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DESPITE the ever increasing scourge of drugs among young peo- ple, the Killaloe area has just one addiction counsellor who is paid to spend just one hour with one client a week.

The Killaloe/Ballina Family Re- source Centre gets funding for the hour of counselling but it is totally inadequate to deal with the problem, Tracey Doyle, a community worker FMW Oet tA KoMESY- BLOM

The resource centre offers counc- selling services from a voluntary councillor and a student counsellor but their paid counsellor is funded for just one hour per week by the Department of Family Affairs.

‘Addiction is affecting young peo- ple of about 15 upwards but we have to rely on the counsellors’ good will to give us hours for free. Otherwise we would not be able to offer any level of service,” said Tracey.

Other counsellors offer their time voluntarily, but don’t have the spe- cific qualification needed to counsel addicts.

“We don’t have figures for the number of people who are suffering addiction in the area but the numbers who are caught in possession are high, so considering the number who

aren’t caught, that’s a big figure.”

In her work with the Family Re- source Centre, Tracey makes contact with families when youngsters fall foul of the law because of drugs.

“We also talk to the probation and welfare officer in the court and we had considered putting it out to the judges that this service is avail- able but we couldn’t do it. We’d be swamped.”

Other areas that are not covered by counsellors with the specific quali- fications are domestic violence and child abuse.

“We’re hoping to make a very strong case for increased funding for the service for next year but, in the meantime, we have to play on the goodwill of our counsellors, who give a lot,” said Tracey.

And the need extends beyond Kil- laloe, the community worker pointed out.

“Go down the road to Scariff and there is no addiction counsellor at all. Yes, people have the option of going private but what happens to people when families can’t afford a private counsellor?”

The Killaloe/Ballina Family Re- source Centre is now up and running in its new premises on Main Street in Killaloe and counselling and other activities are going ahead again.

A TWO-YEAR Clare bid to ensure seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong travels to Ireland paid off yesterday when it was offi- cially confirmed that the Texan will take part in the Tour of Ireland in PaUUaU ee

It comes on the back of a long cam- paign by Clare hurler Tony Griffin to entice Armstrong, one of the most recognisable faces in global sports, to the country.

Almost two-years to the day that Griffin firet visited Armstrong at his home outside Austin, Texas, and first suggested the trip to Ireland, the cy- clist has confirmed that it will hap- pen later this year.

It’s also highly likely that Griffin will play a major part in Armstrong’s visit as at present, Griffin is in the final stages of establishing a unique Irish company that will cater for the training and logistical requirements for amateur and elite athletes and teams visiting Ireland.

“It’s highly possible that Lance

Armstrong will be one of the first clients of the company and we will have a professional attachment to his visit” Griffin said yesterday, “but at the moment, we’re just apprecia- tive that he’s coming to Ireland in the summer. It’s a huge coup for the country in general.

“T have been in regular contact with him since we first met in 2007 and over a series of emails, it was be- coming ever more clear to me that he was, at last, going to come to Ireland. Not only will it raise the profile of cycling in this country, it will help in this country’s fight against cancer.”

Griffin’s relationship with Arm- strong goes back to his cycle across Canada, which raised funds for can- cer research, €400,000 of which go- ing to Livestrong, Armstrong’s own charity which also seeks to battle cancer.

Four weeks ago, Griffin met with the Livestrong Chief of Staff, Mor- gan Binswanger, at a private meeting in Dublin and at that stage, it was be- coming clear Armstrong would take part in the Tour of Ireland.

“Lance is going to use the Tour of Ireland as a launching pad for a ma- jor event, the first Livestrong Global Cancer Summit, which takes place in Dublin. Ireland overcame a strong bid from France to secure Dublin as the location for this and I remember speaking to Lance on the first day we met and him saying he was delighted we had led the way in fighting can- cer by banning smoking in public places.”

€19,000 award for toddlers tumble

ELECTED members of Clare Coun- ty Council who have been unhappy with the way the planning process is being applied in Clare should ad- dress their concerns to the govern- ment, who are now drawing up new planning legislation.

That was what councillors were told in an answer to a motion before the local authority from Cllr PJ Kel- ly (FF) asking for a definition of the term ‘proper planning and sustain- able development’.

In the official answer, Cllr Kelly was referred to a source book which described the term in the context of Global equity an issue “which has absolutely nothing to do with plan- ning in county Clare”.

The councillor was also told that the government is in the process of drawing up new planning legisla- tion and this was an opportunity for members to express their views.

Cllr Kelly said that as far as he can see, the term “is different things for different areas and it leads to incon- sistency and injustice in a big way. It allows the maximum discretion to planners but what it boils down to 1s that each applicant will be given a fair trial but they can be sure they’Il be shot at dawn.”

The councillor said that “people have suffered because of the interpretation of this and I would hope that when new legislation comes into being, this term will be properly defined.”

FORD was a bit late entering the crowded SUV market, but I think it was worth waiting for their Kuga.

I first drove this neat SUV over a testing off-road obstacle course at Druid’s Glen golf course in County Wicklow last year. As I said before on these pages, car companies go to great efforts to show us what their SUVs can do off-road. In reality, the only grass that will touch the wheels of most SUVs is if the driver has to pull in and let another car pass on a CoO MYM Ouse IF

I genuinely expected the Kuga to pick up some silverware at the end- of-year Irish motoring awards, but it was beaten by the Volvo XC60 for SUV/Crossover of the Year at the Semperit sponsored awards.

Coincidentally, my week in the Kuga came immediately after testing the massive XC60. Naturally friends wanted to know which was the best. Comparisons in this instance are not fair; the XC60 is bigger and chunkier and much more expensive. The Kuga would probably be compared more with Nissan’s Quashgai, which is even cheaper. Ultimately it comes down to what you can afford in these recessionary times.

It’s no secret that I am a big Ford fan and as far as I’m concerned cars with the famous blue oval logo can do no wrong. But I also realise that others, including my own family, are not as keen on everything to come O)HmOm one

When I sat in I was immediately impressed with the way my back fit- ted snugly into the seat. There is am- ple seating for five adults. The boot is huge and of course the back seat can be let down to provide more carrying space if needed.

The interiors of most new cars are predominantly black, so it was nice to see a grey strip stitched to front and rear seats. The grey lines did brighten up the interior, but really I think they looked a bit naff.

The dash is regular Ford design with discreet slave controls for the radio/CD to the side of the steering Wheel. On the bonnet, straight in

your line of vision, are two raised creases which help you get a feel for where exactly you are positioned on the road.

Externally the car looks very neat. The front has attractive headlamps and the rear is well finished. Two sil- ver roof racks add to the SUV effect.

At night you get the benefit of a dis- creet light under the side mirrors to

help you walk away from the car in leyu rca alae lente

The Kuga, which is built on the same platform as the Focus and C- Max, handles very well and is I think ideal for city or rural driving. Natu- rally, being an SUV, the driving po- sition is high and the visibility front and back, is good.

Only available in 2.0 diesel, prices

Start at €32,565 for the five-door two-wheel drive Zetec and go up to €39,995 for the top of the range Ti- tanium All-Wheel drive. All models are in Band D for road tax which has risen to €447 per annum from Janu- Aan

“T have served for 30 years on at council, and at this point in time I have other things I feel I’d like to do.

I’d like a break from elections at this stage.”

Elections have been part of the west Clare woman’s life since she was a child, as she watched her late father Frank go on the hustings.

He served as a TD until 1981, when she ran in his place.

Prior to that Cllr Taylor Quinn had been elected to the county council.

She now hopes to concentrate on her legal interests and plans to set up a consultancy business, drawing on

her legal and political expertise.

Although she is the youngest mem- ber of the council in the Kilrush Electoral Area, she is also one of the longest serving.

Asked if she will remain involved with Fine Gael she said, “At this stage I couldn’t see why not. I have made a major contribution to the Fine Gael party. I was a member of the Fine Gael party long before I was an elected member. I was one of the founding members of young

Fine Gael. I was the first woman to be elected to an honorary position as honorary secretary back in 1979.

“IT have flown the flag for Fine Gael,” she said.

Her impressive résumé also in- cludes a number of years on the front bench in opposition, work on the Maastricht Treaty and the women’s rights committee, and she chaired the Select Committee on Judicial Yo or bee lelone

In 1982 Taylor Quinn almost left

politics after a series of malicious ru- mours threatened to finish her bud- ding career.

Back fighting she was re-elected in November 1982.

Born in Moyasta, she went to Mo- yasta National School, Convent of Mercy, Kilrush, and University Col- lege Galway.

She was first elected to Clare Coun- ty Council in 1979, and served as a TD from 1981-1982 and 1982-1992. She was a senator from 1992-2002.

TRIBUTES were paid _ through- out the Fine Gael Party to outgoing councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn just minutes after she announced her intention not to contest the 2009 lo- cal elections.

Amongst the first to pay tribute was the chairperson of the Fine Gael branch in Clare, Dick Pilk- ington.

‘Madeleine has been a true Fine Gael person. We have had many disagreements on policies and on

different things we agreed to differ,” he said.

He commended her for travelling from Donegal to Clare to ensure that Fine Gael secured a European seat for Jim Higgins in 2005.

“You have shown what a mayor should be. You have dignity and abil- ity and you are going to be a hard act to follow,” he said.

Joe Arkins, who chaired Friday night’s convention, congratulated her on her long involvement in poli- wee

“IT am particularly proud of you as

mayor of Clare and as someone I can look up to as mayor of Clare,” he said.

Cllr Taylor Quinn was the first Fine Gael member to be elected mayor of Clare, when she took office last June.

As she prepares to leave local poli- tics from the highest office possible, she has vowed to remain a member of Fine Gael and involved in polli- wee

Clare TD Joe Carey praised her for flying the Fine Gael flag in county Clare, “through thick and thin.”

“Madeleine Taylor Quinn always put the Fine Gael Party first. I have no doubt that your time in politics is not finished,” he said.

Fellow TD Pat Breen also added his regards.

“I was elected to Clare County Council with you in 1999, and while we had our political differences from time to time, we worked for the party very well together while I was on the council.

“I wish you well in your short little holiday. Do hope you have an extend- ed break if you can at all in it, and I

know that you will be there with us all in the local elections, lending a hand,” he said.

Cllr Oliver Garry, who will con- tinue to contest the election in the Kilrush area said, “I have yet to meet anybody that has not praised her on the job of mayor, from all sides of politics.

“She is probably the best mayor to have ever represented this council and I wish you well for the next five months.”

He thanked her for her support dur- ing his first term in the council.

MEMBERS of the Ennis Forum are set to protest outside the offices of Ennis Town Council next Monday, WW ETKe see

Businesses are to gather at Guar- anakilla in the upper market area of Ennis at 2.30pm before marching to Waterpark House. The March month- ly meeting of Ennis Town Council is due to take place 3.30pm.

Prior to that meeting, representa- tives of the business lobby group will also deliver a letter outlining a number of issues that they insist the council must immediately address.

The forum is calling for commer- cial rates to be frozen at 2008 levels.

Members of Ennis Town Council agreed last December to increase commercial rates by three per cent.

Selo Coacreem-UNOMyc-VelRMN eke ttbate es to be phased in gradually and not levied as one large payment.

Public parking and taxi rank serv- ices are the other main issues ad- dressed in the letter.

‘All businesses are looking for a re- duction in the cost of doing business and an improvement in services,” said local Fine Gael councillor and Ennis Forum committee member, Johnny Flynn.

He continued, “We are asking that Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council step up and play their part to lower costs and retain

jobs in Ennis. Because that’s what’s its all about, keeping jobs in Ennis.”

CEO of Ennis Chamber and En- nis Forum committee member, Rita McInerney, said the forum had met regularly since a committee was es- tablished two weeks ago.

She said the objective of the protest was to publicly raise the concerns that have emerged in the business community over the past number of years.

“We want to sit down and find a way forward with the council. We are looking for an immediate reduction in rates and an immediate suspension in water charges. We understand that we have to pay for the interim treat- ment plant but there has been a huge

increase in water charges. It makes it difficult for any business trying to budget for the year ahead,” she said.

Ms McInerney said the forum was eager to meet with councillors and council officials but warned that all parties would have to be equally rep- resented at meetings.

“We want to make sure that all businesses have their voices heard,” she said.

Of the prospect of the Ennis Forum fielding a candidate in the forthcom- ing local elections, an option put for- ward at a Forum meeting two weeks, Ms McInerney said that the elections was not an “immediate issue’ and had not been discussed by the com- Hep LAK Lon

PARENTS of children attending Seamount College in Kinvara are calling on Education Minister, Batt O Keeffe, to clarify the future of the school before growing speculation causes a major drop in new enrol- ments.

Following the Governments deci- sion to delay the construction of a new school for Seamount earlier this month – fears have been growing that the whole project could be put in jeopardy.

After protracted discussions in 2007 the Sisters of Mercy, who own the current school building and premises, agreed to forgo closing the school until a facility was construct- ed by the Government.

The first condition on this decision however, was that the school be built without delay.

According to RESCUE, the parents eroup campaigning for the school, clarification is required urgently.

“The people of Kinvara have been waiting patiently for nearly two years since Ministers Noel Treacey and Tony Killeen stood on the stage in Seamount College and promised that Kinvara would have a new co-ed school – they told the assembled stu- dents, teachers and parents that the problem was over,’ said a RESCUE spokesperson.

“Tt is being publicly speculated that the Department of Education have appointed officials to visit Kinvara this month to inspect sites already identified for the new school, nego- tiations are at an advanced stage be- tween the Department and the Mercy

Sisters to keep Seamount College open until the new co-ed school is ready.

“These negotiations may include the lease or purchase of the existing school buildings by the department to allow the school to be developed to a co-educational model.”

RESCUE claim that the Depart- ment of Education have been unable to answer any of their questions in relation to the school’s future.

“The provision of a co-ed school in Kinvara was approved on the strength of the department’s own report of January 2008. RESCUE

questions whether the minister has ever read this report,” continued the spokesperson.

‘Before the last election, the Green Party, now partners in Government, made much noise about the provision for education in their 50 point plan. They made a specific commitment,

at national level, to second level edu- cation in Kinvara.”’

Jet FM hopes to freshen up Shannon airwaves