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OFFICIALS in Kilrush are planning to extend the John Paul Estate Re- generation Programme following the success of the pilot project.

Officials from Kilrush Town Coun- cil are in critical talks with the De- partment of the Environment this week about expanding the project.

Kilrush Town Clerk Fiona Mooney said, “Our approach to the depart- ment is that we want to be even more ambitious than we were at pilot stage.”

“The department is in a process currently of meeting all housing au- thorities with a view to determining

resource needs for the coming three years. Kilrush Town Council has submitted and stressed the need for a further phase of the John Paul Estate project.

“Tt is likely that housing authorities will be notified of their department allocations by May of 2008,’ she Sr NLGe

“The pilot phase of this project is ahead of schedule and has been marked by positive relations and a high degree of cooperation and fa- cilitation by the local community. The redesign objectives of the pilot phase of increasing security and pri- vacy by the removal of back lanes and derelict open spaces have been

achieved and the quality and specu- lation achieved by the pilot phase is high,” said the clerk.

“Kilrush Town Council officials appreciate the support of the Kil- rush elected members and of the Clare Oireachtas members in terms of convincing the department of the need for the allocation of resources to advance and complete the project for John Paul.

“This support has been very im- portant thus far in what is a long term and strategic programme, and involving social and economic devel- opmental elements as well as physi- cal infrastructural improvements. In this regard, the ongoing support of

the council’s multi-agency partners is also acknowledged and appreci- ated,’ she said.

This pilot phase of the regeneration programme consists of work on 28 existing dwellings in Willow Green and Sycamore Drive.

At this month’s meeting of Kilrush Town Council Ms Mooney told the members that a show house demon- strating the works to date would soon be available for people to visit. The show house will be situated on Wil- low Green.

The town clerk also asked the councillors for their support as nego- tiations with the department began, which she received en mass.

A VULNERABLE drug addict from Killaloe has had to wait five months for an appointment with a residential addiction treatment centre, his solici- tor has claimed.

The revelation came as a garda told a court that residential treatment was “the only hope” for the young man, who has no support at home.

Detective Garda John Mulvihill made the comment in the case of Ger- ard O’Connor (19), of Chapel Street, Killaloe, who appeared in court on a string of burglary charges.

Judge Joseph Mangan read a proba- tion report on the accused and said it was “up and down… more down dereDemel ome

Detective Garda Mulvhill said there were concerns that O’Connor was not obeying his bail conditions.

“As late as last Saturday night, at 12.41am, I observed him on Killaloe bridge. He had a lot of drink taken,” said the garda.

He said that a short time later, at 3.10am, he spotted O’Connor at Main Street, Killaloe.

“I called his name. He took flight,” |aTemncrsnCGe

He said the accused had been as- sisted by the State, the Probation Services and the courts, but that his problems persisted.

‘He was in residential care and walked out. It’s my honest opinion

an outpatient situation won’t work. Inpatient is the only hope. There are no supports at home. It’s not all his own fault,” said the garda.

Defending solicitor Daragh Has- sett said his client had been living in Limerick at one stage and had been in a relationship.

Det Gda Mulvihill replied, “That relationship was good while it lasted. He has had a difficult upbringing.”

“After Christmas he went back on the narcotics again. It is only when things are about to come to court he realises he has to knuckle down,” said the garda.

Mr Hassett said, “It would be in everyone’s interest if he gets the care he needs.”

Gda Mulvihill said, “Prison is not the solution for him. Residential treatment is the only hope.”

The solicitor said, “Whilst he is making the best efforts possible, he is very vulnerable. There is no sup- port at home.”

He pointed out that “at the height of his difficulty, he was breaking into places and robbing. That has stopped but the drug problem hasn’t.”

Det Gda Mulvhill said _ that O’Connor told gardai he was afraid he would get “worse drugs” in jail than he would while out on bail.

Mr Hassett asked for a short ad- journment, to explore the possibil- ity of getting a place in a residential course for his client.

“It took five months to get an ap- pointment with Aislinn (residential addiction treatment centre). That’s just an appointment. That’s not his fault,’ he said.

Judge Mangan said, “I take your point but he can’t absolve himself completely.”

He imposed a two-year detention sentence at St Patrick’s Institutions and fixed a bond in the event of an appeal.

DR Edward Walsh, founding Presi- dent of the University of Limerick, has been announced as the guest speaker for the Ennis Chamber of Commerce President’s dinner. Outlining details of the Gala Din- ner, President of Ennis Chamber Michael Evans said “We are delight- ed to welcome Dr. Walsh to Ennis on Friday March 7 to the Old Ground Hotel to present the Business Com- munity with his thoughts and ideas for the Mid West Region, particu- larly in these times of change.” CEO

of Ennis Chamber Rita Mc Inerney added “The President’s Dinner 2008 is the business social event of the year in Clare and we have the hon- our of Halifax as our Sponsors. En- nis Chamber wishes Halifax every success with their Ennis Branch in oy Du OCCLUDED ame

Dr Edward M Walsh was founding president of the University of Lim- erick, the first new university estab- lished by the Republic of Ireland: a post from which he stepped down in 1998, after a 28-year term.

Dr Walsh has served as founding chairman of the Irish Council for

Science Technology and Innovation, the National Technological Park, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Citywest’s Grow- corp and the National Self-Portrait Collection of Ireland.

He has also served as chairman of the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities and of Shannon De- velopment. Dr Walsh is involved in guiding the development of various initiatives including DCU’s new Re- search Campus at Citywest and the Ryan Entrepreneurship Academy.

Halifax is the retail arm of Bank of Scotland (Ireland), one of Ireland’s

most successful business banks. Halifax has 40 branches throughout the country and offers a very differ- ent banking proposition to the other banks and is the first new high street bank in Ireland for over a century. Commenting on the sponsorship, Ciara Flynn, Branch Manager, En- nis, said: “We are delighted to spon- sor the President’s Dinner and look forward to working with the Cham- ber on this event and in the future. The Mid West Region is one with significant potential and we at Halli- fax are delighted to be part of such a thriving and vibrant town as Ennis.”

HIGH heel shoes are proving prob- lematic when negotiating the foot- paths of Kilrush.

That is according to town council- lor Deirdre Culligan (Ind) who high- lighted the need for work to be car- ried out on the footpaths on Henry Street and Toler Street.

“Toler Street just seems to be erod- ing away bit by bit,’ she said.

“Try walking it in high heels.”

Fellow councillor Liam Looney (FF) had his own feelings on the high heels issue. The Kilrush publi- can told this month’s meeting of the council “those high heels destroy

wooden floors”.

Cllr Marian McMahon Jones (FG) had valuable advice for the Fianna Fail councillor.

“Well, don’t wear them then,” she said.

The debate on the footwear was just part of the discussion on the all im- portant road works programme for the coming year.

Executive Engineer Derek Troy told the councillors that he had hoped to include Toler Street in the roadworks programme for this year, but had second thoughts due to work on the sewerage scheme.

“Like Crawford Street, there is a section of pipe that has to be replaced

for the sewerage scheme so we decid- ed not to do it this year,” he said.

An allocation of €200,000 has been made available for Kilrush road works for this year.

A further €19,000 has been provid- ed for improvement to public light- hates

The roads outlined for work for this year include The Glen, Griffin Road and High Street, Cappagh Village, St Senan’s Terrace, Wood Road, and John Street.

Finances have also been set aside for various areas for general repairs and improvements.

Footpaths that will get a face-lift under the programme include Burton

Street and High Street, Chapel Street, John Street, and Moore Street.

Money has also been allocated for general upkeep and repairs in vari- ous areas in the interest of safety.

Public lighting has long been the bane of the council chamber.

This year there was good news for those walking at night.

Killimer Road; Wilson Road; Limekiln Road; The Glen, Grif- fin Road; Fort Road; Russell’s Lane and Millennium Lane will all benefit from the lights programme.

Cllr Collie Sweeney (Ind) wel- comed the road works outlined.

“I’m quite satisfied with that,’ he Cr nOR

has received a number of complaints from north Clare locals in recent days, concern- ing a section of the R479 which, they claim, is extremely dangerous.

The number of motorists using the road increased dramatically over the last six months since Clare County Council temporarily closed the main Ballyvaughan to Fanore route.

“The road in Fanore is very narrow and we need to preserve as much of the width of that road as possible.” said councillor, Martin Conway.

“I was in Fanore on Sunday and it would amaze you the amount of people who were there. There was a

lot of traffic there and access is the big issue. I reported it to the county council”

The local authority has just 10 days left to take action and improve access on the road, as they are prohibited from undertaking hedge-trimming work in the area during the bird mat- ing season from March | until Au- eau

Meanwhile, Doolin Search and Rescue was involved in two rescue

Operations in the north Clare area this weekend. A foreign national had a lucky escape after falling while walking outside of the official view- ing area at the Cliffs of Moher.

‘We made contact with the man and managed to winch him to safety. He was brought to the hospital where he was treated for minor injuries includ- ing a broken leg,’ said Matty Shan- non of Doolin Search and Rescue.

At 4.30pm that afternoon, a young

boy went missing while walking with his family in the Mullaghmore area in Corofin. The 12-year-old boy had been climbing with a number of family members when he became separated from the group.

The Doolin Search and Rescue was called to the scene but the boy was found and rescued before any major search effort was began.

The boy suffered no injuries in the incident.

AFTER a brief hiatus, The Funktion Room returns to The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon this Friday, February 22. The occasional club night has been in operation for nearly two years and attracts a growing crowd from all over the county and beyond.

On the decks on Friday will be B: barham, Kid Cosby and local favour- ite Tokin’ White Boy. Funds raised on the night will go to an organisa- tion working as part of the Shell to sea Campaign.

“Doors open and music kicks off at 10pm and we will be going until 2am. We will have a decent disco,

strictly vinyl, 3 deadly Dy’s and lots of lovely people. What more could you ask for in a decent night out,” asked event organiser Roisin Garvey.

“It’s €10 cover charge and all funds raised go in support of a national en- vironmental and social justice group called Gluaiseacht, who at the mo- ment are putting some of their energy into raising awareness of the ongoing plight of the people of Rossport in Mayo.”

The Falls Hotel has organised a number of special offers for club goers who wish to spend the weekend in the hotel. Interested people should contact the hotel on 065 7071004 and quote the Funktion Room.

Meanwhile, there was celebrations in Ennistymon last week with the news that the Mol an Oige Steiner School is finally to get State recog- nition and funding from September 2008. The school, which has been in operation with no state assistance for some years now, has seen it’s en- rolment growing greatly in recent years.

“We are delighted with the an- nouncement, and look forward to opening the new Mol an Oige school in September at its temporary home at the Falls, Ennistymon,” said a spokesperson.

“The Mol an Oige Group wish to thank everyone who supported the

school since it was founded in Sep- tember 2005. The school could not have continued without the generous support of parents, teachers, friends, volunteers, local business people and all those who performed at and sup- ported our various concerts and fun- GTeTS ECA

Mol an Oige, along with Raheen Wood Steiner School in east Clare, will both becomes the first Steiner schools in the country to gain official recognition.

Mol an Oige has been in operation for two years and has more than 40 pupils while Raheen Wood started off as Cooleenbridge 22 years ago and has more than 100 pupils.

THREE Romanian nationals have appeared in court charged in connec- tion with alleged criminal damage to a bank ATM in Shannon.

The two men and one woman were brought before Shannon District Court last Thursday where the men were remanded on custody and the woman was released on bail. One of the men is also wanted in Mullingar on foot of outstanding warrants.

The three were charged in connec- tion with an ongoing garda investiga-

tion into an alleged ATM skimming operation in Shannon, which could involve tens of thousands of euro.

Pavel Cirpaci (27) whose address is ‘unknown’ gave a false name to gardai when arrested. Garda Kieran Nash arrested the accused on Febru- ary 14, on foot of two warrants is- sued at Mullingar District Court in 2007. The accused told gardai that his name was Paul Negrea.

In evidence, Garda Martin Cham- bers of the Immigration Unit at Shan- non garda station said he carried out tests on an identification card which

the accused had in his possession and found it to be false.

He said he later established that the defendant’s name was Pavel Cirpaci and that he had arrived in Ireland in June 2005.

The court was told by the accused’s solicitor Steven Walsh that the de- fendant had voluntarily offered his real name at 12.45pm. While the garda confirmed this, Judge Joseph Mangan said that he was “not at all impressed that the defendant vol- unteered his real name at 12.45pm” more than an hour after court had

commenced.

Garda Nash also told the court the accused has had 13 bench previous bench warrants issued against him. While he also faces charges in Mull- ingar, he is charged with two counts of causing criminal damage to an ATM at Shannon Town Centre.

The second accused, Craciun Ca- vacio (23), claimed he lived at 21, Dominick Street, Dublin. However gardai could not confirm that the ac- cused lived there.

A third defendant, Ms Gabriella Lupo (20), also with an address in

Dublin and who was on bail from Gort District Court, gave evidence that Mr Cavacio lived at 21, Domin- ick St, Dublin, as he claimed. Asked by Inspector John Galvin how long he lived there, Ms Lupo said “a few rpetoyalee tne

When she was asked when Mr Ca- vacio left that address, she replied “December.”

Ms Lupo also faces one charge of criminal damage to an ATM ma- chine at Shannon Town Centre.

All three will re-appear in court later this month.

TOMMY Tiernan’s live shows gen- erate plenty of laughter, but when the comedian takes the stage in Ennis tomorrow night, it will be for a dif- ferent reason.

The Navan comic will be in The Old Ground Hotel as part of the ‘Living Faith in 2008’ series of Lenten talks, organised by the Franciscan Friars. The talk is due to start at 8pm.

The most successful Irish comedi- an of his generation, Tiernan’s shows are guaranteed sell-outs. His choice of material and his willingness to tackle difficult or taboo subjects so publicly have been criticised.

Part of his 2007 “OK Baby’ show dealt with integration in society, fo- cusing on people with Down Syn-

el Keyne ten

The jokes invoked the wrath of Liveline with members of Down Syndrome Ireland saying that some of the jokes had greatly upset them.

Tiernan said at the time that many of his friends with Down Syndrome had found the routine funny, and were happy to see the jokes form a central part of the show.

As well as Tommy Tiernan, two other talks are planned for the ‘Liv- ing Faith’ series.

William Reville,

THE countdown is on for this year seventh annual Corofin ‘Tradition Festival which open Sunday, Febru- eae

This years festival is crammed which top class performers and in- clude headline concerts featuring Sean Keane from the Chieftains, Liam O’ Flynn, Don Stiffe, John Wyn- ne, John and Jacinta McEvoy, Tim Collins, Brian McNamara, Michael Rooney, Kieran Hanrahan, Fiachna O’Mongain, Liam O’Connor, John Blake and At the Racket.

Overall last year festival worked re- ally well so we decided to leave well

enough alone, so it’s quite a similar style to last year’s festival. We have a lecture and we have the family concerts back again,’ said festival organiser, Padraic O’Reilly.

“The only new thing is the look back on the previous festivals which takes place on the night. We will have slides and a bit of an audio visual show from the six years of the festival. This is the seventh year of the festival so we have called this the seven year itch.

“On Saturday afternoon we have a tribute to Mick O’Connor. Mick’s a Dub but his wife was from Ennisty- mon and he would spent a lot of time in Clare over the years. He played in

the Castle Ceili Band in Dublin and about half of that band are migrated Clare people so he has very strong Oem aloe

This years festival will also include a number of free events aimed at Teepe lone

“On the weekends it’s just not fea- sible to make the events free because of the quality of acts that we are get- abereas ne

“But for the family recitals we are able to get top class musicians at a very reasonable rate because of the novelty for them to play together as a family,’ continued Padriag.

“A lot of them wouldn’t have played together for year. Because of this we

are able to get in an event sponsor and run the event for free.”

It’s to make it accessible for the locals on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays night before the real die hard music lovers come in at the weekends.”

The festival opens on Sunday, with a CD launch by Joe Kierse at Jimmy Daftfy’s Bar.

Other highlights of the week in- clude a lecture by Tim Collins enti- tled Where the piper Croghan used to Dwell, recitals from the McNamara and Costello families, the McCarthy family from London, the Cotter and Boyd families from Ennis as well as workshops and masterclasses.

show that district court judg- es received on average €23,436 in expenses last year.

Judge Mangan, appointed in July 2001, is likely to be in the upper half of the list as he has a large area to ad- minister, stretching from south Gal-

way to south-east and west Clare.

The highest amount received by a judge was €82,240. It is likely that the judge concerned does not have a designated court district and instead moves from district to district to cov- er for judges who are on leave.

The court sittings over which Judge Mangan presides include those in Ennis, Ennistymon, Kildysart, Kil- kee, Corofin, Kilrush, Tulla, Gort, Athenry and Killaloe.

Judge Mangan’s expenses payments comes on top on his newly increased salary of €158,000, awarded on

the recommendation of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in Public Sector. Judge Mangan’s sal- ary increased by 18 per cent from €134,124.

The figures show that country’s District Court judges spent €596,828 on mileage and €701,391 on subsist- ence.

The figures also show that the judg- es spent €14,211 on judges’ attire in- cluding wigs and gowns.

The FOI Unit has, however, refused to state how much each identified district judge received due to secu-

rity concerns.

The FOI officer states, “Both their security and the risk that any threat to the safety of their families may be used to threaten their judicial inde- pendence may effect the security of the State, particularly those in po- litical cases and those in the Special Criminal Court.

‘There is a genuine concern for the personal security of judges and their families … The disclosure of infor- mation sought on an individual basis will identify those judges who are away from home frequently.”