convictions.

He said the use of the golf club and sharp object showed the “viciousness” of the assault.

He said the man was “in essence beaten into submission.”

Judge Keyes added, “Neither of the two of you have shown remorse or offered an apology for your outra- geous behaviour.”

He said that on the evidence of Daniel O’Brien’s previous convictions, he had “displayed a violent temperament from an early age.”

Judge Keyes said Martin O’Brien had a propensity to violence.

He said that despite initially acting as peacemaker, Martin O’Brien turned violent and “viciously assaulted” the victim with a golf club.

Judge Keyes said he was satisfied the man had been seriously tramautised by the incident.

He sentenced Daniel O’Brien to three years in prison, suspending the final 14 months.

Judge Keyes sentenced Martin O’Brien to three years in prison, suspending the final 18 months.

Both men were also ordered to refrain from communicating with the victim.

TWO men who attempted to have an altered cheque lodged to a bank account in Ennis have received prison sentences.

Ondrej Pollak (23), with an address at 9A Dun na hInse, Ennis, and Peter Sivak (22), with an address at 311 Brookville, Drogheda, Louth, appeared before Ennis District Court last Wednesday.

They pleaded guilty to dishonestly by deception inducing a member of the bank’s staff to accept a fraudulently altered cheque in the amount of € 4800 to be paid to the Bank of Ireland held at Bank of Ireland, Bank Place, Ennis.

The incident occurred at Bank of Ireland, Dunleer, County Louth on May 24, 2012. Detective Garda Claire O’Shaughnessy said the cheque had been altered from its original amount of € 22.50 to € 4800.

The court heard that Ondrej Pollak supplied the account for which the altered cheque was intended while Peter Sivak lodged the cheque in Dunleer.

Both men claimed they had been approached by a man named Tony, to carry out the transaction.

Mr Pollak said Tony requested the use of the account as his own had expired. Mr Sivak said Tony asked him to lodge the cheque in Dunleer.

Both men told gardaí that Tony agreed to pay them each € 100.

Det O’Shaughnessy told the court that gardaí did not find anyone named Tony connected with the case. She said that the accused claimed Tony was either from South Africa or Nigeria. Bank of Ireland discovered the deception and contacted gardaí. No money was removed from the account. Solicitor for Mr Pollak, John Casey, told the court that his client has lived in Ireland since he was 11. He said CCTV captured Mr Pollak checking his balance at the Bank of Ireland after the deception had been uncovered.

Mr Casey added, “He was always going to get caught. It was his account, his address.”

Solicitor for Mr Sivak, Daragh Hassett told the court his client, a Czech National, has lived in Ireland since he was 13. He said the father of two was in difficult financial circumstances when he was approached by Tony.

Mr Hassett said it was indicative of his client’s amateurism that he had signed the bank lodgment slip with his own name.

Judge Patrick Durcan said the men were not hardened criminals. He said their story involved the introduction of a “most curious character named Tony.”He added, “I do not believe one word about the existence of Tony or the responsibility of Tony.” He said the men had engaged in “criminal thievery of the worst kind”.

Mr Sivak received a six month prison sentence. Mr Pollak also received a six-month sentence but had the final two months suspended. Reco gnaces were fixed in both cases in the event of appeals.

TWO men who attempted to have an altered cheque lodged to a bank account in Ennis have received prison sentences.

Ondrej Pollak (23), with an address at 9A Dun na hInse, Ennis, and Peter Sivak (22), with an address at 311 Brookville, Drogheda, Louth, appeared before Ennis District Court last Wednesday.

They pleaded guilty to dishonestly by deception inducing a member of the bank’s staff to accept a fraudulently altered cheque in the amount of € 4800 to be paid to the Bank of Ireland held at Bank of Ireland, Bank Place, Ennis.

The incident occurred at Bank of Ireland, Dunleer, County Louth on May 24, 2012. Detective Garda Claire O’Shaughnessy said the cheque had been altered from its original amount of € 22.50 to € 4800.

The court heard that Ondrej Pollak supplied the account for which the altered cheque was intended while Peter Sivak lodged the cheque in Dunleer.

Both men claimed they had been approached by a man named Tony, to carry out the transaction.

Mr Pollak said Tony requested the use of the account as his own had expired. Mr Sivak said Tony asked him to lodge the cheque in Dunleer.

Both men told gardaí that Tony agreed to pay them each € 100.

Det O’Shaughnessy told the court that gardaí did not find anyone named Tony connected with the case. She said that the accused claimed Tony was either from South Africa or Nigeria. Bank of Ireland discovered the deception and contacted gardaí. No money was removed from the account. Solicitor for Mr Pollak, John Casey, told the court that his client has lived in Ireland since he was 11. He said CCTV captured Mr Pollak checking his balance at the Bank of Ireland after the deception had been uncovered.

Mr Casey added, “He was always going to get caught. It was his account, his address.”

Solicitor for Mr Sivak, Daragh Hassett told the court his client, a Czech National, has lived in Ireland since he was 13. He said the father of two was in difficult financial circumstances when he was approached by Tony.

Mr Hassett said it was indicative of his client’s amateurism that he had signed the bank lodgment slip with his own name.

Judge Patrick Durcan said the men were not hardened criminals. He said their story involved the introduction of a “most curious character named Tony.”He added, “I do not believe one word about the existence of Tony or the responsibility of Tony.” He said the men had engaged in “criminal thievery of the worst kind”.

Mr Sivak received a six month prison sentence. Mr Pollak also received a six-month sentence but had the final two months suspended. Reco gnaces were fixed in both cases in the event of appeals.

A SUMMIT-LIKE meeting involving elected representatives, the gardaí and the HSE is to take place in Ennis in the wake of a demand from Ennis Town Council that benefit payments being given to perpetrators of antisocial behaviour be cut off as a matter of urgency.

The Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Peter Considine (FF), has been mandated by the nine-member Ennis Town Council authority to convene the meeting as a matter of urgency amid claims that anti-social behaviour in a number of housing estates in Ennis has got out of hand.

The matter was raised at the February monthly meeting of the town authority on Monday during a debate on the publication of the Estate Management Annual Report 2012.

This report revealed that the number of complaints made about anti-social behaviour dropped from 75 in 2011 to 44 in 2012. However, amid claims that people are afraid to report incidents of anti-social behaviour for fear of reprisals, the council are backing a proposal that the HSE be taken to task for “rewarding” anti-social behaviour.

“We have a very irresponsible HSE, where money is being given to tenants who are causing difficulty,” claimed former Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind).

“The HSE have to take something from this report. They can no longer be giving money out to anyone – they are giving money to people who are causing major difficulties inside in private estates. Someone has to take this on board.

“People are in major difficulties in trying to pay their mortgages and there is somebody living next door who is being subsidised by the health board making their lives very difficult. We are all aware of them.

“The health board have to be taken to task – it can’t continue to be supporting people who are anti-social, in rewarding people who are anti-social,” added Cllr Guilfoyle.

These words were echoed by Cllr Paul O’Shea (Ind), who said that “some of what’s going on in estates in Ennis is of national concern.

“The days are gone for discussing this anymore. We need some action on this. You, as mayor of this town, need to be calling a meeting with the HSE and the chief superintendent of the gardaí and with elected members to see how we can go forward.”

This meeting is set to be organised in the coming weeks.

THE fight against crime in Ennis has seen members of the local town council to give their backing to a proposal that aims to give an amnesty to everyone who hands over “offensive weapons” to the gardaí without fear of prosecution.

The call received the unanimous backing of members of Ennis Town Council on Monday and is now set to be taken to the floor of annual general meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) that’s set to take place in the coming weeks.

Independent councillor Paul O’Shea, who is also chairman of the Ennis JPC, tabled the motion before the February meeting of the council. He called on the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, to introduce a knife amnesty by providing secure bins to be placed at the public reception area of Ennis Garda Station where people could hand in their weapons. Continuing, he said the bins should also be placed in churches, supermarkets, schools and youth clubs.

“The amnesty should include offensive weapons such as flick knives, butterfly knives, swords and machetes,” said Cllr O’Shea.

“As late as last October we had an incident outside the Cathedral. Caches of weapons have discovered by gardaí year on year in our town. I think it is quite serious, and this gives people an opportunity to surrender their weapons,” he added

In calling for the amnesty to be introduced, Cllr O’Shea warned that the closure of garda stations in Clare could prompt a surge in people holding weapons to protect their properties and their person.

“With eight garda stations closing in Clare – and I believe there will be further closures – there is huge concern out there about future policing,” he said.

“People are going to be driven to have weapons to protect their properties,” he added.

“There mightn’t be too many weapons brought down to the barracks,” warned Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind). “I’d be inclined to keep a pick-axe to protect my property,” he added.