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THE number of incidents responded to by the Doolin Unit of the Irish Coast Guard increased by 25 per cent last year. The Doolin Unit responded to a total of 30 incidents in 2007 compared to 24 throughout 2006. This increase in coast guard activ- ity has been mirrored throughout the country with overall incidents increasing by 8.5 per cent year-on-

year in 2007. According to figures released last week, incidents involv- ing the Coast Guard increased from 1807 in 2006 to 1961 last year.

Indeed the number of incidents has increased steadily in each of the last 8 years, growing from 1718 in 2000.

Last year’s rise mainly involved adventure sports with surfing, diving and caving incidents increasing by 31 per cent, 120 per cent and 400 per cent respectively.

‘Adventure sports are becoming the norm all over the place. If you look at Aileen’s wave under the Cliffs, peo- ple are surfing that now the same as if they were surfing in the beach in Lahinch,” said Matty Shannon of Doolin Coast Guard.

“People are getting into more ex- treme adventure sports. They get the newest technology and the newest equipment but that doesn’t mean that a accident won’t happen.

“There are so many different things that contribute to an accident, a lot of the time it is just luck.”

Mr Shannon has called for people to take more personal responsibility before they put themselves in harm’s WENA

“People never think that it will happen to them, they think that ac- cidents only happen to other people. People have to be responsible for themselves, we are a response serv-

ice. We are a response service and we are volunteers. We cannot be in the station all day every day waiting for something to happen. So people must realise that it will take 15 or 20 minutes for us to get to them. They need to take responsibility for this themselves,” he said.

The coast guard figures also show a 75 per cent increase in incidents in- volving shore anglers and 38 per cent increase in nuisance calls.

MOTORISTS in the Killaloe and Scariff electoral areas will see more than €7.73 million spent on upgrad- ing and maintaining their national and non-national road network this year.

With funding under the national and non-national roadworks pro- gramme coupled with council re- sources, the Killaloe electoral area will be spending €935,000 on res- toration works and the Scariff elec- toral area will be spending €2.124

million.

€455,000 has been allocated to maintenance and surface dressing of roads in the Killaloe area while Scariff will spend €655,000 on the same works.

A grant of €/750,000 has been made available for improvements to the Tulla to Kilkishen road under the specific works programme.

Six roads in Killaloe and seven in Scarf will be funded under the dis- cretionary improvement grants at a cost of €150,000 and €100,000 re- spectively.

Discretionary maintenance grants of €75,000 have been earmarked in discretionary maintenance for Broadford junction, Drummin and bridge maintenance in the Killaloe area.

In Scariff discretionary mainte- nance funds will be used to do work at Coolready and Dooras at a total cost of €60,000.

Regional route maintenance plans will see €160,000 spent in Killaloe and €220,000 in Scariff while lo- cal route maintenance budgets have been draw up to allocate €272,000

and €559,000 respectively to Killa- loe and Scariff.

The figures are part of a county- wide budget presented to councillors at the last meeting of Clare County Council.

Breakdowns were given for each electoral area and elected members were told that the road works pro- gramme for 2008 has been prepared based on the level of funding provid- ed by means of grants from the De- partment of Transport, the National Roads Authority and also from Clare County Council’s own resources.

TWO of snooker’s greatest legends go head-to-head in an exhibition match in Ennis on Saturday. Jimmy ‘Whirlwind’ White and Alex ‘Hur- ricane’ Higgins brew up a storm for charity at the West County Hotel. The event has been organised to help raise funds for the Niall Mel- lon Township Trust which was es- tablished in 2002 to provide homes to the impoverished communities in

the townships in South Africa. Three locals from Clarecastle will travel to South Africa later this year to assist in the ongoing work there.

Jimmy White, who has played in Ennis before, has won a total of 23 professional titles. He has also been runner-up six times in the World Championship. As an amateur, he won the 1979 English Amateur Championship and the 1980 World Amateur Championship.

Alex Higgins, from Belfast, was

twice World Champion and twice runner-up. One of the best-known faces in snooker for many years, Hig- gins was famous for his frequent ar- guments, both on and off the snooker table. One of the most serious of these clashes was when he head-butt- ed a tournament official at the UK championship in 1986.

Although the Niall Mellon Town- ship Trust has only been in existence for six years, it is the largest provider of low-cost homes in South Africa,

producing 20% of such houses in Cape Town and 15% in the Gauteng region. Since 2002, over 3000 volun- teers have travelled to work on their projects in South Africa.

Next November, three volunteers from Clarecastle – Fiona Donnellan, Emma Clancy and Amy McEnery – will head to Cape Town South Africa as part of a 2000 strong team to build houses in the Shanty towns.

This weekend’s event will be spon- sored by KECO construction and

the Shannon Masters Snooker Club. Tickets are €25 while VIP passes are available for €50 from the West County or by contacting Kevin on 086-3034043 or Fiona on 086- TOW ieee

VIP tickets will entitle holders to a champagne reception and to meet and greet the players before the match. There will also be an auction on the night for a chance to play a frame against either of the two. The event will begin at 8pm.

CALLS have been made for an all- out ban on jet skis on Clare beaches in order to protect the safety of swim- mers, surfers and other water users. These calls follow recommenda- tions made by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board last week in which it was suggested that jet skis should be licensed and those using them should have to undergo mandatory mecbnepeNtes Last Thursday, the board published its report into the death of jetskier Alan Joyce in Mayo in 2006. “IT have been ap- proached on numer- ous occasions over the last 18 months by swimmers, mostly on Lahinch beach, as well as people in west Clare, about the dangers of jet skis. They are rid- ing roughshod in the water and not showing respect to people swimming or to surfers,” said north Clare Coun- ty Councillor, Martin Conway (FG). “It has been suggested that there should be a jet ski licence for any- one who wants to use a jet ski and in order to get the licence you have to go through a certain amount of train- ing. I would go one step farther. We also need to take cognisance of the people who are swimming and surf-

ing and whose safety is being put in jeopardy as a result of these jet skis.

“The jet skis should be banned from areas where people are known to swim and to surf. Really we should have designated areas for jet skies where they wouldn’t be compromis- ing the areas of people who are in- volved in other water sports.”

Cllr Conway suggests that desig- nated areas should be set up where

jetskiers can use the water. “Putting a jet ski into a place where there are a lot of swimmers and surfers is akin to putting a motorbike into a_ playground. If someone is swim- ming and they get hit by a jet ski, they’re gone. There is no second chance with these things,” he continued.

“If you look at Ballyvaughan, there are jet-skis everywhere. Maybe Bal- lyvaughan might be an appropriate place for jet skis. Maybe harbours are a more appropriate place for jet skis but I know that they are also very prevalent in Fanore and Bally- vaughan as well. When you have a situation like that, you have to regu- late it. We have had these by-laws for the dogs on the beach but this is a much more lethal piece of equipment and there don’t seem to be any regu- lations on them.”

SECURITY for older people is the focus in Scariff this month, with the Community Alert Group reminding people that they can avail of grants for personal and fire alarms.

The group was formed in 2004 and has eight voluntary members.

The purpose of the group is to ap- ply for funding to help with the in- stallation of security devices for older people.

Available at a reduced rate are smoke alarms, out-door lighting, door locks and the social monitored rE veene

“Last year when we had a push, most of the older people in the area got the social monitored alarm and we want to urge people who may not have one or who have qualified for it in the last year to get it installed,” a spokeswoman for the group said.

“The social monitored alarm is the most popular device as it offers a great sense of security and safety. Many of our parishioners already have this alarm and we would en- courage them to wear the pendant at all times, especially if they are alone for any length of time.

“It is of no use if it is left hanging on a hook on the wall or tucked in-

side a drawer, as without the pendant you cannot activate the alarm.”

The system works through the phone system and is activated by a special pendant carried on the per- son. Once the alarm is sounded, the monitoring company will first try ringing the alarm’s owner.

If they cannot answer, each of three nominated keyholders will be con- tacted until someone can be found to go to the person’s aid. If none of the keyholders can be contacted quickly, the monitoring company contacts the emergency Services.

The Department of Community, Social and Family Affairs is now

giving a full 100 per cent grant for the alarms. However, there is an an- nual monitoring fee of €98.

‘We want to make sure that every- one is aware that there is a grant for these and other security aids and that we can apply for that grant for peo- ple aged 65 and over and for those in receipt of a disability pension,” the spokeswoman said.

For more information, contact any member of the Community Alert Group including Chairman Do- nie Bane on 061-921469, Secretary Carmel Gooney on 061-921226 or Treasurer Geraldine Rodgers on 061- 921269.

CLARE’S efforts to preserve the past for future generations have been given a major boost with the announcement that the fund for con- serving the county’s built heritage is to be increased by more than 20% this year.

Environment Minister John Gorm- ley has announced funding of €172,000 to Clare County Council under the 2008 Built Heritage Capi- tal Works Programme. This will be OTe mle leikore mm oy am se lommecel ous COUMUTN(eloMmLES Architectural Conservation Grants Scheme which supports the repair and conservation of buildings on the Record of Protected Structures.

The money is part of a funding package amounting to almost €25 Million to support built heritage projects in 2008. The provision rep- resents an increase of 42% nationally on the amount spent last year.

The Minister commented, “Invest-

ment in built heritage conservation is vital for the safeguarding of our architectural heritage, and the in- creased level of funding which I have secured this year underlines the Gov- ernment’s commitment in this area. | am confident the increased package of funding measures will encourage an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to built heritage conserva- tion as a whole.”

“The conservation of our historic buildings makes our towns and vil- lages more attractive to tourists and locals alike and can often act as a catalyst for further heritage projects in an area as it enhances local aware- ness in our built heritage”, said jun- ior Environment Minister and Clare TD Tony Killeen.

“Tam very happy to announce this funding for Clare County Council, an increase of over 20% on last year’s allocation. This allocation will sup- port the conservation of significant buildings all around Clare.”

THE retail core of Newmarket-on- Fergus will suffer if a new €10 mil- lion mixed-use development proceeds on the periphery of the village.

That is the view of a Newmarket resident, Patrick J Hannon, in re- sponse to plans by Tom Lavelle and Adrian Callanan to construct 56 units at Boheraroan, Newmarket-on- Fergus.

The plan by the two includes 16 commercial units, 22 duplex apart- ments, 11 apartments, a medical fa- cility and six office units.

However, Mr Hannon of Lough- lash, Newmarket, who is the owner of lands at the rear of the proposed development, has lodged an objec- HCOemr-hexc BD ets nL

Mr Hannon points out, “No details are submitted with the application as to the retail impact the proposal will have on the village of Newmarket- on-Fergus.

“As elsewhere, out-of-centre retail developments should not be allowed as this development is likely to lead to a reduction in the range of local facilities in the town that will affect the diversity of shops and lead to a

loss of general retailing from the vil- lage centre.”

Mr Hannon also contends that the scale of the proposed development will have adverse implications in preserving the existing character of the 18th-century streetscape and roadways within the village of New- market.

“Despite the vibrancy of the town, there is evidence of vacancy both in housing and commercial.

“Development of additional units on the periphery of the town will contribute to further vacancy levels within the village, thereby weaken-

ing the existing vitality of the vil- FTexone

Mr Hannon claims, “The site is functionally detached from the vil- lage centre.

“The linkage is totally dependent on the adjoins development proceed- ing. Therefore, this development is premature until the adjoining devel- opment commences.”

He states, “The proposed develop- ment would introduce a development with a mass, scale and height which would be substantially and detrimen- tally at odds with the defining char- acter of the area.”

IT COULD be described as bringing art to the people, or at the very least encouraging the local population to embrace art. Whatever category you might choose, it’s happening this Saturday in Tulla thanks to an annual initiative by Clare Arts Office.

From 12 to 5 pm the Tulla Stables Studios are hosting an Open Day, in conjunction with Kathleen Moroney’s ‘Second Generation’ exhibition.

Currently, there are six artists working in the studios – Mairin Kel- ly, John Hanrahan, Kathleen Moro- ney, Sandra Hurley, Patrick McHugh and Peter Sheahan. Their work en- compasses a variety of disciplines: painting, sculpture, photography and basket making.

“This open day is an excellent op- portunity to visit the artists spaces and see both finished work and work in progress,” revealed a spokesper- son for Clare Arts Office.

Kathleen Moroney’s ‘Second Gen- eration’ exhibition was commis- sioned by Clare Arts Office in rec- ognition of the transformation of the stables into studios.

Over the last three months, Kath- leen has created 191 white porcelain cobblestones, replicas of the original cobblestones found during the reno- vation of the stables into artist stu- Chey

The cobblestones were part of the original structure and date back to 1817, and Kathleen has created a por- celain stone to mark each year from the opening of the original stables

to the present day. Throughout the month of February, she welcomed visitors to her studio to become part of the project by participating in the making of the cobblestones.

“This exhibition is a temporary work of public art, as the cobble- stones will be on display in her stu- dio on Saturday only, before being dispersed into the local community.

“Visitors to the exhibition will be invited to take away one of the porce- lain cobblestones; the second genera- tion of the stone, a symbol of the past and the present,’ said the Clare Arts Office spokesperson.

Owned by Clare County Council, the studio is a resource for all art- ists of all disciplines. It comprises six studios with full services includ- ing provision for broadband, exhibi-

tion space and parking set around a courtyard in a converted stone 19th century stable building which had been derelict for many years.

The original building was bought by Clare County Council in 1950 and had been used as a store until it was restored and developed into an arts facility by the Arts Office of Clare County Council with support from Clare County Council and the De- partment of Arts, Sports and Tour- 008

Last year the Tulla Stables Studio was named the Best Public Building in Ireland. The title was bestowed on the studio at the annual Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) awards hosted by RTE pre- senter Miriam O’Callaghan at the Burlington Hotel.

FOUR physiotherapy students from Clare will travel to Kathmandu in Nepal at the beginning of May to participate in voluntary work in two orphanages.

Orla Kelly (pictured right), Tommy Finucane, Cathal Lyons and Lonan Hughes are in their third year of study in the University of Limerick and will spend a month helping chil- dren with disabilities in the Disabled Newlife Centre orphanage and the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation or- ed etaverehtxen

Orla from Cree, Tommy from Meelick and Cathal from Kilrush have all completed work placements in pediatrics in Ennis, which has en- couraged their interest in this type of work. Orla, who currently plays for the Clare ladies football team, has expressed a strong interest in work- ing with children in the future.

Tommy and Cathal are currently

planning a research project as part of the course in the pediatrics area. Both are also keenly involved in GAA, with Cathal playing for Clare U-21 footballers and Tommy with Meelick in hurling and football.

Lonan, from Kilmaley, hasn’t had the opportunity to work in pediatrics and is interested in gaining some ex- perience in this area.

“T think it’s a great opportunity for us to learn and gain experience, but also to help these children by offer- ing our skills, bringing out money/ equipment and raising awareness of the orphanages,” he said.

The Disabled Newlife Centre pro- vides care and education for 30 chil- dren with physical disabilities who have been abandoned by their fami- lies. Their disabilities range from po- lio to severe burns.

The Muscular Dystrophy Founda- tion provides care to 106 children affected by muscular dystrophy and aims to raise awareness of the dis-

ease, and improve the care services for sufferers and support for the fam- ilies in Nepal.

If you would like to support the Students, donations can be made to any Ulster Bank branch into the ac- count number 10397924, sort code eel Lem 1ep

THE Diocese of Killaloe has taken a major step to advance plans for a new Ennis national school and, ultimate- ly, to secure a €40 million windfall.

The diocese, under Bishop Willie Walsh, has lodged plans with Ennis Town Council for an access road that will open up its valuable land bank at Ashline on the Kilrush Road in Sab av Ese

The 85 acres of land were rezoned in 2006 in order to facilitate the relo- cation of Ennis National School.

The diocese 1s proposing to con- struct 590 houses which would place a €150 million value on the develop- eeloole

The diocese would secure the €40 million through the sale of the site.

Since the council rezoned the lands, progress on the construction of the school has been slow.

However, the development of the road is vital to the relocation a Sep- tember target is in place to have the road constructed.

In tandem with the roadway ap- plication for the school, the Board

of Management of Ennis National School is examining over 100 sub- missions from firms pitching to be

involved in the construction. An advert was placed in the European Journal in order to assemble a design team.

It will be a 32 class school. Hopes

are that planning permission will be secured to allow construction commence in 2009. This would al- low a new school to be in place in 2010/2011.

A spokesman for the board of man- agement stated that the school had written to the Department of Educa- tion for clarification in relation to the submissions.

As part of the development of the 85 acres, the diocese is providing a couple of sports playing pitches.

Along with the 590 homes, the dio- cese is also proposing the develop- ment of sheltered housing for Caher- calla Hospital. The plan states that the proposal will allow the creation of clearly separate and distinct resi- dential sub-areas, while community facilities will be placed at the centre of the area.

The development of the lands is to be carried out in four phases over a 21-year period with the first phase commencing in 2007-09 with the construction of the school.