Category: News

ALLSOP Space has just announced details of its final property auction to take place on Wednesday, November 30. Amongst the 112 lots there will be four Clare sites.

There are two sites at Connolly village up for sale: Lot 33 is a 1.5 acre site at Connolly Village and has a reserve not to exceed € 10k; and Lot 44 is a larger 2.5 acre site at Connolly Village, Ennis, with a reserve not to exceed € 17, 500.

Lot 74 is a freehold derelict building on a 0.93 acres site at Pound Lane/Mill Street, Ennis, with a reserve not to exceed € 55k.

Lot 89 is a site on Childers Road in Ennis with a reserve not to exceed € 7.5k (the lowest reserve featured to date this year). The site is offered with planning permission for a retail unit and two apartments.

The final auction of the year features a broad range of property from 24 of the 26 counties. For the year to date, Allsop Space have sold 214 out of 231 lots raising a total of € 40 million. According to director Stephen McCarthy, “The November auction will pave the way for 2012. We plan to feature more lots at each individual auction next year. Whilst there were suggestions that our September auction was ‘less successful’ than the first two auctions, the figures speak for themselves. € 10 million was realized, with the vast majority of lots successfully selling on the day. Over 80 per cent of those buying at auction are without bank finance which highlights that there are still plenty of investors in a position to invest in real estate in this country.” The Allsop Space Property Auction will take place on Wednesday, November 30, at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.

ALMOST 250 families will no longer be moving to Shannon as the proposed decentralisation of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has been shelved. The move, which would have virtually doubled the IAA’s staff numbers in the county, has been indefinitely shelved with the proposed move of Enterprise Ireland to Shannon also now under threat.

A review of the proposed Enterprise Ireland move to Shannon will also take place in the coming months, with no indication as of yet as to whether that proposed decentralisation will go ahead or not.

There was some good news for Kilrush, however, as it was announced that the movement of staff from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to the town will not be effected.

The Irish Aviation Authority already employs around 240 people at its operations in Shannon and Newmarket. The organisations corporate headquarters are located in Dublin and it was these employees who were to move to Shannon.

“The Irish Aviation Authority have about 700 people employed all over the country. Already in Clare we have a centre at Ballycasey in Shannon and at the North Atlantic Communications centre at Ballygirreen in Newmarket. Our corporate headquarter are based in Dublin and it was this headquarters which was proposed to move to Shannon,” said a spokesperson from the IAA.

The IAA currently employs around 170 people at the Air Traffic Centre in Ballycasey and at Shannon Airport itself and a further 70 people are employed at the radio centre in Ballygirreen. A source close to the IAA told The Clare People that last Thursday’s announcement of the scrapping of decentralisation to Shannon has come as “no surprise” to the people working for the organisation and that employees are “completely unfazed” by the announcement.

It was also announced that the Commissioner for Aviation Regulation is to be merged into the Irish Aviation Authority however it is not clear what effect, if any, this merger will have on the workforce in Clare.

Meanwhile, a new military aircraft from Airbus was given its first testflight at Shannon Airport last Thursday. The Airbus Military’s A400M transport landed in Shannon Airport after taking off from the Airbus manufacturing facility at Toulouse in France.

The flight spent much of its time off the Clare coast and flew as low as 10,000ft at some instances before returning at France. Airbus Military is expected to deliver the first aircraft in early 2013 with another 170 planes on order from other customers.

DETAILS have been unveiled of a proposed € 500, 000 upgrade to the Quin wastewater treatment plant.

The project consists of the upgrading of the existing wastewater treatment plant including the provision of additional underground tanks and associated site works to increase capacity from 740 population equivalent (pe) to 1400 pe at Quin Gardens, Quin.

According to a report prepared by senior planner Gordon Daly, the proposed development will serve the needs of Quin village and its environs into the future.

The report states that Quin village has a projected population target of 789 persons by 2017.

A flood risk assessment states that the “site is designated as being located within flood zone A and B hence this site has been identified as being at risk of flooding”.

The report states that the proposed works will not give rise to increased flooding at the site.

The report states, “It is noted that that the risk of flooding would be from the adjacent River Rine. The wastewater treatment facility is already present and operating within a flood risk area – the same therefore is cur rently at risk of flooding.”

It continues, “The report from water services dated 20/10/11 that the proposed works will not reduce the potential of the site to flood but will, in the event that this occurs by reason of the design of the new plant, reduce the potential of the plant contaminating flood waters. Having regard to the established use of the site as a wastewater treat ment plant and having regard to the works proposed it is considered that the works will not give risk to an increased chance of flooding at the site.”

With regard to the impact on the visual amenities of the area, the report states that the “proposed works will not impact to any significant degree on the visual amenities of the area”.

Local Fine Gael councillor Sonny Scanlan welcomed the project saying it was needed in the area.

A PUBLIC meeting to oppose new bylaws which would see boats banned from evening dockings at the pier in Kinvara will take place in the village on Wednesday evening.

The meeting is being organised by local man Declan Connolly, who says that the new legislation will destroy Kinvara’s reputation as a maritime centre and means the end of the Cruinniú na mBád Festival.

The Cruinniú, which will celebrate its 34th anniversary this year, sees scores of experienced sailors from the Aran Islands dock their boats and traditional curraghs in Kinvara each August to celebrate the ancient sea trade routes between the two locations.

The proposed bylaw was prompted by a number of local residents who complained about camper vans and other vehicles parking overnight on the Kinvara pier. The legislation however, proposed a ban on all craft from the pier, meaning that boats with sleeping quarters would be banned from docking there at night.

“There was a legitimate concern from some residents about camper vans staying on the pier for an extended period, so the locals contacted the councillors who came up with this new bylaw for the pier but for some reason they also included boats in the legislation. This will prevent boats which are habitable from being at the pier between eight in the evening and nine in the morning,” said Declan. “If this bylaw was to come true, it would mean that we and other boat user would not be able to work on our boat in the evening time. It would bring about a ridiculous situation where the Cruinniú na mBád would have to stop – where all the boats come over for the weekend and so many people stay on the boats. This proposed bylaw in my opinions is completely ridiculous and has not been well thought out.” Declan is hoping that everyone who has an opinion on the proposed bylaws come to the meeting to allow for a compromises to be reached. “We would like to talk to the concerned residents and see if some sort of compromise can’t be worked out. I think we need to split the two issues and deal with camper-vans and boats separately. It is two different issues and we would like to see the boats removed from the proposed bylaw for a start,” continued Declan. “That said there are a lot of businesses in the town who welcome the camper-vans coming into the village. They come in, the use the local shops and spend money. The vast majority of the time they are very well behaved, elderly people who have all the right equipment and don’t cause any difficulty for people. The meeting will take place at Johnson’s Hall in Kinvara this Wednesday, November 24, at 8.30pm.

AN INTERNATIONAL campaign highlighting domestic violence against women will be marked in Clare over the coming weeks, amid increasing numbers of women seeking help.

As part of the 16 Days campaign opposing domestic violence – which runs from November 25 to December 16 – a candlelit ceremony will be held at the friary in Ennis on Thursday, December 1, at 7.30pm.

Candles will be lit in memory of each victim. Sixteen community leaders – such as a member of a sporting organisation, a garda and a community volunteer – will each bring a candle to the altar representing each of the 16 years since the initiative was established.

“It sends out a really strong message that each of their organisations are opposing violence,” said services manager with Clare Haven, Denise Dunne.

“We are commemorating 174 wom- en who have been murdered in Ireland since 1996 (when figures were first collected). 107 of them were murdered in their homes.

“This year, the theme is communities working together on opposing violence against women, such as gardaí, family resource centres, different community-based organisations and people volunteering with the community,” she said.

“In order for us to help women experiencing domestic abuse, we need community support,” said Ms Dunne.

She said that the Clare Haven refuge for women suffering domestic abuse is “full all of the time”, while the outreach centres across the county are experiencing huge demand.

The initiative will get underway on November 25, which is the UN day opposing violence against women, and will conclude on December 10, which is Human Rights Day.

Meanwhile, the local area networks – of Clare, Limerick and north Tipperary – have set up a website, www. midwestvaw.ie, geared towards those working professionally who may encounter violence against women.

“It is around recognising, responding and referring,” said Ms Dunne.

“If somebody presents in front of you asking for help, how do you ask the questions and respond? It is for professionals, people on the ground who meet people through work such as social workers, gps, teachers or anybody who comes across it. It is a resource for them,” she said.

For further information on the 16 Days initiative, phone 065 6842646.

A CLARE artist has been invited to exhibit some of his finest work at a prestigious international festival.

Philip Brennan, who is based at Stonehall, Newmarket-on-Fergus, will go to Florence next week to take part in the Florence Bienalle festival.

Six hundred artists from 60 countries will display their works at the event.

“Each artist brings three pieces of their work. All of these festivals have a very big international effect. It is a very big shop window for artists,” said Philip.

Philip’s three paintings are all locally based. One is based on the Burren area, while the other two feature images generated from his own garden in Stonehall. One is based on cutting trees, while the other features the last swallow of the year.

He is looking forward to exhibiting his works in an international setting. “Florence was purely an invitation. I don’t know where they got my name. It is only my second show abroad, following on from the Irish Festival in Milwaukee in 2007,” he said.

“For any artist, any bit of promotion at all is good,” he added.

He has forged strong international links in recent times. He took part in an artists-in-residence scheme in Wales earlier this year and will bring an exhibition there in 2013.

“I am absolutely thrilled, given the way things are now with the recession,” said Philip.

Philip has returned to the studio for the winter months, having focused much of his work outdoors during the summer.

His work is varied and he loves the various challenges presented by his art work. “I usually get a piece finished in two days but wildlife ones take a bit longer. I like the ones that involve people and wildlife in the picture as well as landscapes,” he added. While he occasionally uses pastels, inks, pencil and oils, watercolour is his preferred medium. As well as illustrating bird guide books such as the ‘Birds of Killarney National Park’ and a range of historical and wildlife illustrations, he has published a number of books which feature paintings and accompanying stories, poems and songs. He is also a traditional singer and songwriter and has a background in teaching and wildlife work. Philip will take part in the exhibition in Florence from December 3 to 11.

A NEW initiative is underway in Ennis aimed at raising awareness about the increasing incidents of domestic violence.

The Ennis Access Programme is a Local Training Initiative based in Ennis, which is sponsored by the Clare Local Development Company. Members have created a handmade patchwork quilt using only natural fabrics and recycled materials. The quilt is constructed in the form of patchwork and applique in rainbow colours with a black background.

The learners had taken part in several workshops, which were funded by the HSE, which had highlighted the increasing numbers of women suffering from domestic violence locally, nationally and internationally.

Clare Haven, who provide services to women and children affected by domestic violence, state that 174 women have been murdered in Ireland since 1996. It is estimated that 213,000 (one in five) Irish women suffer severe abuse.

In response to the training received, the learners decided they would like to raise the awareness of the increasing incidents of domestic violence and also raise funds to support the vital service provided by Clare Haven.

The quilt will be on display at the Credit Union Office, Friars Walk, Ennis, and the raffle will take place on the December 16.

Tickets will be available from the Ennis Access Programme Training Centre located on the Clon Road Business Park, Clon Road, Ennis. Proceeds will be donated to Clare Haven Services. Tickets are € 2 for one ticket and € 5 for three tickets. For further information contact Ennis Access Programme at 065 6848466.

CURRENT and former members of Ennis Brass Band will gather in the Temple Gate Hotel on Friday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the band’s formation. After the main meal, at the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, the members and friends of the band will welcome all former members to join in the night’s reminiscing.

Re-formed in 1971, the brass band have competed numerous times at national and international level on behalf of the town and county. Over 40 years, the band has brought AllIreland and regional glory back to Ennis on numerous occasions.

The band have performed for the visit of high-profile politicians and dignatories to Ennis. In 2008, members were invited to perform at Arás an Uachtaran by former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.

Countless young people have also passed through the ranks of the band, learning new musical skills and making friends for life.

This year, as part of the band’s celebrations, everyone who has ever played with the band is invited to join with current members at 9pm on Friday November 25, for an informal social night. Founders of the band and their partners will join with the band and their families to celebrate the anniversary and all former members who have played with the band over the years are invited to join.

Anyone who in the past has played with the band is invited to the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis at 9pm to join in the fun.

A 68-YEAR-OLD north Clare woman who has been working as a carer for 20 years is to be forced to retire at the end of 2011 – because she is too old for the job.

Lahinch native Bridie Kennedy, has written a letter to newly elected President of Ireland Michael D Higgins who, at 70 years of age, would also be forced to retire five years ago if he worked as a carer.

Bridie has been looking after a neighbour who suffers from Alzhe- imer’s Disease for the past four years. Before that she worked in a local nursing home for more than 15 years. She received a letter last month informing her that she would be forced to retire at the end of the year. Bridie is employed by Clarecare and says that organisation has been very supportive of her position.

“I’ve been doing this for 20 years and it is very rewarding work. I wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl of 18 years, I would have made a really good nurse,” she said.

“I think it is a real shame what is being done. This new rule has just come in and according to it I should have stopped working when I was 65. One of the reason why I went for the interview with Clarecare is that there was no upper age limit. Clarecare have been very good to work for – I don’t know what a lot of people would do without them.

“I work four hours each day with a neighbour of mine. She is just a five minute walk away and I walked up to her house every day last year during the snow and ice. She is a neighbour and I have known her for years. The family are very upset. They have known me for years and year and having a familiar person there is very important – especially with Alzheimers.”

According to Bridie, being forced to retire is going have a negative impact on her social life as well as her financial situation. “I’ve been working for 50 years and now, all of a sudden, I’ll have nothing to get up in the morning for. It’s just not fair. I’ve never been sick in my life and I’m never tired. It isn’t much money but it’s great to have a few extra pounds coming in every month. More than that though it’s about getting out and meeting people. I love older people and the stories that they tell. I tell my grandchild their stories and he thinks I’m making them up. I will miss that.”

The director of Clarecare Fiachra Hensey confirmed yesterday that the official age of retirement for carers with Clarecare is now 65 years old.

“The official age of retirement is 65 and that is a fact. I have the utmost sympathy for any carers who are in good health and want to keep working. I really do,” he said.

INAGH native Damien Queally has launched a major appeal for the people of Clare to support children in the developing world this Christmas. Damien, who is the Programme Manager of Plan Ireland, yesterday launched the Plan Ireland Christmas appeal with the help of Irish rugby legend Malcolm O’Kelly.

This year’s Life Gifts catalogue includes a number of unique Christmas cards as well as a unique range of photographic canvas prints, all of which will help to raise vital funds to make a lasting improvement to the lives of the world’s most disadvantaged children.

“These gifts will give much needed support and materials directly to the children and communities Plan works with in the developing world. By choosing a Life Gift, like a set for school or a gift of child sponsorship, you are giving a child living in pov- erty the chance of a better life and a gift like this is essentially priceless,” said Damien.

Damien has been working for the charity as Programme Manager since 2008. After graduating from UCD with a Masters in Economics in 1999, Queally spent two years working in banking, before taking a career break in 2001 to volunteer in India and Uganda. Captivated by his experiences in these countries, Damien decided to leave banking permanently and began his career in international development, working in countries such as The Congo, Niger and Darfur.

Plan Ireland is a child-centred community development organisation, part of Plan International which itself was founded over 70 years ago. It is an independent organisation with no religious, political or governmental affiliations. Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume is the Patron of Plan Ireland. He and his wife Pat sponsor a