Category: News

THE people of Clare have been urged to engage in a period of “civil disobedience” in protest at new septic tank laws and the household charge.

The call was made Independent councillor James Breen who said people should bring the country to “standstill”.

Cllr Breen was speaking at a special meeting of Clare County Council held to debate new legislation that will require homeowners to register their septic tanks for a € 50 fee.

Cllr Breen was strongly critical of the new Water Services (Amendment) Bill. He said that instead of forcing new fees on hard-pressed homeowners, the Government should look instead at abolishing town councils and the Seanád. He also called for a reduction in the amount of councillors sitting on local authorities. “I am speaking against myself on this,” he said.

Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) said that while there was a need for a proper and effective water supply in the country, the manner in which the new legislation is being imposed on rural dwellers “is entirely unfair”.

He added, “Rural Ireland needs to be as equal as urban Ireland and the Government hasn’t shown that.”

Cllr Michael Kelly (FF) said rural homeowners have already paid for water services through planning regulations. He said there remained a lot of unanswered questions in relation to the inspection process, standards and the role of inspectors.

He continued, “It will affect the pockets of thousands of country people. We will discuss no more important motion for a long time.”

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) acknowledged the concerns of rural communities but said the Minister for the Environment was determined to introduce the legislation in a “step by step” basis.

Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) said there had been a lot of “scaremongering” on the issue.

He added, “It’s essential there is grant aid.” Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) said the legislation is being “rushed through”.

CLARE County Council is to examine the historic remains of the O’Brien family at St Bridget’s Well, including the family vault which contains the remains of Cornelius O’Brien, the man who built O’Brien’s tower at the Cliffs of Moher.

The O’Brien family vault, which is located in the St Bridget’s Well cemetery, and the famous monument dedicated to the family, have suffered severe damage in recent years, with the monument now badly in eed of repair and in danger of collapsing.

“This is of real historic importance. Part of the ancient heritage of Clare is located in these structures and they are rapidly deteriorating,” said Cllr Richard Nagle (FF).

“Cornelius O’Brien was the man who built the tower at the Cliffs of Moher and this monument dates back to 1854.

“All of the spire of that monument has now cracked and it is only a matter of time before this monument is going to collapse.

“The same thing applies to the vault in the cemetery, which is where all the family has been buried. There is nothing to prevent people from going over the railing and into the vault.

“Both of these are listed structures and regarded as structures of historical importance.

“We need to contact the Heritage Officer and get them to make contact with the OPW quickly and seek resources for this work and seek their assistance.”

Meanwhile, Lahinch-based Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) has asked Clare County Council to examine the prospect of using some of the local authority’s own land in Liscannor to create a place where the Lahinch RNLI can store and launch their boat from.

Currently, the rescue service has to launch their boat from Lahinch and can face major delays, especially at times of high tourist numbers at Lahinch.

“I know that Clare County Council have property in Liscannor but we are using Lahinch for water rescue at the moment.

“Surveys have been done that show that it would be far easier and quicker to launch boats in Liscannor. I believe that the council have land on the dock in Liscannor.

“Maybe we could use this, or buy more land beside it if needed,” he said.

These comments were supported by Ennistymon-based Cllr Richard Nagle (FF), who said that a proper facility would have to be put in place in Liscannor.

“I would support the provision of facilities in Liscannor but I would certainly not support some sort of container being put in place. Not on the main route to the Cliffs of Moher, at a scenic spot that the local people enjoy.

“This would have to be a proper building,” he said.

AN ON-FARM slaughter scheme, which is available in major beef-producing counties such as Meath and Kildare, would save Clare farmers thousands of euro and stop viable beef going straight to the knackers yard.

According to Clare County Councillor Paul Murphy (FG), Clare farmers with injured animals are being penalised on the double, as on-farm slaughtering is not available to farmers with cattle with minor injuries.

The Clarecastle councillor said that animals with a broken bone, who have not “fallen”, are being refused by abattoirs when taken there by the farmer for slaughter.

“These mildly hurt animals are being turned away from the abattoir and the animals have to be put down and the meat disposed of,” he told members at the January adjourned meeting of the council.

The farmer is then at a financial loss on the double, he explained. Firstly, he has the loss of the value of the animal, and then has to pay a hefty sum to have its remains disposed of.

He called on the agriculture minister to review the efficiency of the onfarm slaughtering services scheme, particularly where an animal with a broken limb, but who is otherwise healthy, can still be transported humanely to the abattoir rather than that animal be classified as a fallen animal.

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) told the members that there is a farm slaughter scheme in place, where the animal is shot and bled out on the farm.

He raised concerns that the meat can be damaged when dragged into the trailer during such a process, however, and suggested that the ideal scenario would be to see these animals slaughtered in an abattoir.

The farm slaughter scheme does not seem to be available in Clare.

Cllr Michael Kelly (FF) said, “During a recession, it is unfortunate that the farmer is left with a loss of up to € 1,000 to € 1, 500.

“Bringing the animal to the factory would be less destructive for everyone,” he said.

Ennis councillor Tommy Brennan (Ind) raised concerns about the safety of meat from an animal with a minor injury, which was slaughtered on a farm.

“Would this go in for public con- sumption and who would decide if it is safe for human consumption?” he asked.

“I think where possible it would be safer to transport the animal to the abattoir.

“For the on-site process, there would be a vet to say if it was safe for animal consumption,” answered Cllr Joe Arkins (FG).

Supporting the motion, the mayor, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), said that the council was asking for a change in policy to allow animals with minor injuries to be brought to the abattoir as soon as possible rather than to the knackers yard.

A WOMAN has received a suspended sentence for her role in an altercation in Ennis town centre on New Year’s Day.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Rose McDonagh (29) with an address at 31 Childers Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to a section six public order offence.

Insp Tom Kennedy told the court that the accused became involved in a fight with another woman on Abbey Street, Ennis at 2.30am, January 1.

The court heard that McDonagh has 24 previous convictions. Solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client had been on a night out with a friend. She explained that while McDonagh was waiting for a taxi, another car pulled up.

Ms Godfrey said the women in the car were female relations of a man who previously beat her client up. She said the assault was so serious that the man is now in prison.

Ms Godfrey added, “She pulled her hair and she pulled her hair back. It was a very wrong thing to happen.”

Judge Aeneas McCarthy sentenced McDonagh to three months in prison. He suspended the sentence on condition that she be of good behaviour for a period of two years.

THE Ennis Access Programme has raised a total € 711 for Clare Haven Services. A raffle of a handmade quilt created by participants on the programme took place on the January 13. The lucky winner was Rita Egan, Ennistymon.

The Ennis Access Programme, which is a FÁS Local Training Ini- tiative sponsored by the Clare Local Development Company, decided to raise funds for Clare Haven Services, who provide a vital service to those suffering from domestic violence in the community.

They made their decision after attending several workshops funded by the HSE which highlighted the increasing numbers of domestic violence in the community, locally, nationally and internationally.

The learners on the Ennis Access Programme created a handmade patchwork quilt from natural fabrics and recycled materials.

The quilt is constructed in the form of patchwork and applique in rainbow colours with a black background.

The rainbow colours signify hope, and the hearts and doves symbolise love and peace.

Sue Considine, who is the Ennis Access Programme Co-ordinator, explained, “For most of us, home is a place of respect, love and safety. However, for some women, home means violence, fear and terror. Maybe it is your sister, your friend, your workmate, your mother or maybe you yourself are living with domestic violence.

“Without exception, a woman’s greatest risk of violence is from someone she knows.”

Sharon O’Mahony, the Assistant Co-ordinator, said, “Everyone has the right to safety and freedom from violence. Domestic violence is not acceptable and we stand in solidarity with abused women and those services that provide vital support in our communities.

“It is important that women are made aware of the vital services that are available to those living in our communities.”

A WOMAN alleged to have caused fire damage to premises in Shannon has been returned for trial.

Julie Ann Barry (34), with an address at 1 Gort na Rí, Ballycasey, Shannon appeared at Ennis District Court last Wednesday.

It is alleged that Barry caused damage by fire to unit 8 and 10, Block E, Caiseal Daire, Bru Na Sionna on November 4 (2010), intending to damage such property or being reckless as whether such property would be damaged, contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act.

Insp John Galvin told the court that Gardaí had been due to serve the Book of Evidence before Christmas, but the accused was not in court. He said the Book of Evidence had now been served.

Insp Galvin said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented that the accused be returned for trial to the next sitting of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Aeneas McCarthy ordered that the woman be returned for trial. Judge McCarthy remanded the accused on bail to the next sitting of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on February 14.

THE number of people signing on the Live Register in Clare broke through 10,000 mark last month, with a total of 10,368 people signing on in the county in December.

The latest figures come after two consecutive months of positive figures which had seen the Live Register figures drop below the 10,000 mark for the first time in more than two years.

The latest figures released from the Central Statistics Office show that 5,768 people were signing on in Ennis last month, while 1,671 were signing on in Ennistymon; 1,468 signing on in Kilrush; and 1,493 signing on in Tulla.

The overall figure for the county marks a year-on-year drop of 251 from the 10,619 who were signing on in the county in December of 2010.

The figures do not, however, take into account the large number of people who are expected to leave the county after the Christmas period. With large numbers set to emigrate, especially from rural communities, it is likely that any drop in the January figures would be brought about by emigration rather than by job creation.

The numbers signing on are still more than 500 people short of the all-time high in the county which was recorded in February of last year when a total of 10,883 people were signing on in the county.

The biggest month-on-month increase in the Live Register was recorded in Ennis where the numbers signing on swelled by 101 people, from 5,635 to 5,736.

The largest percentage increase, however, was recorded in Ennistymon with a jump of 80 people signing on, from 1, 597 to 1,671, amounted to a five per cent increase in just one month.

The numbers signing on in Kilrush and Tulla jumped by 59 in both locations.

THE support of the public has helped the Simon Community provide vital assistance to homeless people in Ennis. The newly established Mid West Simon Charity Shop provides a source of income to allow the charity to provide a specific service on-site to the people of Clare.

Homeless or people at risk of homelessness can drop into the coffee dock to pick up literature and information on housing issues, tenant rights and the options that prevent homelessness or to be housed.

Anyone wishing to speak a professional can make an appointment to see a Mid West Simon Housing Support Officer on a Tuesday or Thursday between 2pm and 4pm. There is a focus on accessibility of information in a relaxed and informal environment.

Volunteer staff in the shop at Woodquay, Ennis, have been delighted with the support from Clare people both in terms of donations of goods and customer support. The shop has a number of events planned over the next few weeks.

Fundraising Coordinator Susan Ward said, “We realise that there is no point in holding onto winter wear that is much needed now until spring so our manager and volunteer staff are preparing for a Winter Clothes Blitz this Thursday through to Saturday (January 19 to 21).

“All winter jackets, woollies, coats and accessories are reduced by 50 per cent – huge bargains at fantastic prices. We’re also anxious to introduce the integrated coffee dock so management are offering a free cup of tea or coffee with every purchase of € 10 or more during this promotion.”

In the meantime, all incoming children’s clothing and accessories will be tagged and priced in preparation for a kids’ clothes promotion during the first week of February.

The coffee dock is open to all visitors and it is hoped it will become a favourite drop-in for the people of Ennis.

Susan explained, “The shop relies solely on the generosity of the public and management would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their continued support and to ask the people of Clare to keep donating clothes, bric a brac, books and household ware.”

Any unwanted items of clothing or other household goods can be dropped in between 10am and 4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

A Polish man has received a six month suspended sentence for contravening a protection order in Ennis last December.

Marian Slugocki (45) with an address at 35 Glensheen, Gort Road, Ennis appeared at Ennis District Court on Friday. He was charged with contravening a protection order and putting the applicant in fear of her life, contrary to the domestic violence act. He was also charged with engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in Ennis last May. Slugocki pleaded guilty to the charges. Insp John Galvin said Gardaí were called to the home of Slugocki’s former partner last December after he turned up at the house. She told Gardai he rang her at 11pm looking for a nail clippers. She said that when the accused showed up, she heard glass breaking and “lots of noise”. Insp Galvin told the court that the woman had been afraid.

Insp Galvin that on another occasion in May 2011, Gardai were called to a house in Ennis. The court heard that Slugocki was “highly intoxicated”.

Solicitor for Slugocki, Jenny Fitzgibbon told the court that in relation to the public order offence, her client had got into an argument with his ex-partner.

She said that on that occasion Slugocki called the gardaí and agreed to go with them. She said that while the relationship had resumed after that, it did not go down well. She said the relationship has since ended. In relation to the protection order, Ms Fitzgibbon said her client went to the house to get a few missing items.

She said he had apologised for his actions on the night. She said it was Slugocki’s intention to go back to Poland.

Judge Aeneas McCarthy imposed a six-month sentence for the domestic violence charge.

He suspended the sentence on condition that the accused be of good behaviour for a period of two years.

For the public order charge, Judge McCarthy imposed a three month suspended sentence, on the same conditions, to be served concurrent to the previous sentence.

A WEST CLARE company has given Clare food producers a huge boost this week with the news that it has broken into the lucrative American market by supplying its unique seafood products to a high-profile chain of department stores across the country.

Spanish Point Sea Vegetables, operated by the Talty family in Caherush in Quilty, is poised for major expansion on the back of securing a contract to supply the Dean & Deluca chain of stores with its expanding range of seaweed products that are produced and packaged locally.

This move into the international market comes less than three years after the company was established by Ger, Anne and Evan Talty in 2009. It has since undergone rapid expansion in its product range and operation in Caherush. The move into the US market means that the company, which provides products to over 400 shops nationwide, is to be re-branded to meet the new challenges and demands of servicing international customers.

“We are changing the name of the business from Spanish Point Sea Vegetables to Wild Irish Seafoods,” Evan Talty told The Clare People this week. “This is because, outside of County Clare, Spanish Point isn’t really that well known so in America, if it was Spanish Point Sea Vegetables, they’d think it’s coming from Spain, which is no good,” he added. The company started by producing two local delacies, Dillisk and Carrageen, for local health food shops around the county, but in the last year has undergone rapid growth in terms of its products and the range of shops that carry these products. “We have seven or eight different products in the range that we’ve developed. There are hundreds of different types of seaweed but we concentrate on seven, the edible ones. We would supply health food shops, shops like SuperValu, Centra, fish shops. We also supply a product for seaweed baths and, at last year’s Ploughing Championships, we launched an animal feed and a soil conditioner,” revealed Talty.

To facilitate the company’s growth, a new processing plant – which was grant aided by the Clare Leader Programme – has been built, while a number of jobs will be created when the company goes into full production during the summer season after Wild Irish Seafoods is officially launched in the the spring.