Month: April 2013

CLARE’S rivers have been devastated by pollution over the last 15 years with nearly half of the county’s formally pristine waterways now polluted.

That is according to a survey released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week, which also calls for an investigation to be carried out to determine the exact cause of the rapid deterioration of the county’s waterways.

The survey has been criticised by the Clare branch of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) who say that the information is out of date and does not reflect the massive improvements made in water standards over the last five years.

According to the EPA survey, there were a total of 45 ‘high status’ or pristine river sites in Clare in 1998. This number declined to 32 in 2006, with a further decline to just 24 pristine sited in 2009. This represents a drop of more than 46 per cent in the number of high quality sites between 1998 and 2009.

Broadford, Lough Graney and Owengarney each currently boast three high status sites each with the rest of the pristine sites located throughout the East Clare water sys- tems and the rest of the county.

The Clare Chairman of the IFA, Andrew Dundas, yesterday described the EPA report as scaremongering and out of date.

“The EPA information does not take into account the massive amount of work that was done on farms building in recent years – especially in the years between 2006 and 2008 when 2.5 billion was spend on Irish farms,” he said.

“Farming is now a very highly regulated area and many of the changes suggested [by the EPA report] are already in place. We have had the introduction of the Nitrates Directive and farmers must now undertake a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before they undertake any drainage work can take place.

“This is scaremongering and the information is just not up to date. The report also identifies rural septic tanks as a main concern and we all know that that issue is being changed dramatically.

“Farmers see themselves as the caretakers of the environment and it is in our interest to ensure that pollution does not become an issue in our water systems.” The Clare People contacted the EPA in relation to this story but no comment was available at the time of going to print.

AN EAST Clare woman interrupted two burglars who broke into her home in broad daylight on Friday morning last. The woman, who lives in a house in Drewborough in Scariff, was out the front of her house painting at around 11.25am last Friday, April 5, when the incident took place.

She walked into her house and discovered two males in one of her bedrooms. The males, who were aged in their mid to late teens and were wearing baseball caps, fled the scene. They had entered the building after forcing a rear window.

A burglary also took place at a house in Lisdoonvarna over the last two weeks. The house, which is located in Rooska, was broken into some time between 6pm on Sunday, May 24, and 6am on Saturday, April 6. Glass was broken on the front door to allow access to the house and a box containing some cash and personal belongings was taken.

A number of incidents of theft and criminal damage were reported in the North Clare area over the weekend.

A boat located on the pier in Ballyvaughan was broken into some time between 10pm on Friday evening and 7am on Saturday morning. Noting was stolen from the boat.

Last Thursday, April 4, a number of cars were broken into close to the Poulnabrone Dolmen. Two rental cars belonging to tourists from New Zealand and Germany were broken into and handbags, wallets, cash and passports were taken.

More than 600 metres of cable was also stolen from a telephone pole in Tubber at some time between Midnight on Monday, April 1, and 5am on Tuesday, April 2.

Two tonnes of fertiliser was also stolen from lands at Ballypottery in Corofin at some time between 3pm on Tuesday, April 2, and 11am on Wednesday, April 3. Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to contact their local Garda station.

CLARE teachers spoke out at the INTO Congress against potential plans to close and amalgamate small schools, which at its most extreme would see the closure of 59 schools in the county.

Labasheeda school principal Liam Woulfe described teachers and parents in these small schools as being concerned, stressed and terrified regarding the mixed messages they are receiving.

“The teachers and communities of these schools are condemned to a stressed-filled limbo looking towards September 30 annually, looking towards the realisation of the ever increasing but receding magic number [to ensure the school’s ongoing existence] determined by the Minister with almost no semblance of consultation,” he told delegates among which there was a strong Clare presence.

Newly-elected vice president of the INTO and Mullagh school principal Sean McMahon explained that these schools, which “are a central part of life in Ireland” must be seen in a new light by the Minister for Education and Skills.

“The proposals in the recent budget will see the destabilization and potentially the closure over time of one third of all small mostly rural primary schools. Amalgamations and the closure of some very small schools have always been part of the education system,” he said.

“The Minister’s policy on small schools is fundamentally flawed, misguided and devoid of planning.

“What is needed is a coherent, long-term and resourced strategy for sustainable schools into the future. Instead, the last two budgets are leading to forcible closure or amalgamation,” added the West Clare teacher who is also a member of the INTO Task Force on Small Schools.

He said that there needs to be an al- ternative to forced closure and pressurised amalgamation.

Marie Gold is a teacher in Flagmount National School and reminded delegates that education “is not merely a cost to the State; it is an investment”.

“There is a growing body of research that small is beautiful when it comes to school size, especially for very young children.

“Educationally it makes sense for young children to be taught in a small, interdependent, family-like community before having to negotiate the challenges of a larger community in later life,” she said.

Secretary of West Clare INTO Brid Hanrahan spoke of the “hands off approach of the department of Education, particularly in circumstances where they are decreasing enrolments in small schools as a consequence of diminishing population treads, but offering no information, advice, assistance or incentives to schools to consider school reorganisation”.

WEST Clare school principal Sean McMahon was officially declared the new vice president of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation at the union’s congress in Cork on Wednesday.

The principal of Mullagh National School is now the most likely contender for president of the union next year, as traditionally the vice president takes over at the helm when the president stands down.

Like the previous Clare man to hold the post, Declan Kelleher from Corofin, Sean has a strong North Clare roots and has spent most of his teaching career in the west of the county.

As a child he attended primary school in Coore National School and completed his secondary education in the CBS Ennistymon. He then attended Mary Immaculate College of Education in Limerick, graduating in 1979.

Seán has worked in a number of different roles as a primary teacher. His teaching career began in 1979 in Rathdowney Boys’ National School, Co Laois, teaching fifth class boys. In 1980 he was appointed to Annagh National School, Miltown Malbay, teaching third to sixth class, in what was then a two-teacher school.

This marked the beginning of years of campaigning for increased understanding of and support for the critical contribution small rural schools make to their communities and to Irish education.

In tandem with his teaching career, Seán attended University College Galway for three years and graduated with a master’s degree in Rural and Community Development in 1989.

“Implications of School Consolidation and Amalgamation for Rural Communities” was the title of his thesis – a paper that is likely to prove invaluable during two years at the forefront of the INTO.

In 1990 Seán was appointed teaching principal of Mullagh National School.

He continues to teach there in a multi-class environment.

Seán completed a H. Dip. in Education – School Planning in NUIG in 2004 – and worked as a part-time school developing planning tutor for a number of years.

Education plays a large part in Sean’s life and that of his family.

He is married to Gerardine, who is also a primary teacher, and they have five children all of whom are currently in full-time education.

Mr McMahon also has a long history working within the INTO, having been involved in the union since the 1980s. Initially, he was involved at school level as staff representative.

He has represented District 11; Clare, Tipperary and Waterford, on the CEC since 2007 serving 17 INTO branches from “Loop Head to Hook Head”.

Seán previously represented District 11 on the Principals’ and Deputy Principals’ Committee. He has also served as secretary and chairperson to the West Clare INTO Branch and has been an active member of District 11 Committee since 1996.

THERE have been calls for the Civic Room at Waterpark House to be retained for community use after the abolition of Ennis Town Council.

Ennis Town Council’s headquarters may be used to house a proposed new Municipal Authority or the Ennis offices of the recently established Irish Water.

But local councillors are demanding the Civic Room remain the property of the people of Ennis.

According to an audit of the council’s accounts for 2011, the combined valuations on land, parks housing and buildings amounted to € 101 million of the council’s overall assets total € 161 million.

Councillor Brian Meaney (GP) raised the future ownership of council buildings in a motion submitted to it’s April meeting.

He told the meeting that it is “vital that the Civic Room remains available to the people of Ennis”.

In reply, town clerk Leonard Cleary said Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council are considering various uses for the buildings in the event that Ennis Town Council is abolished.

He stated, “There are a range of issues currently under discussion at national level including proposed Municipal District Committees, shared services, establishment of Irish Water, the alignment process all of which will impact on local government function.

“The future use of the Ennis Town Council properties will be fully considered in the progression of these issues including a retaining of a base for the Ennis Outdoor Crew.”

Mr Cleary added, “Waterpark House and Buttermarket buildings are considered an asset and important resource for the delivery of services to the people of Ennis.”

Supporting the call to retain the Civic Room for public use, Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Peter Considine (FF), said;

“It is a civic building in the truest sense of the world. It is used by communities and other groups in Ennis.”

The ownership issue is also raised in a section of the council’s audited accounts for 2011.

In his report, Noel O’Connell, Director of Audit at the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, states;

“The previous audit report noted that legal formalities with regard to the registering the lands for three car parks in the town council’s name has not been finalised.

“In addition to these, the title registration on Waterpark House has not been completed.

“These issues should be finalised as a matter of urgency.”

Noting the recommendation, Town Manager Ger Dollard states that the town solicitor has previously been requested to complete the formal registration process in respect of the properties.

He added, “The matter is being followed up and may require a lengthy registration process.

“Pending the finalisation of the registration, the legal ownership of Ennis Town Council is not affected.”

Mr Dollard told the meeting that the registration process is underway.

Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said it is wrong that people in Ennis do not know what services will be retained under the new municipal authority when it is established.

At this point, Cllr Paul O’Shea (Ind) interjected, saying that the meeting appeared to be “rambling” away from the agenda.

In response, Cllr Guilfoyle said, “If I ramble from time to time, it’s for the people of Ennis I’m rambling.”

RESIDENTS of local authority housing in Ennis who mistakenly received letters requesting payment of the property tax have been urged to raise the issue with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners directly.

The letters have caused confusion and concern among council tenants, according to Ennis councillor Frank- ie Neylon (Ind). Cllr Neylon says that as the owner of the properties, Ennis Town Council is liable to pay the tax. Cllr Neylon has urged the council to tell the Department of the Environment how many houses it is responsible for.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said he is aware of letters being sent to people who have died.

Town manager Ger Dollard said the he is aware that some council houses mistakenly received letters from the Revenue Commissioners.

He said that even though the council is the landlord liable for the tax, the person who receives the letter is responsible for bringing the mistake to the attention of Revenue.

He told the council’s April meeting that staff would assist residents. However he rejected a call from Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) for the council to carry out an awareness campaign.

He said the council had no role in the collection of the tax and any involvement “would only confuse the issue even more”.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) says he has received a number of calls from elderly residents concerned about the tax. Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) queried why there are differences between the values of neighbouring houses in the Turnpike area of Ennis.

MONEY set aside to improve broadband infrastructure may be used to make up the shortfall in commercial rates collected by Ennis Town Council, it has been revealed.

A provision of € 205,000 has been made in the council’s accounts to develop broadband services in Ennis under the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) scheme.

However Town Manager Ger Dollard has indicated that the money may have to be used to make up shortfalls in the council’s revenue account for the 2014 budget

The council’s audited accounts for 2011 note that fina`ncial provisions, by way of revenue transfers to capital, were made to provide for: broadband (€ 205,000), Ennis environmental improvements (€ 34,800) and other balances (€ 40,000).

Mr Dollard states that the provi- sion under the heading of broadband relates to the matching contribution that is required for the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) for Ennis. He adds, “This scheme has not to date been approved by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The other balances referred to are reserved for particular projects that are at varying stages of progress.”

Mr Dollard told the council’s April meeting that the level of commercial rate collection has fallen as businesses experience difficult times.

He said councillors may have to consider using money set aside for broadband to cover any shortfall in the council’s revenue account.

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) indicated his concern at the proposal, saying councilors must get an opportunity to discuss it beforehand. Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) proposed that the council consider investing in free wi-fi services for Ennis town centre.

PEACE has broken out between Clare County Council and home owners in the Ard na Deirge estate in Killaloe – who have agreed to work together to resolve the seven-year impasse at the unfinished estate.

More than 80 local people turned out at a protest at the site last week. A second protest, which was due to take place at the Ennis offices of Clare County Council today, April 9, has been postponed indefinitely.

Three properties in Ard na Deirge were purchased in 2006, before the contractor behind the development went into receivership.

The buildings on the estates are partially completed but services, such as water and sewerage, are not currently operational.

AIB took control of the development, through a receiver, and an investor is currently in the process of completing the purchase of the estate.

Local couple Michelle Burke and William Buck, who have been paying almost € 1,400 a month in mortgage payments for their Ard na Deirge since 2006, organised last Tuesday’s protest in the hope that the bond for the property would be used to complete water and sewage works and allow them to move into their home.

“We were very happy with the meeting with Clare County Council. We are really hoping that they can do something to resolve this situation. The bond is there to cover costs if a developer goes bust and that is what happens here,” she told The Clare People yesterday.

“We can’t be left the way we are. It was an initial meeting [with the council] and they are going to ex- amine what options are available to them. They are not working with us in any kind of formal way but it was a positive meeting.

“Our hope would be that they could draw this bond and use it to complete the sewerage, lights and roads. We would have to completed the property ourselves. It is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully. It was a positive meeting and the lines of communication are now open,” she added.

A council spokesperson yesterday confirmed that last week’s meeting had been positive.

“We had a very useful meeting last week with the three house owners involved. The current complex situation was reviewed and a number of different scenarios were discussed,” said the spokesperson.

“While no decisions have been made at this point, the council is willing to uses its good offices to progress matters to a satisfactory solution for all. Towards that end, a number of other meetings have been scheduled with other stakeholders. We will continue to work with the householders involved to aid an overall resolution.”

A FINAL decision on revised plans for the construction of a long-awaited Crusheen stop on the Western Rail Corridor will be made tomorrow, April 10.

A decision on the development, which includes a new 90-metre platform, a 17-bay car park, a telecom and equipment room and a bicycle shelter, is expected from planners at Clare County Council tomorrow afternoon.

A campaign to create a Crusheen stop on the Western Rail Corridor has been underway for more than a decade.

Government funding of € 1.5 mil- lion was allocated for the development when the Ennis to Galway section of the Western Rail Corridor was reopened on 2010.

Clare County Council previously granted planning permission for a station at Crusheen in June of 2011. However, a fresh application for a revised plan for the station was submitted to Clare County Council in September of last year.

The main difference between the current proposal and the one granted planning permission in 2011 is a reduction in the number of parking spaces sought – which has been reduced from 47 to 17. A platform shelter which was part of the 2011 planning permission is not mentioned in the current planning application.

THE Clare Crusaders Clinic is calling budding barbeque party hosts to dust off the barbeque and hold an event to remember in aid of the children’s charity.

The event to be held on Sunday, May 26, and supported by Munster Rugby and Clare FM is encouraging families, friends and local communities to come together across Clare and fire up their barbeques to help raise funds for the Clare Crusaders Clinic.

As part of the event, those wishing to host a barbeque for the clinic will be asked to pay a registration fee of € 10 to the charity. In return, hosts will be entered into a draw for a number of prizes with an overall winner’s prize of Munster Rugby player appearances at their barbeque.

Each barbecue organiser will be supplied with a promotional pack containing clinic tee shirts, posters, flyers and a donation bucket together with a discount coupon, which can be used to purchase a specially prepared barbeque pack at cost price from their local Centra store.

Manager of the children’s clinic Ann Norton said, “Many homes around the county often enjoy having a barbeque on a summer’s afternoon. This year we are asking families and groups to organise a barbeque for Sunday, May 26, with their guests donating to the clinic. Who knows who might arrive at your door?

“The initiative forms part of our continuing season-long relationship with Munster Rugby which has seen players visit the clinic, support with our cook book and the charities match day experience, providing essential funds and greatly boosting our profile.”

The Clare Crusaders charity was formed in 2005 through the ambition of a small group of parents to overcome a lack of publicly available therapy for children with cerebral palsy and autism in County Clare.

The clinic has expanded from one therapist to four full-time and four part-time therapists expanding the range of services provided to over 200 children. Services are provided at no charge to parents and include speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, special teaching and reflexology together with regular group therapy activities. The clinic is available to children of all ages from infants to young adults, ensuring early intervention at a young age or supporting a child’s progression through school life whether in the mainstream or special school environment.