Category: News

RURAL-dwellers in Clare have the second highest rate of registration for septic tanks, despite fears that many households in the north and west of the county will be unfairly targeted for inspections.

According to the latest figures released by the Department of the Environment, 14,521 households in Clare have officially registered their septic tank. With an estimated 19,769 domestic septic tanks in the county, this amounts to a compliance rate in excess of 73 per cent.

This is the second highest compliance rate in the country, with only rural dwellers in Kerry having a higher percentage. Clare’s 73 per cent compliance is also far in excess of the national average which currently lies just above 60 per cent.

This is despite concerns that many rural-dwellers in Clare will be targeted for extra inspection by the Department of the Environment. With large numbers of houses in Clare situated in karst on limestone landscape, they are likely to be deemed as high-risk locations by the Depart- ment of the Environment. This could result in houses in these section of West and North Clare being targeted for extra inspections once the registration period is complete.

Under the 2012 legislation, homeowners who have a septic tank or other domestic waste-water treatment system need to register their system before February 1, 2013. Systems which are not registered before that date will be at increased risk of inspection.

The 73 per cent registration rate in Clare is well ahead of neighbouring authorities such as Galway County Council (50 per cent), Limerick County Council (57 per cent) and North Tipperary County Council 64 per cent.

A number of grants have been introduced to allowed septic tank owners to upgrade their systems. The grants cover up to 80 per cent of the cost for those earning up to € 50,000 to a maximum of € 4,000 and a 50 per cent grant for those earning between € 50,001 and € 75,000 up to € 2, 500.

If the remaining 5,000 Clare properties do not register their properties before the February 1 deadline, they will not be eligible to apply for the grant.

CLOSURES or a reduction in opening hours of district Garda stations has emerged as a serious concern for rural communities in Clare, a meeting has heard.

At yesterday’s meeting of Clare County Council, councillors were divided over the impact on communities of the closure of eight local Garda stations.

Stations in Quin, Inagh, Lahinch, Broadford, Mountshannon, Doon beg, Kilmihil and Labasheeda will close as part of budget cuts.

Despite strong opposition from Fine Gael members, a motion tabled by three Fianna Fáíl councillors Bill Chambers, Pat Keane and Cathal Crowe, requesting the Council to call on the Minister for Justice to reverse the decision to close the sta- tions – was voted through by 18 votes to 10.

Opening the debate, Cllr Chambers said the closure “represents another nail in the coffin of rural Ireland”.

He added, “The very core of what rural Ireland is and represents is being eroded by a government that seems to have turned its back on its grass roots.”

Cllr Crowe said the closure of the Broadford Garda Station would only save the Exchequer € 5,000 per annum. He said Government Oireachtas members should give their political and financial justification for the closures in the Council Chamber.

Cllr Gerry Flynn (Ind) said stations give rural communities a sense of comfort and security. He added, “This Government stands for closing down rural Ireland.”

Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) said a form of “rural decommissioning” is taking place, calling for a major re-activation of the community alert scheme.

However the closures were defended by Fine Gael members who said Gardaí would now be freed up for mobile patrols.

Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) said he had been given assurances by Chief Supt of the Clare Garda Division, John Kerin, that policing in rural areas would not suffer.

Of greater concern, Cllr Cooney argued, was a proposed reduction in opening hours of Killaloe Garda Station.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said crime levels had fallen in Ennis and that the county compares favourably to Limerick and Galway. He said in light of reduced crime levels, he could not support the motion.

Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind) said she would rather see gardaí on the beat than spending a few hours a day in a station.

Cllr Christy Curtin (Ind) said the closures represented “devastation” for West Clare.

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) told the meeting that while the closures are regrettable, people in Mountshannon are not concerned. He said the area would be well served by community gardaí and a re-invigorated community alert service.

Cllr Burke said Chief Supt Kerin had said gardaí would be willing to hold clinics with communities concerned about crime.

Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) said communities would be better served by mobile Garda patrols, adding, “Crimes don’t happen in Garda stations.”

Cllr Richard Nagle (FF) said the closures are serious; adding that only two stations – Kilrush and Ennistymon – would cover an area from Loop Head to the Galway border.

He said, “There will be continued retirement with no recruitment. The idea that you can keep stretching resources is not realistic.”

Cllr Cathal Crowe claimed later that Fine Gael councillors were engaged in “more flanking and shielding of Minister (for Justice) Alan Shatter than you would see in Thomond Park.”

He added, “You’re here to either shield your Minister or represent your communities. I know why I’m here.”

This drew a strong response from Cllr Joe Cooney who said he had never shielded any Minister. “I’ll stand up for the people of Clare and I always will,” he said.

Councillors also agreed on a motion from Cllr Joe Arkins that said in the event of any station closures, any additional resources be allocated to mobile patrols.

A DECISION to grant permission to plans to develop outdoor café facilities aimed at boosting “activity” and “vibrancy” in Ennis town centre have been appealed to an An Bord Plennála.

The Ennis-based Duesbury Limited sought planning permission for the incorporation of one car parking space at O’Connell Street, Ennis, to provide extended pavement area to allow provision of an outdoor seating area adjacent to Poet’s Corner/Town Hall, along with provision of fascia signage and surround to existing central door-way and incorporation of existing Poet’s Corner porch with main bar area. That part of the Old Ground Hotel is classified as a protected structure.

In granting planning permission, the Council ruled that the applicant shall obtain the appropriate the consent of the Road Authority to the alteration of the public footpath and roadway.

The Council ruled that the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Under the conditions of the planning permission, the proposed paving shall match the existing pavement on O’Connell Street.

In a report submitted on the proposed development, the Director of Service and Ennis Town Manager, Ger Dollard, noted there had been no objection from the Fire Department or the Conservation Officer.

He stated, “I would concur with the planner’s report that the principle of outdoor seating is considered acceptable and would improve the vibrancy and character of the street.

“This is the type of activity that the Planning Authority would wish to encourage to increase activity and vibrancy on the main thoroughfare in Ennis.”

The decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleánnala by Ennis businessman Oliver Moylan, who also filed an objection to the proposed development.

In his submission, Mr Moylan states that it is not for a public authority to grant public space for a private enterprise.

Mr Moylan, who owns the Ennis Cash Company, says Woolworths were refused permission to build on two feet of the O’Connell monument in 1960. The submission states that the removal of two parking spaces would result in an estimated loss of € 800,000 to the Council in one year, based on calculations carried out in a previous parking survey.

He states that the development would create “enormous danger” to pedestrians and motorists. Mr Moylan argues that Ennis is already well served by cafés, pointing out that 15 such businesses are located between the Old Ground Hotel and Hughes and Hughes bookstore.

He added, “As there are 200 wet days in Ennis every year, canopies and heating will have to be put in due course. What an obstruction to passing traffic.”

A RECEIVER is set to be appointed this week to the Ennis-based building firm, Brian McCarthy Contractors Ltd. The company, which employed 220 people at the height of the construction boom, announced last week that it was to cease trading.

Staff at the company’s Cork site were informed of the decision at lunchtime last Monday.

Management met with staff at a meeting at the South Court Hotel in Limerick on Tuesday. 20 jobs are to be lost as a result of the decision.

The company had been in business for 36 years, carrying out work for the HSE, the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Department of Education, Aldi and Roche.

A spokesman for the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) said the sector was “shocked” at the closure.

He said, “Everyone in the industry is shocked and saddened at the news that a well regarded company like Brian McCarthy’s has become the latest casualty of this unprecedented crash in the construction industry.”

“It’s indicative of the trading conditions in the industry, which are bordering on the intolerable and the severe competition that exists in the industry at the moment. This is the sixth year of the downturn that has seen massive reductions in output and employment. 180,000 people have left the industry in the current crash.”

The spokesman added, “Brian McCarthy’s have said that they found part of the problem to be the awarding of public projects to below cost tenders. It’s leading to severe overcompetition and many believe that the prices at which contracts are being awarded are simply un-sustainable.”

The company carried out a number of high profile projects at the University of Limerick including the construction of the Irish Chamber Orchestra building, the President’s House and a number of student accommodation blocks.

Closer to home, Brian McCarthy’s completed works on the Holy Family Primary School in Ennis and a number of projects at the Roche Pharmaceutical Plant in Clarecastle.

CLARE women are waiting months and sometimes even years before they seek counsell ing following an abor tion.

Cura i n Ennis provide counselling for a range of issues related to crisis pregnancies, including abor tion. According to Cura, which is funded jointly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and t he Irish Bishops Conference, more and more women are seeking counselling years after an abor tion has t aken place.

“There is a range of complex and difficult emotions which take place around this time [the time of an abor tion]. We would see a lot of people i n the days and weeks after an abor tion – but we would also see people years after,” said Cura spokesperson, Charlot te Keer y.

“Often times people can feel li ke they have dealt with the issue but maybe a new baby coming into a house or somet hing si milar can trigger off all kinds of emotions for a woman who has had an abor tion.

“It wil l often be somet hing that has never been discussed with a husband or a par tner or t he fam- ily at large. So we do provide after the fact counsel ling for men and women who have been affected by abor tion. We do see more and more men coming into us.” While Cura do provide free preg- nancy tests and counselling for women involved in a crisis pregnancy, they do not provide women with di rect or indi rect contact infor mation for abor tion cl inics abroad. “We will discuss all options including parenting, adoption and abor tion. The one t hing t hat we would be ver y clear about is that we do not provide contact infor mation for abor tion clinics,” continued Charlotte. “We are honest and up front with t he people who come i n and that is how it has to be. We tal k to people in an open way and we are not t here to tell people what to do. If people need suppor t t he suppor t is always t here and t hat includes counsel ling after an abor tion.” Cura in Ennis can be contacted directly on Monday evening between 7pm and 9pm and on Wednesday mor ning’s between 11am and 1pm on 065 6829905. The Cura national lo-call number is staffed from 9am to 9. 30pm. Monday to Friday on 1850 622626. The Clare People contact the Diocese of Ki llaloe in relation to this stor y but no comment was available at the ti me of going to press.

THE consultation process between State agencies and the public on the blueprint for the development of the Shannon Estuary will be kick-started in Kilrush next week.

The people of Clare have been urged to have their say in the major strategic plan for the future development and management of marinerelated industry on the estuary by attending the public consultation that will take place in Kilrush Town Council on Monday next between 4.30pm and 8.30pm.

“I encourage the people of Clare to attend the upcoming event,” said Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Daly.

“This is an ideal opportunity for people to voice their views on how best to manage this important resource. I believe that the people of Clare have a key role to play in the management of the Shannon Estuary to ensuring that future development takes place in a coherent and sustainable manner. I hope that many new opportunities will be afforded to the people of Clare, and the wider region, as a result of this plan,” he added.

The Draft Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary was launched last month by Jan O’Sullivan, TD, Minister of State for Housing & Planning and has been commissioned by a multi-agency steering group comprising Clare County Council as lead authority, Kerry County Council, Limerick City and County Councils, Shannon Development and Shannon Foynes Port Company.

The land and marine-based plan, the first of its type to be developed in Ireland, indentifies a number of strategic sites along the Estuary for future possible development in the areas of industry, tourism, energy, fishing and aquaculture and marinerelated industry.

The plan will be on display until February 15 to give the public an opportunity to view the proposals and put forward their opinions to the appointed project consultants, RPS Consulting Engineers.

On completion later this year, it is anticipated that the SIFP will be incorporated, by means of Variation, into the relevant County and City Development Plans.

AN Ennis man convicted of harassment has been ordered not to have any contact with his ex-partner.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, William Keane (39), was told by a judge not to beset, approach, or contact the woman in any way.

Mr Keane, with an address at 1 The Hawthorns, Limerick Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to harassing the woman at her home in Ennis. The incidents occurred over a 12-month period on dates unknown between October 1 (2011) and September 1 (2012).

Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction of the case after hearing an outline of the facts.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the woman reported the incidents to gardaí in April.

She said that after the relationship ended, Mr Keane delivered a letter to her home.

She said on other occasions in March (2012) and June (2012), the accused was seen walking around the house and looking in the windows.

Mr Keane was also seen standing in a lane opposite the house. The court heard that the woman installed CCTV cameras at the house.

Insp Kennedy said the woman felt in fear and reported Mr Keane’s behaviour to gardaí.

He said the activity had ceased since gardaí had become involved.

The court heard that Mr Keane, a former Dell worker, started the relationship with the woman after the end of his marriage.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said that while his client’s behaviour falls into the lower level of harassment offences, Mr Keane had made a “complete nuisance of himself”.

The court heard Mr Keane told gardaí that he did not know why he kept calling to the house.

Mr Hassett said that after the relationship broke down, Mr Keane got accommodation near the woman’s home. He said that his client had been drinking at the time he engaged in the behaviour.

Mr Hassett said the letter delivered to the woman’s home had been an invitation to meet for coffee.

Mr Hassett told the court that Mr Keane has since changed his lifestyle, is seeing a counsellor and has taken up jogging.

Insp Kennedy said the he accepted that Mr Keane’s behaviour was at the lower end of harassment offences. Mr Keane, who has no previous convictions, faced a possible € 1900 fine or 12 months in prison.

Judge Patrick Durcan said cases of this nature are very distressing for the person concerned.

He said Mr Keane had engaged in a persistent level of harassment over a one-year period. “This is very serious,” he added. He said the court has full sympathy with the injured party.

Judge Durcan said he was satisfied that Mr Keane is not a criminal and he did not want to give him a criminal record.

He said the court acknowledged Mr Keane is making efforts to get over his difficulties.

He ordered Mr Keane to pay € 500 to the court poor box. Judge Durcan also ordered the accused not to beset, approach or contact the injured party or be in any place where the injured party might be expected to be. Mr Keane apologised for his actions.

Judge Durcan adjourned the case to March 6. Addressing Mr Keane, he said, “I wish you well and commend you on your approach.”

A LITHUANIAN man who stole a laptop from a garage in Sixmilebridge has been fined € 250.

Deivydas Zigeus (35) took the HP laptop valued at € 500 from O’Malley Auto Marine, Cappa, Sixmilebridge on July 24 (2012).

Mr Zigeus, with an address at 133 Crann Nua, Portarlington, Laois, pleaded guilty to the charge of theft at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the case.

After hearing an outline of the facts, Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction.

The court heard that Mr Zigeus and a friend went to the premises to have repairs carried out to a car. Insp Kennedy said that after a staff member worked on the engine, he noticed the laptop was missing.

The man suspected the two men and rang Shannon gardaí.

Gardaí called to the business and the laptop was discovered concealed in the rear foot-well of the car.

The property was returned undamaged.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client, a former construction worker, was drunk when he committed the theft.

Mr Hassett added, “It seemed a good idea at the time. It was quite a sneaky thing to do.”

The court heard Mr Zigeus is a married father who has lived in Ireland for eight years. He has no previous convictions.

Mr Hassett said his client had been in custody for a number of days prior to his court appearance and had not liked the experience of being in prison.

Judge Durcan said Mr Zigeus used an opportunity to involve himself in a crime.

He imposed a fine of € 250.

Judge Durcan said the court abhors such crimes, which he added have become all too prevalent in Clare. AN Ennis man who admitted striking his wife with a child’s scooter has received a prison sentence. At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Thady Joyce (43), with an address at 114 Dun na hInse, Ennis, admitted to contravening a court imposed safety order, contrary to the domestic violence act. The court previously heard that Mr Joyce replied “I’m guilty” to charge after caution.”

“I want to go into custody with no intention of applying for bail,” he added.

Judge Patrick Durcan said that had been the first occasion that he had placed an accused person in custody on the application of the accused. Mr Joyce also declined the offer of legal representation and represented himself during proceedings. Inspector Tom Kennedy outlined details of the offence, which occurred on January 10. The court heard Mr Joyce smashed a number of picture frames, Waterford Crystal lamps and a flatscreen television in the house. Insp Kennedy said the accused also struck his wife with a child’s scooter.

The court heard Mr Joyce has 38 previous convictions, mainly for driving, drugs and public order offences. Insp Kennedy said the accused had no convictions under the domestic violence act. Asked by the judge if he wanted to say anything, Mr Joyce declined before adding, “I want you to sentence me and get it over with.” Judge Durcan imposed a 14-day prison sentence, backdating his order to January 11.

AN ENNIS man who paid for a tumble dryer and a holiday to Wales using a credit card that did not belong to him has been fined € 500.

James Galbraith (45), with an address at 1 Lissaniska, Claureen, Ennis, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to two charges of deception arising out of purchases made at two businesses in the town on May 29 (2012).

The court heard that on the day in question Mr Galbraith purchased a tumble dryer from an electrical appliance store in Ennis.

Inspector Tom Kennedy explained that the item was paid for using a credit card that did not belong to Mr Galbraith.

He explained that Mr Galbraith’s friend gave the credit card details over the phone to the shop in order to complete the transaction.

On the same day, Mr Galbraith entered a travel agency in Ennis and purchased a mobile home holiday in Pembrookshire, Wales costing € 946.

The court heard that the transaction was again completed by Mr Galbraith’s friend phoning in the credit card details to the shop.

Insp Kennedy said there was no link between the accused and the owner of the card. He said the card owner reported the matter to gardaí and Mr Galbraith was subsequently tracked down.

The court heard that Mr Galbraith has one previous conviction for a public order offence. Defence solicitor John Casey said his client had been owed money by his friend who is living in England. He said there was some difficulty with the repayment of the money so the friend told Mr Galbraith he could purchase goods using the credit card.

Mr Casey said his client was “totally unaware” there was anything wrong with the credit card. He said there had been no element of subterfuge and that the businesses involved knew who Mr Galbraith was and where he lived.

“Mr Galbraith never had a hope in hell of ever getting away with this”, Mr Casey added.

Mr Casey said his client had brought compensation of € 1300 to court to repay the injured party.

Asked by Judge Patrick Durcan if he believed there was a “certain innocence” on the accused’s part, Insp Kennedy said he could not accept that version of events.

He said that investigators working on similar deception cases had told him that such offences are “usually joint enterprises.”

Insp Kennedy said he would have “misgivings” about people who said they are innocent in such cases.

Judge Durcan said that while he accepted what Mr Casey said on his client’s behalf, he did not accept that Mr Galbraith was “totally innocent”.

He added, “This type of conduct was foolish in the extreme and reckless.”

Judge Durcan imposed fines of € 250 in respect of each charge.

THE first official meeting of Kilkee Fracking Concerned took place in the town last night and sub-groups are also currently being formed in Doonbeg, Mullagh and Carrigaholt.

This follows a dramatic increase in the activity of anti-Fracking campaigners in Clare over the last month, following the announcement by UK company Energi Oil that it intends to apply for a licence to begin testFracking in Clare in the spring of 2014.

More than 60 people turned out in Kilkee for a Fracking information meeting last week and a number of follow-up events are planned for West Clare in the coming months.

“There is a massive amount of interest in this on the ground in West Clare. Fracking is a real hot topic at the moment so there are new developments taking place all the time – so people really need to be aware of it,” said Lorraine Hughes of Clare Fracking Concerned.

“I think the word is getting out more and more to the people in West Clare. Fracking is a difficult issue for some people but more and more people are starting to take it seriously.”

While much of the publicity surrounding Fracking involves allegation that it can cause earthquakes due to the high pressure liquids used to shatter the shale rock and release the gas, the largest potential pollutant from Fracking in West Clare is likely to be the pollution of the water system with chemicals.

A public lecture on Fracking and on the geology of the West Clare shale will take place in Kilkee on Sunday, February 3.

“The shale rock is a lot shallower in Clare than in many other areas where Fracking is being considered. This raises even more questions about the integrity of the water in West Clare if this goes ahead,” continued Lorraine.

Councillors at Clare County Council voted unanimously to introduce a ban on Fracking into the Clare County Development Plan. This ban has not been introduced however, as the council claim that it does not have the legal power to ban any activity in the County Development Plan.

A local steering committee for the Kilkee group was due to be elected as part of last meeting – but the elections where not completed at the time of going to press.