TERAPROOF:User:brendanoneillDate:12/08/2013Time:20:26:31Edition:13/08/2013ExaminerLiveXX-1308Page:9
Zone:XX1
XX1 - V1
NEWS 9
Irish Examiner Tuesday 13.08.2013
Residents locked in bitter battle over hospital road by Catherine Shanahan
Residents’ gardens are now overlooked by traffic, leading to privacy and security concerns. Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin
A road running through Beaumont Hospital has been raised to a height where traffic is running level with the tops of adjacent garden walls, because of an oversight by Dublin City Council (DCC). The development is the source of an ongoing row between health authorities and residents in the Ardmore/Montrose area whose houses back onto the road. Residents argue their privacy is compromised as anyone driving along the road
has full view of their back gardens. They are also concerned about safety, given the road is, in places, higher than their garden walls. One resident, who did not wish to be named, said his house was previously separated from the hospital by a 12ft high wall, but the road is now 3ft higher. He said in places, it was up to two metres higher. “We are overlooked by traffic, anyone driving by in a car can look over my wall from the hospital side. We have concerns about privacy
and security,” he said. Sinn Féin councillor Micheal McDonncha said the height of the road was “hugely obtrusive”. “Local residents oppose the road in that form, they are trying to get the whole thing reversed,” he said. The row has dragged on for more than a year and one lane of the three lane road remains closed as discussions to resolve the situation continue between residents, the HSE, DCC and Beaumont Hospital. DCC has already admitted
it did not study the planning application detailing the road alignment properly. Eoghan Madden, senior engineer with roads and traffic planning, told a meeting of the council’s north central area committee last November, that while the council was aware the road was moving closer to the boundary wall, they were not aware it was going to be raised. “Maybe I didn’t look at the drawings well enough when they came in, but we did not glean from the lodged plans that there was
to be a raise in the level of the road,” Mr Madden said. Had the council realised this, they “would have been concerned”, he said. The road re-alignment was part of a planning application to develop a state-of-the-art acute admissions psychiatric unit at Beaumont, to replace services historically provided at St Ita’s in Portrane. The Psychiatric Nurses Association has raised concerns about the length of time it is taking to open the new unit. Spokesman Michael Guilfoyle said
Iconic music shop to cease trading after 90 years by Audrey Ellard Walsh An iconic music shop where rock legend Rory Gallagher bought his first guitar has closed after almost 90 years of trading. Online trading is believed to have helped trigger the closure of Crowley’s Music Centre in Cork. Sheena Crowley, who has been managing the famed MacCurtain St store since her father Michael’s death in 2010, yesterday posted the news on the shop’s Facebook page. She posted: “Thank you everybody for your kind words. It is overwhelmingly sad of course and it is a terrible reflection of the crisis on our island.” Ms Crowley said she did not want to point a finger of blame at anyone. “I want to say that, for me, it’s not about blame, if the culture is changing then it’s changing. I did my best...” Crowley’s, she said yesterday, had always been passionate about encouraging musicians to play — regardless of their circumstances. “Be it loaning gear to bands who were unable to afford it or offering them a space to perform.” Ms Crowley said she tried to carry on her father’s way of incentivising music playing, striving to be “a musician’s club”. “We have so much talent in this country and Cork is a beautiful centre of music. I just think it’s in the bones of every one of us. I don’t know if ‘joe public’ understands how much musical talent is among them. “Somebody who doesn’t
play an instrument or go to gigs doesn’t realise the talent around them and I wanted as many people to know as possible.” Donal Healy, chief executive of the Cork Business Association, said it was impossible to put a figure on the number of businesses which are struggling. But he said: “An awful lot are.” He said one of the factors was the lack of consumer spending in the current economic climate: “That’s the big difficulty really, as we see it. It’s very hard to put numbers on anything like that at the moment but the reality is that we’re losing iconic, family-run businesses and that’s very sad.” Founded in 1926 by piper and pipe maker Tadhg Ó Crualaoí and his brother Denis, the business moved from their Blackpool home to No 10 Merchant’s Quay in 1933. After his father’s death in 1955, a young Michael Crowley began working in the shop, taking over the business at the tender age of 14. The shop moved to the McCurtain St premises in 1974 and it was from here that it was to become a cultural hub, inspiring local and national artists, most notably Rory Gallagher who had bought his famous Fender Stratocaster from Michael in 1963. Speaking yesterday, Cork-based singersongwriter John Spillane said: “I’m very sorry to see Crowley’s closing. It’s been a big part of the musical life of Cork for many, many years. I’ve been hanging around there since I was at school. We were always allowed to jam on the
On Facebook
guitars there. I bought my Fender Precision bass there in 1980, and a Marshall Stack. My band Bootlace bought our PA system there on hire purchase. It’s sad to see it go.” Ms Crowley said the increase in online traders
is pushing local music shops out and she feels people need to band together to protect smaller enterprises: “I understand completely why someone looks for the cheapest buy but I think it’s so important to support your own. Everything begins at
your back door. You need to look after your own community. “You’ll never recapture Crowley’s — we were unique, it was special, we had enthusiasm coming out of our ears and so much love of the music and musicians.”
Main picture: Crowley’s Music Centre which has closed after 90 years of trading. Centre from left: Sheena Crowley outside the shop; the closure announcement; Sheena last year with staff members Noel Curran, Declan Hogge and Andrew McAleer. Bottom from left: Rory Gallagher with Michael Crowley; Rory playing the guitar he bought from Michael; Joe Mac with Michael Crowley marking Joe’s 50 years in music.
Pictures: Dan Linehan, David Keane and Gavin Browne
Woman faces trial Rebel county puts for alleged attack on a good show by Gordon Deegan A woman has been returned for trial in connection with the alleged multiple stabbing of another female. A book of evidence was served at Ennis District Court yesterday on Charlene Sherlock, aged 22, of Dromard, Lahinch Rd, Ennis, Co Clare. She is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Nicole Keane, aged 23, in the grounds of the Holy Family School, Ennis, on Apr 13. Ms Sherlock, who has a six-month-old child, is also charged with producing a steak knife at the school on the same day. Ms Keane had suffered stab wounds to the upper chest in the alleged assault. Yesterday, Inspector Tom Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented to the case proceeding on indictment to Ennis Circuit Court. Garda Irene O’Flynn told the court that she served the book of evidence on Ms Sherlock’s solicitor, John Casey. Ms Sherlock has been remanded in custody with
consent to bail, set by the High Court, but has not been in a position to take up that bail, her solicitor said. The accused has been in custody since Apr 15. Mr Casey said bail now lapsed as the case had been forwarded to the circuit court. However, he said the accused would not be making a fresh bail application. “The bail has been previously sought and I have discussed the situation with my client.” Making an application for legal aid for the circuit court case, Mr Casey said: “This is a very serious case and I would ask for legal aid to certify for one senior counsel and one junior counsel and myself to represent Ms Sherlock in the circuit court.” Judge Mary Larkin asked what was the State’s attitude to the application for a senior counsel. Insp Kennedy replied: “There is no objection from the state to the legal aid for senior counsel as this is a serious case. That is acknowledged.” Judge Larkin sent forward Ms Sherlock for trial to the next sitting of Ennis Circuit Court.
patients are being housed inappropriately in the interim, including 27 patients at a 24-bed unit in Fairview. Other patients were being dispersed to Cavan and Navan, he said. Junior minister with responsibility for mental health Kathleen Lynch previously told the Dáil the new unit would be open in June. A spokesperson for the HSE said yesterday that “occupancy by HSE mental health services is still anticipated for late August/early Sept 2013”.
TG4’s entertainment series An Samhradh Linn returns to the rebel county this week. Hosted by Síle Ní Bhraonáin, the third series brings together the finest traditional music, undiscovered talent, local cuisine and heritage attractions the county has to offer. The Corner Bar in Skibbereen is the focus this week, where well-known local musicians Brendan McCarthy, Richie Tisdall and Seán Taylor will regale
viewers with the best of traditional Irish music. Also featured is 19-yearold local box player Danny Collins accompanied by Martin Barry on guitar. Macroom-based singer Fiona Kelleher performs while Tereza Bernardova, originally from the Czech Republic, demonstrates a traditional dance. An Samhradh Linn will accompany Liadh Ní Riada and Eibhlín Ní Lionáird to Barryscourt Castle — the
Coast Guard job cuts denied by Pat Flynn
An Samhradh Linn host Síle Ní Bhraonáin, with Richie Tisdall, Seán Taylor and Brendan McCarthy. 16th century seat of the Barry family — near Carrigtwohill and visit the Irish summer college Coláiste na
Mumhan in Ballingeary. ● An Samhradh Linn is on TG4 this Thursday at 7.30pm
Films whet global foodies’ appetites by Eddie Cassidy An insight into age-old salmon smoking techniques will be demonstrated by a Cork producer in a tourism incentive aimed at ‘foodies’ and bloggers. Frank Hederman’s Belvelly Smokehouse in Cobh is featured in the first of a number of new online films produced for Tourism Ireland. The series of videos is part of a move to promote
some of the island’s food gems. According to Tourism Ireland, the films chart the story of various products from the sea or field to plate and meet the passionate artisan producers who create them along the way. Mr Hederman is one of the country’s many traditional smokehouse producers but, significantly, his is the oldest in the country.
■ Áine Whelan: Sheena, I bought my first Yamaha acoustic from your dad with my confirmation money! We are very sorry to hear you are closing, but Crowley’s will always be lovingly remembered and spoken about for years to come, every good wish to you for the future. Áine&Johnny ■ Clár Ní Cheocháin: I am so sad to hear this Cork tradition is no more. I bought my first violin from you many years ago and have stuck with you since. Have always recommended Crowley’s to my students. I am so sorry to see you go. There is nowhere now with that lovely personal touch — from repairs, purchases, or just to hang out! I am so sad to hear the recession has taken you down. ■ Billy Bennis: First, Sam Benson . . . and now the daddy of all instrument shops outside of Dublin! I used to get the train and bus up to Cork from Limerick in my band days because Crowley’s had it all . . . And treated you so well, even when you were a silly young one . . . The best of luck to you all . . . ■ Andrias Ó Ceallaigh: Sad news. Thanks very much for the memories..used 2 go up there after school on wednesday (half days) to look at the guitars for a couple of years..bought a lovely Tanglewood from ye for my 18th a few years ago.Will cherish it. End of an era! ■ Darren Johnston: You all made me into the music mad person I am today. If Noel hadn’t belted out his best blues licks on a Fender strat in the shop when I was 11, I wouldn’t have fallen in love with the guitar. Ye rescued us all at one point from many a sticky situation when we were stuck for equipment. I’m gonna miss all you guys. ■ Colm O’Sullivan: Sheena, I am genuinely heartbroken to hear the news, and I can only sincerely thank you and your staff for all your kindness and professionalism whenever we came into Crowley’s. God Bless and take care of yourself.
His products are available from the English Market and include smoked organic salmon, silver eels, mackerel, and haddock. In the film, he takes the viewer on a journey around Cobh and demonstrates fish-smoking techniques used through the generations. The artisan producer speaks about the wonderful salmon resource and suggests the Irish landscape is “at the heart of
what we create”. Tourism Ireland is hopeful the online films will help entice foodies from around the globe. Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “The island of Ireland is increasingly becoming known for its cuisine, with a reputation for high quality, natural products used in both traditional and innovative dishes.” ■ The films will be promoted through Ireland.com.
The Department of Transport has denied that any jobs will be lost in its Coast Guard service although an entire layer of management has been removed following a review. It had been reported that of the 52 positions within the service, nine would be lost at the Coast Guard’s three co-ordination centres at Malin Head, Valentia Island, and Dublin. The department claims there is no such proposal. “Some changes to working arrangements will be implemented, and a technology enhancement programme initiated. This will allow the three centres to be operated as an integrated unit, providing efficiencies and achieving savings,” it said. An entire layer of management within the service is, however, being dispensed with. The position of deputy divisional controller, one at each of three coastal stations, is being removed. The department said: “The previous Coast Guard model had two management positions in each Coast Guard co-ordination centre
— a divisional controller and a deputy divisional controller. “After detailed consideration of the matter, the department concluded that the three deputy divisional commander posts were not essential technical posts, and that one full-time management post in each centre was sufficient. “In addition, many of the watch officers are in receipt of an allowance to act as station officers during shifts and thus there are already ‘in charge’ posts available to the divisional controller.” Previously, 46 people were employed as watch officers. However this had fallen to 38 in recent years while the recommended figure is 40. Two additional staff are being recruited. The current three-man watches at Malin, Valentia, and Dublin will also be reduced to two but the department says this won’t result in job losses either. Concerns have been raised that the stations can hardly manage as it is with three on duty and will be even further stretched. The department said a two-person watch will be satisfactory.