Month: May 2013

DISABLED people in Clare believe that they are being lined up for major funding cuts in this year’s budget – and that a survey commissioned by the Department of Health will be used to justify these cuts.

The survey, which was commissioned by the Department of Health as part of the public consultation into the future Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, has been completed by scores of disabled people in Clare over the past two weeks.

According to disabled campaigner Dermot Hayes, the survey has been designed in such a way as will help the Department of Health justify future cuts to disabled people.

“The question which concerned us most was in relation to the mobility allowance. It seemed like the survey was guiding people to a particular answer, and it seems to me that that answer could be used to justify taking the allowance off us down the line,” he said.

“We were asked a lot of questions about public transport but many of the disabled [Clare] people taking this survey are living in an area where they would never see a bus. That’s the reality for a lot of these people.

“I thought that the whole way that the survey was concocted was outlandish – it is like they were trying to trick people into answering questions in a way that suits themselves. We are really worried about how this survey will be used down the line and how the responses will be analyses and presented.

“At the moment I think [disabled] people are scared. They don’t want to complain for fear of what might happen to them if they do. People are just about surviving and it seems that more cuts are being lined up.”

The survey also asks people to rate what level of disability is most de- serving of the transportation grants. This could be used by the department to divide the disabled community in Clare – and justify the removal of the transportation grants from people with less profound disabilities.

A public meeting for disabled people and their family will take place at the West County in Clare this Friday, May 24 from 10.30am to 1pm.

Guest speaker for the event will be Martin Naughton, activist and member of the Motorised Grant Department Review Group, disabled campaigner Leigh Gath and local disabled campaigners Thomas Connole and Ann Marie Flanagan.

DI RECTOR of Ser vices Ger Dollard is rounding up the t roops as the battle for tour ism prominence for the upcoming Brian Bor u Millennial Celebrations begins.

With Clontarf also closely linked to the historical Ir ish figure, it is his homeland of County Clare and Killaloe that plan to be central to the 2014 celebrations and al ready tourism groups from all over t he county have met to discuss a count ywide plan.

“The council has also commenced engagement with other bodies including Waterways Ireland and does see potential for the promotion of this celebration utilising the nor t h-sout h st r uct ure that exist,” said Mr Dol lard agreeing that the event has real tourism potential.

“Effor ts are also being made to have the event recognised at na- tional level in terms of var ious funding at other suppor t schemes,” he said.

The council official was responding to Cll r Pat Burke (FG) at last evening’s meeting of the council, who asked that the council set up a similar st r ucture as is being used for the Gat heri ng to build a county celebration.

He also asked t hat the programme of events be considered in the preparation of t he council budget of 2014.

The membership of the group al ready involved in drawing up the plans for Clare are Shannon Development, East Clare Heritage Centre, Killaloe Ballina 2014, Ennis Town Counci l, Scat ter y Island Group, Shannon Heritage, Clare Librar y Service, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Clare Local Development Company, Nor th Tipperar y Leader Par tnership and Clare County Council.

THE value of Clare’s water infrastructure, which will soon be transferred to the Irish Water Agency, has been estimated at more than € 400 million. Councillors at last night’s meetings of Clare County Council raised fears that this valuable public resource could be sold to a private company – and possibly even a for eign-owned private corporation.

Figures released at last night’s meeting of Clare County Council puts the total fixed assets of Clare County Council at € 637.2 million. When depreciation of € 247 million is taken into account and € 10 million of works currently being built – that brings the total value of Clare water system to € 400.1 million.

Councillors last night criticised the lack of clarity about the transfer of water resources from Clare County Council to Irish Water – and raised fears that the county’s water infrastructure could be sold to private companies in China and Singapore.

“Our water infrastructure could end up in Chinese hands – maybe we will have the Who Flung Dung corporation looking to take control of the Irish water system. We won’t have a control over the pricing structure and there will be no investment in water systems over the years,” said Cllr PJ Kelly (FF).

“Who is going to control water charges in the future? Is it going to be public representatives like this? No. It will be companies who will see every price increase as profit.”

The discussions follow a pair of water-related motions put forward by six councillors – including PJ Kelly and Pat Hayes (FF).

“There are a lot of critical issues which need to be insured if we are going to transfer to Irish Water. Irish Water should be retained permanently in Irish control. That any price increases would be list to the cost of living. That a percentage [of money collected] be invested back to infrastructure. And that all loans [on the water projects] be written off. I am not in supporter of Irish Water but if it going to happen then these points should be looked at and put in place.”

The meeting also heard that there is currently € 24.8 million owed on Clare water projects.

“Everything that we have heard to date states that the assets will remain in public ownership and we can only accept that as it stands,” said Director of Services, Anne Haugh.

“The basis of the negotiations at the moment are that liabilities will be transferred along with assets.”

START up companies seeking incubation facilities and enterprise support to allow them to progress from business idea stage to commercialisation are being invited to apply to the 2013 Ennis Innovate Programme.

Facilitated by the Ennis Innovate Regional Innovation Centre, the Programme supports and guides companies through the start-up process and provides them with introductions and linkages to various support bodies in the West of Ireland.

Based in Shannon Development’s Information Age Park in Ennis, the centre is funded by NUI Galway, UL, Shannon Development, Clare County Council and Ennis Town Council and supported by partners Enterprise Ireland, Clare Local Development Company, Clare County Enterprise Board.

Commenting on the Ennis Innovate programme, Gert O’Rourke, Director of Ennis Innovate said: “The aim of the centre is to provide practical support to entrepreneurs as they navigate the start-up path and provide them with introductions and linkages to relevant support bodies and processes, ultimately improving their chances of success.”

“Applicants to our programme should ideally have a number of years industry experience, and have the enthusiasm and drive necessary to develop and grow a successful business. If you’re looking for practical help and linkages to help your business grow then this programme is for you,” added Ms O’Rourke who has over 20 years experience in the micro-enterprise and SME sector.”

The Ennis Innovate Regional Innovation Centre, which was officially opened in early 2012 by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD, has already supported a number of business in the region through its Ennis Innovate Programme, including Empress Cosmetics, Fraysen Systems, Golf Voyager, Greenieland and Egan Concepts.

A number of applicants have already been accepted on to the 2013 Ennis Innovate Programme. There are a limited number of places remaining. Interested applicants should visit www.ennisinnovate.ie or email gert@ennisinnovate.ie.

A MAN alleged to have had drugs for sale or supply in Ennis has been returned for trial.

Sean Slattery (23), with an address at 39 Park Avenue, Clon Road, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

He is charged with the unlawful possession of ecstasy and cannabis at 39 Park Avenue, Clon Road on February 17 (2013).

He is further charged with having cannabis for sale or supply at the same location and same date.

His case was adjourned to Wednesday to allow time for the service of the Book of Evidence.

Inspector John Galvin applied to amend some of the charges against Mr Slattery.

Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett said he could not consent to the changes.

Judge Patrick Durcan permitted the State to amend the charge sheets.

He consented to the deletion of the word ‘herb’ in two of the charge sheets.

Garda Irene O’Flynn of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on Mr Slat- tery.

Insp Galvin told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) consented for the accused being returned for trial to the next sittings of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court.

A legal aid application for one junior counsel was approved. Judge Patrick Durcan delivered the alibi warning.

Judge Durcan made the order returning Mr Slattery for trial.

A TEENAGER has been ordered to stay away from parts of Ennis town centre after being released on bail.

The 16 year old pleaded guilty to multiple charges of burglary and theft at Ennis District Court in April

He was one of two people who stole a car from Castlewood Park, Ennis last summer. The teen pleaded guilty to trespassing on a farmhouse in Lemenagh, Kilfenora last October. He admitted stealing items from a house in the Lifford area of Ennis, also in October

He also pleaded guilty to his role in burglaries at houses in Westwood, Ennis on dates unknown between December 25 and 26 and at Showground’s View, Ennis on dates unknown between December 26 and 27. He appeared back before Ennis District Court on Wednesday having been remanded for a month to Oberstown detention centre.

Reports handed into court offered contradictory views on the teen’s behaviour, the court heard. Inspector John Galvin said it was hard to be “optimistic” given the boy’s attitude to bail conditions previously imposed by the court.

Defence solicitor John Casey said his client was fully aware of the consequences of not abiding by the court’s orders.

He added, “If he betrays this trust, he will be putting himself away. He will be throwing away the keys.”

The court previously heard that the boy had been led astray by a man described in court as a “Fagin” type character.

Judge Patrick Durcan said he was willing to give the boy a chance.

The teen was ordered to abide by the directions of gardaí; stay away from named individuals; stay away from parts of Ennis town centre. He was remanded on bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on June 28.

AN AMERICAN tourist says she is “extremely embarrassed” after her driving resulted in a two car collision near Shannon earlier this month.

No one was injured as a result of the crash involving two cars that occurred at Hurler’s Cross on May 14.

The court heard that Julie Dowling (31) was driving in convoy with her family on the day in question.

The court heard that Ms Dowling looked left but never looked right before turning onto the main road near Hurler’s Cross.

Inspector John Galvin told Ennis District Court that Ms Dowling pulled out in front of an oncoming car, causing a collision.

Ms Dowling, with an address at 1210 W Indian, TRL Apartment 4, Aurora, Illinois, 60506, USA, appeared in court charged with dangerous driving.

After hearing the facts of the case, Judge Patrick Durcan agreed to reduce the charge to one of careless driving.

Defence Solicitor Stiofán Fitzpatrick told the court that his client had been traveling in a convoy of cars with 10 members of her family when the collision occurred.

He said this was the first time that Ms Dowling had driven in Ireland.

He added, “She is extremely nervous to be here before the court. She is driving for 16 years in her home state.

“She is extremely embarrassed. Fortunately no one was injured”.

The court heard Ms Dowling cooperated fully with gardaí. People were taken to hospital as a precaution but were all released, the court heard.

Judge Patrick Durcan said he could understand how an accident like this could happen.

He said he would prefer not to impose any order. Ms Dowling paid € 300 to the court poor box and the charge was struck out.

Judge Durcan told Ms Dowling that the money would be donated towards charity.

He added, “You are very welcome in this country and I hope this hasn’t dampened your visit.”

A MAN who engaged in what a Judge called “wild west behaviour” in pubs in Ennis has been sentenced to four months in prison.

Darren Maughan (21) threw a keg at the door of Kelly’s Bar in the Market, one of a number of offences committed in Ennis during April.

On Wednesday at Ennis District Court, Mr Maughan pleaded guilty to three charges of theft.

He also pleaded guilty to provoking a breach of the peace at Dan O’Connell’s bar, Ennis and criminal damage at Kelly’s Bar on April 8.

The court heard Mr Maughan stole nine bottles of Blossom Hill wine from Fine Wines off-license over two days, April 14 and April 15.

Mr Maughan, with an address at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis, also pleaded guilty to the theft of four bottles of Blossom Hill wine from O’Keeffe’s off-license on April 14.

The court heard that on each occasion, the accused walked out of the premises without paying for the alcohol. None of the property was recovered.

Inspector John Galvin told the court that the accused entered Dan O’Connell’s bar on April 8. He said Mr Maughan was barred from the premises and became abusive and threatening towards staff when asked to leave.

The court heard Mr Maughan was also refused entry to Kelly’s Bar. Insp Galvin said the accused threw a keg at the door of the premises causing € 500 worth of damage.

Mr Maughan has 39 previous convictions predominantly for public order offences, the court heard.

Defence solicitor William Cahir told the court that his client is a young man with serious problems with alcohol.

The court heard two of Mr Maughan’s brothers died because of alcohol-associated problems.

Mr Cahir said his client’s older brother is trying to assist him. He added, “He was out of control with alcohol consumption.”

Judge Patrick Durcan asked Mr Maughan to explain his “wild west type behaviour in the pubs of Ennis.”

Mr Maughan replied, “I was drunk. I was on medication. I am very, very sorry for what I did.”

Prior to passing sentence, Judge Durcan asked if Mr Maughan preferred red or white wine. Mr Maughan said, “I’d prefer to have none at all.”

Judge Durcan said he had deemed probation or community survive not to be a suitable sentence.

He said Mr Maughan had committed very serious offences against the people of Ennis, particularly those working in licensed premises.

Judge Durcan imposed sentences totaling four months in prison. He warned Mr Maughan that he would deal with him more harshly if he appeared in court again.

Judge Durcan commended Mr Maughan’s elder brother for the help he has given his sibling.

He told the Mr Maughan that he hoped his time in prison would benefit him.

KILRUSH Town Council will be levied with a local property tax of approximately € 4,000 this year, a figure that will double next year.

It is as yet unclear however if this tax will be paid by the council or passed on to tenants with a rent increase.

The Kil rush local authority was a total housing stock of 185 units, and other properties including the town hall.

According to Liam O’Connor, Senior Staff Officer, Housing Social and Cultural Services, the details on how the council will pay the local property tax is limited at present.

He said that local authorities are still awaiting guidance from the Revenue as to how the registration of council houses will take place.

“All local authority property is to be valued on valuation band 1 (€ 0 – € 100,000). Properties for tenants with special needs are exempt from the tax. Local authorities will have to remit payment of the local property tax by year end,” he said.

“Cer tain issues have to be clarified such as are long-term voids liable for tax, and will local authorities recoup the charge from tenants. For further years local authorities will have to make a provision in their budgets for the payment of the LPT,” he added.

Kil rush town manager and director of Services Anne Haugh estimated that the payment this year will come to € 4,000, half of the annual property tax valuation.

KILRUSH Town Council’s finances are the healthiest in years and its soon to be disbanded council is determined to have all of the money spent on local projects before it is absorbed “ and lost” within a newly amalgamated county council.

According to the Financial Statement for last year, and published this week, there was an overall net surplus of € 19, 535 at the end of 2012, and € 200,000 transferred to specially marked projects.

This is no small feat considering that at the end of 2007, there was a cumulative deficit of € 187,000 in the council’s revenue account.

According to Town Clerk John Corry the savings were achieved by cuts to expenditure in different sectors including payroll, and despite cuts to the Local Government Fund and grants from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

At Thursday night’s meeting of the town council it was agreed to set aside € 150,000 of the € 200,000 transferred to special projects to the proposed Cooraclare Road Sports Development with the remaining € 50,000 to go towards that Vande leur Walled Garden Capital Works Project.

The council is currently awaiting grant-funding approval from central government for the sport’s development before the project can go through. Grant funding has been refused for the project on two successive years, leading to the mayor Cllr Mairead O’Brien (Ind) having some reservations about setting aside such a large sum.

She pointed out that if the project does not get a sports grant this year, it will be put on the shelf and the money set-aside by the town council absorbed by the larger council.

“Can we set a date to say if it is not achieved can we say it will be used for astro turf pitch?” she asked.

It was agreed that if funding was not provided in the next round of sport capital grants, the funding would be transferred to another project. It was also agreed to tender for the astro turf pitch so that the council could move quickly to have this project carried out quickly, if the sport development did not get the green light.

Meanwhile the council finances were further boosted by local businesses compliance with paying commercial rates. At 76 per cent compliance for the third year in a row this is the highest return to any of Clare’s three rate setting councils, including the county council. Mr Corry said that every effort would be made to collect all outstanding rates.

“We are being as flexible as we can with rate payers, and going down the legal route is a last resort,” he said.

Development contributions were down again this year to € 2,153 from an all time high in 2007 of € 273,096.