Category: News

THE widespread targeting of oil for the purposes of theft has been described by a judge as “despicable” and “appalling”.

Judge Patrick Durcan was speaking at Ennis District Court last Wednesday at the case of a Limerick man.

Thomas Kiely (18), with an address at Barnakyle, Patrickswell, Limerick, pleaded guilty to being in possession of a fuel-siphoning pump in Sixmilebridge last year.

The court heard that Kiely and another man were found in possession of a pump, a funnel and four, fivegallon plastic drums that could be used in the cause of or in connection with a theft. Inspector Tom Kennedy said a car was stopped at in the Cappa Lodge area of Sixmilebridge on December 15, 2011. He said the siphon pump was found concealed under the bonnet of the car.

Insp Kennedy explained that Kiely was subsequently arrested and admitted to Gardaí that he was in the process of surveying areas where he might find diesel to siphon.

The court heard that Kiely has no previous convictions.

Solicitor Michael O’Donnell said his client came from a good family and is currently working. Mr O’Donnell said his client had been placed under curfew by his father. “He accepts he was wrong”, he added.

Judge Patrick Durcan noted that the targeting of oil tanks had become “all too common”. He described it as the “most appalling, most mean, despicable type of offence.”

Judge Durcan said the message must go out “loud and clear that you cannot go around with a siphon concealed in the bonnet of a car”.

Judge Durcan added, “He has brought shame on his family for generations to come”.

Noting the accused’s previous good record and his appearance in court, Judge Durcan ordered that Kiely carry out 150 hours of community service in lieu of three months in prison.

He said, “This community work should be served in the rural community that he attempted the defraud.”

Judge Durcan added, “It’s a despicable offence and one that has become much too prevalent”. He adjourned the matter until April 25 for the preparation of a report by the Probation and Welfare Services.

A CAR enthusiast who attempted to “drift” around a roundabout on the outskirts of Ennis last year has been described as being “all gearbox and no brain box”.

Judge Patrick Durcan was speaking as he ordered Ennis man Shane O’Sullivan (20) to pay € 350 to the disabled driver’s association.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, O’Sullivan, with an address at Rockmount Cross, Kilrush Road, Ennis, pleaded to a charge of driving without due care and attention.

Garda William Delaney of Ennis Garda Station told the court that on August 13, 2011, he observed the accused drive a car in an attempt to drift around a roundabout at Killoo West, Ennis.

Garda Delaney explained that drifting involved driving at speed and pulling the handbrake in order to manoeuvre the car in a 180-degree angle.

Garda Delaney said the road was quiet at the time. He told the court a “convoy” of around seven cars were present at the time.

The court heard that O’Sullivan has no previous convictions.

Solicitor Stephen Nicholas told the court that the incident occurred on a ring road on the outskirts of Ennis between 1am and 2am. He said there was no traffic on the road, which was lit. Mr Nicholas said there were no houses on or off the road.

Requesting that the court deal leniently with the matter, Mr Nicholas said his client was in the process of carrying out an interview that could set him on a career path.

Judge Durcan said, “It’s a good example of all gear box and no brain box, that’s how I would sum up this man.”

Noting O’Sullivan’s guilty plea, good record and age, Judge Durcan ordered that he pay € 350 to the disabled driver’s association on or before April 31.

He adjourned the matter until May 1. Judge Durcan said young people must understand that when they get behind the wheel of a car, “they take possession of the most dangerous weapon they will ever have”.

PLANS are in place to extend one of West Clare’s tourist and family attractions. Clare County Council is considering ambitious plans to add a museum and craft units to the Vandeleur Walled Gardens.

Under the blueprint for the future of the historical garden, the old stable block on-site is to be re-developed along with a maritime-themed museum and a small number of craft units. It is also proposed to enhance the entrance to the garden and provide an entrance from the main top car park.

All of these ambitious plans will be carried out subject to funding.

“It is expected that these works, if approved, will begin towards the end of the year,” said marketing manager for Kilrush, Siobhan Garvey.

Meanwhile, the Board of Kilrush Amenity Trust Ltd this week made the decision to extend the offer of free entry to the Vandeleur Walled Gardens for the remainder of 2012. Following the success of the free entry trial in August 2011, it was decided to offer free entry again from October 11 to April 12. However, the Board has now agreed to extend this offer further to include all of 2012.

As it is, the Vandeleur Centre complex currently includes a coffee shop selling home-baked treats, breakfast and lunch from 10am to 5pm daily.

The Vandeleur Walled Garden offers a complete range of plants for sale and advice is available at all times from the head gardener and his staff.

Children can follow the ‘butterfly trail’ and play within the live willow structure and garden maze and, for bigger children, there is a life-size chess game on the lawn.

If the plans to extend the facility go ahead, there will be even more to attract families to the tranquil gardens on the outskirts of Kilrush town.

The garden will host an open day on Sunday, April 22 from 1pm to 5pm. This will include a local craft fair, and the head gardener will be on hand to give advice on planting, with special offers on plants sold on the day.

Nora LEAHY
of Rathflynn, Maurice’s Mills. Funeral mass onTuesday at 11 o’clock at Inagh Church with burial after in adjoining cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Kevin O’NEILL
of Ballanacragga, Newmarket-on-Fergus. Late of Carolville, SteelesTerrace, Ennis. Funeral Mass today,Tuesday, at 12 noon in Milford. Burial afterwards in Lemenagh Cemetery, Newmarket-OnFergus. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice, Limerick. May he rest in peace.

Ellen MORRISSEY (née Walsh)
of St. Patrick’sTerrace, Kilrush. Formerly of Ballynakea, Quilty,. Laid to rest in Mullagh. Donations, if desired, to Regina House, Kilrush. May she rest in peace.

Patrick (Paddy) CULLIGAN
of Lissycasey. Formerly of Ballycorane, Knock and Brooklyn, NewYork. Laid to rest in Burrane Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

William (Willie) MacNAMARA
of Inagh, Ennis. Laid to rest in Inagh. May he rest in peace.

A CZECH man who smashed a downstairs window as a woman watched television at home alone has received a five-month prison sentence.

At Ennis District Court on Friday, Michal Makula (36), with an address at 3 Churchview, Barefield, pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage.

The charge relates to an incident at Cloneyogan, Lahinch, on September 9, 2011.

Inspector Tom Kennedy explained that on the night in question, a 26year-old woman was watching television at home on her own. The court heard that at around 10.30pm she heard a car pull into the drive. A man she did not recognise then got out of the car and started banging on the window and front door of the house, the court heard.

Insp Kennedy told the court that the man then went to the back of the house and broke a window. The woman came downstairs where she saw the man who then left the scene.

Insp Kennedy said the total value of the damage was € 100. He told the court that the accused has 19 previous convictions. The court heard that Makula is currently serving a sentence for burglary and assault offences.

Solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that her client had committed the offence at a time when he and his young family were in “crisis” and were not in receipt of any social welfare payments. She said her client had become “desperate and wild” about how to provide for his children.

Ms Godfrey requested that sentencing be adjourned for two weeks to allow for payment of compensation to the injured party.

Judge Patrick Durcan noted that this incident had occurred as a young woman watched television in bed late at night. He said the house was in a rural part of the county. Judge Durcan said it was obvious, that by breaking the glass, Makula intended to gain access to the house. “I regard this as a very serious criminal damage charge,” he added.

Judge Durcan said the message must go out that people living in rural areas are entitled to the inviolability of their homes.

Noting Makula’s plea of guilty and family circumstances, he imposed a five-month sentence to be served consecutively to his current sentence. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

A UNIQUE event has been organised by a group of Ennis teens to keep alive the spirit of one of their friends who lost her life to cancer.

The ‘C the Bright Side’ Masquerade Fundraiser will celebrate the positive outlook of the late Ciara Conroy while raising funds for the support group CanTeen Ireland.

The brave and inspiring 16-year-old passed away from cancer in 2010.

A young fashionista, Ciara kept a blog inspiring people to C the Bright Side.

When she was diagnosed with cancer, Ciara was supported by CanTeen, a nationwide support group for young people aged 12 to 25 years old who have or have had cancer.

CanTeen organise day and weekend outings throughout the year and provide a much needed supportive social network for teenage cancer patients and survivors.

A member of the organising committee said, “Ciara made many friends through CanTeen and this provided her with an unspoken support system that helped her flourish in times of difficulty and offered her strength.”

Now ten of her friends from Coláiste Mhuire and St Flannan’s College in Ennis have decided to raise awareness and support for this charity in memory of their good friend.

The masquerade fundraiser will take place on April 3, in the West County Hotel, Ennis.

The event will allow those attending to put their best dress or suit on, as it is a formal wear event. Those who don’t have their own masks can get some at the door on the night.

The event is strictly over 16s, with parents, teachers and older friends also invited to attend.

One of the organisers, Doria Orfali, who is Ciara’s cousin, said that there would be a bar sectioned off and available to the adults only on the night.

“Entertainment for both adults and young adults will be provided separately to ensure everyone will enjoy the evening,” she said.

Tickets for the event cost € 25 and are on sale at the Irish Music Shop and the West County Hotel reception.

Special guests and entertainment include popular and upcoming band Hermitage Green, talented singer Clodagh Lawler and Spin South West DJ Eoghain Fitz.

There will also be a casino table as part of the adult entertainment on the night.

Those planning the event are hoping for a night of colour, fashion, fun and laughter – a reflection of the courageous Ciara Conroy.

KILRUSH area councillors have voted to extend the parking time of O’Curry Street in Kilkee to two hours.

The councillors were supporting a proposal by their Kilkee Town Council colleagues that asked for longer parking hours on the street and from opposite the convent to the roundabout on the Carrigaholt Road to the eastern side of Circular Road.

Shoppers and diners can now park in both these areas for two hours, where previously they were restricted to just one. It was also suggested by the Kilkee public representatives that these restrictions apply only during June, July and August from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week.

While the town council can propose such changes for the town, the county council must support them before they can be ratified and become law.

Mayor of Kilkee Elaine Haugh Hayes (FG) addressed the meeting of Kilrush area councillors on Wednesday and told them that one hour parking was insufficient for visitors and customers.

She also raised concerns about residents who live in the area and have to move their cars every day, while the parking byelaws are in place.

Cllr Pat Keane (FF) asked “Where do they go with their cars during the day?”

Director of Services Nora Kaye told the meeting that the byelaws determine the residential permits and they are not currently accommodated.

“We will look into it,” she said.

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) suggested that a list of residents who would require a permit be drawn up before the May meting of the council and the issue be addressed again.

MAKING the new Shannon Airport debt free is key to its future prosperity and growth, business interests in the region will tell Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, this Friday when he will be the keynote speaker at a Chamber of Commerce lunch in the Oakwood Arms Hotel.

The meeting comes just as Minister Varadkar prepares to act on the Booz & Company consultants report, which put forward a number of proposal with which to create a new model for Clare’s international airport.

Now, business interests in Shannon have been urged to have their say with Minister Varadkar as D-Day for the airport fast approaches, with Chamber of Commerce president, Damian Gleeson, saying “opinions only turn into action when they are heard, and by the decision makers”.

“This is possibly the last opportunity for engagement on a very pertinent issue for the mid-west region before the final decision is made.

“Shannon Airport is a vital piece of infrastructure which supports the economic development of the midwest. Every viable option to sustaining its future must be assessed for its ability to generate meaningful economic activity for the region. As we have stated in the past, any new structure should not be overburdened with debt but supported by solid business and financial plans,” continues Mr Gleeson.

In a presentation to the Minister earlier this year, Shannon Chamber made the case that Shannon Airport should be separated from its current structure but remain under some other form of State protection / ownership to ensure its survival as a key piece of national infrastructure, for the mid-west in particular.

“We emphasised that the airport should be run with a commercially driven ethos – which in conjunction with no debt, adequate working capital and an improvement of its cost structure would eventually allow it to be self-sustaining,” says Mr Gleeson.

“Of the two options now recommended by Booz & Company, the scenario whereby Shannon moves to a local concession model giving a role to the local authorities in Clare and Limerick, to local commercial interests and to Shannon Development in a holding company, offers the most potential for Shannon’s future development. It places decision making for the airport’s future at a local level.

“As long as this proposed autonomous structure comes without debt, Shannon could look forward to a new future, whereby every avenue for its development could be examined for its innovativeness and its ability to add value, traffic and revenue to Shannon. Harnessing the support of all stakeholders in the mid-west would lead to energised thinking and a new impetus for taking the airport in a new direction.

“We hope that the Minister, in addressing attendees on Friday, will elaborate on the findings of the Booz & Company report and be forthright is his views on how he feels a very strategic piece of infrastructure, such as Shannon Airport, can be re-energised to make its rightful contribution to the national economy,” adds Mr Gleeson.

THERE is a lively readership in West Clare. That is how one county councillor put it when he learnt that the number of people using their local library service has increased.

The membership of the five branches serving west and mid Clare increased by 125 in 2011, but the number needing the internet service at the local library has decreased.

County librarian Helen Walsh said this may be due to more home usage as lines become faster and less costly.

There was a drop of 346 members of the Kilkee library in 2011 however, with the number of books issued dropping by 6,210. There is an explanation for the drop however from the county library offices.

“During this time Kilkee library dropped membership, issues and internet usage due to the building works associate with the new Cultúrlann Sweeney,” said Ms Walsh.

The largest number of new readers was recorded in the Kilrush library, with an increase of 74.

Miltown Malbay increased its membership by 47 in 2011 while Kildysart went from 311 members in 2010 to 315 members in 2011.

Kilmihil showed a decrease in its membership of 78.

The five libraries continue to provide services despite cuts to their budgets and staffing levels within Clare County Council.

Ms Walsh explained that all development at the libraries is on a phased basis over a five-year period and according to the priorities and objectives laid out in the Library Development Plan 2010 to 2014.

“All objectives are budget and staff dependent and there is a real challenge in maintaining present stand- ards whilst striving to improve services in the present climate. The book fund has decreased from € 279,600 in 2009 to € 257,160 in 2010 to € 217,160 in 2011 at a time when the county population is increasing,” she said.

“Demand for other formats of book provision, downloadable and foreign language, also results in a further stretch on an ever decreasing book budget. The non-replacement of staff retiring or availing of various kinds of leave entitlement puts further stresses on the services regarding maintaining opening hours. An audit of opening hours in all branches will be undertaken this year,” said the county librarian.

“It is imperative that we keep these services. What is good we hold,” said Cllr Christy Curtin (Ind).

“The statistics are telling us of a very lively readership in Clare, “ he said.

RYANAIR wanted to pay out just € 1 per passenger it brought into Shannon in return for maintaining a low-cost hub at Clare’s international airport, a leading travel agent has claimed ahead of this Friday’s visit to Shannon by Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar.

The claim was made by Tony Brazil of the Irish Travel Agents Association at an economic and policy meeting of Limerick City Council last week as he revealed how Shannon Airport chiefs refused to bow to Ryanair pressure on landing fees, despite the fact that the decision has resulted in a meltdown of traffic at the airport over the past four years.

“Ryanair did a deal with Shannon to land passengers for € 2 each when the norm was € 8 per passenger,” said Mr Brazil. “They landed 1.8m passengers when the deal was they should have landed two million. When the deal came up for renewal, they wanted this reduced to € 1, but they were only bringing in 400,000 passengers,” he added.

Ryanair spokesperson Stephen McNamara has said that the reason for the collapse of Shannon’s traffic of over 55 per cent from 3.6m passengers in 2007 to 1.6m last year was down to “the DAA’s refusal to extend Ryanair’s low cost base at Shannon, the Government travel tax and a 33 per cent increase in passenger fees at Shannon last November, even as the DAA’s traffic was collapsing”.

“It is the high DAA monopoly costs at Shannon Airport that have ‘driven out’ these lusted-after “foreign carriers” from Shannon and it is these same high costs that keep them out of Shannon.

“Maybe Shannon should start this process by addressing their high costs, facing up to the mistakes they have made and looking forward for a solution to the traffic collapse at Shannon, instead of backwards with the sole purpose of trying to blame others for their failure,” he added.

THREE people are due to appear in court in Ennis tomorrow in relation to their alleged roles in an incident at a primary school in the town last Tuesday.

Conor Mahon (21), Rose Mahon (22) and Laura Molloy (21) are charged with alleged offences arising out of an incident at the Holy Family Junior School, Station Road, Ennis on March 20.

All three appeared before Ennis District Court last Wednesday.

Conor Mahon, of Ballaghboy, Quin Road, Ennis, is charged with possession of a slash hook at the school contrary to the firearms and offensive weapons act and with engaging in threatening and, or, abusive behaviour.

Conor Mahon’s wife, Rose Mahon, a mother of two, also of Ballaghboy, Quin Road, Ennis, is charged with causing € 1, 500 worth of damage to the windows of a vehicle belonging to Thomas Sherlock on Station Road.

Her sister, Laura Molloy, of 21 An Pairc, Bruach na hAbhainn, Ennis, is also charged with causing € 1, 500 worth of damage to the windows of a vehicle belonging to Thomas Sherlock on Station Road.

Both sisters are also charged with provoking a breach of the peace.

Garda Trevor Shannon gave evi- dence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of Conor and Rose Mahon. Garda Bríd Troy gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of Laura Molloy.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that the State were objecting to bail for all three accused on a number of grounds.

Judge Patrick Durcan refused bail applications for Conor Mahon and Laura Molloy.

They were remanded in custody to appear at Ennis District Court on March 28.

He granted bail to Rose Mahon subject to a number of conditions. She was ordered not to have any direct or indirect contact with a named family; to stay away from the Holy Family School, environs, staff and students; stay away from certain housing estates in Ennis; reside at Ballaghboy, Quin Road, Ennis; observe a curfew from 9pm to 7am and to sign on twice weekly at Ennis Garda Station.

Judge Durcan remanded Rose Mahon on bail to appear in Ennis District Court on March 28.