Category: News

AN TAISCE has joined with the Ballyvaughan Development Association and other residents in opposing a proposal to build what’s claimed will be the largest estate in the north Clare coastal village.

A developer, Thomas Considine, has lodged plans with Clare County Council to build a multi-million euro, 21-house extension onto the existing 12-house “Dolmen Village” estate.

In its objection, An Taisce states public services are in need of upgrade, and such a large estate would consequently, be premature.

They claim that the development should be in keeping with the Burren landscape and warn, “this may set an example for future developments.”

In its objection, the Ballyvaughan Development Committee states that “the proposed development is not in keeping with the existing Dolmen Village, where each of the houses are single dwellings, each on their own site.”

“Knowing the serious constraints that presently exist regarding the water and sewerage infrastructure in Ballyvaughan, we regard this application as premature, pending the proper upgrading of facilities at Ballyvaughan,” said Chairman of Ballyvaughan’s Development Committee, Gerry O’Sullivan.

“The overall effect of the proposed development will lead to near tripling in size of the present Dolmen Village, with what we consider to be inappropriate house type designs for a small rural village. We also consider the proposed development to be too dense. We are also concerned that the proposed development involves an erosion of the sole public open space in Dolmen Village.”

A number of residents at the estate have told the council that the proposed development “damages the overall integrity of the Dolmen Village”.

“It will create a 33-house development, which is far in excess of any similar size in Ballyvaughan, or anywhere near it, resulting in the largest housing estate on the north Clare coast.

“The Dolmen Village, will in effect, be tripled in size and this will have problems for water pressure, waste storage location, effluent treatment, irrespective of any proposed temporary treatment plant for the first phase of the development.”

A decision is due on the application later this month.

THE heartbroken principal of Feakle National School has spoken of his efforts to maintain normality for his pupils, while at the same time acknowledging the tragedy which has rocked the school.

Ted Harrington and his five staff re-opened the 90-pupil school yesterday (Monday) morning, for the first time since Karl died on the premises last Tuesday evening.

A service of reflection and prayer, involving both parents and pupils of the school, marked the re-opening.

While Karl’s siblings were absent from their classes, the thoughts of everybody were with them.

“We are trying to come to terms with our tragedy, in our school community. Today has been a very important day for the pupils, students and parents. We have received a lot of help from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS),” he said.

Messages of support have also flooded in on the webpage of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), as a tribute to the child.

“We have never experienced anything like this before. The response nationwide has been phenomenal. We have received expressions of deepest sorrow from the four corners of the country,” he said.

“As a school community we are very grateful for all the support we have got from our own community, a community that is united in grief at the moment.

“We are trying to return to some kind of normality and we will handle it one day at a time.

“The minds and hearts of all of us are with Linda and Noel and the family at this stage,” he said.

Last Friday, Mr Harrington told mourners attending Mass of the Angels in Feakle that everybody was shocked by the tragic death of the smiling child, who captured the hearts of those who knew him.

“We are all shocked. We love you Karl. Our hearts are broken. We are suffering the heartbreak, the crushed heartbreak is there,” he said.

“Life changes in minutes and how we handle that change is important. We try and help each other by sticking together,” he said.

A TOURISM promotional hat-trick has been scored for the Shannon Region last week as three major US radio station broadcast live from Limerick City.

The initiative was organised for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of last week by Tourism Ireland’s US team, Delta Air Lines, Fáilte Ireland, and Shannon Development, and thanks to it almost 20 million US radio listeners had the opportunity to hear about the Shannon Region and Ireland.

“We are delighted to be playing our part in this innovative campaign which gives us a unique opportunity to showcase the Shannon Region as a premier international tourism destination. This initiative complements our overseas marketing programme for 2006 and we will be working hard to ensure that a strong tourism message is delivered during the broadcasts,” says John King, Heritage and Tourism Director, Shannon Development.

The visit to Limerick City was coordinated by Shannon Development and the three US radio crews broadcast their regular shows from the Clarion Hotel in Limerick City over three days.

THE Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Michael Martin has rejected calls to establish a task force in response to recent job losses in Clare. Fine Gael deputy, Pat Breen had called for the measure, pointing out that 24 companies had been lost to the Midwest in the past three years with only five projects attracted to the region.

However, in the Dail, Minister Martin said, “I do not propose to establish a task force as I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the development agencies, together with the ongoing commitment of Government to regional development will bear fruit in terms of additional sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Clare, including those living in Ennis.”

Minister Martin said that Clare had a strong base of foreign direct investment jobs. He said that State-supported FDI employment represented approximately 15 per cent of the total labour force in Clare, as compared to about 7 per cent nationally.

“IDA has nine supported companies in Clare, employing 1,024, a provisional figure, in December 2005, 67 per cent of which are in Ennis. Employment in IDA supported companies demonstrated strong growth during 2005, growing by about 11 per cent in County Clare,” he said.

“In moving Clare to a more knowledge based economy, IDA Ireland is partnering with the educational institutions in the region, in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment in activities, such as research and development corporate services, shared services, supply chain management and treasury management.

Deputy Breen said he was “disappointed with the Minister’s response.”

“Ennis has huge potential in terms of jobs, but is becoming a dormitory town. No major foreign direct investment has come into Ennis for a number of years and I am worried about the whole jobs policy for Clare. There is no direction.”

However, Fianna Fail senator, Brendan Daly accused Deputy Breen of “obviously running out of issues to raise.”

“If anything, there are a surplus amount of organisations in Clare concentrating on bringing industry to the county. I can’t understand the motivation for Deputy Breen calling for a task force as the personnel in the likes of Shannon Development come with great calibre. The issue that does need clarity is who should lead the promotion of industry in the region and I believe that it should rest with Shannon Development.”

A MAN who entered Shannon Garda Station “waving” a bread knife pleaded guilty to the offence and had four other charges against him dismissed, at Ennis District Court.

Sergeant James Murphy told the court last Tuesday that Michael Delaney (44), of 16 Elm House, Drungeeley Shannon, entered the public office at the garda station “waving a knife in a threatening manner,” on March 26, 2005.

He said the accused was intoxicated. The garda grabbed his arm and restrained him, before arresting him.

He was convicted of possessing a knife contrary to Section 9 (1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. After being remanded in custody for three days, Mr Delaney appeared before Judge Mangan again last Friday. On that occasion, the defendant was remanded on bail pending preparation of a probation report. He will appear again at Shannon District Court on May 18th next. As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered by the court to abstain from alcohol.

Earlier in the proceedings, Mr Delaney had four charges of breaching barring orders dismissed.

A MAN who threatened he would drive a hatchet through a woman’s head has pleaded guilty to a string of offences at Miltown Malbay District Court.

Bart Russell, with addresses at The Mews, Kilrush Road, Ennis, and Seafield Road, Quilty, is facing the charges, arising out of an incident at Seafield Road, Quilty, on July 15, 2004.

Superintendent Eamon Dolan told the court that as a result of children throwing stones, the accused followed a girl as she cycled past his home.

As a result, she was very distraught and the girl’s mother called to the accused’s home.

“He threatened he would kill her, by driving a hatchet through her forehead,” he said, adding that when gardaí arrived on the scene. Russell then attempted to hit Garda Joe O’Donoghue with the hatchet.

The superintendent told the court that the DPP consented to a summary disposal of the case, in the district court.

Defence solicitor John Casey applied to adjourn the case for two months, saying the accused was due to meet with his psychiatrist the following day. Judge Joseph Mangan agreed, and ordered that a Probation Report be compiled.

Mr Russell is also facing a charge of arson and criminal damage, at Moyglass, Mullagh, on April 18, 2005.

This case was adjourned for preparation of the Book of Evidence.

He will appear in court again next month on those charges.

GARDAI in Clare say they have not received any complaints in relation to the pyramid scheme into which several million euro has been invested across the country.

It is understood that at a meeting in Cork recently, Clare was mooted as a target area in which to set up.

The Clare People has learned that plans were afoot to hold a meeting in Clare at the weekend, with a view to recruiting people. While a Garda spokesman confirmed that gardaí were aware that such a meeting was mooted early last week, no complaints were made.

“We had information that there may have been a meeting at one of the hotels in town [Ennis] early last week but nothing came of it. We did not receive any complaints in relation to it,” he said.

Under the scheme, people are encouraged to invest a sum of money – at least €5,000. They are told that if they introduce two others, they will receive an eight-fold return on their investment. The chain starts to break down when others cannot find investors. The scheme which started in west Cork last year has attracted copious amounts of money.

Gardaí in Cork who are investigating the scam are preparing a file for the DPP on the matter.

A COUNCILLOR has been sent forward to stand trial in the Circuit Court next month in connection with the alleged misappropriation of funds belonging to Galway County Council.

Cllr. Michael Fahy, who resigned from Fianna Fáil a year and a half ago when this matter first emerged, but who continues to serve as an independent member of Galway County Council, appeared before Kinvara District Court on Monday.

Supt. Paul Mockler told Judge Joseph Mangan that a Book of Evidence had been served.

Fahy, who is pleading not guilty, was remanded on his own bail of €100. He will appear before Galway Circuit Court on April 25.

Fahy, a poll-topper in the last two local elections and a member of Galway County Council for the past 25 years, faces eight charges under the Larceny and Theft and Fraud Offences Acts.

They include allegations that in 2001 and 2002, with intent to defraud, he caused amounts of £5,624 and £7,055 to be paid by Galway County Council. The money was allegedly paid to a fencing company for his own use or benefit for works included in those sums to the value of £748 and £3,702 respectively, in respect of a Community Involvement Scheme approved by the council by falsely pretending that the works had been approved by the council. He is further charged with attempting to dishonestly misappropriate €7,523 from the council in 2003. Another charge alleges he attempted to make personal gain by producing or making use of a document, which to his knowledge was false or misleading.

A MOTHER of four young children from Clarecastle has been jailed for two months after gardaí discovered almost 300 ecstasy tablets concealed in her kitchen.

Margaret Nihill (29), of 5, Lower Clarehill, Clarecastle pleaded guilty Con O’Sullivan (Killarney) pictured taking part in the BoylePoker.Com Irish Poker Tour Munster Open held in the Greenhills Hotel, Limerick on Saturday.

O’Sullivan fought off the attentions of 89 players, including 25 professionals, to win the to possessing the drugs but denied she intended supplying them to others.

Ms Nihill faced three charges in all, two of possession contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and one under Section 15 of the same act, of possession for unlawful sale or supply. tournament and walk away with a cheque for

€9,000 and a ticket to the Irish Poker Tour Final

(Citywest, Dublin on June 2nd).

Over €45,000 was paid out in prizes.

Garda Lorraine Mongan gave evidence of obtaining a warrant to search the defendant’s home on May 11, 2005.

She and Detective Garda Seamus McMahon, of the Divisional Drugs Unit, carried out a search of the house along with other gardaí, during which a 295 ecstasy tablets were discovered on top of a press in the kitchen.

A small amount of amphetamine (speed) was also found. Det Gda McMahon told that court that Ms Nihill told him, when interviewed a short time later, that she was “holding the ecstasy tablets for a week for someone to whom she owed a favour.”

Ms Nihill pleaded guilty to the two charges of possession in respect of the ecstasy tablets and amphetamine and was also convicted of possession for unlawful sale or supply.

Judge Mangan sentenced the accused to two months in prison, but fixed recognisance in the event of an appeal.

AER LINGUS staff at Shannon last night agreed to ballot for industrial action to oppose plans to sell the airline.

In a packed meeting at the Great Southern Hotel, almost 150 SIPTU members voted in favour of a motion in favour of holding a “protective ballot”, in the event of the company “moving towards privatisation unilaterally and without agreement on the core issues of concern to the members.”

The members also passed a vote in support of the union’s anti-privatisation campaign.

After the meeting, SIPTU’s Tony Carroll said that the members “expressed serious concern about what the future holds for everyone in a privatisation situation.”

He said the issues that were of greatest concern included job security, rewards and recognition, core numbers and other matters from the central agenda of the business plan.

It is feared that there could be widespread job-cuts after a majority stake in the airline is sold to raise an anticipated €800 million.

This could happen within three months.

For the Shannon staff, a particular issue of concern are work practice changes that would flow from a privatisation.

SIPTU has 200 members in Shannon, mostly in the ground operations and cargo sections.

“We will be going ahead with the ballot from tomorrow (Wednesday) and we would expect to have the result by Friday week,” the SIPTU official said.

The meeting was addressed by Tony Carroll and SIPTU National Secretary, Michael Halpenny.

Last week, 300 Aer Lingus staff at Dublin Airport also agreed to a protective ballot for industrial action.

At that meeting, the Dublin members decided not to allow the airline’s chief executive, Tom Mannion, address them on the planned privatisation of the company.

A union delegation has met with Transport Minister Martin Cullen, who told them that he had directed the State airline’s chief executive to discuss the implications of any planned flotation with them.

SIPTU’s financial advisers have indicated the Government may have to sell up to 60 per cent of the airline and retain a 25 per cent stake.

The remaining 15 per cent is owned by a collective employee share trust.