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FINE Gael TD Pat Breen has called on the Government to fix a date to which they will commit to for the rollout of CCTV for Ennis following four years of broken promises.

Deputy Breen said CCTV had orig- inally been promised in 2003, then in 2004 and again in 2006.

Ennis has been included in the latest roll out of the scheme announced by the Department of Justice in April.

Deputy Breen said a firm timetable for the installation of CCTV in Ennis must be set out.

“What I would like to know 1s the answer to a simple question, when does the minister expect that closed circuit television system will be op- erational for Ennis?

“The latest promise on this critical deterrent to crime is that over €7.5m has been provided in the Garda Vote for 2007 for CCTV projects for 17 areas including Ennis, but no com- pletion date is being provided. Can the minister or the country’s Oire- achtas members even make an elec- tion promise on this?”

Minister McDowell gave an assur- ance in 2003 that “planning for the

installation of a CCTV system for Ennis is scheduled to commence later this year [2003]”, and in 2004 “that planning for the installation of the CCTV systems in Phase 3, in- cluding Ennis, is scheduled to com- mence later this year [2004]”.

The closing date for tenders issued by An Garda Siochana for CCTV systems passed on April 24. En- nis is one of nine towns along with Drogheda, Tallaght, Mullingar, Wa- terford, Portlaoise, Kilkenny, Sligo, Castlebar, included in the scheme.

Deputy Breen added that last year he was assured by the minister that a

CCTV system would be running “in priority locations, including Ennis, by the end of 2006”.

“It seems to be beyond the remit of this minister and this Government to give a clear commitment to a firm timetable for any substantial project.

“CCTV is a crucial plank in fight against anti-social behavior, vandal- ism and street violence. It is totally unacceptable that we can have this approach to the most basic projects.

“The whole affair again exposes the Government’s failure to project manage even when it is for a rela- tively modest project.”

A CONTENTIOUS planning deci- sion described as “unbelievable” by a senior member of Clare County Council has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

Last month, the council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a €40 million housing development in Kilkee prompted Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) to claim that if the local authority was a company, it would be wound up by now.

Cllr Kelly, who is a long-time critic of the planning process in Clare, said, “As a result of this unbelievable deci- sion, the council has forfeited around €4 million, including €2.5 million towards the provision of a new relief road for Kilkee.”

The council turned down a plan- ning application for 196 homes on zoned land at Kilkee Upper by Colm Kennedy, Noel Gallivan and James Rael after strong opposition against the proposal.

The three developers were seeking

full planning permission on the 25- acre site for 116 homes and outline planning permission for a further 80 elt one

The plan also included the con- struction of a childcare facility and nursing home.

However, it attracted 24 separate objections and was subsequently re- jected by the council planning de- partment.

In the appeal lodged with An Bord Pleanala by Byrne O’Donnell Scully architects, the developers state that

they are prepared to provide a relief road joining Dunlickey Road to the Carrigaholt Road.

‘The council themselves were very keen to have the entire relief road, as described on Kilkee maps as far back as 1972, constructed to allevi- ate traffic congestion within the town of Kilkee especially during the sum- mer period.

The developers also asked the council to consider the possibility of a ‘split decision’, to grant permission for houses numbered one to 46 which

are accessed and separated from that part of the proposed development di- rectly affected by the construction of the proposed relief road.

They are also seeking permission “for the remainder of the develop- ment subject to the satisfactory out- come of the now stalled negotiations with adjoining landowners and the satisfactory completion of the relief road joining Dunlickey Road to the Carrigaholt Road”.

A decision is due on the appeal later this year.

PLANS have been lodged with Clare County Council to extend a major quarrying operation in east Clare by 45 acres.

As part of its expansion plans, McGrath (O’Callaghan Mills) Ltd is seeking permission to extend its business for another 30 years with a rock reserve of seven million cubic metres in the planned extension site.

The move to extend the operation Loy eaTeAMa Usd 0 MMO eComereye el orcDeh Van oles Orca NO me)

very strong financial position as the most recent accounts to the Compa- nies Office by McGrath (O’Callaghan Mills) Ltd show that retained profits at the end of March 2006 stood at €5.4 million.

The accounts also show that the company more than doubled its pre- tax profits in 2005-06 going up from €322,000 at the end of March 2005 to €792,000 at the end of March paul ees

There are 30 people employed at the facility and underlining the im-

portance of the operation to the east Clare economy, the accounts show that €721,000 was paid to staff in 2005-06.

The accounts also show that the remuneration to the company’s two directors, Thomas and Joseph Mc- Grath stood at €217,488 for ‘man- agement services’ in 2005-06.

In the Environmental Impact State- ment (EIS) lodged with the planning application, it outlines the need for the extension, stating that there is a market demand for aggregate rock,

that there is a history and an estab- lished industry 1n the area for the ex- traction of rock.

It points out that the existing quarry area of 48 acres is nearly exhausted, while the company was founded in 1952 and has been in the quarrying business since then.

“Since its establishment, the com- pany has maintained a good relation- ship with the local community and the local authority,” the EIS states. “The company has made a contribu- tion to the development of the region

through the supply of construction materials and providing employment in the east Clare area.”

It states that the operation of the quarry will have a minimal addition- al impact on neighbouring activities.

“The quarry is a major employer in the local community as it employs 30 people directly with another 30 people working in ancillary depend- ent services and industries,’ the EIS adds.

A decision is due on the application later this year.

OLD friends gathered last week for Ennis Town Council’s senior citizens night as uncertainty hung over the future provision of services for the town’s elderly community.

According to Independent Council- lor Frankie Neylon more needs to be done to cater for the senior citizens of Ennis.

Many of those that attended on Wednesday avail of meal services provided on weekdays at the CYMS hall.

However, according to Cllr Neylon the continuation of this service has been placed in jeopardy due to the potential sale of the building.

He said people were disappointed with the current situation.

“People are very disappointed that the Parish Council are considering selling the CYMS Hall in Chapel Lane. They are also looking at sell- ing the scout hall.”

Ennis Town Council has already conducted a registry search to de- termine ownership of the two build- Tbh eae

Cllr Neylon said, “There is no reg- istered owner of the CY MS hall. The scout hall was registered by the Par- ish council six or seven years ago. The people of Ennis collected money for the scout hall and they should be notified before anything happens. It belongs to the people of Ennis.”

He also repeated calls for the de- velopment of a day-care centre in the ROD e0k

‘There is a major need for a facility

in Ennis. The parish council have to tell us what their plans are for both halls. We need to know if a new cen- tre is going to be built on one of the current sites. I have invited them to come to the council to discuss the matter”’.

Wednesday night marked the tenth anniversary of the annual event host- ed by the council.

Bishop Willie Walsh and Mayor of Ennis Joe Reidy were among those who attended. Voluntary organisa- tions that provide services for the town’s elderly community were well represented on the night. They in- cluded members of the Cloughleigh and Turnpike Resident’s Association and the senior citizens club.

First hosted in 1997 the event was organised to salute the contributions

made by such groups and by the eld- erly to enhancing community life in J Syav Avie

Cllr Neylon explained, “It was done to give something back to senior citi- zens who make such a great contri- bution to Ennis. In particular around the time of the Tidy Towns judging, they are the ones making sure the ar- eas and estates are kept tidy and look well. It was a great night and as they were going out the door they were al- ready talking about next year. Eddie Power and the staff did a great job.”

THE Equality Tribunal has dis- missed a further 16 cases brought by Travellers under the Equal Status Act against Clare County Council.

The cases were dismissed after the Travellers failed to turn up at the hearing.

A previous ruling to dismiss four cases by Travellers has been ap- pealed to the Circuit Court and these have yet to be heard. The latest deci- sions are also likely to be appealed.

The dispute concerns claims by the

Travellers that they were discrimi- nated against by named officials of Clare County Council and the coun- cil itself on the Traveller Community eround. They also allege that they were harassed contrary to section 1] of the Equal Status Act.

A council spokesman said, “These cases involve a huge amount of ad- ministrative work which could be better used in a number of ways.

The council would still incur legal costs in spite of the Travellers failing to turn up.

He pointed out that each equality

tribunal sittings demand the attend- ance of several council officials.

In a sample decision, the Equality Tribunal officer stated, “The com- plainants’ representative was noti- fied orally by me on October 20, 2006 that I was arranging a callover on December 4, 2006 of all the cases referred against the respondents, in- cluding the cases of the complainants oaKeabee

‘The representative applied for an adjournment of the matters on the grounds that she was out of the coun- try on holidays and would be unable

to notify the complainants of the callover.

“The adjournment was granted and the parties were notified that the callover would take place on January 15, 2007.

“Tt should be noted that during the course of other hearings of cases against Clare County Council listed for the week of 16 to 20 October 2006, the complainants’ representa- tive submitted a letter on behalf of all of the complainant family groups, including the complainants in this case, requesting that I withdraw from

hearing the cases.

““T informed her that I would not be acceding to the request. At the com- mencement of the callover on January 15, 2007, the complainants’ represent- ative made a further application for an adjournment and also stated that she wished to judicially review my deci- sions 1N previous cases.

“On the basis of the foregoing, I find that the complainants have not established a prima facie case of dis- crimination and accordingly their cases cannot succeed,’ the decision concluded.

TNS MRBI opinion poll which showed a five per cent surge in support for Fine Gael.

The findings also revealed the al- ternative coalition of Fine Gael and Labour to be in a strong position to win the forthcoming election.

According to the poll, Labour and Fine Gael have a combined 41 per cent share of the vote while Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats have a combined share of 37 per

Cone

Mr Kenny said he sensed the coun- try wanted a change and that mo- mentum was now very much with Opposition parties.

“The result of that poll is certainly very encouraging but its only reflec-

tive of other polls published in the last few weeks and they reflect a view of people around the country that they want change, that they are tired of this Government and that momentum is there and we are going to continue to build on that.”

According to Mr Kenny, the poll revealed the strides made by opposi- tion parties and revealed high levels of public dissatisfaction with the cur- rent Government.

However, he was quick to point out that the battles ahead would be

fought on multiple fronts. He admit- ted he was encouraged but that he wouldn’t be getting carried away.

“Well a few months ago you wouldn’t get any bet on the result of that particular poll. The point is that this is an election that takes place over 43 constituencies on any given day that takes into account person- alities, local issues and all of that. So that’s what my focus is on. While the poll itself 1s very encouraging. it’s only part of a trend that’s being reflected by the people which will decide the ultimate poll.”

He also fired a broadside at Taol- seach Bertie Ahern. Reacting to Fine Gael’s strong showing in the polls, Mr Ahern had warned the elector- ate to think twice before entrusting the reins of power to the alternative coalition.

In response Mr Kenny rounded on the Government’s performance over the previous ten years.

“Well, I won’t take lectures from Fianna Fail who have misspent the people’s money over the last ten years. This administrations is one whose hallmark is indecisiveness and incompetence on a vast scale and you can find it through every town and parish in County Clare,” said Mr aah

PARENTS and pre-school young- sters are being invited to make new friends at the resurrected Parent and Toddler meetings in Scariff.

The group has started up again af- ter a year’s gap 1n the childcare room behind Brian and Jo’s café on the main street.

A few parents and their tots began meeting last week and there’s room

for lots more, says co-ordinator with the East Clare Community Support eroup, Jo Baker.

“We can accommodate up to twelve parents and if there’s more demand than this, then we’ll start up a second eroup,’ she said.

The fun meetings give parents a chance to chat and relax while the younger participants can play and enjoy each other’s company as well.

Shortly, the group will be enjoying

arts and crafts classes and story-tell- ing sessions.

“Parents can enjoy activities with their young children and it’s a friend- ly, sociable environemnt,” said Jo.

The meetings are free to anyone with a child up to school age and they are held on Wednesday mornings be- tween 10am and |2pm.

The group is just one of a number of activities organised under the aus- pices of the East Clare Community

Support organisation at Derg House in Scariff.

Currently, there is a tyranoing pro- gramme for people with disability in train and a diploma course in Com- munity development practice, which is under NUI Galway.

The support group runs various academic and community-oriented courses through the year as well as facilitating community groups and networking organisations.

THE MURDER of elderly farmer Jack Daly sent shockwaves through- out the quiet village of Belharbour, four years ago.

The 83-year-old was lying in his bed shortly before 7am on April 30, 2003, when he was attacked by his nephew.

John McInerney had been anxious the previous night and feared that the devil had been trying to get in to the family home, at Abbey West, Bel- harbour. His obsession with the devil ultimately cost his uncle his life. He believed the devil was in his defence- less uncle.

MclInerney’s mother Kathleen was worried about his behaviour in the hours leading up to the murder.

He had been admitted to Our La-

dy’s Psychiatric Hospital on March 18, 2003, after he had disappeared from his home and spent a night at Corcomroe Abbey.

A neighbour, Gerard Kerin, later found him there, standing on an altar and carrying a fork in his hand. He claimed he was trying to ward off the devil, who was taking over the altar.

He spent a month at Our Lady’s and was discharged in mid-April. On the night of April 29, he began to talk Vole) Ulm a slome (oa EB

Kathleen, who was 83 at the time, knew that something was not right the following morning when she heard her son going in to her broth- er’s room.

She was terrified and ran from the house. She later heard Jack saying, “I killed Jack”.

McInerney was arrested a short

time later and was questioned at En- nistymon Garda Station throughout the day.

He was charged with murder at a special sitting of Tulla District Court later that night. He pleaded guilty but insane to murder, at the Central Criminal Court in November 2004.

Medical experts for both the pros-

ecution and defence agreed that he was suffering from schizophrenia at the time. The jury returned a verdict of guilty but insane, without leaving the jury box. Mr Justice Paul Carney ordered his detention at the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum.

The inquest into the death has taken four years to be heard and in some way brings to a conclusion a very sorry chapter for the Daly and McInerney families, and for the peo- ple of the close-knit community of Belharbour.

Coroner Isobel O’Dea and Garda Inspector Tom Kennedy paid tribute to the wonderful neighbours of the Daly and McInerney families during this “traumatic” time.

INDEPENDENT TD James Breen SEISMW se NW OLecO MO OFLU Slom @cOn/orusbestoIIMAY el suffer if Clare isn’t compensated for the Open Skies aviation deal, which was ratified in the Dail this week.

The Minister for Transport, Mar- tin Cullen, said that the Government would deliver an economic plan for Shannon to support the region.

But Deputy Breen said that Clare was long overdue a pay-off to make up for decades of neglect.

“IT guarantee the minister that if that payback is not announced in the near future, the Government will get its own payback in spades in the forthcoming election.

“The Minister has let Shannon and the mid west down and has sold us down the river.

“Shannon is the one airport for which Open Skies represents a major negative and the minister can only wash his hands of it.

“If he was serious with regard to securing the future of Shannon and the mid west, this fund and other packages would have been put in place before the Open Skies agree- ment was announced.”

He added, “The lack of proper

measures means that the Shannon area can expect a 30 per cent drop in trade. The shortening of the intro- ductory period leading into the start date of the Open Skies agreement confirms the apathy with which this administration views the mid west.

“In the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the agreement, Aer Lingus announced new routes to San Francisco, Orlando and Washington. Significantly, all of those routes will operate from Dublin Airport.

‘There is no doubt that this agree- ment will lead to a cherry-picking of routes by airlines.

‘Much was made of the establish- ment of customs and immigration clearance in Shannon and this was trumpeted as a jewel in the crown of SI erVeveCOye MAURO DKen

‘However, it now transpires that a similar station will operate out of Dublin Airport within a year. This is further proof of the minister’s con- tempt for the mid west.

Speaking on the issue, Pat Breen (FG) said, “The minister had a gold- en opportunity to announce the im- plementation of the tourism and de- velopment plan but failed to do so.

“We’ve had enough photo opportu- nities. We need action.”

A LITHUANIAN man who falsely imprisoned and threatened to kill a 40-year-old woman in Ennis has been jailed for three years.

Ennis Circuit Court heard yesterday that the attack was “unprovoked” and the woman was “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.

Arturas Kupriscenka (22), of Hol- land’s Place, Liscannor, also admit- ted assaulting the woman and steal- ing her handbag in the early hours of October 15 last year.

Garda Trevor Sheehan said the woman was walking towards Sand- field Place when the accused pulled up alongside her in his car. He jumped out of the car, grabbed her and forced her into the car. He then locked the door and drove off at speed in the di- rection of Galway.

He hit her with the back of his hand. He drove as far as Ballyalla and beat her to the face and body. He tried to rip her clothes off, but she fought back. He put his hand up to her mouth and threatened to kill her.

‘He told her to shut up or he would

kill her. She was terrified. She put up a huge struggle,” he said.

Kupriscenka eventually opened the door of the car and threw her out and she managed to make her way to a house in Ballyalla and raise the rUPDeOee

Kupriscenka was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of drink driving at a Garda checkpoint.

The court was told that the victim suffered extensive bruising and spent four days in hospital. She continues to suffer emotionally.

Defence Counsel John Edwards,

SC, said his client was not charged with abduction and was denying that he had dragged her in to the car.

‘His contention was she had sought a lift from him and he had given her a lift,’ said Mr Edwards.

He said that Kupriscenka, who has lived in Ireland for almost two years, had a difficult upbringing in his na- OAM COUNT RA

He said he had drank six pints and four double vodkas and he could not remember a lot of what happened that night. Kupriscenka apologised in court.

Judge Carroll Moran said the case was “disturbing”.

‘There was no reason for the ac- cused to attack this lady. He didn’t know her and she didn’t know him. I haven’t been given any explanation as to why he did this. . . Clearly this is worrying because this sort of thing could happen again,” he said.

He said he was obliged to accept that the accused gave the woman a lift, rather than drag her into the car.

He imposed a four year jail term and suspended one year because he had pleaded guilty.