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Surge in rents raises fears of homeless crisis

FURTHER evidence of an impending housing crisis in urban parts of Clare has emerged with Clare Citizens’ Information Service last year recorded a dramatic rise in queries from people worried about becoming homeless.

According to figures obtained from Clare Citizens’ Information Service, nearly 2,500 Clare people experiencing housing difficulty contacted the service in 2013.

With rents on the increase in urban areas such as Ennis and Shannon, fears have been raised that of a surge in families becoming homeless in Clare, as rent supplement is no longer enough to cover rents.

This has prompted the Clare Citizens Information Service and Focus Ireland to team up to launch a new Information Guidebook aimed at tackling home- lessness before it become a widespread problem in the county.

The guidebook, which is entitled ‘A Guide to Information Givers on Preventing Homelessness’ is aimed at helping front line staff to deal with the increasing volume of queries relating to homelessness.

“Citizens Information Services have experienced a surge in the numbers of clients with housing problems related to financial issues.

“In 2013 there were 1287 housing queries to CICs in Clare in addition to 1002 queries related to Rent Supplement.

“The booklet will support information advisors in assisting individuals and families who come to our services who may be homeless or at risk of losing their homes,” said Paul Woulfe of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service.

“The combination of escalating rents, rent allowance caps and unwillingness among many landlords to accept rent supplement, is forcing lower income households out of the housing market.

“However, we know through our work that it’s possible to help families and individuals from losing their home through early intervention and support.

“This new guidebook will play a part in helping efforts to prevent homelessness at a local level nationwide in areas where there is currently no specialty housing advice service.

“Many problems have been associated with the Rent Supplement rent limits set in Budget 2012.

“Primarily they were set at levels that did not enable eligible households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation.

“Many callers to our centres could not find suitable accommodation within the limits outlined.”

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Moloney reflects on Clare’s incredible journey

THIS was the night that the Munster cup was handed over to Clare for the third successive year. As such it was a coronation, with a party atmosphere wrapping around Cusack Park when provincial chairman Robert Frost handed the silverware over to Tony Kelly.

But in real time out on the field and amid all the hoopla that’s building up all around him, joint-manager Dónal Moloney seems able to take a few steps back. Steps back two weeks to the day in fact.

He defaults to the Tipperary game.

“Tipperary nearly put paid to this,” he says, “and when we reflect back on that night, that was the night the Munster Championship was won. We displayed enormous courage when we were flat. When we weren’t playing well we displayed enormous courage and that was the night the championship was won.”

But what about this night? The shock and awe of that first 30 minutes!

“These guys have created certain standards over the last few years,” begins Moloney. “In the first half they surpassed all of that. We knew there was a huge performance in them, but they really expressed themselves in the first half and it was a joy to watch them. We are so fortunate to have such talented guys available to us, players with the capability and the capacity to do that. “It’s not easy to come out when you’re red hot favourites. There’s a lot of talk about three-in-a-row, you’re playing Cork who have just dumped Waterford out and for those guys to get their focus exactly right to turn in a performance like that – there’s some credit due to them. “Right from the full-back line, the way they were creating space and moving the ball. Cork were struggling and gaps just opened up. We hit a purple patch for seven or eight minutes and the game finished as a con- test at that point in time,” he adds.

With that it was just about holding firm – a case of enjoying the journey, without doubt the easiest of Clare’s five provincial titles over the past five years at both minor and under 21 level.

Mention of those five provincial titles, not to mind the two All-Irelands, and it’s no wonder that Moloney et al are nearly at a loss for words to explain it all – but not quite.

“It’s been an incredible journey and to be quite honest with you, it’s been a fairytale,” he says. “We never thought any of this would happen to us. The reality is that we’ve been very fortunate to come across not just some of the most talented players that the county has ever seen, but also guys who had a massive desire.

“It isn’t always that you find the two in the one package, but we have a whole bunch of guys who have both. We should really cherish that because it won’t last. It won’t last, we won’t have underage teams turning out that kind of performance. They’ll be very competitive, but we won’t have them turning out that kind of performance every year,” he adds.

Two more will do for this year as Clare now home in on more glory.

The Munster three-in-a-row bagged; now to repeat the dose at All-Ireland level.

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Clare won’t be taking Antrim for granted

AS A member in the prestigious ‘five-in-a-row’ club that carved out their own piece of history with successive provincial crowns at minor (2) and Under 21 (3) levels, Aaron Cunningham was inevitably one of Clare’s leading lights in their latest triumph on Wednesday.

Described as a ‘savage outlet’ by joint-manager Gerry O’Connor af- terwards, chief targetman Cunningham raided for four points as Clare blitzed the Rebels on home soil.

“It’s a brilliant achievement for everyone and for a few of us, that is our fifth Munster title back-to-back so that’s kind of unheard of in Clare and we’re delighted with that.

“And definitely doing it in Cusack Park in front of a home crowd is what we’ve always wanted to do and I’m sure if it was on down in Cork, they would love to be playing in front of their home crowd.

“In fairness, the last couple of occasions when we’ve been playing here, the crowd have been the 16th man for us and have really got behind us.”

The crowd didn’t have to be as influential as the Tipperary match as Clare led with a degree of comfort from start to finish in another consummate display.

“We were always confident but I would never say we were cocky. We always know we have more in the tank but we never took Cork for granted at any stage there, even with ten minutes to go.

“The supply to us in the forwards was excellent. In fairness to the lads out the field, they’re unbelievable at picking out the pass inside and I suppose when Cork took their sweeper out midway through the first half, it opened up a lot more for us inside so the ball coming in was of a higher standard.”

However, their unprecedented suc- cess in recent years has also provided a large dollop of experience not to take any team for granted in their pursuit of a three-in-a-row of AllIreland titles.

“It is the ultimate goal but we aren’t even thinking about a third All-Ireland because we know the upset that Antrim caused in semi-final against Wexford last year and we certainly won’t be taking them for granted at all. So we will be only focusing on that game in the next few weeks.”

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Rescue services on high alert as thousands flock to Clare beaches

IN a week that saw the Kilkee unit of the Irish Coast Guard called out an unprecedented 11 times, water safety officials in Clare are urging swimmers to think safe when they visit the water.

With temperatures set to soar over the next seven days and beyond, large crowds are expected to descend on the Clare coastline.

Meterological sources are predicting temperatures as high as 24c by early next week.

Last summer saw four fatalities from drowning in Clare waters, three of which occurred within a month of each other and coincided with a steep rise in temperatures.

This summer lifeguards are continuing to deal with incidents on a daily basis.

Water safety officials are urging visitors to the county’s 12 lifeguarded beaches and lakes to only swim in designated areas.

“I keep saying it all the time, swim within the lifeguarded areas.

“Swim within the zones that the lifeguards set out and obey their directions,” urged head of Clare Water Safety, Clare McGrath.

“Don’t swim in unknown spaces. We don’t want people going to water holes and quarries. I would say swim in the lifeguarded areas.”

Ms McGrath believes however that swimmers are now beginning to heed warnings on water safety.

“I think they are, I think people are beginning to notice.

“But all the time, they need to watch the flags and watch the notices that the lifeguards put out.”

Ms McGrath’s warning came just hours after the Irish Coast Guard, Kilkee unit responded to its 11th callout in eight days on Sunday night.

The Kilkee unit was among the busiest in Ireland last week, responding to three calls before 12 noon on Tuesday alone.

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From Kilmaley farm to a pub near you?

A LOCAL entrepreneur is attempting to capitalise on the popularity of craft beer after plans were lodged for Kilmaley’s first microbrewery.

Planning permission is being sought to change the use of existing sheds from agricultural to microbrewery at Kilclogher, Kilmaley.

Michael Eustace from the Lahinch Road in Ennis is the man behind the mico-brewery proposal.

In his application to the council, Mr Eustace states that the proposed brewery would be a “quite small” operation initially.

However, he states that if the business were to become a success, he would hope to expand the brewery’s product range.

“It is our intention to operate the micro-brewery in a manner which would have as little negative effect on our local environment as possible,” Mr Eustace states.

“All of our spent grains will be used to feed cattle which are farmed on the family farm.

“All water used for cleaning will be collected in our proposed holding tank and transferred to the slatted house where it will be mixed with animal waste to be used as fertiliser for the farm land.”

Mr Eustace states that the use of an “independent locally sourced supply of water for the microbrewery” would be a “unique aspect of this proposed brewery”.

He continues, “The increase in traffic to and from the area as a result of the micro brewery will also be negligible as outlined in the planning application. By their very nature, microbreweries are not designed or capable of producing beer on a large enough scale to cause severe disruption or congestion within the local area. There is already a large concrete paved yard in front of the existing shed, which will be more than sufficient to cater for all traffic coming to the microbrewery.

Mr Eustace states that the number of people working in the proposed microbrewery will be quite small, “1-2 for the foreseeable future”.

He adds, “If the brewery were to be quite successful we would hope to renovate the old dwelling house to enable us to expand our product range.

“We are aware that this would be subject to a new planning application”.

Ireland has experienced a craft beer boom in recent years with dozens of micro-breweries currently in operation throughout the country.

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The Park to host rock concerts?

GARTH BROOKS for Ennis? That just might be a possibility as Clare County Council has been urged to investigate the potential of holding music festivals at the home of Clare GAA, Cusack Park. The Clare GAA owned grounds in the centre of Ennis emerged as one potential venue for large-scale music or community events in a submission on recreations and sports to the Ennis and Environs Development draft local area Plan. Clare County Council is currently drawing up the plan, which will guide the development of Ennis from 2015 to 2021. In his submission, Chair of the Ennis Municipal District Committee (MDC), Johnny Flynn, proposes the “development potential of Cusack Park music festivals” be examined under the plan. The submission states that Cusack Park could be the venue for a revived version of the “Lisdoonvarna Festival” – the iconic music event previously staged in North Clare. The development of ‘Spoiti Ceol’ (music public performance locations) and the drafting of a busking code are also contained in the submission. Cllr Flynn proposes that the Fair Green or Tim Smythe Park, be designated as a public events centre. The submission proposes the development of an international artist workshop at the old Garda barracks buildings and the “development of large arts spaces for Macnas type works over winter preparing for St Patrick’s Day and other parades”. The submission also contains proposed changes and improvements along the River Fergus, Ballyalla Lake and the Lees Road sports and recreation facility. Cllr Flynn has suggested the “creation of recreational boating in Ennis from Post Office field to Knox’s Bridge to maintain minimum boating depth of water during Summer and to deal with flow issues”. For Ballyalla Lake, the submission proposes the designation of a physical connection from Lees Road to Ballyalla; the potential development of a European standard campervan site near Ballyalla Lake; playground and public toilet facilities; the repair of the old Pier and the installation of a zip wire and a general physical activity centre at Ballyalla. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has previously warned that there is limited scope for development at Ballyalla due it’s designation as a wildlife sanctuary, special area of conservation and special protection area. Cllr Flynn suggests that buoys be provided across the middle of the lake to protect the designation of the Western side as an overwintering bird and wildlife sanctuary. He has also proposed the banning of outboard engines other than for approved public safety boats at particular events.

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Ballyea boys’ select club

THEY’VE a pretty special and select club out in Ballyea now.

In the long history of Clare hurling and most times unrequited love for the game where the winning Munster championships are concerned, the bounty that has been enjoyed by Ballyea these past few years is nearly unbelievable.

Apart from the Munster titles that Tony Kelly has won – it now stands at five – not to mention the three AllIrelands between senior and under 21 there are the personal honours.

The hurler of the year x 2 last year, the All Star and last but not least the honour of captaining his county.

He has done it at minor, under and senior – remember he doesn’t turn 21 until early December.

And, thanks to Wednesday’s win he’s made that select club out Ballyea way.

It’s like this – up until last year there were only three men who’d captained their county to Munster minor and under 21 success. They were Anthony O’Riordan (Limerick), Diarmaid Fitzgerald (Tipperary) and Shane O’Neill (Cork).

O’Riordan’s time was 1984 and ’86; Fitzgerald had his turn in 2001 and ’04, while the final link in this holy trinity was provided by O’Neill in 2004 and ’07.

Ballyea, a club for so long in the shadow of fellow parishioners Clarecastle and others in the hurling environs of Ennis, have well and truly gate-crashed that club now. They’ve made it their own.

Paul Flanagan was Munster final captain at Munster minor and Under 21 in 2010 and ’13 respectively; now Tony Kelly joins him on that pantheon thanks to his captaincy winning years in 2011 and ’14.

All under the guidance of Donal Moloney, Gerry O’Connor et al. Before the final Kelly spoke of giving something back to this management team when he said: “Donal and Gerry gave us a chance at such a young level. We’re just trying to pay them back at the highest level we can and by winning trophies,” he added.

How they’ve done that and more over the past five years at underage level, but Kelly wouldn’t let the occasion of his victory speech pass without thanking them once more.

“To captain a Clare side is a fantastic honour, but to captain a threein-a-row-winning one is something special,” he said. “I would like to pay tribute particularly to the management of Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor that put us on the road back in 2010,” he added.

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Vigil for Gaza in Ennis

CALLS for the people of Clare to boycott Israeli products were made at a protest rally, which took place in Ennis on Saturday afternoon last.

Those attending the Ennis Vigil for Gaza in O’Connell Square, which was organized by the Clare branch of the http://www.ipsc.ie/ Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign heard calls the boycott of Israeli goods that was kickstarted in Kinvara to be rolled out around County Clare.

Last week retailers, cafés, restaurants and a pharmacy in Kinvara agreed to operate a boycott of Israeli goods in protest against the “ongoing bombardment” of Gaza.

According to the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), Kinvara is the first and only town in Ireland, to take this collective action in protest at Israeli action in Gaza.

Saturday’s Ennis rally was attended by about 50 people, with the lead address given by the chairman of the Clare branch of the http://www.ipsc. ie/ Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Tomás Mac Conamara,

“The numbers that are here today are testimony to the people of county Clare against injustice,” he said. “It is very important for us to remind ourselves that as we gather here today in Ennis, as people gather in Limerick and gather in Dublin and around the world in solidarity with Palestine, that the people in Gaza are being bombed as we speak.

“Children are being murdered as we speak. This did not start three weeks ago. This started with the occupation of Palestine and it will only end when the occupation of Palestine is lifted. It will end when the siege of Gaza is ended. If Israel wants safety for its citizens and if Benjamin Netanyahu wants safety for his citizens, get out of Palestine. It is not your country,” he added.

According to Kevin Squires, co-ordinator of the IPSC, the boycotting Israeli products is “an effective and peaceful way to bring pressure to bear on the Israeli state to end its occupation of Palestine, and persistent violations of International law”.

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Strategic review for iconic tourist giant of Mid-West

THE company behind some of the Mid West’s biggest tourism attractions is to undergo a “strategic review”, it has been announced.

Consultants are being sought to carry out a review of Shannon Heritage, the company that operates attractions such as the Bunratty Castle Folk Park and King John’s Castle in Limerick.

According to a tender notice posted by Shannon Development, “This review will analyse all aspects of the current portfolio and inform the future strategic direction of the business”.

Shannon Heritage employs close to 300 people during the height of the tourist season.

Shannon Development is currently in transition to become part of Shannon Group plc – an umbrella group comprising Shannon Airport, Shannon Development, Shannon Heritage and the International Aviation Services Centre (IASC).

“To emphasise a more commercially focused property remit, Shannon Development will soon be renamed Shannon Commercial Enterprises Ltd, trading as Shannon Enterprises.

“Shannon Development is focused on delivering competitive property solutions to our customers”, states the company profile.

The company operates from Shannon Airport.

Shannon Heritage is one of the largest operators of heritage products in Europe. It manages a portfolio of seven day visitor experiences and four evening entertainments in Clare, Limerick, Galway and Dublin.

Figures released last year to mark the 50th anniversary of the medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, stated that Shannon Heritage’s mediaeval banqueting operation contributes to an estimated € 20 million in spin-off revenue annually to the local economy.

It was estimated that over the past 50 years, Shannon Heritage day visitor attractions and evening entertainments have attracted almost 20 million visitors from all over the world.

Shannon Heritage is one of the largest and longest operating tourism companies of its type in Ireland employing almost 300 people at the height of the season.

The company also oversaw the € 4.7 million revamp of tourism facilities at King John’s Castle in Limerick city.

According to figures released last year by Shannon Heritage, over 40,000 people visited the re-vamped King John’s Castle during the first four months of opening in 2013.

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Miltown Malbay’s Munster hurling champion

SEANIE McMahon take a bow.

Your influence stretches long beyond your status as one of the greatest hurling men to ever have the number six on your back.

“Has there ever been a better centre-back in the world” thundered Michéal Ó Muircheartaigh in one of his commentaries on Clare back in the day.

It was rhetorical, of course. And it was preaching to the Clare converted, even all the way out Miltown Malbay way, deep in football country.

Yes, there was always a bit of a hurling enclave here thanks to Tom Malone’s Clonbony, while there was a county hurling final played there in ’99. And, it’s there that Conor Cleary would have seen Seanie McMahon in hurling flesh.

“It was Seanie, Seanie McMahon,” he says minutes after becoming a Munster championship winning centre-back like his hero. “I took to him as a young lad and it was the team he was a part of and the success that they had that got me interested in hurling.

“To be part of a Munster championship winning team! Growing up seeing the likes of Seanie McMahon and the lads doing it in the late 1990s, it’s just a dream come through. Little did I think when I started hurling that I’d end up here. To win a Munster title on the field of play – it’s incredible, it means so much,” he adds.

The first Miltown man to win a Munster hurling medal on the field; Martin Flynn and Karl Walsh were part of the football win in 1992; Clare is the latest in a long line of Munster champions from Miltown that includes famous names like Eddie Carroll and PJ Killeen, who were on the 1917 football team and Georgie Comerford was the hero of the 1929 minor football team.

“It’s all the people who have helped me down through the years,” says Cleary. “It was my father, the people in Kilmaley and there’s great thanks to Davy (Fitzgerald) for bringing me into the seniors this year. For a while I didn’t know where I was going with my hurling and being in the senior panel really brought me on a lot.

“Paul Kinnerk always says to us, ‘at the start of every game, get your hands on the ball as early as you can’. That happened for me and we tried to set down a marker, not to let any ball pass the half-back line. Nine times out of ten it worked. It’s incredible to be part of this.”

Incredible too that Clare’s hurling revolution is now touching the west Clare coast.

Thanks to Conor Cleary, who can take a bow with Seanie McMahon.