The Clare People Archive

ALMOST a decade after the pro- posal was first mooted, Clare County Council is set to move into its new €27 million headquarters before the end of the month.

Already, the council’s various di- rectorates are making the logistical moves to transfer staff to the new HQ for January 23. Michael McNa- mara & Co builders aim to meet the project deadline of having the new HQ completed by this month. The

council’s former HQ was demolished in June 2006.

The county’s mayor, Cllr Patri- cia McCarthy, said last night: “It is looking very impressive and I’m confident that the council’s Febru- WA Vap 8 Oleco1 BU OTSMM UUM oloms O(o) COMBE OREO CoMDIToAYY Council chamber.

“T would hope that the new head- quarters will act as a focal point, not just for Ennis but for the county. The previous headquarters were dreadful and now for the first time in many years, all the council staff will be

under one roof.”

Cllr McCarthy added: “The new HQ will provide excellent facilities and are a vast improvement on what has gone before.”

The complex deal with Michael McNamara & Co allows the coun- cil to buy back the building over 35 years. Cllr McCarthy said: “It is a complicated deal, but it was the only way the council could achieve the construction of a new headquarters because we couldn’t continue paying the exorbitant rents for offices in En-

eae

She said that the new HQ will be eco-friendly, and she hoped it would act as a one-stop shop for industrial- ists touring Clare.

Over the past two years the Coun- cil’s 900 employees have been based in offices located at various venues resulting in inconvenience for cus- tomers and staff alike.

While the provision of the new headquarters will form just a small part of the McNamara construction portfolio this year, the project will

undoubtedly have some sentimental value for Bernard McNamara, chief executive of Michael McNamara & Co, Ireland’s fourth largest construc- tion company.

The company was established by Bernard’s late father, Michael in the 1940s. Bernard served as a council- lor from 1974 to 1985, when he opted not to run for re-election due to his growing business commitments. He also unsuccessfully contested the 1981 General Election for Fianna Fail, polling 2,676 votes.

FOUR motorists and their passen- gers had lucky escapes when three separate traffic accidents occurred within minutes of each other on the same stretch of the Ennis bypass on Saturday morning.

The incidents occurred shortly af- ter 8.15am on the main N18, near the townland of Ballymacahill, af- ter a shower of hailstones fell on an already freezing road. All four driv- ers were taken by surprise and were fortunate to escape without being injured.

Two crashes occurred on the north- bound route while the third happened only yards away on the southbound EWaYehe

Units of the fire brigade and ambu-

lance service from Ennis rushed to the scene and discovered the sepa- rate incidents on opposite sides of the dual-carriageway.

One vehicle left the road and trav- elled across a grass verge before col- liding with a timber fence while a second mounted a ditch before over- turning. Both had lost control in the treacherous conditions and were ex- tensively damaged.

While neither car could be driven afterwards their occupants escaped unscathed. There were no passengers in either car.

It is understood that one of the drivers later travelled to Belfast by jo) e-b alee

In the third incident, two cars trav- elling towards Limerick collided after skidding on another patch of

frozen hailstone. There was a sole occupant in one of the vehicles while the second car was carrying a family of four.

The roadway was closed for a short time while emergency services dealt with the incidents. Ambulance per- sonnel examined those involved: no one was injured and none required hospitalisation.

Garda patrol cars were positioned at opposite ends of the bypass, at Latoon and Barefield, to warn mo- torists of the accidents ahead and the dangerous driving conditions. By about 9.30am the scenes had been cleared and the dual-carriageway GUD Kere) ele nleer

The crashes occurred the day after unexpected snow showers caused havoc on Clare roads. Forecasters

had warned of “some snow in hilly areas’. However, heavy snow show- ers fell across the county, resulting in extremely dangerous dangerous conditions and dozens of minor ac- cidents.

Gale force winds on Sunday led to several problems for drivers yester- day. A fallen tree near Corofin re- sulted in the road being impassable for several hours.

There were also reports of fallen trees on the road between Inagh and Miltown Malbay and in the Kilna- mona area. They were cleared within hours.

St Joseph’s Secondary School in Spanish Point was closed yesterday, as a result of severe flooding in the area. Despite the high winds, the ESB noted no power outages in Clare.

ENNIS has again fared poorly in the latest litter survey by Irish Business Against Litter (BAL). Ennis finished in 31st position out of 50 areas surveyed and was deemed moderately littered in a report compiled by An Taisce. ‘There has been little change in En- nis since it was surveyed earlier in 2007. While half of the sites surveyed got the highest litter classification, there were a couple with moderate levels of litter which could easily be improved with a little extra care and attention, such as the Crescent at Mc- Namara Park and the N68 Kilrush/

Kilkee/Killimer approach road.”

The area around the Ennis Leisure Centre and the N18 Limerick ap- proach road came in for particularly harsh criticism from An Taisce.

The report states, “By far the most heavily littered site was Ennis Leisure Centre. The recycle facility was re- sponsible for the very poor litter rating. It had been used as a dumping ground and was a complete mess. The N18 Limerick approach road had a serious litter problem – there were heavy levels of a wide variety of litter throughout a stretch of road that could and should have been so much better.”

An Taisce surveyed 10 areas in and

around Ennis. The Gort approach road is, according to the report, “clean to European norms”’.

The report states, “This was a clean and welcoming approach into Ennis. The overall impression was of an area which is carefully maintained and there was some colourful plant- ing which was in good condition.”

The report also reflected favourably on the N85 approach road and Cusack Lawn. Of the N85 approach road, the report states, “This was an excellent approach road into Ennis – there was plenty of colourful planting and the road surface/markings/signage were all in very good condition.”

The Crescent at McNamara Park was found to be moderately littered with the report stating, “With a lit- tle extra effort, this residential area could easily get the highest litter clas- sification. Some small scatterings of food-related litter took away from an otherwise well maintained site.”

The same was also said of the N68 Kilrush/Kilkee/Killimer approach road which was also found to be moderately littered.

The report stated, “Not much effort is required to bring this site up to a clean site. Most of the road was clear of litter but was let down by casually dropped litter.”

THERE were 17 suspected suicides in Clare last year, according to provi- sional figures provided by the Clare County Coroner’s Office. Sixteen of the deceased were male.

This is an increase on the 13 lives lost through suicide in 2006 and 10 in 2005. It also eclipses the 12 road deaths in Clare last year.

The figures show that in 2007 – for the second year running – suicide in Clare was a predominantly rural- based phenomenon, with I1 of the 17 suspected suicides taking place in rural Clare.

In relation to the profile of those af- fected, the figures show that young males were the most vulnerable. Those aged in their 20s were most likely to commit suicide, with six men in this age bracket losing their Taerse

Three men in their 30s, 40s and SOs also lost their lives through suicides.

Two suspected suicides occurred at the Cliffs of Moher. In contrast, there were none at the cliffs during 2006 or 2005, though there were four sus- pected suicides there in 2004.

The figures also show that the largest proportion of suicides took

place, once more, during the summer rnaKeyeld else

Last year, over a third of the total number of suicides (six) occurred during the month of June. There were two in May and two in July.

Consultant psychiatrist, Dr Moosa- jee Bhamjee said that it was worry- ing that the numbers of suicides are

increasing in Clare.

“It 1s a source of concern and | would say to people that there 1s help available and for friends or family to intervene on a friend or a family member’s behalf if they feel that they are in trouble,” he said.

“I feel that there isn’t enough of an emphasis on older people being vul- nerable to suicide. Often older peo- ple won’t go for help and their de- pressions can be prolonged and quite deep. But these suicides are prevent- able if help is sought.”

Dr Bhamjee also called on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to have in place more resources to deal with mental health issues and to pro- vide quicker access to services for those requiring assistance.

On suicide being an almost exclu- sively male phenomenon in Clare last year, Dr Bhamjee said: “Men don’t seek help because of pride and because they have difficulty talking about their feelings.”

The Samaritans in Ennis can be contacted on 6829777.

THE Bishop of Killaloe has defended the role of the immigrant population in the diocese, amid suggestions that they are abusing the welfare system.

Speaking at Mass in Ennis on Sun- day to mark Immigrant Day, Dr Wil- lie Walsh said views that non-nation- als are abusing the welfare system are simply not true.

He said that a small number of immigrants do use the system and suggestions — that this figure was sionificant were exaggerated.

He said he be- lieves that many

foreign nation- als will return to their native

Shores, as the economy experi- ences adownturn. Those working in the construction industry in Clare, holm oy Dus (CUUE- TOMMY BOE RMUUM OM OLO)eeloMm EEE ing lost their jobs, said Dr Walsh.

He made his comments as people from 20 nationalities took part in a Mass at Ennis Cathedral on Sunday, to mark Immigrant Day.

‘There is no doubt a small number have come to use our welfare system. No doubt a small number of Irish people abuse the welfare system too. Any suggestion that a large propor- tion of the immigrant population are here to abuse the system is simply not true,” he said.

“Immigrants have made an enor- mous contribution to the economy over the past 10 years. The vast ma- jority of them, of the age, are work- ing. There is solid evidence there to indicate that the vast majority of our immigrants have made a solid con-

tribution to the economy,’ Dr Walsh told

CONDITIONS at Ennistymon Courthouse have been criticised by the district court judge, almost two years after he vowed not to continue to sit there.

During this month’s sitting of the town’s district court last Wednesday, Judge Joseph Mangan concluded the sitting at lunchtime and adjourned several cases, citing the cold in the courtroom as the reason.

He again referred to the poor con- ditions in Ennistymon at a sitting of Ennis District Court two days later.

“I just don’t feel well. That’s thanks to Ennistymon the other day, and I’m sure there are solicitors equally in- disposed,” he said.

In March 2006, Judge Mangan said he would not sit at the Ennistymon court venue after September of that

year, due to the conditions.

The court has sat at the Teach Ceol venue for the past 10 years and acoustics are poor. At the time of the judge’s comments in 2006, the Courts Service set about finding a suitable alternative location, but the issue has not yet been resolved.

A spokesperson for the Courts Service told

SEVERAL shoplifting charges have been struck out, as the € sign did not appear on the charge sheets.

Frank Hassett (21), of Drumbig- gle Road, Ennis, faced a total of 13 charges, including criminal damage, theft and public order, at Ennis Dis- trict Court on Friday. All charges re- lated to a two-month period last year. However, seven of the charges were struck out, after Judge Joseph Man- gan noted that the € sign was not printed on the charge sheets.

“We now have the euro for about six or seven years. It should be possi- ble for the State to have acclimatised at this stage,” said the judge, dismiss- ing the charges.

Hassett was convicted of the six other charges. He pleaded guilty to breaking into an Ennis home and stealing <€1,900 cash along with small amounts of Sterling and US Dollars, on April 6 last. Some of the money was recovered but €900 was still outstanding. He also admitted breaking a win- dow of another home and stealing two bottles of Buckfast from a licensed premises in Ennis. He also admitted three public order offences. Hassett was jailed for two years at Ennis Circuit Court in November, for robbing a taxi driver at knifepoint. His solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client has had “a very severe ad- diction to alcohol and cocaine in re- cent times. He was in the throes of his addictions at the time of these offences.” Mr Hassett expressed hope that the sentence imposed in the Circuit Court wouldn’t be lengthened. Judge Joseph Mangan said, “I think it’s right to say he was given a lot of chances by this court. We have heard in the past in this court he had diffi- culties in his youth. It appeared at the time (previously) there was no end to the punishment he was prepared to inflict on society in order to get even for what was done to him. Perhaps he realises now he can’t keep taking it out on people who caused him no harm,” added the judge. He imposed two six-month jail terms, to run concurrently with the sentence currently being served.

A YOUNG man who joined in a high-speed car race on the outskirts of Ennis, amid poor driving condi- tions, was pursued by a garda who was travelling in an unmarked pa- trol car.

Cathal Vaughan (19), originally from Kilkee and with an address in Middlesex, UK, was convicted of dangerous driving and with crossing a continuous white line, at Kilmo- rane, Ennis, on December 29 last.

Sergeant Mattie Molyneaux told

Ennis District Court that he was on duty in an unmarked patrol car at Darragh.

He noticed a car passing by “at very high speed.” As he went to pur- sue it, another car passed by, also at speed.

Sergeant Molyneaux said he 1m- mediately got the impression that the two cars were racing.

He pursued them at a speed of up to 180 kilometres per hour, but “made very little impression on them”.

He said at Kilmorane, the two cars passed a line of vehicles. Another

car, a golf – driven by the accused – pulled out from that line and fol- lowed the two cars.

Other cars were overtaken on con- tinuous white lines, he said.

Sgt Molyneaux said the two cars which had been racing veered onto the bypass, via the roundabout near O’Sullivan and Hansbury garage.

The other car, being driving by the defendant, continued on towards Cahercalla, where he was arrested.

The garda said that traffic was heavy at the time and road surface was wet. “Conditions were not great

for driving,’ he added.

Sgt Molyneaux accepted that the accused was not involved in the in1- tial race, but that he joined in.

Defending solicitor Joe Moloney said his client “cannot explain” why he followed the two cars. He said there was “no oncoming tralf- fic when he (Vaughan) overtook the vehicles.”

The garda said the accused “did co-operate. I cannot fault him for his behaviour after I stopped him, but it was the problems that led up to it.

“I didn’t get to stop the other two defendants.

“IT wasn’t in a position to radio for help,’ said Sgt Molyneaux.

The solicitor said his client has been working in the UK for a number of months and needs his driver’s licence for work.

‘There was no accident, there was no collision. He put his hands up im- mediately,’ said Mr Moloney.

Judge Joseph Mangan fined Vaughan €4,000 but did not ban him from driving, citing work exi1- gencies as the reason.

DESPITE the fact that children in Clare as young as 12 are turning to alcohol and teenagers of 14 are using cannabis, the mid-west still has not employed a dedicated psychiatrist for adolescents. As a result, young people are falling between the child and adult psychiatric services. Neither is ideal for teenagers and young adults, according to Dr Moosa- jee Bhamjee, who said Clare people are now waiting up to one year for assessment by a psychiatrist. Research from a team of psycholo- gists and sociologists from Trin- ity College and University College

Dublin suggests that mental health problems among young people are increasing. According to Tony Bates of Headstrong, the National Centre for Mental Health, less than 10 per cent of young people with a mental illness engage in support services.

Dr Bhamjee agreed, saying, “A lot of them don’t see drink or drugs as a problem and that is a big issue.

“Drinking is now starting at the end of primary school, and cannabis smoking at the age of 14. These teen- agers are addicts by Leaving Cert and drop-outs at Junior Cert.”

The Clare psychiatrist maintains that peer pressure and body image are adding to the teen strain.

In what has become a vicious cir- cle, younger and younger children are turning to alcohol, drugs and other social problems in an attempt to justify their place in society.

Children at primary school level are presenting with anorexia and Obesity but most of these problems start at 14 and 15 years of age.

“We are beginning to see younger people with early onset of schizo- phrenia, manic depression and ma- nia, panic attracts and anxiety at- tacks due to social pressures.”

There is currently no psychiatrist for adolescents in the mid-west, for which the HSE and government must be chastised, said Dr Bhamjee.

The appointment of one, and a Support team, is estimated to cost €1 million. There are no admission places in Munster for adolescent pa- tients. Each year, an average of 16 adolescent admissions are made to Ward 5B in Limerick and at least one third are from Clare. Young “volun- tary” patients can also be accommo- dated at Ennis General Hospital.

Developing counselling services in colleges and a clinical psycholo- gist in primary schools when chil- dren are more receptive could help, said Dr Bhamjee. In an emergency, a child can be seen by the child psy- chiatrist department within days.

ONE MORE beginning.

Just like last year, a fresh dawn will fall over Clare next weekend when the county footballers and hurlers begin their season under new man- agement.

Mike McNamara gets the opportu- nity to lead out his county on Sunday when the hurlers take on the Univer- sity of Limerick and Frank Doherty gets a taste of inter-county manage- ment with Clare as the footballers come up against University College Cork on the same day.

While results this early in the year won’t count for much in the summer and while Sunday, mainly, represents the chance to wipe the slate clean, two wins would lift a cloud that has lingered since Clare left the national scene at the height of summer.

Last year was one of the poorest in for the GAA in Clare at All Ireland level. The Tony Considine reign will be remembered for the wrong rea- sons — the spats, the county board interference and ultimately, the poor results.

To be fair, it wasn’t all negative. Philip Brennan, Kevin Dilleen and

Brendan Bugler all represent the fu- UN Ken ;

Under Paidi O Sé, Clare started well but came undone after their sec- ond league game. The defeat against Waterford represented the worst day in Clare football history and the de- mise of football in the county was copper-fastened by the withdrawal of three key players shortly before that game.

Again, the emerging talent, in the form of the Under 21s 1s there and it’s now about transferring that to some- thing meaningful at senior level.

That’s why decent showings this

winter are more important than they normally would be.

Neither the Waterford Crystal Cup nor the McGrath Cup will tempt numbers to the terraces in any mean- ingful way, but a decent run in both competitions would shine some sun on the situation in Clare.

Only the die hards will come out of hibernation on Sunday and all will hope to claim they were there on day one of the revolution. It remains to be seen if the uprising happens, but right now, at least, the only way is up.