Category: News

SHANNON Heritage has been hailed as the jewel in the mid west’s crown by the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar – a ringing endorsement that’s set to ensure that the Shannon Development subsidiary is firewalled against any change to its operating structure during the implementation of a new semi-state blueprint for the region.

The government go-ahead for Shannon Heritage to continue with its historical mandate for operating visitor attractions in the mid west region was given by Minister Varadkar, after he signalled the break-up of the Shannon Development company that has operated in the mid west since 1959.

“We envisage with Shannon Development that of some its staff will transfer to the IDA, some to Enterprise Ireland and some to Fáilte Ireland and some becoming staff of the new airport body,” revealed Minister Varadkar.

“Shannon Heritage stands on its own,” he added, “because it’s a company that I’ve been hugely impressed with. It’s a company that’s growing outside the region as it has been given the contract for the management of Malahide Castle in Dublin. That shows what it can do”.

Shannon Heritage has responsibility for a host of visitor attractions in the mid west region, dating back to the medieval banquets that started at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in the early 1960s.

Banquets are also held at Dungaire Castle in Kinvara and Knappogue Castle in Quin, while its estimated that nearly five million people have enjoyed the mediaeval banquet experience over the past 50 years. Other Shannon Heritage attractions include Craggaunowen in Quin, Lough Gur in Kilmallock and the Brian Boru Heritage Centre in Killaloe.

“One thing the Shannon steering group will have to decide is whether Shannon Heritage becomes a subsidiary of Fáilte Ireland or a subsidiary of the new Shannon company,” revealed Minister Varadkar.

“My preference is that it would become a subsidiary of the new Shannon Airport company and would remain regionally focused,” he added.

A MAN who carried out a “vicious assault” on his brother with a hatchet has received a prison sentence.

James McDonagh (38), with an address at bay six Ballymurtagh, Shannon, attacked Michael McDonagh at the rear of their father’s home at the Ballymurtagh halting site on August 31 (2011). Half of Michael McDonagh’s left ear was severed in the assault while the father of four also suffered injuries to his scalp and abdomen. He spent four days in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.

A jury found James McDonagh guilty of assault causing harm and possession of a hatchet earlier this month.

He was sentenced to five years in prison for assault and three years for possession of the hatchet. The final year of the sentence was suspended. The sentences are to be served on a concurrent basis.

Judge Gerald Keyes said James McDonagh, who has 97 previous convictions, has an “appalling record.”

He added, “Since your conviction on those charges you have not shown any sign of remorse.”

Referring to Michael McDonagh’s victim impact statement, Judge Keyes said the family are in fear of their lives. Judge Keyes added, “The information would suggest that you are a danger to society, to your brother, your family and extended family.”

He noted that James McDonagh had shown signs recently that he is willing to improve his behaviour by completing a relapse prevention programme while in prison

He added, “There is a letter from the Governor of Limerick prison, which I’m told is unusual, that supports the view that at this late stage you have decided to change your ways.”

Judge Keyes also noted Michael McDonagh’s request for any sentence to include some element of rehabilitation for his brother.

He suspended the final year of the sentence on condition that James McDonagh keep the peace for two years and enter a programme under the supervision of the probation and welfare services.

James McDonagh was ordered to not come within 500 yards of the Ballymurtagh halting site and to not approach Michael McDonagh or his family without first getting the permission of gardaí.

Judge Keyes ordered James McDonagh to abstain from the consumption of alcohol and drugs.

He said the fact that the offence had been committed shortly after James McDonagh had been released from prison was an “aggravating factor” in the case.

He added, “The severity of the attack on this man justifies the sentence.” A we e k o f c lo u d a n d b u rst s o f su n sh in e . Th u rsd a y w ill p ro b a b ly b e t h e wo rst d a y. Ne xt we e k lo o ks sim ila r e a rly in t h e we e k, b u t n o h e a t wa ve o n t h e h o rizo n .

A MAN has received a four-month prison sentence for sending a series of “vile and vicious” text messages to his former landlady.

Colm Quigley (39), with an address at 1 Steele’s Terrace, Ennis, pleaded guilty to offences contrary to the postal and telecommunications act at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

The court heard that on October 17 (2011) Mr Quigley sent eight offensive and threatening text messages to Carmel Corbett.

One of the messages read, “Pick out your headstone, you’ll be dead shortly.”

The accused also told Ms Corbett “Watch your back. I know where you are.”

Another text message made a threatening reference to Ms Corbett’s daughter. Inspector Tom Kennedy explained that Ms Corbett had rented accommodation in Drumcliff to Mr Quigley who had now left. He said there was some dispute as to whether this was amicable or not.

He said that Mr Quigley sent the messages after leaving the accommodation.

Insp Kennedy described the messages as “quite nasty and unsavory.”

The matter was reported to gardaí on October 19 and the messages were subsequently traced back to Mr Quigley.

The court heard that he admitted sending the messages to gardaí.

Insp Kennedy said, “He was very intoxicated when he sent them. He was very apologetic. He told the guards that not a million years would he normally do it.”

He added, “The victim was very disturbed and was concerned about going out on her own.”

Solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client, who lived in the house for two years, had carried out work to the property after previously being told that it would be brought up to a certain standard.

He said Mr Quigley had arrived back to the property to find the locks had been changed.

Mr Hassett said his client was upset and sent the messages from the pub.

He added, “He made no level or at- tempt to disguise his identification.”

The court heard that Mr Quigley wrote a letter of apology to the victim.

Mr Hassett said, “Its something he will be ashamed of until his dying days.”

Judge Patrick Durcan said he regarded the offence as a “very serious matter.”

He said, “This was a case where a person uses modern technology to mentally violate somebody.” He said the messages were of a “vile and viscous nature.”

He imposed a four month prison sentence and fined Mr Quigley € 800.

Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.

A CLARE Government TD has said he believes that Shannon Development can successfully run Shannon Airport if it is given the right resources and expertise, and raised concerns about its future if it is leased to the private sector.

Deputy Michael McNamara (Lab) said, “On the decision of management, there is no reason why Shannon Development should not take over the role if the required expertise is brought in.”

While welcoming the decision of the Government to create an independent Shannon Airport, he raised concerns that there were still a lot of questions about its future.

The Labour TD said that while the airport and land bank assets will remain in public ownership, we don’t know if the new entity will ultimately be franchised to a semi-state or a private company.

“The operator needs to be reputable with a proven track record in the airport and aviation business. I do not believe that Shannon should be handed over on a long lease to oligarchs, no matter how tempting this might seem in terms of a quick-fix solution,” he said.

The Clare TD said that whoever takes over the airport couldn’t be allowed to run it down like the Dublin Airport Authority had been doing for the last number of years.

He said he also broadly supported the decision to restructure the enter- prise support agencies in the Shannon region.

Deputy McNamara said we would have to await the recommendations of the steering group to report to Cabinet before we have a clear picture of the new Shannon entity and how it proposes to develop the airport and the region.

He added that, while a quick-fix solution was not the answer, a solution had to be made quickly, “particularly if a new management structure is to be put in place in time to go out and compete for the 2013 tourism season”.

“By September 2011, most decisions on routes for 2012 were made and a tourism plan was in place. Minds must be focused quickly on the issue,’ he said.

BUSINESS-owners in Ennis have been urged to make premises available for a new arts initiative aimed at breathing new life into the town centre.

Latest developments under the recently launched the Ennis Access to Spaces Initiative (EASI) were discussed at last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council.

Coordinated by Ennis Town Coun- cil, Clare County Council and Ennis Chamber of Commerce, the scheme aims to revitalise Ennis town centre by facilitating the use of unoccupied spaces for commercial, creative and community use.

A license agreement has been drawn up that provides for a mechanism for a formal agreement to be put in place between the council and participating parties.

Siobhán Mulcahy, Arts Officer, explained;

“A number of initiatives are hap- pening in the town and negotiations are underway with other landlords to facilitate the use of underused spaces in the town.”

She told the meeting that the agreement provides for a waiver of rates on non-commercial activities in participating properties.

Town Clerk Leonard Cleary said that the agreement would protect the interests of all parties involved.

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) said the initiative would “enhance the streetscape of Ennis” and should prove successful.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said the iniative could be used to attract even more tourists to Ennis:

“It is a worthwhile initiative and hopefully it will turn Ennis into a town that people want to visit.”

Empty and underutilised space, such as the premises beneath Sunkiss in Market Street, has already been transformed into a pop-up space highlighting work by some of Clare’s very best craftworkers and artists, including textile artist Steph Gahan, ceramicist Helen Griffin and contemporary furniture-maker John Hogan.

Mr Cleary urged business people in the town to support the initiative.

He said, “A number of crafts people have approached the arts officer and we need that reciprocated from the property-owners.”

Mr Cleary added, “This is an appeal, a special request, to create an arts cluster in the town to breathe new life into Ennis.”

A FURTHER extension of time has been granted for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to issue directions for three people charged in relation to alleged incidents outside a primary school in Ennis in March.

Conor Mahon (21), Rose Mahon (22) and Laura Molloy (21) are charged with alleged offences at the Holy Family Junior School, Station Road, Ennis on March 20.

Conor Mahon, of Ballaghboy, Quin Road, Ennis is charged with possession of a slash hook at the school contrary to the firearms and offen- sive weapons act and with engaging in threatening and, or, abusive behaviour.

Conor Mahon’s wife, Rose Mahon, a mother of two, also of Ballaghboy Quin Road, Ennis, is charged with causing € 1500 worth of damage to the windows of a vehicle belonging to Thomas Sherlock on Station Road.

Her sister, Laura Molloy, of 21 An Pairc, Bruach na hAbhainn, Ennis is also charged with causing € 1500 worth of damage to the windows of a vehicle belonging to Thomas Sherlock on Station Road. Both sisters are also charged with provoking a breach of the peace. All three accused deny the charges.

The matter was before Ennis District Court last Wednesday.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that directions had not yet been finalized. Solicitor for all three accused, Daragh Hassett said he had concerns that directions had not yet been issued.

He said. “This case has attracted a certain degree of notoriety about what is alleged to have happened in a school. All of which is denied.”

He said the strict bail conditions imposed on his clients meant that all three people “are basically under house arrest.”

He claimed that the file against his clients “had been left lying on a desk.” Mr Hassett added, “I want to know where these cases are going because they appear to be going nowhere.”Insp Kennedy said the case is being “actively investigated.”

He said, “This is very complex investigation. There is an element of cross allegations that the guards are looking into.” He said it had taken longer than anticipated to prepare the files. Insp Kennedy added, “This is not a simple matter. There are serious charges involved.”

He said that a file should be sent to the DPP in the next two weeks.

Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the matter until June 6 for DPP’s directions.

Mr Hassett requested that bail conditions be altered for Conor and Rose Mahon.

He said the couple have children with heart difficulties and sometimes needed to attend the doctor after 9pm.

Curfew for Rose Mahon was extended to 12 midnight. Judge Durcan ruled that as bail for Conor Mahon was granted by the High Court, a change in bail conditions could only be secured there.

THE delay in the final roll out of Shannon’s independence from the Dublin Airport Authority could see the airport stripped bare as passenger numbers and services plummet further, a key Clare County Council committee has warned this week.

At a special meeting of the council’s Strategic Policy Committee for Community and Enterprise, Tourism and Emergency Services, a number of councillors voiced their concerns about the potential vacuum between the announcement and implementation of a new independent Shannon structure.

“I would like more urgency put into this,” said Cllr PJ Ryan (Ind). “I’d be scared that this steering group could go on and on for an awful long time. We need to make decisions to put things in place for 2013.

“I’d be afraid that if this thing goes on that the airport would end up like a carcass and the DAA would be picking things off it and you’d be left with nothing only bones. We have to move on fast,” he added.

This concern was echoed by a number of councillors, who criticised what they called the “limbo” that Shannon finds itself in ahead of the appointment of the steering committee to spearhead the Government decision to separate Shannon for DAA control.

“It’s only an announcement. We are in limbo long enough – we’re still in limbo,” said Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind).

“We have been left in limbo for long enough,” agreed Cllr Richard Nagle, who is chairman of the SPC.

“Shannon Airport has been in a straight jacket where it continues to decline. This does give an opportunity for a new beginning. I do think it is imperative for the county that we get clarity and that decisions are made quickly.

“If the steering committee isn’t put in place until the end of the year, where does that leave Shannon? The board of the airport authority (SAA) doesn’t have the power to make decisions at the moment regarding Shannon, because it’s still under the DAA,” added Cllr Nagle.

“It is a step in the right direction,” said Cllr Joe Arkins (FG), “but only a step and it is time we went from stepping into marching.

“We will be competing with Dublin and Cork for business.

“We are left in limbo and one of our competitors (Dublin Airport) has ownership of our competition (Cork Airport). We are going to find ourselves very much on the hind tit,” he added.

“I have concerns,” said Mayor of Ennis, Michael Guilfoyle (Ind). “Is Minister Varadkar just announcing this just for the sake of it, to get people positive thinking by the people of Clare and the mid-west area three weeks before the referendum. Something more positive should be coming and more direction should be given to us.

“At the minute, we are going around in circles,” he added.

“There would be a number of concerns,” admitted Clare County Council Director of Services, Ger Dollard.

“The biggest concern would be the timescale. What arrangements will be put in place short term before the airport begins to exercise its independent role?

“There are wider concerns about how the IDA, Failte Ireland and Enterprise Ireland will take on Shannon Development’s role. Clarity is needed quite quickly on how that is going to happen.

“However, there are a lot of positives, particularly in relation to independence, the fact that it will remain in public ownership and the fact that the airport will be debt-free, so there are a lot of positives.

“The county council with its own County Cevelopment Plan has been very strong in relation to Shannon Airport and in particular the development of airport lands. We particularly welcome the idea of a final services centre type model built around aviation at the airport,” Mr Dollard added.

THE chairman of the Ennis Joint Policing Committee (JPC) is to propose that all meetings are held in public.

Currently, the committee meetings between gardaí, local politicians, council officials and community representatives are held in private. There is one public meeting every year.

Now, the Chairman of the committee, Councillor Paul O’Shea (Lab) is calling for all meetings to be held in public.

Cllr O’Shea told last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council that he had been calling for public sessions for the past two years. He said he would raise the matter at the next JPC meeting.

It followed criticisms of the current format by Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind).

He said, “I was quite disappointed with the last meeting. You got the feeling that we could ask as many questions as we wanted but we weren’t going to get any answers.”

Cllr Neylon proposed that any sensitive matters could be dealt with before the public session of the meeting.

He said the current format is not doing any service to the public.

Town Manager Ger Dollard told the meeting that the JPC is a separate body from the council and, as such, any changes could only be implemented by the committee members.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said the JPC is a worthwhile project and had helped develop closer links between the council and Gardaí. He backed calls for meetings to be held in public.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said the proposal was a matter for the JPC.

The next JPC meeting is due to take place on June 11.

A TAXI driver has been found guilty of assaulting a passenger near his home in Ennis two years ago.

Okechukwu Utuke, with an address at 45 Dun Na hInse, Ennis, pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to Michael L’ Estrange at Gort Na mBlath, Ennis on April 25 (2010). Mr Utuke (44) also pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbery.

It took a jury 23 minutes to convict Mr Utuke of assault. He was found not guilty of robbery. Details of the assault were heard at the three day trial in Ennis Circuit Court last week. Mr L’ Estrange, who suffered a fractured collarbone in the assault, told the jury that he had gone for a few drinks in town and left for home at around 1.30am. He said that he had started to walk but when he got to Country Pine, he “flagged” down a taxi.

He asked the driver to bring him to his home at 27 Gort na mBlath. Mr L’ Estrange said he stopped a short distance from his house. He said he never got a taxi directly to his home “because you don’t know who’s who.” Mr L’ Estrange said that after the car came to a halt in Gort Na mBlath, he disputed the fare of € 15, adding that it usually cost between seven and eight euros.

The court heard that Mr L’Estrange dropped € 10 onto the front passenger seat and left the car.

Mr L’ Estrange said that the driver followed him from the car, knocked him to the ground and started digging him with his fists. He said he was also struck with an implement.

Mr L’ Estrange said the driver then put his hands into his pocket and took out € 70. He added, “I asked him to give the money back. He got in his car and took off.”

Elaine Shanahan witnessed what she described as a “coloured man” beating another man on the ground just outside her home at 18 Gort na mBlath. She told the court she was horrified to see the man hit the other repeatedly with a toy trailer. He then proceeded to hit him with a sweeping brush, she recalled.

According to Ms Shanahan’s testimony, the assailant then got into his silver Toyota car and drove away at speed. She did not get the car registration number, but recorded the taxi number on her phone, which she later gave to Gardaí. The court heard that Mr Utuke accepted that he owned a silver Toyota Avensis and had made a call to Gort na mBlath on the night in question. The court heard that Mr Utuke claimed that Mr L’ Estrange had run off without paying. Mr Utuke was convicted of assault and acquitted of robbery. He is due to be sentenced on May 18.

CLARE County Council is demanding representation of the government appointed steering committee that will be charged with implementation of Shannon’s new status as a stand alone semi-state airport independent of the Dublin Airport Authority.

And the council is also demanding a seat on the board of the new Shan- non Airport management company that’s put in place by this steering committee as the final piece of the independence jigsaw.

This wish list of Clare’s premier decision making body was aired at a meeting of the local authority’s Strategic Policy Committee for Community and Enterprise, Tourism and Emergency Services in Áras an Chláir on Monday morning.

“We should write to Minister Var- adkar, impressing on him the need to put that steering committee in place as soon as is possible,” said Cllr Joe Arkins (FG), “and

We want representation on that committee and have to demand it”.

Expanding on Clare County Council’s demands, former Mayor of Clare, Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) called on the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, to “set up the new board and Clare County Council should have proper representation on it”.

“Before the new board is put in place the DAA still have control of Shannon and they aren’t going to spend a great deal of time focusing on Shannon,” warned Cllr Richard Nagle.

“It won’t be a priority, so it is imperative for the well-being of the airport that this steering committee is put in place very quickly and that it has very clear and focused objec- tives and a very aggressive marketing strategy because that’s the only way the airport is going to be turned around,” he added.

Members of the SPC resolved to write to Minister Varadkar seeking a meeting over the next couple of weeks, with a deputation of councillors, business and tourism interests in the region airing their views and vision for an independent Shannon Airport.