Category: News

THE Whelan Group has strenuously rejected accusations from objectors to its planned multi-million euro expansion of its flagship operation at Fountain, Ennis that the company is a “cowboy developer”.

In company documents to An Bord Pleanala, the Whelan Group states: “We do not accept the very offensive allegation of the Cairn Hill Protection Environmental Group that this company is a “cowboy developer”.

A four day oral appeal hearing concerning the planned expansion of the quarry ended last month and a decision is due in the case later this year.

Clare County Council has limited the life-span of the quarry to 10 years, while local residents have outlined their opposition to any extension.

However, in documents submitted to Bord Pleanala, the Whelan Group states that it has operated quarries in Cork, Limerick and Roscommon. It acknowledges that the company has received warning letters under the Planning Acts in relation to some of its operations, but the vast majority of these warning letters have been found to be unfounded allegations.

In relation to its Fountain operation, the company states that the quarry has been in operation prior to 1963 and doesn’t require planning permission.

The company points out that a number of ancillary facilities have been constructed at the Fountain operation, including two tar plants, offices, two stores and extend an existing laboratory and that planning permission has been granted for all those developments.

They state: “We do not accept the appellant’s contention that this company is a cowboy developer. As it is clearly demonstrated that the applicant has extensive planning history in the existing quarry at Fountain Cross, which currently is in the registration process under Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act.”

The Whelan Group also points out that the Cairn Hill Environmental Protection Group Ltd “has been very active in objecting to every single development or application for license that this company has put before the council since its formation. . .

“While we fully respect the group’s right to appeal any development, we are deeply concerned that in fact the sole objective of the group is to appeal any development proposed by this company.”

THE LABOUR Court has ruled against a claim by Clare’s firefighters to secure retrospective benchmarking payments from Clare County Council.

The council approved only 60 per cent of the retrospective benchmarking payments in accordance with a recommendation of the Secretary General of the Department of Environment. However, the firefighters’ union, SIPTU, claimed that the Secretary General “erred significantly” as there was no reference to Department powers in this regard.

The union maintained that the Secretary General did not take due cognisance of the fact that the majority of council’s new work practices for firefighters was not alone agreed but largely implemented in early 2004. SIPTU said it wanted to build on and nurture the positive and harmonious industrial relations atmosphere that currently exists between management and employees.

However, the council contended that if the procedures provided for under Sustaining Progress were to be upheld, it would not be appropriate for full retrospection to be paid.

The council said it had been seeking to reach agreement in relation to its modernisation change agenda from May 2004 but no agreement was reached until October, 2005.

In its submission, the council claimed that under the terms of Sustaining Programme, payment could only be made on the basis of verifiable co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change but this did not take place until October, 2005 — 15 months after the main body of employees in the Council signed up to their own modernisation change agenda and 20 months after agreement had been reached at national level.

According to the council, the payment of full retrospection would undermine the position of all other public sector employees who accepted local modernisation changes without any delay.

The Labour Court said the issue arose when the Government Performance Verification Group approved only 60 per cent of the retrospection to the Clare firefighters on foot of a recommendation by the Secretary General of the Department of Environment. The reason given for the reduction to 60 per cent was due to the failure of the firefighters to engage in meaningful discussions on the change and modernisation programmes until February 2005, with no final agreement until October 2005. Having considered the views of the parties expressed in their oral and written submissions, the court ruled in favour of the council and rejected the firefighters’ claim.

THE BATHING ban imposed after an algal bloom outbreak in Lake Inchiquin could be lifted this week.

An environmental officer for the council has said that a vet’s examination has revealed there was no link between the death of a dog and the outbreak earlier this month.

The animal was one of two which was thought to have died after drinking water from the lake. But a spokesman for the council’s environmental department said yesterday that a post mortem examination on the dog revealed no link with the bloom.

“A second dog was also said to have died from drinking the water, but that animal wasn’t examined so it’s inconclusive,” the spokesman said.

The bloom was reported even before the recent heatwave, which produced ideal conditions for the algae to multiply.

“But we have had no reports in recent times about a bloom. We will be consulting with the scientists and if there is no toxicity present, we will take down the ‘no bathing’ notice and put up a precautionary notice to warn people to watch out for the bloom instead,” the spokesman said.

A similar procedure is to be put in place in Lough Derg, where another algal bloom forced the council to slap on a bathing ban in recent weeks.

Tests in the last week have shown that the water is clear of toxins which can cause severe skin irritations and even death in animals.

“The precautionary notice is what North Tipperary council has adopted on Lough Derg and that is the path we will be going down,” the spokesman added.

This is the fifth consecutive year that algal bloom has caused bathers to be banned from the waters of Lough Derg, one of the county’s biggest tourist attractions.

The problem starts with phosphates getting into the water system from household waste water and agricultural run-off.

These are super-nutrients for the algae and when they are combined with hot weather and calm water, a bloom occurs.

Business and environmental organisations have expressed concern about the regular outbreaks, pointing to the damage which is being done to the environment and to the tourism industry.

ONE of Clare’s best-known tourist facilities continues to sustain losses, accounts filed to the Companies Office show.

The accounts returned by Kilkee Waterworld Ltd highlight the company’s growing losses where during 2004 its losses increased from €666,000 to €753,000 at year-end.

Earlier this year, Kilkee Waterworld received an allocation of €55,000 from Clare County Council to ease its financial worries. However, it was facing a deadline of the end of February to file its accounts of face being struck off.

The company avoided the strike-off and Director of Kilkee Waterworld and Clare County Council member, Cllr Patrick Keane (FF) said that the company is looking to identify new ways of generating income.

He said: “The important thing is to keep the attraction afloat and that is getting more and more difficult.”

The centre is now operating for eight years and the government is to be called upon to invest in the facility as it provides a major boost to the community over the Summer months.

In recent years, Kilkee Waterworld has been forced to shorten its opening period from April to September to stem continuing losses.

Already, Cllr Keane revealed that Kilkee Waterworld experienced a 12 per cent drop in visitor numbers last year. Over the past five years, visitor numbers have dropped by 26 per cent from 30,000 to 22,000.

AN OFFICIAL report has found that the consequences for an air ambulance that was forced to return to Shannon Airport last year could have been more serious if the aircraft was flying in icy conditions.

The Air Accident Investigations Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport investigated the circumstances into which a 25-year-old twin engine plane en route to Newfoundland on June 8, 2005 returned to Shannon just over 20 minutes into the flight.

The report found that, while climbing to 16,000 ft, the crew heard a loud bang and noted a rise in temperature of the aircraft engine.

A visual inspection revealed that a six-foot section of the left de-ice boot had separated from the wing leading edge.

As a precaution, the pilot cut the left engine to flight idle conditions and the aircraft returned to Shannon without further incident.

The crew did not declare an emergency and there was no further damage to the aircraft.

However, according to the report, the aircraft was being used in the air ambulance configuration for flights over oceanic waters and those who hire aircraft for such operations expect the highest standards of aircraft maintenance.

If the boot had torn off later in the flight in icy conditions, the consequences could have been more serious.

The report concluded that the de-icing system had not been maintained in an airworthy condition.

The AAIU investigation found that a length of port de-icing boot tore from the leading edge of the wing and was ingested by the port engine.

As a consequence, a number of engine fan blades were damaged by boot material.

The cause of the incident was insufficient/poor bonding between the boot material and the surface of the wing leading edge caused portion of the port wing de-icing boot to depart and evidence that the boots had been poorly maintained in service.

The AAIU recommended that the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) should review requirements for emergency medical service (EMS) operations in order to set standards of safety.

A study by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently concluded that many of the air ambulance accidents could have been prevented with new technology, better risk assessment and tighter rules on flying in bad weather.

A KILRUSH man accused of seriously assaulting a 60-year-old has been refused bail, after a judge ruled that intimidation of a ‘serious, sinister and massive’ nature had taken place.

Judge Joseph Mangan told Ennis District Court yesterday that he was left “without a scintilla of a doubt” that various witnesses have been subjected to intimidation.

He made the ruling after gardaí said they would not tolerate rule by one particular family in Kilrush.

He was speaking during the case of Martin O’Brien (25), of St Senan’s Terrace, Kilrush, who was making his third court appearance, in connection with an alleged assault on Paddy Kelleher, causing him harm, at Crawford Street, Kilrush, in the early hours of July 18.

The accused was charged last Wednesday and was granted bail at Kilrush District Court, subject to conditions, including that he have no contact with the alleged injured party.

The State re-entered the case at Ennis Court on Friday, after two rocks were thrown at Mr Kelleher’s home, one of which smashed through a window, at 1.10am on Thursday morning.

Inspector Tom Kennedy applied to revoke the accused’s bail, “on the basis that Martin O’Brien is directing or controlling the incident (the throwing of the rocks), with the intention of intimidating Mr Kelleher to withdraw his statement.

“What is going on here is sinister and is perverting the course of justice,” he said, adding that Mr Kelleher was being “bullied” into pulling out of the case.

“Mr O’Brien and his family will not have an O’Brien rule in Kilrush and prevent the State from processing cases against them,” said the inspector.

Mr Kelleher, of Crawford Street, Kilrush, told the court, “I think the wrong man is in court. . .He is a way heavier bloke, the bloke that slashed me. I want the case dropped. I am just nervous about it. That’s it. I don’t want no hassle.”

AN ENNIS-based company is pioneering a novel new online dating service – lovemelovemySPORT.com is a specialist dating agency for sports fans. The free service offers people the chance to share their sporting passions and make new friends online. The service is the first of its kind in Ireland and England. Margaret Keane runs lovemelovemySPORT.com from her home on the Tulla Road, Ennis.

“I had been looking for an Internet business and there has been this huge buzz around social networking in the dating industry. It’s not just about romance but about extending your circle of friends.”

Since the website was launched earlier this year it has attracted sports fans of different ages. Hurling and football games have been the most popular venues with sports lovers followed closely by rugby.

“The GAA has been the biggest draw so far but Munster rugby is very popular. We are a sports mad nation and I think it’s a better way for people to meet its more relaxed and not as contrite as other ways. I have been married for ten years so I know how important it is to have something in common!”

Other sports to feature on the website include equestrian games, body building and surfing.

The website is currently running a competition for new members who register between now and August 31 who will be entered into a draw for a signed Paul O’Connell jersey.

For further information:

lovemelovemySPORT.com.

LANDLUBBERS, water sprites and high-flyers will all have their tastes catered for in this year’s line-up for the Scariff Harbour Festival.

Locals and visitors will converge on the East Clare town over this coming August Bank Holiday weekend to sample a varied assortment of land, water and air spectacles.

For those who like to keep their feet firmly on dry land, there’s a 12mile guided walk of the Cappabane section of the East Clare Way or strollers can opt for the less-strenuous six mile guided walk, with prizes for identifying wild flowers along the way. Drawn tours of Scariff Harbour will be provided by a pair of beautiful Clydesdales or visitors can browse the arts and crafts and organic food stalls.

For those who want to run away and join the circus, the Galway Circus Project will conduct circus-skills workshops for youngsters participants aged 8-11 and for spectators of all ages.

Or children can explore their artistic talents under the expert guidance of Killanena-based artist, illustrator and teacher Julie Douglas.

Frank Moynihan, the Kerry-based author, broadcaster and chef instructor, will prepare tasty edibles that can be sampled on the day.

The water theme will be very much to the fore this year. According to Harry O’Meara, Chairman of the Festival Committee, “the lake and the river amenities are central to the weekend activities and are an important part of our community celebrations.”

On the opening evening of the Festival, five East Clare Communities will come together in a spectacular torch-lit, water-borne parade Riverside Park. Hourly waterbus tours of the Scariff River and Lough Derg are offered free of charge by Waterways Ireland.

High-flyers will have a chance to take to the air with Alpin-copters for a bird’s-eye view of the East Clare countryside, Lough Derg and Holy Island, weather permitting. Flights cost €50 but there’s also a raffle for a free flight.

Rebecca Storm is one of the music highlights, while there will be free concerts on the main stage on the Fair Green with Brush Shiels, Jazz Lite, the Fire Kings, Meat Loaf Tribute Band, Eoin O’Neill and Friends, Omagh Community Choir and the Emerald Céili Band.

The festival kicks off on Friday evening.

PLANS are to be lodged with Clare County Council for a “world class” €20 million greyhound stadium in south-east Clare, it emerged yesterday.

Bord na gCon has lodged plans with the council for the 3,000 capacity stadium in close proximity to the Two Mile Inn Hotel, on the fringes of Limerick city.

The plan is to construct the five storey stadium and a three storey office building at Meelick, which will employ 100 people.

The plan is to also include betting facilities, two restaurants and four bars with a dance floor and function areas.

The Irish Greyhound Board has lodged an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the application.

According to PR and Marketing Executive with the Irish Greyhound Board, Patricia O’Grady, the project is to be funded through the sale of existing assets, tote profit and a government grant.

Ms O’Grady said that the breakdown of the numbers employed would be 30 per cent full-time and 70 per cent part-time.

“We expect the stadium to be operational by 2008. The anticipated annual turnover in relation to the development is €8 million to €10 million.”

Ms O’Grady said that the Meelick site was chosen for a number of reasons, including excellent road access from all areas, proximity to an urban centre, good profile, high visibility and competitive pricing.

The stadium has been desgned by Hamilton Architects and Ms O’Grady said: “we would like to thanks all the owners, breeders, trainers and general public in Limerick and Clare for their patience on this matter and we look forward to providing the people of the Mid West with a world class greyhound stadium.”

Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) said: “I’m fully in support of the application. It is a great boost in terms of employment. I am assured by Bord na gCon that there will be a very positive spin-off for the local community.

“I am absolutely thrilled. It allows Meelick to progress forward, while allowing the village to retain its rural character.

“It will provide employment for the area as well.”

“There are several dog breeders in Meelick area who are thrilled at the prospect of the stadium. Clare has a strong tradition with dog breeding and dog-racing and I know from speaking with Limerick dog breeders that they are also looking forward to racing their dogs in Clare.”

A decision is due on the application later this year.

ELEVEN Clare soldiers continue to play an important role with the United Nations mission in Liberia.

The 11 are serving with the 95th Infantry Battalion’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) in the United Nations mission in the African country.

The QRF is a rapid deployment armoured force, capable of being deployed as the situation demands. It is composed of 330 Irish and 230 Swedish personnel.

The 330-strong contingent is currently the largest deployment of Irish soldiers in a foreign country.

The battalion provides backup and assistance to other contingents when the operational situation demands it. Soldiers also undertake humanitarian missions deep in the Liberian interior.

The 11 Clare soldiers serving in Liberia are Pte Ross Tierney (Drumcliffe), Pte Michael Devine (Kilmihil), Pte Brian Bergin (Shannon), Pte Eamon Troy (Shannon), Pte Rachel O’ Hanlon (Parteen), Pte Roger Comte (Newmarket-on-Fergus), Pte Aidan Browne (Clarecastle), Sgt Seamus Coffey (Carrigaholt), Lt Ronan O’ Halloran (Clarecastle), Capt Gillian Collins (O’Briensbridge).

The Officer Commanding 95 Infantry Battalion is Lt. Colonel Michael McMahon, a native of Tulla. He commands the Quick Reaction Force of over 500 Irish and Swedish troops.