Month: July 2012

THE new committee structure put in place by the Government that has responsibility for implementing Shannon’s independence and the break-up of Shannon Development’s old responsibilities will produce results by the end of the year.

That’s according to Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar, who has rejected that the appointment of 28 different people to three separate government committees was too unwieldy to put concrete plans for the airport in place.

“It’s the nature of everything really that you want to include people and bring them along with you with as much as possible and at the same time you need to keep things tight. You need to strike that balance,” said Minister Varadkar.

“The steering committee is very tight. There are only five or six people. The task forces are all made up of people with particular expertise, or the particular agencies involved,” he added.

The committee structure for the airport was blasted on the first day of the aviation conference on Wednesday when aviation entrepreneur Domhnal Slattery said “committees are a useful forum, but don’t start businesses and are very rarely effective”.

In continuing his broadside against the blueprint for Shannon, chief executive of Avolon aircraft leasing company said the Government “has pretended to do something by putting Shannon into an interregnum, but has only kicked the can down the road, made it someone else’s problem and put off the ultimate decision”.

However, in defending government policy on Shannon, Minister Varadkar has told The Clare People that the roll out of Shannon’s new independent structure will take place in the coming months, ahead of the final deliberations of the two task forces and steering committees that have been given the job of formulating the new airport blueprint.

“The airport is still in decline and this year things haven’t really picked up and what’s important for everyone is to have certainty and to have decisions made and concluded this year,” he said.

“What I’m trying to do is add a sense of urgency to things. We are in a very difficult environment for aviation at the moment, but the job of government is to put in place the environment and the tools to be suc- cessful.

“The timeframe that has been given to the task force is to report to the government with detailed plans by November, but I don’t necessarily think we should wait that long. I would like to see things happen as they can be done and have everything concluded by the end of the year because uncertainty not helpful,” he added.

Minister Vardarkar said he couldn’t “say for certain” when the new Shannon structure will be up and running. “That involves other people and other bodies and potentially primary legislation, but we need a clear roadmap, clear decisions and a clear picture this year and implementation after that.”

A HEROIN addict who admitted handling stolen money totalling € 3,500 has received a three-year prison sentence.

Half of the term handed down to Michael Sweeney (23) at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court yesterday was suspended.

Mr Sweeney, with an address at 13 Wood Road, Kilrush, pleaded guilty to handling stolen money in Kilrush last July.

The court heard that gardaí received a report that € 18,000 was stolen from a car in Kilrush on July 4 (2011). Garda Oliver Downes of Kilrush Garda Station, told the court that the owner of the money had intended to buy a car. He said the money had been kept in three envelopes in his car.

A search was carried out at Mr Sweeney’s home but no money was found, the court heard. Garda Downes said the accused was arrested and later made admissions to gardaí. He said Mr Sweeney told them that he had met two other people in a nearby woods.

The court heard that Mr Sweeney received € 3500, of which he spent € 1250 on a Toyota Corolla and € 500 on drugs. He told gardaí that he gave € 1880 to a third party. The court heard that Mr Sweeney has 23 previous convictions and suffers from a “very severe” heroin addiction.

Counsel for Mr Sweeney, Pat Whyms BL, said no evidence had offered in the case other than his client’s admission of guilt. He said nobody else had been charged in relation to the case.

Mr Whyms added, “He received the money, he did know it was stolen, but he did not steal it.”

Mr Whyms told the court that his client had been given the money by one of the men who had committed the theft. He said this man had previously damaged a car belonging to Mr Sweeney and this money was to cover the cost. He said that at all times, Mr Sweeny had been “completely upfront about what happened.”

Judge Carroll Moran noted that there would have been no case against Mr Sweeney “without the admissions he made.”

He added, “If he had stayed quiet there would have been no case against him at all.”

He imposed a three-year sentence and suspended the final 18 months for four years on condition that Mr Sweeney keep the peace.

Jeanne O’GRADY
of 59 Marian Estate, Kilkee. Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital Ennis . Reposing onTuesday morning at Lillis Funeral Kilkee from10.30a.m, with removal at 11.30a.mto Kilkee Parish Church for Requiem Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in Kilferagh Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Kathleen O’CONNELL
of Aughboy, Clonlara. Funeral mass onTuesday at 12 noon in Clonlara Church, with burial afterwards in Doonass Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Thomas HANRAHAN
of Clondrinagh, Coolmeen. Suddenly. Laid to rest in Kilmurray Mc Mahon Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Thomas McMAHON
of 9 Ballycar Road, Newmarket-on-Fergus. Laid to rest in Newland’s Cross Crematorium, Dublin. Donations if desired to Milford Hospice. May he rest in peace.

Joe McNAMARA
of Uggoon,Tulla. Laid to rest in the local cemetery inTulla. May he rest in peace.

Bridget (Bridie) O’DONOGHUE
(née Noone) of Ballycuneen, Drumline, Newmarket-on-Fergus. Laid to rest in Fenloe Cemetery. Donations if desired to Milford Hospice. May she rest in peace.

Bridget (Breda) CLEARY (née Casserly)
of Hazel Grove, Roslevan, Ennis. Laid to rest in Templemaley Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Martin McNAMARA
of Luton, Bedfordshire, England & formerly of ShackletonTerrace,Well Road, Kilkee. Suddenly in England of Martin McNamara, Luton, England and formerly of ShackletonTerrace,Well Road, Kilkee. Cremation has taken place in England. Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 7 in St. Senan’s Church Kilkee at 11.30amfollowed by interment of Ashes in the family Grave in Lisdeen Cemetery Kilkee. May he rest in peace.

Jimmy O’DEA
of Tullabrack, Cooraclare. Peacefully. Laid to rest in Breaffa Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Kitty FOUDY (née Glynn)
of Kylea, Inagh. Laid to rest in Inagh. Donations, if desired, to Friends of Ennistymon Hospital. May she rest in peace.

David LYSAGHT
of 7 Ross an Oir, Ballycasey, Shannon. Laid to rest in Illaunumanagh Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Bridie (TOSF) CULLINAN (née Hickey)
of Clonroad, Ennis. Peacefully, in her 98th year. Laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Joe GRIFFIN
of Cragbrien, Darragh, Ennis. Peacefully. Laid to rest in Ballyea Church grounds. Donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice or Irish Cancer Society. May he rest in peace.

Sean MEEHAN
of Ardykyl, Sixmilebridge. Peacefully. Laid to rest at Feenagh Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Emmet (Hopper) RYAN
of Dough, Kilkee. Reposing onTuesday evening at Lillis’ Funeral Home in Kilkee from5pmuntil 7pm. Remains arriving to St. Senan’s Church, Kilkee, onWednesday morning for RequiemMass at 11.30am, followed by burial in Lisdeen Cemetery. Family flowers only please donations in lieu to Pieta House. May he rest in peace.

Owen NEVILLE
of Fergus Drive, Shannon. Reposing in Milford Hospice Mortuary onTuesday at 5.30pmuntil removal at 7.30pm. RequiemMass at Mary Immaculate Church, Shannon, onWednesday at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in the Old Cemetery, Adare. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice. May he rest in peace.

Margaret (Peg) BYRNE (née Malone)
of (Shambo) Blackthorn Drive, Caherdavin, Limerick, and Carrigoran Nursing Home, Newmarketon-Fergus. Reposing in Carrigoran Nursing Home, Newmarket-on-Fergus, onTuesday at 4pmuntil 7pm. RequiemMass at Carrigoran Nursing Home onWednesday at 10.30am, followed by burial afterwards in St James Church Cemetery, Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny. May she rest in peace.

CLARE is the only county in Munster without State-sponsored third level education, but it hasn’t stopped more people than ever before in the county embracing the education system.

That’s just one of the findings to emerge from the latest bulletin report of the 2011 National Census of Population released by the Central Statistics Office in the past week.

According to the figures, there are more students in Clare than there are people out of work in a breakdown of the population of the county that are over 15 years of age.

The huge surge in the numbers of students over the age of 15 in the county is reflected in a figure of 10,044, a figure which represents a 27.3 per cent jump numbering over 2,100 since the 2006 census results.

This means that the jump in student numbers in Clare is now running ahead of the provincial and national average that stands at 14 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

However, the census returns have revealed that the county is behind the national average when it comes to the biggest tools of modern education – technology.

All because the numbers able to access much-needed information online is lower than in other parts of the country. Three in five Clare homes have access to broadband, and even this represents a four-fold jump from 2006, it’s still five percent below the national average.

The unemployment figures for the county stand at 9,805, which is lower than the national average, while the figure for those who are classified as ‘looking after the home/family’ is 8,476.

The figures for those working in Clare in April 2011 are 45,606, with the numbers of retired people standing at 12, 530.

Of the working population the healthy state of the agriculture industry in Clare is reflected in the fact that there are 7,499 farmer in Clare – a figure which is broken down between 5,064 men and 2,435 women.

A WEST Clare branch of AIB has been targeted and robbed by an armed robber for the second time in 10 months. During the morning of Friday last, a lone gunman entered the bank’s branch on O’Curry Street, Kilkee, and held up staff. The hooded raider went behind the counter and took an undisclosed amount of cash from registers and the general counter area, before escaping towards the beach. No shots were fired during the robbery and no one was hurt in the inci- dent, but the two members of staff and customers were extremely shocked following the terrifying ordeal. Gardaí in Kilrush are investigating the incident and are appealing for the public’s assistance. A spokesperson for the Gardaí said the robbery took place at approximately 10.55am. “He lifted the counter and produced a firearm and, in a threatening manner, demanded money. He then took a sum of money from the tills and counter area. He left on foot down O’Curry Street, down Pantry Lane and on to Strandline and made good his escape,” he said. It is now hoped that someone will be able to come forward with details as to the thief’s mode of transport. “Did anyone notice this man in Kilkee before or after the robbery or what transport he may have used to come and go from Kilkee? Was he on his own or was he accompanied by others?” Gardaí are trying to ascertain. The brazen thief is described as five foot eight inches tall, with a “long, thin-looking face”. He wore a dark jacket and grey hoodie during the robbery. Anyone with information can contact Gardaí in Kilrush on 065 9080550.

THE first round of patients will be moved from Ennis General Hospital to its new on-campus, 50-bed unit from next week.

However, it could be more than two months before the entire unit is up and running.

The HSE had predicted the unit would open before the end of last month, but the timeline was delayed.

“Opening a new unit on a greenfield site is always more straightforward and less complex than on an existing hospital campus. The current work plan envisages transferring patients to the ground floor of the new unit in the week beginning July 9,” said a spokesperson for the HSE.

“Reconfiguration works with regard to the connection between the existing hospital and the new ward block will initially be carried out at first floor level. These are anticipated to commence in late July and take about six weeks to complete,” he said.

Once these works are completed, the transfer of patients to the first floor of the new unit will take place.

Further work is then scheduled to take place between the two buildings at ground floor level.

Equipping and commissioning for the new 50-bed ward block is now reaching its final stages, while unions and management are understood to be in talks about staffing the unit.

The extension will include two new wards with 50 new beds including en-suites, and facilities for CT scanning, operating theatres, endoscope facilities and day surgery.

When all patients are transferred into the unit, it will be the first “Strategy for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland” compliant hospital unit in the country.

Meanwhile, it also emerged in the last week that more than 370 patients are on the hospital’s endoscopy unit waiting list.

It is feared that the waiting list could put in jeopardy plans to have the mid-west’s only Colorectal Screening Programme unit at the hospital.

It is one of the 15 candidate hospitals earmarked for the project, however it must adhere to reduce waiting times to get the green light.

A COUNCILLOR has said he will not pay any proposed water charges until work is carried out to replace all lead pipes and mains in Ennis.

Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) told yesterday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council that he will refuse to pay the charge until lead pipes are replaced at Connolly Villas.

Clare County Council is aiming to undertake work to replace lead piping at 82 houses in Ennis comprising 64 at Marian Avenue and 18 at Linnane’s Terrace (Carmody St), and Ahearn’s Terrace (Kilrush Road).

Yesterday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council heard that work is due to commence at Ahearn Terrace in Au- gust and work at Linnane’s Terrace and Marian Avenue will proceed after Ahearn Terrace.

The council is responsible for the part of the service pipe from the point of connection to the main as far as the property boundary; the owner or occupier of the premises is responsible for the part from the property boundary into the premises.

The council has no programme for planned replacement of lead service pipes in Ennis, which it estimates would cost well over € 1 million.

However Cllr Neylon told the meeting that residents of Connolly Villas are disappointed that lead replacement works have not taken place there.

He said, “If someone comes to put a water meter in my house, I will refuse them and the people of Connolly Villas will refuse.

Town Engineer Eamon O’Dea said that as the mains at Connolly Villas is made from cast iron; the area did not qualify for the current works programme. Mr O’Dea suggested that a grant system, similar to that offered for home insulation, be offered to homeowners to replace lead pipes and networks. He said it could be done in conjunction with the planned installation of water meters.

A proposal from Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) and Cllr Neylon, stating that the council request that if and when a water meter programme is being planned that it should include replacement of lead watermains and service pipes in the works, was passed at the meeting.

A PROPOSAL to commemorate Irish men who fought in the Vietnam War has provoked disagreement among members of Ennis Town Council.

Fine Gael councillor Johnny Flynn has urged the council to consider supporting a proposal that would see a memorial installed to mark the “contribution of soldiers of Irish descent who served in the US armed forces during the Vietnam War”.

Cllr Flynn told yesterday’s meeting that a group of Vietnam veterans, who attend the Ennis Trad Festival every year, are willing to fund the memorial.

He said Ennis could tap into the Vietnam veteran tourist market, which he said numbered 1.9 million people.

The meeting heard that 2, 500 Irish people served with the US armed forces in Vietnam, including two men from Lahinch.

Cllr Flynn said that Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the People’s Army of Vietnam, showed strong interest in the 1916 Easter Rising when he worked as a pastry chef in London.

Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) said Viet- nam is a “sensitive issue” and that the war had left a terrible legacy of unexploded ordinance. He told the meeting that he had worked with the United Nations in the country. He said the motion needed more debate and called on the council to write to the American ambassador to urge him to request that America sign up to an anti-landmine treaty. Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said the memorial should include those men, including three from Clare, who died in the Korean War.

Remarking that the issue of Vietnam put the council’s earlier discussion on lead piping “into perspective”, Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said he could not support the motion in its current format. He claimed many atrocities had been committed by soldiers who were given “drugs”.

Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said any memorial would have to be sensitive to both sides of the war. “It takes two people to fight wars,” he added.

Deputy Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) suggested that the memorial honour Irish men who fought in all wars. Town manager Ger Dollard said any memorial should respect all those who fought in wars.

SECURITY arrangements in place for the recent Clare Connections concert in Ennis appeared “heavy handed”, a meeting has heard.

Despite poor weather, the concert, which featured performances by singer Maura O’Connell and the Kilfenora Ceilí Band, drew a large crowd to the Abbey Street car park.

The free music event was organised as part of Love Live Music – a daylong celebration of all forms of music in Ireland through free live music events in cities, towns and villages all over the country. The success of the event could see Ennis receive financial support for a larger concert next year.

Councillors hailed the success of the concert though some voiced concerns over security arrangements.

Councillor Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said he had met two elderly men who were re-directed to other entrances despite having hand-stamps for the event.

He said security at times appeared “heavy handed” and that this was an issue that organisers should address for future events.

He said, there had been “fantastic feedback” from people in Ennis to the event.

Town manager Ger Dollard noted that there had been a short lead in time to the event. He said the fact that the event was “heavily policed and well marshalled” should be viewed positively.

He added, “It does give a platform, in terms of The Gathering in 2013, that we have a track record for an event of that kind.”

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said music lovers would normally pay up to € 200 to see the calibre of line-up on display at the concert. Cllr Howard said the rain failed to dampen the spirits of those who attended on the night. She said that in light of ongoing attempts to stage Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, the concert showed that Ennis has the capacity to hold family friendly mid-week events.

Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said the even had attracted national attention.

CLARE’S oldest man passed away peacefully in his home at Illawnbawn in Inagh last week at the ripe old age of 104. John Joe Marrinan passed away in the early hours of last Wednesday morning, June 27, and was laid to rest at Moughna Cemetery on Friday afternoon.

John Joe was born on May 24, 1908, and would have witnessed first-hand the Irish Revolutionary War and the Civil War as a child.

He is survived by five daughters and seven grandchildren, as well as a wide circle of friends and relatives. John Joe’s wife, Treasa Marrinan, passed away eight years ago.

While John Joe was a keen fan of music and dance, his favourite pastime was playing cards and, until very recently, he would make his way to Ennistymon for a regular game of 45.

He was also a very religious man and made a pilgrimage to Knock each year, as well as attending Mass locally on a regular basis.

“He was very active until quite recently. He was up and about every single day until a month or two ago. He was a farmer and his home was his castle, and there was always a great welcome for anyone who went to visit him,” said local priest, Canon Richard Tarpey.

“He was a great family man and each of his five daughters were all very good to him in recent years. He was able to to remain in his own home right up to the very end of his life, which was a great thing for him.

“He was also a very religious man and he attended Mass every week. He also visited Knock once a year and had a lot of time for the Rosary.”

John Joe’s death comes just days after the passing of one of Clare’s other most senior citizens, following the death of West Clare man Timmy Ryan (102), last week.

A Kilmihil native, Timmy stayed fit throughout his entire life and could often be seen walking on the roads around his homeplace or working on the bog in Corgrigg.

Timmy was also a life-long Fine Gael supporter and was one of the local people visited by Taoiseach Enda Kenny (FG) earlier this year.

Timmy was a member of the Kilrush Athletic Club who won the All Ireland Cross Country Championship in 1938.

THE teenage community of Clare, as well as their family and friends, are already busy fundraising for the William Winder Rainbow Foundation.

Among the biggest fundraisers will be the ‘Climb 4 William’. On August 5, friends, family and supporters of the charity will climb Croagh Patrick for the charity.

Sponsorship cards are available from caroline@williamwinderrainb owfoundation.ie.

William’s uncles plan to follow in their nephew’s footsteps up Kilimanjaro to also raise funds for the charity.

Following on from William’s love of music, a teenage disco will be held on Wednesday, July 11, in O’Looney’s Surf Bar, Lahinch. Tickets cost € 10 and are available from Green’s Coffee Shop, Lahinch; Tara at Seaworld; and Catriona at the Ennistymon Fruit Stall.

A talent show and disco will also be held in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon on August 22 for the foundation, while an indoor beach party will be held in Éire Óg’s clubhouse in Ennis in aid of the William Winder Rainbow Foundation and Cahercalla Youth Green Area Development.

The website, which is a one-stop shop for teen support and counselling, is www.williamwinderrainbowfoundation.ie. The site is currently being completed, but people can also log on to the organisation’s Facebook page for more information.