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SIXMILEBRIDGE’S _ status as Clare’s fastest growing village was yesterday confirmed when planning permission was granted to a €60 million commercial and residential development.

The development, by Fordmount Ltd, 1s expected to open in 2010, increase the population of Sixmile- bridge by 300 and provide a much needed jobs boost to the area.

The plan which Clare County Council passed includes the provi-

sion of a mixed-use scheme compris- ing residential, retail, community and commercial uses on a nine acre site bounded by the village’s Limer- ick and Clonlara Road.

The development, with a gross floor space of 13,367 square metres, will consist of 79 residential units, 26 four-bed detached houses, four four-bed semi-detached houses, 22 three-bed semi-detached houses, ten three-bed end of terrace houses, two three-bed mid terrace houses and four two-bed mid terrace houses. It will also include a convenience an-

chor store, nine “comparison retail units”, an office/commercial/com- munity suite, five non-retail services units, a bank facility, a hot food take- away and acréche facility.

The retail/commercial/apartment elements of the proposal provides for 2-3 storeys. The provision of 140 car parking spaces at lower ground floor level and 136 car parking spaces at surface level will serve the houses.

According to planning submission lodged by Fordmount Ltd with the Council, “it 1s anticipated that the proposed development will have a

permanent positive impact on the hu- man environment in Sixmilebridge”’.

The council granted planning per- mission having regard to the location of the site within the urban core of Sixmulebridge, the nature and pat- tern of development in the area and the policies of the South-East Clare Economic Plan.

The development would not seri- ously injure the amenities of the area or of properties in the area.

As part of the 49 conditions at- tached to the planning permission, Fordmount Ltd is to pay €781,000

towards public infrastructure and an additional €200,000 towards the upgrading of a bridge over the Owen- garney River.

A retail impact assessment lodged with the application stated that by 2012, the development would gener- ate €12.8 million and comprise of €8.2 million from convenience sales and €4.6 million from comparison sales. The retail assessment states that “the proposed development will not have an adverse effect on Sixmi- lebridge or on any other centre in the catchment area”.

has learned that a new main contractor has been em- ployed to complete the multi-million euro projects by Mowlam Health- Neos Work recommenced on the site yes- terday.

The Killimer Road nursing home was last month the subject of a number of pickets by subcontractors claiming to be owed tens of thou- sands by main contractors Siteline Construction.

Ennis based builder Josie Canavan said he was owed more than €60,000 while the main painting subcontrac- tor and plastering subcontractor claimed they were owed €46,000 and €11,000 respectively.

Speaking yesterday, Clare based roofer Ger Mungovan said he was

being forced to pay taxes for jobs that he was never himself paid for.

“We worked on the site for a good three or four months. We started working there in the April of 2007 and had three people working there most of the time but we would have around 5 or 6 there at the busy times,’ | aTemny-N (GE

“IT managed to get some money from Siteline at Christmas time. At the time they owed me €26,000 – I lost it with them on the phone and they paid me €18,000.”

A spokesman for Mowlam Health- care, the group behind the new nurs- ing home, confirmed to

STUDENTS at St Joseph’s training centre have been learning about the work done by the Clare branch of the Sy Neer Dule-N eke

Members of the Samaritans recent- ly spoke at the centre at the invitation of students who were keen to learn about the services provided by the organisation.

The visit, one of many carried out by the Samaritans to different com- munity and educational groups, also inspired a fundraiser.

Last week Gerry Dobbin, Deputy Director of Outreach Services for the Samaritans and Mary Lynch, Direc- tor of the Clare and Ennis Samaritans took receipt of a cheque for €140

from Michael Molloy, John Paul Sweeney and Margaret Sweeney, from St Joseph’s.

The money was raised following a darts and cards tournament organ- ised by staff and students.

Gerry Dobbin said members of the Samaritans were delighted to be given the opportunity to speak at the centre.

“We were invited to speak about the kind of work we do, which is something we are always interested in doing with any group. For us it was great and we really welcome the interest shown in our work by St Joseph’s. We were delighted to be able to speak there and we were re- ally well received,’ said Mr Dobbin.

He added, “These kind of visits

are something we try to do as often as possible with as many different eroups and organisations as possi- ble. It gives us an opportunity to talk about the service we provide. We’re willing to go and talk to any group who are interested.”

Located in the Gort Road industrial estate, St Joseph’s training centre has developed over the years into a highly active and diverse learning environment.

Programmes on offer include an array of FETAC courses, with one group of students aiming towards a full cert in FETAC Level 4. Students and instructors involved with St Jospeh’s acclaimed coppercraft pro- gramme have, in the past, enjoyed a close association with museums in

Clare and Cork city, making copper wall hangings that reflect the Travel- ler way of life and culture.

The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

A YOUNG west Clare man has ap- peared in court facing 11 charges in connection with a hit-and-run acci- dent in which two pedestrians were injured in Ennis last January.

Donal Holohan (22), of Aylroe, Kildysart, is charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop a vehicle in-

volved in the occurrence of injury to Sean Cuddihy, not having insurance, failing to produce insurance, not having road tax, failing to display a current vehicle licence and failing to be accompanied by a qualified driver, at Clonroadbeg, Ennis, in the early hours of January 13 last.

He is also charged with failing to stop a vehicle involved in the occur-

rence of injury to Tommy Walsh, driving under the influence of an intoxicant and driving with excess alcohol in breath, at Friar’s Walk, Syabavhy

He is also charged with driving a vehicle which was dangerous to the public, whereby it caused serious bodily harm to Tommy Walsh, also at Friar’s Walk, also on the same

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Inspector John Galvin told Ennis District Court last Friday that the DPP has directed that the case be tried in the circuit court and the case was adjourned for preparation of the Book of Evidence.

Defending solicitor Patrick Moylan consented to this and the accused will re-appear in court next month.

THE standoff between a Crusheen farmer and the National Roads Au- thority (NRA) deepened yesterday when Pat Fogarty refused to hand over keys to his house which is the subject of a compulsory purchase eKeloe

A section of Mr Fogarty land, in- cluding his house, 1s required for the construction of the Gort/Crusheen bypass.

Two NRA agents were refused ac- cess to Mr Fogarty’s property and were met with a protest organised by the Fogarty family and Clare IFA.

The elderly farmer declined to comment on yesterday’s actions but confirmed that negotiations were ongoing and that he hoped the situa- tion would be resolved in a peaceful nat-Nevelole

‘He has today refused to hand over keys to the NRA which means that they may well take out a court or- der against him and enforce it,” said Clare IFA president Michael Lynch who took part in yesterday’s protest.

“We would be hopeful that that wouldn’t happen and an agreement can be reached,” he said.

“He is waiting for a decision for planning permission for a replace- ment house on his land to be given by Clare County Council. If he gets that I think he will be satisfied.

“The IFA are hoping for a solution. The last thing we want is for a court order to be issued and him forcibly evicted from the house. The IFA will support Mr Fogarty as far as we can, within the law.”

A spokesman from the NRA told

STUDENTS at Ennis CBS have helped make Clare’s waterways safer by donating €1,155 to Clare Civil Defence.

The money was raised at a recent ‘No Uniform Day’ held at the prima- ry school, as part of its membership of the nationwide Green Schools pro- gramme, an international environ- mental education programme that promotes and acknowledges long- term, whole-school action for the environment.

The donation came as Clare Civil Defence confirmed that it was invest- ing in two new watercraft to assist it

in search, rescue and recovery opera- tions on waterways throughout the county.

“Everyone at Ennis CBS feels that Clare Civil Defence is worthy of re- ceiving the funds raised as it contin- ues to provide an invaluable service to all members of the community,’ explained Noreen Skerritt, Green Flag Programme Co-ordinator and teacher at Ennis CBS.

She pointed out that most people were unaware that Clare Civil De- fence was a volunteer-based organi- sation and that all members gave freely of their time to acquire skills that were vital to the local commu- nity in times of need.

Ms Skerritt continued, “Acquiring these skills involves many hours of training, which is why it is essential that these volunteers are provided with the necessary equipment. We are delighted, therefore, that the service has decided to invest the do- nated funds in two new kayaks.”

“The staff and students of Ennis CBS have every confidence that this investment will make an excellent organisation even better by enabling civil defence volunteers to respond to emergency situations more quickly and efficiently,’ she stated.

Liam Griffin, Clare Civil Defence Officer, said that the members of Clare Civil Defence were delighted

with the support they had received from Ennis CBS.

He added, “With that financial Support our organisation will now be in a better position to assist with other emergency services in various search/rescue and _ search/recovery Operations on the many waterways that exist throughout County Clare. We would also like to thank Ennis CBS for recognising the work our volunteer members perform within our local community.”

Students and staff of Ennis CBS this week presented a cheque for €1,155 to Liam Griffin at the Clare Civil Defence Headquarters, Quin Road, Ennis.

THE family of one of the three young men who drowned in Doolin after a jeep they were travelling in went over a cliff has been awarded €35,000 in compensation.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Rory McCabe approved the payment to the Griffin family from Ennis, aris- ing out of the tragedy.

Martin Griffin (24) from Ennis, Joe O’Callaghan (34) from Tulla and Waterford native Mick Doran (31), who lived in Broadford, disappeared after a night out in Doolin, on Octo- ber 31, 2005.

Their bodies, and the Suzuki Vi- tara jeep in which they were travel- ling, were subsequently found in the

local area following a major search operation which lasted 11 days.

Barrister Pat Whyms told the court WOTcLMU SLoMOCCHKCIOCOE-DOL RMD MNOS oMOr Kool Ke the owner and driver of the vehicle. He said the driver of the jeep, Joe O’Callaghan, was also killed in the accident while his father Sean, who owned the vehicle, had since died.

The case was taken against their personal representatives, under the Civil Liability Act.

Mr Whyms said that €35,000, which was the maximum, was agreed, plus costs, and would be di- vided equally between Mr Griffin’s father John Joe (60) and Martin’s four siblings, Michael, Denis, Mau- reen and Mairéad.

The court was told that as Denis is

just 13 years of age, his money would be lodged to the court.

According to papers lodged to the court, it stated that the death of Mr Griffin was “caused by the negli- gence and breach of duty of the late Joseph O’Callaghan, who died in the same accident”.

It said the vehicle was driven to a “particularly dangerous location’, a dirt road, running along the top of a cliff at Doolin.

“As aresult of inadequacies, in the driving and/or management and/or control of the said vehicle, the said vehicle was caused to fall over the said cliff resulting in the deaths of Martin Griffin, Joseph O’Callaghan and one other passenger,” added the papers.

COMPETITION in the Kilrush retail trade is set to increase with plans lodged for an Aldi outlet in the OD e0k

Cracken Properties Ltd has lodged plans with Kilrush Town Council for a single storey discount foodstore, eight retail units, five office suites and parking spaces for 107 cars.

The proposed store is to be located on a 1.4 acre site on the Ennis Road. It is the second time that the Limer- ick-based company has applied for permission to construct a discount store at the location.

Last November, the council refused planning permission for another

building on the site because of inad- equate sight distance to the east and west of the entrance which would cause a traffic hazard and endanger public safety.

The council ruled that the proposal would materially contravene the Kilrush Development Plan which requires that such development will not be prejudicial to the amenities of the area.

In their latest submission to the town council, Cracken Properties say the reasons for refusal have been carefully reviewed and they have ful- ly addressed all issues and concerns raised. They also maintain that the development will form a natural and sustainable extension to the existing

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The company contends that the na- ture of the discount store – which will only provide for part of customer’s overall retail needs – will encourage them to use other stores in Kilrush to complete their shopping.

“This would create synergy be- tween the store and existing conven- 1ence outlets,’ the submission states.

“The site is currently vacant with a neglected appearance which does not contribute to the visual ameni- ties of the area. The proposal pro- vides an opportunity to enhance the streetscape along the Ennis Road and regenerate a derelict and under-used property.

“The inclusion of a discount food-

store in the scheme will improve competition and consumer choice by providing an additional convenience retail facility in the town.

“The retail policies of the Kilrush Town Development Plan acknowl- edge that further retail facilities are needed in the town to reduce the level of expenditure leakage to larger urban centres such as Ennis, Galway and Limerick and improve the retail offer in the town.

‘The proposed development is con- sistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It complies with the provisions of the retail planning guidelines and is con- sistent with national, regional and lo- cal planning policy.”

THE third annual Ennis Street Festi- val was launched yesterday Monday June 23 by Mayor of Ennis Coun- cillor Tommy Brennan. The festival takes place from July 5 to 6 in Ennis town centre and features a wide pro- gramme of events.

All events over the weekend are run on a completely voluntary basis and rely on support from businesses and individuals in Clare.

Mayor Brennan said, “I am de- lighted to have the opportunity to launch the festival for 2008. I have admired the unique initiatives which the festival has undertaken over the

past three years and look forward to seeing the many visitors which the festival attracts for the weekend. The committee would like to thank all the traders in Ennis for their support in facilitating the festival”.

Ana Bella Alvarez, founder of the festival, said, “I have been delighted by the reaction from the town and the various artists involved and I’m looking forward to making the festi- val bigger and better in the future.”

She added, “The committee are very grateful for the co-operation of the town’s traders, the Town Coun- cil, Chamber of Commerce and the county’s Arts Office in help making the festival such a success”.

O’Connell Street will be pedes- triansed on Saturday, July 6, in O’Connell Street and Lower Market Street Area between 12 to 4pm on Saturday.

On Sunday the Gig Rig will kick off at Market Street Carpark from 1.00pm and will feature perform- ances from Billy, Clare Youth Cen- tre and a Traditional Music session. Other events in Market Street will include the Ennis Farmers Market and a Vintage Automobile Exhibi- tion. Sunday will continue with music from Sambarrada, Dog and String and street comedy from the West Kerry Italian Fancini Brothers. The evening concludes with a variety

of music events with the highlight a cabaret competition hosted by Mr Toons and the Fanzini Brothers in the West County Hotel. The Latin music collective Armada Latina per- form later that evening in Brandon’s.

On Saturday Ennis plays host to the 2008 International pipe band com- petition in the Showground’s Ennis. The event will bring pipers from across Ireland and further afield in- cluding USA and Scotland.

If you would like to help with the event or require further information please contact www.ennisstreetfes- tival.ccom, email ennisstreetfestiv al@eircom.net or by phoning 065 6893966.

THE trial of a former Killaloe-based doctor, accused of obtaining more than €80,000 from six cancer pa- tients and their relatives by falsely pretending he could cure the cancer, has been adjourned after an insuffi- cient number of jurors was available to hear the case.

Paschal Carmody (60), of Bally- cuggaran, Killaloe, has pleaded not guilty to 25 charges of deception, between September 2001 and Octo- ber 2002.

It is alleged that he defrauded six cancer patients and their relatives of between €100 and €20,000. Ac- cording to the State, he falsely pre- tended the patients’ cancer would be cured by photodynamic therapy.

Senior counsel for the Prosecution Denis Vaughan-Buckley told Ennis Circuit Court, sitting in Kilrush, last Tuesday that the accused practiced at the East Clare Clinic in Killaloe where he treated six cancer patients all of whom subsequently died.

The six were: John James Gallagh- er, Kingswood Manor, Mullingar, County Westmeath; Master Conor O’Sullivan, Granite Lodge, Gorey, County Wexford; Josephine Dur- kan, of Beechgrove, Lucan, County Dublin; John Sheridan, of 21A Bur- gess Court, Kells, County Kilkenny; Mary O’Connor, from Mill Street, Cork, but who had lived in London and Karen Kurvink from Holland.

Mr Vaughan-Buckley told Judge Rory McCabe that there are 95 wit- nesses in the book of evidence in- cluding relatives of the deceased, medical witnesses from Ireland and the UK and several gardai.

The trial is expected to last for four weeks.

Prior to any jurors being sworn in, senior counsel for the Defence Pat Marrinan said that pre-trial publicity in the case could not be ignored.

“There were a number of pro- grammes broadcast on RTE televi- sion and also on radio programmes and some newspaper coverage in or about 2004/2005. Some of the wit- nesses involved in this case gave interviews,’ he said and asked the judge to give a special warning to the jury regarding this.

“If they have seen or heard any- thing that could influence their judg- ment, they should stand down. Also, he has been practicing as a medical doctor. He had a huge client base. Pa- tients and relatives of patients should also declare their interest. It’s impor- tant that people going to try the case aren’t contaminated by what they know about Dr Carmody,” said Mr Marrinan.

However, Mr Vaughan-Buckley pointed out that those programmes were broadcast a long time ago.

Mr Marrinan replied, “Somewhat of a local issue and a local man would remain in the memory longer than it would fade.”

Judge McCabe told the jury panel to let him know if they had seen or heard any of the publicity, as “‘it might not be proper for you to serve Oy Testo tt aan