Month: March 2008

A MAJOR question mark has been thrown over plans to construct a wind turbine that would allow a company supply up to half of its energy needs.

Last month, Clare County Council granted planning permission to Ol- ympus Diagnostica for a 200 ft high wind turbine near O’Callaghan’s Mills.

However, local residents, Mr and Mrs JP Murphy have appealed the council’s decision to An Bord Plean- ala, ensuring that the appeals board will take a fresh look at the applica- nO

In their original objection, the Mur- phys stated: “We wish to voice our concerns with the proposed location of the wind turbine of the above site.

“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

“As highlighted in the council’s development plan, the site for the proposed wind turbine 1s within an area specifically zoned as visually vulnerable and due to the mechani- cal nature of this machine this wind turbine would not be in keeping with the development plan.

“The proposed location of this wind turbine is visually intrusive to the scenic area of Rosslara Lake and if planning is granted, it will have a negative visual impact on the sur- rounding area.

“We feel that the proposed develop- ment should be located to a less vul- nerable/scenic area.”

The company overcame concerns expressed by the council in relation to a device that is designed to scare away bats from the structure.

In their planning application OI- ympus stated that it was “seeking a solution which would meet a portion 40-50 per cent of our electrical base ey Teel berearUiKowIrlO homo tls) ucAtaae

The company said that it would consume all the energy from the wind-turbine and there was no need for a grid connection.

“The rationale for this project has its roots in spiralling energy costs which are set by international mar- kets and impact severely for two rea- sons: the wide fluctuation in energy costs which make financial planning more difficult and the underlying trend is upwards.”

A decision is due on the appeal later this year.

THE Diocese of Killaloe has taken a major step to advance plans for a new Ennis national school and, ultimate- ly, to secure a €40 million windfall.

The diocese, under Bishop Willie Walsh, has lodged plans with Ennis Town Council for an access road that will open up its valuable land bank at Ashline on the Kilrush Road in Sab av Ese

The 85 acres of land were rezoned in 2006 in order to facilitate the relo- cation of Ennis National School.

The diocese 1s proposing to con- struct 590 houses which would place a €150 million value on the develop- eeloole

The diocese would secure the €40 million through the sale of the site.

Since the council rezoned the lands, progress on the construction of the school has been slow.

However, the development of the road is vital to the relocation a Sep- tember target is in place to have the road constructed.

In tandem with the roadway ap- plication for the school, the Board

of Management of Ennis National School is examining over 100 sub- missions from firms pitching to be

involved in the construction. An advert was placed in the European Journal in order to assemble a design team.

It will be a 32 class school. Hopes

are that planning permission will be secured to allow construction commence in 2009. This would al- low a new school to be in place in 2010/2011.

A spokesman for the board of man- agement stated that the school had written to the Department of Educa- tion for clarification in relation to the submissions.

As part of the development of the 85 acres, the diocese is providing a couple of sports playing pitches.

Along with the 590 homes, the dio- cese is also proposing the develop- ment of sheltered housing for Caher- calla Hospital. The plan states that the proposal will allow the creation of clearly separate and distinct resi- dential sub-areas, while community facilities will be placed at the centre of the area.

The development of the lands is to be carried out in four phases over a 21-year period with the first phase commencing in 2007-09 with the construction of the school.

THE retail core of Newmarket-on- Fergus will suffer if a new €10 mil- lion mixed-use development proceeds on the periphery of the village.

That is the view of a Newmarket resident, Patrick J Hannon, in re- sponse to plans by Tom Lavelle and Adrian Callanan to construct 56 units at Boheraroan, Newmarket-on- Fergus.

The plan by the two includes 16 commercial units, 22 duplex apart- ments, 11 apartments, a medical fa- cility and six office units.

However, Mr Hannon of Lough- lash, Newmarket, who is the owner of lands at the rear of the proposed development, has lodged an objec- HCOemr-hexc BD ets nL

Mr Hannon points out, “No details are submitted with the application as to the retail impact the proposal will have on the village of Newmarket- on-Fergus.

“As elsewhere, out-of-centre retail developments should not be allowed as this development is likely to lead to a reduction in the range of local facilities in the town that will affect the diversity of shops and lead to a

loss of general retailing from the vil- lage centre.”

Mr Hannon also contends that the scale of the proposed development will have adverse implications in preserving the existing character of the 18th-century streetscape and roadways within the village of New- market.

“Despite the vibrancy of the town, there is evidence of vacancy both in housing and commercial.

“Development of additional units on the periphery of the town will contribute to further vacancy levels within the village, thereby weaken-

ing the existing vitality of the vil- FTexone

Mr Hannon claims, “The site is functionally detached from the vil- lage centre.

“The linkage is totally dependent on the adjoins development proceed- ing. Therefore, this development is premature until the adjoining devel- opment commences.”

He states, “The proposed develop- ment would introduce a development with a mass, scale and height which would be substantially and detrimen- tally at odds with the defining char- acter of the area.”

CALLS have been made for an all- out ban on jet skis on Clare beaches in order to protect the safety of swim- mers, surfers and other water users. These calls follow recommenda- tions made by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board last week in which it was suggested that jet skis should be licensed and those using them should have to undergo mandatory mecbnepeNtes Last Thursday, the board published its report into the death of jetskier Alan Joyce in Mayo in 2006. “IT have been ap- proached on numer- ous occasions over the last 18 months by swimmers, mostly on Lahinch beach, as well as people in west Clare, about the dangers of jet skis. They are rid- ing roughshod in the water and not showing respect to people swimming or to surfers,” said north Clare Coun- ty Councillor, Martin Conway (FG). “It has been suggested that there should be a jet ski licence for any- one who wants to use a jet ski and in order to get the licence you have to go through a certain amount of train- ing. I would go one step farther. We also need to take cognisance of the people who are swimming and surf-

ing and whose safety is being put in jeopardy as a result of these jet skis.

“The jet skis should be banned from areas where people are known to swim and to surf. Really we should have designated areas for jet skies where they wouldn’t be compromis- ing the areas of people who are in- volved in other water sports.”

Cllr Conway suggests that desig- nated areas should be set up where

jetskiers can use the water. “Putting a jet ski into a place where there are a lot of swimmers and surfers is akin to putting a motorbike into a_ playground. If someone is swim- ming and they get hit by a jet ski, they’re gone. There is no second chance with these things,” he continued.

“If you look at Ballyvaughan, there are jet-skis everywhere. Maybe Bal- lyvaughan might be an appropriate place for jet skis. Maybe harbours are a more appropriate place for jet skis but I know that they are also very prevalent in Fanore and Bally- vaughan as well. When you have a situation like that, you have to regu- late it. We have had these by-laws for the dogs on the beach but this is a much more lethal piece of equipment and there don’t seem to be any regu- lations on them.”

THE number of incidents responded to by the Doolin Unit of the Irish Coast Guard increased by 25 per cent last year. The Doolin Unit responded to a total of 30 incidents in 2007 compared to 24 throughout 2006. This increase in coast guard activ- ity has been mirrored throughout the country with overall incidents increasing by 8.5 per cent year-on-

year in 2007. According to figures released last week, incidents involv- ing the Coast Guard increased from 1807 in 2006 to 1961 last year.

Indeed the number of incidents has increased steadily in each of the last 8 years, growing from 1718 in 2000.

Last year’s rise mainly involved adventure sports with surfing, diving and caving incidents increasing by 31 per cent, 120 per cent and 400 per cent respectively.

‘Adventure sports are becoming the norm all over the place. If you look at Aileen’s wave under the Cliffs, peo- ple are surfing that now the same as if they were surfing in the beach in Lahinch,” said Matty Shannon of Doolin Coast Guard.

“People are getting into more ex- treme adventure sports. They get the newest technology and the newest equipment but that doesn’t mean that a accident won’t happen.

“There are so many different things that contribute to an accident, a lot of the time it is just luck.”

Mr Shannon has called for people to take more personal responsibility before they put themselves in harm’s WENA

“People never think that it will happen to them, they think that ac- cidents only happen to other people. People have to be responsible for themselves, we are a response serv-

ice. We are a response service and we are volunteers. We cannot be in the station all day every day waiting for something to happen. So people must realise that it will take 15 or 20 minutes for us to get to them. They need to take responsibility for this themselves,” he said.

The coast guard figures also show a 75 per cent increase in incidents in- volving shore anglers and 38 per cent increase in nuisance calls.

A COUPLE who struck a ‘secret’ High Court settlement with Clare County Council in relation to a plan- ning application could be in line for a €2 million windfall.

Last year, the council granted plan- ning permission for a €7.5 million 31 unit housing development to Ber- nard Madigan and Mary Keane. The two had instituted High Court legal

proceedings against the council af- ter the local authority refused plan- ning for a previous application for 31 homes at the same site outside Inagh in April 2006.

Last year, the council finally grant- ed permission for the revised devel- opment proposal and the site has now been put up for sale, with a €2 mil- lion price guide from John Vaughan Auctioneers.

The council granted for the plan

having regard to the zoning of the land, the intended use of the proposed land and the pattern of development in the area, concluding that it would not seriously injure the amenities of the area and be in accordance with proper planning and development.

At the council’s March meeting, County Solicitor John Shaw (pictured right) declined to reveal the contents of the High Court outcome relating to the planning application that was turned down at the site.

In response to a motion by Cllr PJ Kelly (FF), Mr Shaw said that the matter “is one in which you will be aware there is aconfidentiality agree- ment which has not been waived by the other side.

“The case is settled. I am still not at liberty to disclose the terms of settle-

ment in an open manner. I am happy to discuss same and disclose them in detail to individual councillors pri- vately or at a closed meeting of the council in committee.

“Councillors will be aware that I have offered this facility previously and whilst I want to be as open as possible with members of the coun- cil I do have an obligation to protect the confidentiality of this agreement. In this regard and in an effort to be of assistance to the councillors I can say that ultimately there was no financial loss to the council.”

According to Vaughan’s website, the 4.9 acres site includes planning for eight detached, 14 semi-detached and nine terraced houses. It states: “This land is located in Inagh vil- lage and within walking distance of

all amenities offered by this village. This is a flat site which would allow for easy development. All services are available close to the land.”

THERE was bad news for Shannon Airport this week with the announce- ment that planned new flights to the US have been scrapped.

Maryland based operators Kenny Tours had planned to set up a link between Shannon and a number of US airports, including Niagara Falls International in North America.

Other airports which would have been part of the plan included Chica- go Rockford International, 68 miles

North-West of Chicago and Mid America St Louis.

Kenny tours had planned to start operations on the routes from June.

But the operators have now drawn back from opening the routes citing the weak dollar, high fuel prices and difficulties in securing aircraft for the Shamrock Express charter serv- oe

The company has not ruled out the possibility of reviewing the situation next year, sources in the industry have said.

It’s believed they are now looking at a longer lead-in time for the other routes, pencilling in a date in 2009 to allow time for marketing and to sign deals with US and Irish travel com- panies. Sources have also said this would also depend on factors such as fuel prices and airport charges and the opening up of the routes which is still by no means certain.

Meanwhile, airport director, Mar- tin Moroney, has said that despite the economic slump he is confident that transatlantic numbers will hold

up over the coming months. He said he believes that the airport has suc- cessfully managed the crisis of Aer Lingus pulling out of the Shannon to Heathrow route.

Mr Moroney said that the new con- nection to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris was being well received by people needing long-haul connec- tions in and out of Shannon.

“It is not all solved but I think the vast majority of customers say the re- placement CityJet service to Charles de Gaulle is fine and we are over

the hump…CityJet and Air France are very happy and they are get- ting a high 70 per cent load factor. Had Heathrow not been replaced it would have been a major loss to the uss :a (0) 0 ae

Mr Moroney said he expected Cit- yJet would grow the Shannon-Paris service, which currently provides two flights a day on a 50-seater air- craft.He added that airport bosses would continue to seek a Heathrow slot and to aquire other hub connec- tions, including Amsterdam.

THE Mid West Regional Authority and Aer Lingus have agreed a joint approach to consolidating and ex- panding the flagship carrier’s trans- atlantic services at Shannon Airport.

During a meeting held in New York last week, both parties put forward a set of proposals for boosting regional support for existing services and de- veloping new business.

Representing Aer Lingus at the meeting in Ireland House, Park Av- enue, were Jack Foley, Executive Vice President in North America; Kate Kiernan, Director of Revenues

& Business Development; and Helen Maguire, Director Consumer Sales.

Councillor Lily Wallace (Chair- person) and Liam Conneally (Direc- tor) represented the Nenagh-based MWRA. Representatives of Clare County Council and Shannon Town Council, including both Mayors, were also present.

Councillor Wallace expressed de- light that Aer Lingus had pledged its commitment to developing trans- atlantic services at Shannon. She acknowledged that this was based on the mid-west’s relevant agencies pulling together to market the region as a desirable tourist destination.

“Aer Lingus indicated that it would be very interested in working with any parties that could assist in 1m- proving load factors on all routes,” she said. “The airline pointed out that it was not involved with destina- tion marketing but would be willing to work with the mid-west region if suitable packages and promotional material could be provided.”

According to Mr Conneally, “Aer Lingus is committed to providing competitive packages for air travel- lers as a result of the region working together to market its attractiveness, as well as developing competitive packages that complement Aer Lin-

gus fares. Such an understanding presents a win-win situation for eve- ryone. ”

Alec Fleming, member of the Re- gional Tourism Board and Desig- nated Manager MWRA, stated, “Aer Lingus were very open and expressed a willingness to open their books. I am especially delighted that they in- dicated they would travel to the mid- west to further discuss how transat- lantic services could be maintained, improved and expanded.

“The mid-west has been presented a tremendous opportunity to work with Aer Lingus, which has expressed its willingness to engage in cooperative

marketing initiatives. I would urge all relevant agencies, and the busi- ness and tourism sectors, to continue to enhance the attractiveness of the region.”

The MWRA, one of Ireland’s eight statutory regions, comprises the ad- ministrative areas of Clare, North Tipperary and Limerick County Councils and Limerick City Council. The authority has 26 elected repre- sentatives and has responsibility to promote the coordinated delivery of public services in the region. It is also Secretariat to the Government-ap- pointed Shannon Airport Marketing Consultative Committee (SAMCC).

STAYING safe at work has paid a double bonus for employees of a company in Clare.

CRH-owned Clare-based com- pany Roadstone Provinces has an- nounced that its employees have raised €10,000 for the Midwest S1- mon Community during the first six months of its partnership with the homelessness charity.

Launched in July last year, the CRH Simon Safety Challenge is an all-island initiative designed to assist the Simon Communities of Ireland’s important work in tackling home- lessness.

For every accident-free quarter (three months) achieved at any Road- stone Provinces company location across the country, a sum of money was donated to the Midwest Simon Community. Company locations that achieve a full accident-free year will have the opportunity to donate an ad- ditional 25 per cent bonus payment on top of the four combined quar-

terly donations, to be awarded at the end of the year.

In the first six months of the CRH Simon Safety Challenge, CRH staff across Ireland raised a total of €328,/44 for the Simon Commu- UI AYA

The challenge is on track to meet its national objective of raising a to- tal of €1 million by the end of June this year.

Speaking at the announcement of the monies raised to date, Michael Keating, CRH Safety Challenge spokesperson said, “There has been a fantastic response to the safety chal- lenge from our staff in Clare, who have really gotten behind the drive to help raise money for the Simon Sreseaveeltvayi nam

According to Sarah Birchett of the Midwest Simon Community, “This CRH-led initiative is a great example of how the business world can link with a charity to help raise awareness and promote a better understanding of a complex social problem like homelessness.”

ENNIS Town Council has been ac- cused of “taking unfair advantage” by demanding over €300,000 in planning levies after “forcing” a fam- ily to lodge a planning application.

Earlier this year, Ennis Town Council granted Michelle Madden planning permission to redevelop the family-run furniture showrooms at Station Road, Ennis.

Mrs Madden lodged the application

after the council issued a Compulso- ry Purchase Order (CPO) for lands at the address to facilitate the develop- ment of the Ennis inner relief road.

However, the local business family were shocked after the local author- ity demanded €332,020 in levies if they wished to proceed with the de- velopment.

The family face a bill of €255,500 for car-parking facilities although the council don’t plan to provide car- parking in the area. The council is

also demanding €76,520 for a con- tribution to public facilities benefit- ing the development.

It is not known how much money the Maddens received in compensa- tion for the CPO.

However, consultants for Mrs Mad- den state in an appeal lodged to An Bord Pleanala seeking to delete the council’s financial demands, that the council “is taking unfair advantage of the situation”.

The consultants state that “Mrs

Madden has been forced to apply for planning permission in this instance and that all financial contributions should be dispensed with in this or Won

‘No allowance has been made for the fact that Mrs Madden’s business premises is long in existence. No al- lowance has been made for the dem- olition of existing areas of the build- ing and no allowance for the fact that substantial areas of the building are to be retained and compromised by the demolition to allow the CPO to proceed and further compromised by the resultant development”

The consultants states that Mrs Madden has been compelled to apply for the application by the actions of the council.

In response, Ennis Town Council has told An Bord Pleanala that the contributions were calculated in good faith, properly applied and that there was “no exemption from develop- ment contributions in circumstances where there is a CPO on site.”

The council asks, “Why should one development not be charged for parking when other businesses who extend their floor area or build new are charged for parking as per the scheme or provide it on site.”

They argue that the application has to be dealt with as an issue that is completely independent of any road development proposals.

A decision is due on the appeal later this year.