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BANK otf Ireland has revealed it does not intend to install a new 24-hour ATM in Newmarket-on-Fergus, to replace the one which closed earlier this year.

The closure of Halpin’s garage marked the end of the 24-hour ATM, which had been located there. While there are two ATMs in the village, both are located inside business premises and are not available after whe 00

Locals have expressed frustrations on the issue in recent weeks and a

letter from Bank of Ireland, to a staff officer with Clare County Council, has infuriated local councillors.

The letter from Relationship Man- ager Eileen Hannon, dated March 12, stated, “Presently Bank of Ireland are not planning on installing an ex- ternal ATM in Newmarket-on-Fer- ous. However, reviews are constantly taking place to consider urban devel- opment and population increases in specific areas.

“Should the position change dra- matically in Newmarket-on-Fergus, then Bank of Ireland will certainly reconsider the appropriateness of an

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The letter stated that while the bank is committed to providing ap- propriate banking facilities, includ- ing AIM services to its customers, the manner in which that service 1s provided has changed, “with a great- er emphasis on installing in-store re- tailer ATMs, which are becoming the preferred choice of the general public as they appear to offer greater personal security to users.”

Local Councillor Pat McMahon (FF) said, “The letter states the pre- ferred option is internal machines. The two that exist at the moment are

running out of money early.

“What do you do over a long week- end, or any weekend? I refute totally the motion they are making about the preferred choice. I’m talking about 9pm, until those shops open in the morning,’ said Cllr McMahon.

“It 1s ironic, with the massive amount of growth in those two areas, here we are, one of the major banks are refusing to provide a service. Thanks be to God, we have com- petition,’ he said, adding that other banks are looking at the possibility of installing an external ATM in the village.

CLARE County Council has set aside warnings from one of its execu- tive engineers against a €60m hous- ing development in Clarecastle.

The engineer had pointed to fears that water shortages in the area could temporarily shut down the Roche Ire- land plant. An Taisce also objected to the scheme.

However, the council last week granted planning permission to Sean Lyne and Noel Connellan for 244 residential units on a 25-acre site on the Kildysart Road outside Clarecas- ate

The two undertook to upgrade the infrastructure in the area. Work will not start on the project until the two businessmen construct a temporary waste water treatment facility.

An internal memo released with the decision on Friday revealed that Executive Engineer, Sean Considine stated last July that “developments like the one proposed cannot be al- lowed to proceed with the ongoing scenario present”.

Mr Considine had received a phonecall from Pat O’Shea at Roche Ireland that day over the inadequate water supply for the plant.

The inadequate supply, according to Mr Considine, “could have serious consequences as the factory could be temporarily closed down by morn-

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Mr Considine said, “The water supply in the Clarecastle area is very insufficient and has been for some years now…the water received at the moment for Clarecastle equates only to the equivalent usage of five years ago and this is clearly not adequate to sustain current development, nev- er mind future development.”

In its submission, An Taisce stat- ed, “This very dense development is premature as neither of the pub- lic services are at present or in the near future able to supply these new OMe bbe reace

“The water is undrinkable and a new system is being proposed but will not be ready in time for this de- velopment and the sewerage is vastly overloaded. We strongly recommend that this is either delayed or with- drawn until the services are adequate or at least planned to be adequate.”

In a letter to the council, a consult- ant for the two businessmen agreed to the development of a temporary waste water treatment plant at Clare- abbey.

The letter states, “Ennis Town En- gineer, Tom Tiernan has confirmed that there has been a significant delay in procuring the new plant at Clarea- bbey, which was due to start in 2005. It is estimated that, at a minimum, the works will not be completed for at least three to five years.”

PROVISIONAL agreement from the unions on the Shannon Airport cost restructuring agreement has been welcomed by management at Shan- non Airport and by the Dublin Air- port Authority (DAA).

“On the basis that this agreement delivers the €10m in annual cost sav- ings required, and that it has the full support of the LRC, the trade unions and management, we welcome it as a significant first step towards ensuring Shannon Airport’s financial viability and safeguarding its role as a key economic generator for the west of Ireland,” said Pat Shanahan, Execu- tive Chairman of Shannon Airport.

“Shannon Airport faces many busi- ness challenges including the advent of Open Skies and growing competi-

tion from other airports.

“But if this agreement is approved by staff, we can establish the cost base and flexibility that will enable Shannon to compete successfully and secure a vibrant future for the airport, its customers and staff,’ he added.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Labour Affairs and Clare TD Tony Killeen said that the provisional agreement had “enabled management and work- ers to develop and market the facility in partnership.”

The minister said he was hopeful that the deal would shortly lead to full services, including fully opera- tional bars, shops and restaurants.

According to Minister Killeen, “The reaching of a provisional agree- ment between managers and unions at Shannon Airport on a revised cost-

cutting plan is amajor breakthrough for everyone involved, as well as the passengers using the airport.”

He called on all the union members who would be balloted on the issue to “carefully consider the deal that has been presented to them and I look forward to a favourable outcome for all parties involved.”

Minister Killeen said that accept- ance of the deal by workers would result in Shannon moving one step closer to becoming an independent airport.

“I believe that a strong independ- ent Shannon Airport will be well placed to win a significant share of new passengers and services that will become available when up to 20 additional U.S. gateways are open to business to Shannon,” he said.

has learned that Shannon LNG 1s currently con- sulting with local householders in a bid to move along plans for a €400 million liquified natural gas receiv- ing terminal on the Shannon Estu- ary.

A planning application for the con- struction is expected to be lodged by the summer and there are no indica- tions at this stage that there will be any objections lodged to the applica- nl)

Speaking this week, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin said subject to feasi-

bility studies, technical assessments, planning and other approvals, the Ballylongford/Tarbert site could be- come the location for a major import terminal.

He further revealed that an applica- tion for planning permission is likely to be made in the second quarter of 2007 to Kerry County Council.

This major project was announced in May last year and is to be under- taken by Shannon LNG. The site which has been designated for deep water projects is about 25 kilometers from the national gas pipeline grid and the terminal would have the po- tential to provide over 40 per cent of Ireland’s gas requirements.

The proposed terminal would com- prise a ship unloading jetty, two or more storage tanks and related build- ing facilities.

The operation is earmarked to be up and running by 2011, employing over 350 during construction and 50 full-time staff. Construction work is expected to begin next year employ- ing workers from Clare who will avail of the daily Killimer/Tarbert ferry service.

A Shannon Development spokes- person pointed out that additional jobs will also be created in ancillary, support and contracted services.

“We are fully committed to active communication and _ consultation

with the local community and all interested parties along the Shannon Estuary,” said Managing Director at Shannon LNG, Paddy Power.

‘“Treland needs secure, diverse, competitively priced and environ- mentally friendly supplies of energy. The terminal will provide this and it will give rise to increased competi- tion.”

Kevin Thompstone, Chief Execu- tive of Shannon Development said the company is excited about the project. “It has the potential to pro- vide over 40 per cent of Ireland’s gas requirements. We also believe that the project could bring long-term benefits to the Shannon region.”

KILMURRY Ibrickane/North Clare Athletic Club are holding the Michael Egan Memorial four mile open road race and four mile fun walk this Sun- day at Quilty. The walk will start at lpm with the race at 1.30pm.

Changing facilities at the Kilmurry Ibrickane Football Field on the main Kilrush Road will be available for all and presentation of prizes and refreshments will be available in the Quilty Tavern.

The senior men’s race will once again be a very good contest with last years title holder Gerry Ryan, Galway City Harriers, going for three in a row. Seamus Power, Kil- murry [brickane/North Clare, Der- mot Galvin, St John’s, and Brian Maher, Kilkenny City Harriers, will all be in contention for prizes.

Fresh from his European master O50 silver medal in Helsinki, Eu- gene Moynihan, Marian, will bat- tle for the masters title along with

Ger Mullane, Bilboa, Mick and Pat O’Shea, Iveragh, Frank Garrihy, En- nis Track Club, Michael Harvey and Tom Mackey, Kilmurry Ibrickane/ North Clare, Thomas Walsh, Tulla, and Pat Nugent.

The ladies race has always at- tracted a huge entry and once again the individual contest could throw up a surprise. Veronica Colleran, Ennis Track Club, will take some beating along with Tracy Guilfoyle, Kilnaboy.

Others in the running will be Josephine Macken, Mayo, Marion O’Loughlin, Ennis Track Club, Sue Garrahy, Kilmurry Ibrickane/ North Clare, and Margaret Ryan, Kilnaboy.

THE €36 million deal struck be- tween management and unions at Shannon Airport will collapse if the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) does not secure 200 voluntary re- dundancies.

Balloting of SIPTU members at the airport is due to commence today (Tues) and continue until next Thurs- day, April 5. A count is to take place later on that day.

All three unions concerned, SIPTU, IMPACT and the TEUU recommend acceptance. The deal is expected to be endorsed in the ballot prior to SEN Coe

However, 200 workers must then accept the voluntary redundancy package that the SAA has put for- ward.

The deal makes it more attractive

for staff to remain with the lump sum payment increased from €10,000 to €16,000. The SAA will be seeking the first of the redundancies before the end of April.

According to the 1l0-page docu- ment drawn up after marathon nego- tiations, “‘all parties understand that in the absence of 200 volunteers for severance from the company, this agreement will not be capable of 1m- plementation”.

It is understood that there are 105 working in catering, which is to be completely outsourced. However, the deal allows those workers to transfer to the new operation with the same terms and conditions enjoyed and not take the redundancy package.

The deal also allows for the rede- ployment of catering staff to other areas of the company.

The airport will revert to a 16-hour

operation instead of the 24 hour op- eration that is currently in place.

The deal states that “it is acknowl- edged by all that this agreement is based on exceptional circumstances — the long term viability of Shannon — and as such, its terms will not be used as a precedent for any future claims by either side”.

According to the document, the payment of €16,000 to staff re- maining will be paid in two phases, €10,000 to be paid on the agreement going through and €6,000 four and a half month later. The lump sums to be paid to staff who remain on 1s ex- pected to cost €6.5 million.

The agreement also states that “the acceptance of these terms by the un- ions will not imply that the unions accept any of the conditions set out in the State Airport Acts 2004 have been met”’.

RESIDENTS in some of Shannon’s housing estates have sought a meet- ing with council officials, in an ef- fort to compile a plan to tackle a lit- MOIST

Parts of the town have been plagued by litterbugs and residents say they are no longer willing to put up with this. Some elderly residents, who have lived in the town all their lives, say they are forced to go out and clean areas near their homes.

Chairman of the Finian Park Resi- dents Association, Wayne Cluitt said some areas in Aidan and Finian Parks are constantly targeted by peo- ple dumping litter.

“Tt is particularly bad at the bottom end of Aidan Park and the bottom end of Finian Park. When people buy fast food, they eat it along the street and throw their fast food cartons and bottles around. They also do it near the hall as well, where people drink and throw their bottles and cans around,” said Mr Cluitt.

“A number of people are trying to keep their own areas clean, but the rubbish blows around,” he said.

He said there are bins located near the shops in the area, but people do not use them. Council staff carried out a clean-up in recent weeks, but locals believe this should be an on- going project.

‘“T have requested from the council

that more litter bins be put around the estate, but people dump their black bags of rubbish in those litter bins,’ he said.

The residents association has or- ganised a major clean-up. This will take place at the beginning of April and they are encouraging everyone to get involved.

Shannon Councillor Tony Mulcahy (FG) said the town was left “severely under-resourced” after the council took over its running, three years ago.

OW elo) komme D ice u no t10 Nam) @mmee) ED eLenD | workers, working on the ground, compared to at least 14, which was available when Shannon Develop- ment managed the town, he said.

“The council was never given the Same resources. That is the prob- lem,” said Councillor Mulcahy.

He said that while work on the roads and footpaths has been carried out, the litter problem 1s still preva- one

‘The problem is we were left short- changed by the Department of the Environment. We need a huge up- gerade of infrastructure, water, etc. That funding has to be provided to the town. Shannon Town Council should have been given full Town Council status, like Ennis. We rely on the County Council for funding, even though, 67 or 68 per cent of the rates in the whole county come from Shannon,” he said.

THE Munster Athletics Association road championships were held in Dundrum, County Tipperary, over a flat and fast course. Jason Fahy, Ol- ympic Harriers, ran a very big race to take the silver medal in the Munster Novice category and he led Clare to bronze medals in both novice and senior sections.

The masters men were dominating in all sectors and Pat Nugent took a bronze medal in the O40 with Clare taking the silver medals and Tommy Madden, Marian, having a fine run to take the silver medal in the masters O55 and Clare taking the silver med- als in the O55 team.

Sue Garrahy, Kilmurry Ibrickane/

North Clare, took the gold medal in the masters ladies O40 and led Kil- murry Ibrickane/North Clare and Clare to Munster silver medals.

Cushla Murphy WHehir, Marian, who celebrated her 50th birthday on Saturday took the silver medal with Clare taking the silver medals in the inter county awards.

All three ladies races were com- bined. Niamh O’Sullivan, Ruocht, made all the early running and with one mile complete she was well clear of Carmell Parnell, Leevale, Mary Sweeney, St Finbarr’s, with Sue Garrahy settling in well and having a great contest with Breda Barrett, Gneeveguilla, for the masters O40 title.

Marian Burke, St Mary’s, Siobhan

Lennon, Ennis Track, were going very well for the Clare team as Ni- amh O’Sullivan, the overall leader, was gone well clear and she captured this munster title O45 and senior la- dies. The Clare team packed well to take silver medals.

Kilmurry Ibrickane/North Clare also took silver in the inter club.

The masters ladies O50 saw Cushla Murphy Hehir, Marian, produce a fine race to finish 33rd.

The novice ladies inter county awards saw Clare packing well to take silver medals.

The race of the afternoon was the novice, senior and masters mens and this race attracted a big field of ath- Ke KOleeM-VOMOdcmmLY ebelsineie

Alan O’Shea, Bantry, led the field

over the first mile, with Clare ath- letes sticking close behind.

With all races combined O’Shea was in control at the front and at the three mile mark he made a very decisive break and opened up a big lead. He took gold in 19.12mins with the novice title going to Pat McCa- rtan, West Limerick, in 19.53mins. Jason Fahy, Olympic Harriers, came through in second in 20.04mins.

The masters men’s saw Pat Nugent give a good account of himself when taking the bronze medal in the mas- ters O40 field.

The masters O50 saw Michael Harvey, Kilmurry Ibrickane/North GET KCHBED OD ROD tTcme Marlee Vooe-DUmBnemmaents big field and leading Clare to silver medals.

MINISTERS have raised doubts over the findings of an independ- ent review by Irish Rail consultants, dealing with the likely costs of the Ennis to Athenry railway line.

The review claims that only 600 people a day will use the line and that it could lose up to €12 million in its first five years.

Speaking in Athenry last week, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv questioned the accuracy of the fig- ures used in the consultants report.

“Look at the number of homes which are being built or planned to

be built. 300 to 400 passengers are already using the Ennis-Limerick line, even though there are only two stations open on it at present,’ said elo cODEODISI Kose

“What will those numbers be like when this service into Galway opens up fully, with stops at many stations along the route including Gort, Ar- drahan, Craughwell and the Oran- more station which will also be re- opening?, he asked.

Transport minister, Martin Cullen has confirmed that Irish Rail’s busi- ness case anticipates that the line will lose €2.4 million per annum.

Minister Cullen gave the go-ahead for re-opening the €106 million En-

nis to Athenry rail-link, despite Irish Rail stating that it didn’t meet the eco- nomic criteria required for approval of large-scale capital projects.

‘‘An independent review of the busi- ness case for that project indicated that Irish Rail may have underesti- mated the likely demand somewhat, which would tend to overstate the estimated deficit,’ said Minister Cul- len.

“The extent of the subvention re- quired to meet the deficit will be- come clear when services commence operation. At that stage, the subven- tion required will be determined in the context of the overall subvention requirements of Irish Rail and CIE.

This is determined annually, as part of the estimates and budgetary proc- Con

Clare’s Green Party candidate Bri- an Meaney has called on all parties to continue to support the Ennis to yall ilosst marae eb iten

“It 1s important that the operation of the service is fully supported by government. There is no business that has a model that delivers profits in its first year,’ he said.

“There has to be a long-term com- mitment from all players and I have no doubt that the line north of Ennis will be an economic success and be as viable as the Ennis to Limerick rail line,” he added.

THE IFA looks set to go to war with the Department of the Environment once more over the controversial ni- trate regulations.

Speaking in Cork late last week IFA President, Padraig Walshe, slammed the Department of the Environment for it’s “complete inaction” on the 1s- sue and for failing to introduce the necessary legislation and publish de- tails of the nitrates derogation, which are long overdue.

The IFA President has written to the Minster for the Environment, Dick Roche, calling on him to hon- our the commitment given to farmers in the Sustaining Progress Partner- ship Agreement and to immediately

transpose the nitrates derogation into Irish Law.

“The nitrates regulations limit stocking levels to 0.8 livestock units per acre while the introduction of the derogation would increase this stocking rate to 1.2 livestock units per acre,” he said.

“It is completely unacceptable that the derogation, which was approved at a meeting of the EU Nitrates Com- mittee in Brussels almost five months ago, has still not being signed into Irish legislation today.

“More than over 16,000 farmers are affected by the Government’s indecision on this serious issue and these farmers are now extremely concerned about the cross-compli- ance implications which may face

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Walshe contrasted the energy and resources committed by the Gov- ernment to Farm Inspections last November and December with the indifference and inaction now being shown on this important issue for Dunno ace

“Commercial farmers find them- selves in a limbo, not knowing the stocking levels they can carry for 2007, even though it is now March and farmers are making herd man- agement and breeding decisions for this coming year.

“Minister Roche must sign the ni- trates derogation into law immedi- ately.”

The IFA leader is due to meet with the Minister for the Environment,

Dick Roche, on this issue early this week.

The issue of nitrates first erupted last year with the farming organi- sation finding themselves at logger- heads with the Department of the Environment over the instigation of strict EU limits on the amount of nitrates and phosphates that farmers elt eter

This resulted in major divisions in the farming community with the IFA and Macra na Feirme withdrawing support for Teagasc over their role in the controversy.

The nitrate scandal also saw the IFA withdraw from the social part- nerships negations before Christmas before eventually returning when a number of concessions were made