Category: News

A KILRUSH pensioner, who has just published his first novel at the ripe old age of 77, says he already has plans for a book of poetry and a second novel…and maybe even a film.

Jim Counihan, who is this week getting ready to officially launch his psychological thriller, To Ba la nce The Scales , says his love of books and writing came from his father, who bought him a copy of Moby Dick in Kilkee in the late 1940s.

Jim left Kilrush as a 17-year-old in 1951 and spent the next four decades working in England and Wales. He began to write in the 1980s but it wasn’t until after his retirement, in the early 1990s, that he turned his attention to fulfilling a life-long ambition and finishing his first novel.

However, it wasn’t until he returned home almost a decade ago that he decided that the time had come to get his work published.

“I was going through a divorce in the mid-1980s and because of that I felt like I needed to do something new, so I took up writing classes. I finished writing the story while I was living down in Wales in 1997 but it wasn’t until I returned home that I edited it and decided to try and get it published,” he said. “It was on my mind for years and years to finish the book and that is why I put the effort in over the last few years. It was a huge effort over the last two or three years to edit and re-edit the book but it was worth it to finally get it finished. “I remember when I was a kid my father brought me back two books from Kilkee Moby Dick and The Ma n in the Iron Ma sk . After that I just read and read everything I could get my hands on.” The book tells the story of a man living on the west coast of Ireland. The man becomes engaged to a redheaded marine biologist who disappears and the investigation into her disappearance uncovers a large and complex web of intrigue.

“It is a psychological thriller because the characters and their personalities are just as important as the plot and what is happening next. It is quite a complex story as well – so if you miss anything in the beginning you could get lost pretty quickly,” he continued.

“Over the last few years, I have written 40 or 50 poems and I am going to work on getting them published. In the story itself, there is a four or five page epilogue. I wrote that to give me some scope to go on and do a sequel in the future. I have also been told that the book itself might make a good film, because the writing is so visual. So we’ll have to see what happens with that. Writing is great escapism for me, there is a huge amount of work in it but I love it.”

The book is available to buy online at www.choicepublishing.ie.

KILRUSH Town Council has backed the introduction a new rates reduction scheme to breathe new business life into the West Clare capital, but has challenged landlords in the town to play their part by reducing rents.

This twin-track approach to attracting new business to Kilrush is set to form the basis of a new Retail Incentive Scheme being pioneered by town leaders on the back of startling figures revealed by The Clare People

A “VACANT” 41-space car park in the centre of Ennis counters the perception that the town suffers from a shortage of short-term parking spaces, senior officials with Ennis Town Council have said.

In a motion submitted to the June meeting of Ennis Town Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) questioned if the increase in parking charges “has had a negative impact on the revenue (from same)”, Cllr Howard said she was referring in particular to the Friary walk car park.

She told the meeting that the car park “was nearly always full but is now nearly always empty”.

Parking charges rose to € 1.30 an hour in Ennis in January. In his response to Cllr Howard’s motion, Town Clerk Eddie Power said an examination of income from parking meters to May 31 (2011) showed an increase over the same period last year.

He added, “It is clear that there are now vacant spaces in this car park throughout each day. The availability of significant number of spaces so close to the town addresses perceived deficiencies in short-term parking in the core town centre areas.”

Mr Power told the meeting that the availability of spaces “begs the question, was there a shortage at all”. He said that more customers might use the car park during the summer. He added that Council officials had been “on record” and repeatedly stated that multi-story car parks in Ennis are underutilised.

Town Manager Ger Dollard told last week’s meeting that it was still too early to if the increase in charges has led to a reduction in parking in Ennis.

He said the decision to reduce maximum parking stay at the Friary walk car park from three to two hours had been taken in response to concerns over the shortage of short-term car park spaces. He said the new byelaws delivered 41 spaces within one minute’s walk from the town centre at a time where there had been “very strong public opinion that you couldn’t get parking in Ennis”.

“If it stays vacant for the next six months, then you have to ask will we change it,” he added. Referring to the use of multi-story car parks, Mr Dollard said occupancy of private multi-story car parks is “30 per cent at best”.

Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) claimed drivers are boycotting use of the car park. Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said the car park could be used to cater for the “120 buses shooting past Ennis” on a daily basis.

Mayor of Ennis Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) questioned if the car park is not being fully used because they think it is fenced off.

“People are driving around the hotel looking for spaces and the one beside it is empty,” he added.

The Council’s annual financial statement for 2010 shows that parking fees and charges collected by the Council dropped from € 1,484,957 in 2009 to € 1,407,147 last year.

A MAJOR piece of research into the social condition of family carers in Clare will be launched today as part of National Carers Weeks.

The research, which is being launched by Professor Eamon O’Shea from NUI, Galway, will be used to find out how well family carers in the county are able to remain connected with society and not become isolated as a result of their role as carers.

A host of other events are taking place all over the county to mark the fifth ever National Carers Weeks. On Wednesday, June 15, there will be a wellness and relaxation session for carers with Geri Quinn in the Ennistymon Public Library, while Tai Chi for Carers with Margaret O’Connor will take place in De Valera Public Library in Ennis. Also on Wednesday, Caring for Carers West Clare will be promoting positive mental health in Regina House in Kilrush at 8pm.

On Thursday a ‘Go for Life’ session, which involves 60 to 90 minutes of relaxing, fun activities for carers, will be held with Kathleen O’Connor in the Ennistymon Community Centre from 11am, and in Shannon Library from 11am with Deirdre Daly.

On Friday, June 17, MEP Marian Harkin will present certificates for the Leonardo da Vinci Lifelong Learning Project to carers in the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis at 2.30pm. The festivities will culminate on Friday with celebratory dinners for family carers in the Clare Inn Hotel at 7.30pm.

The week’s events are being organised by Caring for Carers in Clare in partnership with Clare County Library, the Clare Volunteer Centre, Clare Sports Partnership and the Health Service Executive Health Promotion Services in Clare.

The aim of this week of activities is to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work that family carers do and to provide them with the opportunity to take time for themselves to concentrate on their own health and well-being. The theme of well-being will run throughout the week and carers will be encouraged to get active and enjoy a programme of fun and recreation.

Family carers are typically immediate relatives who provide very high levels of care at home, for children and adults with severe disabilities, frail older people and people who are terminally ill. According to the 2006 census, there were 4,507 carers based in Clare. For more details on the events taking place during National Carers Weeks, visit www.caringforcarers.org.

THE emotion in the voices of two female friends of Eoin Ryan’s spoke for everyone in Ballyea on Friday morning – holding hands they stood together and delivered an achingly poignant rendition of Sarah McLachan’s ‘In the Arms of the Angels’.

Tears welling in their eyes, the song came as 21-year-old Eoin prepared for his final journey, from Ballyea Church to the adjoining cemetery in the church grounds.

Every seat in Ballyea Church was taken nearly an hour before the funeral mass got underway at 11am, while outside large numbers listened to the ceremony through a public address system that had been erected in the church grounds.

“He, like any young man, would be looking forward to and dreaming of a bright future for himself,” said parish priest Fr Harry Brady in his homily. “His family and his friends have many precious memories of him, but yet the pain is there and the emptiness is there.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ryan family, Eoin’s older brother Daniel drew laughter from the congregation when prefacing his comments by say- ing “I will keep it very quick because nothing would annoy Eoin more than me being the centre of attention.

“On behalf of my Dad, Mam, Lisa and I, I wish express our deep gratitude to Eoin’s friends, our friends and our relations who have supported us and brought us through the last few days.

“I would like to thank Eddie and the choir for their beautuful singing. I’d like to thank the Garda Siochána for their professionalism and their empathy over the last few days and I’d like to thank Fr Brady and all the other priests for their compassion and support.

“Most especially, we want to thank our great neighbours for all their unbelievable assistance. Without you, we could not have got through these last few traumatic days. We will be forever grateful for you. Thank you all so much.

“Please remember Eoin as the peaceful, loving, beautiful young man that he was. Even though he’s gone from us now, he will remain a shining light in our hearts forever. We love you Eoin,” he added.

THERE have been calls for Ennis Town Council to seek a more cost effective way of providing public toilet facilities after it emerged that costs for 2010 stood at almost € 70,000.

Figures contained in the Council’s annual financial statement show that the so-called “super loos” generated just over € 3,000 in income.

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) told the June meeting of Ennis Town Council, that the scheme has “obviously not been flush with success”. He questioned whether or not the Council should continue with this level of expenditure.

Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said that while the cost of running the toilets “looks enormous”, they represent a better option than larger public toilet units. “It is value for money,” he said.

Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) said it was “essential” that public toilets are available in Ennis in light of the town’s bid to host the 2012 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. However he asked if the Council could “get better value”.

Town Manager Ger Dollard said it was his experience that public toilet buildings were “fairly poor facilities” that were expensive to operate.

He said toilets provoked “constant complaints” and caused hygiene problems. “The super-loo arrangement does represent value for money,” he added.

THE loss of Eoin Ryan has left an “indelible mark” on everyone, the Mayor of Clare said yesterday.

Eoin’s uncle-in-law, Cllr Christy Curtin (Independent) made the comment at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Clare County Council, which was adjourned due to a number of bereavements, including the death of Mr Ryan.

“It’s a particularly poignant moment for me,” Cllr Curtin told councillors.

“For me and my family, the loss of Eoin Ryan can never be measured. The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Eoin Ryan has left an indelible mark on all of us,” he said.

He added that he would convey the support of his fellow councillors to Eoin’s parents Don and Phil, brother Daniel and sister Lisa.

Tributes were also paid to the family of retired Shannon Town Clerk Tomás MacCormaic, who passed away last Tuesday, while the late Frank O’Dea – father of Ennis Town Engineer Eamon O’Dea – was also remembered by councillors.

The family of the Clare VEC CEO George O’Callaghan was also re- membered by the councillors, in the wake of the death of his seven-yearold son Patrick last Friday.

Fine Gael Councillor Joe Arkins said, “The circumstances that are facing us and the issues that have occurred over the last number of days are unprecedented.”

Fianna Fáil Councillor Cathal Crowe said the death of Mr Ryan was “sad and untimely” and said he was saddened to see the loss of such a young life in Master O’Callaghan.

Labour Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald said he was shocked to hear of the death of Patrick O’Callaghan.

The County Manager, Tom Cough- lan also expressed his sympathies with all the families.

The meeting was adjourned for one week.

The co-option of new Fine Gael councillors Seán McLoughlin (Shannon Electoral Area) and Bill Slattery (North Clare Electoral Area), which was due to take place yesterday, was adjourned for one week, due to the adjournment of the meeting.

Cllr McLoughlin will replace Tony Mulcahy, while Cllr Slattery will replace Martin Conway, following the election of both men to the Seanad last month.

CONSIDERATION should be given to a reduction in commercial rates in Ennis, one of the town’s longest serving councillors has said.

Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said that many businesses in Ennis are finding it difficult to pay rates.

He said, “We should be looking at a minor decrease in rates to assist businesses that are struggling.”

Cllr Considine was speaking at the June meeting of Ennis Town Council, where members were presented with the Council’s annual financial statement for 2010.

In his report, Town Manager Ger Dollard states, “2010 resulted in a small positive operating result of € 102,725 on the revenue account. This represents an overall improvement in Ennis Town Council’s revenue account and reverses the negative result of 2009.”

He added, “Overall, it should be noted that the AFS reflects the position at a particular point in time and underlying issues and trends need to be taken into consideration.”

The statement shows that expenditure on the revenue account (excluding transfers) amounted to € 11,867,320 while income on the revenue account (excl transfers) amounted to € 5,214,747.

Mr Dollard explained there were a number of reasons for the principal variances in income and expenditure for 2010.

They included: loan charges under budget mainly due to the fact that an additional loan for section E of the Inner relief road that was budgeted for and not drawn down; income from traffic fines and parking charges being less than expected; the requirement of a higher provision for potential bad debts of commercial rates due to the current economic crisis and additional expenditure (€ 666,594) on Lees Road and other recreational facilities.

The report shows that the figure for irrecoverable rates in 2010 was € 528,930. Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) urged the Council to get tough with some business people whom he said are “not paying rates and moving from one shop to another”.

HOUSEHOLDERS who had to claimed for repai rs on thei r home insurance after the big freeze last December are in some cases facing a 300 per cent hi ke in t hei r insurance costs.

One householder who made a claim after pipes burst and flooded her West Clare home is now facing a bil l of € 1, 200 to insure her home for the comi ng year.

“Our insurance last year was less than € 400 for the year. I was ab- solutely st unned when they told me how much the renewal would be. And we can’t even shop around because the company still hasn’t paid for all t he work t hat was done,” t he woman, who asked not to be named, told The Clare People .

Having never made a claim on her home insurance before, the householder said she feels it is “ a ver y severe hi ke. They have you over a bar rel because you can’t not insure t he house in case somet hing happens. But I really feel this is excessive when there has never been a clai m before.”

Another home-owner who had to clai m after pipes burst on Christmas Day and flooded his home in East Clare has had a jump in the cost of his renewal to € 1,100.

“There was a lot of damage to put right as there was water flowing for a long ti me because of the day that it was. It was hard to get anyone out. But this just r ubs salt i n the wound. Our yearly premiums were around € 350 before this. They were quick about paying for t he work done but they were quick to put the price of renewal up as well,” he told The Clare People .

Household insurance rates increased by an average of 10 per cent last year and a similar amount the year before.

The last two years had been “heavily loss-making” for the indust r y, a spokesman for the Insurance Federation of Ireland said.

Insurance companies paid out a massive € 10. 573 million in compensation to householders and businesses in Clare whose proper ty was damaged in December’s big freeze.

The Banner count y received the four t h highest amount of insurance money in t he count r y, behind Limerick Galway and Ker r y.

The cost per 1, 000 head of population in the count y was € 95, 295.

And whi le the Munster area accounts for 28 per cent of t he national population, 40 per cent of the claims which insurers paid out were from Munster.

The December severe weather cost insurance companies € 224 million national ly.

GREATER transparency in the allocation of private and local authority housing would help to prevent antisocial behaviour in estates in Ennis, a meeting has heard.

Ennis Town Council has adopted a draft allocation scheme, which incorporates new clauses relating to estate management.

However members have expressed concern over the level of information available regarding the allocation of housing in Ennis.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) told the Council’s June meeting that tenants in some estates in Ennis “are doing a lot of damage in the communities they move into”.

“I’m hearing stories that people are thrashing houses and moving on,” he added.

Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said elected representatives are “handcuffed” when it comes to housing policy. He said it would be helpful if councillors had access to information regarding the number of houses on the waiting list and who they are available for.

Cllr Peter Considine (FF) stressed that councillors have “no hand, act or say” in the allocation of local author- ity housing.

However, he said that there should be some means by which councillors can convey information about potential tenants to the housing section. Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said it should be an aim of the Council to ensure that tenants that “arrive into an area are best for the area”.

Town Clerk Eddie Power explained that when the Health Services Executive (HSE) are involved, tenants select the house and then receive financial support from the HSE. He explained that the Council advises that all standard letting agreements include provisions for anti-social be- haviour.

Mayor of Ennis Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said that when tenants in HSE supported housing create antisocial behaviour, neighbours often did not know who to complain to. Describing it as a “big issue” in some private estates around Ennis, Cllr Brennan said, “No one can make a complaint to because there is no one to make a complaint to.” Cllr Brennan added that there “was no way the HSE should have anything to do with housing”. Town Manager Ger Dollard said that local authority tenancy agreements are structured in a way to deal with anti-social behaviour.

Niall O’Keefe, of the Council’s housing’s section, told the meeting that approaches to state agencies and developers for houses “hasn’t been successful”, resulting in just four units being made available.

Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) said the Council should allocate more staff to estate management. Cllr Guilfoyle said anti-social problems are mainly occurring in private estates and the Council’s estate manager only deals with local authority housing.

Mr Dollard said that while there is case for more staff, 47 positions had been lost in the Council in the past two years.