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OUTGOING Agriculture Miu£inis- ter, Mary Coughlan, has put a shot across the bough of the EU ahead of a Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting which takes place later to- day, June 12.

Setting out her stall ahead of the meeting, Coughlan pointed to the contentious issue of cross-compli- ance as one of her main targets for reform. With the areas of concern for farmers already well established, Coughlan has called for a number of amendments to the commission’s proposals to be agreed upon and made operational in a reasonable time-frame.

The Donegal TD commented that she had made the ministers in the council, the commissioners and the president of the council well aware of the principal concerns of farmers in the areas of cross-compliance and simplification.

“Tam happy about Ireland’s initia- tive on many of the issues, not least the need for adequate advance notice of inspections which recognised the practical realities of modern-day farming,’ she said.

“Tam well aware that there is still a long way to go to convince the com- mission and to secure the necessary changes to cross-compliance = ar- rangements.

“T will be doing my utmost at the

council to get my fellow ministers and the commissioner to understand and accept the need for reform of the cross-compliance requirements in a way that reduces red tape and recognises the practical situation on Teena

In tandem with the commission’s proposals on its review of cross- compliance, the minister said that her department had undertaken a review of the paperwork associated with cross-compliance inspections with a view to simplification and a practical approach.

The inspection report forms have been substantially reviewed and will now be discussed with the farming bodies.

Coughlan pointed out that the pa- perwork involved in the inspections is internal department documenta- tion for use by the department in- spector only and under no circum- stances do these documents have to be filled in by the farmer.

“The fact is that the farmer being inspected does not have to complete any paperwork apart from signing the inspection report if he or she so wishes,” she continued.

Two thirds of the 7,000 or so farm- ers to be inspected in 2007 will be checked for no more than two of the 18 cross-compliance requirements while the number of inspections at 7,000 is down from approximately 18,000 before decoupling.

CONSTRUCTION work on_ the €204 million Gort Crusheen bypass moved a step closer yesterday with An Bord Pleanala confirming the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the scheme.

The planning board also confirmed the Environment Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.

However, confirmation of the CPO does not include the provision of a second access road into Gort that

was being sought by local groups in the Gort area.

The lead agency in the scheme, Galway County Council, will now take the next steps to compulsorily acquire almost 500 acres of land contained in 103 farms along the 22km route.

Galway County Council has al- ready initiated the tendering process for the scheme.

The scheme will also involve the severance of 845 acres of farmland.

In its decision, An Bord Pleanala

stated that the construction of the route would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and would not result in significant adverse ef- fects on the environment.

The overall cost of the scheme is €209 million, with construction costs put at €156 million.

A spokesman for the National Roads Authority (NRA) said yes- terday that construction was due to commence by the middle of next year and the construction phase

would last between two and a half and three years.

On the need for a second access junction into Gort Road, the board inspector stated, “The current pro- posal provides for only one access to Gort at Ballinger’s corner on the north east of the town.

‘The submission by Gort Regional Alliance for Community and Envi- ronment related to the need for a sec- ond limited type access at the point at which the proposed route crosses the Gort-Tubber Road.

“It is considered that the capacity of the junction as proposed, taken with the intention to build a com- plete grade — separated junction at Ballinger’s Corner with a future ex- tension of the scheme – is adequate for the current and projected traffic NO) LUN aa Shee

Much of the road passes through a karst landscape. The route will pass within 300 metres and 3km of nine designated Special Areas of Conser- vation (SAC) or National Heritage Areas (NHAs).

FINE GAEL has continued its trend of electing younger representatives to public office with the election of Paul Murphy to succeed newly-elect- ed TD Joe Carey on Clare County Council.

Mr Murphy was elected ahead of Tony Mulqueen on Friday night to take the place of his fellow Clarecas- tle man.

Despite pleas from the Mulqueen camp that experience be considered

over youth, the majority of the hun- dred-plus delegates voted to elect 29- year-old Mr Murphy.

Earl Mulqueen, nominating his brother, described the family’s long history in the party, going back to his erandfather, Thomas, who took the side of Collins after the “tan war”.

He told delegates that his brother’s lineage in Fine Gael went back to Cumann na nGael, and that he be- lieved faithfully in the party’s motto of integrity and decency.

“Forget parish loyalties. This is not

a contest between young Fine Gael and old. It is about preparing for 2009,” he said.

Ennis Town Cllr. Johnnie Flynn, who replaced Mulqueen’s cousin Anna Mulqueen in the council in 2004, seconded the Ennis man’s nomination.

“I believe this party wronged him in 2004,” he said, referring to Mr Mulqueen’s 40-vote loss at the local ere nen se

“I believe this party let him down in 2004. If he does not get support

tonight, he would be let down again,” said the Ennis councillor.

When Clarecastle’s Pascal Russell pulled out of the council race just minutes before nomination, it left just one other candidate, Paul Mur- phy, a supporter of outgoing council- lor Joe Carey. He was proposed by Willie Halpin.

“In 1999, we were in a small little room upstairs and we nominated Joe Carey to go for the county council. He was 23 years of age then. Nine years later, he was elected as a TD.

If you invest in youth you will reap the rewards.”

Una Lynch, from Young Fine Gael, was equally sure of his ability and dedication when she seconded his nomination. The two candidates then introduced themselves to the del- egates, before the votes were cast by secret ballot.

The chairman of the convention and director of elections, Paul Bu- gler, confirmed that Mr Murphy was elected by an undisclosed majority vote.

MEP Jim Higgins (FG) has lent his support to efforts by Shannon Town Council to get the Government to ap- ply for an EU subsidy that could see a return of daily flights from Shannon to Dublin.

It comes despite Ryanair announc- ing the commencement of its service from Shannon to Dublin from this November.

The Public Service Operation (PSO) scheme gives financial assist- ance to certain essential but unprofit-

able transport routes offered out for tender. It currently supports several routes in regional airports such as Kerry, Sligo and Galway.

“The Government would have to apply to the EU Commission in Brus- sels for this assistance. There will be conditions to do with competition law and negotiations but the commission is very Sympathetic towards Shannon since the introduction of Open Skies. Once an application is made, my col- leagues and I can enlist support and stress the importance of it.”

As Fine Gael transport spokesman,

Higgins was instrumental in con- vincing the Government to apply for a PSO ruling for commuter routes to and from Knock Airport.

“The Knock commuter flights are packed because there is such a huge demand,” he added.

Shannon councillor Sean McLough- lin (FG) said that the council agreed last week to send a letter on the matter to the incoming minister for transport.

‘“PSOs are not restricted to internal flights but the return of a daily Shan- non to Dublin route would be wel-

come. If properly timed, this route would allow people to fly to Dublin, get a return flight to Europe and be back in Shannon that night. This would really benefit business people. Ryanair is planning a Shannon/Dub- lin route but the times have not been announced and they are key for con- necting flights.”

“If this was subsidised, the pressure would be off. Up to 200 people a day were using this route at its height and it could run all year around… Shan- non will survive once the infrastruc- ture and financial support are there.”

AN AIR Accident Investigation Unit inquiry into a “very serious in- cident” involving an Aer Lingus jet has blamed the faulty installation of a cargo door seal for pressurisation problems which forced the aircraft to declare an emergency return to Shannon Airport.

The inquiry concluded that a cargo door seal had been fitted incorrectly by an engineer at Dublin Airport who had never carried out a cargo door seal replacement on an A330 previously. The seal in this case was fitted inside out and upside down.

The incident occurred on August 18, 2005 after the Aer Lingus Air- bus A330-301 aircraft left Shannon for JFK Airport in New York.

Shortly into the flight, the captain declared an emergency due to pres- surisation problems. The aircraft made an emergency descent from 35,000 ft and the captain requested a diversion to Shannon. A normal approach was executed and the air- craft, although overweight, landed safely at 4.23pm.

Earlier, when the flight first ar- rived at Shannon, the captain was forced to abort his first landing af- ter reporting a pressurisation prob-

lem. The plane landed safely on the second attempt.

The door seal was fitted inside out and upside down which, according to the report, “would indicate that neither the crew leader nor crew- members understood how the seal functioned in flight. Taken collec- tively, they all had adequate experi- ence but obviously none were aware of the significance of the inflation holes.”

According to the investigation unit report, the incident should sig- nal the need for a review of the con- tractor’s initial and ongoing train- ing system.

The report cited mitigating cir- cumstances, however, stating that the crew leader’s attention was di- vided between two aircraft. There was also the length of time taken to acquire a seal, the time spent on the job as a consequence, the move- ment of the aircraft to another stand and the encroaching darkness.

Had the new seal been fitted at the time of the damaged seal removal, its correct orientation in the door might have been obvious to the crew who might also have noted that the inflation holes were on the incorrect side and facing out from the door centre.

PLANS for a major overhaul of Shannon ‘own Centre, to include a traditional streetscape, have been drawn up – they will go to the public and key stakeholders in the town, to allow them to have an input into the finished product.

The aim is to create a new ‘urban retail environment’ and a ‘living cen- tre’, a task described as ‘challenging’ by the firm of architects overseeing the project.

The plans – for a site across the road from SkyCourt – include a develop- ment focused on ‘people-orientated places’ with ‘daytime and evening vibrancy’, featuring a mix of town

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A presentation on the plans was made by Murray O’Laoire architects to town councillors last week. Vari- ous stakeholders, including council- lors, the business sector and local groups, will be consulted, before a draft design will be put on public dis- play later in the year. A public infor- mation evening will also be held.

Senior Urban Designer with Mur- ray O’Laoire, Daibhi Mac Domhnaill told councillors the plans – if imple- mented – would add to the image of the town and would “redefine how people view the town”.

“The objective would be to have a draft plan by September 2007 and if itis approved, it would go forward for

adoption,’ said Mr Mac Domhnaill.

“You would like to make the town centre accessible for young teens and elderly. There should be routes that would be safe at day time and after dark,” he said.

“Shannon hasn’t a great street- scape,’ he added, to responses from councillors who pointed out that there are no streets in the town.

“That is something we would want to bring to the project,” he contin- ued.

John Murray, of Murray O’Laoire told councillors the biggest challenge was to “integrate it successfully with the existing town centre”.

Clare County Council Senior Exec- utive Engineer (planning), John Bra-

dley said the council was working on a “very tight schedule”.

“There are a couple of major plan- ning applications in at the moment. Developers don’t waste time. We want to get it right. We are looking at something that will bring devel- Opers in and who want to develop in this area. This is going to be the hub of your town. At the moment a large amount of employees don’t use the town for shopping,’ he said.

He said that the land in question is owned by four landowners – the main one which is Clare County Council – all of who are being consulted with.

‘We have to flesh out what is possi- ble. What will attract the investors to invest in Shannon?” he asked.

THE restructuring plan at Shannon Airport, which includes 185 volun- tary redundancies, has already be- gun. Current workers expect the first instalment of their “loyalty bonus” on June 20.

The €10,000 payment to around 350 workers will be followed with another €6,000 within four and half months according to the original agreement, which was given the all clear after management and trade unions resolved outstanding differ- ences under the auspices of the La-

bour Relations Commission (LRC) last week.

A spokeswoman for the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) said that some redundancy dates had already been agreed.

‘Some people have been given an exit date but the majority will be phased out over the summer. That is our busiest time so changes will be gradual. We also have catering busi- nesses taking over so everyone will be working together as the structure undergoes a major transformation.”

The catering companies, HMSHost and EFG In-Flight, will also start

providing terminal and services from June 20.

The SAA fell 15 short of the origi- nal redundancy target of 200 but this was not a major stumbling block.

‘Between the number that applied and their gradings, we are satisfied that we will make the savings we need. Workers with over 24 years experience will get redundancies of approximately €100,000 and other payments will be decided on a slid- ing scale,’ she added.

“The airport is in a good position with a bright future and lots of new routes have been announced. We

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SIPTU Industrial Organiser at Shannon Airport, Tony Carroll, said that although redundancies were al- ways disappointing, SIPTU tried to negotiate for the best result.

‘We had to work on the basis that the company wanted voluntary re- dundancies and if people wanted to go, they could. The important thing was to structure and secure the jobs for those remaining. We are satisfied that the remaining staff have viable jobs.”

A YOUNG mother who stole five bottles of aftershave from an Ennis pharmacy was jailed for four months after a court heard that she had sev- eral previous convictions for theft.

Andriena Williams (25), of Doneen Road, Woodview, Limerick, admit- ted stealing four bottles of aftershave from Cassidy’s pharmacy, Ennis, on May 19. She also pleaded guilty to stealing another bottle of aftershave, earlier that day.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told Ennis District Court that the defendant was in the pharmacy with her five-year old son.

She was seen leaving the premises with one bottle of aftershave. She was not apprehended at the time.

Some 30 minutes later, she was seen leaving the same shop with four more bottles. She was stopped by security and the four bottles were recovered.

Defending solicitor, Daragh Has- Sett, said his client wanted to come

up with compensation. He said he believed the case was suitable for the ake): IHNEN MA CoKy

“She has a bad record. She is plead- ing on the first available date,’ said the solicitor.

Judge Joseph Mangan imposed a four month jail term and fixed a bond of €600 in the event of an appeal.

Mr Hassett said his client wouldn’t be able to meet the bond and he asked the judge to reduce it.

He said if the court would agree, his chent would “submit herself to

the gates of Limerick Prison next Wednesday”.

Judge Mangan reduced the bond to €500 and Mr Hassett said that was still very high.

The judge replied, “It’s not a very high sum, considering the offences and she has a string of previous con- victions.”

The woman then apologised to the court. The judge told her, “You shouldn’t have used the child in the commission of those offences. You did. Now face the consequences.”

A FEASIBLE shopping alternative – different to what is planned for Coon- agh in Limerick – should be planned, in an effort to attract shoppers in to SJetvevaleyey

In general, Shannon town council- lors endorsed the need for a major change in the town, to incorporate more shopping and an_ attractive Streetscape.

OE Ticet Orelireia an eel mn Ome arne ecutive Engineer John Bradley said the shopping centre at Coonagh will have a huge impact on the Shannon and Limerick areas and Shannon needs an “alternative option’.

Reacting to last week’s presenta- tion by Murray O’Laoire architects, Labour councillor Greg Duff said, “We have had numerous presenta-

tions since the 70s, but what we have been left with is a private mall that has been dressed up as a town centre. We’d be better off if we got the folk village in Bunratty and transported it vo

He said over the years, development in the town has been “solely develop- er driven. We keep on repeating the same mistakes.”

The Mayor of Shannon, Councillor Tony McMahon (Labour) said this was a “unique” opportunity to do something that was “neglected previ- ously in relation to streetscape.”

“That is the most important thing the people of Shannon would be anx- ious to have,’ he said.

Councillor Gerry Flynn said an arts centre must be an integral part of the plans and should be located in a “prime position,’ while adequate

public parking must be made avail- able.

Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Independ- ent) said a “living centre” is required, and overnight accommodation and facilities should also be addressed.

She noted that the land was owned by a small number of landowners and expressed concern that there would be no opportunity for others to “buy rhe onae

“It’s not just about putting in devel- opment. It’s also about putting in a centre, that there’s going to be a life there,” she said.

Cllr Sean Hillery, who runs a chem- ists in the town centre, said, “If I had my time over again, I don’t think I’d be in the town centre and that is a hard thing to say. The rents keep go- ing up.”

He said the last thing Shannon

should do is try to compete with oth- er major shopping centres, “because they would wipe the floor with us.”

“We need to do something unique. It’s most important that people would be in control, not the multinationals. I’m not against them but they are transporting our money out of here. We can have a traditional town. That’s what the people want,’ he said.

Councillor Tony Mulcahy (FG) said that a piece of land was left out of the plans and said it must be put back in.

“We deserve an answer. Somebody took it out. These guys (architects) didn’t get the correct mapping. This is the same bull we went through two years ago,” he said.

Mr Bradley replied, “I inherited this project. Those were the lands I know are there. Your concerns have been noted on the report.”

THE Shannon Airport Authority has moved to expand the airport’s €30 million terminal building to prepare for the end of the Shannon stopover.

The phased ending of the stopover will be complete by April of next year. The Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) is hoping that by then the air- port will have a competitive advan- tage by having in place a full Cus- toms and Border Protection Post.

As a result, the SAA has lodged plans with Clare County Council for a two-storey extension to the existing oomeepnireve

Planning documents lodged with the council state that “the proposed terminal extension is an integral part of Shannon Airport’s physical devel- opment to meet the significant chal- lenges that lay ahead for the airport and in particular the introduction of ‘open skies’ in April 2008.

“The design updates the existing terminal building in a sensitive man- ner, improving the external appear- ance of the older building, as well as the overall function of the terminal.”

The SAA’s consultants believe that the extension will lead to an improved passenger experience at Shannon.

In a statement, the SAA said yes- terday, “Management at Shannon Airport confirmed that the DAA are

currently examining the feasibility of upgrading the current US Immi- gration pre-inspection facility to a Full Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Inspection Post at Shannon.

“Exploratory talks have been held between the DAA, Shannon Airport management, the Department of Transport and the CBP Organisation on the matter. As part of the feasibil- ity study, the airport confirms that they are seeking planning permis- sion to extend the terminal building and carry out alterations to existing sections of the main terminal build- bate

The statement said that “summer 2008 is the target date for the estab- lishment of this facility subject to approval”.

Explaining the significance of the move to put in place a customs facil- ity last month, the SAA’s Executive chairman, Pat Shanahan said, “This means that airlines can fly into any domestic terminal in the US and won’t have to go through the inter- national hubs. That is going to be a major bonus in Shannon and Shan- non would be first airport in Europe to have that facility

‘That is one of our tactics to try to sustain transatlantic traffic.”

A decision is due on the application during the summer.