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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.

ENNIS Town Council is seeking a meeting with Clare’s most senior Garda to discuss crime related issues in the town including anti-social be- neha col eue

Members invited Chief Superin- tendent Gerry Mahon to address the council at the June monthly meeting of Ennis Town Council.

Figures from Ennis Town Council show a major drop in the number of prosecutions for people consuming alcohol on streets and public places in the three-year period from 2003

to 2005.

In 2003, there were 73 prosecutions while in 2004 that figure fell to 12. Figures for 2005 show that only two people were prosecuted by the coun- ote

The issue was raised in the cham- ber by Green Party councillor Donal O’Bearra who asked that the council provide a report in relation to the suc- cess or otherwise of the Ennis Town Council Prohibition of Consumption of Intoxicating Liquor on Streets and in Public Byelaws 2000.

Cllr O’Bearra said he had noticed increased numbers of people drink-

ing on the streets.

“T put forward this motion because it seems to me that there are more and more people strolling around the town with cans. In the interest of public safety, I would be very con- cerned at the number of people on the street with alcohol. I would like us to be able to meet with the Gaurds on a regular basis to discuss issues like this.”

Independent councillor Frankie Neylon suggested that the council meet with Chief Superintendent Ma- teva

“It would be a very beneficial for us

to get a picture of what is going on in the town. We could invite the chief Superintendent to come in and meet with the council.”

Independent councillor Tommy Brennan supported the proposal and said he had heard of inequalities in the present system of bylaws.

“I would definitely support that suggestion. It would be a useful ex- ercise. Its not always the lads that are drinking that are the ones caught. I know of a case of someone up by me where there was a load of lads drink- ing on his land and he ended up be- ing brought to court over it.”

A 50TH birthday with a difference will be celebrated in Shannon later this month.

‘The Big 50s bash’ is the multiple birthday celebration for dozens of Shannon men and women who are turning 50 this year.

The event will be twofold – it will mark the special occasion and will also form part of a reunion for many of those who have lost touch over the years.

The celebration is the brainchild of Gail Fean, who has decided that, as she turns 50, she should get back in touch with many of her former schoolfriends!

“We needed to do something like

this for years. There are at least 50 of us going to be 50 this year,’ she CrHTOR

“IT thought that we needed to locate people who have been and gone and try to get them back for one bash. We were the babies of Shannon and we are now the parents of Shannon,” she PALO

Gail grew up in Shannon and moved to Cork for many years. Although she returned to Shannon in 1994, she never regained contact with many of her former friends.

“We haven’t met up in years. We would have been the class of 1969 – 69 in St Senan’s, when there was very, very little to do. It was so tight that fifth and sixth classes shared the same room back then. After leav-

ing there, we had the choice of the Comp’ or boarding schools away from the town. People split up then. The bulk of us stayed in Shannon, but commitments pulled many oth- ers in all directions,’ she said.

“We were all very close, but we drifted,” she added.

Ms Fean said there are also plans to make this event an annual celebra- nee

“It is good to have a different out- let. I think we will do something every year to keep the spirit going. Let’s hope this is the first of many reunions in Shannon,” she said.

A number of those who will attend on the night are also planning to walk the Clare People 10k, on June 23. Participants in the 10k are given

the opportunity to donate to a char- ity of their choice and the Shannon group will donate to kidney dialysis units.

The party will take place at the Oakwood Arms Hotel, at 9pm, on Saturday, June 23. Tickets, at a cost of €30, are available from committee members Gail Fean, Fergus Cough- lan, Heather Halton and Claire Mc- Cracken or by phoning 087 4160876 or 086 8206557.

THE IFA has launched a blistering attack on Kerry Co-Op, accusing the company of ‘pocketing’ the money generated by the upsurge in the mar- ket and not passing anything on to JE Du nN ace

The IFA’s National Dairy Com- mittee Chairman, Richard Kennedy, commented on Wednesday that the May 1.4c/l (6.3c/gal) milk price in- crease by Kerry fell 2c/l (9c/gal) short of the 30c/l +VAT benchmark which co-ops “can easily afford” in the present record dairy market re- aebw ete

Kennedy accused the board of Ker- ry of ‘letting down’ its suppliers by following the deliberately weak tone set by Glanbia and failing to pass

back a much higher price increase. He accused both Kerry and Glan- bia of corporate greed in pocketing most of the market upswing. “Sup- pliers demand their fair share of the massive market improvements. It 1s absolutely legitimate after five years of constant price cuts in view of the huge surge in markets,” he said.

“Yet, so far, most dairy farmers have received less than 20 per cent of the historical return increases of the last 12 months. There are already sions of real anger that they are be- ing cheated of fully justified price increases.

Kerry and Glanbia have now in- creased their milk price by a total of 3.6c/l (16c/gal) and 4c/l (18c/gal) respectively, but both have benefited from IDB SMP/butter increases of

three times as much, at 12.7c/l (58c/ gal), as well as significant equivalent increases on returns for most of their product mix.

“Dairy farmers must not be hood- winked by their first milk price in- creases in over five years — 30c/I is the price they received over 10 years ago. They should demand from their board members a far better milk price than Kerry and Glanbia’s in- crease,’ he continued.

“Farmers cannot afford to leave money on the table in this market up- swing when they have taken the full hit in milk price cuts over the past five years.

“The IFA has called for a 30c/I +VAT May milk price, because it is economically fully justifiable, with current market returns, for co-ops to

pay this price and still improve their own margins. Indeed, markets are continuing to strengthen, and further milk price increases will be justified TbOMMO elem exoye sn batcanneleyelne tne

THE students of St Caimin’s in Shan- non have lent a hand to a former stu- dent of the school, who is undertaking charity work overseas.

Brian Deighan is going to Zambia, doing volunteer work, next month. The St Caimin’s students engaged in three bag-packing days in Shan- non Town Centre, and in the process raised €1,000. This is being divided between Mr Deighan’s project and The Four Peaks Challenge, which is being undertaken by Shannon busi- ness Connor Winfield Limited.

The Students Council, second year classes and students who are involved in the french exchange, took part in

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Mr Deighan (22), from Sooreeney, Sixmilebridge, will travel to Lusaka, Zambia, in July, working as a volun- teer in St Lawrence’s Home of Hope for street children. This is a project of the Irish Jesuit’s outreach organisa- tion, Sli Eile.

Brian – who is a neuroscience re- search student in ‘Trinity College Dublin – and eleven others will work with the street children at St Law- rence’s through music, sport and teaching. They will be living in the local community, a shanty town, for the duration of the three-week project and will undertake ways in engag- ing young boys in activities such as sports, music, basic reading and writ-

ing for three weeks. Each volunteer has to collect almost €2,500 and all of the money will go directly to the project’s work.

Brian will depart on his trip on July 4 and will return on July 24.

In a separate fundraising project, Shannon electronic company, Con- nor Winfield is fundraising for Focus Ireland, through the Four Peaks Chal- lenge. It aims to advance the right of homeless people to live in a place they call home, through quality services, research and advocacy.

Focus Ireland responds to the needs of people who are at risk of becom- ing homeless, through a range of ap- propriate high quality services. It also provides emergency transitional and

long-term accommodation for people out-of-home and campaigns for the rights of people with no homes.

Focus Ireland organises The Four Peaks Challenge every year and in- vites teams of between three and five walkers, along with two drivers per vehicle, to climb the highest moun- tain in each of four provinces over one weekend. Each team must raise a minimum of €4,500 in sponsorship, to help homeless people. This is the second year that this company Is par- ticipant in The Four Peaks Challenge.

“We are very grateful for the very generous donation to our fundrais- ing efforts by St Caimin’s Secondary School,” said Connor Winfield man- aging director John O’Connell.

PHILIP O’Reilly Property Plus has just taken on the sale of a develop- ment site with full planning permis- sion in the heart of Ruan, which they say will “truly change the shape of the village”.

The corner site, located in the cen- tre of Ruan, is on the market with full planning permission in place for five houses, three first floor apartments, a bar and off-licence, two retail outlets, 24 car parking spaces anda service treatment plant.

According to the selling agent, “the

development site is ideally situated in the heart of Ruan, approximately 12km north of Ennis town centre. The property forms a pivotal position within the village, at the main Ennis Road and Toonagh Road junction. Ruan – a rural picturesque vil- lage, currently offers its residents

two pubs, a grocery shop, a primary school and a church. The village has grown considerably in recent years due to its close proximity to Ennis and further growth is anticipated.

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ENNIS has been named as the venue for the 2008 International Pipe Band Association Championship.

Over 30,000 visitors are expected to descend on the town for the event, which takes place next July. Bands from both sides of the border along with entrants from Scotland, Canada and North America will compete at the championships, which will take place in the Showgrounds.

The championship is traditionally alternated between counties on both sides of the border. Ennis beat off stiff competition from Kilkenny and Limerick to be selected as the 2008 venue.

It is anticipated that a huge number

of visitors will generate a significant economic windfall for the town.

Ennis was highlighted as a poten- tial location following a statement made earlier this year by hotelier John Madden.

During his term as president of En- nis Chamber of Commerce, Mr Mad- den said Ennis was a suitable location for a major international festival.

Members of the Tulla Pipe Band approached the Irish Pipe Band As- sociation to put forward Ennis as a oF NLECOR

Capt Michael Egan, vice-president of the Irish Pipe Band Association said Ennis proved the ideal location.

“It’s close to the airport, you have rail connections. Space was another consideration, you need a ground

that can cater for the numbers, and plenty of hotel accommodation. En- nis has the new bypass. It’s ideal re- ally, its so close to Shannon its easy to get here by rail.

“Certainly we’d be keen and proud to have it in Clare. We’d like to have it in Limerick but we didn’t have the JeYeu DBL Bony

“Being from Munster myself, I take a personal interest in bringing it down here. We got a very posi- tive response from Ennis and Clare in general; they were keen to have it. And were keen to be down here, GET rem ole bercmdelem elena erm mm aten the strong traditional music.”

Capt Egan explained the event has always drawn big attendance num- leTouce

“You re talking between 20-25,000 maybe even 30,000 people would travel. Between 60 and 80 bands aoe eas

‘The top ones from the country es- pecially the north, they’d be heavy into it there.”

John Madden said he was delighted at the decision to award Ennis the ak-WeaheyCovervevl ence

“After coming back from Milwau- kee last year I saw the need for an Irish festival in Ennis, because I thought it was ready for it.

“The Fleadh Nua was in existence and I asked for it to be reorganised and for it to become and interna- tional event. We are very happy that today we have seen the conclusion of a lot of work”.

LAHINCH residents are fearful that the resort will become like the Costa Del Sol with large scale monolithic apartment blocks running along the beach front.

Lahinch Community Council is backing local objections against a five-storey apartment block planned for Lahinch promenade.

Developer Seamus Carroll is seek- ing to build a €3 million complex that involves the existing McDon- alds amusement arcade. He wants to construct a five-storey building, including 20 apartments, 18 duplex units and six ground floor retail units overlooking Lahinch promenade.

In its objection, Lahinch Commu- nity Council state, “The erection of thirty six residential apartments and six retail units in a dense develop- ment will place an intolerable bur- den upon the sewerage facilities in Lahinch which are already a source of grave concern. I would draw your attention to the fact that on a constant basis on the Main Street and Kettle Street, Lahinch, the smell of raw sewerage is a constant problem.

The objection adds, “Lahinch is a renowned tourist location and is a place of outstanding scenic beauty. Over the last number of years, Clare County Council has granted plan-

ning permission to a number of large developments which have not been adequately maintained and have de- tracted from the beauty and heritage of the surrounding area.”

The community council adds, “The creation of six retail outlets at the proposed development will cause a significant increase in traffic for which inadequate consideration has been given in the developers applica- tion.

“The construction of a development with the capacity to house 36 resi- dential apartments together with six retail outlets and parking facilities 1s, given its scale, size and bulk, entirely inappropriate for the promenade.

“The number of apartments and retail outlets to be built on the site raises serious concerns regarding the density of the development given the limited size and location of the site upon which the development is to be constructed.

Even the family who sold the site to Mr Carroll have expressed concerns about the proposal to the council.

In a submission to the planning authority, Eric, Mary and Isobel Mc- Donald stated, “The upper floors of the development have been reconfig- ured as such that there will be sub- stantial overlooking of my clients’ private apartment at the first floor of their property.”