Month: September 2007

FUNDING of more than €2.3 mil- lion has been announced for Clare water and sewerage schemes by En- vironment, Heritage and Local Gov- ernment Minister, John Gormley.

The allocations are part of a €5.8 billion spending plan on new water supply and waste water infrastruc- ture. The Water Services Investment Programme includes 955 individual schemes to be advanced over the period of the National Development Plan and beyond.

The programme sets out specific targets for construction up to the end of 2009 and is coupled with a series of other measures, including

a special package to target supplies at risk from cryptosporidium and e.coli, new measures aimed at 1m- proving water conservation, new en- forcement powers to prosecute those who fail to protect water resources or cause water pollution and plans for enhanced protection of rivers, lakes ANNO Men AUT-V Loh

Among the sewerage schemes which are getting funding to start in 2008 are Ballyvaughan, Corofin and Doolin, Carrigaholt/Labasheeda, Cooraclare, Ennistymon, Liscannor, Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point, Kilkee and Kilrush, O’Callaghan’s Mills, Bodyke, O’Brien’s Bridge, Flagmount and Cratloe, Quilty, Scar- iff and Feakle, and Shannon Town.

Money has also been allocated to start the west Clare regional water supply scheme.

Ennis town water supply also has funding for 2007, along with the sup- ply schemes for Lisdoonvarna and Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Funding has been put up for water and sewerage schemes to advance through planning in Castlelake, Kil- fenora, Killaloe, north Clare and south east Clare.

Down for funding to start in 2009 is a sewerage scheme for Ennis/Clare- castle. There is €2 million in the pot for water conservation schemes in the county.

In all, there will be €236,149 in- vested in various schemes and initia-

tives in Clare.

“Ensuring there 1s clean water, not only in our taps but also in our rivers, lakes and estuaries is a priority for me in Government,’ Minister Gorm- ley said.

“Water 1s possibly our most pre- cious resource. Its protection is an essential element in ensuring a sus- tainable Ireland,” he added.

The Minister said that it is “our aim to bring about a situation whereby all of our public drinking water supplies comply with European standards and that all of our lakes and rivers are of good water quality.

“This is a considerable challenge, one which I believe can, and must, be achieved.”

MINISTER of State Tony Killeen has received confirmation that ten- ders are being sought for improve- ments works to be carried out at two Clare Garda stations.

Minister Killeen said that the OPW is to carry out work at Newmarket- on-Fergus and Doonbeg Garda Sta- tions.

The works at Newmarket-on-Fer- cus will include the replacement of windows and doors to the station and residential quarters, demolition of the existing front and rear boundary walls, construction of new perimeter front and rear boundary walls, re- alignment of existing vehicular en-

trances and provision of new vehicu- lar access gates. The proposed works also include the provision of visitor parking to the front of the building and private parking to the rear.”

The work at Doonbeg includes the replacement of the existing windows and doors to the Garda station and residential quarters.

Other works include the demolition of the existing and construction of a new front boundary wall and rear vam eNO e

The OPW has confirmed that draw- ings and particulars of the proposed developments are available for in- spection at their Limerick-based of- fice and at the two Garda Stations fey sere waleree

THE most prominent community- based organisation in Doonbeg has expressed its opposition to plans to develop 77 homes in the west Clare AUF: Teen

In recent years, the village has en- joyed a property boom arising from the €150 million Doonbeg golf re- sort.

In its submission in relation to the plan by Brian McGoey and Niall Cunningham, the Doonbeg Com-

munity Development Company Ltd state that “the proposed development by virtue of its scale and density and the proposed neighbourhood concept does not “respect the existing char- acter of the surrounding area” and that as a consequence it “harms the amenity of adjoining properties and the surrounding area”.

The submission goes on, “The ad- ditional vehicular traffic generated by the proposal will have an adverse effect on the amenity and character of the surrounding area. You simply

cannot lift an urban design model and implant it on to a rural village especially at such a sensitive river- bank location.

‘To create a new, competing neigh- bourhood within the context of Doonbeg village conflicts with the sustainable development of the vil- lage and, we contend, with the set- tlement strategy of the Clare County Development plan 2005.

‘These houses will dominate the skyline and approach from the south along this route. We also suggest that

they may impact on, by overlooking, the streetscape of the village when approached from the west. Doonbeg Community Development Company Ltd is concerned about the scale and density of development proposed for this elevated site located in such close proximity to the riverbank. ‘“Doonbeg Community Develop- ment Company Ltd is also concerned about the construction of a compet- ing neighbourhood core. It is our contention that there are sufficient lands either zoned or currently de-

veloped for “holiday homes” within Doonbeg village.

“If permission is granted for any residential development at this loca- tion, it should be for permanent oc- cupation only. Doonbeg Community Development Ltd is not opposed to development within the settlement of Doonbeg…What is proposed for this location is an urban or suburban resi- dential development with a density of development more suited to that type of location and not the elevated river bank location here.”

Castlebar, Carrie-Anne has quali- fied for the 2007 Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur title, which will be presented at an awards ceremony on October 23.

Carrie-Anne Barry established De Barra Publishing Ltd in September 2006 after returning home to Ireland with a unique business idea — to de- velop and retail resources and educa- tional materials for the childcare and pre-school sector.

She explains, ““While living in Va- lencia, | was very impressed with my three-year-old daughter’s pre-school, which utilised a curriculum planning concept that fully engaged parents through use of creative materials and music. It worked brilliantly and I imagined it could be adapted and

developed to bring similar benefit to families in Ireland. When I returned home, I conducted intensive research in the childcare sector and identified a huge opportunity for my business idea.”

The company has developed the Project Bubbles brand, a comprehen- sive programme of play-based ac- tivities, ideas, music and visual aids designed to help care providers and parents with the day-to-day provision of a quality childcare experience for children aged two to five years.

“Project Bubbles features easy to follow guides, manuals and cur- riculum-planning tools for childcare practitioners. Included are hundreds of activities, games and creative ideas for each month of the year, original music and songs linked to monthly themes, character puppets represent- ing cultural and social diversity, posters, flashcards and themed jig- saw puzzles, as well as communica- tion tools to engage parents in the planned curriculum,” Carrie-Anne explained.

Currently employing five full-time Staff, Carrie-Anne has ambitious plans to extend the company’s prod- uct line to include an Irish language version, a cultural project, adding O- | and 1-2 age groups, as well as an after-schools programme.

Speaking at the western regional heat awards dinner in Westport, Shell spokesman, Christy Loftus, said that Shell strongly believed in celebrating and encouraging the goals and am- bitions of Ireland’s young entrepre- neurs as they are key to increasing the business birthrate and stimulat- ing the future growth of the region’s economy.

“This year’s entrants have im- pressed us with their innovation, commitment and drive and we look forward to watching their businesses grow over the years,” he said.

CONCERN has been raised over a €40 million plan to double the size of Kilmihil, a parish that experi- enced a population increase of only two people in the 2006 census. Kilmihil Construction Ltd is seek-

ing planning permission for 150 resi- dential units, 15 commercial units and a two-storey 50-bed nursing home.

The 2006 census shows that the vil- lage’s population increased by just two in four years, from 576 to 578. During the previous census period to

1996, the village suffered a drop in population of 62, or seven per cent. The developers envisage increasing the village’s population by 100 per cent.

The proposal has attracted little opposition locally. However, in his objection, John Dalton has told Clare

County Council, “The development is too dense and provides a new cen- tre to the village which takes away the rural, easy-going, welcoming nature of our village. It provides the new access roads which will increase traffic hazards. Such developments are normally cul de sacs to avoid

through traffic, boy-racers.

“Such a densely populated area will provide social and economic blacks- pots. The development should be al- lowed in conjunction with some sort of employment opportunity.”

A decision is due on the application later this year.

THE Department of the Environment has raised questions over plans by an east Clare company to place an ultra- sonic device on top of a wind turbine to “scare” away protected bats.

Last month, Olympus Diagnostica lodged plans for the turbine arising from a company initiative “seeking a solution which would meet a portion 40-50 per cent of our electrical base load using alternative energy”.

The height of the turbine will be

200ft high and the company pointed out that this is “half the size of the industry norm”.

The company stated that it would consume all the energy from the wind turbine and there was no need for a grid connection. It pointed out that the proposal didn’t he within any recognised flight path of the Whooper Swan and the Greenland White Fronted Goose.

As part of the project, Olympus Diagnostica is planning to place an ultrasonic “scarer” that will provide

a signal to all bat species likely to en- counter the motors, while the compa- ny is to also put in place 20 bat boxes in order to provide roosts away from the zone of potential impact.

Now, in a submission to Clare County Council, the Department of the Environment state that clarifica- tion is needed regarding the reliabil- ity of the ultrasonic “‘scarer”’.

The department is aware of expert AYO MACCComUBON(O SMOT-RMLUl aol Kerem NET I MBS lonts ultrasonic “scarers” do not have any impact on deterring bats away from

a Site.

The department state the Envi- ronmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the plan indicated that no bat roosts were present and sub- sequently two roosts were recorded by department staff during a site in- spection.

The department is now requesting that an extensive bat survey should be carried out by a bat ecologist to confirm which bat species are utilis- ing the proposed site for the turbine and the habitats within a 500m radius

of the proposed turbine.

The turbine is facing opposition from a local family. In their objection, Mr and Mrs JP Murphy and family State, “We are local residents, in the area for the past 60 years, and we feel that the decision taken by Olympus to erect the turbine in the position in- dicated on the submitted site plan is inconsiderate to the local landscape and setting of Rosslara Lake and its woodland surroundings.”

A decision is due on the application later this year.

has revealed in a special investiga- tion into juvenile crime in Clare.

While gardai are satisfied that rates of crime committed by juveniles have not spiralled out of control, there are concerns that three teenage members of one family are creating havoc in Ennis.

Several members of the family have

been before the courts on a number of occasions over the past few years, for a variety of offences. One has ad- mitted to dozens of offences, includ- ing theft, damage to schools and cars and public order, while his two sib- lings are also facing several charges.

Their disregard for the law and their ability to continuously re-of- fend is a major cause for concern for gardai in the town.

The trio have come before the Chil- dren’s Court on dozens of charges, after they repeatedly came to garda

attention over a considerable period of time. Garda sources say that two other Ennis families also account for a significant amount of crime detect- ete aetomKOn 20

When it comes to young offenders, bullying, robbing schoolchildren of their money, shoplifting, damage to property and minor drug offences are the main problems identified by gardai in Clare.

Agencies that work with children at risk say poor family support is at the core of a large percentage of ju-

venile crime. Other prevalent factors include alcohol consumption, drug use, peer pressure and lack of edu- cation.

During the first eight months of this year, 41 young people were before the courts in the county. Many of those who appeared are facing a string of charges and all have come through the Juvenile Diversion Programme, which deals with young offenders by means other than prosecution.

THE CPSSL will be running U8 and U1O blitzes at the following locations this Friday Night: Fern Celtic’s pitch and Ennistymon CBS from 6.30pm to 8pm and Lees Road Astro Turf from 6pm to 7pm. There will be close to 80 kids in action at each venue, along with parents, and spervisors.

SW sviM es molomabesbevrercmustaulr DUN me Vols the next three weeks at different ven- ex

Secondly, Monday night at 7pm and

8pm. The start of the FAI Regional Emerging Talent Programme will take place at the Auburn Lodge.

This is a education/training pro- gramme for the highest standard players in the Limerick/Clare/North Tipp region between the ages of 14 and 17.

Clare is represented by 10 players and head coaches in the centre are Declan Farmer and myself.

The centre is based at Lees Road every monday night from 7pm to O9pm from September 24 to March

oF

You are more than welcome to at- tend information night – and then maybe we can plan some regular media coverage of the center, player profiles, coach profiles, match fea- tures, etc over the course of the train- ing schedule.

The FAI Regional Centres are the next step from Kennedy Cup and are the foundations of our underage international squads and eventually will act as a source of the majority of the Eircom League players.

MACRA NA FEIRME’S national president, Catherine Buckley be- lieves education is the way forward in farming.

Speaking at the launch of the Tea- gasc programme for Adult and Life Long Learning she said providing “the best possible educational oppor- tunities to farmers would be the key to giving Irish agriculture a competi- tive advantage in the future.”

The Macra president pointed out that her organisation had long been involved in campaigning for 1im- provements in agricultural educa-

tion standards and she welcomed the fact that the existing 180 hour course will, in the coming year, be replaced with the new advanced certificate in agriculture. “While the new course will require a greater commitment from participants, it will leave them far better equipped to deal with the demands of modern farming. This new course will create a pathway for young farmers to acquire a broader and more life-long agricultural edu- cation,’ she said.

Ms Buckley pointed out that while it was vital that Teagasc continued to develop top-class specialised cours- es targeted at full-time farmers, she

said that Macra also fully supported the provision of agricultural training courses to part-time farmers or those who could not attend agricultural college.

“The responsibilities and pressures on so called part-time farmers are just as onerous as those on farmers with no off-farm employment and it is important for the future of the industry that this category of farmer has access to properly structured training,’ she said.

The leader of the young farmers’ or- ganisation said that in addition to the formal courses offered by Teagasc, the importance of various discussion

group Sessions, also facilitated by the organisation, should not be under-es- UbeereInoren

“In the last 12 months, Macra has established a number of specialised discussion groups for young farmers around the country which are facili- tated by professional Teagasc advis- ae

“The demand for this type of edu- cational opportunity has been huge as it provides a chance for young like-minded farmers to meet and net- work with others in the industry, and in turn assists them in making bet- ter decisions in relation to the future growth of their business,’ she said.

UNIVERSITY College Dublin was the venue for the 58th Annual Meet- ing of the European Association for Animal Production held on Sunday, August 26 which was opened by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Mr John Browne, ID.

Addressing the more than 800 Eu- ropean delegates, the Minister stated that “investment in research is piv- otal in ensuring that we meet future challenges facing the agriculture and food sector”’.

He congratulated the Scientific Committee for capturing such a noteworthy theme as “Sustainable Animal Production – Meeting the

Challenges for Quality Food. Sus- tainability presents a challenge for all concerned.” The Minister continued: “A challenge for researchers to pro- vide the best science based knowl- edge for cost effective sustainable and animal welfare friendly animal production, a challenge for farmers to deliver quality produce at com- petitive prices in an environmentally sustainable way, and, most of all, a challenge to all involved along the whole food chain from the farm to the fork to have a unified approach to ensuring the highest food safety and quality standards are achieved.”

The minister told delegates that the Irish Government has greatly increased its funding for research in recent years. Last year Strategy

for Science Technology and Innova- tion, which will run until 2013, was launched. “This Strategy,’ he said, “sets out the roadmap whereby Ire- land can develop as a knowledge based economy, and it explicitly recognises that the development of a sustainable agriculture and food sec- tor and bio economy is vital to our national economic well-being.” The Strategy foresees a doubling of both research funding and in the number of PhD’s produced.

‘This 1s not a doubling for the sake of it,’ said the minister, “but rather a vision of building a capability among the best young people to fuel the knowledge economy.”

Continuing the minister said that the Department of Agriculture and

Food is the primary funding agency for agricultural and food research in Ireland.

It provides core funding to Teagasc, the National Institute for Research, Advice and Education in Agriculture and Food, as well as funding through competitive programmes for which Teagasc and the third level institutes compete. The minister pointed out that these programmes provide sig- nificant funding for research in the animal bio-sciences.

In conclusion, the Minister hoped that the delegates would not only get a flavour of what is happening in re- search in Ireland, but that they would also have an opportunity to capture some of the sights, sounds and tastes of Ireland during their stay.