Category: News

THE Office of Pubic Works (OPW) has failed to respond to an urgent request by Clare County Council to fix one of Clare’s busiest roads, which is in danger of falling into the sea.

It was revealed at yesterday’s North Clare Area meeting in Ennistymon that the Government agency, which last year assumed responsibility for all flooding and coastal erosion funding, has yet to respond to an urgent request for funding to protect a section of road between Liscannor and Lahinch from being washed into the sea.

The road is one of the main access roads used by tourists to access the Burren and also carries more than 700,000 people to or from the Cliffs of Moher each year.

“We have conveyed to them [the OPW] that we consider this work to be urgent. We have taken the step of getting an engineer to do a design of a retaining wall and the others works needed,” said Stephen Lahiffe, engineer with Clare County Council.

“We applied for this funding in 2012 and we have still to get a response – 2012 is nearly over and we have still to get a response. We have taken the step of getting a consultant engineer to come up with a design – so we are ready to go if we get a positive response.”

Ennistymon-based Cllr Richard Nagle (FF) asked for the council to invite down a member of the OPW to view the road, to ensure that Clare County Council would not be blamed by the government agency, if the road is lost to the sea.

“We need to emphasis to the OPW the importance of coastal erosion works at this location. The sea is rapidly eating the coastline away, it is undermining the road at this location and sooner or later that road will collapse,” he said.

“If it does collapse, then a lot of funding will be needed. This has been going on for several years and is getting worse and worse. It is an exposed and vulnerable area – we need to invite an officer from the OPW to come down and visit the site. This could be solved with a small investment now, it we wait until it collapses it will take a huge amount of money to replace it.”

It was also confirmed yesterday that € 40,000 allocated to strengthen the sea wall in Liscannor cannot be diverted to the road.

ANTI-HOUSEHOLD tax campaigners in Clare are claiming a victory today after Clare County Council decided to stop asking grant applicants for proof of payment of the house- hold charge. This is despite Clare County Council’s insistence that the letters were discontinued because they had worked – and allowed the local authority to reach the 65 per cent compliance rate demanded by the Department of the Environment.

“At the beginning of the week, Clare County Council implicitly threatened to withhold or delay student grants to those boycotting the unjust household tax, but following a protest by the Clare CAHWT, we have secured in writing a commitment from the council that they will not discriminate in any way against such students,” said Paul Whitmore of the Clare Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes.

“We marched into the council offices to demand a clear written promise from them that they would not in anyway discriminate against non-payers, and would stop sending these threatening forms to grant applicants.

“As a sign of the huge impact of people power, we have now received these guarantees in writing. This is a huge victory for our campaign. Hopefully in the future, the council will think twice before attempting such scare tactics.”

Students form NUI, Galway, GMIT, UL and LIT also staged a protest again the warning letters at the of fices of Clare County Council last week.

“The decision of Clare County Council is short-sighted and ridiculous,” NUI, Galway Student Union president Paul Curley last week.

“Students don’t own houses and linking the payment of the Household Charge to their grants is a cheap shot. We call on Clare County Council to abandon this badly thought out plan and process students’ grant applications as a priority.”

THE driver of a garda car had to take evasive action to avoid being hit by a camper van driven straight at it in an Ennis housing estate, a court has heard. The incident occurred at Aughanteeroe on the Gort Road, Ennis on August 30.

Thomas Ward (39), with an address at 32 Corrach Buí, Rahoon, Galway, pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour arising out of the incident. Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that a camper van was driven straight at a garda car in Aughanteeroe on the day in question. He said the driver had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Insp Gallagher explained that when the camper van came to a stop, four men, including Mr Ward, alighted from the rear of the van. The court heard that Mr Ward ran away from gardaí and attempted to climb a wall to escape. Insp Gallagher said that when asked to stop by a garda, Mr Ward remained difficult, calling her a “f****** spastic” and a “f****** prostitute”.

Gardaí used pepper spray to subdue Mr Ward. He later apologized to gardaí. Mr Ward denied insulting the garda in the manner outlinewd by the State. The court heard that Mr Ward has 18 previous convictions. Judge Patrick Durcan noted that this was an unusual public order offence in that there was no alcohol involved. However solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that her client would assert that he was “very drunk” on the day. Insp Gallagher said there was no indication at the time that the accused was drunk. Judge Durcan said the accused had been part of a “general scarper” from the van when gardaí approached and imposed a twomonth prison sentence.

Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal. Judge Durcan said, “I did consider the issue of community service but did deem it would be inappropriate.”

After sentence was passed, Mr Ward was granted a request to speak in court. Mr Ward apologised for his actions, adding this his imprisonment would be bad for his family.

He said, “I’d prefer not to go to jail, your honour.” Mr Ward admitted being in the van but denied knowing the driver.

He said he had not known anyone in the van, adding that he had been “invited in for a drink.”

Judge Durcan said the prison sentence remained in place.

CYBER-bullying is more common in rural areas of North Clare than in Dublin City, according to digital media expert Brendan Smith.

The proliferation of online- or cyber-bullying in rural Clare is also a contributing factor in the rise of youth suicides in the county.

Mr Smith, who is the outreach education officer at the Digital Enterprise Research Institute at NUI, Galway, will address groups of parents in Ennistymon next week to educate them of the warning signs for cyberbullying.

He also says that high-profile cases, such as the tragic death of Fanore teenager Phoebe Prince, demonstrate just how serious cyber-bullying is for young Clare people.

“This is a hidden world for a lot of parents who are not familiar with Facebook and other social networks. Children in rural areas are being harassed more than ever before. Before, the bullying would stop at school or on the street; now it can follow them into their homes,” he said.

“The home used to be a sanctuary but that is no longer the case. The bullying can take place right in the bedroom if they have a laptop or a smartphone.

“We have been talking to guards and they say that this is now a bigger problem in rural areas than in cities. If you live in North Clare, there is a much bigger chance that you talk to your friends online rather than meeting up with them, as people can do in the cities,” continued Brendan.

“Phoebe Prince is one of the most famous incidents of cyber-bullying but, trust me, every village and every townland in Clare has some form of cyber-bullying going on. It is difficult to say exactly what the level is but I have never come across an area where it wasn’t a problem.”

Brendan is one of a number of speakers who will address teachers and parents at the North West Clare Family Resource Centre in the coming weeks. There will also be free talks about teen mental health, teen use of drugs and alcohol and teen choices – which is about encouraging teens to make positive choices for themselves.

Each talk is free and will take place at two different times, to allow as many parents as possible to attend. For more information, including the exact times of all the talks, contact Barbara Ó Conchúir, Community Development Worker with the North West Clare Family Resource Centre on 065 7071144 or email info@northwestclarefrc.ie.

AN Ennis man whom a court was told suffers from alcoholism has been ordered to engage with the probation services.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Darren Maughan (21), with an address at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis, pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that gardaí were called to a disturbance at Abbey Street on September 9 (2012).

He said Mr Maughan was involved in a fight with another man.

The court heard that when asked by gardaí to stop fighting, Mr Maughan told them to f*** off.

Insp Gallagher told the court that Mr Maughan has 22 previous convictions.

Defence solicitor William Cahir said his client is unable to control his problem with alcohol. He said; “He was entirely responsible for what happened in the night.”

“He has a huge problem with alcoholism. He appreciates this problem but he cannot control it”, Mr Cahir added.

Judge Patrick Durcan said that Mr Maughan has “no respect for law and order.” He adjourned the case for a week for a report from the probation services.

Judge Durcan said he was considering imposing a 100-hour community service order, in lieu of two months in prison.

He explained that he made the decision because he did not see why the State should have to pay € 1700 a week to keep Mr Maughan in prison. The case was adjourned until September 26.

THE last Saturday in January has emerged as the new D-Day for hopes of traditional music enthusiasts in Clare to bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Ennis in 2014, which – if successful – would bridge a 37-year gap to when the event was last held in the county. The Clare People has learned that Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann chiefs have brought forward the date for the Ard Comhairle of the organisation to make a decision on where the 2014 showpiece of the traditional music year takes place.

Traditionally the decision is made every September, but the decision to put what Comhaltas chiefs called “the special application” of Derry to host the Fleadh for the first time to a vote last January is set to be continued for the second succesive year.

“This is a good thing,” said a spokesperson for Clare Comhaltas, “because if the Ennis bid is successful, it will give a longer lead-in time to organising what is a huge undertaking to stage this international event.”

And key figures within the county organisation of Comhaltas are hopeful that Clare’s role in helping bring the 2013 Fleadh to Derry will result in a successful Ennis bid. Last January, this view was aired by Michéal Ó Riabhaigh of the Abbey Branch of Comhaltas, which is spearheading the campaign to bring the Fleadh to Clare, when he defended the decision to withdraw Ennis’ bid in favour of Derry.

“The decision we took to withdraw our bid was a risk worth taking and a gesture worth making. I would hope that the sacrifice that we made this time around will be appreciated when Ennis bids for the Fleadh in 2014,” he said.

Last September, Ennis narrowly lost out to Cavan on being host town for the 2012 Fleadh. In a three-way contest involving Ennis, Cavan and Sligo, Cavan won the right to host the festival for the third successive year on a 14-13 vote.

Ennis, Sligo and Derry were the three competing centres to host the 2013 Fleadh until the surprise move by the Abbey Branch of Comhaltas to withdraw the bid bring the festival to Ennis for the first time since 1977.

Now Ennis is set to go head-tohead with Sligo, with Drogheda also mooted as a possible late entry into the contest. The Ennis application is backed by the strength of traditional music in the county as showcased in the recent Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Cavan where the county won 134 medals in 42 categories. This was higher than any other county. 30/09/2012

THE State has been granted a further week to serve a book of evidence on an Ennis man charged with having heroin for sale or supply.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge Patrick Durcan agreed to adjourn the case of David Joyce (23) for another week.

Mr Joyce, with an address at 85 Dun na hInse, is charged with unlawful possession of diamorphine at 90 Dun na hInse, Ennis on May 30 (2012).

He is also charged with having diamorphine for purposes of sale or supply at the same location and date.

Inspector Michael Gallagher requested that the State be granted an additional week for service of the book of evidence.

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client had appeared in court on a number of occasions in relation to the charges.

Judge Durcan agreed to adjourn the case to tomorrow.

Acknowledging Ms Godfrey’s comments, Judge Durcan said they should be interpreted as “a warning to the State to get its act together.”

He remanded Mr Joyce on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on September 26.

SERVICES will be cut in the county to cover the € 240,000 withdrawn from the council coffers by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Last August, council members agreed to continue with services as planned under the budget adopted at the beginning of the year, on re- assurances from the county’s Fine Gael Oireachtais members that the money cut from the third quarter of the budget would be returned.

Now the council must take an axe to services during the last three months of the year to make up the unplanned shortfall.

The county’s councillors were angered on Friday when it was announced that the money would not be returned as promised.

Instead it must face a meeting on Monday where it will be asked to consider cutting certain vital services in order to balance the books.

Former mayor of Clare Tommy Brennan (Ind) proposed last August to go ahead with the budget as planned given the reassurance from the Government members present, and this week he was angry at the u-turn.

“I am calling on them [TDs] to see the Minister and return the money to Clare County Council. A lot of services will be cut back otherwise,” he said.

Mayor of Clare Pat Daly (FF) described the minister’s decision as “totally wrong”.

“The council is living on the edge at the moment.

“The last thing we need to do it cut services and there is a real danger that this could happen.”

He added that there was a real danger that those that did not pay will not pay the household charge now.

“Two thirds of people have paid the charge and they are being penalised by this man,” he added referring to the minister.

“He has let down his Fine Gael colleagues, especially Pat Breen and Joe Carey in a big way.”

Fine Gael councillor Joe Cooney was equally incensed by the decision.

Describing it as “desperate” and “unbelievable”, he fears for the future of essential public services.

“My belief is that minor and local roads are going to suffer, and we are asking people on those roads to pay taxes and household charges,” the councillor added.

Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) said he was concerned that there was “now no incentive on Clare County Council, Clare county councillors or the householders of Clare to contribute to the charge.”

A MAN alleged to have had cannabis for sale or supply in Shannon last year has been returned for trial.

Danny Harty (38), with an address at 60 Inis Eagla, Shannon appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

He is charged with having cannabis for purposes of sale or supply at Smithstown, Shannon on November 12 (2011).

He also charged with unlawful possession of cannabis at the same location on the same date.

Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented for the accused to be returned for trial to the next sitting of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court.

Garda Irene O’Flynn of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of having served the book of evidence on the accused.

Legal aid was approved for defence solicitor Jenny Fitzgibbon and one junior counsel.

Judge Patrick Durcan delivered the alibi warning.

He made the order returned Mr Harty for trial to the next sitting of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on October 16.

MEMBERS of the Fine Gael party in Clare are to tell the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan that a carrot rather and stick will reap more rewards in the county when it comes to collecting the household charge.

The loss of almost a quarter of a million euro of council funding last month will not be returned to Clare County Council, despite reassurances from the Minister through the two local Fine Gael TDs that all funding would be paid if a certain threshold was met.

On Saturday, Fine Gael councillors and Oireachtais members met and discussed the announcement following Friday’s developments.

It was agreed that there was little incentive left for the collection of the charge if the council and its public services were to be penalised regardless.

In a statement after the meeting the party in Clare said’

“There is a € 1.5 million shortfall in the household charge collection in Clare from 15,000 households who have failed to pay the legally due charge brought about by the collapse of the economy.”

It said the issue of the refunding of the € 240,000 from the third quarter payments from Government was discussed on the agenda.

“There is a Clare Fine Gael proposal being put by the Oireachtas members to the Minister for his urgent consideration to enable the refund that € 240,000.

“The proposal seeks the refund if a significant further improvement of payment rate is achieved in Clare over the next number of weeks.

“Essential council services need to be funded and unless we all contribute and pay we will fail to improve our collection rate,” it stated.

As the Fine Gael members prepare to meet with the Minister for Environment Phil Hogan on Saturday next at a party fundraising dinner, many admit privately that he has lost credibility with them.

This means any reassurances they might receive will be coated in more salt than the € 100 a plate dinner.