Category: News

COMMERCIAL traffic through Shannon Airport rose by 22.5 per cent last month, according to figures released by the Irish Aviation Authority.

It compares with a 3.5 per cent increase in Cork and numbers remaining static in Dublin Airport during the month of June.

There were 1,905 overflights and airport commercial movements at Shannon in June, compared with 1, 555 in June of last year.

The figures are a significant improvement on poor figures at the mid-west airport in recent months. Figures for 2010 showed that commercial traffic fell by 32.2 per cent and overall traffic at Shannon fell by 21.7 per cent.

En-route flights, which are flights transiting between Europe and North America – the majority of which do not land in Ireland – increased by 2.1 per cent, when compared to June 2010.

Spokesperson for the IAA, Lilian Cassin, said the figures are positive. “We are delighted with it. What’s more significant is the overhead flights between Europe and North America are up. That tends to be a barometer of international traffic, a barometer of how the global economy is,” she said.

She said she is hopeful that terminal traffic will increase as a followon from this.

“When the recession hit the first impact was on the en-route traffic and the terminal was after that. Hopefully this will be followed by an increase in terminal traffic,” said Ms Cassin.

According to the IAA, traffic figures for the first six months of the year are subject to distortion when compared to the first half of last year, due to the impact of the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis in April and May 2010. However, when adjustments are made to compensate for this, the en-route traffic movements for the first six months of this year show an increase of around five per cent over the same period in 2010.

COUNCILLORS in Ennis have expressed support for the development of large retail parks on the outskirts of Ennis.

At a special meeting of Ennis Town Council yesterday, members discussed a proposed second variation to the Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2008-2014.

Thirty-one submissions were received in relation to the variation, which was drawn up in response to concerns raised by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The Department had expressed concern over the amount of land zoned for residential purposes in the Ennis area.

Yesterday, councillors presented a number of modifications to the proposed variation. They included an amendment proposed by Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind), stating, “It is the policy of the Council that, subject to assessment of retail impact PS7 (site at Limerick Road and Clonroadmore) would be a suitable location for a district centre scheme or new large food store.”

He said he was proposing the amendment “in the interest of balanced retail development”.

Cllr Neylon told the meeting that councillors should positively consider developments that have the capacity to create jobs and encourage young people to stay in Clare rather than emigrate.

He said Ennis had lost shoppers from Kilrush and Miltown Malbay to large retail developments in West Clare. He told the meeting that the only new businesses setting up in Ennis town centre are “€ 2 shops, phone shops and betting shops”. He claimed that shoppers are refusing to come to Ennis because of the cost of parking charges.

The proposal was backed by the Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind), who told the meeting that he was “pro-development” provided it was on sustainable basis.

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) expressed concern over the amendment. He warned that it could lead to a “doughnut effect” whereby jobs would be lost in the town centre. “You would lose a certain amount of vitality from the town centre,” he added.

The amendment, along with others proposed by councillors, will now go back on public display.

Planning permission has been sought by Michael Lynch Ltd for the development of a retail park at five hectares of land at Limerick Road and Tobertascáin.

It is projected that as many as 500 jobs could be created if the development gets the go-ahead. According to planning consultants DPP (Development Planning Partnership), 300 temporary jobs will be created in construction while with a further 200 full-time jobs in retail on completion.

RESIDENTS along the old N18 road between Barefield and Crusheen are “mystified” by the removal of road markings in the area, a meeting has heard.

The issue was highlighted at yesterday’s meeting of councillors in the Ennis East Electoral Area. In a motion, Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) requested that “that no road markings be removed from what was the N18 road without the consultation of elected members”.

Cllr Meaney told the meeting that residents in the area are “mystified” by the removal of a “ghost traffic island” at Ballymacona Cross. He said the removal of the traffic island was understandable given its proximity to a bend of road leading to a fly-over on the M18 Ennis / Galway road.

However he added that it “appears curious” that a traffic calming measure installed at a cost and that helped motorists when the road was busy, was removed at a cost.

Cllr Meaney acknowledged that there is an issue in relation to the speed of cars coming off the flyover.

He said that he was concerned that decisions to remove road markings were being taken on a “unilateral basis” without the knowledge of the public or elected representatives.

In his reply to Cllr Meaney’s motion, Senior Executive Engineer Eamon O’Dea stated, “The existing line marking at Ballymacona Cross on the R458 (old N18) was put in place at the end of the Ennis bypass project. The design build contractor of the Ennis bypass and their road safety auditor (and checked by the supervising engineer) required that a ghost island was installed at the Ballymacona Junction, as the dual carriageway was reducing to a single carriageway way on the N18.

Mr O’Dea added, “The N18 is now the R458 and the traffic levels has reduced on the road, the design build contractor for the Gort Crusheen project and their road safety auditor (and checked by the supervising engineer) consider that a ghost island is not required and that the lining provided complies with the required standards.”

Mr O’Dea told the meeting that he is “not happy” with the road surface or the bends leading to the fly-over.

COUNCILLORS in Ennis have recommended that large tracts of development land in the Clarecastle be included in Ennis and Environs Development Plan.

At a special meeting of Ennis Town Council, councillors proposed a number of amendments to the proposed variation.

Senior planner Gordon Daly told the meeting that phase one of the plan could only include 88 hectares of land zoned for residential purposes.

In total, across a number of amendments, councillors are seeking the inclusion of 38 hectares of land in the Ennis area, which the manager’s report said should be excluded from phase one of the variation. To balance their proposals, councillors are proposing that 38 hectares of land in the Roslevan area be excluded from phase one of the variation. Members are seeking the inclusion in phase one of the variation, lands in the Clarecastle area.

In their submission, councillors Tommy Brennan, Frankie Neylon, Brian Meaney and Michael Guilfoyle state, “It is important to the implementation of this plan and to generate a sufficient population base in these areas to justify the upgrading of the Clarecastle treatment plant and other community facilities along with road networks that residential development is promoted in these areas in a balanced way.

The amendment supports submis- sions made by: Therese McCarthy on lands at Ballybeg, which were zoned residential in 2003 and 2008; James Malone, on lands at Kildysart Road, Clarecastle and Ballybeg. (In his submission Mr Malone states “developers with lands in Clarecastle are looking at the possibility of working in partnership with the Council in order to bring these lands to planning by resolving the existing services issue. These discussions are now put in jeopardy if the current phasing as proposed proceeds); McCarthy Bros, on lands at Ballybeg; M Fitzgibbon (Builders) Ltd, on lands at Ballybeg Clarecastle.

Councillors are also seeking the inclusion of land at Ballycorey as set out in submissions by Luxury Homes and land at Ballymaley, as set out in a submission by Michael Keating on behalf of Paddy and Mary O’Donoghue.

Councillor Tommy Brennan proposed the amendment “to introduce a more balanced zoning in order to optomise land use in the overall plan area”. Other amendments proposed the inclusion of lands at Tulla Road as set out in a submission by Drumquinn Construction Ltd.

Mr Daly said the manager’s report recommended the inclusion of lands at Roslevan as they are in a better location and have access to better facilities.

The variation will now go back on public display and will be subject to a further manager’s report. The variation process is expected to be completed by October.

MEMBERS of the public are being urged to have their say on a proposed footpath for the Quin Bridge.

Concerns have been raised over plans by Clare County Council to install a footpath on Quin Bridge.

Councillors yesterday urged the Council to consider installing a foot- path underneath the bridge rather than on the main road.

Cllr Sonny Scanlan (FG) told the a meeting of councillors in the Ennis East Electoral Area that that he is against the current proposal. He said a footpath would make the bridge too narrow and cause problems for motorists and pedestrians alike.

Cllr Pat Daly (FF) supported the call, saying that the road is “too narrow and dangerous” for a footpath. “The footpath should be underneath the bridge,” he added.

Senior Executive Engineer Eamon O’Dea told the meeting that the part eight planning process finishes on July 15 and all public submissions about the project should be in by that date.

“The manager’s report will be drafted and brought before the coun cillors for their consideration.”

Mr O’Dea said resources will be made available for the project. Ennis town manager Ger Dollard told the meeting that plans to improve pedestrian facilities at the railway bridge on the Quin Road are “tied up with the railway safety commission”.

GARDAÍ across Clare are investigating a string of break-ins over the past week.

A range of property including electrical items, a generator and mobile homes were stolen during the burglaries, while homes were ransacked.

In one incident, at Ballynote West, Kilrush, a house was broken into between 1am and 9am last Monday. A range of goods was stolen including a digital camera, laptop, three mobile phones, and Nintendo DS.

Also in West Clare, a house in Carrigaholt was broken into and a petrol generator was stolen at around 12pm on Saturday.

A farm was targeted in Kilkee on Monday night, as five Freisan heifers with tag numbers were stolen from a field in Newtown. Tents camped in Spanish Point were targeted and personal belongings including hand- bags, mobile phones and money were taken, between 5pm and 6pm last Wednesday.

Machinery that was parked in a quarry at Moveen East, Kilkee, had its windows broken over the weekend.

A house in Cusack View, Ennis, was broken into and ransacked between Tuesday and Friday of last week. A flatscreen television was stolen in a break-in at the Ashford Court Hotel, Ennis, overnight on Wednesday.

A house in O’Briensbridge was searched overnight on Friday, after thieves forced open the front door. However, nothing was taken.

In Clarecastle, a container at Creggaun na hIlla caught fire in what gardaí say are suspicious circumstances, at around 10pm on Friday.

Anyone with information on any of those crimes should contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100 or a local Garda station.

A PUBLIC meeting will be held next week to launch a Clare campaign against the introduction of flat-rate water charges before meters are installed.

The meeting is being organised by the newly formed Shannon Green Party branch. Their chairman Gerben Uunk explained why awareness of the water-charge proposals are important.

“We all remember the drastic icy winter; many citizens were left with burst water pipes in Clare and around the country. The Government relentlessly plans to introduce water charges without proper water metering in place in most Irish homes. Households are to be charged € 175, before water meters are installed,” he told The Clare People .

“Shouldn’t people on disability benefit or reliant upon social welfare be exempt from paying water charges? Householders will be forced to pay this flat-rate charge for their water for at least three years. No matter how much water you use, everyone will pay the same flat fee. That is not equitable,” Mr Uunk said.

On the agenda for the meeting which will be held in the Oakwood Arms Hotel in Shannon on Wednesday, July 20, at 7.30pm – will be the reasons why water charges are being introduced, lessons from the international experience of water charges, why it’s important to conserve drinking water, tips to help reduce the amount of water usage at home, an outline of the Green Party position on water charges and an open floor questions and answers session.

Clare TDs and senators are also being invited to the meeting to express their opinion.

THE tragic victim of last week’s house fire was still in mourning for his father, whom he had buried just over a month before he died.

Mike Kennedy, who was born and grew up in Killaloe, lost his life in a housefire in neighbouring Ballina on July 3.

Last Wednesday and Thursday, huge crowds turned out to pay their final respects to the family man and musician.

Mike had buried his father, Timmy, who owned an electrical shop in Killaloe just over a month before his own death.

Mike – known as ‘Caddie’ – was well known for his interest in mu- sic and regularly played the banjo at sessions in Killaloe and Ballina. He also loved fishing and handball and, in his younger days, played under-age hurling for the local SmithO’Brien club.

Friends of the 53-year old said that the community is deeply shocked at his loss. “He was a very happy go lucky kind of person; a lovely man and very interested in music. He played music and he collected CDs and DVDs of well known musicians,” a friend told The Clare People .

Mike is survived by his wife Margaret, sons Kevin, Anthony and Declan, their partners Lisa Grace and Elaine, his mother Eileen, sister Geraldine, mother in law, relatives and friends.

MEMBERS of an interfaith group from Clare were honoured to be included on the President of Ireland’s diary in recent weeks.

President Mary McAleese hosted a garden party for various groups from around the country and the interfaith group from the mid-west was included on her schedule.

Members of the Mid-West Interfaith Network hail from Ennis, Shannon, Sixmilebridge, Broadford and Limerick.

The group was set up a year ago and consists of all religions including Catholic, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Baha’i and Zoroasterian. The members meet regularly and take part in meditation, prayer vigils and organise general meetings.

One of the members, Trish FallonBarry from Shannon, said the interest in the group has been significant and the meetings focus on positivity.

“It was set up by Alan Hillard, a Catholic priest from Ennis and Abed Aldaka, the integration officer with Doras Luimní. They were talking about the desirability of setting up an interfaith group. It would be very close to my heart. I believe all the religions are one,” said Ms FallonBarry, who is a member of the Baha’i group in Shannon.

“We have a core group. We meet up and broaden it out when we can, with meditation evenings, and we will go on a walk soon,” she said.

“It is faith based. It is very positive and peaceful. We share what we have in common and foster an understanding,” she said.

“We have more to celebrate together than we do separately. There is such a positive atmosphere at our gatherings,” she added.

Among those who visited Áras an Uachtaráin were Bart Gruzalski from Sixmilebridge, Alan Hillard from Ennis, Gurmukh from Sixmilebridge and Trish, who lives in Shannon. “We wrote to the President and she included us. She is so positive and supportive of us,” said Trish.

YOUTH depression and suicide are reaching epidemic proportions in parts of County Clare, where the effects of the recession are forcing many young people deeper and deeper into isolation.

These effects are being made worse in rural parts of the county where the breakdown of old community structures and a change in traditional attitudes during the Celtic Tiger years has created a situation where young people may not have anywhere to turn.

One west Clare councillor and therapist has described the rise of youth isolation as “alarming” and warned that rural communities may no longer be strong enoughto help young people, even if those young people ask for it. According to Kilrush-based therapist Michelle Bradley, the local community structures which existed during previous recessions are no longer in place.

“In the older days, people used to go out even when they didn’t have any money. That has changed now – money seems to be the main focus and people seem to have lost the ability to connect to people without spending money,” she told The Clare People .

“The whole focus for younger people now is the money that is no longer there. It can make people very uncomfortable when they go to meet their peers. They don’t want to say that they have no work or no money. There was a much better sense of community back then.

“At this stage, I’m not even sure how supportive the community might be. Everyone has pulled back and is minding themselves. We could be sending them [isolated people] out to a community that is just not there anymore.”

Ms Bradley, who has personally known three local people who have taken their own lives in recent year, says that much of the problem is as a result of people not being able to express themselves.

“It is a huge problem here. It is to do with the isolation and not being able to express for themselves what is going on or not being involved in any group which could offer support,” she continued.

“People are trying not to spend money and not going out but in reality they are actually doing themselves harm. It is quite alarming really and is something that is just not being spoken about. I would say everyone would know at least one person who is in this situation. I can see it myself and I can see the effects it is having on people.”