Category: News

THE Director of the Galway Clinic has claimed that for The Mid Western Regional Hospital Ennis to be a “comprehensive hospital”, it will require more than 100 consultants, including anaesthetists.

Speaking to The Clare People following a three-day Health Conference in Ennis, Mr Jimmy Sheehan, said that for every 100 “very active hospital beds”, 100 consultants were needed.

“You need, not just a huge investment, but huge ongoing resources to provide the comprehensive care now necessary,” he said.

The HSE Capital Programme for 2006 to 2010, which was published this week, includes €22 million for the “rebuild of Ennis General Hospital”.

Two million of that figure is to be spent on the initial part of the project.

The HSE hopes to submit the planning application for the €20.8 million development by June, with a view to putting the works to tender before the end of the current year.

But, Mr Sheehan, who is no stranger to building hospitals, is critical of the bureaucracy that delays the building of public hospitals.

He said that the complete building project for the Galway Clinic took 18 months.

The hospital is now up and running two years. A hospital in Tullamore, which began construction at the same time by the same builder, is still awaiting equipment.

“In the public sector the planning process takes a very different period of time,” said Mr Sheehan.

“In the private sector, you decide the equipment needed and make sure the building is suitable,” he said.

This compares to the public sector where the building is completed and then the equipment sourced. This can often lead to the need for an extension to the new building or its rebuilding before it even opens, he claims.

“There seems to be a totally different frame of mind when paying from the public purse,” he added.

Mr Sheehan also expressed his concerns that Clare people on surgical waiting lists were unaware of their rights under the Treatment Purchase Fund.

Any patient on a waiting list of three months or more can activate immediate treatment in a private hospital through the fund.

“They themselves have to activate it by getting onto the treatment purchase fund, or getting their GP to do so,” he said.

“No one should be waiting without the availability of services,” he added.

AN INTERNAL Garda enquiry has been set up to examine the initial Garda investigation into the death of Gary Cotter in west Clare two years ago.

Mr Cotter (20), of Henry Street, Kilrush, was a front seat passenger in a car, which crashed at Moyasta, Kilrush, on April 11, 2004. The driver of the car, Mark O’Gorman, was found not guilty by a jury, of dangerous driving causing death, at Ennis Circuit Court last week.

Mr Cotter’s family say that many questions remain unanswered, arising out of the investigation into the death.

The Cotter family is unhappy with the way the investigation into Gary’s death was handled and have made a complaint to the Justice Minister Michael McDowell, outlining their concerns. This was forwarded to the Garda authorities and prompted a Garda investigation to be set up.

Clare Chief Superintendent Liam Quinn confirmed that a Roscommon-based superintendent had been appointed to conduct the enquiry and that he would report directly to Assistant Garda Commissioner Gerry Kelly.

“A senior Garda Officer has been appointed, at my request, to review all aspects of the Garda investigation into a road traffic accident at Moyasta on April 11, 2004, which resulted in the death of Gareth Cotter from Kilrush,” said Chief Supt Quinn.

The Clare People has learnt that the appointment was made last week, following consultations between solicitors for the Cotter family and Garda representatives. The officer in charge of the enquiry will liaise with the Cotter family.

“The officer will be reporting in the medium term. The investigation is independent of the Clare division and will report to Assistant Commissioner Gerry Kelly,” added the chief superintendent.

“The family have questions they want to answer and I think this is the way to do it,” he said.

In a statement released to The Clare People yesterday (Monday), the dead man’s parents Seán and Mary said, “This trial process regardless of the outcome, was never going to change anything for us, as we still have to deal on a day-to-day basis with the loss of our son Gareth (Gary).”

The Cotter family, including Gary’s siblings Owen (28), Eimear (25) and Eric (19), is hopeful that the investigation will “allay concerns and serious issues raised in relation to the manner in which the gardaí conducted the entire investigation into the death of our son.”

TWO brothers who “set upon” and beat a young Ennis man have been handed suspended jail sentences and ordered to pay €5,000 each to the victim.

Gerard O’Brien (30), of Frenchcourt, Clonroad, Ennis, and John O’Brien (27), of St Michael’s Villas, Ennis, pleaded guilty to assaulting Stuart Daly, causing him harm, on the Watery Road, Ennis, on February 27, 2005.

Garda Stephen Hession told Ennis Circuit Court that gardaí received a call in the early hours of the morning and, as a result, went to a house on the Watery Road.

Stuart Daly, of Clancy Park, Ennis, was lying on the couch and was in a “considerable amount of pain,” having sustained serious leg injuries and scrapes to the face. Daly told gardaí that a bar was used in the assault.

Garda Hession said it was alleged that Daly and another man had been accused of scraping a jeep some hours before the assault.

“They alleged as a result of this, Mr Daly had suffered a beating,” he said.

Gerard O’Brien’s barrister, Michael Fitzgibbon, said his client ended up in a situation that “spiralled out of control.”

He said O’Brien, a self-employed tiler, had never been in trouble before.

He handed a number of testimonials in to the court, in support of his client, one of which was from Fianna Fáil TD Tony Killeen.

John O’Brien’s barrister, Mark Nicholas, said his client left school early and has worked since, as a plasterer.

Referring to the allegations that a bar was used in the assault, Mr Nicholas said, “No bar was found.”

“If this court is of the mind to give him a chance, the chance will be taken,” said Mr Nicholas.

Both barristers said their clients had €5,000 each in court, as a sign of their remorse.

Judge Con Murphy said the circumstances were exactly the same in both cases.

“Gerard and John O’Brien set up Mr Daly, the victim. He was very seriously cut and bones broken. The victim was on his own and was effectively ambushed by the two accused,” he said.

He took into account that both cooperated with gardai and pleaded guilty.

He imposed two-year jail terms on each, suspended for two years, on condition that they entered bonds to keep the peace. He directed that €5,000 be paid by both to the victim.

HALF of Ireland’s gas needs could be met by two Clare based organisations over the next ten years if developments announced this week come to fruition.

Shannon Development has entered a potentially lucrative land development gas deal in Kerry while the proposed gas field off Spanish Point made significant progress over the last seven days.

The regional development agency has agreed an ‘option to purchase agreement’ with Shannon LNG regarding 281 acres of Shannon Development owned land bank between Tarbert and Ballylongford near the national grid gas pipeline. According to Shannon Development Chief Executive Kevin Thompstone the project could provide over 40 per cent of Ireland’s gas requirements. Under the agreement, Shannon LNG, an Irish subsidiary of Hess LNG Limited, is proposing to build a €400 million liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal on land on the Shannon Estuary.

According to Shannon Development the deal allows for full consultation with the relevant authorities and the local community.

The proposed terminal would comprise a ship unloading jetty, two or more LNG storage tanks and related buildings and facilities. In addition, a new pipeline, about 25 to 30km in length, will be built to transport the gas to the national gas pipeline system, east of the site.

Announcing the initiative yesterday, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin TD said the project; “has the potential to make a real difference to long term energy costs as well as to deliver significant environmental and employment benefits.”

Meanwhile, plans to develop a major gas field off Spanish Point moved a step closer last week with the announcement by Providence Resources that they are looking for a partner to help them develop the site.

The search for a third party developer is a significant step in the Spanish Point field and a company spokesperson described the interest being shown in industry as ‘significant’.

The company farmed out an 80 per cent stake of a similar project at Dunquin off the Kerry coast to the world’s largest publicly listed energy company, ExxonMobil, in February. A similar agreement could see work commencing on the Spanish Point site in the next 12 months.

Initial survey data indicates that there could be a 30 year supply of gas in the Spanish Point field while exploratory work on it’s sister site off the north Clare coast is ongoing.

Providence also announced gross profits in excess of €1million for 2005 last week.

RESIDENTS vehemently opposed to the erection of a controversial ESB mast close to the Éire Óg GAA grounds may march in protest over the issue.

The march is one course of action locals are considering after residents and political figures met with ESB representatives on Friday at a meeting convened by Senator Brendan Daly in the West County Hotel.

In a separate development, Junior Minister Tony Killeen has written to the Chief Executive Officer of the ESB, Padraig McManus, requesting the ESB to outline their policy on siting masts in residential areas.

Speaking yesterday, mast campaigner Noel Mulhaire said locals were hopeful the decision would be overturned.

“We are extremely unhappy with the decision. The mast would be literally metres from where children play sport. We have outlined our displeasure to the ESB and requested them not to build. We have the support of local councillors and we are confident that we will get a judicial review.”

Ennis Town Council are currently seeking legal advice over the matter and residents have four weeks from Friday (May 26) to apply for a judicial review.

But a spokesperson for the ESB said that, although dialogue was ongoing, the ESB fully expected the mast to be erected.

“We have full planning permission and we expect to go ahead with it. Consultations are ongoing with residents.”

Local councillor Pat Daly (FF) said that it was wrong, “for so many reasons, that the ESB should go on this site. Lives should be more important than big business.”

The controversy emerged following An Bord Pleanala’s decision to grant planning permission to the ESB for an 80-metre high telecommunications mast. In allowing the decision, the board overturned the recommendation of its inspector, who strongly recommended that permission be refused. The proposed site for the mast is situated at an existing ESB substation, located in the centre of a densely populated residential area adjacent to Mangan’s Cash and Carry. The site is 30 metres from the Éire Óg GAA grounds and is situated near Cahercalla Hospice. Locals have expressed serious concerns over potential health risks

“There are serious health concerns, there’s devaluation of property, there’s a lot of things. It is serious from the point of view that young children will be playing close to this monstrosity towering over the landscape,” one local resident said yesterday.

IN A week when a major poll suggests the electorate favour an alternative government, Clare is providing a major test of leadership skills for the potential Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

While Mr Kenny has said he will “not get involved” in the candidate selection process in Clare, many within the party believe he has already promised his close colleague, Madeleine Taylor-Quinn, a place on the ticket, following her performance in the European Election.

The former Clare TD and senator received 22,000 first preference votes from within the county, in the 2004 European vote. Unlike many of the new faces elected in 2002, she has amassed front bench experience as spokesperson on Marine, Defence and European Security. Many believe this would be invaluable in a Fine Gael-led Government.

The party seems split, however, on who, if anybody, should be added to the ticket.

While some elements claim that Cllr Taylor-Quinn should be added, others say she cannot be added, as Cllr Joe Carey polled ahead of her, coming in just three votes behind Cllr Tony Mulcahy who was elected to the ticket.

Fine Gael Head Office said the National Executive would make the decision on a possible third candidate in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Labour are preparing for their own convention. So far the selection process is a two horse race, with East Clare County Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald and the chairman of the Ennis branch, Paul O’Shea in the running for the red ticket.

Cllr Fitzgerald, who is being proposed by the Shannon branch and his own Parteen branch, was first elected to Clare in 2004.

Paul O’Shea is no novice when it comes canvassing, having unsuccessfully contesting the last local election.

Party sources said they were confident of success and were not just making up the numbers.

To secure a seat, the party must keep ahead of the Green Party in first preference votes. Labour will then hope that the Fine Gael, Green and Labour pact will come into play, securing the Labour candidate the Green’s and any possible protest independent candidate’s transfers.

The party will meet next week to discuss the convention further.

It is likely to take place in September, according to Constituency Secretary, Noel Hogan.

Labour last had a Clare TD when Dr Moosajee Bhamjee was elected with 5,113-fist preference vote.

The out-spoken TD secured his position with transfers from Fine Gael and Independents.

AN ENNIS-BASED property development company is planning a €60 million housing development on lands it bought from St. Flannan’s College.

CLS Crystal Partners Ltd has applied for permission to develop a 16-acre portion of a 35-acre site near Clareabbey, Clarecastle, which it purchased last year for €8.5 million.

The company, which is owned by local businessmen Sean Lyne and Noel Connellan, is seeking approval for the construction of 219 residential units. These would consist of 72 semi-detached homes, 104 apartments in three blocks, 22 townhouses and 21 terraced buildings, a two-storey crèche and two ESB masts.

The site fronts onto the N18 outside Clarecastle. As the land is zoned for housing, it is likely that planning permission will be granted.

Documents lodged with Clare Council Council by CLS Crystal Partners show that the land was purchased from St Flannan’s (Killaloe) Diocesan Trust, with a delayed closing date, which is imminent.

A spokesman for the diocese confirmed to The Clare People that money had already been transferred in the deal.

However, it is understood that a sum has yet to be transferred.

It is understood that this relates to the compulsory purchase of half the 35-acre site for the enlargement of the Ennis sewerage plant.

Clare County Council has paid CLS Crystal Partners for this portion and they, in turn, have paid St. Flannan’s. The other half is outstanding because of the delayed closing date.

Two objections from James Flynn, c/o Hassett Leyden & Associates and Elaine M Kelly, c/o Connellan & Associates have been lodged.

The objection lodged on behalf of Mr Flynn concerns the failure to include a permanent vandal-proof fence between his property and the land for development.

Elaine M Kelly’s objection includes concerns about the absence of a comprehensive approach to the road network at the location.

The consultants state that Ms Kelly has lodged a submission in order to protect the amenity and value of her property, and residential amenity and rights of the present occupant.

The diocesan spokesman said that it remained the intention to spend the €8.5 million on St Flannan’s College in order to adhere to the terms of the agreement with the farmer who bequeathed the land to St Flannan’s in the 1940s.

A feasibility study on the future development of the boarding school building has estimated a €10 million price tag for a complete modernization.

PRESSURE is mounting on Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to declare his candidate strategy in Clare for the next General Election in the wake of last week’s highly controversial selection convention.

With Fine Gael riding high in the national polls, The Clare People can reveal that Mr Kenny has been advised to, “sort out the mess in Clare” and so avoid an embarrassing split between grassroot members of the local organisation.

A speedy resolution to the impasse in Clare has been held up as crucial in a damage limitation exercise by Fine Gael headquarters to ward off a public conflict, which could affect the party’s chances of returning to Government.

Councillors Madeleine TaylorQuinn and Joe Carey are holding their ground on their respective desires to contest the election, amid speculation that a deal could be brokered between the two.

According to party insiders, Mr Kenny will offer Councillor TaylorQuinn a nomination to contest the Dáil election as promised before she contested the 2004 European election, and Joe Carey will be teed up for a seat in the Seanad.

The best case scenario for Councillor Carey would be the carrot of a Taoiseach’s nomination to the Seanad if Mr Kenny gets power. Failing that, Mr Kenny would commit to being in the frontline of Councillor Carey’s Seanad campaign around the country.

Councillor Carey refused to be drawn on such speculation, but in a statement said, “I have sought a meeting with Mr Frank Flannery, director of elections, to discuss the outcome of the Clare convention. I will not be making any further comment until after this meeting”.

Meanwhile, the fallout to the highly charged selection convention continues, with one Fine Gael source telling The Clare People this week that, “Joe Carey didn’t win a nomination because he broke the party whip in a vote on Cahercon Pier”.

In January, Councillor Carey abstained from a crucial vote on whether the pier should be listed as a protected structure. Despite that his party colleagues voted in favour of the designation.

And, The Clare People has also learned that “grave concerns” about the procedures followed in the selection convention were raised at last Wednesday’s National Executive meeting of the party.

A Galway delegate broached the subject, which prompted an open debate on the controversy. Enda Kenny was not present at the meeting, but is expected to face questions at the next meeting of the Executive on June 10.

Meanwhile, North Clare Councillor Martin Conway said he expects that a candidate will be added to the ticket soon. “There will be a recommendation made to the party leader to add a candidate in the near future. I would be very disappointed and surprised if there wasn’t a recommendation made at the next [Executive] meeting,” he said.

In March, Deputy Kenny added Dr John Barton to the Fine Gael ticket in East Galway after he lost out in the convention to Deputy Paul Connaughton and Senator Ulick Burke.

A MAN charged with assaulting a woman was refused bail after a court heard the alleged victim was terrified of the accused.

Senan Downes (30), of Westwood, Golf Links Road, Ennis, is accused of assault, on May 18 last.

The accused was arrested at Abbey Street, Ennis.

Garda Declan Keavey told Ennis District Court that when charged, the accused replied, “No f***ing way. I didn’t do sh**. I didn’t do f*** all.”

Inspector Michael Gallagher said a file on the matter was been prepared for the DPP and further more serious charges may follow.

He said he was objecting to bail, as the injured party was in fear of the accused.

Defending solicitor, Tara Godfrey, said her client was based in the area and was unlikely to flee.

She said he had no previous convictions for threatening witnesses.

Inspector Gallagher said, “I am contending that he threatened this witness.”

Garda Keavey then told the court the alleged injured party was likely to be detained in hospital over the weekend. “This woman is absolutely terrified of the accused,” said the garda.

Judge Aeneas McCarthy refused the bail application.

“I am refusing bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charge and on the grounds the garda says she is terrified of this man,” said the judge.

He remanded the accused in custody, to appear again in court later this week.

ALEGATIONS of blackmail and threats against the safety of their families have been leveled against the Government by a spokesperson for the 41 Afghani men who ended their week-long hunger strike in Dublin on Saturday.

Rosanna Flynn, of the Residents Against Racism group, told The Clare People yesterday that the Government threatened to release the names of the hunger-strikers to the Afghani embassy in London, thus putting their families in Afghanistan in danger.

Ms Flynn, who has been acting as a spokesperson for the group, which includes former Corofin resident Hashmat Habbib, claims it was this threat that forced the men to give up their hunger strike on Saturday night.

“The men were threatened that the Irish Government was going to release their names to the Afghan Embassy in London if they didn’t leave. Whether it was done through the Gardaí or not, I don’t know, but it was that that made them go,” said Ms Flynn.

“They reacted very badly to this. It worried them greatly. They were more frightened of that than of dying on hunger strike”.

The week-long standoff came to an end on Saturday evening when the last of the 41 hunger-strikers left St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Eight minors had been removed by HSE officials earlier in the day after their situation began to deteriorate.

“The men were relieved when the younger men left. They had been trying to persuade them to leave as the younger people were starting to do damage to themselves and one was bleeding very badly,” continued Ms Flynn.

“One of the younger strikers had slashed himself down his arm. He had been threatening suicide if he was removed.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Justice declined to make any comment on the matter but a Garda spokesperson said, “there are 33 people in front of court at present and we will not be saying anything on that until that is dealt with, if at all.”

The hunger-strikers were charged with the forcible occupation of a premises at a special sitting of Dublin District Court on Sunday morning and will appear before Kilmainham District Court this Thursday.

Residents Against Racism will stage a demonstration outside Kilmainham court on Thursday morning.