Category: Uncategorized

‘PEOPLE power’ was yesterday cred- ited with ending contentious plans — for now — to construct a five-storey apartment block overlooking Lahinch prom.

Plans by developer, Seamus Carroll to develop a €3 million complex that involves the demolition of the existing McDonalds amusement arcade faced widespread opposition throughout the north Clare coastal resort.

However, after being in informal contact with the planning department

last week, the developer lodged a let- ter with the council requesting that the planning application be withdrawn.

The roads section of the council had stated that the proposal was pre- mature pending the completion of a masterplan for Lahinch prom, while it is understood that there were other reasons refusing planning permission for the proposal.

As no formal decision has been made, the council is not making pub- lic those reasons. However, Mr Car- roll — faced with a refusal — opted to withdraw the plan rather than have the

precedent set of there being a refusal Oy NSN es

Mr Carroll now has the option of lodging plans for a scaled down devel- Opment and to await the outcome of the masterplan for the redevelopment of the prom.

The plan before the council includes 20 apartments, 18 duplex units and six eround floor retail units overlooking Lahinch promenade.

Chairman of the Lahinch Commu- nity Council, Donogh O’Loghlin led opposition against the proposal and he said yesterday, “The withdrawal

of the plan represents a good day for ‘people power’.”

He added, “People in Lahinch are thrilled with the outcome. We are not against development, but any devel- opment has to be in keeping with the a0 0 Ee Texonee

The apartment block plan was pro- posed for a site adjacent to the exist- ing “Dell’ development on the corner site leading into the prom.

Referring to planning permission being granted for the Dell in the late 1990s, Mr O’Loghlin said, “Two wrongs don’t make a right and I would

like to see that building knocked and a new building put in place there.”

In its objection to the proposal, Lahinch Community Council stated, “The erection of 36 residential apart- ments and six retail units, in a dense development, will place an intolerable burden upon the sewerage facilities in Lahinch which are already a source of grave concern.

“T would draw your attention to the fact that on a constant basis on the Main Street and Kettle Street, Lahi- nch, the smell of raw sewerage is a constant problem.”

KILRUSH is on line and available to the world through the internet.

Kilrush.ie is the brainchild of the town council, and will provide infor- mation about services and facilities in the west Care capital.

The site was re-launched this week, with up to date information and tech- nology in Clare’s local authorities most up to date site.

Following extensive re-development work carried out by Kilrush Town Council with the assistance of the IT Department of Clare County Coun-

cil, Kilrush Town Council’s web site is easy accessible and user friendly.

“This new enhanced site aims to provide the public with a vast amount of useful information on the work of the local authorities operating in Kil- rush as well as information for any- one planning a trip to Kilrush show- casing the town’s achievements and facilities on offer,’ Siobhan Garvey, acting marketing and development officer with Kilrush Town Council explained.

Application forms for and relating to services such as planning, roads, parking and housing will be available

to download from the site.

In addition, the public will have the ability to search Kilrush Town Coun- cil planning applications, checking the status on these applications from the comfort of home.

For the first time ever information on all Kilrush’s planning applications will be on line, similar to the service that has been available from Clare County Council for the last number of years.

‘The site has been designed to be accessible for all users including people with disabilities,’ said Ms Crane

“Websites are a valuable informa- tion tool and can reach a vast variety of the public; with this in mind Kul- rush Town Council are committed to ensure that all relevant up to date information will be available on this website,’ she added.

“We hope you will find this site a useful source of information and we welcome any comments you may have.”

People with such comments or queries can contact Kilrush Town Council n 065 9051047 and e- rnerew et kilrush@clarecoco.ie or sgarvey @clarecoco.ie.

AN BORD Pleanala has over-ruled the recommendation of its own in- spector to grant planning permission for contentious plans for a housing development in Ballyvaughan.

Earlier this year, Clare County Council granted planning permis- sion to Thomas P Considine for 21 homes in the face of opposition from local residents.

However, the residents appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala. They stated that the proposed houses are suburban in massing, design and density and are therefore inappro-

priate for the location proposed and damaging to visual amenity.

The residents also stated that the pro- posed development by reason of the number of residential units proposed, would prejudice the orderly develop- ment of the settlement as envisaged in the development plan and also argued that the pattern of development is in- consistent with the historic pattern of development of the area.

The residents also argued that the development would overlook certain neighbouring residential properties and that the site is prone to flooding.

In the recommendation by its in- spector, Keith Sargent, he recom-

mended refusal after ruling that the proposed dwellings would have an unacceptable visual impact on the scenic amenities of this visually sen- sitive area, and would set an inappro- priate precedent for the construction of similar dwellings on other unde- veloped lands in Ballyvaughan.

He stated, “The proposed develop- ment would, therefore, be contrary to proper planning and sustainable de- velopment of the area.”

The inspector also ruled that, con- sidering the existing deficiency in the Ballyvaughan sewerage system and the uncertainty regarding the timing of future improvements to the system,

development of the kind proposed on the land would be premature.

Mr Sergeant ruled that access to the development is proposed via a cul-de-sac road serving an existing residential estate and involving con- struction of a road on existing public Open space serving the said existing residential estate. He said, “The pro- posed development would therefore seriously injure the amenities and depreciate the value of property in the vicinity and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

However, in its ruling, the council stated that the development would

not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity, would be acceptable in terms of traf- fic safety and convenience and would not be prejudicial to public health. The board explained not accept- ing the inspector’s recommendation by stating that the proposed devel- opment as designed represented an acceptable standard appropriate to its context, the issue of foul sewage could be addressed by condition, and the access proposed was appropriate in the context of the planned expan- sion of residential development in the area and would not unduly injure the amenities of adjoining property.

THE mayor of Kilrush is to consider making a trip to France for the coun- cil members part of next year’s local authority budget.

Cllr Tom Clyne (Ind) said, “I would like to say that I am keen that mem- bers of the current elected council, in place since 2004, would be part of a return visit to Plouzane and I will be bringing this to the fore later in the year when we are considering budg- ets for the coming 12 months.”

He was speaking at the 25th anni- versary of the twinning of Kilrush with the French town of Plouzane at a special monthly meeting of the Kilrush Town Council in the Vande- leur Walled Garden.

The 30-strong French delegation was led by the deputy mayor of the French town, Yves Dubuit.

The very first exchange took place in 1982, when Michael Flynn, the

then mayor, lead the inaugural twin- ning delegation to Plouzane.

Members of that delegation were also present at the special meet- ing including Michael Flynn and PJ Hanrahan. The late John McNama- ra was represented by his wife Kitty McNamara.

‘You must be very proud that some- thing started 25 years ago continues to thrive to this day,” Mayor Clyne told the members in the public gal- Says

“The first Plouzane delegation to come to Kilrush will have witnessed many changes since 1982. And even as some things change, some things remain the same. Kilrush still en- joys the same natural advantages it always has had – the same beautiful wide streets, the waterside location, accessible woodlands, fine architec- ture and streetscapes and the same vibrant community spirit – of which the Plouzane-Kilrush Twinning

Committee is a good example,’ the mayor continued.

“The advantages that Kilrush has to offer are now being recognised widely, by developers and others. Kilrush has received numerous Tidy Towns Awards in recent years. A Government department has recent- ly decentralised to Kilrush and there are 50 new revenue commissioners working in town. The commercial and business life of the town 1s thriv- ing and set to continue to thrive. The high standard of quality of life that can be enjoyed in Kilrush is reaping economic rewards.”

Plouzane shares a maritime tradi- tion with Kilrush, and Cllr Clyne took every opportunity to mention the new marina development to the visitors. He also outlined the on-set of full broadband facilities for the town.

“Our friends from Plouzane and ourselves have in common the best

interests of our towns at heart and we thank the people and the town of Plouzane for your sustained friend- ship and interest in Kilrush over the years. Regardless of any changes to shopping or tourism or technology, the key to successful twinning is in the friendships formed between or- dinary people. I congratulate both the Kilrush and Plouzane twinning committees for their dedicated hard work and for ensuring that the con- nections between people remain at the heart of this successful twinning relationship,’ he said.

THE HSE is training advanced para- medics ahead of the expected closure of accident and emergency depart- ments across the country.

The former mid-western health board region of Clare, Limerick and north Tipperary will be used on a pilot basis for the deployment of the highly trained medics from this September.

It is understood that the HSE plans to deploy the advanced paramedics in Clare and Tipperary, effectively tak- ing A&E on the road. This will allow them to administer critical life-sav- ing treatment before taking patients

directly to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick, bypassing local hospitals.

The HSE is preparing to announce the results of a review of acute hos- pitals in the mid-west carried out by Teamwork, a British-based company of consultants. The same group has already recommended the closure of accident and emergency departments in the north east of the country.

While not commenting on what the report will contain, the HSE has said that the review of hospital services in the Mid West is expected in the autumn at the earliest. However, it is believed locally that an announcement

will come in the next few weeks.

It is expected to recommend the clo- sure of the accident and emergency departments at Ennis and Nenagh gen- eral hospitals, as well as at St John’s in Limerick, and be replaced by nurse- led minor injuries clinics.

The HSE has confirmed that seven advanced paramedics are already based in Limerick, with one each in Roscrea and Ennis and seven more CUTS KoOLO AEN mbe-BoNpbOron

Asked how advanced paramedics will be deployed in the Mid West, the HSE said they are currently deployed as part of operational crews and this will be reviewed for the future.

Ambulance personnel, previously known as emergency medical techni- cians, are now referred to as paramed- ics, having completed a conversion course, and are permitted to admin- ister better live-saving treatment than before.

Before qualifying as advanced para- medics, staff undergo further, more intensive training lasting almost 12 months, at a cost of over €120,000 per person. They will then be allowed un- dertake “advanced interventions” in- cluding the administration of a range of live-saving drugs. Staff will also be able to put up drips, a task only under- taken by doctors in the past.

PREPARATIONS have begun for one of west Clare’s longest running OME Ie

The ever popular Rose of Clare Festival will begin Sunday, August 5, and will run until the following Fri- day, bringing craic, ceoil and lots of lovely ladies to the villages of Cree and Cooraclare.

In its 28th year the festival contin- ues to attract young women from all over the county to compete for the coveted title of Rose of Clare.

This year, as always, a dozen new roses will be introduced to the crowd

at the Sunday afternoon Fancy Dress parade in Cree.

This will be followed by the family fun day in the GAA grounds. The fun and activities will include stack the turf, sheaf throwing, the dog show, tug-o-war and lots more.

Sunday and Monday will see well- known DJ and local man John Carey at the mixing desk for the first two discos of the week, but Monday night’s event is for children only.

The sound of the music will change on Wednesday night with Céili tak- NOTA OKoI NB KOMI EEL od

On Wednesday there is likely to be standing room only as the 12

roses will be interviewed by Colm O’Connor in the community centre, followed by music by Larry McEvoy.

Supporters will have to wait until Friday night to see if their favourite Rose was successful and will take over from last year’s winner Elma Griffin from Kilmihil as the 2007 Rose of Clare.

This will be followed by a disco by DJ Ger Sweeney.

People can also look forward to a race night on Thursday night and plenty of music and song in both vil- lages.

There will also be underage foot- ball competitions running in con-

junction with the festival and an art competition.

‘A lot of work has gone into organis- ing this year’s Rose of Clare Festival and we are fortunate to have a very dedicated hard working committee,” said Ruth Callinan, joint PRO of the OMe B

“Our community owes them a great debt and parishioners can indeed show their gratitude by supporting the various events during the week. We look forward to seeing our friends from neighbouring parishes and oth- er areas of the county supporting the Roses and hope that everyone has a very enjoyable week in Cooraclare.”

THE Ennis General Hospital De- velopment Committee has vowed to regroup and mount a campaign to maintain 24-hour accident and emer- gency care at the hospital.

A special meeting was held last evening after leaks from a review of acute services in the mid-west sound- ed the death knell for 24-hour con- sultant-led accident and emergency services at the county hospital.

Leaks from the review carried out by Horwarth Consulting Ireland, in association with British-based Team- work Management Services, points to the closure of the 24-hour depart- ments in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospital in Limerick.

A spokesperson for the HSE said at the weekend that the controversial review was “still underway and ex- pected in early autumn.”

Chairman of the Ennis General Hospital Development Committee, Peadar McNamara, said that the eroup were planning mass demon- strations and would begin an intense political lobby.

He said the committee intend to send representations to all the gov- ernment party leaders and the inde- pendent members of the government, as well as to the CEO of the HSE, the Mid West Network Manager and En- nis General Hospital Manager.

Just two of Clare’s candidates in last May’s General Election said they would resign from government if the

accident and emergency facilities at the hospital were downgraded.

The only female candidates, Fine Gael Cllr Madeleine Taylor Quinn and Sinn Féin’s Anna Prior, both said that if their parties were in gov- ernment, they would insist that full services were retained at the hospi- tal. Neither of the candidates were elected despite their commitment.

Likewise, veteran politician Brendan Daly said he would not run for Fianna Fail in the election without a guaran- tee that services at the hospital were retained. He lost out on a seat, despite reassurances from the minister for health and the Taoiseach that accident and emergency would be retained.

However, CEO of the HSE, Profes- sor Brendan Drumm, has never come

out in favour of 24-hour accident and emergency in Ennis.

“Speaking on a personal level, what flabbergasts me about the election is that nine out of 10 people voted for those who planned the implementa- tion of Hanley and the closure, and most of those who voted for them were people in the periphery or the county and at the highest risk,’ said Mr McNamara, chairman of the En- nis General Hospital Development Committee.

“Eleven out of 20 people did not vote for the closure of accident and emergency and Hanley and their wishes are being undemocratically ignored by the outgoing government parties and the new allies in govern- ment,” he said.

POLISH workers in Kilkee hotels who successfully completed a FAS Skills for Work course have been commended for their application to studies and their level of achieve- ment.

The group of eight spent fifteen weeks on a part-time series of classes that had to be juggled with varying duty shifts. It was delivered in Kil- kee Bay Hotel by Clare Adult Basic Education Service (CABES), an arm of the Clare Vocational Education Sonatas

FAS devised the Skills for Work course as part of a new programme

from its Services to Business sector. In Kilkee, it was delivered by Kala Moloney of CABES whose tutors and materials costs are paid for by FAS.

Karl Quinn, co-ordinator of Eng- lish language programmes within CABES, who presented certificates to the workers, said he was full of admiration for the progress made throughout the course and looked forward to other similar courses around the county.

Margot Walsh, Skills for Work co- ordinator with FAS, also commented on the progress achieved during the course and hoped that the partici- pants could involve themselves in

further segments of the programme.

Designed to provide easy access to training for employees, the pro- gramme improves essential commu- nication skills and educational levels in the workplace, helping ensure a competitive edge to the employer.

The recipients of certificates were Jolanta and Krzysztof Ciesielski, Marck Sulkowski, Lukaz Kandler and his wife, Kamila, Sebastian Sulkowski, Andrzej Janoska and An- eta Sadowsti.

After the awards ceremony, the stu- dents presented Kala Moloney with a photographic encyclopaedia of Poland. An informal meal followed, featuring typical Polish food made

by the workers and samples of her native foods made by Kala Moloney who is Indian-born.

Several courses are running suc- cessfully in companies around Clare. Benefits are two-fold: the employees, for their part, develop new skills while companies gain in having employees with greater flexibility, improved communication skills and an interest in training and develop- ment.

Other benefits for employers are increased quality and output, more profitability, increased retention of employees, better team performance and health and safety record and or- ganisational flexibility.

A HALF tonne of rubbish, including a fridge freezer and the front door of a house, was dumped along a road- side in Meelick, a court has heard. Arising out of the incident, Tina Quilligan, of Cannonbreen Park, Thomondgate, Limerick, was fined €400, at Shannon District Court.

Garda John Kelleher told the court that a variety of rubbish was dumped at Gortgarraun, Meelick, on Decem- ber 23 last.

These included a fridge freezer, the door of a house, sheets of corrugated iron, paper, cardboard, plastic pack- aging, Christmas wrapping and gen- eral household rubbish.

It was dumped by the side of the

road and was visible from the public road, the court heard.

Correspondence found in the rub- bish led gardai to the defendant.

She admitted some of the rubbish came from her house and some of the Christmas wrapping had her childrens’ names on it. It cost Clare County Council €316 to clean up the rubbish.

Defending solicitor Caitriona Car- mody said her client, a mother-of- five, was doing work to the rear of her house. She saw an advertisement in a newspaper and contact the number on it, to remove the rubbish.

“She paid them and expected them to dispose of it legitimately, but they didn’t,” she said. “She is here to plead guilty,’ added Ms Carmody.

THE Clare branch of the Samaritans has received a major funding boost after ©€26,000 was raised for the service, by organisers of alOk walk held in April. The cheque was pre- sented to members of the Samaritans in Ennis, last week.

SU slomr-NbecKO) Mee COMA VDL Gn. chem rO ms Eihio awareness of the issues surrounding suicide. It was the second year of the event and brings to almost €50,000 the amount of money raised by the walk for the Samaritans.

The event was organised by three local people Keith Molloy, Sasha O’Brien and Clare O’Brien. The money will be used to cover the costs of running the Samaritans centre in

Ennis which are estimated at around €1,000 a week.

A spokesperson for the Samaritans thanked the organisers and said the money would go towards maintain- ing a 24-hour service at the centre.

“We really want to thank the people who did this. It is an amazing amount of money to raise and it will be really helpful to us running the service. We are constantly having to maintain the centre on Kilrush road”.

The spokesperson added, “The walk was for suicide awareness and it really gives you an indication of the concern and interest that exists out there about suicide”’.

Sasha O’Brien, one of the 10k walk organisers has already been com- mended for her efforts to generate

greater public discussion on suicide. Earlier this year, she was nominated for a Pramerica Spirit of Community Award, for a series of projects she undertook as a Leaving Cert student at Colaiste Muire, Ennis, to raise sul- cide awareness.

The Pramerica Spirit of Commu- nity Awards programme recognises and rewards post-primary/second- level students for volunteer work car- ried out in their communities.

Sasha received help from her un- cle Keith Molloy and aunt Clare O’Brien.

Meanwhile the Samaritans are set to benefit from money raised from a different type of event over the week- Nee

The “Malin Head to Mizen Head

Challenge’ saw local man Peader White travel from one end of Ireland to the other, setting of on Friday and returning back to Ennis on Sunday.

Peader’s choice of automobile for the three-day journey was a 1956 vintage Morris Minor. It is the sec- ond time the keen vintage car enthu- siast undertook the challenge. Last year Peader raised almost €2,500 for the Samaritans, by taking the same journey in a 1950 Austin A40 Somerset. The car had previously been used in director Tim Burton’s big screen version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.