The Clare People Archive

THERE was a mixed reaction in the farming community following the launch of the commission’s propos- als for the health check of the CAP.

Speaking on Thursday, ICOS Pres- ident, Padraig Gibbons, said docu- ments fail to provide a soft landing for dairy farmers in the lead up to the removal of quotas in 2015.

“The proposed series of quota in- creases of one per cent per year from 2009 to 2013 with no increase in the year before the removal of quotas failed to give clear signals to farm- ers, processors and marketers in or- der to encourage them to make the

necessary preparations for the end- ing of quotas in a timely, orderly and Structured fashion,’ he said

“In addition, such minimal quota increases will do little to reduce or eliminate the cost of purchased quo- ta. ICOS continues to call for annual increases of up to two per cent, every year between 2009 and 2014, com- bined with a decrease in the level of super levy and a removal of the but- terfat adjustment.

“ICOS has been working with other representative organisations in Europe to deliver a clear signal to the commission that they cannot al- low the European dairy industry to continue to lose world market share.

Gibbons went on to state that mar- ket support instruments needed to be maintained and utilised, particularly during the uncertain period leading up to 2015 and beyond, and that ex- port refunds and other internal mar- ket tools need to be used to support the vulnerable butter market.

“It is totally unacceptable to con- tinuously cut the level of Single Farm Payment, against a backdrop of rap- idly escalating production and com- pliance costs, and general inflation, which will result in payments being worth a small fraction of their origi- nal value,” he said.

Clare TD Tony Kileen also spoke publicly on CAP last week saying

that he is looking forward to the presentation of the proposals to the agriculture council at the forthcom- ing informal council in Ljubljana on 27th May and the opportunity at that meeting for a first political discus- sion on the proposals.

“My view is that the health check must deliver real simplification that has concrete benefits at farm level,” |aTemncy-5 (6

“T will work on building alliances and understandings with member states as well as outlining my con- cerns to the commission in order to achieve progress on issues such as an acceptable and ambitious increase in milk quotas for Ireland.”

GREAT weather and great music proved an irresistible draw as Fleadh Nua fans from Colorado to Tokyo, Cape Breton to Adelaide descended on Ennis for the past 9 days.

The general consensus is that Flea- dh Nua 2008 will live long in the memory for both the depth of the programme of events and the quality of the performers on view.

The Frank Custy Tribute got pro- ceedings off to a flying start as Flea- dh Nua paid homage to the legendary music teacher from Toonagh.

Dennis Liddy and Michael Hynes — ably assisted by Eoin O’Neill and Jack Talty — slowed things down with a beautifully crafted evening of mu-

sic at the Fidil Beo Recital.

Each year the Aos Og Concert promises audiences the finest tradi- tional music, song and dance per- formed by the cream of the country’s young artistes. This year’s concert delivered on this promise in abun- dance with the usual high standards maintained.

An eclectic mix of traditional mu- sic and dance with contemporary ar- rangements from the students of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at U.L., Ulster Scots music, polkas from the Sliabh Luachra tra- dition, master-piping and the power- ful singing of Seamus Mac Mathtna wowed the audience at the Celebrity Concert in Glor.

Acclaimed trad band, Cruinnit

played a varied set of songs and mu- sic with such élan that some mem- bers of the audience just had to get out of their seats and dance despite the lateness of the hour.

The intensely spiritual singing of Cor Cuil Aodha under the direction of Peadar O Riada at Cor agus Ceol allowed listeners a period of reflec- tion which was followed by a series of high octane performances culmi- nating in a rousing finale by Leeds Scoraiocht group.

There was plenty of outdoor activ- ity as live performances on the Gig Rig and a network of street sessions kept people royally entertained.

The pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street lent itself greatly to the crea- tion of a festival atmosphere around

the town and the Organising Com- mittee said they greatly appreci- ated the support received from the traders, Ennis Town Council and an Garda Siochana to this end.

The streets were thronged for the best Fleadh Nua Parade in years which featured bands, schools and community groups as well as open air entertainment from the Hounds of Ulster, Ogra Tiobraid Arann and Oo) iKeyse mrt WY Ebebisuslone

A licence has been awarded for the operation of new bus service for the town of Ennis.

The privately operated bus service will provide 13 services from the town centre to the eastern residential area of Ennis; 12 services from the eastern residential area to the town centre; 13 routes from the town cen- tre to the western residential area and 12 from the western residential area to the town centre.

Town Clerk Eddie Power told the May meeting of Ennis Town Coun- cil that the service is expected to commence soon but, that it was un- known whether Bus Eireann would be involved.

He said, “The council decided in

2007 to conduct a feasibility study to look at providing a bus service for Ennis. Because we were aware that both Bus Eireann and a private Operator were examining the possi- bility we didn’t go through with the study.”

He continued, “A license has been granted to a private operator. Bus Eireann have made no decision yet. We would expect the service to com- mence in the near future”.

Concerns were expressed though over the potential “cherry-picking” of routes. Urging the council to carry out the feasibility study Fine Gael councillor Johnny Flynn said, “We can’t sit around and wait. You could find a situation where the private op- erator will just cherry pick the routes that are most commercially viable

around the town.”

He continued, “I wish the private operator well, but Ennis Town Coun- cil should be leading the way on this.” Independent councillor Frank- ie Neylon called for Bus Eireann to get involved in the scheme.

He said, “The private operator should be looking towards Ennis Town Council. We should be able to tell him better than the department. We need a bus service for all outly- ing areas that are highly populated and we need them on the hour.”

He added, “Bus Eireann would be in a better position to have more bus- es available. A private operator can always pull out.”

Town Manager Tom Coughlan said the involvement of Bus Eireann was predicated on the availability

of funds through the Government’s Transport 21 initiative, which at the moment weren’t forthcoming.

He said, “We met with Bus Shier tat last year and in March Bus Eireann advised us that funding was allocated under Transport 21. We understand that money isn’t available through that yet.”

Fianna Fail councillor Tom Glynn said, ““Where a bus service has been provided, there has been a huge per- centage in uptake. We have to pro- vide Ennis with a bus service and it definitely needs to be as good as possible.”

Fianna Fail councillor Peter Consi- dine said, “The reason any previous service failed is because of irregular- ity. Any feasibility study would be a waste of money”.

CONCERN is mounting over the im- pact construction work in the Parnell Street car park is having on public ENC AA

Town Manager Tom Coughlan told last Wednesday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, that any risk to the public would be examined.

He said ‘I understand that busi- nesses in the area fell discommoded by the work but at the same casual flooding is also having a big impact on the town.

“We would be concerned about public safety in the area and we will get someone to look at it”.

It followed concerns raised in the chamber over the effect work on the

upper section of the Ennis Flood Re- lief scheme is having on businesses on the area.

Independent councillor Frankie Nylon said ‘I would be very worried about customers walking so near a construction site. From what I have heard the traffic situation there is going to get worse. In a few months time, there will be delivery trucks bringing cement and steel. This is at a time when we want to get shoppers into the town”.

Fianna Fail councillor Tom Glynn said, “Several safety issues have been raised and there are merits in looking at the proposals out there”’

It is unlikely though that the Coun- cil will consider allocating areas in the town as temporary taxi ranks

during peak hours.

Town Clerk Eddie Power told the meeting that any such proposal would require the passing of byelaws.

Town Engineer Tom Tiernan said “Unfortunately, you have to break eges if you want to make an ome- lette and unfortunately there has to be an inconvenience. O’Connell Square was found to be unsuitable for a taxi rank. We don’t want to bring that back on ourselves. The biggest inconvenience is that 40% of the parking spaces are compromised for a number of months and for that I do sympathise”.

Fine Gael councillor Johnny Flynn said, “Business people in Parnell Street are paying rates and are loos- ing about 40 car parking spaces. It

is very difficult for them. There are three or four shops in the area that are already talking about closing Keyan ae

Green party councillor Donal O’Bearra said the work had already caused serious environmental dam- age. “The rate of attrition of trees is fairly one way. People put faith in the OPW and it is not unreasonable that they work together with the pub- lic. They hacked down all the trees on one side of the bank. We should write to the OPW to ask what their plans are to protect the trees”.

Town Engineer Tom Tiernan said, following completion of the work, the area would be returned to its original condition “except in an up- graded state”.

A FIXTURE of the summer, the Clare Youth Service’s (CYS) sum- mer camp is expected to draw the crowds again this year.

CYS’ hugely popular Summer Camp in Ennis will take place from July 7-11 in Ennis Community Col- lege, offering active and creative fun to young people aged 9 to 13 years.

The summer camp aims to offer each child that participates a range of experiences, an opportunity to meet new friends, take part in a wide

range of activities.

This year’s proragmme offers chil- dren to partake in a wide range of activities that promote physical ac- tivity. It includes swimming, bowl- ing, treasure trails, sports and a lot more ensuring there is something for each child.

The camp promises a variety of ac- tivities each day with action, excite- ment, new experiences and a chance to make some new friends in a safe SOMATKeye neste ILm

The total cost of the programme is € 50 but places are limited. To en-

sure a place for your child, phone or call into the Clare Youth Service for an application form.

Completed forms and cheques should be sent to Jean Tierney, Clare Youth Service, Carmody Street, En- ah

The camp also offers leadership op- portunities and skills development to volunteers age 17 and over.

Past experience has shown that the Summer Programme is a richly re- warding experience for participants and young volunteers, as well as be- ing a great community resource.

The Youth Service attributes the continued success of the programmes to the dedicated contribution of these volunteers, many of whom return over several years, often taking an- nual leave from work to help out. For further information please contact Jean Tierney on 065-6845350.

This year’s CYS summer camps will take place in the grounds of Ennnis Community College. A spokesper- son thanked the College for provid- ing assistance, “Clare Youth Service would like to thank Ennis Commu- nity College for their support”

AS THE school year comes to a close, 300 young Burren experts are preparing to graduate from primary schools all over north Clare and south Galway.

Kinvara-based not-for-profit organ- isation Burrenbeo has been operating its Eco-Beo education programme in 10 national schools for the past six years.

The programme is designed to help the young people of the Burren dis- cover their own unique heritage.

Eco-Beo is made possible because of money raised through the Burren Business Network (BBN) and groups like Burren Connect. The BBN aims

to bring eco-tourism to life on a lo- cal scale by getting local businesses involved in promoting the unique ecology of the Burren and attracting tourism as a result.

“This summer we will have a few hundred new Burren experts graduat- ing from schools in Kinvara, Doorus, New Quay, Boston, Tubber, Corofin, Kilnaboy, Kilshanny and Kilfenora,” said Ann O’Connor of Burrenbeo.

“Next year, other schools will get the benefit of the 20-week course which is made possible by the peo- ple involved in the Burren Business Network. This is the essence of sus- tainable tourism whereby tourists, through the businesses they use, are helping to sustain local communities

and their heritage.”

Burrenbeo first began in 2002 as a high-quality website guide to the Burren and its ecology. The site, which is located at www.burrenbeo. com, now gets a quarter of a million visitors each year who generate al- most four million hits.

Over the years, it has developed into the leading agency for promoting the Burren as an eco-tourist location.

“We want to promote education and awareness and, more than any- thing else, to show the really positive contribution that local farmers give to the area,” continued Ann.

“We are working hard to improve visitor management in the Burren and offer visitors a better tourist ex-

perience. The key to this is giving them top-quality and easily acces- sible information about the area and what they are seeing.

“The overall goal is to promote the Burren as a haven for eco-tourism, a place for ecologically and socially responsible, nature-based tourism that fosters appreciation and under- standing and most importantly con- tribute to the local community and economy.’

Beside the development of the Bur- renbeo website, Burrenbeo has also created an award winning CD-Rom on the Burren and opened a free re- source centre in Cafebeo in Kinvara. For more on Burrenbeo, check out www.burrenbeo.com

ON AUGUST 15, an ancient tradi- tion will return to Tubber thanks to the restoration of one of the Burren’s most historic holy weeks.

The August pilgrimage to the Ri an Domhainaigh holy well has not tak- en place for more than two decades but now, thanks to the Beagh Rural Development Association, the centu- ries-old tradition looks set to return.

“This well is first mentioned in 1669 by a Franciscan friar called Anthony MacBrody in a work pub- lished in Prague. It probably dates back to pre-Christian times and the Church would have put its own mark on it over the centuries,’ said Tony

Diviney of the Beagh Integrated Ru- ral Development Association.

“We started working on these holy wells and ancient sites more than 20 years ago, trying to restore them and improve the look of the parish. We have completed a number of differ- ent projects over the years and we started this about this time last year.

“It was in a very bad condition. The ESB had been through the site a number of years back and you couldn’t even see the well. It was a slow enough process but we are hop- TUOTCMMHaY-T MD LMMY SOO MoLom EDU ToleremDOMBUSOomcO)s August.”

Each August 15, Mass was said at the holy well while people walked around the well and prayed. As

they circled it, they would mark the amount of times around the well by placing a stone on a small holy altar nearby.

“They say that if you turned the stones one way, it was good luck but if you turned them against the sun, you could put a curse on people,” said Paddy Rosengrave of the asso- ciation.

‘The belief that the older people in the parish have in this well is unreal. They came down here to pray on a regular basis, even when the place was nearly inaccessible.

“If the people in olden days got sick, they didn’t go to the doctor. It was off to the holy well that they went. This was their hospital.

“You can see that people have left new money, euros, at the holy altar so people must still be using the well.”

The Ri an Domhainaigh holy well is one of six holy wells located in the Beagh parish. It was historically the busiest local well, thanks in part toa large fair which used to take place in Tubber each August.

The group plans to reopen the well and once again celebrate mass in Ri an Domhainaigh on August 15.

THE railway station in Sixmilebri- dge is poised to reopen within the next 12 months, after an absence of more than 30 years.

That was the message delivered by Clare County Council, in response to a query on the matter last week.

Local Fine Gael councillor John Crowe asked for an update on the project and queried when works would commence.

He specifically sought a date for

the reopening of the station, which locals have sought for a considerable period of time.

In response, acting senior engi- neer with the council, John Bradley pointed out that the council has been working in close co-operation with CIE, with regard to the re-opening of the former station.

“The station lands and railway house has been recently acquired by the council. It is planned to provide a park and ride facility in conjunction with the opening of the said railway

station,” said Mr Bradley.

“CIE have advised that funding has been provided in the 2008/2009 budgetary cycles for the upgrading of CIE’s infrastructural requirements and it is anticipated that the pas- senger rail service will open some time during 2009. No fixed dates are available for the scheduled opening of the facility,” added Mr Bradley.

Councillor Crowe said he was pleased with the response.

“IT am very happy with the re- sponse. At the end of the day, we can

see light at the end of the tunnel,” he pointed out.

‘“T would be hoping it would re-open next March or April. It will benefit the entire east Clare area as people can drive to Sixmilebridge and get the train to Limerick or Galway,” he added.

“The people of Sixmilebridge are thrilled with the update,” he said.

“Efforts have been made to get this re-opened for about lO years now, when petitions were signed,’ said Councillor Crowe.

THE increasing level of interest in an after-school project in Newmar- ket-on-Fergus is leading to its expan- sion.

The project was set up by Obair in 1999 and is open to primary school- going children in the Newmarket-on- Fergus area.

Currently, 20 children from first to sixth class attend and there is a wait- ing list for spaces.

Those who attend are given assist- ance with their homework, while they also get the opportunity to do arts and crafts, computer games and physical activities. The children are also brought on various trips, while summer camps are organised every

year.

Kirsty Horner took over the run- ning of the scheme last year. She ex- plained who the club is open to.

“Our target groups would be the disadvantaged, but it is open to eve- ryone,’ said Ms Horner.

“We have homework support, which is why it was set up. Some of the chil- dren would be struggling with their homework,’ she pointed out.

The project runs for 48 weeks of the year from Monday to Friday. It has gone from strength to strength since its inception and the co-ordinators are optimistic that it will continue to make good progress.

“We just got funding for an ex- tension to the building, so we can have two rooms specifically for the

project,” said Ms Horner.

Currently the group meets in a room at Obair, but this room also holds other meetings. Given the in- creasing numbers of children attend- ing the project specific space is nec- essary for them.

“We will have more space. Our numbers have increased and we have a waiting list,’ added Ms Horner.

“The parents think it is a great Service and the children love it,” she added.

While Ms Horner co-ordinates the project, she is seeking volunteers to help her in the week-to-week running Omi

The project is one of three groups in the Shannon/Newmarket region nominated by AIB bank to win a

Better Ireland award. The prize up for grabs is €10,000 and winners will be chosen from a text message based competition.

To vote for the after-school project, text SHANNON A to 53099. The project which receives the most texts wins the €10,000 prize.

The project has also been shortlist- ed for Clare County Council’s Pride of Place competition, which honours groups which have contributed to their local community. The results of this competition will be announced CLUN@uercametemcibbeeneetosm

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They were filmed at Craggauno- wen with their performance about

the voyage of St Brendan. The group, consisting of teenagers Aine Free- man, Collette Donnellan, James Connor, Niamh Devenney, Gerard O’Dea and Maire Ryan, took part in the television filming.

The culture corner includes consid- erable variety and features folklore, through music, song, dance and sto- rytelling.

According to the group’s co-ordina- tor Kevin O’Loughlin, they focused on St Brendan’s discovery of Ameri-

ca, through imaginative means.

“It is a lovely little interpretation. The six youngsters tell the story of St Brendan’s voyage in a 10-minute show,” he said.

“The television experience is great for the children. It is something they might only get one opportunity to do and gives them great confidence,” he added.

The culture corner group from Sixmulebridge/Kilmurry has been successful at community games

levels both in Clare and nationally, over several years. Such is the level of interest that the club entered three groups in this year’s competition. Along with the St Brendan’s voyage eroup, there was also a presentation featuring the wren boys, while Peig Sayers featured in another group.