Category: Uncategorized

A GROUP of people living in a housing estate in Shannon have ac- cused their local Residents Associa- tion of failing to be democratic and has asked the town council to refuse to make grants available to it.

In a letter addressed to Shannon Town Council and signed by 21 Cro- nan residents, it 1s claimed that the Cronan Residents Association 1s not representative and does not hold public meetings.

Those who signed the letter stated that several people living in Cronan have endeavoured to join the com- mittee, but have been refused entry. They say that they have called for an AGM, on several occasions, but this

request was not granted.

“We would feel Cronan deserves a residents committee that engages with the issues in our area 1n a posi- tive manner,’ stated the letter.

“We can only assume that the com- mittee does not want other residents to have a say in their area,’ added the letter.

The letter also stated that the group has not produced financial state- ments. “It is not our aim to allege financial impropriety, but we believe that a Residents Association com- mittee should be seen to operate in an open and honest manner in all matters,’ it stated.

“We request that you refuse this committee, of the Cronan Residents Association, further funds or grants

until this committee submits a fi- nancial report to an Annual General Meeting of an open and accountable Cronan Residents Association,’ it added.

Following receipt of the letter, Shannon Town Clerk Tomas Mac Cormaic wrote to the Chairman of the Residents Association, Jim Duffy.

He has asked him to furnish the council with minutes of the AGM, showing that the officers have been democratically elected. He has also requested a financial statement which has been adopted by the members.

“It would also be helpful if the council could be informed of the method used to notify residents of the time and place of the general

meeting and if the council could be given a list of the members showing that the association is representative of the majority of residents in the Cronan estates,” said the town clerk, in the letter.

The Chairman of the Residents As- sociation Jim Duffy told

Wel Sree lia acwreuon oes (CoeKEo.¢olou ce enced its busiest week in many years with each of Clare’s seven fire sta- tions responding to a series of gorse, bog and forest fires over a wide area.

To the week ending April 20, fire crews responded to more than 30 gorse and forest fires across Clare spending. They spent almost 60 hours tackling the blazes over hun- dreds of acres.

The weekend rain brought a wel- come respite, helping to bring many

fires under control and extinguishing others. Fire crews hope continuing rain will prevent fires from restarting although it is feared that the worst of the gorse fire season 1s yet to come.

Units of the brigade from different stations were called to some of the fires.

The most severe took up to seven hours to bring under control. Less threatening fires were allowed burn out. The fires were at Kilmaley, Whitegate, Mountshannon, Kilfeno- ra, Broadford, Doonbeg and Mo- yasta.

Clare County Fire Service was un- able to confirm the actual causes of the fires in Clare.

It is thought that in some cases lo- cal farmers began to burn off gorse on their lands and these fires got out of control. However, the hot weath- er probably caused the majority of NB Kee

The fire authority has warned that burning of gorse on lands is prohib- ited between March | and August 31 each year. According to Clare Coun- ty Fire Service Chief Officer Adrian Kelly, “Landowners have a special

responsibility to preserve the coun- tryside, its landscape and its wildlife. They should take reasonable precau- tions to ensure that uncontrolled fires do not occur on their property be- tween March and September.”

Clare County Council’s fire author- ity has laid down very strict guide- lines. “Where farmers are burning scrub/vegetation, they must in all cases inform the fire service at least one day before burning, giving the location, time and duration of burn- ing,’ Chief Kelly said.

Speaking about the public involve-

ment in assisting to fight fires on lands, Adrian Kelly said, “While Coillte personnel and ourselves gen- erally work in groups, both to be more effective and also for safety es- pecially during dusk hours, members of the public that assist may not do deh

“They must also be co-ordinated. If members of the public/landown- ers are assisting Coillte/Fire Service, they should accompany these per- sonnel at all times to ensure proper co-ordination of resources to deal with these incidents.”

GARDAI have refused to comment on an allegation that a Liscannor man has been “punched, kicked and beaten” by members of the force on numerous occasions over the last six eaeyelaetsy

Niall Harnett, of Clare Shell to Sea, claimed to have been the vic-

tim of harassment by members of the Gardai since October 2006.

Mr Harnett, who has an address in St Bridget’s Well, is one of a number of Clare people currently protesting against the construction of a Shell pipeline in Bellanaboy, Mayo.

“IT have done nothing wrong, nor ever been accused of any offense of law at Bellanaboy. I have been

punched, kicked and beaten by gardai. I’ve been forcibly searched on the street against my will and I have had personal property stolen and destroyed by gardai.”

Mr Harnett was arrested, but later released uncharged, following an altercation with gardai last Monday, April 16.

“IT have also been under constant

surveillance by gardai who film me constantly and refuse to give legal reasons for this.

“T asked them to stop filming and they refused. I informed them that I would be taking immediate action to protect my fundamental human and constitutional rights by physically di- recting their video camera away from myself. As a result, I was arrested.”

A Garda spokesman declined to comment on the specifics of the case but said, “Within reason, we would always explain what we are doing but not always.

“I have no first-hand experience of the situation up there but, from what I can see, everyone already seems to filming everyone else anyway,” he SP ALGe

A RESIDENTS Association in Shannon is proposing that a skat- ing rink, bowling alley, cinema and community centre be built in the Oyaee

Members of the Cronan Residents Association are calling for politi- cians to support their plan, which, they say will benefit the young people of the town, who they ar- gue, currently have few pastime

options.

Chairman of the Residents group, Jim Duffy says the young people of Shannon have nowhere to socialise, and this must be addressed.

“We met Tony Killeen (junior minister) and we put forward a list of issues. We felt that he, as a min- ister Should address this,” he said.

He said that residents are hopeful of meeting Minister Killeen again over the next fortnight, to again ad- dress the issue.

“These are facilities that most towns have. Where do the 14 – 18 year olds in Shannon go? They have nowhere to go,” he said.

“It would be tremendous if we get two out of the four facilities,’ he rn em

“Let’s start planning it. The job of politicians is to pursue it. We need to get the land and money. There is plenty of land in Shannon. The GSCeh orm sbeelesel mm KM COVUBDOTSMRU NMEA elos Roms Km: lot of money in Ireland. Why not

give it to Shannon? We would in- tend to meet all politicians on this issue,’ said Mr Duffy.

He said that while locals in his housing estate, Cronan, are happy with progress made on issues relat- ing to footpaths, lights and litter bins, one other outstanding issue is causing huge concern.

“We also want answers relating to the availability of the ambulance in Shannon. It still isn’t here,’ said Mr Duffy.

THE Department of the Environ- ment has raised concerns about fur- ther development on a floodplain on the outskirts of Ennis. Department officials were reacting to a planning application to Clare County Council by Gareth Kelly.

Mr Kelly has applied for plan- ning permission for a water supply scheme to facilitate the develop- ment of lands at Bunnow, Doora, Skehanagh and Clareabbey.

Officials say that major develop- ment in this low-lying coastal flood- plain area is likely to require up- graded flood defences in the future.

According to the department, this will raise the likelihood of addition- al negative impacts on the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and on sensitive species and wetland sys- tems in the area.

Mr Kelly has applied to have a total of 150 acres of land rezoned from low density housing to resi-

dential, commercial and to remove the flood risk designation.

In response, the council has stated that there is no identified need for additional zoning for development to meet the needs of the plan.

The Department of the Environ- ment has called for a detailed ex- amination of the Kelly application, through the drawing up an Environ- mental Impact Statement (EIS).

“The proposed development is located in and near Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conser- vation (SAC) and on its own and in combination with other plans and projects in the area is likely to have significant negative impacts on the SAC and its conservation objec- tives, including a range of species protected under Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive.

“Significant impacts on the SAC and on Annex II species, including otter, salmon, Lesser Horseshoe Bat and Marsh Fritillary are likely as a result of habitat loss, fragmentation

and degradation, including as a re- sult of changes 1n hydrology and wa- ter quality and a result of increased noise, light and disturbance.

“The proposed development be- cause of its nature, size and location and its association with other major developments in this area — pro- posed, permitted and under con- struction — is likely to have a signifi- cant impact on the environment.”

It goes on, “The site and associat- ed proposed development lands are low-lying and are known to flood extensively.

“A hydrological assessment and flood risk assessment will be re- quired to assess the likely cumula- tive impacts on the hydrology of the area and the need to redevelop or upgrade the flood defence work and the tidal barrage at Clarecastle in the future.”

Officials warn that “the flood risk assessment should be based on ex- treme flood events taking climate and sea level changes into account.”

TWO west Clare communities are this week grieving the loss of two young friends who were tragically killed in a road crash at the week- end.

Eoin Glynn (21) from Shanaway, Miltown Malbay and Shane Donnel- lan (17), from Kilmore, Knock, were

killed when the van in which they were travelling left the road, close to Kilmihil, shortly before 5am on Sunday.

Two others, who were also in the van at the time, survived the crash.

Mike Morrissey (20), from Kilmur- ry McMahon is in a Serious condition at Limerick Regional Hospital with internal injuries, while Enda O’ Leary

(24), from Kilmihil, sustained multi- ple fractures to his leg. The accident happened on the main Ennis/Kul- rush road, close to Goldburn Bridge. Their black Volkswagen transporter van veered out of control and hit a hedge, before plunging into a field some distance away. The four young men, who were in the front seat, were not wearing seatbelts and were flung

from the car.

They had earlier socialised at a friend’s 2lst birthday party in Knock. They had returned to a house in Kilmihil before leaving the house and heading in the direction of Kil- rush. Gardai in Kilrush are appeal- ing for witnesses.

A 21ST birthday celebration ended in tragedy as two friends lost their lives in a horrific road smash close to Kilmihil in the early hours of Sun- CEMA

Eoin Glynn (21) from Shanaway, Miltown Malbay and Shane Donnel- lan (17), from Kilmore, Knock, were OU UTSTOMA YG ateseMmUsComm Vc OMBEO MUON Ce OM D SAY were travelling veered out of con- trol. It hit a ditch, before crossing the road and plunged into a field close to Goldburn Bridge, on the main Ennis/ Kilrush road, shortly before 5am.

The other two occupants of the car – Enda O’Leary (24), from Kilmihil and Mike Morrissey (20), from Kil- murry McMahon – sustained injuries in the crash and were taken to hos- pital. Mr O’Leary sustained multiple fractures to his leg while Mr Morris- sey sustained serious internal inju- ries and was taken to Limerick Re- gional Hospital where his condition is described as serious.

The four had attended a friend’s 21st birthday party in Knock earlier that night and were understood to have been travelling from Kilmihil, in the direction of Knock, when trag- Ohana (ele

The young men had gone home to Kilmihil after the 21st party and de- cided to venture out again at a later stage. Gardai say none of the four

men — who were all in the front of the van — were wearing seatbelts. Shane Donnellan is survived by his parents, Tommy and Jenny and young brother Thomas. He was edu-

cated locally in Killimer and was working in Dublin.

Eoin Glynn is the only son of Michael and Una Glynn. He has three younger sisters, Tara, Lisa and

Deirdre. His parents returned home at the weekend after a short break overseas. The heartbreaking loss of young Eoin follows a recent serious illness suffered by a family member.

The scene of the crash was exam- ined by the forensic accident exam- iner and gardai are waiting his re- eke) ay

The van travelled a distance of 180 metres from where it went out of control, to the point where it stopped. Emergency services spent a consid- erable amount of time at the scene of the crash on Sunday morning and the road was closed for most of the day.

Superintendent Noel Clarke is ap- pealing for anyone who may have seen the black Volkswagen trans- porter van in the lead-up to the ac- cident to come forward.

“We are hoping that people will come forward, people who may have been travelling on that road between 4.45am and 4.50am,” he said.

Those who knew the two young men say they were well regarded and were hard workers.

Kilmurry McMahon parish priest Fr John Kelly said everybody’s thoughts were with the families of the young men.

“It is a very sad time for the fami- lies and for the entire community that these young men were killed in such an accident” he said.

PATRICK O’Dwyer drank a concoc- tion of alcohol at a party at his home just two days before he killed his sis- ter, the trial heard.

Marguerite organised a party at her parents’ house, just two nights before her death.

Patrick O’Dwyer told gardai that his sister initially invited a few friends to the house on the Saturday night, but up to 25 people attended, eight of whom stayed overnight.

He said that the party had been planned for a while. There was an assortment of drink at the house, he said.

The accused told gardai that he had four cans of cider, two cans of Red Bull with a full bottle of vodka, a mixture of shots in a pint glass, fol- lowed by other shots, all in the space of about an hour.

Asked by gardai was it normal for him to drink that amount of alcohol, he replied, “No.”

He said that some of his sister’s

friends smoked joints, but he didn’t take drugs.

He said that somebody wanted him to go to a birthday party. He passed out on the way there and fell and hit his head at around 10.30pm. He didn’t make it to the party.

One of his friends later gave out to him about his excessive drink- ing. His friend told him that when he goes out, he did so with the intention of getting drunk fast and not gradu- MUA

The accused said he told his friend

he was going to give up drink until Oi tetiaeerky

The day after the party — Sunday — Marguerite went to work in Lahinch. Patrick took paracetamol and later spoke to his parents on the phone.

Marguerite arrived home from work that evening. The accused was asked by gardai did she give out to him about his drinking and was told that she didn’t.

“She just told me she never saw me as bad. Everyone said that. I was mad with myself,” he said.

THE Deputy Mayor of Ennis has expressed his anger about the provi- sion of subsidised and free water to householders in Galway while local people have been paying for bottled water since a boil notice was intro- duced two years ago.

Councillor Brian Meaney (GP) be- lieves that the “political situation in Galway is what is driving the dif- ference in Government reaction be-

tween the two constituencies”.

‘There is a lot of anger at the differ- ence in treating the water consumers in Clare and Galway. The water crisis has been on going in Galway for the last six weeks. Why wasn’t subsidised water made available to the consum- ers of the Ennis supply six weeks into the crisis that has existed here for the last two years?” he asked.

A cautionary boil notice, affecting around 30,000 people, has been in place for the past two years in En-

nis, Clarecastle, Crusheen, Barefield, Doora, Drumcliffe, Spancilhill and Group Water Schemes on the supply.

Vulnerable sectors of the commu- nity, including patients with weak immune systems, infants and pre- school children, have been advised to continue to boil tap water before eyetsieueeyelaceyee

Previous contaminations of the En- nis water supply occurred after heavy rain following significant spells of dry weather just like in Galway.

Councillor Meaney accused the Government of total indifference on the issue and warned that Ennis could soon be in a similar situation to Galway.

“Despite the installation of a filtra- tion system, the boil notice has been in operation in Ennis and the sur- rounding area for the past two years. Cryptosporidium is already in the water supply and it may only be a matter of time before levels surge and an outbreak occurs like that which is

now affecting Galway,” he said.

The councillor added, “Confidence in the Ennis water supply is low and bottled water is expensive. It seems that this problem is of little conse- quence to the Government, unless the problem becomes so bad that it may cost them votes.

“A lack of infrastructure and a fail- ure to update a dated water supply that leaks millions of litres of water a day, has led to the situation we find ourselves in today.”

SUNDAY’S road fatalities once again highlighted the number of road deaths occurring in the west Clare area. Tragically, the deaths of Eoin Glynn and Shane Donnellan bring to six the number of people killed in road ac- cidents in Clare since the start of the year. Four of the six deaths occurred on west Clare roads. Add this to the

fact that five of the county’s nine road casualties last year occurred in west Clare and the picture is particularly bleak. Nine road deaths in one area of the county over a 12-month period are far more than should be faced by local CLoyenvenlereple lee

The carnage is spread throughout the area. Communities in Lissycasey, Doonbeg, Kilrush, Kildysart, Killimer and Kilkee have mourned losses due to

road fatalities over the past 12 months.

Ironically, Sunday’s smash came al- most a year to the day since Sean Gal- lagher (71) was killed after he got out of his car at the Boree Log in Lissy- casey. That accident occurred on Mon- day, April 17, 2006.

A young Dublin man, Stephen O’Reilly (24), was killed in Kilkee in the early hours of January 29, while pensioner Tom Haugh (69) died as a

result of an accident in which his car was involved in a collision at Carrow- dotia, Killimer, on March 27.

The roads in west Clare are not alien to particularly harrowing cases of mul- tiple road fatalities. In October 2003, the community of Carrigaholt was forced to come to terms with the deaths of two young girls, Stacey Haugh (16) and Lorna O’Mahony (13). The girls died instantly when the car a young

Galway man was driving crashed into a wall, at Moyarta, on the road between Kilkee and Carrigaholt.

Tragedy on the double also struck in May 2005, when an accident in Quilty claimed the lives of Thomas Pender and David McCarthy (18). The car Mr Jo ele(o um eRO NU AAU OToam OUI Mrs Mats: 00 mm DOME HET e early hours of the morning. Mr Mc- Carthy, of Seafield, Quilty, was a front Seat passenger.