Category: News

THE THREE bottlenose dolphins who have made Bunratty their unlikely home for the past two weeks, may now have moved on the deeper waters. The dolphins, who attracted large crowds to Bunratty, were last spotted around the bridge in Bunratty on Saturday morning, April 13.

It is thought that the recent rain may have caused the fish that the dolphins had been feeding on to move upriver. The creatures had been spending less and less time in the area in recent days, appearing only once on Saturday and three times on Friday.

A planned rescue attempt for the dolphins was aborted last week when the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) carried out a detailed assessment to determine if the dolphins were trapped in the area – as had been thought.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and members of the Killaloe Unit of the Irish Coastguard were present during the day if a rescue attempt was needed.

IWDG Executive Officer Dr Simon Berrow, led the assessment and witnessed the mammals surfacing normally in a narrow strip of water around 100 to 150 metres up river of the bridge.

As water levels rose later in the day the IWDG deployed hydrophones into the water to track the dolphins movement and actions. They discovered that the dolphins were not trapped by the traffic noises on the bridge – as had been previously thought – but were able to pass freely under the structure.

In fact, the dolphins were so comfortable in the local environment that they began foraging for food and hunting fish.

Dolphins have a limited ability to survive in fresh water. After prolonged exposure to fresh water they can develop kidney and skin problems – eventually resulting in kidney failure and death.

However, in this instance, it appears that that the biggest threat faced by the dolphins was man with a number of recorded instances of stones being throw at the creatures as well as two men in scuba gear who attempted to swim with them.

Anyone who spots the dolphins is asked to email details to sightings@iwdg.ie.

“COMPLIANT householders are being denied natural justice” in Kilrush as they continue to pay their property tax, while living in unfinished estates.

Those were the words of Kilrush town councillor Christy O’Malley (FF), who was reacting to a call for public lighting to be completed in two Kilrush estates.

In all three estates have come to the attention of the council members as being unfinished.

Cllr Ian Lynch (FG) said that public lighting needed to be installed at Wood View and Cois na Ce.

“Another winter has passed and these lights have still not been activated,” he said.

Last year Wood View was exempt from the household charge, but residents are now expected to pay the property tax.

Cllr Tom Prendeville argued that this was unjust as there had been no major works carried out in the estate in the intervening 12 months.

“I wonder what has changed to warrant these unfinished estates being brought into the family home tax net when no major upgrading works have been carried out over the past 12 months? I am anxious to know what the current status of unfinished estates in Kilrush is now property owners in these estates are to be asked to pay taxes on their properties that the Minister vowed would go towards the upkeep of their estates, including the provision of basic services,” he said.

“As elected members we meet people living in unfinished estates where roads, footpaths, public lighting, sig- nage and general maintenance works in open spaces are less than satisfactory. It can be difficult to explain that this council is not responsible for the up keep of estates not yet taken in charge. We all appreciate the this council will not take an estate in charge until it is satisfied that all essential infrastructure facilities and services are up to the mark and that is how it should be.”

Moyne Court was the last housing estate taken in charge by the council as far back as April 2005.

“There is no record of any other estate taken in charge in the Kilrush area in the past 10 years and there are no applications pending from estates to be taken in charge,” said Town Clerk John Corry.

“The council is dealing with a small number of estates that are either unfinished, inadequately completed or not taken in charge which are being progressed through enforcement proceedings. The council is committed to engaging with all the relevant parties to progress the issues that arise on these estates to a satisfactory conclusion.”

Mr Corry said that in the case of Cois na Ce, the council has called in the bond, and the issue is currently with the bank. This can be a long process he explained.

Cllr Lynch added that as Kilrush was the planning authority, the fact that people were living in unfinished estates was the council’s responsibility.

“I think it is unfair to ask anyone to pay for services they are not getting,” he said, adding that the council should write to the Minister asking that three estates in Kilrush be exempt – Beal an Ibhir, Wood View and Cois na Ce.

THE meltdown of the Green Party as a force in Irish elected politics could be re-enforced in the coming days with the possible defection of sitting member of Clare County Council and Ennis Town Council, Cllr Brian Meaney, from the party. The Clare People has learned this week, that Cllr Meaney is sensationally on the cusp of cutting ties with the Green Party, with sources within the Clare County Council chamber revealing that the 47-year-old is pre- paring to join Fianna Fáil.

A source within Fianna Fáil in the Ennis electoral area that Cllr Meaney represents has revealed that he has applied for membership of the party and is in the final stages of severing ties with the Green Party. The Clare People

CLARE County Council says a contractor appointed to oversee the maintenance and operation of the M18 motorway will be responsible for dealing with illegal encampments along the route.

The Council has been urged to liaise with the National Roads Authority (NRA) to tackle the issue to “avoid a lacuna in the legislation whereby neither the local authority or the NRA may not be in a position to take offenders to court”.

The view was expressed by Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) in a motion submitted to the council’s April meeting.

Cllr Arkins stated that motorway exists where the acquisition of land exceeded the amount required, “has left opportunities for illegal parking”.

In a reply to Cllr Arkins’ motion, Anne Haugh, Director of Services, states;

“The NRA is taking over responsibility for maintenance and operation of the motorway network within the next two months.

“This means the N18/ M18 from Gort to the junction at the Radisson Hotel near Limerick and the N19 from Junction 9 on the M18 to the entrance to the airport and incorporates everything between the boundary fences.

“The NRA has confirmed that dealing with unauthorised parking within the motorway curtilage is among the responsibilities of the contractor to be appointed by them to implement their new role.”

Ms Haugh continues, “The 1993 Roads Act provides for a robust defence of the National Road Network against unauthorised parking or encampments in this regard the Section 69 of the act makes it an offence to place or retain a temporary dwelling on a national road, motorway, busway, protected road or any other prescribed road or prescribed class, sub class or type of road.

“An authorised person may remove the temporary dwelling from any of the road classes referred to in the previous sentence – bearing in mind that the definition of a “road” elsewhere in the same act effectively comprises everything between the boundary fences – note also that slip roads roundabouts etc associated with motorway junctions are deemed to be part of the existing motorway.

“An authorised person is defined as a person authorised in writing by Roads Authority for the purpose of Section 69 or alternatively a member of An Garda Síochana.”

Ms Haugh concludes with confirmation that, “Both the NRA and Galway County Council are being asked again to give priority to land related issues associated with the Gort / Crusheen motorway with a view to offloading whatever may be deemed to be surplus to requirements for the future.

“Both authorities are being made aware of councillor’s concerns in this regard in context of the foregoing.”

TWO peace activists, including a 78year-old woman, look likely to stand trail for an incident which took place at Shannon Airport last October.

Margaretta D’Arcy (78) and Niall Farrell (60), claim to have received letters from gardaí in Shannon last week stating that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is planning to press charges against them and that a summons would be issued at a future date.

The pair are accused of possible criminal damage and causing a security breach at airport on October 7 last. The pair gained access to the airport and disrupted a number of flights by holding anti-war placards on an airport runway for a number of minutes.

The protest was organised but the Galway Alliance Against War to mark the 11th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. Since 2001, Shannon Airport has been an important logis- tics distribution point for American soldier and equipment heading to and from Afghanistan the Iraq.

A number of private jets used to carry out special rendition missions have also used the airport but it is unclear of any prisoners were on board while they were on Irish soil.

Margaretta D’Arcy is one of the leaders of the regular anti-war vigils which take place at the airport. She and her husband, the late Booker Prize nominated playwright John Arden, wrote performed a play based on the Ralahine Commune in Newmarket on Fergus in 2010.

“Our protest was part of an international week of action to oppose killer drones, which along with other deadly weaponry and troops are transported daily through Shannon’s Warport,” said Niall Farrell.

“Prosecuting us will not silence us, it will not prevent us from raising our voices in protesting against the death of Irish neutrality and this craven government’s role in the imperial wars of the 21st century.”

A MAN who wrote graffiti on a statue of Clare’s most famous politician was not entitled to express his views in such a manner, a court has heard.

Aidan Cahill (26) used a blue marker to write on a bronze statue of Eamon De Valera near the grounds of Ennis Courthouse on April 4 (2013).

Mr Cahill, with an address at 3 Glenview Close, Tulla, was found by gardaí in possession of a blue marker near the memorial to the former President of Ireland.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Mr Cahill pleaded guilty to graffiti of the monument, which is the property of Clare County Council.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that Mr Cahill had a number of previous convictions including for criminal damage and assault.

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client is “extremely sorry” for what he had done. She said Mr Cahill has since washed the graffiti from the statue. She said Mr Cahill had entered an early plea and admitted his responsibility. Ms Godfrey said it could be proffered that Mr Cahill is taking the “blame for some other blue markered villain” and their “blue shirted views.”

Judge Patrick Durcan said this was a monument of national significance to someone who played a significant role in the development of the Irish State. Judge Durcan said irrespective of whether or not Mr Cahill had views on Mr De Valera, he was not entitled to deface the statue.

Judge Durcan said he found it “absolutely reprehensible” that someone would use the statue as an “outlet for their rage.” He added; “This is an issue where someone very central to this country has been defamed.”

Noting Mr Cahill’s early guilty plea, Judge Durcan imposed a threemonth prison sentence. That sentence was suspended for 12 months on condition Mr Cahill be of good behaviour and refrain from entering the park that surrounds the De Valera monument.

TWO men that had been living rough on the streets of Ennis have secured temporary accommodation at a tourist hostel in Galway.

It emerged last week that Czech national Josef Pavelka (58) and his Polish friend Peter Baram (35) had spent a period of time living in public toilets in Ennis town centre.

The men’s living arrangements were disclosed in a report by the Probation Services at Ennis District Court where Mr Pavelka appeared on charges of public intoxication.

On viewing the report, Judge Patrick Durcan commented that it was a “scandal” that a person is “living in a toilet in a prosperous nation”.

Mr Pavelka’s solicitor Daragh Has- sett said that if it wasn’t for the help of the church, his client “would be dead”.

The court heard Mr Pavelka has chronic problems with alcohol. Ennis Town Council operates the Automated Public Conveniences (APC), more commonly known as superloos.

In a statement last week, the council said it “has no evidence of any parties using public toilets in Ennis as accommodation facilities”.

The statement continues, “Having checked with the Gardaí, a similar view has been expressed. Furthermore, the company contracted to maintain the public toilets says there is no evidence to suggest that the toilets are being used in such a manner.

The council says the toilets are “subject to an intense maintenance regime which involves a daily inspection by the said company”.

It continues, “The toilets are automated and the mechanism provides for a voice warning, an alarm activation and an automatic opening of the door after a 20 minute period. This includes an early morning inspection on at least five days each week. Ennis Town Council does not comment on individual housing circumstances, which are a personal matter. The relevant agencies and bodies have, however, been involved in addressing housing needs of the parties involved.”

Yesterday Pat Cahill, Manager of Laurel Lodge temporary accommodation centre where the men lived for two years, confirmed that Mr Pavelka and Mr Baram are now living on a temporary basis in Galway City. Mr Cahill said the men can stay in the hostel until May 7. He said the accommodation was secured following a multi-agency case conference.

Fr Tom Hogan, Ennis Parish administrator, said the men are “delighted to have a roof over their heads and a bed under them”. He said the men, who received meals from the St Vincent de Paul and the Church, “fell through cracks in the system”.

Fr Hogan said Mr Pavelka lived in public toilets for three weeks while Mr Baram lived there “on and off”.

Last Wednesday, Ennis District Court heard that Mr Pavelka was unable to take up an offer of re-patriation to the Czech Republic due to family issues. The court heard Mr Pavelka’s habitual residency has lapsed and as a result no state agencies can provide him with assistance.

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.

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”.

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.