The Clare People Archive

THERE have been calls for more to be done to improve public lighting in estates around Clare amid growing concerns over an increase in burglaries.

Members of Clare County Council yesterday urged the local authority to intervene to repair lights in estates that have yet to be taken in charge.

It followed a motion tabled by Fine Gael councillor Joe Cooney. Cllr Cooney called on the council to “repair public lights in estates where the developer no longer exists and where the council have not taken in charge those estates throughout the county in the interests of safety and given increase in burglaries”.

Cllr Cooney told the meeting inadequate public lighting is a major worry for residents.

“There is concern out there. We are aware that anti-social behaviour is going on in some of these estates,” he said.

Supporting the motion, Cllr Pascal Fitzgerald (Lab) said the problem of bad lighting had existed for many years in Clare. He said many homeowners paid the household charge but had been left with inadequate services.

Cllr Michael Kelly (FF) said problems in estates were not the fault of residents.

“We have to provide lighting to those people in those areas,” the councillor said.

Cllr John Crowe (FG) said many of the lights could be repaired for as little as € 80. He said many people are “living in fear” because of the rise in burglaries in rural areas. “It’s an absolute scandal that we can’t afford to pay for these lights,” he added.

Cllr Tom McNamara (FF) told the meeting that residents of older estates also deserved to have adequate public lighting in their areas.

“We have estates in this town [Ennis] where the electricity was never connected to the lights and they are not on. They are also entitled to proper public lighting,” he said.

Director of Service Gerard Dollard said the council hopes to take 13 estates in charge this year.

He told the meeting that money to repair roads and lights in estates comes out of the council’s roadwork’s budget.

He said the council made a detailed submission on the taking in charge of estates to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government but had not yet received a response.

CLARE County Council has been urged to consider offering a Ryanair style ‘priority queue’ system at its Motor Tax offices as a means of raising revenue.

Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) told yesterday’s council meeting that some customers would be willing to pay a small charge in order to secure priority in the queue.

He said waiting times can be as long as 20 minutes in the office at the council’s headquarters on New Road.

Cllr Meaney said the council is about to embark on the process of preparing a budget and should consider new ways of raising revenue. “Maybe it is time we look at taking the budget airlines approach,” he explained.

Cllr Meaney further suggested that the council look at securing sponsorship for some of its flagship facilities.

He added, “I think the skate park in Lees Road would be an appropriate location for sponsorship from skate companies.”

Cllr Meaney was speaking after submitting a motion to the October meeting of Clare County Council.

The motion states, “Can this council consider developing innovative, alternative income sources given the challenging financial position facing Clare County Council. For example could this council allow advertising in or on property in its control or publications it produces? Are local authorities prohibited from generating funds in this manner?”

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) supported the proposal. “There is a need for us to be creative and innovative to close the shortfall in what it is we want to do as a council and what we can afford to do,” he said.

Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind) said it would be better for the council to wait to see the shape of the new Local Government Bill before making any financial decisions.

“We need to know what our scope will be to raise extra funding,” she explained.

Cllr Meaney said he accepted Cllr McCarthy’s comments but warned the council is already being hit by funding cutbacks.

He said he had been informed the money allocated to the council for the control of horses had already been severely cut.

“This is something we need to plan for in the event of further cuts,” he added.

PRISON sentences have been handed down to two men found driving around Ennis earlier this year with weapons including a claw hammer and a golf club.

Gardaí discovered the items along with a shovel handle and mop handle with a metal head after they were thrown from a car in Clancy Park on May 1 (2013).

At Ennis District Court on Thursday, Darren Maughan (21) and Kildare man Dermot O’Brien (25) pleaded guilty to possession of implements, contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

Passing sentence, Judge Patrick Durcan said too often in the past 18 months he has dealt with cases where people believe they can “go around the county in a marauding fashion.”

“There is no room in our society for people who go around in mechanically propelled vehicles with implements of potential death and destruction”, he added.

Garda Stephen Dunne of Ennis Garda Station told the court that he observed a car driving in suspicious manner in the Cloughleigh area of Ennis on May 1.

He said gardaí followed the car to Clancy Park where they observed a claw hammer, mop handle, shovel handle and golf club being thrown from the vehicle.

The accused were arrested. The court heard Mr Maughan, with an address at Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis has 45 previous convictions, mainly arising from alcohol related incidents.

Defence solicitor William Cahir said Mr O’Brien is not from Ennis. “It would be unusual for him to be involved in something like this,” he added.

Mr Cahir told the court the men had not given a reason for having the weapons. “My clients fully accept these are items they should not have had”, he added.

Judge Durcan said the fact that no explanation had been offered was “very much against the defendants”.

He sentenced Mr Maughan to a total of seven months in prison and disqualified him from holding a driver’s license for a year.

Mr O’Brien, with an address at Brayton Park, Kilcock, Kildare and now living Ennis, received a suspended three-month sentence. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service in lieu of another three-month sentence.

The father of two was disqualified from holding a driver’s license for a year. The disqualification was postponed until January 1, 2014.

A 22 YEAR-old man who used a catapult to break car windows in Newmarket on Fergus earlier this year has been ordered to personally apologise to the injured parties.

Joe Conroy smashed car windows in the Island View, Ennis Road and Glen an Aifreann areas of Newmarket on May 19, Ennis District Court heard on Wednesday. Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that the accused used a catapult and marbles to cause € 705 worth of damage to three cars.

The court heard Mr Conroy had not paid compensation to the owners. Mr Conroy, with an address at The Island, Cratloe, pleaded guilty to three charges of criminal damage.

Defence solicitor Jenny Fitzgibbon told the court that her client had been under “severe pressure” in his personal life at the time the offences were committed. She said Mr Conroy acted “very stupidly” on the day.

“He didn’t hold back. He admitted his culpability. He admitted his stupidity”, she added. The court heard Mr Conroy worked as a metal fabricator after leaving school. Judge Patrick Durcan said his first priority was for Mr Conroy to pay compensation and show remorse.

“There will be a conviction in this matter but the issue is whether there will be a prison sentence,” he added.

Adjourning the case to January 8 (2014) for review, Judge Durcan said he expected Mr Conroy to have half of the compensation paid to the car owners by that date.

“I also want to be satisfied that he makes contact, personally, with the three injured parties”, he added.

A MAN who burned down his former home in Kilrush in an attempt to secure a new house for his mother has received an 18-month sentence.

Martin Blunnie (24) was “very disgruntled” with the local authority for not giving his mother Adrienne Simmons (56) after the area they lived fell into dereliction and disrepair.

The family set fire to their then home at 3 Beechpark in the John Paul Estate on March 15 (2012).

Passing sentence at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, Judge Gerard Keys said the family made frequent requests to move from the estate where houses were boarded up and abandoned.

He said nobody irrespective of their background or means should be expected to live in houses of such poor condition.

However Judge Keys added the poor condition of the house wasº no justification of the family’s actions.

“I can understand your reaction but it cannot be justified”, he said.

Martin Blunnie and Adrienne Sim mons were drinking and became involved in a row with a local authority litter warden on the morning of the blaze due to a complaint over rubbish.

The court heard the Fire Services were called later in the day after smoke was seen coming from the windows.

Martin Blunnie was arrested and admitted to gardaí that he started the fire deliberately. Both he and Ms Simmons pleaded guilty to arson.

The court heard the family’s house had fallen into disrepair and was surrounded by derelict and boarded up properties.

Counsel for the DPP, Stephen Coughlan BL said, “He became indignant and set the house on fire with the view of getting new accommodation.” Mr Blunnie has 25 previous convictions.

The court heard that areas of the John Paul Estate have undergone regeneration. Ms Simmons has since moved to new rented accommodation.

On Thursday, Judge Keys said the family’s actions were not life threatening as the adjoining houses were abandoned and scheduled for demolition.

The court heard Martin Blunnie endured a chaotic childhood due to drink and drug problems.

“It is clear that Martin Blunnie was the main instigator and your mother went along with the actions,” added Judge Keys.

He sentenced Mr Blunnie to two years in prison but suspended the final six months.

Judge Keys said Ms Simmons had lived a tragic life and there would be no benefit to society by sending her to prison. He imposed a suspended sentence. A MA N who insulted and verbally abused a Judge in a foul-mouthed tirade at Ennis Courthouse last month has been advised to keep his cool. Jimmy Doherty (40) vented his fury at the outcome of a case by roaring obscenities at Judge Patrick Durcan in Ennis District Court on September 24. Mr Doherty, with an address at Maiville, Kilrush Road, Ennis was arrested and charged with engaging in threatening and insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. OnWednesday, Mr Doherty pleaded guilty to the public order charge. Defence solicitor John Casey told the court his client wished to apologise for his behaviour on the day.“This was a time when he was under a lot of pressure,” explained Mr Casey. Inspector TomKennedy said he was “very surprised” to learn of Mr Doherty’s outburst. Speaking in court Mr Doherty said,“Your honour I’mvery sorry to you and I apologise to the court”. Judge Patrick Durcan said he accepted Mr Doherty’s apology.“I believe people should showrespect to one another. Mr Doherty, keep the cool inside the courthouse and outside the courthouse.” Judge Durcan struck out the charge against Mr Doherty. A T EEN A GER who was ordered to make a toolbox for his solicitor has been told he could have good career in woodwork. In July, Judge Patrick Durcan said he was making the order because it was obvious the boy had “natural gift” for woodwork.The 18 year old, who was a minor when it is alleged he committed a drugs offence, previously made a wooden toolbox as part of his involvement with the Probation Services. After reading a probation report, Judge Durcan commended the boy on his workmanship. He ordered that the teenager produce a similar itemfor his solicitor,Tara Godfrey, so she could use it while gardening. Judge Durcan said he wanted the boy to apply himself to something he is good at. “Here we have a young man that has a natural gift and I want to see himdevelop that gift,” he added. The case was adjourned to last Wednesday to allowthe teenager time to make the box. Solicitor Tara Godfrey brought the toolbox into court.“I’mvery happy with my gift. It’s fit for purpose,” she told the court. Judge Patrick Durcan congratulated the teenager on the“beautifully made” toolbox.“In my viewthat is a saleable item,” he said. “I’ll be looking out for ads in Clare newspapers as to where you’ll be selling these,” added Judge Durcan. A Probation Officer told the court that they would recommend the boy for an employment linkage programme. Inspector TomKennedy said no newissues had arisen with the accused. Judge Durcan struck out the charge against the teenager. A W ES T Clare man who caused a head on collision after overtaking on a bend near Lissycasey last year has been disqualified fromholding a license for two years. Gary Sullivan (19) was driving to Kilkee when he attempted to overtake a car on a continous white line near Caherea on NewYear’s Eve, Ennis District Court heard onWednesday. Mr Sullivan’s car collided with another car traveling in the opposite direction. No one was injured in the crash. Inspector TomKennedy told the court that Mr Sullivan made a “huge error of judgment.” Mr Sullivan, with an address at Marian Estate, Kilkee, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving an failing to have insurance.A request to reduce the charge to one of careless driving was not accepted by the court. Defence solicitor Fiona Hehir told the court her client swapped his old car for a new one in Clonmel on the night in question. She said Mr Sullivan had not yet transferred his insurance across to the newcar when the accident occurred. Ms Hehir said Mr Sullivan acted in a very mature manner in the aftermath of the accident.“He wrote a letter of apology to the family involved”, she added. The court heard Mr Sullivan hopes to travel abroad. Judge Patrick Durcan imposed fines totaling €750 and disqualified Mr Sullivan fromholding a driver’s license for two years.

A TOURIST who almost lost his sight in a “brutal” unprovoked New Year’s Day assault after coming to the aid of a woman in Ennistymon has been praised for his “gallantry”.

Dublin man Richard Mullen and his wife were returning to their holiday home in the early hours of January 1 when they came across a “young woman pinned to the ground by a thug” on Circular Road, Ennis District Court heard on Thursday.

Mr Mullen told the court he saw a young man standing over a woman with his hands over her throat. Mr Mullen said that after helping the woman to her feet, he received a blow to the head from William Donovan (20).

“I went down like a sack of spuds”, the 62-year-old recalled.

The court heard that after returning to Dublin, Mr Mullen received treatment for acute glaucoma caused by a swollen eye and almost lost his sight.

Passing sentence, Judge Patrick Durcan said he had never come across such a brutal assault in his time on the bench in Clare. He said Mr Mullen had required complex medical treatment to save his sight.

“He (Mr Mullen) was set upon in the most appalling, brutal and thuggish fashion,” said Judge Durcan who had considered refusing jurisdiction of the case.

Mr Donovan, with an address at Clancy Park, Ennis, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and other offences including burglary at Wilsons’, O’Connell Street, Ennis on March 22 (2013).

He also pleaded guilty to stealing clothes, cash and a mobile phone from a man who had gone for a swim in Dough Beach, Lahinch on August 28.

Mr Donovan, a father of one, stole an Apple laptop, four Nikon cameras and € 87 from Wilson’s.

He also pleaded guilty to breaking the window and stealing a jacket from a Citroen Berlingo parked behind Wilson’s.

Detective Garda Claire O’Shaughnessy said CCTV footage and DNA evidence from blood found on the broken car window were used to identify Mr Donovan. She said Mr Donovan had not admitted breaking into Wilson’s

Another man has also been charged in connection with the burglary, the court heard.

Storeowner Richard Wilson recalled finding doors to his premises smashed open on the morning after the burglary. He told the court the burglary had an effect on he and his wife. “I was very conscious of security before but even more so now,” he added.

Mr Donovan has 42 previous convictions. On March 28 he committed a string of offences in Ennistymon and Lahinch that included the theft of two Jack Russell terriers.

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client apologises unreservedly to the victims of his crimes.

She said Mr Donovan had significant problems with drink and tablets in the early part of the year.

She said Mr Donovan had taken steps to address his problems and had cleaned up his act since March.

“I would ask the court to accept this is a man who has changed”, added Ms Godfrey.

Judge Durcan said the devastation Mr Donovan visited upon Wilson’s was akin to something you would see in war-torn Libya and Syria.

“He broke down doors and gates and smashed his way in the very worst John Wayne manner you’d see in the movies of the Wild West”, he added.

He imposed sentences totaling 14 months on Mr Donovan. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

A TEENAGER who stole € 1300 worth of goods from Clare businesses across an 11 month shoplifting spree has been warned she faces a rison sentence.

Roxanne Considine (19) stole goods including cosmetics, wine and a chicken roll from shops and pharmacies in Ennis and Clarecastle between November 2012 and September 2013. Ms Considine, with an address at Clarehill, Clarecastle, pleaded guilty to 14 theft charges, details of which were outlined at Ennis District Court on Wednesday. She has no previous convictions.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that from a garda point of view, Ms Considine is a “bad thief.”

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that her client was “subject to extreme neglect” as a child. She said Ms Considine stole to get money for cannabis, a drug to which she had been seriously addicted.

Ms Godfrey said her client was a bright woman who achieved her junior and leaving certificates.

Judge Patrick Durcan said that the accused had come from a “very sad and very difficult background” having suffered the deaths of her parents and younger brother.

Noting Ms Considine’s guilty pleas and willingness to deal with her addiction, Judge Durcan adjourned sentencing for a month. However he warned Ms Considine that she would receive a nine-month prison sentence of she re-offended in that time.

“She’s a bright young lady and she must take responsibility,” he added.

The case was adjourned for a month and Ms Considine was ordered to remain under the supervision of the Probation Services.

A JUDGE has ordered the dismantling of a cannabis grow-house in East Clare that was the subject of a garda raid two years ago.

Judge Gerard Keys made the order at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court as he adjourned sentencing of Bridgetown man Sean Mason.

Mr Mason (37) pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis without license after gardaí discovered a “purpose built” and “sophisticated” cannabis grow house at his home in Ballybrack, Bridgetown on October 29 2011.

Outlining details of the operation earlier this month, Garda Francis Brennan of Ennis Garda Station told the court the search uncovered incubators containing 72 young cannabis plants.

One building was fitted out with a tiled floor equipped with drains to take away water and ventilation and lighting systems.

Gardaí also discovered cannabis resin in a lunchbox and a black plastic bag containing cannabis off-cuts.

Mr Mason accepted responsibility for the cannabis growing operation and told gardaí he used the drug for medical reasons.

Garda Brennan said gardaí did not accept Mr Mason’s reason for growing cannabis.

Judge Keys adjourned sentencing to hear the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) view on the seriousness of the offence.

On Thursday, Counsel for the DPP, Stephen Coughlan BL told the court that Mr Mason had grown cannabis for medical reasons.

He said there was no evidence this was part of an organised crime set up.

Adjourning sentence, Judge Keys ordered the complete dismantling of the areas of the premises altered for the growth of cannabis.

He said he wanted to ensure the building could not be used again for cultivating cannabis plants.

“I want it dismantled in such a way to satisfy gardaí that it cannot be used for the growth of cannabis,” he added.

The case was adjourned for mention to the final week of October.

A MAN who placed stone boulders across the main Ennis to Kilmaley road has been told his actions could have resulted in someone being killed.

The warning came at Ennis District Court on Wednesday at the sentencing of Eoin Kerin (28) who placed the boulders on the Kilmaley Road on November 23 (2011) after a night of drinking.

Last October, Mr Kerin, with an address at Beechpark, Ennis pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage and intentionally placing a dangerous obstruction upon a road.

A van was damaged when it hit the rocks on the night. The case had been adjourned on a number of occasions and Mr Kerin appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Outlining the facts of the case to Judge Patrick Durcan, Inspector Tom Kennedy said the van driver could not avoid the boulders. Gardaí were called and the boulders were cleared from the road.

However Insp Kennedy told the court the rocks and boulders were put back on the road within 15 minutes. Mr Kerin was spotted in a field near the road. He admitted the offences to gardaí.

“What he did was absolutely hugely dangerous”, said Insp Kennedy.

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that her client had paid compensation to the injured party. She said there is a low risk of Mr Kerin re-offending.

Ms Godfrey urged the court to adjourn the case for a long period.

Judge Patrick Durcan said someone could have been killed as a result of what Mr Kerin did.

“It is a case that troubles me. It is a serious matter”, he added.

Judge Durcan adjourned the case for a brief period to consider sentence.

When the case resumed, Judge Durcan imposed a fine of € 500.

He said, “I have to convict your client. I have to bear in mind that somebody could’ve been killed. It’s a terrible thing to do.”

Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

AS MANY as 325 procedures, including surgeries and out patient appointments were cancelled in the region’s hospitals last week as a result of industrial action by junior doctors.

The union representing doctors and the HSE are to begin talks today (Tuesday) with a view to avoiding further strike action.

The six hospitals that make up the University of Limerick Hospitals Group, including Ennis Hospital, the University Hospital Limerick and the University Maternity Hospital Limerick all cancelled operations, clinics and out patient appointments on Tuesday last. The HSE would not provide a breakdown of how many patients from each hospital were affected. It said however that all patients affected would have their appointments rescheduled.

Urgent care for areas such as oncology, dialysis and emergency is was provided and the Emergency Department in Dooradoyle remained open as did the local injuries units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s, according to a HSE spokesperson.

Discussions between the Irish Medical Organisation, the union representing the doctors who are protesting about long working hours, and the HSE were suspended on Thursday but are to continue today, Tuesday, with a view to avoiding any further strikes in the country’s hospitals.

In a statement the IMO said, “Before the talks resume both sides will continue to work together on verifying the position of individual hospitals in relation to the number of hours being worked by NCHDs.”

It added that “progress has been made and the IMO will continue to engage in the process next week”.