Month: July 2007

A HALF tonne of rubbish, including a fridge freezer and the front door of a house, was dumped along a road- side in Meelick, a court has heard. Arising out of the incident, Tina Quilligan, of Cannonbreen Park, Thomondgate, Limerick, was fined €400, at Shannon District Court.

Garda John Kelleher told the court that a variety of rubbish was dumped at Gortgarraun, Meelick, on Decem- ber 23 last.

These included a fridge freezer, the door of a house, sheets of corrugated iron, paper, cardboard, plastic pack- aging, Christmas wrapping and gen- eral household rubbish.

It was dumped by the side of the

road and was visible from the public road, the court heard.

Correspondence found in the rub- bish led gardai to the defendant.

She admitted some of the rubbish came from her house and some of the Christmas wrapping had her childrens’ names on it. It cost Clare County Council €316 to clean up the rubbish.

Defending solicitor Caitriona Car- mody said her client, a mother-of- five, was doing work to the rear of her house. She saw an advertisement in a newspaper and contact the number on it, to remove the rubbish.

“She paid them and expected them to dispose of it legitimately, but they didn’t,” she said. “She is here to plead guilty,’ added Ms Carmody.

THE Ennis General Hospital De- velopment Committee has vowed to regroup and mount a campaign to maintain 24-hour accident and emer- gency care at the hospital.

A special meeting was held last evening after leaks from a review of acute services in the mid-west sound- ed the death knell for 24-hour con- sultant-led accident and emergency services at the county hospital.

Leaks from the review carried out by Horwarth Consulting Ireland, in association with British-based Team- work Management Services, points to the closure of the 24-hour depart- ments in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospital in Limerick.

A spokesperson for the HSE said at the weekend that the controversial review was “still underway and ex- pected in early autumn.”

Chairman of the Ennis General Hospital Development Committee, Peadar McNamara, said that the eroup were planning mass demon- strations and would begin an intense political lobby.

He said the committee intend to send representations to all the gov- ernment party leaders and the inde- pendent members of the government, as well as to the CEO of the HSE, the Mid West Network Manager and En- nis General Hospital Manager.

Just two of Clare’s candidates in last May’s General Election said they would resign from government if the

accident and emergency facilities at the hospital were downgraded.

The only female candidates, Fine Gael Cllr Madeleine Taylor Quinn and Sinn Féin’s Anna Prior, both said that if their parties were in gov- ernment, they would insist that full services were retained at the hospi- tal. Neither of the candidates were elected despite their commitment.

Likewise, veteran politician Brendan Daly said he would not run for Fianna Fail in the election without a guaran- tee that services at the hospital were retained. He lost out on a seat, despite reassurances from the minister for health and the Taoiseach that accident and emergency would be retained.

However, CEO of the HSE, Profes- sor Brendan Drumm, has never come

out in favour of 24-hour accident and emergency in Ennis.

“Speaking on a personal level, what flabbergasts me about the election is that nine out of 10 people voted for those who planned the implementa- tion of Hanley and the closure, and most of those who voted for them were people in the periphery or the county and at the highest risk,’ said Mr McNamara, chairman of the En- nis General Hospital Development Committee.

“Eleven out of 20 people did not vote for the closure of accident and emergency and Hanley and their wishes are being undemocratically ignored by the outgoing government parties and the new allies in govern- ment,” he said.

THE HSE is training advanced para- medics ahead of the expected closure of accident and emergency depart- ments across the country.

The former mid-western health board region of Clare, Limerick and north Tipperary will be used on a pilot basis for the deployment of the highly trained medics from this September.

It is understood that the HSE plans to deploy the advanced paramedics in Clare and Tipperary, effectively tak- ing A&E on the road. This will allow them to administer critical life-sav- ing treatment before taking patients

directly to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick, bypassing local hospitals.

The HSE is preparing to announce the results of a review of acute hos- pitals in the mid-west carried out by Teamwork, a British-based company of consultants. The same group has already recommended the closure of accident and emergency departments in the north east of the country.

While not commenting on what the report will contain, the HSE has said that the review of hospital services in the Mid West is expected in the autumn at the earliest. However, it is believed locally that an announcement

will come in the next few weeks.

It is expected to recommend the clo- sure of the accident and emergency departments at Ennis and Nenagh gen- eral hospitals, as well as at St John’s in Limerick, and be replaced by nurse- led minor injuries clinics.

The HSE has confirmed that seven advanced paramedics are already based in Limerick, with one each in Roscrea and Ennis and seven more CUTS KoOLO AEN mbe-BoNpbOron

Asked how advanced paramedics will be deployed in the Mid West, the HSE said they are currently deployed as part of operational crews and this will be reviewed for the future.

Ambulance personnel, previously known as emergency medical techni- cians, are now referred to as paramed- ics, having completed a conversion course, and are permitted to admin- ister better live-saving treatment than before.

Before qualifying as advanced para- medics, staff undergo further, more intensive training lasting almost 12 months, at a cost of over €120,000 per person. They will then be allowed un- dertake “advanced interventions” in- cluding the administration of a range of live-saving drugs. Staff will also be able to put up drips, a task only under- taken by doctors in the past.

AN BORD Pleanala has over-ruled the recommendation of its own in- spector to grant planning permission for contentious plans for a housing development in Ballyvaughan.

Earlier this year, Clare County Council granted planning permis- sion to Thomas P Considine for 21 homes in the face of opposition from local residents.

However, the residents appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala. They stated that the proposed houses are suburban in massing, design and density and are therefore inappro-

priate for the location proposed and damaging to visual amenity.

The residents also stated that the pro- posed development by reason of the number of residential units proposed, would prejudice the orderly develop- ment of the settlement as envisaged in the development plan and also argued that the pattern of development is in- consistent with the historic pattern of development of the area.

The residents also argued that the development would overlook certain neighbouring residential properties and that the site is prone to flooding.

In the recommendation by its in- spector, Keith Sargent, he recom-

mended refusal after ruling that the proposed dwellings would have an unacceptable visual impact on the scenic amenities of this visually sen- sitive area, and would set an inappro- priate precedent for the construction of similar dwellings on other unde- veloped lands in Ballyvaughan.

He stated, “The proposed develop- ment would, therefore, be contrary to proper planning and sustainable de- velopment of the area.”

The inspector also ruled that, con- sidering the existing deficiency in the Ballyvaughan sewerage system and the uncertainty regarding the timing of future improvements to the system,

development of the kind proposed on the land would be premature.

Mr Sergeant ruled that access to the development is proposed via a cul-de-sac road serving an existing residential estate and involving con- struction of a road on existing public Open space serving the said existing residential estate. He said, “The pro- posed development would therefore seriously injure the amenities and depreciate the value of property in the vicinity and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

However, in its ruling, the council stated that the development would

not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity, would be acceptable in terms of traf- fic safety and convenience and would not be prejudicial to public health. The board explained not accept- ing the inspector’s recommendation by stating that the proposed devel- opment as designed represented an acceptable standard appropriate to its context, the issue of foul sewage could be addressed by condition, and the access proposed was appropriate in the context of the planned expan- sion of residential development in the area and would not unduly injure the amenities of adjoining property.

‘PEOPLE power’ was yesterday cred- ited with ending contentious plans — for now — to construct a five-storey apartment block overlooking Lahinch prom.

Plans by developer, Seamus Carroll to develop a €3 million complex that involves the demolition of the existing McDonalds amusement arcade faced widespread opposition throughout the north Clare coastal resort.

However, after being in informal contact with the planning department

last week, the developer lodged a let- ter with the council requesting that the planning application be withdrawn.

The roads section of the council had stated that the proposal was pre- mature pending the completion of a masterplan for Lahinch prom, while it is understood that there were other reasons refusing planning permission for the proposal.

As no formal decision has been made, the council is not making pub- lic those reasons. However, Mr Car- roll — faced with a refusal — opted to withdraw the plan rather than have the

precedent set of there being a refusal Oy NSN es

Mr Carroll now has the option of lodging plans for a scaled down devel- Opment and to await the outcome of the masterplan for the redevelopment of the prom.

The plan before the council includes 20 apartments, 18 duplex units and six eround floor retail units overlooking Lahinch promenade.

Chairman of the Lahinch Commu- nity Council, Donogh O’Loghlin led opposition against the proposal and he said yesterday, “The withdrawal

of the plan represents a good day for ‘people power’.”

He added, “People in Lahinch are thrilled with the outcome. We are not against development, but any devel- opment has to be in keeping with the a0 0 Ee Texonee

The apartment block plan was pro- posed for a site adjacent to the exist- ing “Dell’ development on the corner site leading into the prom.

Referring to planning permission being granted for the Dell in the late 1990s, Mr O’Loghlin said, “Two wrongs don’t make a right and I would

like to see that building knocked and a new building put in place there.”

In its objection to the proposal, Lahinch Community Council stated, “The erection of 36 residential apart- ments and six retail units, in a dense development, will place an intolerable burden upon the sewerage facilities in Lahinch which are already a source of grave concern.

“T would draw your attention to the fact that on a constant basis on the Main Street and Kettle Street, Lahi- nch, the smell of raw sewerage is a constant problem.”

THE development of Kilmaley is be- ing seriously hampered because of the village’s position between three different electorial areas, according to the Kilmaley Development Com- mittee. Clare County Council has come under increased pressure to redraw the county’s electorial bound- ary and unite the village of Kilmaley before the next local election takes place in 2009.

Speaking at a joint meeting of the Kilrush and Ennistymon areas held

in Kilmaley Day Care Centre yes- terday, the Chairman of the Kilma- ley Development Committee, John O’Rouke, described the dividing of Kilmaley village as very negative for community development and com- munity spirit.

“There are things that we need to get to continue with a development committee in Kilmaley,” said Mr O’ Rourke.

“We are split between three differ- ent areas and development is very unsatisfactory for that reason alone. We would appeal to the you, to try

and put the parishes together.

“Don’t split them. It is very bad for communities and community spirit to have them split. We are fairly united here and we need to be treated on a united basis.”

At present, Kilmaley borders the Ennistymon, Kilrush and Ennis lo- cal areas and the local development committee feel that they are being overlooked because of their mar- ginilised position.

A number of issues were mentioned for special attention at the meeting, including the downgrading of the

local post office, boy racers, a local sewerage scheme, road works and hedge cutting.

“If we do look for help, please do give us a listening ear. I would per- sonally love to see a respite centre here in Kilmaley.

“The families who send people here, some of them really do need a break. If we could offer this in our community, it really would be a great asset,” said Mary Ita Griffin of the Kilmaley Day Care Centre.

“If you. give us help, we will be there to help you back.”

WITH just five weeks left until the beginning of the school year, the management of the Mol An Ojge primary school in Ennistymon are unable to begin construction work at a new Site for the Steiner school because of continued delay by the Department of Education.

Having received the go-ahead to be- gin construction work on a new pre- fabricated facility from Clare County Council more than two weeks ago, the development has been stalled

following continued delays by the Department of Education in deciding whether to grant the school official recognition.

A contractor has been poised to be- gin essential construction work since the beginning of July but all work has been put on ice until a decision is made.

“If we are to get official recogni- tion, we need to get working on the new school and we need to get work- ing soon,” said a spokesperson from Mol an Oige.

“The site needs essentials like elec-

tricity and water and a contractor is ready and waiting to begin work.”

A delegation from the school met with the Minister for Education on Sunday but no commitment on rec- ognition, or timetable for a decision to be made, was forthcoming.

If the school does not get official recognition, they will be forced to abandon plans for a new school building and remain in their current location near Data Display.

“Either way, we have 56 students who want to be educated in this way and will be coming to Mol An Ojge

next year,’ continued the spokesper- Te) 0F

“We will be going ahead no matter what happens. We have great support from all the parents and everyone in- volved in the school.”

Meanwhile, a letter has been sent to An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, inform- ing him of the situation at the school and the need for swift action.

The Mol an Oige primary school has been operating in Ennistymon with no state assistance for three years. It is one of just two Steiner schools operating in County Clare.

DROMOLAND Castle has modified part of a €30 million extension plan for its prestigious hotel in response to concerns over the plan from Clare County Council.

The council’s reservations over the scheme follow Managing Director of the Lynch Hotel Group, Michael B Lynch lodging objections against both applications by Dromoland Castle.

The Lynch Group own the adjoin- ing Clare Inn Hotel and last year, Dromoland Castle was successful in Opposing expansion plans by the Clare Inn when An Bord Pleanala refused planning permission for the proposal.

In his objection, Mr Lynch states, ‘The piecemeal approach to develop- ment raises the question as to how in- tegrated development is on the site.

“Development that has occurred to date suggests a lack of proper inte- eration between the various facilities of the hotel.

“In the case of the application, a certain lack of integration is evident. In particular, the location of the pro- posed staff accommodation is some way from the castle. This approach to development is not sustainable and will ultimately lead to further devel- opment on the site.

In its request for further informa- tion, the council stated that it was “not favourably disposed towards”

eranting planning permission for the development for a number of rea- sons.

In response, the award-winning hotel state “the scale and design of the staff building has been modified to ensure satisfactory integration into the existing landscape’.

It states, “The 38 bedroom staff accommodation unit is required to provide a satisfactory level of ac- commodation to some of the staff working in the castle.”

It added, “Dromoland Castle cur- rently employs 200 people and there- fore the proposed staff accommoda-

tion unit will facilitate only a fraction of those currently employed. A high standard of accommodation is re- quired to attract the calibre of staff necessary for a five star hotel.”

In the applications lodged, the ho- tel is seeking to provide 32 short-rent apartments, a 38-unit accommoda- tion block for staff and the provision of a golf course operations facility.

A decision is expected on the ap- plication later this year.

THE developers of a €30 million re- tail park for Shannon have appealed Clare County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the proposal to An Bord Pleanala.

Last month, the council refused planning permission to Greenbrand Investments and Sean Halpin after it ruled that the plan would be pre- mature pending the preparation of a masterplan for the area.

The mixed-use retail park develop- ment consists of a DIY anchor store, garden centre, three retail warehous- es, 10 retail units, eight office units and one department store.

A decision was due on the applica- tion in June of last year. However, the developers have requested a year- long extension for the council to fur- ther consider the proposal.

The developers deferred a decision on the application after a planner’s report into the scheme recommended that planning permission be refused on two grounds.

On this occasion, the developers accepted the council’s ruling and

are now seeking that the planning appeals board make a ruling on the scheme.

In the appeal, consultants for the developers state that “this proposal will provide a retail service for the people of Shannon and will also fill an identified retail need, currently not available in town’.

It continues, “It is anticipated that the proposal will create a significant number of jobs at both construction and operational level, representing a significant boost to the local econo- ve ae ‘Furthermore, the proposed devel- opment was subject to a number of discussions with the council over the last two to three years.

“At the advice of the council, the applicants deferred lodging the ap- plication on a number of occasions to facilitate amendments to the de- velopment plan and the preparation of a masterplan for the area.

“The masterplan adoption was not however progressed in the timescale advised.”

A decision is due on the appeal early next year.

AS THE Quilty fairground stalls cranked up after the final whistle, you could forgive the supporters for not rushing down to queue for the rides. Both sets of fans remained in the stand, taking in what was an entralling game and wondering if it would be decided by extra time and as the teams warmed down out in the field, both sets of management seemed content with a draw.

One man who kicked every ball on the sideline was selector James Hea- ly, a former Clarecastle dual player who now puts all his efforts into top- pling the magpies (Doonbeg, that 1s) as part of the Lissycasey revolution.

“Well we were worried because Doonbeg had a very, very good first half. In the secod half we improved and got a lucky goal but we are lucky to get out of it with a draw in the end.”

Doonbeg’s midfield dominance was also on Healy’s mind and he re- flected on how well the magpies did in the middle of the field.

“They troubled us. Doonbeg have a

very, good midfield unit with Frank O’Dea and Conor Whelan, both county lads and you know we strug- gled in a lot of sections in the field but we got it together in the end and we were fortunate to get the draw.”

The main talking point from the game was definitely the Nigel Dil- lon save with ten minutes remaining. A suberb full length block which he scrambled to the side and while the umpires were certain that it was not a goal, there were several Lissyca- sey appeals that perhaps the ball had crossed the line.

“Well there was questions whether it was a goal or not and some people were Saying it wasn’t but at the end of the day, we are very happy with the draw after trailing for most of the match.”

Doonbeg manager Tommy Tubri- ChVMM I ccWoee exe [UE DORM KETsIBASECCLO MMU AONE BEls draw even thugh his side seemed to have the game wrapped up, only for a defensive mistake to let Lissycasey back into the game.

“The goal I suppose came late but they were unfortunate that they could have had a goal got before that but

we are delighted because it is great preparation for our championship fixture this weekend and that’s what we are now really focused on.”

Lissycasey’s fightback was a worry for the long serving manager but now that the Cusack cup has been settled until after the champonship, he is adament that the emphasis is now firmly on winning back the Jack Daly trophy after six famine years, a barren run which 1s alien to the high standards which they set themselves in Doonbeg.

“They got on top in the second half for a while but we got it together again. We had a few injuries coming into the game so we came through the game alright without them but hopefully they will be back for this weekend’s championship, starting with Ennistymon on Saturday.”

On this showing, you wouldn’t bet against a repeat of this fixture in the championship final come October.