Category: News

CLARE gardaí who played key roles in two water rescues were honoured for their bravery at a national awards ceremony last week.

Garda Joseph Hayes, the goalkeeper for the Clare senior football team and Ennis garda James Hanley were both honoured for their heroic actions at the National Bravery Awards in Farmleigh House.

Garda Hayes, originally from Lissycasey, received his awards after coming to rescue of a woman who jumped into the River Shannon on June 6 (2012).

Garda Hayes was on duty was on duty with colleagues in the Dock Road area of Limerick City when they noticed a woman standing by the River Shannon. The gardaí were concerned for her welfare and stopped to talk to her.

The woman appeared to be in an irrational state and seemed to be intoxicated, and while every effort was made to persuade her to step away from the edge of the river, she jumped in. Garda Hayes immediately reacted and followed the woman into the river. He quickly swam to her assistance and brought her back to the quayside where, with the help of his colleagues, she was removed from the water and taken by ambulance to hospital.

The award panel states, “Garda Hayes actions in this instance are to be highly commended especially when one considers the natural elements that he had to overcome. The River Shannon is tidal and at that time of the year, it can reach six metres. At the time the tide was coming in and the force and swell of the river was made worse by heavy rain that had previously fallen. The currents in such conditions are treacherous and Garda Hayes faced a real risk to his own life in saving this woman.

For his efforts, Garda Hayes was awarded a Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.

James Hanley of Ennis Garda Station received a bronze medal and certificate of bravery after his courageous actions helped save the life of a woman who fell into the River Fergus on January 13 (2013).

When Garda Hanley and a colleague arrived to the scene they found the woman hanging onto a life buoy in the river. As she was unresponsive to their calls Garda Hanley climbed the river boundary wall and waded out to her. The woman was conscious but very frightened and weak. Garda Hanley managed to keep the woman’s head above water and continued to reassure her until he was able to pull her out of the water with the assistance of his colleague and some onlookers. The woman was treated by paramedics and removed to hospital where she made a full recovery.

The awards panel stated, “There is no doubt but for the courageous action of Garda James Hanley entering the river, especially in difficult conditions as it was cold and there was a strong current, this incident may have resulted in a loss of life.”

A MICROSCOPIC extinct creature is providing scientist in the Burren with groundbreaking information about the climate on planet Earth, millions of years before the dawn of man.

Hundreds of tiny conodont fossils have been discovered in the limestone around Lisdoonvarna in North Clare. Using cutting-edge techniques, experts have been able gather information from the fossils which is helping them to map the rising and falling of sea levels during ancient ice ages.

Initial research into the Irish conodont indicates that in prehistoric times planetary cooling took place at a much earlier date than had been previously believed. This research is providing scientists with a new picture of how the climate operated on earth – hundreds of millions of years ago.

Dr John Murray of NUI Galway and Milo Barham carried out research St Brendan’s Well in Lisdoonvarna and at a number of conodonts hot-spots along the west coast.

“If you could go back in time about 500 million years ago and throw a net into the sea off the Clare coast, you’d probably pull out hundreds of these conodonts. They were so prolific in the past but they were so tiny, they are largely an enigma,” said Dr Murray.

“When you drive through the Burren you notice the terraced landscape. All of those big terraces were deposited when sea levels rose and fell and rose again over million of years. The reason for these rises and falls in sea level, is the world falling into and out of ice ages.

“We took a look at the oxygen isotopes, which we found in the conodonts, because this can give us an indication of the temperate in which that creature lived. We have published two papers on this subject and we are currently preparing a third and this paper is looking very closely at the chemical composition of the conodonts and also the evolution of the species. But we are still working on that paper.

“The real problem at the moment is the speed at which climate change is taking place. Milo’s work established that the cooling of the planet happened much earlier that anyone had previously thought, and much of that knowledge is down to these Irish conodonts.”

Conodont are tiny fossils, usually of just one millimeter in size, which are found in limestone. Up until recently, little has been known about the creatures, because the fossils usually only preserve records of their teeth.

Indeed, it was once thought that conodont and humans might have a shared ancestry as their teeth structure is similar to our own. Over the last decade however, scientists have discovered that conodonts are actually eel-like animals, which lived in large numbers in sea water.

Conodonts had teeth but no jaws, similar in ways to lamprey eels, and lived between 500 million years ago and 200 million years ago.

THE Clare county coroner is to write to the health services in Clare to highlight a family’s call for closer coordination between services and doctors involved in the treatment of addicts. Isobel O’Dea was speaking on Tuesday after returning an open verdict at the inquest of a “bright and gifted” 41-year-old Dublin man found dead in Ennis earlier this year.

Gardaí discovered the body of retired physiotherapist Oliver MacNamara at the Abbeyfield apartments, Francis Street, Ennis, on March 18.

The inquest heard Mr MacNamara, who also had an address at Ard Haven, Springhill Tramore, Waterford, had been addicted to prescription drugs and attended Narcotic’s Anonymous. He had also took medication for chronic back pain. Shannon town based GP, Dr Michael Flynn told the inquest he issued a monthly prescription for pain medication to Mr MacNamara on March 15. After questions from the deceased’s sister, Geraldine MacNamara, Dr Flynn said, “I wasn’t aware he was dependent on the stuff to that extent.

“It’s only now that I found out that he had an addiction,” he added.

Dr Flynn said Mr MacNamara was also on medication for depression. He said there would’ve been a danger of “tipping him into a severe depression” had he suggested Mr MacNamara come off the medication.

“The impression that I got from him was of a very reasonable man, very well presented. He told me he was a physiotherapist and one of the best chess players in Ireland. It all tends to make you believe that this wasn’t just anybody,” added Dr Flynn.

Ms Isobel O’Dea said the impression was that Mr MacNamara gave a “very credible reason for having medication”. A post mortem revealed the presence of a number of painkillers, prescription drugs and benzodiazepines including diaphine, diazepam and tramadol.

A pathologist told the inquest that while all drugs were within the therapeutic range, “The combined effect created cardio failure.”

Cause of death was found to be cardio failure secondary to the combined toxic effects of drugs.

Returning an open verdict, Ms O’Dea expressed her sympathy to the MacNamara family. “It’s very sad for such a bright young man to die so tragically,” she added.

On behalf of the gardaí, Inspector Michael Gallagher expressed his sympathy to the family.

Speaking afterwards, Geraldine MacNamara described her brother as “really bright and gifted in many ways”.

THE noxious smell that has plagued the residents of Shannon has made it all the way to Dáil Eireann.

The foul odour was the subject of a question to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government by Sinn Fein’s Deputy Brian Stanley on the request of his Shannon party colleague Mike McKee, when he asked for an update on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigation into the stench.

The EPA advised the minister that investigations to date indicate that the source of the odour appears to be the sewer network in Shannon.

“Investigative efforts will be focused on the sewer collection net- work including all discharges to the network and improvements that may be beneficial at Shannon town’s wastewater treatment plant. The EPA and Clare County Council, with the assistance of the HSE, have put in place an action programme for further monitoring and investigation,” said the minister.

The Government bodies will continue to monitor the smell as well as any unusual patterns of illness in the local population.

“The odour problem remains under active and detailed investigation by the EPA and Clare County Council. The EPA has been liaising with local public representatives as well as local media to disseminate information to the public and will continue to do so while the investigation is ongoing and until the situation is remedied.

“The EPA has also informed my department that it monitored air quality in Shannon between March 2012 and June 2013, measuring a range of pollutants that are the most important indicators for assessing impact on human health. All measured pollutant levels were found to be below EU limit values,” explained the minister.

ENNIS Town Council has been named in a test case before the high court, as more than 1,000 taxi drivers sue the Government amid claims their property rights were breached when the industry was de-regulated. The taxi drivers are also suing the Minister for the Environment, the Attorney General and Dublin City Council. As many as 1,200 legal actions by other drivers are awaiting the outcome of the legal proceedings. Taxi drivers in the test case, includ- ing drivers from Ennis, suffered a “financially disastrous overnight catastrophe” they claim when the taxi licensing regime was deregulated in 2000.

Many drivers bought a licence valued at £80,000, almost € 100,000, before deregulation in November of that year. Some claim they purchased the licence as late as August 2000.

Taxi drivers say the “overnight” deregulation scheme wiped out the value of their licences.

These drivers now allege that this deregulation breached their property rights under the Constitution.

They have also claimed that the Government, which is defending the test cases, breached EU competition laws when the industry was liberalised. The taxi drivers believe they should now receive damages as a result of what it maintains was an unlawful and unreasonable move.

THERE has been a dramatic increase in the number of serious drugs offenses detected in Clare over the first 10 months of 2013.

According to figures released at last night by Clare Chief Superintendent, John Kerin, Section 15 drug offenses have increased by a massive 68 per cent compared to last year.

There has been a total of 74 Section 15 offenses in Clare so far this year – a 68 per cent increase on the first 10 months of 2012.

Section 15 offenses refer to larger quantities of drugs, which are deemed to be for sale or supply.

There was also a 29 per cent increase in Section 3 or minor drugs offenses, which rose from 154 in 2012 to 200 so far in 2013.

Chief Superintendent, John Kerin, told last night Joint Policing Meeting of Clare County Council that there was no town and village in Clare were drug dealing was not taking place.

“The big increase that we find is in drug cultivation, where some people are growing their own cannabis plants.

“There is a lot of that in County Clare. Most of the time this is for a persons private use but not always,” said Chief Supt Kerin.

“We have had an increase in detection this year – but it is hard to know if that is because of an increase in activity or better detection.

“There is no village in Clare that doesn’t have people taking drugs or selling drugs – there is no point in saying otherwise.”

Former Mayor of Clare, Pat Daly (FF), criticised the judicial system saying drug dealers are getting off on technicalities and judges are being too lenient.

“The gardaí are doing an excellent job but there is something wrong in the courts somewhere.

“There are a lot of people getting off on technicalities and I think that that is wrong,” he said.

Chief Supt Kerin commented that he could not comment on any decisions made in the courts.

“We don’t like to see anybody getting off but should a person be convicted in the wrong?

“You have to balance that,” he said.

CLARE County Council has been urged to deal with ‘disgraceful’ levels of noise and litter that have developed in the Watery Road area of Ennis.

Yesterday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council heard complaints about the condition of vacant properties in the area.

Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) told the meeting residents are putting up with the sounds of chainsaws going “morning, noon and night” and wild foul and guinea foul running around houses. “They’re screeching like hell day and night,” he said.

He said Clare County Council should consider demolishing some of the empty houses.

“It’s a downright disgrace. I can’t understand why you have people living in houses at either end and four empty houses between them. Why can’t the vacant houses be knocked and the two put together?” he added.

Cllr Brennan said horses are also running loose in the area.

The meeting heard the scheme is the responsibility of Clare County Council. Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) said the council should consider serving a derelict site notice on the vacant properties.

He said the same tenancy rules and laws that apply to other local authority residents should also apply in the Watery Road.

“There should be no fear or favour in this regard,” he added. Cllr Meaney continued, “The situation in the Watery Road cannot continue. It’s an eyesore. It’s a fester.”

Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said the situation with anti-social behaviour is not unique to Ennis. “The Watery Road [problems] have been going on for over 15 years. It has deteriorated. It is a disgrace.”

Cllr Brennan called on Clare County Council to provide a full report on issues in Watery Road.

He said, “If I was breaking the law and I was causing the nuisance, I’d be prosecuted.”

Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said there have been issues in other estates in Ennis including Bridge View where smoke bombs have been thrown through letterboxes.

Town manager and director of Service Gerard Dollard said a report from Clare County Council on issues at Watery Road would be available at the next meeting of Ennis Town Council.

A LIMITED policy of pedestrianisation will be in effect in Ennis during December after a meeting heard a lack of support exists among businesses for a longer period of pedestrianisation.

The council had previously proposed pedestrianising O’Connell Street on December 7 (Saturday), December 14 (Saturday), December 21 (Saturday), December 22 (Sunday), December 23 (Monday) and December 24 (Tuesday).

At yesterday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Town Clerk Leonard Cleary said the council had sought the views of business people, rate payers and property owners in the town.

He said Ennis Chamber had proposed closing O’Connell Street to traffic on the final two Saturdays and the days leading up Christmas Day.

“A larger December pedestrianisation policy does not seem to be gaining currency at the moment,” explained Mr Cleary.

Under the 2013 policy, O’Connell Street will be pedestrianised from December 21 to 24. Town manager Gerard Dollard told the meeting the on / off nature of pedestrianisation had created difficulties around it.

He said until such time as the council makes a decision on whether proceed with a longer trial of pedestrianisation, the council would have to manage the existing approach.

Cllr Peter Considine said he was “disappointed” with the shorter period but agreed to support the proposal.

Welcoming the decision, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) expressed concern “organised begging” could undermine the council’s attempts to create a festive atmosphere in the town centre in December.

Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) called for the council to take action against so called ‘chuggers’ who have set up in front of Dunnes Stores.

Cllr Guilfoyle said pedestrians are being forced out onto the street by people collecting money for charity. He told the meeting it was only a matter of time before someone is hurt.

Councillors agreed to a limited pedestrianisation as the council announced details of a free car-parking initiative for Christmas.

Town clerk Leonard Cleary stated, “Following the success in recent years, Ennis Town Council has developed and researched a Christmas Parking Initiative 2013. A recent consultation was held between representatives of Ennis business com- munity and Ennis Town Council with the key task of promoting shopping in Ennis over the Christmas and New Year period.”

Free parking will be in place up to 12 noon daily during December to January 6 both on street and off street. Parking will be free in Cloughleigh car park until January 6. The council is also encouraging staff of shops and business owners to free up spaces close to the town centre by using alternative spaces.

Mr Cleary said the council will promote the initiative online and through media. “The business community is also taking an active involvement promoting the initiative.”

CONCERN has been expressed that the designation of buildings as protected structures is killing off some of the oldest businesses in the town.

A special meeting of Ennis Town Council will take place later this month after councillors yesterday chose not to adopt the town manager’s recommendation that 183 buildings in Ennis be retained on the record of protected structures.

Councillors have sought a meeting with the county conservation officer to highlight concerns they have over aspects of the policy.

Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) told the meeting the high cost of renovating properties that are protected structures is unfair to owners.

Cllr Meaney said the policy also runs contrary to the council’s aim of encouraging more people to live in the town centre.

He said the council could adopt a policy that protects the built character and heritage of the town while at the same time affording property owners the flexibility to renovate their businesses using modern building methods and materials.

Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said protected structure status had prevented the owners of Keane’s on O’Connell Street from extending their business.

Highlighting the example of one of the town’s oldest shops, Pyne’s on Abbey Street, Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said it was a small family-run business that could not afford the cost of maintaining and renovating the building due to the high cost of carrying out work to a protected structure.

“It’s a one of a kind, a dying kind and are we going to kill it further?” he added.

Town Manager Gerard Dollard said that while he agreed there should be some State support to cover the cost of such works, “If members wish to change this they better have very good and valid reasons for doing so.”

He told the meeting the council is statutorily obliged to make a decision on the protected structures list before the end of the month.

A special meeting to discuss the matter will take place on Tuesday, November 19, at 5pm in Waterpark House.

FIRE personnel from Kilrush came under attack from youths throwing stones while carrying out their duty on Halloween night.

The fire unit was called to an illegal bonfire in the town by concerned residents who feared it would get out of control.

While the reserve members of the fire service were dealing with the flames, four to five youths threw stones in their direction, hitting the fire engine.

No firefighters were injured in the incident.

Denis O’Connell, Senior Assistant Fire Officer with the Clare Fire Service, said that almost every year the members of the fire service face some aggravation when they are called to control bonfires.

“This was not very serious as no one got hit, but no one should have to put up with that when they go to do their day’s work,” he said.

The assistant fire chief explained that bogus calls were as frustrating to the fire service as these senseless attacks.

“If we get a call we have to take it serious. If there is a unit in an area on a call, we then have to take a unit from another area if there is a second call in that area. This affects the call out time to an incident,” he said.

“It is very serious on a busy night to get a bogus call,” added Mr O’Connell referring to a bogus call out in Shannon on Thursday night last – Halloween night.

Thursday proved particularly busy for the Clare Fire Service with 10 call outs in total.

Four of the call outs were to bonfires, in Kilrush, Kilkee, Shannon and Ennis, and one was the bogus call out.

“Ten calls is a lot in one day for seven brigades,” explained Mr O’Connell.

Last year there were 10 bonfire call outs in the county.

Mr O’Connell attributes the drop in bonfire call outs to just four this year to the strong public campaign by Clare County Council last week. Members of the public reporting any waste being gathered for potential bonfires and the weather. He said the rain quite literally dampened plans for the Halloween tradition this year.