Month: April 2008

THE Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is preparing to bring charges against an individual or individuals involved in an alleged parking charg- es scam at the Cliffs of Moher.

This was confirmed yesterday by Deputy Clare County Manager, Tom Coughlan as part of an overall

presentation on the local authori- ty’s budget at last night’s meeting of SE Selina Seltineee

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Coughlan stated that it was not pos- sible, for legal reasons, to confirm exact details of the alleged scam.

He did, however, confirm that the incidents took place before 2006 and had been investigated both by Shan-

non Heritage and the Gardai.

“The council was not happy that the income taken in from the car park at the Cliffs of Moher matched the us- age of that car park. This incident took place during the period when Shannon Heritage were in charge of managing the parking facilities and an investigation was carried out by Shannon Heritage,” said Mr Cough-

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“Following this investigation, the gardai were contacted who under- took their own investigation. A file was then sent to the DPP who have confirmed that they will be bringing proceedings in the case.

“Clare County Council has since taken over full operations at the Cliffs of Moher and we will strive

to ensure that the facility is managed to the highest standards into the fu- ture.”

Parking facilities at the Cliffs of Moher have been the source of much controversy in recent years. A number of bus contractors threatened to boy- cott the centre as a result of increased charges last year but have since come to a deal with the council.

CLARE County Council is to hold a special meeting in relation to a se- cret High Court settlement it reached with a couple over a planning appli- orale

ONMU KIM ONEAOlMMeOLeneleoD mealeroinentcamGuens PJ Kelly (FF) said it was necessary that a meeting be held in relation to the matter in the interests of “open- ness and transparency”.

It is understood that the matter re- lates to a secret High Court settle- ment that the council reached with Bernard Madigan and Mary Keane who instituted legal proceedings against the council after they were refused planning for 31 homes at a site outside Inagh in April, 2006.

Last year, the council finally grant- ed planning permission for the re- vised development and the site now has been put up for sale through John Vaughan Auctioneers with a guide price of €2 million.

The council approved the plan hav- ing regard to the zoning of the land, its intended use and the pattern of development in the area, conclud- ing that it would not seriously injure amenities and be in accordance with the proper planning and development of the area.

At the council’s March meeting, county solicitor, John Shaw declined

to reveal the settlement terms of the High Court case.

In response to a motion by Cllr PJ Kelly, he said the matter was one in which there was a confidential-

ity agreement which had not been waived by the other side.

“The case is settled and I am still not at liberty to disclose the terms of settlement in an open manner. I am happy to discuss same and disclose them in detail to individual council- lors privately or at a closed meeting of the council in committee,’ he said.

“While I want to be as open as pos- sible with members of the council, I have an obligation to protect the con- fidentiality of this agreement. In this regard and in an effort to be of assist- ance to the councillors, I can say that ultimately there was no financial loss to the council.”

However, at last night’s meeting, Cllr Kelly expressed his disatisfac- tion with the reply and said that he didn’t want to enter into a confiden- tiality agreement in relation to the information he may learn and may not like.

“T will reserve my position on con- fidentiality until the full details are put before me,” he said.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Martin Lafferty said he would be seeking a full report from the council’s Direc- tor of Planning, Bernadette Kinsella, in relation to the matter.

MEMBERS of Clare County Council yesterday pledged their full support for a project which aims to preserve the unique landscape of the Burren and provide a living for its farmers.

aVMseleDupeslOvelmeU Avon Corl Mbereas rk immepecd elm members of the council heard pres- entations from Dr Brendan Dunfort, Director of the Burren Life Project and Ruari O’Conchtir, who heads the Burren Producers Group.

Both speakers outlined the aims and objectives of the five-year Bur- ren Life Project, which has another 16 months to run.

The project has aimed to identify ways in which the unique nature of the area can be preserved while pro- viding a living for its farmers.

After the years of work and re-

search already done, Dr Dunfort told members that “this time next year, we will have a blueprint for the best management of the Burren into the future”. Mr O’Conchuir told the members that the Burren Producers Group has the potential to become an employer in the area, giving jobs to 12 people within the next three years and providing a quality product in Burren beef and lamb, putting added value back into the economy.

Cllr Martin Conway (FG) proposed that the director of Planning and Economic Development should meet with the two speakers “to see what Clare County Council can do to sup- port their excellent work”.

He agreed to make the request a formal motion for the next council meeting when asked to do so by the chair, Mayor Patricia McCarthy.

SENATOR Ciaran Cannon from south Galway yesterday began his first official day as leader of the Pro- eressive Democrats by pledging to rebuild the party and by leaving the door open to defeated presidential candidate, Fiona O’ Malley.

Mr Cannon, who narrowly lost out on a seat in the Galway East constitu- ency in last year’s general election, joined the PDs in 2003 and was one of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s appoint- ments to the Seanad last year.

The 42-year-old former county councillor narrowly beat Fiona O’Malley in a leadership contest in which just over a third of the eligible membership of the party voted.

In his first official statement since becoming leader, Cannon indicated that he would consider appointing his leadership rival, Fiona O’Malley, as deputy leader for the party. He has also indicated that he plans to scrap the position of party president, for- mally held by Tom Parlon.

“In a parliamentary party of four people, I don’t know whether this position is needed — my gut feeling is that I will be working very closely with members of the parliamentary party,’ said Senator Cannon.

‘*T want to see a strong role for Fio- na and if that title of deputy leader strengthens her hand, I would be willing to give it to her. We’ll have to see how the next few days of discus- sions pan out.”

Fellow Galway politician, Progres- sive Democrat TD Noel Grealish, said that he would be willing to do the new leader’s bidding if any senior posts were in the offing.

“It’s all at the discretion of the new leader to appoint a deputy. If he ap- proached me, I’d certainly consider it but it’s Ciaran’s prerogative,’ he SHKOe

Canon’s political career began in

2004 when he was first elected as a county councillor in Galway.

He was widely tipped to gain the fourth seat in the Galway East Con- stituency but fell well short, gaining

just 3,321 first preference votes.

THE champagne flowed amid the glitz and glamour of the foyer of the West County Hotel on Saturday night – and this was even before the official proceedings of the night kicked off.

It was the prologue to Avenue Unit- ed’s big party to celebrate 25 years that took the form of a champagne reception.

As the bottles were uncorked, there were Samba dancers on hand to add a little bit extra colour to the occa- sion.

Then the long night that stretched

into the late morning hours began in the Liam McCarthy Suite.

It all took place 25 years to the day that Avenue United was established – it was 12 April, 1983 and time had now raced on to 12 April 2008.

The maiden voyage was in Mickey Kerins’ bar in Lifford with a meet- ing chaired by Gerard ‘Paddlers’ O’Grady from Marian Avenue. What to call the club was one of the most important items on the agenda. Some said Marian Rovers, the mouthful of Boreen Rambling Rovers had a few supporters, but in the end Avenue United was adopted unanimously.

Paddlers lives in Mayo now, but just as he journeyed down to the old town for the launch of Ollie Byrnes’

CLARE County Council has ex- pressed “serious reservations” about the first ever hotel proposed for Sixmilebridge.

Gerard and Martha Kearney lodged plans for the construction of an hotel on Sixmilebridge’s Main Street ear- lier this year.

Their consultants state that the Kearneys wish to transform an un- sightly fuel merchants and commer- cial yard into a development that will enhance the town.

However, revised plans will have to be lodged if it is to secure planning eau NUIT (OOF

The council, requesting revised plans, states that it welcomes the development of a modern hotel facil- ity within the centre of Sixmilebri- dge but has serious concerns about the proposed development under a number of headings.”

Specifically the council says it is not satisfied that the design and lay- out 1S appropriate for the prominent location of the site within the heart of an Architectural Conservation Area and fronting the Owengraney River.

The council said the proposed de- velopment would not be permitted and a significant alteration in layout

and design was required and this could involve a new planning appli- cation.

“The development of this piece of land in isolation to the undeveloped zoned land immediately to the west is contrary to the proper planning and development of the area.

The council panners also main- tained that the proposal represented “piecemeal and haphazard develop- nates laee

“It is the view of the council that these lands should be developed to- gether to form one comprehensive development which links to both sides of the town.

The council also point out that the development represents “over-devel- opment of the site’, and will result in significant overshadowing and over- bearing of the adjacent properties to the west fronting Main Street.

Expressing concerns over the project, local resident, Anne Casey States, “I believe that the mass and scaling of the proposed hotel is ex- cessive in relation to the site area and the construction of a three sto- rey structure in close proximity to the rear of my property will result in a serious reduction of natural light and leave the rear of my house over- shadowed during long periods of the or hae

SATURDAY night’s card at Galway featured three semi finals of the Bal- lyea GAA Club A3 525 Buster Stake and in the opening heatm the the Mrs Mary Jones owned Lingrawn Ram- bler got back on the winners rostrum as he satyed on strongly to defeat Crafty Classico by a half a length in PRS

In the second heat all six runners Came away as one with the reserve Outback Maverick just holding a fractional advantage rounding the Opening two bends. But it was Cal- lums Honcho who railed well turn- ing in before getting the better of Leonies Aoife by a neck in 29.54.

The concluding heat saw the good recent form of the Ann Maire Mc- Grath kennel continue as her repre- sentetive Saints Above (Blackjack Tom-Mi Viva) powered home seven lengths clear of her rivals in a time of 29.22. The final is down for deci- sion on Friday night and officers of the Ballyea Club are expecting a big turnout for the occasion which sees €1,200 going to the winner.

In the eigth contest over the 550 yard trip for A4 graders, Tiermana Rosie (T5) stormed up the home straight to record a victory for owner Noel Moroney of Ennis in a time of a OPz

The tenth contest at the Collage

Road venue on Thursday night was an A4 graded 550 and the Master Michael Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Enda needed no second in- vitation as he went clear for a 1&3/4 length victory in 30.86

The fourth event was an N2 graded 525 in which a wholesale punt on the trap one runner Cracking Spirit went west when he ran wide off the open- ing corner allowing the trap six run- ner Inagh Mal slip through to lead by a length turning down the back. Racing past halfway the Michael McGuane of Inagh owned Inagh Mal had extended his advantage to three lengths over Ms Firesparker who closed slightly as they began the swing for home but Inagh Mal (Droopys Maldini-Inagh Spice) drew away up the straight to win in 29.70

The concluding contest of the night which was an A2 contest also went the way of the Browne family from Cree where from traps Torpais Mai (14) and Burnpark Tracy (T3) were away best and they disputed the lead on the run to the opening corner but Burnpark Tracy was in control up front as she came clear for a three length success in 29.50

Clare’s only winner on Friday night came in the eight race – an A4 event — where up the straight, the P.J O’Halloran trained Wood Sweet came clear to win by a length and a half in 29.59.

will be updated imminently by letter in relation to the approach by a party interested in acquiring our flagship station.

“Our obligation in relation to any potential transaction is first and fore- most to both shareholders and staff we will not be making any public comment on this matter until they have been communicated with.”

Asked to comment on the situation at the weekend, the station’s found- ing chief executive, Caimin Jones said: “Clare FM should clarify the current situation unless there is some compelling reason to prevent them.

For example, if they are engaged in sensitive negotiations with another consortium, then the absence of a statement might be understandable. “Otherwise, a clear statement to shareholders and the general public is essential. A media company which asks probing questions of other peo-

ple and organisations risks losing credibility by remaining silent on its own affairs when these matters are clearly of public interest. With no information or discussion forthcom- ing, the station is also putting its own news and current affairs service in an invidious position.”

A shareholder in the station, Mr Jones said that he welcomed the pro- posed sale to Radio Kerry.

“It 1s disappointing that the deal appears to have come unstuck,” he ene m

“I felt that Radio Kerry and Clare FM were a good fit. Their values, broadcasting culture and commit- ment to serving their communities are broadly similar. These issues will undoubtedly be considered by many shareholders should any new offer be made for Clare FM.

“In general, Clare FM has fulfilled its original objectives and several broadcasters continue to produce good programmes. However, the station is at a crossroads and needs an injection of ideas, energy and creativity. Despite the increasingly competitive radio environment, the station must win back listeners. The key to this in Clare is to reinforce the “Clareness” and individuality of the station and not become a bland clone of the latest passing media fashion.

“Somebody in Irish local radio broadcasting needs to have the cour- age to tear up the current programme schedules and devise new ones. The schedule of programmes on Clare FM and other stations 1s more or less the same as it was when the station was founded nearly 20 years ago.”

AN ENNIS woman was one of 17 people from throughout Ireland to qualify with a diploma in hypno- therapy over the weekend.

Ennis woman Johanna Tracy be- came the first Clare woman to be presented with a Practitioner’s Di- ploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy by the Irish Hypnotherapy Association at a ceremony in Galway on Sunday.

She will now begin to practice hyp- nosis throughout the county.

“So far I haven’t come across too many sceptics but I have come across people who fear it. Some people as- sociate what I do with stage hypno- sis; these people don’t want to be made to do something against their will. But they are thinking of hypno- tists who are more like comedians.”

“lm already a qualified psycho- therapist and a life and business coach and | thought that this might be helpful for clients. It’s very good for building confidence, helping with

phobias, giving up cigarettes and los- ing weight. It’s good for children who have problems with bed wetting or nail biting or things like that, or for teenagers for confidence building.

‘This course was all about learning how to hypnotise people and helping them to achieve different goals in their own life. Hypnosis is about the power of suggestion, it’s nothing to do with sleeping.

“It’s actually concentrated con- scienceness. People would see them- selves doing something that they would love to do but can’t. Once they picture doing it in their sub-con- scious mind, then they are better able to do it in reality.”

She warns that hypnosis will not always work for everyone.

“It really depends on how much a person wants to work on it. We can’t hypnotise the cigarettes out of them, they have to want to give up and have a real desire. The more they use their imagination the more successful they will be.”

GULLIVER IRELAND, the owner of one of Ireland’s longest estab- lished travel websites, Golreland. com, announced yesterday that it has relaunched the website to consolidate its positioning as the largest tourist accommodation website on the is- land of Ireland.

Gulliver Ireland, Ireland’s leading cost effective provider of reserva-

tions and tourism information, 1s part of FEXCO.

The Golreland.com website will handle a projected 55,000 domestic and overseas bookings this year, which equates to almost 200,000 bednights. Traffic to the new website during the first four weeks increased by 15 per cent compared with last year, which is attributed to better visibility on search engines. Golre- land.com was ranked in the Top 15

Travel and Airlines Market in the newly published “The Net Behaviour Report’ on Irish internet usage.

The website has a new ‘look and feel’, featuring more travel informa- tion on ‘things to see and do’ and offering a wider spread of tourist ac- commodation, approximately 8,000 properties, which is more than any other Irish tourism-related website.

The overhaul of the website’s con- tent, which has a significant regional

focus including regional landing pages for all counties, will continue throughout the year. The new web- site allows tourism business owners to sell their properties better than ever by including detailed premises and local information, photographs and the option of enhanced listings. It delivers booking availability in every county on the island and across all accommodation categories. “People booking accommodation

are booking an experience. To sell effectively online, you have to show your customers the kind of experi- ences they can have.

They urge businesses to take ad- vantage of the new Golreland.com website and show up to 120,000 visi- tors every week at the height of the tourist season what you have and what is around you,’ said Dr Stew- art Stephens, Managing Director of Gulliver Ireland.