Category: News

A 48-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in Ennis District Court in connection with the alleged possession of child pornography. The man is charged with possession of 641 images of child pornographic material at his home in the South Galway area in March. On Friday, garda John Keating gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. Insp John Galvin told the court that gardaí had no objection provided certain conditions are met. Insp Galvin said the man must reside at a certain address and sign on once a week at a local Garda station. The man was ordered to notify Gardaí of any intention to move away from the area and to surrender his passport. He was also ordered to stay away from Coole Park and Garryland Woods. Solicitor for the accused consented to the bail conditions. Judge Joseph Mangan remanded the man to appear at Gort District Court on June 28.

MEMBERS at the inaugural meeting of the Shannon Green Party have pledged support to campaign for a light rail link to Shannon Airport and want to see any money collected in water charges reinvested in Shannon to tackle leaking pipes.

The first meeting of the new branch under Shannon representative Gerben Unk discussed the possibility of having the link to make Shannon more acessible by public transport. The members said they also want to see an upgrade to provide safe and continuous cycle paths in the estate. But one of the most pressing issue, Mr Unk said at the meeting, is that of water charges.

“It appears that the present govern- ment is intent on bringing in water charges in advance of the roll out of an effective water metering system. Families may be faced with a flat fee of € 175.

The local Shannon Greens are concerned that this will be inequitable because everyone will pay the same regardless of the amount of water they use and ultimately counter-productive as it gives no incentive to user water wisely. Equally, there was concern among the membership for the prospect of an additional drain on the resources of already struggling families. There are fears that it will be introduced without proper processes in place to deal with those who are on low incomes or social welfare who are simply unable to bear the cost.

Just as important is the upgrading and ring-fencing of water charges for small- and medium-sized businesses who can barely survive in the current economic climate,” he said

On the issue of cycle paths for Shannon, Mr Unk said, “The environmental and health benefits of cycling are well documented and it is eminently feasible to cycle from anywhere in Shannon to work in any of the business parks around the town. Cycle paths should be implemented as much as possible, linking local housing estates to the business parks. This must be coupled with a renewed focus on the Bike to Work Scheme. This renewed focus should target local businesses and the community generally.”

The branch now plans to hold a public meeting focused on the water charges issue.

“We will invite all political representatives in the Shannon area, to attend this meeting.

“We are aware there is a lot of leakage due to insufficient piping in the Shannon area and a lot of water gets wasted and we all experienced the effects of this last winter. Sadly this is not unique to Shannon and affects many parts of the country. The Greens demand the proceeds of these water charges are spent at local level to improve the water infrastructure in local communities, for example waste water treatment systems, upgrading and repair of broken/leaking pipes, and educational initiatives focusing on the need to conserve water,” added Mr Unk.

THERE will be no change in the status of US military flights passing through Shannon in light of the revelations from the whistle-blowing website Wikileaks that successive Fianna Fáil-led governments refused to properly investigate claims that the airport was used by the CIA to illegally transport terror suspects.

The Fine Gael-led government has confirmed that military flights passing through Clare’s international airport will not be inspected, with a spokesperson saying that “no changes are envisaged in relation to inspection of US military flights going through Shannon”.

This announcement comes on the back of the release of diplomatic cables by the Wikileaks which showed that the extent of Fianna Fáil-led government investigations into alleged ‘torture flights’ amounted to then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern asking US Ambassador to Ireland James Kenny, ‘am I alright on this?’.

A cable from Mr Kenny’s successor as ambassador, Thomas Foley, also revealed that within a month of becoming Taoiseach, Brian Cowen confirmed his unwavering support for the use of Shannon.

“Cowen stressed that as long as he is in office, the US can count on continued support for its military activities at Shannon,” Mr Foley said in a confidential cable in June 2008.

Three years on, current Taoiseach Enda Kenny backed this stance after discussing the Shannon issue with President Obama during his one-day visit to Ireland.

“We discussed the relationship between Ireland and the States, the continuing importance of that, and I reiterated the no-change policy in respect of the use of Shannon, in respect of American aircraft serving the UN resolutions, passing through,” he said.

In January, Amnesty International Ireland claimed that the then Government “knew rendition flights transited Ireland and that they knew this breached the legally binding convention on torture”.

In calling for an independent investigation into the use of Shannon, Amnesty Ireland’s executive director Colm O’Gorman said “this stunning disregard for people’s lives and the rule of law is unconscionable”.

The Programme for Government states the Government “will enforce the prohibition on the use of Irish airspace, airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates of international law”.

“Arrangements for the overflight and landing of US military aircraft have been continuously in place for over 50 years. Civilian aircraft are prohibited from carrying weapons or munitions over Ireland or into Irish airports unless they receive an exemption from the transport minister,” a government spokesperson told The Clare People .

A JUDGE has warned two teenagers involved in a burglary in Kilrush that they must work with the probation services or face prison sentences.

Judge Carroll Moran was speaking at Ennis Circuit Court on Monday (May 30) at the case of Warren O’Donnell (19), of Moore Street, Kilrush,

Mr O’Donnell is charged with aggravated burglary and assault at Kilrush on November 12 2008.

Another teenager, who was 13 when the incident occurred and cannot be named, is also charged in connection with the burglary.

Assault victim, Domingos Semedo, said in a victim impact statement read in court by a Portuguese interpreter that the incident had changed his life and forced him to give up work for a period of four months.

He stated that he had lost out in just over € 17,000 in wages. This figure was disputed by Pat Whyms, Counsel for O’Donnell.

Mr Whyms questioned how Mr Semedo could have lost out on € 17,000 when he had only moved to Kilrush four days prior to the incident.

Mr Semedo, who was not in court, stated that he went through a “very stressful” period, adding, “I still wake up thinking about the incident…I still have nightmares.”

While thanking the gardaí for their support and assistance, Mr Semedo stated that he was “very disappointed with the criminal justice system in Ireland” as he did not think the “aggressors” would be punished.

“It would help to know that the aggressors got a sentence”, he added.

Mr Whyms said his client had got into “more serious difficulties” since 2008 and was currently serving a prison sentence.

He said probation reports had indicated that his client needed ongoing addiction and psychological counseling.

Judge Carroll Moran said he was “very concerned” about Mr O’Donnell’s subsequent offences.

He adjourned the matter for 12 months.

He added that if there isn’t a “glowing report from the probation services”, the accused faced possible three year jail sentences.

IT’S a long way from Peru to Clare but thankfully not too long for one Shannon worker.

Delia O’Malley, a machine operator with Ei Electronics, received the surprise of a lifetime last week when six members of her family touched down in Shannon after completing the 6,000-mile trip from their native Peru.

The visiting party included Delia’s parents Leonidas Zarate (94) and Dolores Zarate (85), two brothers and two sisters.

The family re-union was complete when another of Delia’s sisters flew in from Barcelona, while two other siblings also live in Ireland.

Mother-of-one Delia, who moved to Shannon 11 years ago, said she got a shock when she heard her parents had come to Ireland.

She said, “This is the first time they have travelled here together. My mother was here two years ago but my father has never been over here. He was born in 1917. When I was told they were coming, I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I didn’t know they were coming.”

The visit to Ireland is Leonidas’ first trip abroad since attending the World Cup in 1986.

Delia added, “It’s amazing they came. My Dad is 94 my mother is 85. We have a family of 12 and all the kids are still alive.”

The family, who originally hail from Cajamarca in northern Peru near the Andes Mountains, have enjoyed their trip to Ireland. She said, “They love it except there are no mountains. Everything is green and so flat. They think it’s a park.”

CLARE will represent Ireland in the hugely prestigious Tall Ships race later this month, with the county flying the Irish flag internationally thanks to Celtic Mist, the yacht formerly belonging to Taoiseach Charles Haughey that’s now the property of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) that’s headquartered in Kilrush.

IWDG co-ordinator Dr Simon Berrow has revealed that the 17-metre steel-hulled yacht has been given a new home at Kilrush Creek Marina in a berth that has been sponsored by Shannon Development.

In April, the IWDG was offered the yacht as a gift from the Haughey fam- ily to support its work on the study and conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoise in Irish waters.

“It was a very generous offer from the Haughey family, but the IWDG had to explore the condition and feasibility of running such a large vessel,” said Dr Berrow. “We commissioned a number of independent surveys and have thoroughly inspected the yacht and are happy it is in good sea-worthy condition and has been well maintained. We have estimated maintenance and other costs and prepared a business plan. The Celtic Mist is a resource for all those interested in promoting marine research and conservation in Ireland,” he added.

“Celtic Mist is a very suitable ves- sel for the IWDG. It will provide an opportunity to increase the skills of the members so that they can become more effective in their work, be it at an amateur or professional level,” said IWDG director Fiacc Ó Brolacháin. “I am happy that the boat is to be put to good use on a project that was close to my father’s heart,” said Conor Haughey ahead of Celtic Mist’s arrival in Kilrush, the town Charles Haughey was made a freeman of in 1985.

Before coming to Kilrush, the yacht will take part in the Tall Ships Race in Waterford on June 30. After being berthed in Shannon Developmentowned Creek Marina it will be refitted with extra berths and equipped with IWDG research equipment.

RURAL communities in West Clare are being urged to get involved in their local community alert schemes, which were relaunched yesterday.

Several schemes have been up and running for some time and were reignited at a function at Kilrush Garda Station last night.

Schemes have been in existence in several West Clare areas including Labasheeda, Ballynacally, Kildysart, Cranny, Coolmeen, Kilmihil, Knockerra, Cooraclare, Doonbeg, Carrigaholt and Kilkee and a new scheme has been set up in Killimer.

A chairperson and secretary is elected in each scheme and they liaise with local gardaí. District meetings, involving all of the schemes, take place a few times a year, at which any issues in the various areas can be raised.

Garda Eoin Daly, who is responsible for the schemes in the Kilrush Garda District, is encouraging new people to get involved.

“We are continuing with existing schemes and setting up more schemes in villages.

“We want new members. People in the various parishes run them themselves,” he said.

Gardaí liaise with the representatives of the groups and offer advice on such issues as intruder alarms, smoke alarms and general security advice.

They also urge members of the community to contact garda stations with any issues or concerns that they may have.

“Neighbourhood Watch schemes have been ongoing in Kilrush for the past few years. Community Alerts are more for the rural areas,” said Gda Daly.

“People can talk to their representatives and bring an issue to them and this can be passed on to their local gardaí.

“We urge people to be vigilant, for instance documenting registrations of strange vehicles. We stress the importance of making note of anything suspicious and ring us,” added Gda Daly.

Gardaí are keen that similar schemes are set up in every parish and village and anyone interested in getting involved should contact their local garda or Kilrush Garda Station on 065 9051017.

A FORMER teacher in Scariff Community College who passed away last year after a long illness has been honoured in the east Clare school by the creation of a garden in her memory.

Andrea McMahon was a value member of staff at the community college for 30 years, teaching Irish, French and Religious at the school from the time she joined the teaching staff in 1980.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan performed the special blessing and dedication ceremony, while students marked the occasion by publishing a two-page remembrance of Ms McMahon in their annual magazine, Anoir

“I always found her very inspiring as a teacher. As a student I felt that I could talk to Ms McMahon about any problem I might have had. I found her to be a sympathetic person” said Edel Broderick.

Retired principal John S. Kelly contributes a special reflection to the magazine and concludes,

“Isn’t it sad that it is so often in the parting that we finally recognise uniqueness,” said retired principal John S Kelly. “I feel that Andrea, who is surely listening to us now, might be inclined to say, ‘Now continue the good work which you are doing in facilitating the education of our young people in East Clare.

“Continue to work as a close-knit community of teachers, students and parents, always treating each other with dignity and fellowship.’ In that way, perhaps, we best respect and honour her memory.”

PLANS to cut teaching supports to children with special needs have been criticised by parents in Clare.

The Department of Education and Science announced last week that supports to children would be cut by 10 per cent next year.

Schools and parents groups are seeking clarification from the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn, on what the impact of the planned cuts will be.

According to Bunratty mother Emer Sherry, parents are “extremely stressed” about the proposed cuts.

Ms Sherry, whose 10-year-old son Jack has cerebral palsy, said, “It appears that children in Clare may be affected by the proposed plan if the withheld 10 per cent of the allocation is needed for unforeseen applications.

“My question to the minister is: can you guarantee that my child, and all other primary and secondary school children with special needs and disabilities in Clare, will have their full complement of resource hours from September on? Resource hours are not inefficiencies that need to be cut; they are essential to ensure full inclusion and access to education for all our children.”

Ms Sherry, who is the Clare representative for the Special Needs Parents Association and the chairperson of Connect Abilities, a parent support group in Southeast Clare, said that the cutbacks “do not make sense”.

“He (Jack) needs five resource hours a week. These cutbacks do not make sense, especially when you think that there are all these inefficiencies in the public service that could be dealt with.”

She added, “It is extremely stressful. It’s going to be the end of September before we know what is going to happen.”

Schools have already submitted applications for next term’s teaching supports. The principal of one of Clare’s largest primary schools said that the implications of the cuts are still being assessed by schools.

Ray McInerney of Ennis National School, added, “One thing is for certain, the people who have the greatest need are going to be hit the hardest.”

John Burns, principal of Barefield national school said the impact of the cutbacks is not yet known.

He added, “Any cutbacks in special needs supports is detrimental. We are still assessing the impact as it relates to Barefield.”

GARDAÍ have warned boat owners to be vigilant after the Killaloe Coast Guard Unit was called out on a major search on foot of an empty boat being spotted adrift on the lake.

The search was stood down after it was established that the boat was one of two which had been reported stolen.

The Coast Guard was tasked on Saturday by Valentia MRSC when a fisherman reported a fishing boat adrift on the lower lake below Killaloe.

There was no-one on board the boat when it was spotted.

The fisherman had seen a person on the same boat an hour and a half beforehand and, as the boat keys and life jacket were still on board, a major search of the area was conducted by the Killaloe Coast Guard Rib “DALTON”, Rescue 115, the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter from Shannon and a land search team from Killaloe Coast Guard.

On investigation, it was discovered that two boats from the local area had been stolen during the previous night and that the boat found adrift was one of these. After 45 minutes, the search was stood down as nothing was found.

Gardaí have advised boat owners to check their vessels and to take precautions to ensure that thieves can’t take boats which are moored on the lake.

The warning comes after a number of thefts of boat engines from vessels in Killaloe. The outboard engines are valuable and are being resold.

Gardai are asking anyone in the boating community who is offered an engine under suspicious circumstances to contact them.