Category: News

AN ENNIS postman is on the verge of making a big splash in the film world with two new film credits to his name in 2014.

Local postie, Kerry Whitehouse, took up composing as a hobby a number of years ago and has been inundated with offers of work, including two films which will receive Irish releases in 2014.

Kerry worked on the sound effects and title music for Irish film ‘Somebody’s There’, which will released on DVD and Blueray across Ireland and the UK in June of this year.

He also completed the score for the American horror film ‘Slender’, which will be shown at a number of Irish film festivals in the coming months.

Indeed, Kerry has been in so much demand lately that he was considering giving up composition altogether because it was taking up too much of his time.

“It is going really well. So much so that I was considering packing it in before Christmas because I was just too busy.

“I work a full time job and the film composition has always been more of a hobby,” said Kerry.

“If the opportunity arose I’d go into it [film score composition] in a heart beat. I work in the post office and I get my fair share of bad weather going around the place.

“It is difficult though – even composers who are working on film shows in America often have another job. But if the opportunity arose I’d jump at it.”

Kerry is also in line to work on a new TV series which will deal with the events surrounding the famous Roswell alien sighting in 1947.

“I think one of the maddest things that I’ve been involved in recently is to do with the UFOs.

“I do music for a radio station in America and through that I came across Jessie Marcel, the grandson of Lieutenant Jesse Marcel – who was first on the scene at the Roswell UFO incident in 1947.

“He is putting together a new series for the Sci-Fi channel in America and I am in talks about doing that as well,” continued Kerry.

TENDERS have been invited for a ferry service between Kilrush and Scattery Island.

A ferry service has been provided to the historical landmark off Kilrush by a local company for the last number of years, and once again the contract has been put to tender by the Office of Public Works.

The monastic island has seen an increase in visitors of more than 62 per cent last year, with the manager of OPW Heritage sites in the Shannon region, Pádraig Ó Ruairc, and the Scattery Island Heritage and Tourism Group working to increase that number again.

The Commissioners of Public Works are seeking the services of ferry operators for the provision of a ferry service from a designated berth at Kilrush Creek Marina to the picturesque island.

Located 2.5 kilometres off Kilrush, the island is home to a monastery founded by St Senan in the early sixth century consisting of a round tower and several churches. Visitor facilities located on the Island house some exhibition material on the history of the island and a free OPW Guide Service is provided during the tourist season or on special request.

Applications for the ferry contract are invited from those who are interested in tendering for the concession to provide a service between the OPW berth and the island for the 2014 season.

Closing dated for receipt of expressions of interest is mid-day Thursday, April 17, 2014.

GENDER balance is unlikely in the new look Clare County Council from next May, as just seven of the 60 candidates declared to date are female.

This week the local authority’s only female representative, Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind), announced her retirement from elected politics, which means there are no sitting female county councillors contesting the election on May 23.

Fine Gael has nominated just two women – two of its sitting female town councillors – Cllr Mary Howard, Ennis, and Cllr Marian McMahon Jones, Kilrush, to contest the council elections.

These are the only two women among the party’s 16 candidates in Clare.

Fianna Fáil’s gender balance does not compare favourably either.

Again, just two of its 18 candidates are female: Louise Roche McNamara, contesting the Shannon area, and Clare Colleran Molloy from Ennis the Municipal Area.

And while the two larger political parties in the county have just four women candidates between them, Labour and Sinn Fein have as yet included no women among their candidates.

The party’s are expected to announce candidates for the West Clare area in the coming days.

The remaining three women who have put their name’s forward to date are all Independent candidates, and contesting the Ennis area.

These include former Labour member Paula McNamara, school teacher Seonaidh NíShiomoin and Ann Norton from the Clare Crusaders.

Those voting in the Killaloe Municipal Area will not see any women on their ballot papers come polling day, unless some one declares in the next few weeks.

Asked why she believes there are so few women involved in local politics in Clare, Cllr McCarthy said, “What I have found is that women always want to get things done and solve problems. We are not as patient at just talking about it and putting it off on the long finger. You want to get something done, to feel you are achieving something. Now maybe men feel the same but it doesn’t come across, but I think women they just don’t see it as something they want to get involved in.”

Candidates have until April 24 to declare as a candidate.

KILRUSH Town Council is expected to vote on Thursday night to ring fence and redesignate money once earmarked for Civic Offices for other local community projects.

More than € 373,000 had been sitting in the council’s coffers to pay for office buildings, but as the council is to be dissolved next month concerns had been expressed that this money would be lost to central government.

In March former mayor Cllr Marian McMahon Jones (FG) had proposed that the council use the rarely used Section 140, Subsection 3 of the Local Government Act 2001, which would request the manager to ring fence money from the town council capital funds for specific projects such as the sports field on the Cooraclare Road.

Town Manager Anne Haugh had suggested that a request be made to the county manager and Head of Finance to ring fence the town council’s money for the projects for which it had been intended.

This Thursday the council is expected to reallocate the money from the Civic Office fund to community projects, and ring fence monies already designated to other projects for the purpose they were intended.

Cllr McMahon Jones said that she is happy with this outcome.

“It is important this money stays in Kilrush for what it was intended after the council is dissolved,” she said.

“As long as the money is prioritised for projects that will benefit the town of Kilrush and the hinterland, I am happy with that. The main objective here it to see the town and area well served.”

Meanwhile the Department of the Environment and Local Government released € 350,000 of the council’s budget for local capital projects.

Town Clerk John Corry had expressed his frustration last month that the department had not given permission for projects already identified by the council as necessary and strategic.

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CLARE could be site of Ireland’s first ever waste-to-energy factory, as plans for a facility which would burn 300,000 tonnes of waste per annum have just been lodged with an Bord Pleanála.

The plans were lodged as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) with the planning authority last week by Limerick based company WTP Energy Limited.

The SID process allows companies to apply directly to an Bord Pleanála and work closely with the national planning authority if the project is deemed to be large enough and of a regional or national.

The proposed facility would use a process known as pyrolysis, which involves burning organic materials without the presence of oxygen.

The process can take place at temperature of as much as 550 degrees Celsius and is, according to a spokesperson from WTP Energy Limited, a cleaner from of waste-to-energy production than traditional incineration.

The company also claims that the factory will create more than 100 full time jobs when completed.

“The proposed facility will be using proven technology developed by TechTrade International GMBH, a German company which has advanced pyrolysis as a form of waste treatment worldwide, and will assist the State’s compliance with European Waste Directives as well as providing 100 full time employment positions directly,” said a WPT Energy spokesperson yesterday.

“The phrolysis process has been demonstrated to be considerably more efficient at converting waste to energy energy when compared to mass burn- ing incineration and achieves a more complete conversion to energy and also has lower associated emissions rates,” he added.

While the site has been listed as a County Clare site with the planning authority, the company confirmed yesterday that they don’t have an exact location in mind at this point and that possible locations in other counties will also be examined.

Should the proposal be granted SID status then Clare Council will not have a formal role to play in its planning.

“The pre-application consultation before an Bord Pleanála is to assess if the development proposal and process comes within the requirements for a strategic infrastructure proposal.

“A classification of strategic infrastructure results in an Bord Pleanála dealing with any subsequent planning application,” said a council spokesperson.

“The council understands that the proposal at this point is not site specific to Clare but has been listed under Clare County Council for administrative purposes only.

“This will be clarified when formal communication is received from an Bord Pleanála.”

A DERELICT complex, once used by homeless people who were sleeping rough, has gone on the market and the members of Ennis Town Council believe the local authority should buy it.

At last evening’s meeting of the council, Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) suggested that the council request permission from the Government to raise the loan necessary to purchase the Fairways which has gone on the market for € 75,000.

The derelict building, which was described by Cllr Tommy Brennan as “an awful eye sore”, is situated on the entrance to the town from the Galway side, across from the Fairgreen (Active Ennis Tim Smyth Park).

Dereliction orders have previously been served on the building, according to Town Manager Ger Dollard, who agreed to “investigate with a full view to a solution”.

Cllr Meaney maintained that the purchase prices tag of € 75,000 would be more cost affective to forcing a dereliction order to its conclusion, which is a lengthy and costly legal process.

“It is a landmark site that I believe will increase in value,” he said.

The purchase of the building should “well be within the ability of the council,” the councillor argued.

“What we are dealing with here is a legacy issue from another planning era.

“You would never get planning permission for that now.

“I think this is an opportunity where we can begin the process again.

“Maybe improve it or maybe demolish it and use the site for some- thing more appropriate.”

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) seconded Cllr Meaney’s motion stating that from a Tidy Town’s perspective there is nothing that can be done with the building currently.

Ennis Town Clerk Leonard Cleary told the meeting that the building was not suited to the housing needs of Ennis Town Council clients as there are “significant building management issues.”

“If a property such as this were to be developed for social housing it may need the management oversight of an organisation such as a volun- tary housing body,” he said.

“An initial viewing of the building would indicate there would be considerable works required.”

The Town Clerk said that such issues as this would have to be assessed before seeking permission for a loan.

RESIDENTS of an Ennis housing estate plagued by almost two years of anti-social behaviour, threats and verbal abuse expressed their frustration at yesterday’s meeting of the Ennis Joint Policing Committee (JPC).

Four residents attended the meeting and outlined the issues affecting the beleaguered estate. They include the running of horses on one of the town’s busiest roads, anti-social behaviour and harassment.

One woman told of how two families have left the estate while many others have had to install security features such as chains, security cameras and alarms on their properties. “We feel we have a right to feel safe in our home. We shouldn’t be intimidated by either adults or children. Our children should be able to feel safe to go out and play,” she said. “It’s a terrible way to live. We’re here from an estate with a hundred houses, asking for help.”

The meeting heard the problems started after a man with a large family moved into the area two years ago.

One woman told of how children under the age of 12 are “running riot and destroying property”.

She said, “The horses are being chased up the road. They are just frightening the horses, pushing them into the estate. The horses are running wild. I feel sorry for the horses. The horses are bolting out onto the road and car could be coming down the road. It’s just frightening.”

Supt Derek Smart of Ennis Garda Station said he was aware of the problems in the area. Gardaí have conducted regular patrols of the estate. Supt Smart said the issue regarding the children has been raised with the Health Services Executive (HSE).

He said, “It is something that is very high on our agenda. In Ennis town in all the estates, we are now making an attempt to assign particular guards to estates.”

Concern was also expressed for the welfare of the children.

One resident said, “I’ve made calls to the HSE regarding young children under the age of 10, there all day and all night on their own. They’re rearing themselves. That’s their way, that’s fine but it’s not right to have an eight or nine year old looking after an infant. Who is feeding them? Who is cleaning the child? It’s just sad, very, very sad. The HSE has far as I’m concerned haven’t stepped in as they should.”

JPC Chairman, Cllr Paul O’Shea, said the HSE should be invited to attend a meeting to discuss the issue.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said she could not understand how the children have not been taken into care.

THE people of Lahinch are in search of a benefactor to come forward and help fund the purchase of the Lahinch Army Barracks and Sluagh Hall before the property is auctioned by the Department of Defense in May.

The appeal was made at a meeting of the Lahinch Community Council last week, with finances needed urgently if the barracks – which is located on the Liscannor Road beside the Lahinch Castle Course – can be purchased before auction.

According to local councillor and member of the Lahinch Community Council Bill Slattery (FG), the community could purchase the 5.2 acre site for € 380,000 now, a fraction of what it would likely receive at auction.

The property also borders the Lahinch community field, and locals aim to develop a number of additional playing fields as well as a community centre at the site of Sluagh Hall, if the property can be secured.

Cllr Slattery has been in contact with the Department of Defense and believed that if the money can be raised quickly – a deal is possible.

“I am disappointed that the local community do not have the funds available for this project.

“We still have time, there is a small window of opportunity available before this is sold. I know that € 380,000 is a lot of money but this could be a massive investment for the town,” said Cllr Slattery. “If someone can come forward with the financial backing, the community would be able repay the investment over a 10year period.

A spokesperson from the Department of Defense confirmed that the property was being readied for sale but would not confirm a date for the auction. The Clare People understands that the auction will take place in May of his year, giving the local community between four and six weeks to raise the finances needed.

ABSENTEEISM within the health services in the mid-west, which includes County Clare, is almost twice the national target.

While no specific reason was given to explain why the figures in the region are so high, HSE area manager Bernard Gloster said “we have reduced it substantially and there is more to come, because it drives our agency costs through the roof and that is a major cost for us.”

The national target for absenteeism in the HSE is 3.5 per cent, but in the mid-west it is approximately 6.4 per cent, higher than the national average at 4.71 per cent.

“I make no apology for saying to anybody that one of the biggest demands and pressures on the staffing resourses in the mid-west remains the one focusing on absenteeism. First thing I will say on our rate of approximately 6.4 per cent in terms of the measurements and instruments we use to focus on that, is that is down from over 8 per cent and in some cases it was nine per cent so we have had a very significant focus on that,” he said. “We have where appropriate used the application of the disciplinary procedure and that is not something I consider necessarily a badge to wear on the sleeve, but when we are challenged by certain situations we are not shy in dealing with them. We have an increasingly robust focus on absent management.”

The HSE boss said that there were also a number of very genuine longterm absentee cases.

“I equally want to say on the positive balance side to be fair on staff themselves, my experience is that the majority of staff that have been out sick have a very genuine and sincere illness and reason and they don’t have repeat patterns. You would be surprised when I go to look behind some of the absenteeism figures, the number of young staff who have had incidents of cancer,” he said.

“That is why you maintain the balance with sensitivity but I can assure you in relation to the ones that are more challenging we are well on the game, we are reducing the percentage.”

Michael O’CONNELL
, 31Tullyglass Hill, Shannon. Funeral Mass today (Tuesday) at Mary Immaculate Church, Shannon at 11am, followed by burial in Illaunamanagh Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Sean WARD
, Ugoon,Tulla.At Milford Hospice. Service at Smyth’s Funeral Home in Feakle on Tuesday at 11am, with burial afterwards in Feakle Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice. May he rest in peace.

Michael CAREW
, Castlebank, Launch Bar, Limerick,Ardnacrusha. Laid to rest in Relig Lua Cemetry Killaloe. Donations if desired to Cancer Research. May he rest in peace.

Patrick (Paddy) KENNEDY
, Parnell Street, Ennis. Funeral Director, Parnell Street, Ennis. Peacefully at the Galway Clinic. Laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery. Donations if desired to a charity of your choice. May he rest in peace.

Patrick (Paddy) MCINERNEY
, Carrowmore, Mullagh. Suddenly. Laid to rest in Clohanes Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Senan RYAN
, Carnacalla, Kilrush. Laid to rest in Old Shanakyle Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Margaret KELLY
, Shannon. Unexpectedly, at Cork University Hospital. Laid to rest in St Finbarr’s Cemetery, Dunmanway. May she rest in peace.

Shirley MCNEVIN (née O’Doherty)
, 11 Corrovorrin Green, Ennis. Peacefully at the Mid Western Regional Hospital Limerick. Laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Teresa BLAKE (née McNamara)
, Ennis, Peacefully at home. Laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

James (Jimmy) BROHAN
, Cloughleigh Road, Ennis. Suddenly. Laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Margaret COEN (née Flynn)
, London, and Shannon. Formerly of Creevaghbawn,Tuam. laid to rest in Creevaghbawn Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Michael (Mick) ENRIGHT
, Doonbeg, Retired Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. Peacefully in his 93rd year. Laid to rest Esker Cemetery in Dublin. May he rest in peace.

John ENRIGHT,
Inchmore, Inch, Ennis. Laid to rest in Clarehill Cemetery, Clarecastle. May he rest in peace.

Steven KAVANAGH
, 35 Derryvinna, Clonlara. Laid to rest in Doonass Cemetery. Donations if desired to Search & Rescue. May he rest in peace.

Mary CONSIDINE (née Brody)
, Kilshanny. Laid to rest in Kilshanny Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Vincent (Snr) CROWLEY
, Moyadda and late of Ennis Road, Kilrush. Laid to rest in NewShanakyle Cemetery. Donations, if desired, to Kilrush Community Hospital. May he rest in peace.

Betty McMAHON (née Kelly)
, 11 Derryvinna, Clonlara. Late of Templemore, CoTipperary. Laid to rest in Doonass Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Patrick (Pat) HANRAHAN
,Ard Aoibhinn, Limerick Road, Ennis. Late of Harahan’s Supermarket, Clonroadmore, Ennis. Peacefully at Carrigoran Nursing Home. Laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery. Donations if desired to the Clare branch of Alzheimer’s Society. May he rest in peace.

Mary Bridget HOWARD (née Breen)
, Tarmon, Knockerra, Kilrush. Peacefully at Cahercalla Hospital,Ennis. Laid to rest in Knockerra cemetery. Donations, if desired, to Cahercalla Hospital, Ennis. May she rest in peace.

Sadie McSWEENEY (née Sweeney)
, Wood Road, Cratloe. Laid to rest in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Dublin. May she rest in peace.

Sean O’HALLORAN
, Noughaval, Kilfenora. Peacefully, at home. Laid to rest at Noughaval cemetry. House Private onWednesday morning. May he rest in peace.

James (Jimmy) O’LEARY
, Poplarville, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus. Peacefully at the MidWestern Regional Hospital Limerick. Laid to rest in Fenloe Cemetery. Donations, if desired, to Clarecastle Day Care Centre. May he rest in peace.

THE late Jimmy Brohan had a simple philosophy when it came to business – be nice and treat people right.

It was a motto that informed his near 50 years working in the heart of Ennis.

A native of Ruan, Jimmy started out at John Roughan’s store just off O’Connell Square in 1963.

He worked there for 20 years before leasing and eventually buying the hardware business in the mideighties.

An incident in the year 2000 damaged the building and forced the relocation of Brohan’s to Parnell Street.

“One secret is that you have to be nice to people. If you’re nice to people and treat them right, they will come back to you. We have people coming to us since I started and now their family are coming [to us].”

That was Jimmy speaking in 2011, months before he retired from running one of the town’s best known and most loved businesses.

The interview took place in the teeth of recession as the town’s business community struggled with the impact of the economic downturn.

Jimmy had never seen it as bad. “Last year was middling but this year is very bad. People just don’t seem to have money. People that would sometimes spend € 40 would only spend € 10. They just haven’t the money to spend,” he said.

A family run business, Brohan’s was known for having a wide and varied collection of stock.

Jimmy explained, “People still come to me with the old spraying cans, copper spraying cans that the farmers would use. They are gone now with the last 30 years. They weren’t made for 30 years or more but I still have bits and piece for those.”

Jimmy typically started work at early in the morning, arranging goods outside the shop front. It’s a job he took great pride in.

“It’s good for the street. Once its nice and tidy and not all over the place. It’s not an eyesore on the street. It looks well,” he recalled.

Times were tough but Jimmy believed strongly in the importance of supporting local businesses.

He said, “If they only sold periwinkles, its better to have a door open. The worst thing you can have is to have shops closed.”