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VETERAN Fianna Fail councillor, Peter Considine, is set for a windfall after lodging plans to construct four homes on his landholding outside Ennis. Ennis’s current deputy mayor, Cllr Considine is seeking outline planning permission to construct four homes at Drumadreheid, Ennis.

Cllr Considine purchased 25 acres of land at Drumadrehid in 1993 and lives at the address.

He is fortunate that the lands are not subject to strict council plan- ning rules that apply to lands in the Open countryside on the outskirts of Clare’s main population centres.

This follows Cllr Considine’s col- leagues in the county council desig- nating the Drumadrehid area a ‘de- velopment cluster’ in the 2003 West Eaves t-te

There are a series of clusters across the county that allow lands, in spite of being located in the open country-

side, be zoned for housing develop- ment. Clusters are usually designated when there are already a number of homes built in the area.

Ironically, because of the council’s tough planning rules in allowing one- off homes in the countryside, Cllr Considine can expect a premium if he decides to sell the sites, if and when planning permission is secured.

An Taisce has made a submission on the plan and has recommended that one of the homes be moved else-

where as there is a ringfort adjacent to site four.

The Department of the Environ- ment has also made a submission on the plan and has recommended that an archaeological impact assessment should be prepared to assess the po- tential impact, if any, on archaeolog!- cal remains in the area where devel- Opment is proposed to take place.

The department has made the rec- ommendation as the development site is within the zone of archaeologi-

cal potential established around the recorded monument, which is subject to statutory protection in the record of monuments and places.

The submission stated, “It should be borne in mind that, if significant archaeological remains are found or there is a significant negative impact, refusal might be recommended and/ or further preservation in situ or by record may be required.”

A decision is due on the application later this year.

THE closing date is fast approaching for applications for grant assistance for community projects under the Shannon Town Council community grant scheme. With just three week left for the receipt of completed ap- plication forms local groups are be- ing urged to get their application in as soon as possible.

The council will consider applica- tions for grant assistance in respect of projects designed to improve the quality of life for the people of Shan- non. The project to be grant aided must show a clear community focus.

“We issue these grants every Sep- tember and October, and groups

from the local community are invited to submit applications for funding,’ said Shannon ‘Town Clerk, Tomas Mac Cormaic.

“We have about €5,000 to give out each year, for any community based organisations like the soccer clubs and drama groups. Each successful application would receive between €300 and €500 to be spent on com- munity projects.”

Applications are open to organisa- tions, voluntary groups and residents associations within the functional area of Shannon Town Council. The project must be directly related to special community projects, artistic proposals or projects which generate civic pride and involve local people

in the improvement of the town.

“The funding is open to all kinds of groups and every application is judged on it’s own merits. Groups like Clare Haven Services in Shan- non would receive funding from it for their work with women. It’s not just for sports and youth groups, it’s right across the board,’ continued Tomas.

“All groups need to do is submit an application stating what their project is and what they plan to do with the jne Ke) ely ae

Before grant assistance 1s awarded all applications must submit where applicable, documentation detailing fully the project content together with details of costs plans and sup-

porting documentation and agree to acknowledge appropriately the town council’s contribution.

Applicants must show that the project is well planned and give in- dications of potential future uses of the project. The town councillors’ decision will be influenced by the amount of applicant’s own resources contributed to the project.

Greeley LOM (c)uommncae-Telmmr-B(elcle mmm previous years and who have failed to return documented proof of ex- penditure will not be considered for grant aid in 2007.

Application forms are available from the office of the Town Clerk, Town Hall, Gort Road, Shannon. Telephone 061 362319.

A WELL-KNOWN Clare business- man faces the prospect of having to demolish a helipad he built without planning permission near the seaside resort of Lahinch.

This follows An Bord Pleanala re- fusing planning permission for Mr Seamus Lynch to retain the helipad after it concluded that helicopters us- ing the helipad could give rise to col- lisions with protected birds.

In it’s decision, the board stated that proposed retention of a helipad on the site would give rise to undue conflict and collision risk for protected spe- cies, would impact upon the ecologi- cal importance of the River Inagh and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The board also ruled that the re- tention of the development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard due to the nature of the development and the resultant disturbance to drivers by reason of helicopter take-offs and landings at this location.

Mr Lynch’s holiday home is located across the road from the helipad and, earlier this year, the council refused planning permission to Mr Lynch af- ter opposition was voiced against the retention application by adjoining landowner and local businessman, Eamon Slattery.

Mr Lynch lodged the planning ap- plication last year after receiving a warning letter from the council al- leging that the helipad is an unau- thorised development.

The Department of the Environ- ment pointed out that the Inagh es- tuary and tidal section of the river

are feeding grounds for hundreds of wintering birds.

In its submission to the appeals board, An Taisce stated that inad- equate justification to retain the fa- cility has been presented due to the level of helicopter activity and direct habitats loss, the helipad will ad- versely affect the ecological integrity of the site and the many rare species for which it is designated and thus its retention should not be permitted.

The board’s inspector in the case stated that the proposed development would be contrary to the proper plan- ning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to zoning of the site, its proximity to the Europe- an Designation of the River Inagh as a candidate Special Area of Conser- vation and proposed Natural Herit- age Area and its location on a scenic route within county Clare.

In the appeal lodged, consultants for Mr Lynch pointed out that the helipad has been in existence for six years and is only used at weekends during summer months. He claims it has not attracted any objection from neighbouring residents located across the road to the north and does not impact on their amenity or deval- ue their property in the vicinity.

Mr Lynch stated that he intends to plant hedgerows along the boundary of the site in order to mitigate against disturbance and it does not signifi- cantly impact on a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The appeal states, “The helipad has been in existence for six years and was constructed without the knowl- edge that planning was required. It is important to note that the helipad as operated for the past six years with- out any objection.”

WORKERS and union leaders at Shannon were today bracing them- selves for the worst, as they waited for the arrival of Aer Lingus boss, Dermot Mannion, who was expected to announce the ending of all the air- line’s Shannon Heathrow flights. Word was out at the weekend that the airline plans to move it’s impor- tant Heathrow slots to Belfast, where major incentive packages are on of-

fer.

Last night, SIPTU official, Tony O’Carroll said the pulling of the route would be a major blow and confirmed there are serious concerns for jobs, particularly in the ground crew and cabin crew areas.

“We were opposed to the privatisa- tion of Aer Lingus all along. We said that we could see no benefits for this area from it and this just bears that out. If all four flights are gone that’s 26 flights a week – that’s a very heavy

loss,” said Carroll.

The union official said that while there 1s serious concern for jobs, the number in danger will depend on a lot of factors.

“Some people are saying 100 jobs will go here because Aer Lingus plan to create 100 jobs in Belfast but that doesn’t necessarily follow. Ground crew will still be needed here.”

The SIPTU official added that jobs at the airport are a major concern but the move also casts a shadow over

business prospects in the region and the jobs which depend on those busi- nesses. “There will be no carrier serv- icing the route now from Shannon and no flights for business people. Ryanair will have London to themselves.”

A spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Authority said they could not comment last night in advance of an announcement. It is understood that there is extreme concern at the loss of revenue and the loss of the route to Shannon.

THE body of a male, believed to be the 19-year-old Dublin youth miss- ing since early yesterday morning at Lahinch, was recovered last night at the seaside resort.

Shortly after 7pm last night, dur- ing the course of an extensive shore- line search, local volunteers discov- ered the body in a rocky area at the southern end of Lahinch beach in close proximity to where the man is believed to have entered the water yesterday. Gardai were waiting last night to formally identify the man.

According to a Garda spokesman, the 19-year-old from Clontarf went for a swim at low tide at around 4.10

yesterday morning after a night out in Lahinch.

The spokesman said that the youth entered the water with two friends, but he failed to come out of the wa- ter. Sea conditions at the time were calm, with one to two foot waves in the bay.

The youth was staying with friends in Lahinch for the bank holiday weekend and the alarm was raised when he didn’t return, sparking the rescue effort involving the Shannon- based Coastguard helicopter and the Doolin and Kilkee coastguard units.

Early yesterday morning, the youth’s friends watched on from the promenade in Lahinch as two boats were launched to comb Lahinch bay

for the youth’s body, while members of the Doolin coastguard and local lifeguards conducted a_ shoreline search. The Garda spokesman said that the youth’s parents travelled down from Dublin to Lahinch to be NiO BLomNTOLs) Loe

At low-tide yesterday evening, the comprehensive’ shoreline search was launched, involving the youth’s friends, members of the coastguard units and local volunteers.

Earlier, Mattie Shannon of the Doolin Coastguard said, “I would be fairly confident that we will locate the body as the bay is an enclosed area. I would also like to thank eve- ryone involved in the search.”

Mr Shannon said that the brown

colour of the water, brought about by the Inagh river flowing into the sea, was hampering the recovery effort.

Also involved in the search were members of Lahinch Search and Res- cue team, the Civil Defence in Ennis, the Red Cross and local people.

Local member of Clare County Council, Martin Conway said, “It is a tragedy for the young man and his family.”

Yesterday’s drowning is the third to occur on Clare’s coastline this sum- nao

Aneast Clare man drowned at Span- ish Point in June, while a Moldovan man drowned at the notorious Blue Pool between Kilkee and Doonbeg on July 1.

that the county has been “‘let down” by Aer Lingus and said that the move has come as a complete sur- WU er ‘Here we are, going out to Milwau- kee next week, working very hard promoting Shannon Airport and Aer Lingus and we see this. We need them

to level with us, we need to have some confidence in our national carrier, in Aer Lingus,” said Paddy Maher of the Clare Tourism Council.

“With the London route, we feel that we have been let down by Aer Lingus. They have given commit- ments on other routes but the loss of the London route is a real blow.

“We are putting a lot of effort into prompting their flights, and the flights of other carriers, and this news 1s re- ally disappointing. To be honest, we were not prepared for this. It is a real blow.”

The move is likely to have major re- percussions for the county’s business sector, with early indications already

suggesting that a number of compa- nies may be force to relocate.

“There is a lot of business to be done between here and London and getting in and out of London is very important for that. This is going to put that under pressure,” he continued.

“There is a large business class customer base who used that route to do business. These people would use hotels in Shannon and Ennis and they are almost always repeat customers.”

Interim Chief Executive of Shan- non Chamber of Commerce, Laurie O’Connor, said the ending of Aer Lingus’s Shannon-Heathrow route would be “a big blow for business in detom uses (Onan

“We would get behind local busi- ness people who are very worried about this situation that appears to be unfolding — we are cautious to com- ment ahead of any official notification but certainly such a cessation would negatively impact the region and the west of Ireland,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cllr Martin Conway (FG) has called for an emergency county council meeting to be called to deal with the issue.

‘A delegation from the council need to seek a meeting with the minister on this. The government still has a 25 per cent stake in Aer Lingus and we need them to start using this influence,” he eee

THE number of people that drowned in Clare has doubled in the last two years.

Figures released by the Irish Wa- ter Safety have shown a decrease in the number of drownings nationally, when last year is compared to figures for 2004.

The 2006 national figure was also the lowest since 1965. The number of drownings in Clare increased, how- ever, by more than 100 per cent when 2006 is compared to 2004.

In 2004, three people in Clare lost their lives by drowning, compared to seven in 2006. The three deaths from

2004 have been recorded as suicide.

It is not yet known how the 2006 number breaks down, but PRO for the Kilkee Sea and Rescue Service, Manuel diLuici, points to an increase in fishing tragedies off the west Clare coast as adding to the water fatalities in the county.

The Kilkee man worries that the number will continue to increase, if warnings relating to the dangers of coastal fishing are not heeded.

‘People have to be very wary of the sea because it is very unpredictable,” |stemncy-B(e

“It is best not to fish at heavy sea and only when the tide is going out and in locations that are safe.”

“If you are not local, seek local advice when fishing,” he advised. ‘People on boats should have proper equipment and boats that are seawor- eae

Accidental drownings were at an all-time high last year, when com- pared to the previous three years, reaching 53 cases.

Suicidal drowning nationally had decreased significantly during the same period, from 90 in 2003 to 63 last year. AS many as 15 drownings last year were “undetermined”.

So far this year, there have been 19 confirmed drownings, not including the loss of life this weekend.

Launching the Irish Water Safety

Report last week, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Tony Killeen urged the public to ex- ercise extreme caution as they take to the country’s waterways.

‘“W hile the 2006 figure was the low- est since 1965, it is still unacceptably high. Many of these tragedies are a result of complacency, ignorance of the dangers and a lack of training or AO) seLeyeerclelOveme)mr-NUMNNelacoMeency-b(O MH Ele Clare minister.

‘Education has a key role of play and I commend the volunteers who teach the public water safety skills which should ultimately save many lives,” he said.

JOB losses of between 100 and 200 have been predicted at Shannon Air- port as Aer Lingus’s commitment to Shannon and the west of Ireland 1s questioned by the political and busi- ness communities.

Calculating the worrying estimate, should the Shannon-Heathrow con- nection be lost, Mayor of Clare and Shannon Councillor Patricia McCa- rthy (Ind) described the situation as

“devastating” and “unbelievable”.

The mayor is returning from her annual holiday on Saturday to chair a meeting of tourist, commercial and political bodies with an interest in the area.

‘We have to look at what we can do immediately. Our first priority is to see can we get the decision overturned. If not, we must try to secure another air- line that can service the same times, which will be very difficult.”

Like many politicians who came

out against the Aer Lingus announce- ment expected later today, Cllr Mc- Carthy said she could not understand why the airline removed the Shannon Slots ahead of Dublin or Cork, leav- ing the west of Ireland’s largest in- ternational airport without any con- necting flights from Heathrow.

Clare TD Pat Breen (FG) said he be- lieved that the minister for transport and Aer Lingus should reduce one or two slots in other Irish airports.

“The Taoiseach and the Govern-

ment should urge British PM Gordon Brown and his government to make extra slots available into Belfast as an acknowledgement of the dividend of the peace process in Northern Ire- land,” he suggested.

Clare Junior Minister Tony Kil- leen (FF) said he believed that the decision can still be reversed but, if it cannot, then a new Shannon to Heathrow link must be put in place at times that are convenient to the busi- ness community 1n the west.

‘The Shannon to Heathrow service has a very high load factor, which 1n- dicates that the Aer Lingus decision may be based on lower yield factors. I await a full explanation from Der- mot Mannion (Aer Lingus CEQ) on this issue. However, this comes as no comfort to those whose jobs may be 1 wh eae

Minister Killeen said he was not surprised that business and commu- nity leaders in the region were now questioning the credibility of Aer Lingus’ commitment to Shannon Airport and the west of Ireland.

‘However, I feel that the flagship carrier’s recent announcement re- garding the continuation of transat- lantic services at the Clare airport over the winter period is somewhat Ker UUW EELS OORT BLOB

Deputy Timmy Dooley (FF) said the “disappointing” announcement is not in keeping with the spirit of the agreement not to sell the Shannon slots.

THERE will be disruption to traffic flows around Ennis this month with the closure of one of the main ap- proach roads to the town.

A section of the Tulla Road (R352) at Corrovorrin Bridge will be closed for a period of eight days from Au- gust 20 to 27 to facilitate the renewal of major foul sewer infrastructure. Pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained at all times during the closure.

Upgrade work at the site has been delayed since April when the road was originally scheduled to close.

There have been long running prob- lems at the sewage station near the bridge that have caused difficulties to homes in the area.

Ennis Town Council earlier this year highlighted over-use as one of the main cause of problems at the SEIN

Diversionary routes for traffic us- ing the road will be in place for the

duration of the closure.

Traffic travelling to Ennis, west of the Corrovorrin Railway Bridge from Tulla and east Clare, on the R352 is advised to turn right approximately eight kilometres east of Ennis, at Feenagh Cross (500 metres south- east of Clooney Church) onto the L- 4074. ‘Travel north on the L4074 via Kearney’s Cross (known locally as Harrison’s Cross) and onto the N18 PAM Grabeel 08

At the junction of the L4074 and the N18 in Crusheen village, turn left and travel via the N18 southwards towards Barefield and Ennis. At the oynabaaleseCeresseCosmeval elo NORoM ey IpON KO) ce pass take the exit for Barefield and Ennis and follow directional signage to Ennis and onwards.

Local traffic from Ballymacahill and Roslevan north of the R352 at Roslevan is advised to travel via the L4608/L4102 to its junction with the L4100 where traffic should turn onto the L4100 and travel to the junction of the L4100 with the R458 (origi-

nally the N18) at a point one kilome- tre south of Barefield and follow the R458 (originally the N18) to Ennis and onwards.

Heavy Goods Vehicle Traffic (i.e. vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes laden weight) travelling to Ennis, west of the Corrovorrin Railway Bridge,

from Tulla and east Clare, on the R352 traffic is advised to divert e1- ther north or south, on to the R462 at its junction with the R352 approxi- mately 16 kilometres east of Ennis and one kilometre south of Tulla.

FORMER Green Party Leader and Minister for Food and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Trevor Sargent, has called on a partnership approach to be adopted to help farmers deal with challenges which result from the bad weather conditions.

With growth back my more than 50 per cent in many areas, farmers are facing serious problems, with more and more seasonal vegetable crops now being imported from abroad.

“Poor weather conditions bring huge uncertainty to harvesting and planting operations. Producers have

shown great resilience but they need some assurance about market pros- pects and returns if they are to con- tinue investing and supplying local products to the consumer in a sector where seasonality provides diversity and added interest,” he said.

Minister Sargent pointed out that the recent EU reform of the fruit and vegetable sector will bring new Opportunities to support producer organisations in production/sup- ply planning and in the promotion of greater consumption of fruit and vegetables, particularly by young people.

The new arrangements will also provide aid for producer organisa-

tions that undertake measures to prevent or manage crises such as ad- verse weather conditions.

“Nevertheless, the market relation- ship between the producers, retail sector and consumer is the key to the development of this important sec- tor,’ he continued.

‘Partnership arrangements _ be- tween producers and retailers will work best where they take account of seasonal variation in supply and of the need for continued investment in the sector to benefit the consumer seeking local food.”

Land conditions are so bad in some parts of Clare that first cuts of silage are still to be harvested, a situation

which could prompt a massive esca- lation in feed cost if a shortage hits WONKA OL Kode

Official figures obtained by The Clare People from Met Eireann re- veal that rain fall levels in County Clare were more than 40 per cent higher last month than the June av- erage, The figures also revealed that Clare had already matched it average July rainfall last Thursday, July 19.

Besides the under foot conditions, farmer have also being prevented from spreading fertiliser because of the heavy rainfalls. This lack of fer- tiliser spreading could impact on the condition of second cuts across the county.