Month: July 2013

THE announcement of visitor numbers and the confirmation of an estimated € 5m boost to local coffers was made at the launch of a Gathering Clare Festivals and Events booklet for July to December 2013.

The booklet is being made available at tourist offices, hotels, Council offices and Libraries throughout the County to promote the dozens of events scheduled to take place during the second half of the year.

Amongst some of the key events held during the first six months of 2013 was the Bunratty International Chess Festival, The Burren Tolkien Society Festival, Kilfenora Music Festival, International Junior Tour of Ireland, Festival of Finn, Russell Memorial Weekend, Whitegate May Bank Holiday Festival and the Gathering the Scattering Family History Conference, which were collectively attended by more than 1, 500 overseas visitors.

July and August will increase those numbers as a number of local festivals are due to take place. “We are delighted with the success of The Gathering which has brought huge economic benefits to communities across the County,” explained Monica Meehan, Gathering Clare coordi- nator.

“Communities in every corner of Clare have thoroughly embraced the Gathering initiative and we are glad to say that the quality of festivals and events is excellent. Recent visitor figures released by the CSO reflect the contribution made by the Gathering to the wider tourism sector.

“This is evidenced by the 10 per cent increase (404, 535 overall) in visitors to the Cliffs of Moher during the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period last year.

“Furthermore, almost a quarter of the 5750 people who have visited Loop Head Lighthouse between March and June have been from overseas,” Monica added.

WORK on a new development plan for Ennis and its Environs is expected to come to a halt following the publication of new local government legislation.

Last week, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, published the Electoral, Local Government and Planning and Development Bill.

Speaking yesterday, Director of Service and Ennis town manager Ger Dollard said the new bill contains a provision to grant discretionary powers to local authorities facing abolition to extend the lifetime of the existing development plan and to cease any development plan reviews already commenced.

Ennis Town Council had begun the process of drawing up the Draft Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2014-2020.

Mr Dollard was speaking at the July meetings of councillors in the Ennis electoral areas.

Councillors in the Ennis West Electoral Area committee heard calls for the development of a Green Plan for Ennis. The proposal was contained in a motion out forward by Cllr Brian Meaney (FF).

Cllr Meaney told the meeting that Ennis contains a number of unique, green spaces that could be better utlised to improve the town.

In his reply, senior executive planner Brian McCarthy stated, “The provision of a Green Infrastructure Plan in and around urban areas is now widely recognised as contributing importantly towards creating places where people want to live and work. Green infrastructure can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, protection against flooding and erosion as well as enhancing the quality of life for residents of the areas and enhancing their awareness of the local environment.”

Mr McCarthy continued, “The natural heritage of Ennis and environs with its natural and semi-natural amenities is an important aspect to the quality of life of its citizens and tourists and is ideally placed for the development of a green infrastructure plan. A green infrastructure plan offers huge potential to enhance green spaces and biodiversity for the benefit of the people of Ennis to create and enhance attractive and accessible places for people to enjoy direct and regular contact with the natural environment.

“It is considered the development of a Green Infrastructure Plan for Ennis and Environs is ideally provided via the preperation of the Draft Ennis and and Environs Development Plan.”

DIGITAL speed signs have helped to reduce car speeds on the Tulla Road over a two-year period, new figures show.

Analysis carried out by Clare County Council shows that the average speed of cars using the Tulla Road has fallen from 44km/h in 2011 to 42 km/h in January 2013.

In a motion tabled at the July meeting of councillors in the Ennis East electoral area, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) requested a report on the speed and change in volume of traffic on the Tulla Road since new speed measuring devices were installed.

In his reply, Robert Burns, Executive Engineer, explained that initial analysis of speed signs in July and August 2011 indicated that the average speed on the inbound and outbound lanes on the Tulla Road was 44 k/m/h with 85 per cent of the vehicles at or below 52km/h.

Mr Burns continued, “A detailed traffic count carried out by the road design officer over a 24-hour period in late January 2013 (at Fitzpatrick’s Supermarket) indicated that the average speed as 42 km/h with the 85th percentile speed at 49 km/h, representing a significant improvement on speeds recorded in July / August 2011. The legal speed limit at this location is 50 km/h.

“The date provided by the digital speed signs is currently been analysed and further information will be available when this latest round of analysis is complete.”

Cllr Flynn welcomed the reduction in speed. Cllr Pat Daly (FF) urged motorists to pay heed to the speed signs and drive safely. Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) questioned when the digital speed signs would be extended to other roads around Ennis.

Mr Burns said the signs will be installed on the Lahinch Road and any plans to extend the system are being kept under review.

Director of Service and Ennis town manager Ger Dollard said the cameras are put up in consultation with the Gardaí.

A SECTION of the N85 main road between Ennis and Ennistymon has been the scene of eight car accidents over the last two months, a meeting has heard.

The National Roads Authority (NRA) has been urged to act to improve driver safety on a stretch of road between Fountain Cross and Ballyduff Landfill, which was described yesterday as an “accident black spot”.

In a motion tabled at a meeting of councillors in the Ennis West electoral area, councillor James Breen (Ind) called for accident black spot signs to be erected on the N85 between Fountain Cross and Ballyduff Landfill.

Cllr Breen told the meeting that eight cars had been involved in accidents on the stretch of road over the past two months. He said in one instance, a woman and her young child were lucky to walk away unharmed after their car came off the road.

Cllr Breen said there is a danger someone may lose their life on the road. He called for warning signs and crash barriers to be installed in the area.

In his reply, executive engineer Robert Burns stated that generally the erection of signage on the National Road network is a matter for the National Roads Authority.

He continued, “In this instance, the old accident back spot sign is no longer included in the suite of road signs set out in the traffic signs manual and can’t therefore be used. The NRA’s 2013 programme of Road Safety Schemes for National Roads does not include any projects on the N85.

“However, the council would liaise with the NRA with a view to determining whether sections of the N85, requiring remediation or improvement, would qualify under the 2014 programme for Road Safety Schemes for national roads.”

Mr Burns told the meeting that safety issues at this particular stretch of road have been repeatedly flagged to the NRA.

Cllr Tom McNamara agreed with Cllr Breen in stating that work is needed to improve safety at the location.

SENTENCING has been adjourned in the case of an Ennis man found with cannabis with a street value of € 3900 hidden in a garden hedge.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, John Nihill (25) pleaded guilty to having cannabis for sale or supply at his then home address of 25 The Hawthorns, Limerick Road Ennis.

The court heard that gardaí discovered 15 separate deals along with a larger block of cannabis concealed in the hedge during a search of the premises on September 12 (2012).

Insp Tom Kennedy said the drugs had an estimated value of € 3929. He said Mr Nihill admitted having the drugs for sale or supply.

The father of one has no previous convictions for drugs offence but received a community service earlier this year order for assault causing harm.

Solicitor John Casey said his client had been a heavy user of cannabis at the time the offence was committed. He said Mr Nihill got into debt and it was suggested to him he could pay off this debt by selling drugs for another person.

The court heard the accused was sent to collect money for his “paymaster.”

“He feared for himself, for his partner and his house and those fears would’ve been genuine and realistic,” added Mr Casey.

The court heard the accused has since left Ennis, is fulfilling his community service requirements and has volunteered at the Bushypark treatment centre.

“He did this out of fear. The debt is still there. He didn’t benefit one iota from this,” Mr Casey said.

Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned sentencing for a brief period.

When the case resumed, Judge Durcan said he regarded this offence as being at the upper end of the scale.

He remanded Mr Nihill on continuing bail to appear again in court on September 18 for a pre-sentence probation report.

In recent weeks, Judge Durcan has directed that the Health Services Executive (HSE) be notified when convictions are recorded against parents of young children.

He asked Mr Casey if a report should be sought from the HSE in this case.

Mr Casey said his client is a devoted father and very much involved with his daughter. A report from the HSE was not sought.

Judge Durcan explained that the involvement of the probation services did not necessarily rule out the imposition of a prison sentence.

However he added that Mr Nihill struck him as “thoughtful, serious young man who has fallen into difficulties.”

THE case of three men alleged to have damaged a car parked outside Drumcliff graveyard has been adjourned to October for hearing.

The cases of the three men, Michael Doherty (51), with an address at 2 St Michael’s Park, Ballymaley, Ennis; James Galbraith (45), with an address at 1 St Michael’s Park, Gort Road, Ennis, and Patrick Doherty (34), with an address at Bay 2 St Michael’s Park, Ballymaley, were before Judge Durcan at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

All three are charged with the criminal damage of a car which was parked at Drumcliff on March 24th last.

It is alleged that the three men attacked the Ford Focus with weapons, breaking windows and damaging the bodywork.

The court previously heard that the female owner of the fled from the scene after the alleged incident occurred.

Solicitor for Patrick and Michael Doherty, Daragh Hassett, told the court that his client’s attendance from court had been excused on the day in question due to a family wedding.

Mr Hassett requested a date to have the case heard.

He said he expected the case to last around 90 minutes.

October 10 was subsequently fixed as hearing date for the case.

THE sunshine has seen a major boost to retail operations all along the west coast of Clare in the last few days with all stores reporting a welcome surge in business.

Last weekend saw roads to and from a host of Clare beaches thronged and with forecasts suggesting at least ten more days of warm and sunny con- ditions, the mini-boom looks set to continue.

John McCarthy from the Lahinch Surf School is delighted with the upswing he has seen in the last two weeks.

“These weeks are usually our quitest weeks of the summer, but this year we have had a great turnout at our surf school. It’s geat to see all the local businesses doing so well, the waves are great out here, it’s been like California,” he told The Clare People .

Accommodation has been at a premium in West Clare and the famed Willie Clancy Week will also boost local trade and employment.

According to managing director of the Armada, John Burke, their combined hotels now employ around 225 people, which up up 35 from last year.

Speaking about their boost in business, John said, “It’s a combination of a number of factors, but the weather is certainly supporting it. We are working hard to maxamise opportunities, with additional seating outside, barbecues, a local activity club, strawberry and ice cream stands, and cold plates; customers are reacting well to these so far,” he said.

The weather has been a great boost for local companies specialising in water sports such as surfing, kayaking, cliffs cruises and stand up paddling, while bicycle hire has also seen a huge increase in demand.

Forecasters are predicting the good weather for at least ten days, with temperatures in Clare expected to hit the 28c mark mid-week.

THREE Clare Garda stations could be going under the hammer, although the Office of Public Works would not confirm for certain last evening that all stations closed in the Clare district in the last two years would be put up for sale.

It is understood however that the recently renovated former Garda station in Broadford, the station in Carrigaholt and the one in Labasheeda are being put on the market.

The OPW said it would confirm later exactly which of the Clare properties would be for sale. It is currently trying to appoint estate agents to sell the former Garda stations.

“For disposal purposes the properties are divided into Lots. Interested agents may put forward proposals for any or all of the Lots which will be disposed of on a sole agency basis,” a spokesperson said.

Final date for receipt of applica- tions is by close of business on Friday, July 19.

“Agents will be expected to advise on the market value of the properties, arrange and fund the production of BER certificates. It is envisaged that unsold properties will be withdrawn from agents after six months,” according to the OPW.

Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes said his department has identified no alternative State use for the properties that are to go on the market, though he added he’s received requests from various community groups expressing an interest in some of the former stations.

A REPORT on proposed changes to the market area of Ennis has recommended major improvements to access and the appearance of the town’s main market trading area.

A preliminary report by architect Richard Rice says trading activity should be retained in Market Street and Market Place but urges infrastructural improvements to both areas.

The report, commissioned by Ennis Town Council, looked at the entire Ennis Market area with particular reference to the provision of covered markets.

On the future of Market Street and Market Place, the report stated, “These market areas would represent the traditional market traders with larger stalls and farmers selling their vegetables directly to the public. In our consideration of these two locations, we would see market activity being retained at these locations but it would be important to improve the public realm in order to improve the overall visual appearance and function of the market in these areas.”

The report recommends widening public footpaths and reducing road width to make the area safer for pedestrian use.

It also proposes removing the existing market roundabout to “convert the footprint of this area to pedestrian space, incorporating the sculptures into that space”.

The assessment undertaken looked at a variety of locations in Ennis town. These looked at the existing markets locations at Market Place, Market Street, Garraunakilla.

The report also looked at other locations in the town centre including Wood Quay, Parnell Street car-park, Abbey Street car park, spaces adjacent to Temple Gate Hotel and Clare County Museum, Old Barrack Street and Lysaght’s Lane.

However in preliminary assessment, the report concludes that the “market needed to be retained at its historical base Market Place and Market Street with consideration of Garraunakilla (location of existing Farmers Artisan Market) and Lysaght’s Lane (existing surface car park located “behind O’Connell Street / Parnell Street”.

The report considered Garraunakilla to be “challenged as a market location”.

The report states that the footprint for expansion would involve taking in a public roadway; the location is removed from the retail core of the town. “The location is challenged by traffic being immediately adjacent to the market location which would be seen as a concern for parents and their children,” it adds.

The report strongly recommends the northern elevation of Garraunakilla to develop appropriate retail activity. It also recommends the inclusion of a covered area and a kiosk if Garraunakilla is retained as a Farmer’s Market.

PLANS to rejuvenate Ennis’s historic town centre could be kick-started by the development of a covered market in the Lysaght’s Lane area of the town, according to a new report.

The lane, which leads into the lower market street car park, is identified as the preferred location for a new market in a report by the architectural firm behind Limerick City’s Milk Market Project.

Richard Rice of Healy Partners and Associates made the recommendation in a report commissioned by Ennis Town Council.

Rice was asked to examine the entire Ennis Market area, with particular reference to providing a covered market in the town.

Mr Rice’s preliminary report stated, “We recommend that the Lysaght’s Lane option be considered for development as the location for the Farmers Artisan Market. It is at the retail core of the town; is within a defined urban space that offers very positive development potential; establishes a pedestrian zone at the town centre; offers opportunities to local business to develop their premises towards the new market location.”

The council has given its backing to the project, which it says has the potential to “become the flagship legacy project” for the council’s final year.

On the removal of parking spaces from the Lysaght’s Lane area, the report stated, it “would have the positive effect of removing the need for car access from the roundabout at Market Place and create a pedestrian core in the town centre.

It added, “This would be seen as being a key goal in the creation of a safer market environment when considering the presence of children.”

The council recently held a public workshop with market stakeholders including local businesses, stall holders, Farmers Market cooperative and customers.

Richard Rice made a formal pres- entation for growing the Market from lower market street car park (Lysaght’s Lane), through the Mall to the Market Day sculpture and roundabout. The proposal would include some pedestrian areas for market customers with access to deliveries.

Town clerk Leonard Cleary explained that a proposal was also received for the council to examine opportunities for improved access to the area from adjacent streets.

“This idea sought to concentrate footfall to the benefit of traders in the market and traders on the adjacent streets as well as ease of customer flow. A specific suggestion in relation to access from O’Connell Street was proposed in this regard.”

Mr Cleary added, “It is recommended that the council progress the market report suggestions further through appropriate Part VIII planning and tender procedures. This project has the potential to become the flagship legacy project for the final year of this Ennis Town Council term.”