The Clare People Archive

CLAIMS that government support of Shannon Airport is in breach of EU competition laws have formally been brought to the attention of the European Commission by Fianna Fáil senator Marc Mac Sharry.

The Sligo senator who initially voiced his opposition to government plans for Shannon’s independence in December has pressed ahead with a threat to lodge a complaint to the Directorate General for Competition of the European Commission, saying support for Clare’s international air- port is tantamount to “unfairly distorting airport competition”.

Senator Mac Sharry made his move as he hit out at what he describes as the Government’s breach of European Competition Laws, in the “manipulation of a process which will ensure the demise of Ireland West Airport” at Knock.

“I am a supporter of Shannon Airport and any measures that can possibly assist in its growth and performance. However, measures announced by Minister Varadkar will unfairly pitch Shannon Airport against Knock, as it stands to benefit from an estimated total investment of € 300million.

“There is no national strategy on aviation. The Government must take a strategic approach to our airports and empower both Knock and Shannon to perform to their potential, as drivers of growth in the economy.”

“In supporting Shannon, yet ignoring Knock, the Government is unfairly distorting airport competition, but also destroying the potential of the Northwest region to flourish. It is anti-competitive and simply unlawful. The Government must therefore immediately commit to support Knock Airport, acknowledge its strategic importance to the national ef- fort and take steps to provide similar proportionate measures to level the playing field with Shannon.”

The complaint over government support of Shannon has been lodged with the Commission under Article 107 (1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.”

“We must take a strategic and fair approach to Aviation Policy; Shannon must be supported, but we must also provide support equally to Knock, to enable both to perform to their potential without distorting the consumer-friendly competition that rightly exists between the two,” said Senator Mac Sharry.

THE announcement that funding is finally to be granted for the construction of a rescue station for the Doolin Unit of the Irish Coastguard brings to an end a campaign lasting more than two decades.

Over the years, the Doolin Unit has grown into Ireland’s busiest unit of the Coastguard, regularly responding to multiple call-outs during busy days.

Long delays were experienced securing the land needed for the facility and gaining planning permission only for funding, which had been “ringfenced” by previous administrations, failing to materialise.

The campaign for a new centre has gathered momentum over the last 10 years. Indeed, the tragic deaths of three Clare youths in the waters off Doolin in November of 2005, and the week-long search which ensued, inadvertently did much to raise the issue in the public and political consciousness.

It was reported in The Clare People at the time that facilities were so cramped at Doolin that bodies recovered from the sea had to sometimes be stored in a small 25 by 30 foot room, which could also be in use by up to 18 Coastguard volunteers at the same time.

“This facility was deemed necessary in the mid-90s. Even then, more than 20 years ago, it was clear that this was badly needed,” said North Clare Senator, Martin Conway (FG).

“It was obvious even then the location was primitive. There were no changing facilities, no shower facilities, no facilities to lay out a body that had been recovered from the sea. A lot of equipment had to be located in the homes of volunteers, boats had to be located in the back of Mattie Shannon’s house.

“It was totally unacceptable given how busy the unit is and how strong the need is to put together a wellequipped crew quickly in an emergency situation. It was appalling to think that the busiest unit in the country was also one of the worst equipped.”

Funding for the facility was first announced by the Department of Transport and the OPW in 1997 – but this projected failed to materialise. Funding was also said to be “ringfenced” by several TDs and ministers during the Celtic Tiger period but this funding was found to have escaped from the fencing when issues surrounding the site and planning were resolved a number of years ago.

NEW figures show that a total of 15 people were killed or seriously injured on Clare roads in 2012.

Two people died as a result of fatal injury collisions while 13 people were seriously injured.

Both fatal crashes occurred in the Ennis area. There were six serious injury collisions in the Ennis and Ennistymon areas and one in Kilrush.

The figure represents a rise on the combined figure of 11 for 2011.

In total, 156 people have been killed or seriously injured on Clare’s roads since 2006. The highest number of road traffic collisions (37) occurred in 2007.

Gardaí arrested 12 people between December 17 (2012) and January 6 (2013), compared to 15 people during the same period 12 months ago.

No fatal traffic accidents occurred during Christmas but there were five non-serious injury traffic accidents, an increase of four on the same period last year.

Road accident statistics released by the Clare Garda Davison also showed that there were 36 incidents of material damage to vehicles during Christmas 2012.

In a statement, Gardaí said 2012 was a “tragic year for collisions in Western Roads”.

A Garda spokesman stated, “Fatal collisions have increased slightly to 35 deaths in 2012. Serious injury collisions increased by 40 per cent across the region. Both increases are significant in that they are running contrary to national trends. An Garda Síochana extends sympathy to the families of all concerned. The area of County Galway is of most concern where fatal collisions accounted for the tragic deaths of 18 people and serious injury collisions left 31 people with life changing injuries.”

Garda statistics show that 34.3 per cent of fatal collisions have occurred on Sundays; 25.7 per cent of fatal collisions have occurred on Fridays while 63 per cent of fatal collisions have occurred between 8am and 8pm.

Gardaí are reminding motorists to never drive while under the influence of alcohol/drugs; drivers and passengers to always wear safety belts; drivers to drive at safe and appropriate speed; avoid using mobile phones while driving.

Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.

THE first official meeting of Kilkee Fracking Concerned took place in the town last night and sub-groups are also currently being formed in Doonbeg, Mullagh and Carrigaholt.

This follows a dramatic increase in the activity of anti-Fracking campaigners in Clare over the last month, following the announcement by UK company Energi Oil that it intends to apply for a licence to begin testFracking in Clare in the spring of 2014.

More than 60 people turned out in Kilkee for a Fracking information meeting last week and a number of follow-up events are planned for West Clare in the coming months.

“There is a massive amount of interest in this on the ground in West Clare. Fracking is a real hot topic at the moment so there are new developments taking place all the time – so people really need to be aware of it,” said Lorraine Hughes of Clare Fracking Concerned.

“I think the word is getting out more and more to the people in West Clare. Fracking is a difficult issue for some people but more and more people are starting to take it seriously.”

While much of the publicity surrounding Fracking involves allegation that it can cause earthquakes due to the high pressure liquids used to shatter the shale rock and release the gas, the largest potential pollutant from Fracking in West Clare is likely to be the pollution of the water system with chemicals.

A public lecture on Fracking and on the geology of the West Clare shale will take place in Kilkee on Sunday, February 3.

“The shale rock is a lot shallower in Clare than in many other areas where Fracking is being considered. This raises even more questions about the integrity of the water in West Clare if this goes ahead,” continued Lorraine.

Councillors at Clare County Council voted unanimously to introduce a ban on Fracking into the Clare County Development Plan. This ban has not been introduced however, as the council claim that it does not have the legal power to ban any activity in the County Development Plan.

A local steering committee for the Kilkee group was due to be elected as part of last meeting – but the elections where not completed at the time of going to press.

AN ENNIS man who paid for a tumble dryer and a holiday to Wales using a credit card that did not belong to him has been fined € 500.

James Galbraith (45), with an address at 1 Lissaniska, Claureen, Ennis, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to two charges of deception arising out of purchases made at two businesses in the town on May 29 (2012).

The court heard that on the day in question Mr Galbraith purchased a tumble dryer from an electrical appliance store in Ennis.

Inspector Tom Kennedy explained that the item was paid for using a credit card that did not belong to Mr Galbraith.

He explained that Mr Galbraith’s friend gave the credit card details over the phone to the shop in order to complete the transaction.

On the same day, Mr Galbraith entered a travel agency in Ennis and purchased a mobile home holiday in Pembrookshire, Wales costing € 946.

The court heard that the transaction was again completed by Mr Galbraith’s friend phoning in the credit card details to the shop.

Insp Kennedy said there was no link between the accused and the owner of the card. He said the card owner reported the matter to gardaí and Mr Galbraith was subsequently tracked down.

The court heard that Mr Galbraith has one previous conviction for a public order offence. Defence solicitor John Casey said his client had been owed money by his friend who is living in England. He said there was some difficulty with the repayment of the money so the friend told Mr Galbraith he could purchase goods using the credit card.

Mr Casey said his client was “totally unaware” there was anything wrong with the credit card. He said there had been no element of subterfuge and that the businesses involved knew who Mr Galbraith was and where he lived.

“Mr Galbraith never had a hope in hell of ever getting away with this”, Mr Casey added.

Mr Casey said his client had brought compensation of € 1300 to court to repay the injured party.

Asked by Judge Patrick Durcan if he believed there was a “certain innocence” on the accused’s part, Insp Kennedy said he could not accept that version of events.

He said that investigators working on similar deception cases had told him that such offences are “usually joint enterprises.”

Insp Kennedy said he would have “misgivings” about people who said they are innocent in such cases.

Judge Durcan said that while he accepted what Mr Casey said on his client’s behalf, he did not accept that Mr Galbraith was “totally innocent”.

He added, “This type of conduct was foolish in the extreme and reckless.”

Judge Durcan imposed fines of € 250 in respect of each charge.

A LITHUANIAN man who stole a laptop from a garage in Sixmilebridge has been fined € 250.

Deivydas Zigeus (35) took the HP laptop valued at € 500 from O’Malley Auto Marine, Cappa, Sixmilebridge on July 24 (2012).

Mr Zigeus, with an address at 133 Crann Nua, Portarlington, Laois, pleaded guilty to the charge of theft at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the case.

After hearing an outline of the facts, Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction.

The court heard that Mr Zigeus and a friend went to the premises to have repairs carried out to a car. Insp Kennedy said that after a staff member worked on the engine, he noticed the laptop was missing.

The man suspected the two men and rang Shannon gardaí.

Gardaí called to the business and the laptop was discovered concealed in the rear foot-well of the car.

The property was returned undamaged.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client, a former construction worker, was drunk when he committed the theft.

Mr Hassett added, “It seemed a good idea at the time. It was quite a sneaky thing to do.”

The court heard Mr Zigeus is a married father who has lived in Ireland for eight years. He has no previous convictions.

Mr Hassett said his client had been in custody for a number of days prior to his court appearance and had not liked the experience of being in prison.

Judge Durcan said Mr Zigeus used an opportunity to involve himself in a crime.

He imposed a fine of € 250.

Judge Durcan said the court abhors such crimes, which he added have become all too prevalent in Clare. AN Ennis man who admitted striking his wife with a child’s scooter has received a prison sentence. At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Thady Joyce (43), with an address at 114 Dun na hInse, Ennis, admitted to contravening a court imposed safety order, contrary to the domestic violence act. The court previously heard that Mr Joyce replied “I’m guilty” to charge after caution.”

“I want to go into custody with no intention of applying for bail,” he added.

Judge Patrick Durcan said that had been the first occasion that he had placed an accused person in custody on the application of the accused. Mr Joyce also declined the offer of legal representation and represented himself during proceedings. Inspector Tom Kennedy outlined details of the offence, which occurred on January 10. The court heard Mr Joyce smashed a number of picture frames, Waterford Crystal lamps and a flatscreen television in the house. Insp Kennedy said the accused also struck his wife with a child’s scooter.

The court heard Mr Joyce has 38 previous convictions, mainly for driving, drugs and public order offences. Insp Kennedy said the accused had no convictions under the domestic violence act. Asked by the judge if he wanted to say anything, Mr Joyce declined before adding, “I want you to sentence me and get it over with.” Judge Durcan imposed a 14-day prison sentence, backdating his order to January 11.

AN Ennis man convicted of harassment has been ordered not to have any contact with his ex-partner.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, William Keane (39), was told by a judge not to beset, approach, or contact the woman in any way.

Mr Keane, with an address at 1 The Hawthorns, Limerick Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to harassing the woman at her home in Ennis. The incidents occurred over a 12-month period on dates unknown between October 1 (2011) and September 1 (2012).

Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction of the case after hearing an outline of the facts.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the woman reported the incidents to gardaí in April.

She said that after the relationship ended, Mr Keane delivered a letter to her home.

She said on other occasions in March (2012) and June (2012), the accused was seen walking around the house and looking in the windows.

Mr Keane was also seen standing in a lane opposite the house. The court heard that the woman installed CCTV cameras at the house.

Insp Kennedy said the woman felt in fear and reported Mr Keane’s behaviour to gardaí.

He said the activity had ceased since gardaí had become involved.

The court heard that Mr Keane, a former Dell worker, started the relationship with the woman after the end of his marriage.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said that while his client’s behaviour falls into the lower level of harassment offences, Mr Keane had made a “complete nuisance of himself”.

The court heard Mr Keane told gardaí that he did not know why he kept calling to the house.

Mr Hassett said that after the relationship broke down, Mr Keane got accommodation near the woman’s home. He said that his client had been drinking at the time he engaged in the behaviour.

Mr Hassett said the letter delivered to the woman’s home had been an invitation to meet for coffee.

Mr Hassett told the court that Mr Keane has since changed his lifestyle, is seeing a counsellor and has taken up jogging.

Insp Kennedy said the he accepted that Mr Keane’s behaviour was at the lower end of harassment offences. Mr Keane, who has no previous convictions, faced a possible € 1900 fine or 12 months in prison.

Judge Patrick Durcan said cases of this nature are very distressing for the person concerned.

He said Mr Keane had engaged in a persistent level of harassment over a one-year period. “This is very serious,” he added. He said the court has full sympathy with the injured party.

Judge Durcan said he was satisfied that Mr Keane is not a criminal and he did not want to give him a criminal record.

He said the court acknowledged Mr Keane is making efforts to get over his difficulties.

He ordered Mr Keane to pay € 500 to the court poor box. Judge Durcan also ordered the accused not to beset, approach or contact the injured party or be in any place where the injured party might be expected to be. Mr Keane apologised for his actions.

Judge Durcan adjourned the case to March 6. Addressing Mr Keane, he said, “I wish you well and commend you on your approach.”

THE consultation process between State agencies and the public on the blueprint for the development of the Shannon Estuary will be kick-started in Kilrush next week.

The people of Clare have been urged to have their say in the major strategic plan for the future development and management of marinerelated industry on the estuary by attending the public consultation that will take place in Kilrush Town Council on Monday next between 4.30pm and 8.30pm.

“I encourage the people of Clare to attend the upcoming event,” said Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Daly.

“This is an ideal opportunity for people to voice their views on how best to manage this important resource. I believe that the people of Clare have a key role to play in the management of the Shannon Estuary to ensuring that future development takes place in a coherent and sustainable manner. I hope that many new opportunities will be afforded to the people of Clare, and the wider region, as a result of this plan,” he added.

The Draft Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary was launched last month by Jan O’Sullivan, TD, Minister of State for Housing & Planning and has been commissioned by a multi-agency steering group comprising Clare County Council as lead authority, Kerry County Council, Limerick City and County Councils, Shannon Development and Shannon Foynes Port Company.

The land and marine-based plan, the first of its type to be developed in Ireland, indentifies a number of strategic sites along the Estuary for future possible development in the areas of industry, tourism, energy, fishing and aquaculture and marinerelated industry.

The plan will be on display until February 15 to give the public an opportunity to view the proposals and put forward their opinions to the appointed project consultants, RPS Consulting Engineers.

On completion later this year, it is anticipated that the SIFP will be incorporated, by means of Variation, into the relevant County and City Development Plans.

CLARE women are waiting months and sometimes even years before they seek counsell ing following an abor tion.

Cura i n Ennis provide counselling for a range of issues related to crisis pregnancies, including abor tion. According to Cura, which is funded jointly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and t he Irish Bishops Conference, more and more women are seeking counselling years after an abor tion has t aken place.

“There is a range of complex and difficult emotions which take place around this time [the time of an abor tion]. We would see a lot of people i n the days and weeks after an abor tion – but we would also see people years after,” said Cura spokesperson, Charlot te Keer y.

“Often times people can feel li ke they have dealt with the issue but maybe a new baby coming into a house or somet hing si milar can trigger off all kinds of emotions for a woman who has had an abor tion.

“It wil l often be somet hing that has never been discussed with a husband or a par tner or t he fam- ily at large. So we do provide after the fact counsel ling for men and women who have been affected by abor tion. We do see more and more men coming into us.” While Cura do provide free preg- nancy tests and counselling for women involved in a crisis pregnancy, they do not provide women with di rect or indi rect contact infor mation for abor tion cl inics abroad. “We will discuss all options including parenting, adoption and abor tion. The one t hing t hat we would be ver y clear about is that we do not provide contact infor mation for abor tion clinics,” continued Charlotte. “We are honest and up front with t he people who come i n and that is how it has to be. We tal k to people in an open way and we are not t here to tell people what to do. If people need suppor t t he suppor t is always t here and t hat includes counsel ling after an abor tion.” Cura in Ennis can be contacted directly on Monday evening between 7pm and 9pm and on Wednesday mor ning’s between 11am and 1pm on 065 6829905. The Cura national lo-call number is staffed from 9am to 9. 30pm. Monday to Friday on 1850 622626. The Clare People contact the Diocese of Ki llaloe in relation to this stor y but no comment was available at the ti me of going to press.

A RECEIVER is set to be appointed this week to the Ennis-based building firm, Brian McCarthy Contractors Ltd. The company, which employed 220 people at the height of the construction boom, announced last week that it was to cease trading.

Staff at the company’s Cork site were informed of the decision at lunchtime last Monday.

Management met with staff at a meeting at the South Court Hotel in Limerick on Tuesday. 20 jobs are to be lost as a result of the decision.

The company had been in business for 36 years, carrying out work for the HSE, the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Department of Education, Aldi and Roche.

A spokesman for the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) said the sector was “shocked” at the closure.

He said, “Everyone in the industry is shocked and saddened at the news that a well regarded company like Brian McCarthy’s has become the latest casualty of this unprecedented crash in the construction industry.”

“It’s indicative of the trading conditions in the industry, which are bordering on the intolerable and the severe competition that exists in the industry at the moment. This is the sixth year of the downturn that has seen massive reductions in output and employment. 180,000 people have left the industry in the current crash.”

The spokesman added, “Brian McCarthy’s have said that they found part of the problem to be the awarding of public projects to below cost tenders. It’s leading to severe overcompetition and many believe that the prices at which contracts are being awarded are simply un-sustainable.”

The company carried out a number of high profile projects at the University of Limerick including the construction of the Irish Chamber Orchestra building, the President’s House and a number of student accommodation blocks.

Closer to home, Brian McCarthy’s completed works on the Holy Family Primary School in Ennis and a number of projects at the Roche Pharmaceutical Plant in Clarecastle.