Month: January 2012

LANDLORDS in Kilrush have been challenged to breathe new economic life back into Kilrush by slashing their rents for business operators.

The call was sounded out by members of Kilrush Town Council at its first statutory meeting of the year as it formally backed a new campaign to secure urban renewal status for the town.

This twin-track approach to revitalize the West Clare capital’s town centre has emerged as part of the local authority’s plans to kick-start the second phase of the Moore Street Regeneration Project that will be expanded to include other business streets in the town.

Town Clerk John Corry has written to the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, seeking urban renewal status for the Moore Street area – a move that came on the back of a proposal to the December meeting of the council by Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF) and tabled formally as a motion before last Thursday’s meeting.

“It is in this council’s interest to encourage and facilitate a socially, economically and commercially regenerated Moore Street,” he said. “A Small Towns’ Urban Renewal Scheme would be welcomed by the construction industry and kickstart economic activity in areas far too long blighted by dilapidated vacant premises,” he added.

“There is no point in Kilrush Town Council and the NRA doing such a good job on Moore Street if the people with business premises don’t come on board,” said Cllr Paul Moroney (Ind).

“If they have unrealistic rents along with what we’re trying to do now with a reduced rates scheme, it won’t work. We need to work together. It’s out of our hands, but we need to get the word out there that if business can be done on Moore Street that we’re right behind it, but realistic rents need to be part of the equation,” he added.

“They will give reduced rents. They will be amenable to helping new businesses come in. A number have stated that they will be doing that. They are going to work with us,” said Marion McMahon-Jones (FG).

“There is an accountant who is prepared to give six months free accounting of the advice that businesses need, something that would be invaluable for businesses setting up,” she added.

THE success of the Moore Street regeneration project that was marked by a street party in December has spawned a new ‘Family Gathering’ festival that will take place in Kilrush next summer.

Details of staging a Moore Street Reunion in August, which could become an annual event were unveiled by Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF), who himself is a native of the what was once the main shopping street in the West Clare capital.

The idea emerged following the outstanding success of the Moore Street celebrations that took place on December 17 last in the wake of the upgrading work carried by the National Roads Authority (NRA).

“We came up with the idea of having a Moore Street Reunion of all the old families in August during the Inis Cathaigh music festival,” revealed Cllr Prendeville.

“We were talking about have a fes- tival, with an arts and culture element to it, with exhibitions and events and it and for this to particularly make use the Vandeleur Walled Garden. We’d have lectures there and it would be all about bringing more life back into Kilrush,” he added.

The upgrading works that were carried out by the NRA at the cost of € 150,000 came after a long-running campaign that was waged by both councillors and members of the council executive over a number of years.

“The efforts made by the people of Moore Street was incredible,” said Cllr Liam Williams (FG).

“Anybody that came home to Kilrush for Christmas, it was the chat. It’s something that can be built on,” he added.

“I must admit that the spirit was unreal on Moore Street,” said Mayor of Kilrush, Cllr Ian Lynch (FG). “It was unbelievable. The photographs that were in the exhibitions have been put on a CD and they are sending them to America and all over the place.

“Now the windows of premises that aren’t being used, they are going to keep the exhibition going and change around some of the photographs. It’s absolutely amazing and maybe it’s something that we should do each year and pick a street in the town,” he added.

“Maria Hartmann had a spectacular performance with the organization of the whole event. She is very much in favour of the reunion, so it’s onwards and upwards,” added Cllr Prendeville.

KILRUSH Town Council are set to press ahead with developing the € 1.3m sports facility earmarked for the Cooraclare Road in the West Clare capital – whether they get government funding for the ambitious project or not.

That was the message delivered at the January meeting of the local authority in Kilrush Town Hall on Thursday night last as councillors gave their unanimous approval for a proposal to press ahead with the project regardless of whether the 90 per cent funding they missed out on in 2011 is forthcoming this year.

“If we don’t get the government funding, we should have an alternative plan that will kick in straight away,” said Mayor of Kilrush, Cllr Ian Lynch (FG) in kickstarting a move for work on the project to begin in 2011.

“The ten per cent that Clare County Council and Kilrush Town Council have to invest between them, we can match that with Leader funding to provided some of the facilities, not all of them, but some of them. That’s what we should do. If we don’t get the 90 per cent, we should go with the ten per cent and then get as much as we can from Leader,” Mayor Lynch added.

Last October the council made an application for funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for the first phase of the integrated sports facility on lands owned by the ESB and Department of Education.

The first phase of the development will include an artificial surface facility, a full-size playing pitch and two full-size training pitches, fencing, lighting and associated works at the cost of € 500,000. The second phase of the project will include the development of dressing rooms, car parking, footpaths and associated works.

“The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has advised that it hopes to announce a Sports Capital Programme in the first quarter of 2012,” revealed town clerk John Corry.

“In anticipation of the announcement of a grant scheme in 2012, Kilrush Town Council together with Clare County Council will be in a position to make an early application for grant assistance and if approved, would be hopeful of receiving grant approval of 90 per cent of the cost of the scheme,” he added.

The matter was raised before the council by Cllr Liam Williams (FG), who called on the council to “prioritise the sports complex and make sure that funding is accessed for it”.

“It is a community effort,” responded town manager Nora Kaye. “It is a community project and if Kilrush Town Council is the vehicle through which we can make it happen, we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet and we will work hard to bring it about,” she added.

THE process of drafting a new plan that will chart the development of Kilrush for much of the next decade is to begin by this March at the latest.

The importance of the plan to the future of the West Clare capital was emphasized by Town Manager Nora Kaye, who urged that all interest groups in the town take part in the process that is set to be kickstarted at a meeting of the Kilrush Town Council.

“I would hope that the senior planner for West Clare would address Kilrush Town Council at the February or the March meeting to start this process,” revealed Ms Kaye.

“It is very useful that the new town development plan for Kilrush is starting this year. In view of discussions that we’ve had about revitalizing the town centre of Kilrush and promoting Kilrush as a place to invest and a place to do business, I think it’s very timely that the new town plan and the preparations for it will be commenc- ing early in 2012,” added Ms Kaye.

The Town Manager revealed the new Kilrush Town Council planner Emma Pillion will be involved in the process of drafting the new town plan, but she emphasized that the completed blueprint will be about “refusing or granting planning permissions”.

“It is an opportunity,” said Ms Kaye. “It is not just a plan by which we refuse or grant planning permissions, it is really an investment strategy for the town of Kilrush going forward.

“I think that having a Kilrush Town Development Plan is very positive and hopefully it will serve us well in attracting new businesses to the town,” she added.

Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF) told the meeting that developing a new marketing for Kilrush should be a key part of the plan.

“I notice in Drogheda that’s now being sold as Drogheda on the Boyne. It’s a new brand. Why not Kilrush on the Shannon, why not build on the maritime theme. I think that is the way to go.”

FURTHER confirmation that local authorities like Kilrush Town Council must answer to the European Union and International Monetary Fund as much as, if not more than, they do to national government was hammered home at last Thursday’s monthly meeting of the local authority. That’s because a new stringent timetable has been laid down by the Department of the Environment for receipt of the town council’s financial statement – all at the behest of the new criteria that has been handed down as part of the EU/IMF bailout deal for the country’s economy.

Kilrush Town Clerk John Corry revealed that the new guidelines that will be imposed means that the financial statement is set to be delivered up to four months ahead of previous years.

“We are required to prepare our annual financial statement by April 1 and has to be published by July 1,” said Mr Corry, “but we received a circular from the Department of the Environment in the middle of December advising us about the financial statement – it’s all to do with the reporting of the EU/IMF arrangements and the quarterly report that we do in tandem with that.

“They set a very difficult thing to deal with. They’re suggesting that our annual financial statement would be prepared by the February 24, along with our quarterly returns,” he added.

News of the strict new guidelines come only two months after it was first revealed that the management of Kilrush Town Council finances now come under the microscope of Eurocrats in Brussels and the IMF.

This prompted Cllr Tom Clyne (Ind) to say “the long arm of the EU is extending all the way to Kilrush,” while Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF) said “little did I think that Kilrush Town Council would be responsible to the bureaucrats in Brussels”.

However, in facing up to new financial realities, the town clerk revealed that the local authority was “working towards” adhering to the new deadlines.

“The statutory dates still exist – that’s April 1,” said Mr Corry, “but there’s a sort of a strong encouragement that’s being advised to us that we’d have the statement ready by the February date.

“I’m seeking advice with regard to the formal adoption of it. The February meeting is fixed for the 9th and there’s no way that we’ll have it completed by then, so what I’m seeking advice on is whether or not we will be able to present it to members at the March meeting.

“To achieve that will be an onerous task, because normally we don’t present it to the members until the May meeting – it was even June last year. I’m hoping that we will,” added Mr Corry.

A DECISION to grant planning permission to Eire Óg GAA Club for the construction of a hurling wall has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Eire Óg are seeking to construct a hurling wall adjacent to the clubhouse, including the removal of netting on the pitch side of the existing all-weather facility and replacing it with the hurling wall.

However, neighbours Enzo and Nuala D’Auria have appealed the decision, citing in their objection concerns over potential anti-social behaviour and noise.

Last month, Ennis Town Council granted planning permission subject to a number of conditions.

The council stated that, as part of the development, “Netting shall be erected along the north eastern side of the existing all-weather pitch to protect the adjacent property from wayward balls, details of which shall be agreed with the planning authority prior to the commencement of the development.”

The council also stated that, “The hurling wall shall only be used between the hours of 9am and 9pm on Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.”

In their submission, Enzo and Nuala D’Auria, whose property is located beside the Eire Óg grounds on Clondroadmore, state, “We have endured trespass (reclaiming of balls), vulgarity of language emanating from the all-weather facility outside our boundary wall. Currently, we are presented within the club as bad neighbours and generally we suffer inconveniences resulting from various developments within Club grounds.”

The submission states that the purpose of the hurling wall is to “cater for a squad of players (30 number) practicing hand-eye coordination, sure hands, quick feet and lightning reactions.”

It continues, “From a technical point of view, every player needs 200 contacts per session to improve their skills. During a single session, this can result in 6,000 bangs on the wall in a one-hour period (Ref: GAA’s Director of Hurling Paudie Butler).”

The submission states that draw- ings submitted by Eire Óg offer a clear indication of “existing flood lighting post”. “We would contend that there is an attempt with the current application through the ‘back door’ to regularise these posts and allow for future lighting to be fixed to same.”

The D’Aurias state that the application does not provide details on associate drainage and bundling of gables.

They also express concern over supervision of the facility, saying it could lead to “unauthorised and out-of-hours use and anti-social behaviour”.

The submission also cites concerns over the acoustic impact of the proposed development.

“The noise from the wall would be a source of serious and significant impact and intrusion.

“Along with the thwack of the sliotar on the hurleys, one also has to consider the noise from the strike on the wall. The key noise-sensitive location associated with the proposal is my property. This is a significant issue in the context of the proposal.”

The submission concludes, “While we fully accept that sports and recreation facilities are important for people to live a full and active life, we would request your council to request the applicant to seek an alternative more suitable location within their grounds or refuse this application.”

An Bord Pleanála are due to make a decision on the matter in May.

THE support of the public has helped the Simon Community provide vital assistance to homeless people in Ennis. The newly established Mid West Simon Charity Shop provides a source of income to allow the charity to provide a specific service on-site to the people of Clare.

Homeless or people at risk of homelessness can drop into the coffee dock to pick up literature and information on housing issues, tenant rights and the options that prevent homelessness or to be housed.

Anyone wishing to speak a professional can make an appointment to see a Mid West Simon Housing Support Officer on a Tuesday or Thursday between 2pm and 4pm. There is a focus on accessibility of information in a relaxed and informal environment.

Volunteer staff in the shop at Woodquay, Ennis, have been delighted with the support from Clare people both in terms of donations of goods and customer support. The shop has a number of events planned over the next few weeks.

Fundraising Coordinator Susan Ward said, “We realise that there is no point in holding onto winter wear that is much needed now until spring so our manager and volunteer staff are preparing for a Winter Clothes Blitz this Thursday through to Saturday (January 19 to 21).

“All winter jackets, woollies, coats and accessories are reduced by 50 per cent – huge bargains at fantastic prices. We’re also anxious to introduce the integrated coffee dock so management are offering a free cup of tea or coffee with every purchase of € 10 or more during this promotion.”

In the meantime, all incoming children’s clothing and accessories will be tagged and priced in preparation for a kids’ clothes promotion during the first week of February.

The coffee dock is open to all visitors and it is hoped it will become a favourite drop-in for the people of Ennis.

Susan explained, “The shop relies solely on the generosity of the public and management would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their continued support and to ask the people of Clare to keep donating clothes, bric a brac, books and household ware.”

Any unwanted items of clothing or other household goods can be dropped in between 10am and 4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

THE Ennis Access Programme has raised a total € 711 for Clare Haven Services. A raffle of a handmade quilt created by participants on the programme took place on the January 13. The lucky winner was Rita Egan, Ennistymon.

The Ennis Access Programme, which is a FÁS Local Training Ini- tiative sponsored by the Clare Local Development Company, decided to raise funds for Clare Haven Services, who provide a vital service to those suffering from domestic violence in the community.

They made their decision after attending several workshops funded by the HSE which highlighted the increasing numbers of domestic violence in the community, locally, nationally and internationally.

The learners on the Ennis Access Programme created a handmade patchwork quilt from natural fabrics and recycled materials.

The quilt is constructed in the form of patchwork and applique in rainbow colours with a black background.

The rainbow colours signify hope, and the hearts and doves symbolise love and peace.

Sue Considine, who is the Ennis Access Programme Co-ordinator, explained, “For most of us, home is a place of respect, love and safety. However, for some women, home means violence, fear and terror. Maybe it is your sister, your friend, your workmate, your mother or maybe you yourself are living with domestic violence.

“Without exception, a woman’s greatest risk of violence is from someone she knows.”

Sharon O’Mahony, the Assistant Co-ordinator, said, “Everyone has the right to safety and freedom from violence. Domestic violence is not acceptable and we stand in solidarity with abused women and those services that provide vital support in our communities.

“It is important that women are made aware of the vital services that are available to those living in our communities.”

THE contribution of the Glynn family in Kilrush to Clare life will be celebrated this week thanks to the Clare Roots Society, which will host its first meeting of 2012 at the Civic Rooms in Drumbiggle this Thursday night.

The role played by one of the west Clare’s best known families to business in the county will form the basis of a talk to be delivered by Paul O’Brien that has been entitled ‘The Family Papers of the Glynns of West Clare 1790-1980.’

“The Glynn archive is an example of the many family archives probably still in private hands around the county, which contain vital clues for researching not only the family history of the compilers of the archive, but also that of their employees and other associated families, and local history generally,” a spokesperson for the Clare Roots Society said this week.

Paul O’Brien did his BA (History & Philosophy) in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. He graduated in 2010 and commenced a research Masters in History. However, due to the large amount of primary source documents, he successfully transferred to the PhD programme in March 2011.

O’Brien is employed as a history tutor at Mary Immaculate College. He is the chairperson of the Mary Immaculate College History Society, an active member of the Kilrush Local History Group and also works as a docent at the Hunt Museum, Limerick.

The Glynn family archive consists of approx. 20,000 documents. The main body of the records relate to the operational and administrative processes of M. Glynn & Sons.

The documents take the form of leases, contracts, accounts, insurance certificates, commercial and private correspondence, legal and court documents and photographs. The date range is c. 1790 – 1980. O’Brien was given access to the archive by Mr. Charlie Glynn, in 2009.

The physical condition of the material was in good although some of the documents were in a fragile state and this has resulted in some being illegible owing to exposure to moist and damp conditions, which has resulted in moulding and foxing.

Following professional consultation the entire archive has been removed from its original boxes and is now locked in a dry and safe environment. Most of the records survive in their original form, others are in transcript form. The transcripts are handwritten, printed and typed.

The is a cover charge of € 5 for nonmembers.

SHANNON Development could be about to play its part in helping revitalize the business district of Kilrush town centre through a new grant aid fund, the potential for which is set to be teased out over the next month by the state agency in conjunction with the town council and interest groups in the West Clare capital.

Details of what could potentially be a ground-breaking aid to new and existing businesses that wish to upgrade and re-brand themselves was unveiled by town manager Nora Kaye at the January meeting of Kilrush Town Council.

“We had a positive meeting with Shannon Development in relation to finding some fund that would encourage people to set up business in the town,” revealed Ms Kaye.

“The meeting was arranged with Shannon Development and that meeting took place (last Thursday). We discussed the need to revitalize the town centre, in view of the recent upgrade of Moore Street.

“What we were really looking at was a Shopfront Assistance Fund. For new businesses that are starting up or have started up, there would be a fund there from which allocations could be made and it would go towards helping the financial aspects towards setting up and fitting out a new business in the town, or even existing businesses that need to upgrade,” added Ms Kaye.

This new departure was given a broad welcome by all councillors, with the Mayor of Kilrush, Cllr Ian Lynch, saying that it was up to the local authority to spearhead the continued regeneration of the town.

“If we lose any more shops in the town people won’t stop in the town at all,” warned Mayor Lynch. “This is about reviving our town centre. This town council chamber is in the heart of the town centre and we really are the pulse of the town and we really need to drive this thing forward,” he added.

“It would be great if we could sit everyone around a table, so that we could all be involved in it,” said Cllr Marion McMahon-Jones (FG).

“I have spoken to a number of people with business premises on Moore Street and I think we should sit down and see what they have to offer.

“We should dedicate a meeting to this – not a monthly meeting but a special meeting,” suggested Cllr Liam Williams (FG).

“What’s going to happen is that a scheme will be drafted and we would hope to launch it early in the year so that businesses could avail of it and it would encourage phase two of the Moore Street regeneration,” concluded town manager Nora Kaye.

The special meeting to discuss the regeneration of the town has been fixed for Tuesday, February 7.