Category: News

ONE of Clare’s most historic structures has been closed to allow for essential repairs to take place over the winter. O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs of Moher was closed to the public last week and will remain closed until repairs to the roof and interior of the structure can be completed.

No target date has yet been given for the reopening of building, which is expected to play a central part of 1,000 year anniversary of Brian Boru next year.

Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Katherine Webster, said every care is being taken to protect the listed building.

“We usually close the tower for internal maintenance work for a period during the winter. This year we are also doing some work on the roof to address water ingress to the tower through this area,” she said.

“O’Brien’s Tower is a very important historic structure and given the exposed location near the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher it is subject to the onslaught of extreme weather.

“This leads to substantial maintenance requirements. We are very conscious of our obligations to maintain and conserve what is a unique piece of cultural heritage. I don’t have a date for reopening at this stage.

“It is particularly important that O’Brien’s Tower is fully ready for the year ahead in 2014, which marks the 1000 year anniversary of the death of Brian Boru, the first High King of Ireland and founder of the influential O’Brien Clan.”

LOTTO players in Quin were anxiously checking their numbers at the weekend as news broke that the € 5.5m jackpot ticket was sold in Corbett’s shop in the village.

The winning ticket, which was worth € 5,553,404 was a € 4 Quick Pick purchased on Saturday.

As of Monday night there was no confirmation of Saturday’s lucky winner with locals only speculating about the winner.

“The pubs are buzzing with who might have won it. I’ve heard three names already,” a local told The Clare People on monday afternoon.

This is the second big win in the county in three months. In August, a Lotto jackpot worth more than € 6 million was won by a Limerick woman who also bought a € 4 Quick Pick at Kennedy’s Centra, Lahinch.

In May 2012, Liddy’s Costcutters, Roslevan, Ennis, sold a € 2.6 million ticket.

TWO of the Labour Party’s local election conventions will be held in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, on Thursday, ahead of the party’s conference at the weekend.

Two candidates are expected to be selected from the new look Shannon constituency, with one candidate to be selected in Ennis.

Shannon has always provided a strong base for the Labour party with two members currently on the town council.

On Thursday, the party’s only county councillor Pascal Fitzgerald and current Shannon town councillor Tony McMahon will go before convention, with both expected to be selected.

The contest will therefore be for the Ennis Municipal District with two contenders in the race – current vice-chairperson of the party Seamus Ryan and long-serving member Dermot Hayes who began his political interest with Democratic Left.

Up to 55 members will vote to decide which of the two men will contest the election in the Ennis area.

A Labour candidate was elected to the Ennis Town Council in 2009, Paul O’Shea, but he later left the party in protest and declared as an Independent town councillor.

Meanwhile the party conventions for the West Clare area and Killaloe will not be held until after Christmas.

Names such as Darren Hayes, now living in Liscannor, have been mooted for the western constituency.

Killaloe is proving more difficult however, as the sitting Killaloe councillor, Cllr Fitzgerald, is forced to contest the Shannon area election this time around due to a change in the boundary.

REPORTS on the development potential of the Shannon Estuary date back to the 1960s, but the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary launched on Friday afternoon is ground breaking, those in attendance were told.

Gordon Daly, Senior Planner with Clare County Council, said the report was the first of its kind in the country as it mapped out future development and management of marine-related industry and tourism along Ireland’s largest estuary.

“We’ve talked about it and around it for years. We have had reports Arthur Young 1989, Brady Shipman 1999, Ewbank Preece 1989 and PWC 1998. Now finally we have done something positive in putting this plan in place,” said Mayor of Clare Joe Arkins.

He asked that the Oirechtais members present to ensure the Government “pick up and move on this plan”.

Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O’Sullivan vowed Government support for the strategy that identifies nine ‘Strategic Development Locations’ on the Estuary, including Moneypoint and Innismurry/Cahercon on the Clare side.

It also identified designated Shell Fish Waters at Poulnasherry Bay and Carrigaholt Bay and pointed to opportunities at Rinevella Bay, Killimer and Clonderlaw Bay.

The plan supported by 19 bodies including the lead organisation, Clare County Council, recognises the tourism potential of the estuary and includes objectives to further develop the cruise ship industry, while it highlights the potential of the Islands on the Fergus Estuary.

Meanwhile, the strategy features objectives relating to aviation and supports the future development of Shannon Airport, including acknowledging the importance of the 2000- acre land bank zoned for aviation uses in the Shannon Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2012-2018.

Balancing the industrial development of the estuary with the environmental needs of the area was the greatest challenge when drawing up the plan, all agreed.

County manager Tom Coughlan said that there were tensions at times between the protection of the estuary and the development of the estuary.

“The estuary also has a wealth of natural heritage and biodiversity system and the whole area is designated as a special area of conservation because of the presence of a number of important species. They are located through out the whole estuary, but the rich diversity of wild life and natural heritage in the area does not mean the development and the potential economic future of the area is off the agenda. It simply means that development in the overall area requires sensitive and careful management and I think we are all very much aware of that,” added Minister O’Sullivan. Without such a plan there is a risk of missed opportunity.”

“Looking the future the steering partners have agreed to stay in place. The challenge now going forward is to maximise the social economic and environmental protection of the estuary,” said Mr Coughlan.

CLARE resident Gerry Harrison last night spilled the beans on his time with the greatest band that ever lived. Gerry, who founded Banner Books in Ennistymon, was the assistant director of the legendary Beatles’ 1967 film ‘Magical Mystery Tour’.

During filming, Gerry struck up a friendship with both John Lennon and Paul McCartney and would go on to work with both men even after the break up of the Beatles.

In addition to working on ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, Gerry also worked on ‘London Town’, ‘Venus and Mars’ and ‘Mull of Kintyre’ with Paul McCartney and he spent a week working on the film of ‘Imagine’ with John Lennon.

“It was a great time. I am very much part of that sex and drugs and rock and roll generation. We lived in Notting Hill, which was the height of hip London at that time,” he said.

“Down the road was Island Records, in the next street there was Van Morrison and the band that played in the local church was called Pink Floyd.”

Gerry first worked with the Beatles on the filming of the ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, the first project completed by the Fab Four after the death of the manager Brian Epstein.

“There was no script so I was worried from the beginning. My job involved planning ahead, on extras and locations. I had to ask Paul McCarthy for a script on the first day and they found something for me.

“But what was interesting was the concept, which was illustrated as a circle by Paul McCarthy. At that time Paul was basically in charge because Brian Epstein had just died. It was a sort-of a Buddhist wheel of life and Paul put in different scenes at different places around the wheel.

“Every day of filming was mystery, but it wasn’t very magical. It was hard work in many cases. This [the film] derived from the whole concept of taking a ‘trip’ and the whole LSD thing was very important.

“I think the film was largely a reinaction [or actual experience that the Beatles had]. I remember the rehearsed lines. There was a scene between Paul and [Welsh actor] Victor Spinetti, that was the most structured part of the whole movie. The rest really was a mystery.”

A full feature interview about Gerry and his time with the Beatles will appear in next week’s Clare People . Gerry spoke about his time with the Beatles at Trinity College last night.

A SUB group of the Regional Drug Taskforce has been established to tackle a heroin problem in the town of Kilrush, as experts try to ascertain if there is a serious deep-rooted problem in the West Clare town.

Gardaí in Kilrush, in conjunction with the National Drugs Unit, have been tackling the supply issue with a special five-month undercover operation spanning the end of last year and the first quarter of this year.

A total of 1,400 Garda man-hours were used in the investigation and sting that resulted in at least eight arrests that have come before the courts so far. The Clare People has learnt that a special “drop-in clinic” for drug addicts was opened in the town eight weeks ago, to deal with the sociocriminal problem that has taken hold for the last year.

Regional drugs coordinator with the HSE Rory Keane said a heroin issue in a town of this size is usually attributed to a social-economic issue and supply.

Last week three of those arrested in the Garda drug ‘sting’ were sentenced in the District Court.

Meanwhile Mr Keane said the health service has been aware of a problem in the town for the last year. He added that a specialist team made up of the HSE Drug and Alcohol Service, Mid Western Regional Task Force, Bushy Park and the Community Substance Misuse Team, were now working in the town to examine the general drug issues including heroin.

The special drop-in clinic will close in the next few weeks and the body will regroup to assess the situation.

“It has been a concern for the last 12 months that there does seem to be a pocket of heroin use in Kilrush that would not be on other parts of the county,” said the drugs specialist.

“Availability would be an issue. The other concerns would be social-economic factors and issues of unemployment, motivation and poverty.

“A drug problem might come up centred around a few individuals or a supply issue in a rural area,” he explained adding that the concern in Kilrush was the problem was established for longer than would be expected in a town of its size.

“It is too early yet to say if it is a deep-rooted problem or a long-term episodic issue. We are not in a position to predict what will happen,” he said.

“My sense from talking to people is it is definitely a social and economic issue here,” said Mr Keane adding that it is no coincident that you see an increase in drug use at times of economic difficulties.

“There is a strong link between poverty and heroin. One of the challenges facing us is that it does leak across life and affects all facets of life.”

In Kilrush court last week one father told how he found his son in a “place” where drug addict go “to shoot up and smoke” not too far away from the court house.

Kilrush District Court Judge, Patrick Durcan described the amount of damage being done by heroin to Kilrush as “horrific”.

He asked that local businesses be vigilant and ensure it is not easily sold on their premises or car parks.

DETAILS of the HSE’s application were outlined at Ennis District Court on Wednesday where the boy appeared on assault and criminal damage charges arising out of an alleged incident in East Clare on November 6. A HSE social care worker told the court the HSE had been forced to look outside the jurisdiction for a secure place because of the waiting list that exists in Ireland.

The woman said an application will be made to the High Court and the authorities in Scotland have been notified of the placement.

It is proposed that the boy will stay in St Mary’s for a total of four months, which will comprise a threemonth secure placement and one month step down placement.

A Scottish Government Child Safety and Wellbeing report on the costs of secure accommodation show the average cost per secure bed per week at St Mary’s during 2011-12 was £5,160, ranging from £5,060 to £5,410. The estimated cost of the teenager’s stay in the unit could be € 61,920. The court heard that another troubled teenager from Dublin is also staying in the unit. The social worker told the court the HSE would pay the cost of the placement.

In response to questions from Judge Patrick Durcan, the woman said she did not have the cost of placing the boy in secure accommodation in Scotland.

Judge Durcan asked the cost of the placement be given to the Court Services.

Judge Durcan said he was “not happy” about the application but said that the HSE hare the statutory body with responsibility for child welfare.

The court heard the boy is being placed in a secure unit as it gives him the best chance of transitioning to a stable life in adulthood. The woman said the boy is looking forward to going to Scotland. The court heard the boy had been living with his wheelchair bound uncle as his father is in prison.

St Mary’s is a secure unit that accommodates 24 children. According to its website, it has a variety of recreational facilities including a sevenaside Astroturf pitch, gymnasium, fitness suite and swimming pool. In 2008, the unit was the scene of violent riot that resulted in £200,000 worth of damage. The teen’s cases were adjourned to Killaloe District Court on May 6. The Clare People submitted a number of questions to the HSE but no response had been received at time of going to print.

A LARGE crowd turned out in Dublin on Saturday to support eight-yearold Clonlara boy Ronan Woodhouse in his protest walk from Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) offices on Finglas to the Dáil.

Ronan, who has down syndrome as well as 13 other related illnesses, lost his discretionary medical card earlier this year and despite a review of his case, the HSE has refused to grant his card.

Ronan’s mother, Noreen Keane, handed in letters of protest at the PCRS offices and at the Dáil, but Taoiseach Enda Kenny (FG), had no representative at the Dáil on Saturday to receive the letter.

According to Noreen, the cost of medication, therapy and doctor visits for Ronan costs an average of € 2,300 per month. She says that the removal of her son’s medical card is putting his life at risk.

“Ronan walked about four miles of the protest himself, which was great going. I had contacted all the members of the Oireachtas an the Taoiseach but no one was there to meet us,” said Noreen.

“We have another meeting with the HSE on Friday and we will see what comes out of that. Whatever happens, I won’t be giving up this campaign – I can’t afford to do it. It’s not just Ronan either, we were joined by a number of parents in the same position on Saturday whose cards have also been taken.

“I’m only meeting the HSE on Friday on the condition that the medical card is up for discussion. They have paid so much lip service to this – the HSE and the Government – there is no point in them meeting us if the medical card is not up for discussion.”

Following the walk on Saturday both the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP) and the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) have released statement supporting people who have lost their discretionary medical card.

“I have to keep going with this campaign, the only way that seems to get their attention is to embarrass them into listening. So that’s what I’m going to have to do. I’m going to shame them into it,” said Noreen.

“It is astounding that I have to exploit my child and my child’s illness to get them to listen. Something is wrong with that. That is not something that I do comfortable but how else am I going to make them listen.”

A DISTRICT court judge told a young defendant before him at Kilrush District Court that he could assist others and society if he was willing to publicise photos of life in a house drug addicts use to shoot up and smoke.

Mitchell Walsh, 20 St Patrick’s Terrace, Kilrush, pleaded guilty to 15 charges following a “crime spree” dating from March to mid October.

The court heard that the 19 year-old who did not have a criminal record prior to 2013, “had physical and mental inflictions” and began to self medicate by turning to drugs, eventually ending up on the streets before being rescued by his family.

The father of the defendant Martin Walsh said his son needed to be taken into hand. “He was going to die and that was the truth of it,” he said.

Mr Walsh Snr said the family were devastated by what had happened, and had attempted to pay for all the damage to the cars of the people of the town where they live.

“You just can’t leave someone like that behind especially when it is your own son. I think a lot of this was because Mitchell could not manage his surgery,” he said referring to a colostomy bag the young man had fitted following stomach surgery.

The concerned father said his son went to the street to get “medication”.

Mr Walsh (Snr) then presented two photos to Judge Patrick Durcan, depicting family life with Mitchell before addiction and life on the streets.

“There is a place not far from here where they go in and smoke heroin and shoot up and we went in there and took photos to show you,” he said. “There are a lot more in there than Mitchell.”

The father told the court that the situation was tough on all his family.

“There was times when I had to go and rub blood off this child because he self harmed,” he said.

Mr Walsh (Jnr) pleaded guilty to all charges including using threatening and abusive behaviour in Francis Street Kilrush on June 3, 2013, being in possession of a knife at Hector Street Kilrush on June 28 and being intoxicated in a public place on August 15, 2013.

Earlier that month on August 2, he was again arrested and charged for breaching the peace in Moyasta Kilrush, and on March 31 he was arrested for driving unaccompanied under a learners permit.

He also pleaded guilty to slashing the tires on five different vehicles parked on Toler Street, Kilrush, on the night of June 27 to June 28, 2013. One tyre in two vehicles were damaged and two tyres each on three vehicles.

At an unknown date from October 11, 2013, to October 12, 2013, Mr Walsh again slashed a tyre on five cars on Wood Road, Kilrush. He also pleaded guilty to slashing six tyres on three different cars on St Senan’s Terace on October 12, 2013. Continued on page 8

CLONLARA woman Noreen Keane, says she is “shocked and disappointed” following comments made by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny (FG), in the Dáil last week. The Fine Gael leader denied ever agreeing to meet with Noreen, whose son Ronan suffers from down syndrome and whose discretionary medical card has been taken from him earlier this year.

Noreen and her son Ronan, staged a protest outside a Fine Gael event attended by the Taoiseach in Limerick last month. At that meeting Fine Gael officials told the Clonlara woman that she would be granted a meeting with Enda Kenny.

However, responding to questions from Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin in the Dáil last week, Deputy Kenny denied agreeing to a meeting. Both Noreen and Ronan took part in a protest walk in Dublin on Saturday to highlight the loss of Ronan’s medical card.

“You [Micheál Martin] mentioned that political gathering that the Fine Gael party had down in Limerick. Nobody told me that the person involved wanted to meet me. I spoke to several people on the way in there. That is not the issue. The issue is, you were right to ask a question about two children and a walk that is taking place about the loss of their discretionary medical card,” said An Taoiseach.

“There is no change in the policy. Nobody is entitled to a medical card automatically. Issues like income and discretion come in after that.”

Deputy Kenny was responding to a question raised by Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin regarding Clonlara boy Ronan Woodhouse and Cork girl Katie Connolly, who also took part in the walk.

“In relation to this specific case. They [Ronan and Noreen] were offered a long-term illness card but many of the conditions don’t qualify under a long-term illness card. If you, or someone else met these people you could sort this out,” said Deputy Martin.

“The reality is that there has been a change of policy. My people cant understand you getting up here every day and saying that there has not been a change of policy.”