The Clare People Archive

this week, lives were put at jeopardy due to contfus- ing road markings.

On Sunday, September 16, Laura Burke from Lisdoonvarna was in- volved in an accident at Shop Cross on the R477.

“I was driving my car that morning, having been to mass in Lisdoonvar- na. I had one of my children in the car and one of her friends — they had both been serving Mass that morning,” she said.

“Tl slowed, braked and indicated to

turn right. As I did so, a car pulled out in an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into the back of my car.”

Despite the existence of warning signs at that section of the R477, the road contains broken white lines, in- dicating that it is safe to overtake.

“Both children were screaming, distressed and traumatised. My daughter’s friend is an asthmatic and it took considerable effort to gain her confidence and calm her down,” she said.

“This is not the only accident of this nature to take place at this junc- tion recently. I don’t think it would be too difficult to replace the broken line with a single solid white line.

“I don’t think there is any time where it is safe to overtake at a cross- road, and my own personal experi- ence bears this out. Needless to say,

it would be distressing for the coun- cil to wait for a fatal accident before they took action.”

Meanwhile, in a separate corre- spondence with

THE Mayor of Clare, Cllr Patricia Mc- Carthy and former Clare hurler, Brian Lohan have re-iterated their opposition to contentious plans to establish a ‘ca- sino-style’ operation in Shannon. Earlier this year, the council re- fused planning permission to John O’Donovan to establish a “sports and leisure emporium’ at Bru Na Sionna, Shannon. After opposition from Cllr McCarthy and Mr Lohan, the coun- cil refused planning permission hav-

ing regard to the nature of the pro- posed development and character of the surrounding area.

The proposal would reduce the attrac- tiveness of the area and would impact negatively on the residential amenities of the adjacent properties which are lo- cated and whose balconies are located within 20 metres of the facility.

Describing the proposal as essen- tially a ‘casino’, the council also ruled that the location of the proposed fa- cility outside Shannon would materi- ally contravene the South-East Clare

Development Plan.

The plan states that developments of amusement arcades or similar estab- lishments must be located within or immediately adjacent to town centres. The council concluded, ““The proposed development would therefore be con- trary to the proper planning and sus- tainable development of the area.”

Now Mr O’Donovan has lodged a revised plan and, in response, con- Sultants for Mr Lohan stated, “The only difference between the previous application and the present applica-

tion as far we understand is a differ- ence in the description of the pro- posed use which remains assembling and gambling activities.

‘The proposed new use is incom- patible with the designated office and retail use of this building. It will not create desirable synergies and also it will introduce undesirable congrega- tion of people in the vicinity of our chent’s property and will therefore be damaging to his business and oth- er businesses around.”

In her submission, Cllr McCarthy

said, “The proposed change of use would not be in keeping with the character of the surrounding area. The proposed development would be a source of nuisance and annoyance in a predominantly residential area.”

She added, “The proposed develop- ment would lead to increased noise and disturbance in a predominantly residential area and the proposed de- velopment would lead to increased traffic movements in the area.”

A decision is due on the application later this year.

THE Ennis Special Olympics Net- work are organising a fashion ex- travaganza on Wednesday night, October 10, in the Glor Irish Music Centre, with proceeds distributed among the three Special Olympics Clubs in Ennis.

Shops from Clare and Limerick will use the event to launch their au- tumn/winter fashion collections and entertainment will be provided by Mickey Joe Harte who will perform his new CD, a song composed to commemorate the Special Olympics World Summer Games which open

in China this week.

This year’s games will see 143 Irish athletes participate in eleven com- petitions including two participants from Clare — William Loughnane in gymnastics and Patrick O’Leary in the soccer event. They will be joined by 55 coaches, 200 Irish vol- unteers and approximately 400 fam- TU AAreDeLO ms BU (oAOKS

According to Siobhan Costelloe of the Ennis Special Olympics Network, Supporting the fashion fundraiser will give Clare people the oppor- tunity to help people with a learn- ing disability in their area to benefit physically, socially and emotionally

from being involved in the Special Olympics Programme and to recruit new athletes, currently not involved into the programme.

It promises to be an exciting night and the event will include a wine re- ception.

SUSAN Hogan, a member of the ‘Caring for Carers’ group in En- nis, has become the first recipient of this year’s Vodafone Passion for the World Around Us Awards in Ennis.

Susan has been a family carer for over 34 years. From her own expe- rience, she has become an effective advocate for carers, establishing a link into the services of ‘Caring for Carers’ and statutory-based services that ensure the wellbeing and quality of life for family carers and those for whom they care.

Through her work with ‘Caring for Carers’, Susan has played a key role in a variety of projects including supporting and developing six carers groups throughout County Clare and co-ordinating extensive training pro- grammes for carers.

Susan was also instrumental in organising the successful *Yellow

Ribbon’ fundraising programme. She is very well known in the carers network in west Clare for giving 100 per cent support and commitment to individual carers and carers groups, while being a full-time carer herself.

According to Colm Moylette, Vo- dafone Business Account Manager in Ennis, “Susan’s award is greatly deserved and I’d like to pay tribute to her for her dedication and commit- ment to her lifetime work with carers and carers groups.

Susan is a true local hero and an ex- ample to everyone of how to make a positive contribution to the commu- nity in Ennis.”

His remarks were echoed by Michael Evans, President of Ennis Chamber, who said, “Susan is an ex- tremely worthy winner and we are delighted that she is the first recipient of a Passion for the World Around Us Award in 2007.”

The Passion for the World Around

Us Awards are run by Vodafone in partnership with Ennis Chamber and 17 other chambers nationwide. The awards recognise individuals and businesses who make an effort to improve their local communities and who have been successful in making a positive contribution to the world around them. Susan received a certtf- icate and a specially commissioned, handmade award designed by Irish VGA LGN oma keneberver

At the ceremony, Ennis Chamber also called for nominations for the next round of Passion for the World Around Us Awards. This round will focus on businesses in Ennis and the surrounding areas that have made a valuable contribution to their com- munity.

Nomination forms are available from Ennis Chamber, local Voda- fone stores or via www.vodafone.ie. Entries can also be sent via email, to passionawards.ie@ vodafone.com.

A DOOLIN man was threatened not to “rock the boat” by an official at the Department of Justice or his Thai born wife and daughter would be de- ported.

John Thompson, who has begun legal proceedings against the Taoi- seach, Bertie Ahern, at the European Court of Human Rights in Stras- bourg, was told by the official that his wife Junthira and six-year-old daughter Donna could be deported at any time.

Born in England, Thompson has been living in Doolin for the last 36 years and runs a successful construc- tion company. He has been engaged in a long running process with the Department of Justice, in an effort to secure an Irish visa for his wite.

He has taken the case against the Taoiseach on the grounds that his right to travel has been infringed as a result of the Department of Justice’s refusal to grant Junthira a visa.

All 166 elected members of Dail Eireann will receive letters from the Thompson family outlining their situation later this week.

“The letters explain our situation and have a copy of our marriage certificate, our bank accounts, every- thing in our lives. We have got anoth- er letter for the Minister for Justice, signed by all the parents in Donna’s class in Doolin. We are sending that letter to Bertie Ahern as well,” said Mr Thompson.

“We are going to take the Govern- ment to court in Strasbourg over this, it’s an infringement of my human rights — the right to travel. One guy

from the department said that tech- nically my wife was an illegal im- migrant and she could be thrown out at any minute. He warned us not to

‘rock the boat’.”

The Thompson family have been battling to gain an Irish visa for Junthira for more than a year and a

half, with both the Irish and British Department’s of Justice denying re- sponsibility for the situation.

“We have done everything we have been asked to do but we have been bounced around from one organisa- tion to another. Originally we were told by the Department of Justice that we would have the visa in March 19 last. We waited but there was no visa, continued Mr Thompson.

“I phoned the Department four or five times and I was finally told that we wouldn’t be getting a visa. They told us to contact the British Embas- sy. But of course the British Embassy said that we live in Ireland, so it’s a matter for the Irish authorities.

“Essentially what the Irish authori- ties are telling me is to shag off back to England after 36 years in Doolin. I have been send every which way and told contradicting information over and over again.

Junthira has not been allowed to visit her family since moving to Ire- land early in 2006.

“Treland is good. I love it. To live here is perfect for me, I really like it here in Doolin,” she said.

‘“T have been here 14 or 15 months now and I really like it. For me, I want to live here. But I need to be able to see my family. I miss my fam- ily in Thailand.”

AN Ennisman was yesterday charged in connection with the death of a 50- year-old man whose body was found in what gardai described as “compli- cated circumstances” at his Dublin home last week.

Michael Downes (41), originally of Marian Avenue in Ennis, but stated in court to be of no fixed abode, was charged at Dublin District Court with assault causing serious harm to Finbar Dennehy.

Mr Dennehy is believed to have been dead for days before his body was discovered at the Merchamp apartment complex on _ Seafield Road East in Clontarf, north Dub- lin on Wednesday last. He had been stabbed.

Clontarf Garda Sergeant Paul Slat- tery told Judge Hugh O’Donnell that Downes, who was dressed in a grey tracksuit and trainers, had nothing to say when charged.

Downes was arrested at Clontarf GP TKer role 16 Coys mel ms Weer Tee MA oko KOEhYy and charged at 1.05pm.

He was originally arrested in Dub- lin city centre at 8pm on Saturday and was taken in for questioning.

No bail application was made and Judge O’Donnell remanded Downes in custody.

Downes will appear before Clover- hill District Court next Monday, Oc- tober 8, at 10.30am.

Mr Dennehy, who retired from the Cadbury factory in Coolock last year, was found lying on a couch in the sitting room of his apartment. His hands had been tied and there was a plastic bag over his head.

Post mortem examinations showed that Mr Dennehy, a bachelor who lived alone, died from a single stab wound to the stomach.

It is believed he was last seen alive the previous Saturday night or Sun- day morning.

His body was discovered by a neigh- bour who had a key to his apartment and alerted Gardai who launched an extensive investigation which in- cluded examination of CCTV foot- age and forensic evidence from the incident.

CLARE raised the banners again last week as its citizens took to the streets of the county town and capital city hoping to have their voices heard.

On Wednesday, hundreds travelled to Leinster House to urge the Gov- ernment to keep the Shannon-Heath- row link open.

On Thursday, there was a “devas- tating blow” to the county with the announcement that 178 manufactur-

ing jobs were to be lost at the Tyco electronics plant in Shannon spark- ing fear of “a haemorrhaging of the sector in the mid-west”.

On Saturday, almost 5,000 people marched through Ennis demanding that 24-hour consultant led accident and emergency services be retained at the General Hospital.

CLARE athletes Jennifer Tuohy and Marie O’Connor were special guests of President Mary McAleese in Aras an Uachtarain as members of the Irish team that recently brought home a record haul of medals from the World Transplant Games.

President McAleese told the ath- letes they brought honour and glory to the country at the World Trans- plant Games in Bangkok earlier this month as part of the team that won an unprecedented 39 medals.

The President was so impressed by their triumphs that she invited the

team to a special reception in iNet an Uachtarain, where she compli- mented the Clare athletes for “bring- ing the issue of organ donation to a level of national prominence it never before enjoyed.”

“You should feel very proud of yourselves,’ she addded. “You have shown people that there can be a creat life after getting a transplant, and you have touched the lives of more people than you realise.

‘Maybe somebody was waiting for a transplant recently when they read about your exploits and it may have given them a lift, shown them what can be achieved after receiving a

transplant.”

Team manager Colin White said the reception at Aras an Uachtarain was the highlight of a roller-coaster month for the team. “We came home on a high to a great reception, but this is even better,’ he said.

The team, which has its own web- site www.lransplantTeamIreland. com, will compete in the 2009 World Transplant Games in Australia, and Ireland will host the European Trans- plant and Dialysis Games in 2010.

MINISTER for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin TD has announced a €/million R and D investment by UCB Schwarz Pharma, supported by Shannon De- velopment.

The announcement took place dur- ing a visit by the Minister to anumber of companies located in the Shannon Free Zone. The Free Zone has more than 7,200 people employed in 110

companies generating over €3.3 bil- lion in annual sales.

During the visit Minister Martin was briefed at the UCB Schwarz Pharma plant on the capital invest- ment the company is making in 2007.

Total investment volume by the company is expected to be in excess of €100 million.

The company is currently rede- veloping a manufacturing plant on its site to manufacture a new drug

which they have recently developed. The investment also includes a major upgrade in facilities and infrastruc- ture.

Minister Martin said “This is pre- cisely the sort of activity and invest- ment that will secure Ireland’s pros- perity into the future.

It is through bringing innovation and our creative intelligence to in- dustry that Ireland will mark out its ground and gain competitive advan- eee

Welcoming Minister Martin to the Shannon Free Zone, Mr Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive, Shan- non Development, said, “The Free Zone continues to be a location of choice for global businesses across a variety of industries. Shannon De- velopment is currently preparing a comprehensive master plan for a ma- jor regeneration programme at the Free Zone to guarantee its continued competitive edge into the future”.

Minister Martin’s visit to the Shan-

non Free Zone also included visits to aircraft leasing company, Genesis Lease; financial securities company, Genworth Financial; and. underwear manufacturer, Maidenform Interna- nlOyerNe

Speaking at the official opening of their new offices by Minister Mar- tin, Chairman and CEO of Genesis Lease, Mr John McMahon, said ‘We are grateful to Minister Micheal Martin for officially opening our new offices.

CLARE farmer and Chairman of ICMSA’s Beef & Cattle Committee, Martin McMahon, has welcomed as ‘a move in the right direction” the EU Commission’s new proposals for changing the currant age limit at which animals must be tested for BSE.

The Commission has _ proposed that the age limit for the BSE test be raised from 30 months to 42 months for healthy slaughtered animals pro- viding that the member state wish- ing to avail of the new age limit has declining or consistently low BSE prevalence and has implemented, for

at least six years, a full BSE testing scheme based on traceability and identification of live animals.

As well as this, each individual member state must also have en- forced, for at least six years, the com- munity legislation on total feed ban for farmed animals.

“We definitely meet all those crite- ria and ICMSA will be pushing hard for the Government to expedite the matter. he said.

“We think it’s unacceptable to be talking about dragging this matter into the next year when a bit of de- termination and the full deployment of the facts should see the European Commission accepting the incontro-

vertible facts that there is no need for any Irish animal to be tested before 42 months.

“We regard this movement by the Commission as a move in the right direction and we consider these pro- posals to be a testament to the pres- sure we’ve brought to bear on both the department and the Commission on the question of BSE age-limit testing, which, quite frankly, has been illogical and pointless for some considerable time now.”

Meanwhile, ICSA President Mal- colm Thompson, last week called for BSE testing in Ireland to be finished. The President of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association 1s call-

ing for the ending of BSE testing to be phased out over the next couple of years.

According to Thompson, the inci- dence of BSE is rapidly declining, with just 41 positive results returned in over 850,000 tests carried out in cattle in 2006.

Thompson met with the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Cough- lan, last week and requested that she establish a timetable for the phasing out of BSE testing which he claims is costing farmers money while it is now unnecessary.

The ICSA President also claimed that the BSE testing sector had be- come an industry onto itself.