Shoeing the donkey?

THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY Locals will be returning to traditional modes of transport today on Clare Island.  Pic: Keith Heneghan/Phocus

Is it time to shoe the donkey on the island?

Áine Ryan

CLARE ISLANDERS may be forced to resort to the traditional mode of transport of the donkey and cart when this morning (Tuesday) the men in blue sail out to the Clew Bay outpost to check on the legality of the island’s motor vehicles. With the bush telegraph being more efficient than broadband, one thing’s for sure: the islanders will – by all accounts – use Shank’s mare for the duration of the new district sergeant’s sojourn on the former home of pirate queen, Granuaile today.
Like the majority of offshore islands, Clare Island does not have a resident garda, nor are the majority of its vehicles taxed or insured. However, The Mayo News  can reveal that Sergeant Rory Brennan will not be wielding the battering ram or impounding any of the island’s salt-soaked bangers during his maiden voyage. On the other hand, he will be reinforcing the message sent in Sgt Gabriel’s Power’s recent letter to the island development company during his meet-and-greet cruise.
On May 28 last Sgt Power wrote that policing of the offshore islands will no longer be implemented through ‘a reactive approach’ by the Gardaí, who usually only travelled to the islands ‘when required’.
“The Gardaí now intend to take a proactive approach and visit the islands on a regular basis,” explained Sgt Power.
He continued: “An issue which is of concern is the number of untaxed and uninsured vehicles on the island. Vehicles which are not taxed or insured can be seized. A conviction for no insurance by the court carries a disqualification order from driving and a fine exceeding €1,000. I would request that persons who in a public place use, park or keep untaxed or uninsured vehicles rectify the situation.”
Confirming this new policy initiative, a Garda spokesman told The Mayo News yesterday that while the force had powers under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, offenders would be given notice of any impending action.
“Common sense will prevail and people will be given a chance to rectify the situation. This visit isn’t solely about checking on cars or detecting road traffic offences. It is also for the new sergeant to introduce himself, to inform the community that the Gardaí are available to them and that in future they will be regular visitors to the islands,” the spokesman said. 
Meanwhile, islanders have expressed concern at the prohibitive costs of insuring vehicles that bring them, for example, on a two-mile round trip to the church, shop or community centre.
“I’m willing to insure my car if I don’t have to pay through the nose for it. Lots of islanders are already paying insurance for cars on the mainland. Three years ago I was quoted €900 a year for third party insurance for my car here,” said island business man, Mr Bernard McCabe.