The Clare Echo 05/01/23

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

‘People afraid to attend UHL’

AN EMERGENCY meeting has been requested on foot of what’s been described as a “major internal incident” at University Hospital Limerick.

Professor Declan Lyons, consultant physician and geriatrician at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), said a “serious situation” has developed with regards to patient safety at the emergency department, and described conditions at the ED as “inhumane”.

In correspondence seen by The Clare Echo, Independent TD Violet Anne

Wynne has written to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly requesting an emergency meeting take place between his department and Oireachtas representatives from constituencies in the MidWest.

Her letter states, “The stories that have been recounted to me over the past few days are nothing short of harrowing and are a scathing indictment of the management of this Hospital, and the HSE’s Winter Plan.

“I think that for the sake of transparency what is needed

now is an emergency meeting.

“My constituents are scared to attend UHL for fear of being abandoned on a trolley for three days. They have serious questions, and those questions require serious answers. I am requesting this meeting and a reply to this letter as a matter of priority given the extremely time-sensitive nature of these concerns.”

She added, “It is simply a disgrace that UHL is the only Model 4 Hospital in the country allowed to operate without a complimentary Model 3 Hospital. The advice has been given time and again to reopen Ennis and it has been ignored by Government.”

l Ennistymon players celebrate winning the county U21A football championship

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

All for a good cause

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or NEWSDESK news@clareecho.ie

SALES

Email: ciaran.coote@clareecho.ie

or niall@clareecho.ie

36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

Cliffs fundraiser for local charities

THREE community-based charities in County Clare received a combined fundraising donation of €3,550 from the Cliffs of Moher Experience this week. The North Clare visitor attraction marked

the end of the tourism year with a Christmas Breakfast for all staff at the Cliff View Café on Wednesday (21 December 2022).

The management team was on hand to help serve tea and coffees to the hard-work-

ing team and to representatives from Pieta House, Ennistymon Community Hospital and Clare Crusaders, who shared the proceeds from the fund.

Staff of the Cliffs of Moher Experience pictured with representatives of Pieta House and Clare Crusaders

Clare man gears up for Artic expedition

by Ronan Judge news@clareecho.ie

AFTER recovering from a serious cycling accident, Clare man Robert Phillips is gearing up for the trek of a lifetime in the Arctic circle.

Next week, the father of three will be part of a group of volunteers embarking on an expedition from Tromso in northern Norway.

After training, and days of cross-country skiing through bitter sub-zero conditions and near permanent darkness, the group hope to see the first Arctic sunrise of the winter.

Robert, who coaches underage rugby with Ennis RFC, is taking on the challenge to raise money for the charity, Sightsavers.

Sightsavers works in over 30 countries to tackle excruciating and debilitating conditions such as trachoma and river blindness.

“This is why I am putting myself out of my comfort zone in doing this trek. I have done some remote trekking around the world before in Africa and South America and even cycled across Cuba to rise money for guide dogs. But I haven’t been to the Arctic and I am a bit older now!” Robert told The Clare Echo

He continued, “Sightsavers asked me last year to go and I said, I’m not sure about it. My wife is working, I’m working, We have three kids and I hadn’t done anything like this for a long time”.

Robert’s plan to trek across one of the world’s most remote environments was almost put in doubt by a cycling accident

He explained, “I was out cycling last year and I went head first over the handlebars. I was taken on a spinal board into hospital in Limerick. I couldn’t move. I spent three days in there. I got an MRI. I was lucky. I was extremely lucky it didn’t turn out a lot worse. Lauren from Sightsavers rang me after it happened and I said, if I come through this ok, I’ll still do it”.

The 53-year-old’s preparations have included endurance training and learning about the skills needed to survive the freezing conditions.

Robert said, “We fly out to Tromso in northern Norway and we head out from there. We spend three days at basecamp for training. There are about 14 volunteers and three guides. They’ll be showing us things like survival skills, learning about the equipment, snow shoes. One of the important things is learning how to control your body heat because if you you sweat too much or too fast, you are going to freeze”.

“We will be cross-country skiing to remote cabins, doing around 14/15km a day. And we’ll

be doing this mostly in the dark. You get a twilight period of about three to four hours but it’s dark for the rest of the day”.

“Where we’re going is up around the Norway / Finland border. A lot of the terrain will be quite hilly and there are valleys. One of the days involves a 600 metre climb. Temperatures are currently forecast at high of -10 and low of -21 without windchill factor. We are trekking out to remote wilderness cabins to see the first sunrise in the Arctic for two months”.

He continued, “I’m looking forward to it. There is a great, positive buzz in the group. The people who are leading us are very experienced and I have no concerns over safety. Obviously

the weather plays a big part. If you get heavy snows and it’s a complete whiteout, we won’t be able to go”.

Robert hopes to raise €7000 for Sightsavers and has so far collected €6000.

His fundraising mission has received support from local businesses Curtin O’Friel Chartered Accountants, Daly Insurances Ltd and North Clare Sea Kayaking.

Donations have also been made by companies such John Sisk and Son Ltd, SIAC Construction and Harte Civil Engineering.

Donations can be made at https://sightsaversie.enthuse.com/pf/robert-phillips

Assault in Ennis

ENNIS Gardaí are investigating an assault on a 20-year old male on Abbey Street who received serious injuries.

At approximately 2.50am on Thursday, 22nd December (Wednesday night into Thursday morning) a young man who was with a group of his friends on Abbey Street was approached and punched in the head by another male.

This resulted in him falling to the ground and becoming unconscious.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Triona Brooks, Crime Prevention Officer at Ennis Garda Station, stated, “A number of witnesses have come forward and we would like to thank them but the street was very busy at this time and we are appealing to anyone else who may have witnessed this assault or anyone who may have camera footage to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100.”

Festive period thefts

GARDAI are appealing for information relating to three theft incidnets over the Christmas period.

Between the 12th and the 26th of December a small silver boat trailer was stolen from outside a house in Gallows Hill, Shannon.

In Kilmihil, between 7pm on Thursday, 29th December and the following morning 10 bales of hay were stolen from an open shed in Lackwest, Kilmihil.

Meanwhile, on Saturday last, 31st December between 11.30am and 8.30pm while the owner of a house in Ballymaley, Ennis was at work his home was broken into. A rear window in the house was smashed, entry gained and a sum of cash stolen. If anyone has any information in relation to any of these incidents contact their local Garda Station, any Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

l BRAVING THE ELEMENTS: Robert Phillips will trek across the Arctic to raise money for the Sightsavers charity Photo by Natasha Barton

‘Inhumane’ conditions described at UHL

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A CONSULTANT has described conditions at the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) as “inhumane”.

Professor Declan Lyons, consultant physician and geriatrician at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), said a “serious situation” has developed with regards to patient safety at the emergency department.

Asked on RTE’s Morning Ireland if patients have died as a result of chronic over-crowding in the emergency department, Prof Lyons said, “I don’t know, it’s a very hard thing to say. It’s foremost in our thinking every time down in A&E.

“I think all I can say to you is that if you have 100 patients in the emergency department, you can be absolutely guaranteed that five of those will be critically unwell and the first challenge in the emergency department is to identify the five that are sick as opposed to those that aren’t that sick.

“I think in an environment where there is significant over-crowding, that process can become very, very tricky and is likely, I think, to lead to mistakes. I don’t think there is any question that the type of environment we’ve been dealing with in recent times does lend itself to mistakes. It does lend itself to adverse

clinical outcomes for some patients and I think it’s a serious, serious concern”.

In a week when a major internal incident was declared at the hospital, Prof Lyons said a “significant mistake” was made in 2009 when health services in the Midwest were reconfigured.

“Our problem specifically in Lim-

erick dates back to around 2009 with medical reconfiguration when, I think, there was a very significant mistake made at that time, when direct access to Ennis, Nenagh, and St Johns hospital, for emergency care was withdrawn on the basis that those hospitals couldn’t provide critical care input”, Prof Lyons said. He continued, “From that point

on, huge numbers of patients which normally would have gone to those hospitals were directed to UHL. Now in actuality, only five percent of all medical and surgical patients occupy critical care beds. So the challenge really from day one was to direct those patients, or those patients that you might think need a critical care bed to UHL while at the same time directing all other appropriate cases to their local hospitals, where discharge, planning would be easier”.

Prof Lyons gave the example of a Clare man who recently attended UHL.

“I saw a patient, elderly gentleman living alone, from west Clare; the type of patient that prior to 2009 wouldn’t have come near UHL but he was found collapsed, taken by ambulance, past Ennis general hospital into UHL where he spent three days on a trolley only to go back into an ambulance and back into Ennis general hospital, which is the hospital he ought to have gone to in the first place.

“Now that’s not an uncommon scenario. And that poor gentlemen, and it’s no fault of his, stayed on a trolley for three days and was part of the whole congestion process in UHL. The logical thing surely would be for that man to go to the hospital that could have dealt with his care

and needs on day one and get him back home as soon as possible”, Prof Lyons said.

Prof Lyons, who has worked at the hospital for 25 years and is a former clinical director, described the current conditions in the emergency department.

He said, “We are seeing an accentuation of what we have been seeing for the last few years which is chronic and persistent overcrowding in the emergency department, very difficult particularly for patients.

“The conditions in many instances are inhumane. They are not really appropriate for the evaluation of patients who are sick. The big worry we have at the moment is that patients who are coming in sick into that environment are not being helped by the environment that we have to assess them in.

“And one of the concerns I would have, as a card carrying clinician is that the initial assessment that one does on a patient, in many instances, in this day and age happens in the emergency department and it just simply isn’t possible to carry out an optimal clinical evaluation on patients given the extent of the overcrowding. So it’s a very serious situation in terms of patient comfort but also in terms of patient safety”.

l CONCERNS: Prof Declan Lyons says a serious situation exists at UHL

Tributes paid to Brendan Hanrahan, ‘a man of high intellect’

by Tony Mulvey

WELL DESERVED and warm tributes have been paid to the late Brendan Hanrahan, Pine Grove,Gort Road, Ennis, who died recently. Aged 75 years, he was a native of Labasheeda.

A son of Michael and Bridget Hanrahan, Brendan spent his early school years in Labasheeda and went to Cork city for his secondary school education. He joined the Garda Siochana after school

and was stationed in Dublin but after a short time in the force he decided on a change of career and joined the Department of Justice in 1971 as a court clerk. His initial assignment was to Bray District Court but the next seven years saw him working as a District Court Clerk,in Mullingar, Kilkenny and Limerick before getting the call to come home to Clare and to Ennis in 1978. He started work in Ennis just one week before the famous Munster-All Black rugby game in Thomond Park, Limerick. He would have loved to be at the game but being in office for such a short time he felt he could not ask for the day off. For the next 28 years Brendan worked in the Ennis office with the likes of Dick Robinson, Sean Whelan and Colman O’ Loughlin from Inagh. He was well known in district court circles as he frequently covered temporary transfers and during his time in Ennis worked with Judge Gordon Hurley, Judge Albert O’ Dea and Judge Joseph Mangan. Brendan took early retirement in 2006.

Josephine Tone, Manager of the Court Services in Ennis, was among those who paid tribute to Brendan. She said he was a man of high intellect and was very knowledgeable

about rules and procedures. He was meticulous about his work and was a man for great detail. He was very much his own man, a man of integrity and never allowed himself to be in a position where he would be compromised.

On behalf of the Court Services in Ennis she extended sympathy to the Hanrahan family on the sad passing of Brendan, their esteemed former colleague. “Brendan was one of the old time district court clerks, and was well known to all from his days sitting in courts all over the county. He was a go to person for many colleagues and practitioners and he helped so many of us over his career. There was never a dull moment when working with him and there’s many a tale to tell! His memory lives on with those of us in the courthouse who worked with him. May he rest in peace”.

Affectionally known as “ the judge” to his close friends, Brendan enjoyed a colourful and exciting life. He earned respect among district justices who officiated at courts in Clare and members of the legal profession all of whom at one time or another were guided by his knowledge of court rules and procedures.

He enjoyed fishing on the Shan-

Build healthy habits for 2023

FIND YOUR WHY

Louise McDermott, who runs groups in Ennis says, ‘Write down the lasting reasons why you want to lose weight. Is it to enjoy a longer, healthier life? Feel happier and more confident? Be fitter so you can run around with kids or grandkids? These ambitions will feed into habits that start small, but last in the long term.’

‘And if you feel your commitment’s taken a nose-dive, don’t beat yourself up or look back with regret’, says Slimming World Consultant Pamela Vaughan. ‘At Slimming World, we’ll help you to break that on-off cycle and instead see Food Optimising as something for life’.

GET SUPPORT

If you’ve had a setback, there’s bound to be someone at group who’s been there, too. Consultant Emma France says says: ‘In our Slimming World groups, members help each other by sharing tips that worked for them, such as keeping plenty of slimming-friendly snacks to hand in the fridge.’

STAY CONNECTED

Just being around people with similar goals is a stronger influence than you might expect. Consultant Maura O’Connor says, ‘Research has shown that simply connecting socially with others who engage in healthy eating and activity patterns can help us build similarly healthy habits. It’s just one of the reasons why Slimming World groups are so powerful – helping members feel valued, more connected and better able to make positive lifestyle changes’.

EMBRACE CHANGE

Whether you’re a meat eater, vegan, flexi-

tarian or avoiding gluten, Food Optimising adapts to work around your needs. ‘Keep doing the best you can and remember that every recipe can be given a Food Optimising spin,’ says Shannon and Ennis consultant Siobhán. ‘It can be fun looking for new ways to do things and mixing it up could even revitalise your weight loss if you’ve been feeling bored with your current routine’. She says, ‘As well as saving you money, creating tasty meals from scratch can boost your sense of achievement at the end of the day’.

RESET AND REFOCUS

Consultant Emma France says, ‘If we aim not to get bogged down by what we can’t control, we’ll be better able to get on top of the things we can change.’ She also emphasises how important it is to look after ourselves and those around us. ‘Treasure yourself, your health, and your family. If you have a tough day and break from plan, then instead of berating yourself, be kind.’

non Estuary at his door-step and like most young West Clare men took to gaelic football at an early age. His club was Shannon Gaels and he played with the under 21 team which reached the county final in 1968. He was one of the top players for the Gaels when beating Miltown Malbay in the semi-final but in what was regarded as one of the finest football games ever seen in West Clare, they were beaten in the final by one point- 2-8 to 3-4- by Kilmihil. Brendan played at centre forward and was one of the players to stand out for the Gaels, scoring 1-3 in the process. He was unavailable for the 1969 under 21 team but he was back the following year with the senior panel which brought honour and glory to the parish when winning the senior football championship final for the first time in the club’s history. They made their big breakthrough after waiting for 70 years as a result of beating Kilrush Shamrocks 1-3 to 1-2 in a game in which the conditions were made difficult by the Atlantic gale blowing across Hennessy Park in Miltown Malbay.

During his years as a court clerk, Brendan also took a great interest in rugby affairs and was a great supporter of Munster and Ireland.

He was a regular at Thomond Park, Limerick for the big games and made several trips to Cardiff and Lansdowne Road. He was in Cardiff for the Heineken Cup final of 2002 when Munster lost 15-9 to Leicester Tigers. However, he shared in the glory with over 60,000 supporters from all parts of Ireland who cheered Munster on to their long awaited first Heineken Cup success with an exciting win over French side Biarittz, in Cardiff in 2006.

It was the second death in the Hanrahan home in a short space of time as Brendan’s wife, the former Marlene McNamara, who was a native of Hazelwood, Quin,died in June 2020. She was also well known and popular.

Having to deal with health problems in recent years, Brendan’s death took place on December 5 in Milford Hospice, Limerick. As was his wishes his body was donated to science.

He was pre-deceased by his brother Pat and sympathy is extended to his sons, Brian and Ciarán, daughter, Deirdre, daughtersin-law Fiona and Michelle,brother Joe, sisters, Eileen. Maureen, Gerty and Theresa, grandchildren Darragh, Ava and Rián and extended family. T.M.

If you would like to begin your weight loss journey, visit www.slimmingworld.ie to find more information on your local group

The late Brendan Hanrahan

Element 6 to pay employee €43k over unfair dismissal

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON-BASED industrial diamond manufacturer, Element Six has been ordered to pay out €43,625 compensation for the unfair dismissal of a female administrative worker.

In his findings, Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Adjudicator, Kevin Baneham has found that Gráinne Loonam’s dismissal by Element Six Ltd was unfair because the redundancy was not genuine and did not comply with fair procedures.

Ms Loonam was due to return to work from maternity leave around the time of dismissal in May 2020 and Mr Baneham also found that “the redundancy dismissal was completed in a very short period of time, and it is not clear what the urgency was”.

He stated: “Most significantly, there was a vacancy which the complainant was well suited for but for which she was never considered.”

Mr Baneham stated that Ms Loonam’s maternity leave replacement obtained further work with Element Six and jobs agency, Eflexes commencing a new role

on May 11th 2020 while Ms Loonam “was manoeuvred out of her employment” and “the dismissal was unfair”.

Mr Baneham stated that Ms Loonam gave evidence of impressive efforts to secure alternative employment but did not find a new job. He said that Ms Loonam “did not contribute to the dismissal and sought to mitigate her loss in every way”.

Mr Baneham said that the €43,625 compensation is equivalent to 18 months’ pay.

Represented in the case by David O’Regan, BL instructed by Kate McInerney, Michael Houlihan & Partners Solicitors, Ms Loonam worked for Element Six between May 2014 and May 28th 2020.

Mr Baneham stated that Ms Loonam has many strings to her bow and worked with Element Six as a personal assistant to a senior manager and also did finance, accounting, administrative and human resource roles.

Mr Baneham stated that Ms Loonam was employed by agency, Eflexes and placed to work with Element Six.

The Brendan O'Regan Restaurant is ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

Mr Baneham stated that Ms

Loonam was informed on May 8th 2020 that she was being made redundant and Ms Loonam was clear that she would ‘fight this’.

Mr Baneham stated that on the same date that the email was sent to the department leads about whether there was an alternative to save Ms Loonam’s employment, her maternity leave replacement “was offered a contract for a new role, a role for which the complainant was never considered”.

leave of a family member of the agency principal.”

Element Six submitted that Ms Loonam’s employment ended lawfully on grounds of redundancy, in particular the restrictions on travel ensuing from Covid-19 and that a full and fair consultation process took place.

The Poet's Corner Bar is a traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.

Mr Baneham stated: “This new role was as cover for a maternity

Mairead McKenna of Eflexes told the WRC hearing that Ms Loonam’s role was redundant because of pandemic-related travel restrictions and that Element Six’s departments indicated that there were no vacancies.

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

The Poets Corner Bar

A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

www.oldgroundhotelennis.com/dining

l COMPENSATION: The worker was due to return from maternity

Visiting restrictions at UHL

SIGNIFICANT reductions in outpatient clinics continue at University Hospital Limerick as the hospital prioritises care for inpatients and patients attending the Emergency Department.

Following a meeting of the Hospital Crisis Management Team on Tuesday, hospital-wide visiting restrictions remain in place and outpatient clinics are being reviewed on a daily basis.

These measures follow an unprecedented level of ED attendance driven by a surge in patients with respiratory infections, including COVID-19, flu and RSV. There are a number of exemptions to the outpatient cancellations. Clinics going ahead on Wednesday, January 4th include: Cancer services (oncology and haematology day ward; haematology and oncology outpatient clinics; medical oncology clinics; rapid access clinics for breast, lung and prostate); Dialysis; Paediatric outpatients; and Acute Fracture Unit.

Appointments deemed time-critical in other specialties will also go ahead. Patients affected by the cancellations are being contacted directly by our staff. Patients who are not contacted by phone or by text to cancel their appointment are advised to attend.

Other hospitals are unaffected by these cancellations. Patients with an appointment for an outpatient clinic at Ennis, Nenagh, St John’s, Croom Orthopaedic and University Maternity Hospital Limerick are advised to attend.

In addition, due to the high number of patients with flu and Covid-19 and a number of ongoing outbreaks, all visiting to UHL has been restricted. “We regret the distress or inconvenience our visiting ban causes for patients and their loved ones, but it is necessary given the high levels of flu and Covid-19,” said a statement from UHL.

The only exceptions to the ban are as follows: Parents visiting children in hospital; People assisting confused patients (e.g. dementia); People visiting patients who are critically unwell or at end of life (on a case-by-case basis). All these exemptions are limited to one person per patient only.

Injury Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s are operating as normal. Opening hours for Ennis and Nenagh Injury Units are 8am-8pm and St John’s Injury Unit 8am-7pm. For full contacts for the units, and the services available there, please see: https://www2.hse.ie/services/injury-units/

U21A

www. clareecho.ie

Chef accused of urine assault on Garda set for District Court

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the case against a 32-year old chef accused of throwing a cup of urine into the face of a Garda at Ennis Garda Station be heard in the district court.

Joel Lonia of no fixed abode has remained in prison on remand since December 12th in connection with the assault of two Gardai while being detained at Ennis Garda Station in the early hours of December 12th

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Sgt Aiden Lonergan told Judge Alec Gabbett that the DPP has directed that the case he heard in the district court.

Sgt Lonergan said that arising from the DPP directions, Gardai were now in a position to furnish disclosure of documents in the case to solicitor, Shiofra Hassett

for the accused.

Mr Lonia was appearing in court from prison via video-link and Sgt Lonergan said that the case could be adjourned for a further two weeks to January 18th for disclosure to be made.

Giving evidence during a bail hearing last month for Mr Lonia, Garda Sebastian Pychynski said that it will be alleged that while Mr Lonia was being detained at Ennis Garda Station, a Garda on the night-shift at the station opened a hatch to a cell door and had a cup of urine thrown into his face by Mr Lonia.

During the course of the bail hearing where Gardai were opposing bail for Mr Lonia, Mr Lonia said: “I am sorry about that. I want to apologise.”

Along with the alleged ‘urine’ assault, Mr Lonia is also charged with the assault of another Garda where the accused is alleged to have thrown Coca Cola into

the face of a second Garda’s face through the cell door hatch.

Mr Lonia also apologised for the second alleged assault.

Mr Lonia was also before the court for three theft charges at the Ennis branch of Penney’s on December 11th where he is accused of stealing goods to the value of €68 that included a military jacket and hiking boots along with a public order charge near the Template Hotel in Ennis.

When charged and cautioned, Garda Pychynski said the accused replied ‘suck my d**k’ at 11.30pm on Sunday night, December 11th at Ennis Garda Station.

Judge Mary Larkin refused bail stating that she was not satisfied that any promises that Mr Lonia gives not to breach the law will be upheld.

Judge Larkin stated: “Also the multiplicity of alleged offences over the past week shows that he is likely to commit further of-

fences.”

In evidence, Mr Lonia said: “I have no home. I have been sleeping outside.”

Mr Lonia said: “I have been sleeping in a Dublin Garda Station and in Ennis Garda Station a number of times.”

Mr Lonia has applied for accommodation to Clare County Council but without any success so far.

Mr Lonia said that he had been receiving €206 per week in social welfare payments and that has now been reduced to €175. He said: “I am looking for a job. I am a chef.”

Sgt Lonergan said to Mr Lonia “while there is great empathy for the position you find yourself in, there is concern that you will commit further alleged thefts”.

Mr Lonia said: “I won’t.”

Judge Gabbett remanded Mr Lonia in custody to January 18th to Ennis District Court.

NEWS BRIEFS l CHAMPIONS: Scariff-Ogonnelloe players celebrate winning the

county hurling final over the festive period. Full report on

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

‘External’ chair to lead review of Clare teen’s death

by Ronan Judge news@clareecho.ie

THE inquiry into the death of Clare teenager Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is due to start “very shortly”.

The 16-year-old Shannon schoolgirl died last month after contracting bacterial meningitis. She had spent a number of hours waiting on a trolley prior to her death at the hospital.

The Health Services Executive (HSE) announced a review into the circumstances of Aoife’s death.

Speaking this week, professor Brian Lenehan, chief clinical director of UL hospital’s group, said the review would begin soon and would involve all those involved in Aoife’s care.

Prof Lenehan said a person “external” to the hospital’s group would lead the review which is intended to have a result within three months.

“I would like as chief clinical director to extend my deepest condolences to the Johnston family on the tragic loss of their

daughter”, Prof Lenehan said. He continued, “The adverse event, which we would call it, that will be investigated in line with the national HSE policy and will follow the incident

management framework. I’m the chief clinical director. I’m ultimately responsible for patient safety, quality and patient safety. It will be for me to commission that review, which will start very shortly. The terms of reference ask for a result from that review within a three month period. We involve the family and all of those involved in the care are involved in that review. It will be chaired by someone who is external to our hospital group. The results will then be shared with the family but I can’t not really speak to the specifics at this stage with respect to the Johnston family”.

A sixth year student at St Caimin’s Community School, Aoife was from the Cronan Lawn area of Shannon. At her funeral mass in Shannon last month, Aoife was described as a “wonderful young daughter”, “beautiful young woman” and a great classmate to her fellow pupils.

Covid test centre on the move

THE Clare COVID-19 Test Centre, which is located at the Ballymaley Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare, is relocating to Clarecastle Health Centre, Clarecastle, Co. Clare from Monday 9th January, 2023.

The test centre at Clarecastle Health Centre will offer appointments seven days a week. Testing capacity will be unchanged. Appointments will be available via the self-referral portal on HSE.ie or via GP referral for those who require it.

Clare road deaths triple

THERE has been a marked increase in road fatalities in Clare over the last year, with seven people losing their lives on our roads in 2022.

This marks a huge increase from 2021 (two deaths) and is line with a nationwide increase which saw fatalities rise from 137 in 2021 to 155 last year.

Dublin and Cork saw the largest number of fatalities with 13 each recorded, followed by Limerick (10). Carlow was the only county to record no road fatality in 2022.

We are continuing to close accounts

Ulster Bank is closing, and our team are continuing to close current and deposit accounts, along with some of our branches. If your six month closure notice period has passed and your deadline is reached, your account is now queued for closure. You must take urgent action now. All personal and business account deadlines are fast approaching. If you are still relying on your bank account and in need of support, please contact us immediately.

l TRAGIC: Aoife died after contracting bacterial meningitis

Communion shop at Mods & Minis

SCHOOLS around the county are already preparing for the “big day” with communions just around the corner. Mods & Minis which have five stores in Munster have just launched their Communion Girl range in their Ennis store (65 O'Connell St.) and stocking a wide selection of Communion dresses and accessories.

Early shopping for First Holy Communions has become the norm, with Mums and Dads getting organised for their children’s Holy Communion months in advance so Mods & Minis are now ready to take appointments for dress fittings.

Girls will be spoiled for choice with details such as pearl beading and pretty bows designed and made to the highest quality. Mods & Minis have prices to fit every budget and every taste with prices starting from €195. The team are on hand to help girls say 'Yes to the Dress' and once the perfect dress is chosen, a wide range of accessories from tiaras to head dresses and veils; bags to gloves and tights; and underskirts to parasols are available in store to complete the perfect outfit for her special day.

Mods & Minis is a family owned Irish business set up in Killarney in 2004 and have been trading in Ennis for the last 12 years. To book your appointment call the store on 065 6848612 or book at slot online www.modsandminis.ie

Design team sought for 2040 Abbey Street development

THE strategy group tasked with driving the growth of Ennis over the next two decades is seeking a design team to lead a planned town centre development.

In a tender document, Ennis 2040 D.A.C. is inviting expressions of interest for architect led, design team consultancy services.

According to the tender, the Abbey Street project would see the development of a mixed use scheme comprising retail and office accommodation.

According to Ennis 2040, a masterplan was completed for the site in December 2022 by VHA Architects.

The tender States, “The project comprises the development of a Mixed-Use scheme

which will consist of a large single-storey structure to house retail and office accommodation over three levels on the northern side of the site. The retail and office multi-storey development will also contain appropriate ancillary facilities such as delivery yard and public realm landscaping”.

The Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy seeks to support compact growth and realise sustainable economic, social and environmental opportunities in Ennis and Clare over the next 20 years. This will provide a basis for targeted investment, balanced economic growth and a sustainable spatial pattern of development over the coming years.

Nine strategic sites have been identified as potential opportunity sites in Ennis.

This includes the Abbey Riverside, which, according to Ennis 2040, would see the development of a new educational quarter in Ennis and a landmark building within Abbey Street car-park.

Clare County Council, through the development of an Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy, has set out ambitious growth targets including the delivery of an additional 5,000 jobs by 2040.

PICTURED: An artist’s impression of the Abbey Riverside development

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Estuary can be lead way in renewables

THE Shannon Airport Group has welcomed the publication of the Shannon Estuary Taskforce Interim Report which sets out the vision to make the estuary a significant transport hub and prime location for renewable energy.

The Taskforce’s Interim Report sets out how the Region can play a leading role in the switch to renewable energy and more climate friendly ways of living and doing business. The Estuary would also become a hub for Sustainable Transport Technologies and a western “Digital Gateway” to Europe.

It proposes significant investment in the ports at Foynes and Moneypoint, a new auction for floating wind generation in 2024, and identifying industrial sites for clean energy industries like hydrogen.

The Report sets out the Taskforce’s ambition to begin supplying Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy through the Estuary by 2030, with the intention to significantly accelerating it up to 2050.

Taskforce member and CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine said, “The Shannon Estuary presents an opportunity to transform Ireland’s & Europe’s sustainability & growth strategy with huge potential for both offshore & onshore renewable energy.

“The realisation of this vision will provide regional balance, benefiting quality of life, employment opportunities, regional growth, and helping to achieve the national target of reducing transport emissions by 51% by 2030.”

Partying away the blues

l Superintendent John Galvin, Sgt Tracey Stanley, Gda Ailish Hanley, Santa, Siobhan Ryan, Gda Thomas Downey, Gda Suzanne Clear, Miriam and Ciara from Intel and Paula Madden enjoy the Shannon Guards Christmas Party to the Seniors around Shannon and Clare.

Motorists ignoring double yellow lines in Newmarket

OBEYING parking rules regarding double yellow lines in Newmarket-on-Fergus is impacting on accessibility for pedestrians and visibility of motorists, writes Páraic McMahon.

While double yellow lines exist in the square of Newmarket-on-Fergus, cars on an almost hourly basis are ignoring their presence with little sanctions imposed by An Garda Síochána in the area for this. Despite the lack of attention paid to the double yellow lines, more of them have been requested by the area’s local county councillor.

An extension of the double yellow lines toward the village square has been sought by Cllr Pat McMahon (FF). “It is causing a genuine traffic hazard for motorists turning

right past Obair,” he explained. The proposal was seconded by Cllr John Crowe (FG).

Senior executive engineer in the Shannon Municipal District, Tom Mellett confirmed an assessment and design for the location would be arranged.

“We all know where Obair is, it is the same scenario, some cars park at the very corner going onto the main street, if cars are parked at the very corner your line of vision is blurred in a huge way, you have to move out to the centre of the road,” Cllr McMahon told a recent sitting of the Shannon MD. He added, “Luckily all movement of traffic bar coming from Ennis is slow, the point of the notice of motion is to avoid any mishaps”.

Uncertainty over works on road in Cooraclare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FURTHER CLARITY is needed before discussions can progress on the inclusion of a Cooraclare road in the 2023 programme of works.

Clare County Council were requested by Cllr Bill Chambers (FF) to include the L61662 in their programme of works for next year.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District, Alan Kennelly in his written reply flagged that the L-61662-0 was a local tertiary road which was included in the 2021 schedule of works and “was in very good condition, the last time I drove it”.

He added, “if elected member is referring to a nearby road with a similar road number, we can consider the alternate road for inclusion in the 2023 Schedule of Municipal District Works”.

As Cllr Chambers was not present at the sitting, no additional detail on the specifics regarding the road were provided. In his absence, the motion was proposed by Cllr Shane Talty (FF) and seconded by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG).

Miltown housing highlights need for Ballard Rd works

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ANEW social housing scheme in Miltown Malbay has highlighted the need for improvement works at an adjacent estate.

Completed in October, the Baile na mBan development on Ballard Road, Milltown Malbay, consists of 27 social housing units provided through a direct build scheme by Clare County Council at an approved budget of €5,695,957.

This scheme was welcomed by Cllr Shane Talty (FF) who asked that provisions be made in the 2023 schedule of works for “the resurfacing of the road network in the existing Ballard Road Housing estate, as well refurbishment of the storm water network there”.

Enda MacNamara, senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District stated, “The area office will review the road network around the existing Ballard Road housing estate to determine the extent of works required. If deemed feasible, the roads will be put forward for in-

clusion on the Schedule of Municipal District Works for 2023”.

Explaining his reasoning for putting forward the proposal, Cllr Talty commented, “the old Miltown Malbay social housing scheme is looking across the wall at this brand new estate with fantastic lights and footpaths, they have subterranean tunnels or whatever they are that Cllr Kelly refers to”. Temporary patching to fill “the enormous potholes” was listed as a short-term measure by the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD.

Of the new 27 unit development, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) stated, “it’s a high quality estate and a wonderful job, I must compliment the housing section, it’s done to a very high standard, if you do it right on day one it’s nearly right for forever”.

Benefits of housing were cited by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) as he noted the addition of children to schools and benefits to the local economy. “There is a certain amount of upgrading needed as the next step and it must be done pretty soon”.

Festive mood sparks Kilkee road repairs?

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A FESTIVE MOOD has been credited with advancing potential road repairs in Kilkee. Road improvements on the L-6058-0 west of Bansho en route to Lislanahan were sought by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG).

This local secondary road is an approximate 2,400 metres long while an estimated 1,600 linear metres of it was included on the 2022 schedule of municipal district works and “is in very good condition,” according

to senior executive engineer Alan Kennelly. He added, “The remaining section can be considered for inclusion in the 2023 Schedule of Municipal District Works or roadworks”.

“Our engineer is in a Christmas mood, he’ll do this too so I thank him,” Cllr Keating remarked at a recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District. The motion was seconded by Cllr Shane Talty (FF).

PICTURED: Cllr Gabriel Keating Photo by Gary Collins

Speed limit signs cause confusion in East Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SPEED LIMIT SIGNS are “causing confusion” in East Clare according to a Whitegate representative.

A review of all speed limit signs on local and minor roads plus the removal of the 80km/h signs were sought by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) who said “they are causing confusion”.

Senior executive engineer in Clare County Council’s transportation section, John Gannon in response stated the speed limits and signage would be reviewed at the next speed limit review.

Explaining his reasons for highlighting the issue, Cllr Burke commented, “We are all familiar with 80km/h on local roads and boreens. I understand all regional and local roads have a speed limit of 80km/h, on national roads when you leave a national route and go down that the sign is different. It’s not indicating 80km/h, it’s indicating driving slower”.

On tertiary roads, “instead of signs there is a rural speeding sign with a diagonal line to indicate 80km/h is not appropriate but indicating that through vertical or horizonal alignment that it is not suitable,” acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe MD, Derek Troy explained.

Burke responded, “The Killaloe MD doesn’t have any national roads, I can’t see why it’s not done on regional roads. It doesn’t make sense to be heading down a boreen and heading on a bend indicating that you can do 80km/h but no more”. He acknowl-

edged that it could not be changed overnight.

“It is totally ridiculous to have an 80km/h sign on some of the local or tertiary roads. We know from those roads not to go at those speeds but unfortunately a stranger may come in and hit the speed,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) stated.

Drainage ellocation of €204k a ‘pittance’

€204k “is pittance” for drainage works across East Clare, a county councillor has claimed. An allocation of €204,300 was given to the Killaloe Municipal District in 2022 out of an overall countywide budget of €879,864, a funding grant which has “remain unchanged for several years,” as pointed out by senior engineer Derek Troy.

He explained, “the primary focus of this funding is to deal with remediation and improvement of defective drainage systems, to help increase the longevity of road surface integrity. This funding can also be used to deal with off-road drainage issues such as catchments that are not functioning as efficiently as they should”.

Killaloe MD’s allocation was divided between Cloonolia (€28,000), the River Graney (€25,000), O’Callaghans Mills (€24,000), Ballyvannon (€15,300), Ayle in Feakle (€15,000), Coolycasey (€12,000), Maghera (€11,000), Dromindoora (€10,000), Ballyvorgal (€10,000), Carrownakilly (€8,000), Cragroe Cross (€7,000), Upper Clonfadda (€6,000), Cloonamirren (€5,000), Powerscourt in Tulla (€4,000), Derra (€4,000), Springmount in Kilmore (€4,000) and Doon Lake (€4,000).

“Complexities of the process” scuppered plans to undertake an appropriate assessment (AA) survey and clearing of vegetation along a section of the River Graney, Troy outlined. It is hoped this can be conducted in 2013 “subject to funding”.

Implementation of “a full arterial drainage programme” for the Killaloe MD was requested by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) “with particular emphasis on the Graney catchment areas and

its tributaries”. He was adamant the “long term resolution” to flooding across East Clare was drainage and clearing obstacles on rivers.

Although he praised the 2022 allocation, Cllr Hayes believed “the works are all reactive to where we are”. He added, “We’ve got away luckily the last couple of years, we’ve raised roads but the idea that you can raise a road by two or three foot doesn’t mean it is dealt with”.

Hayes issued a note of warning, “Unless we put a plan in place and we’ve committed to it, we’ll have a major crisis someday, it’s all trying to take it off but it’s like putting it in a field and closing the gate, the gate won’t deal with the bigger issues. We’re lucky we haven’t had floods like this for the last number of years”.

Pinch points have to be alleviated to let the water off, the Maghera native said. “We need to be far more proactive here in terms of having an actual programme in place. I hope we have a nice dry winter and we don’t have any issue with floods”.

Up to €28,000 was spent in the vicinity of Mountshannon alone, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) observed, “it killed a couple of birds with the one stone with drainage and the widening of the road”. He commented, “€204,000 overall is pittance when you consider what’s needed. Back in the day plenty of outdoor workers were letting water off local and minor roads. It doesn’t happen anymore because of health and safety and a lot of nonsense, they can’t go off and work on their own”.

Burke pointed out the amount of money

Mountshannon ‘inappropriate’ for wheelchairs

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN APPEAL has been made to repair sections of footpath in Mountshannon as the area is currently “inappropriate” for wheelchair users.

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) asked Clare County Council to carry out the works “as you approach the hotel from the harbour” on the L4034 to the main street R352. This motion was seconded by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF). All of the 2022 footpath repair works have had funding allocated but improvements can be considered under the 2023 Schedule of MD works, acting senior executive engi -

neer Derek Troy advised.

“Clarification of responsibility will be sought on the sections of footpaths which were constructed as part of private developments not taken in charge which adjoin the public road,” he outlined.

Speaking at a recent sitting of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Burke remarked, “When it comes to wheelchair friendly and disability access, it is totally inappropriate, let’s hope this will be included in public realm works going forward. A lot of concrete steps as part of the footpath going forward. No doubt, it is something will be discussed again in the future”.

Thomas Street works

FOOTPATH WORKS in Killaloe are scheduled to be completed by the middle of January. Funding for footpath replacement construction works at both Thomas Street and Crossroads in Killaloe was provided from IPB Public Liability Works funding and General Municipal Allocation.

In an update before the Killaloe Municipal District, acting senior executive engineer, Derek Troy stated, “the main contractor has been procured and contract awarded. It is expected that the works will be completed by mid-January 2023”. The works had been due to start at the beginning of December. Cllr Tony O’Brien’s (FF) motion seeking an update was seconded by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF).

l Cllr Pat Burke flagged the issue

GREEN CLARE

Tips to save on energy in 2023

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

BEING ENERGY EFFICIENT is both good for the environment as well as your pocket. With that in mind, here’s a list of 10 easy ways to reduce your electricity consumption, lower your bills, and do your bit for the planet.

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

in some cases. You can reduce your water heating costs by up to 30% just by properly insulating your tank. A good three-inch thick lagging jacket will pay for itself in no time and save you a bundle.

ing from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030.

1. Make sure your water cylinder is properly insulated

We all know this, but it’s a biggie. When we think of energy guzzlers we immediately think of the tumble dryer or the electric shower. However heating water uses more energy than anything else in most homes and can account for half of your annual electricity costs

MINISTER for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reducing its energy emissions.

Members of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are currently assessing the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Estuary will be assessed by the Taskforce while also scoping out potential economic opportunities. The group is to have a report compiled by the end of November.

“I’m convinced we can do it, one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he stated.

Also, there’s a misconception among many Irish people that turning on and off the immersion uses more energy and that it’s cheaper to continually keep your water hot. This is false. Only turn on your immersion for when you need hot water. Don’t leave it on 24/7 - as it’ll just increase your bill. 2. Conserve hot water

connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that elec tricity onto that grid to power the country.

“When the wind isn’t blowing, the ESB are saying we should do and everyone in Europe is now talking about and starting to do, you convert the electricity into hydrogen and use electrolysis, it is a new but advancing technology, when the wind isn’t blowing you burn the hydrogen to generate power and you run the power out on the same grid, you have a continuous stable electricity source,” he explained.

coast, Minister Ryan said. “Most of them you drive the turbines into the sand banks on the coast, we’re now planning phase two which goes to the west and south-west, it can be done”.

WHAT GOES IN MY RECYCLE BIN?

Chairperson of the Taskforce, Barry O’Sullivan recently met with Minister Ryan and for the Green Party leader their engagement hammered home the possibilities for the entire region surrounding the Shannon Estuary.

During his time as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 percent of the country’s energy com-

Offshore wind energy by Moneypoint is central to this. Speaking on Radio Kerry’s flagship current affairs show, Kerry Today, Minister Ryan outlined, “We will have a lot of offshore wind which will come into shore at the Shannon Estuary, that’s where we have the deep-water port.

"If you look at what the likes of ESB are proposing and look at Moneypoint on the other side of bert on this side, you’ve all you need there, you have a really good deep water jetty so any ships can get in, you have a platform there which you could deploy turbines out but what the ESB want to do, you bring the offshore wind in there, you use the grid which we have, there’s major electricity wires

As well as being good for the environment, conserving hot water will also be good for your pocket. Heating water uses a lot of energy so make sure you don’t waste it. When washing your hands, brushing your teeth, or rinsing the dishes, don’t leave the hot tap running too long as you’re literally pouring money down the drain. And it goes without saying that a shower will usually use far less hot water than a bath, particularly if you invest in an Echo shower head. So save getting into the tub for when you genuinely need a long and relaxing soak but when taking a shower, try not spend more than five minutes in it.

In the past fortnight, the Irish government approved the procurement of 450 megawatts of emergency generators to help close the gap over winter if there was no wind to generate power and one of the larger power stations experienced a shutdown, this will cost

3. Use your dishwasher

Believe it or not, your dishwasher is more efficient than you. A dishwasher uses around half the hot water you’d use if you were washing your dishes by hand. So it’s good for the environment as well as your pocket. A midrange dishwasher can do a full 65 degree cycle for around 1.5 units of electricity or 65 cents at today’s elevated prices (even less if you run it at night and have a night saver meter or smart meter). Just make sure you only turn it on when you have a full load to do. And there is no need to pre-rinse (you’re wasting water and besides, dishwasher tablets actually clean better when there is some dirt to stick to).

4. Go for cooler (full) washes

Up to 80% of the energy that your washing machine or dishwasher uses is for heating the water, not for running the machine. So go for the 30 degree wash for your clothes where possible as well as the 50 degree wash for your dishes. Your pocket will thank you and the end result will be practically the same! Also, only use your machine when you have a full load. While some newer machines are intelligent enough to know when you have a half load, most aren’t.

5. Turn the thermostat down

Most homes in Ireland set their heating too high, at up to 22 or 23º. 20º should be enough (if this leaves you a tiny bit cool, consider putting on an extra layer of clothing instead). For every one degree you push down the dial, you can shave up to 10% off your heating costs.

6.

Use a timer plug for your lights

A timer plug is a cost effective and simple way to control the time your lights come on and off around the home. They’re pretty cheap to buy - with basic ones costing around €10 at most - and can help to reduce your electricity. Timer plugs are also a good way to ensure your house is well-lit when you’re not there, which is great from a security perspective.

7. Buy low-energy light bulbs (LED)

Like the immersion, we know that they’ll save us money but most of us don’t know exactly how much of an impact they’ll have.

Minister Ryan insisted that this was necessary. “We will have emergency generators to provide back up as well, we do need that, the really big strategic option by 2030 what we’re planning to have is 5GW of offshore wind and to put that in scale, that is equivalent to the amount of energy we’re using at the current time.

"We by 2030 can deliver that level, then the following decade and this is the really big industrial plan for the country, we can use that to go further to really tap into the scale of power that is available”.

An LED lightbulb uses around 80-90% less electricity than a standard bulb and will last up to 10 times longer. Replacing just one bulb will save you around €6 a year in electricity. So replacing all the lightbulbs in your home could easily save you up to €60 a year depending on how many lights you have. And when you’re leaving the room, turn off the lights. There’s a misconception among many Irish people that turning on and off appliances regularly uses excess electricity and that it may be better to keep appliances on for most of the time. This is wrong - especially when it comes to newer and more modern devices. If you’re leaving the room, even if only for a few minutes, you’ll save money by turning off the lights, the TV or the portable heater etc.

8. Mind the fridge

As your fridge needs to run all day, every day, it uses more energy than you might think. In fact, the cost of running a fridge could be close to €10 a month or more.

For every 10–20 seconds the fridge door is left open, it takes about 45 minutes (and more energy) for it to cool down to its original temperature. So don’t leave the door open for too long while getting food.

And don’t put hot food straight into the fridge or freezer. The fridge or freezer will have to work extra hard and draw more energy to cool it down.

Finally, for best performance keep your fridge set to around 3 or 4 degrees. Any colder and you’ll just end up ruining you fruit and veg.

9.

Don’t overfill the kettle

A surprising amount of energy (and money!) is needed to heat up water quickly. So when you’re boiling the kettle for your next cuppa, make sure you only use as much water as you need.

But if you want to take things to the next level, boil a full kettle in the morning and pour the remainder into a thermos flask, keeping it warm for the rest of the day. This saves boiling a kettle several times through the day.

10.

Pull the plug

Even turned off, some appliances can keep drawing power (although the problem isn’t nearly as bad as it used to be). Called “standby” electricity loss because it’s so often associated with electronics in standby mode, it’s also known as “phantom” or “vampire” electricity (for obvious reasons).

Standby energy can account for 10% or more of the total electricity used by appliances or €50 or more to the average household’s annual electricity bill. So pull the plug on the laptops, computers, TVs, games consoles and other appliances before going to bed. Not only is it safer, it’s also more economical.

Kick off 2023 in Clare by tackling Climate Change with a #2minutebeachclean

New Year, New You: The end of the year is always the best time to start thinking about what we want to achieve in the next year and to write down our New Year’s resolutions. Despite our best intentions, these resolutions can sometimes be hard to stick to.

With climate change and climate action being hot topics at the moment, some people might choose for their New Year’s Resolution in 2023 to be greener and help our planet and marine environment. However, making a huge commitment or pledging to do too many things to be greener in the New Year can feel overwhelming and could end up discouraging people from achieving their goals.

For this reason, with the “New Year, New You” video campaign, Clean Coasts are asking people in Clare to choose a realistic and achievable New Year’s resolution, that people can stick to through the year: a #2minutebeachclean.

The video – produced by Clean Coasts and Cube Media - shows Dave (played by Bryan Quinn) trying to go into 2023 being better and greener by being more conscious of the environment. However, after several failed attempts, he begins to lose hope until he comes across on a #2minutebeachclean board on the beach and realises that being green can be just as simple.

We have all seen marine litter along Ireland’s coastline and for all the beach lovers out there, the new year is an opportunity to do something about it in just 2 minutes!

Taking part in the campaign entails taking two minutes when you are outdoors to remove litter that you see along the way. We ask for all participants to share images of what they collect on social media, adding the #2minutebeachclean hashtag to the photos to spread the word and inspire more people to take action.

The campaign’s aim is to let people know

that they don’t need commit to a huge New Year’s resolution that they may not be able to sustain to the end of the year, but a #2minutebeachclean is an easy pledge to make that is flexible, doable and can be built on as your green year moves forward.

To help people stick to their pledge, Clean Coasts is giving away #2minutebeachclean kits to the first 200 people to pledge to this New Year’s Resolution.

Sinead McCoy, Coastal Community Manager, said: “The #2minutebeachclean is such a great initiative to get involved in. People may think 2 minutes is a very short time to make a difference, but small actions add up to make a big difference. Every piece of plastic removed from the marine environment is no longer a danger to our marine life and environment. Each #2minutebeachclean is estimated to weigh in at 1-2KG. If everybody in Ireland does a #2minutebeachclean per month in 2023, that’s over 100,000 tonnes of litter re-

moved from our ocean.”

To sign up to receive your own #2minutebeachclean kit, visit the Clean Coasts website at https://cleancoasts.org/ our-initiatives/2minutebeachclean/ and pledge to do a #2minutebeachclean.

Get healthy at Clare libraries

by Ronan Judge news@clareecho.ie

A NEW YEAR of fun and healthy activities is about to get underway at Clare libraries.

Healthy Ireland, a Government-led initiative, is the national strategy to improve health and wellbeing, placing a focus on prevention, individual awareness and keeping people healthy for longer.

Clare County Library delivers the nationwide ‘Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme’, that aims to establish libraries as a valuable source within the community for health information.

A packed programme of events are delivered throughout Clare between January and December.

Frances Pender, Clare libraries healthy Ireland coordinator, says a wide range of classes, workshops and concerts are planned for the year ahead.

“Libraries have changed so much in recent years. They are no longer just quiet places you go to borrow books. They are community hubs. You have learning in all these different forms”, Frances explains, And the healthy Ireland programme is very much at the forefront of that new form of learning.

Each year, hundreds of people of all ages take part in the programme organised by Frances and her colleagues.

Whether it’s tai-chi, chair yoga, mindfulness or getting tips and advice from guest speakers and experts, the healthy Ireland programme aims to deliver something for everybody.

Frances says, “We cater for all age groups. We have worked with primary schoolchildren. We had mindfulness workshops that were rolled out across the county. Play therapy for children under the age of 10 was also very popular”.

“We do all forms of yoga including chair yoga which is about doing a range of exercises from your chair. Over the last few years we did a lot of Zoom classes for nursing homes and there was a really good take up for that. At the moment, we are planning those classes again for January and February. We also ran a mindfulness workshop at the direct provision centre in north Clare. During covid we delivered an awful lot of events”.

The end of covid era restrictions

means many classes can take place in person but Frances says a number of “hybrid” healthy Ireland events will also take place.

She explains, “For older people and nursing home residents, we still organise a lot of activities online, through Zoom. We have so many people taking part and its been brilliant. We’ve had Zoom concerts and they were so well received that we’ve put on a few of them in different nursing homes around the county”.

Local libraries, school and bodies such as Clare Sports Partnership all contribute to a diverse programme that offers something for all ages. Each year, the programme also features guest speakers and experts.

Frances says, “They have been very popular and we get a great response. In recent years we have had talks from Dr Mary O’Kane who held workshops on parenting; Clare Flynn who works in the area of mental health; Pius Murray gave a talk on walking and wellbeing and the pilgrim pathways of Ireland.

“And also we have a really good collection of healthy Ireland books and literature in the libraries for anyone looking to learn more. Library membership is free”.

Frances is encouraging anyone interested in taking part in heathy Ireland events to keep an eye on the Clare County Library website and social media accounts.

For more information on upcoming events at Clare Libraries please visit www.clarelibrary.ie

Healthy Ireland at your Library Coordinator Frances Pender

Tourism Space & MTU team up for €1.2m project

EIGHTY small businesses in five countries are to be chosen for a new project led by Munster Technological University (MTU) that will help address tourism’s impact on local environments and communities while also promoting a more regenerative model for the industry.

MTU has partnered with Ennistymon-based tourism consultancy, The Tourism Space to deliver on this EU-funded project, ‘Circular Economy 4 Regenerative Tourism’. The Tourism Space will assist MTU to deliver the project and to ensure the training provided will meet the needs of the sector.

CEO of The Tourism Space, Tina O’Dwyer (pictured), a long-standing Sustainable Tourism Expert, said “We are delighted to partner with MTU and other international partners on this programme. We are committed to collaboration and believe deeply in tourism’s ability to create a better future for local communities, their places and of course their visitors. Working with partners in Ireland and across Europe, this project is a unique opportunity to apply regenerative tourism principles in practice.”

The tourism team at MTU secured an EU grant of approx. €1.2 million to lead the project, under which the university will be the Irish lead partner with The Tourism Space, the Dingle Tourism Alliance and other partners in Ireland, Finland, Iceland, Poland and the Netherlands.

According to Tina O’Dwyer, “This opportunity presents tourism businesses in all 5 countries with a unique chance to make a more positive impact on their community and environment, network with a range of other SMEs and stakeholders throughout Europe and gain a competitive edge in an increasing-

ly conscious marketplace.”

“The programme will allow us to develop bespoke training tools that will help tourism businesses implement regenerative approaches in their operations and in their community. Our role is to ensure that the training element is practical, relevant and actionable, leading to tangible benefit in all 5 destinations” O’Dwyer continued.

Project leaders will work with SMEs in all five countries to help them assess their current level of performance and subsequently build on this through practical training, mentoring, networking and peer support systems.

Participants who reach certain targets will additionally be supported through an appropriate sustainability certification process.

The two year project will end in February 2025 with an international regenerative tourism conference in MTU to disseminate project findings and share international best practice from the participating Tourism SMEs.

This project is funded under the EU programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Clare software company continues to Evolve

by Ronan Judge news@clareecho.ie

EVOLVE TECHNOLOGIES was founded in 2000 by Clare man Mike Linnane in response to the significant demand from many organisations for a dedicated and accessible software development partner.

Based originally in Limerick’s National Technology Park and then in Lahinch, the company’s development offices moved to the Ennistymon Digital Hub in 2017.

Evolve, which has been internationally recognised for its WayWyser trail management system, provides custom software solutions and development across a range of industries and sectors.

The company, in Mike’s words, are “high value problem solvers”.

Mike explains, “It has taken us into whole world of different needs. We provide solutions for mining, mass transit, medical devices, marine based industries, in the area of compliance. It’s a lot of different areas. We have about 100 or so customers, ranging from government bodies, blue chip companies to small and medium businesses and some microbusinesses. Some of our customers, we’ve had for 15 years or so.”

He continues, “We’re a small company and people us as problem solvers. We are high value problem solvers. It’s about being good

enough to solve the problem the customer has. We don’t have a sales marketing team. We’re a bit like a soccer player; we’re only as good as our last match!”

Mike started out in mechanical engineering before moving to software and e-banking.

Evolve started life in Limerick but as soon as the conditions allowed, Mike wanted to bring the company home to Lahinch.

“We’re in the town now in Ennistymon in a great facility, the digital business hub. It’s a really excellent facility”, he says, “We moved back to Lahinch in about 2005 and as soon as the Internet was up and running and good, we were back like a shot”, he recalls.

Mike says there are challenges with being a small tech company based in the West of Ireland.

“It can be hard to get people to work in the tech sector here and it is a challenge in terms of marketing and sales. We are technical people not sales or marketing. Our focus is always on trying to get as much value as we can for our customers

“But we are focused on what we are about and what we are doing. One of our big targets to switching from service to product and that is an area that is progressing”.

The support of Clare Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has been key in this regard.

Mike explains, “The LEO has been a great help. They gave us a small business expansion grant, supplied mentors who have been excellent, they’ve assisted us in website development. Most importantly we were able to access an agile research and development grant which has really opened doors for us”.

Key to Evolve’s evolution as a company has been the development of six different software products, one of which is WayWyser.

Developed by rural community trail managers, WayWyser makes it easy to monitor and maintain tracks and trails, hiking paths, geoparks, recreation resources, agricultural land, heritage sites, waterways and more.

Mike explains, “It’s an App that sits on your phone. It can take photos. It has a gps system that allows for dynamic mapping. We worked with LEADER groups and the Geo-Park so it is something that was really born out of North Clare. It can be used for field studies, basically for things

like litter surveys, environmental surveys, studying invasive species, tracking visitor numbers to an area. We’ve built onto it. So now it has features like motion sensors, water depth sensors. We are developing it all the time. It is a monitoring and management system. In principal what we have is a climate change and biodiversity management tool”.

Clare Local Development Company nominated WayWyser for an International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) award, alongside hundreds of entrants from around the world.

The future for Evolve is one of expansion, both in terms of markets and company size.

Mike says, “We’ are currently expanding into Northern Ireland and we hope to go into the UK. We are trying to push our products into America, We’re hoping to go to an American trade symposium in April, so that would be great. We’re always looking for good sales people and technical people. We are looking for people who are interested in the environment and who want to live in the Mid West.”

Mike Linnane founder of Evolve technologies

Tubridy calls time on Clare career

by Seamus Hayes sports reporter

DOONBEG’S David Tubridy, a key member of the Clare senior football team for the past fifteen years, will not be part of the team in 2023.

It is understood that the top scorer in national football league history, informed Colm Collins and his management team this week of his decision to retire from inter county football.

He made his debut in 2007 when he lined out against Tipperary in the Tommy Murphy cup, having been called into the team by the then Clare manager, the late Paidi O’Se, winner of eight All-Ireland medals with his beloved Kerry.

Making an announcement online, David thanked his family, supporters and all those associated with Doonbeg and Clare GAA, admitting it was a "very hard call to make".

Colm Collins’ reign as Clare manager has seen Clare enjoy great success including retaining division 2 league status for the past seven years. In that time Clare reached the All-Ireland senior quarter final on two oc-

casions. Tubridy played a key part in all of those successes. Throughout the past year the Doonbeg star struggled to shake off an achilles inju-

ry which limited his involvement in games.

It’s expected that he will continue to be a key member of the Doonbeg team.

AUSTIN Stack Park in Tralee is where the Clare senior footballers will play their first competitive game of 2023, writes Seamus Hayes, when they will take on the All-Ireland champions in the McGrath cup on this Sunday (throw in at 2pm).

As is the norm at this time of the year, the various managements will avail of the opportunity to introduce players to this level so it’s safe to say that there will be a number of debutants when Clare take to the pitch for Sunday’s fixture. The team to face Kerry will be finalised later this week.

A number of players are ruled out this week due to injury and these include Cillian and Brendy Rouine, Eoghan Collins and Ciaran Russell.

Cillian Rouine missed the concluding stages of the under 21 championship which Ennistymon won. He had struggled with an ankle injury for much of the season. His brother Brendy was one of the stars of the Ennistymon success but he picked up a few knocks along the way.

Ciaran Russell was a key player as Eire Og retained the Clare senior football title delivering many outstanding displays despite struggling with a leg injury.

A number of regulars from recent sea-

Clare footballers begin 2023 season in Tralee Mulqueen to Inagh-Kilnamona

sons will not be involved this season. David Tubridy, a key member of the squad for the past fifteen seasons, announced his retirement from inter county football last week, a few weeks after Kevin Harnett and Sean Collins had stepped away from the inter county scene. Goalkeeper Tristan O’Callaghan and defender Conor Jordan have withdrawn from the panel for 2023 because of travel.

Amongst the newcomers to the panel who are expected to see game time in the McGrath cup are Darren Nagle (Liscannor), Shane Griffin (Lissycasey) and Cathal Downes(O’Currys).

All-Ireland champions Kerry are expected to field without the majority of their championship winning side this week. Many of their players will be concentrating on the club championships with Kerins O’Rahillys (senior), Rathmore(intermediate) and Fossa(junior) all facing All-Ireland semi-final gzamesin the coming week

Kerry got their McGrath cup campaign underway last evening (Wednesday) when they played Cork who will be Clare’s opponents on Sunday week at Cooraclare.

AS GAA clubs across the county are in the process of finalising their management teams for 2023 news has emerged that Inagh-Kilnamona have secured the services of Louis Mulqueen as coach/trainer of their senior hurlers

for 2023.

The Rice College primcipal is one of the most experienced and successful hurling coaches around having led clubs to county, Provincial and National successes.

Trainer of Clare’s

All-Ireland minor winning hurling team in 1997, he went on to enjoy huge success as coach/trainer with St Josephs, Doora-Barefield leading them to back to back county and Provincial titles and to All-Ireland club success.

Shannon Golf Club captains 'drive-in' to office

by Seamus Hayes sports reporter

NEWLY elected captains at Shannon golf club ‘drove-in’ to office this week in front of a big attendance of members.

Debbie Reddan is the new ladies captaon with Suzanne McMahon as vice captain while the 2023 men’s captain is David Jones with Kevin Stanford as v ice captain.

WOODSTOCK

The winners of the St. Stephen’s Day modified fourball competition at Woodstock were Pat Barry and Matt Power with 47 points. The competition over the New Year bank holiday weekend was a team of four rumble which was won by

Ray, Eddie and Stephen Casey and Donal Lynch with 62 points.

KILRUSH

The men’s New Year’s day singles competition at Kilrush was won by Brian Scanlan (6) with 27 points. Sean Moran (15) was in second place with a similar score while third spot was filled by John Stapleton (13) who had 26 points .

COMPETITIONS CANCELLED

The ongoing inclement weather conditions resulted in the cancellation of a number of golf competitions over the holiday period. Severe frost and heavy rainfall resulted in a number of courses remaining closed for some days over the past week.

l LEGEND: David Tubridy played for 15 seasons with Clare

l David Jones, Men's

Captain and Debbie Reddan, Lady Captain for 2023

Photo by Joe Buckley

Hurlers to face Premier

PLAYING in the Co-op Stores Munster senior hurling league is an opportunity for players to stake a claim for a place in the team for the upcoming league and championship, according to Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan.

Ten players have been added to the panel for the 2023 season and “they have been working hard since we were allowed to return to training. They are all looking for an opportunity to play. There are few opportunities for people to stake a claim for inclusion in the team and this is the first real chance”, Clare’s All-Ireland winning full back from 1995 and 1997 said this week.

The Banner outfit will begin their competitive season at McDonagh Park in Nenagh on Sunday when they take on Tipperary who began their campaign last evening (Wednesday) when they played Waterford at Fraher field in Dungarvan.

The panel for Sunday’s game will be announced later this week and it will not include former captain,

Pat O’Connor from Tubber who recently announced his retirement from inter county hurling.

It is expected to include a number of players who were in competitive action with their clubs up to recently in the under 21 hurling and football championships. These include Mark Rodgers who captained Scariff-Ogonnelloe to a first under 21 A hurling crown and Shane Meehan who helped his club, Banner, to a first under 21 B football title.

Brandon O’Connell, one of the stars of Ballyea’s senior championship success has earned a call up to the county squad and is expected to see some action in the coming weeks.

Clare’s first competitive home tie of the new season is set for Sunday week when Waterford will provide the opposition at Cusack Park.

Former Clare player and manager Davy Fitzgerald will be in change of the Deise, having returned to the position for a second term, taking over from Liam Cahill who is now in charge of his native Tipperary.

Christmas cheer for Fitzgerald and Maher

by MICHAEL MAHER

BIG crowds were the order of the day in Galway for the last few meetings before Christmas.

Two long-time supportors of the game, John Fitzgerald of Kilrush and John Maher of Kilmaley were rewarded for patience as both had been out of the limelight for sometime.

First up was Maher on Wednesday night (December 21) in race 3 where as they raced towards the opening bend in this A5 graded contest, all six runners were lined across the track with the red jacketed Kates Princess taking fractional advantage over Bobtailbuttercup and Wynflete Star rounding the opening bend. Racing into the back straight Kates Princess led by over a length and the John Maher of Kilmaley-owned daughter of Kinloch Brae & Baby Sugar stayed on well to prevail by half a length in 29.80.

The honour of being the Banner's last winner at the track for 2022 fell to Fitzgeralds of Kilrush where the greyhounds were covered by less than two lengths as they approached the opening bend, with Valentia Hunter holding a fractional advantage. Turning down the back though the striped jacketed Flyers Magu swept to the head of affairs and racing along the back straight the Patsy Fitzgerald of Kilrush-owned Flyers Magu led Grangeview Ron and Abigails Mystery by two lengths. Rounding the home bend Abigails Mystery briefly looked a threat but Flyers Magu (Pat C Sabbath-Flyers Ineos) prevailed by a lengths and a half in 29.35.

Thursday night (December 22) was finals night with the semi-finals of the Paul McKenna Memorial A3 575 generously sponsored by Vincent McKenna down for decision on the eleven race card .

As the traps rose for the €1,300 to the winner Sean Scully Memorial 525, the Gerry O”Donoghue of Tubber-owned On The Radio was very smartly away towards the outer and racing towards the opening bend the son of Candlelight King & Pinnacle Blue led by two lengths. With the chasers getting in each others way slightly On The Radio extended his advantage to four lengths approaching the penultimate bend as Grangeview Lolo began to close but On The Radio was in command close home to score by

two lengths in 29.25.

As the greyhounds raced towards the opening in the Final of the WGOBA Non Winners, Derra Viva held a narrow advantage over Like The Mother and Tall Paul and with the chasing pair having a slight coming together the Rachel Murray of Sixmilebridge owned leader kicked five lengths clear of her rivals approaching the halfway mark. Approaching the penultimate corner the leader was now out in splendid isolation and the Stephen Murray trained daughter of Droopys Sydney & Playmistyforme scored by twelve & three quarter lengths from Tall Paul in 29.33.

Trainer Stephen Murray was back in the winners enclosure after the Final of the Paul McKenna Memorial 575 sponsored by Vincent McKenna on the last night of racing at Galway Greyhound Stadium for 2022. As the traps rose for the €1,500 to the winner feature contest Drombeg Khalesi was just about best away ahead of Rocket Fergie with Oaklands Lad recovering start to show in third place approaching the opening bend.

Rounding the bend Drombeg Khalesi led by just over a length but as they turned onto the back straight the writing was on the wall for the field with the strong staying Rocket Fergie so close to the head of affairs. As the leader passed the halfway mark the Sean & John Hynes owned Rocket Fergie struck the front as Burnpark Crash moved into third spot but Racket Fergie had set sail for home and the Stephen Murray trained son of Peregrine Falcon and Dream Delight powered to a six & a half length success over Burnpark Crash at the line in 31.84.

Reports from the two day South Clare Coursing meeting at Cooraclare that record crowds were in attendance.There was further success for John Fitzgerald of Kilrush after his win a few days earlyier at the Galway track when Ler Le Velle won the Oaks Trial Stake and Dan Reidy Memorial Cup in the Final she beat Smalltown Hero owned by the Betterthanever Synd, Ler Le Velle is jointly owned by John, Oran and Eilish Fitzgerald. The South Clare Cup went to Down Town Kid owned by Shane Flanagan of Rockmount, Ennis and well known Ennis publican Kieran Browne, in the Final he beat Rossmore Dazzler owned by Benny Treanor.

l WATCHFUL EYE: Brian Lohan will hope players can stake a claim for a place in the upcoming championship Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by Seamus Hayes sports reporter

SCARIFF

OGONNELLOE

ENNISTYMON

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours.

This time, I ask you This special favour.

(Mention Favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days.

Promise Publication. -JN

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours.

This time, I ask you This special favour.

(Mention Favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart

Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days.

Promise Publication.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS MILLTOWN, TULLA, CO. CLARE PLANNING REF: P22/577

Development Description: Permission to replace an existing sub-standard dwelling with a new dwelling house and proprietary treatment system along with associated site works at the above address.

Location: Milltown, Tulla, Co. Clare. Take notice that Eamon & Jasmine Lenihan have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/577. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, CLOONEYOGAN SOUTH, MOY, CO CLARE

Take notice that Moy Hill Farm intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the internal access road and widened access point at the above address.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILMOON, LISDOONVARNA, CO.CLARE

We, David and Claire Prince, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission for the construction of a new single storey extension to the side of an existing dwelling, modifications to the existing dwelling, demolition of an existing shed and all ancillary site works at O’Dea cottage, Kilmoon, Lisdoonvarna, Co.Clare

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the

prescribed fee within the 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

BALLYNACRAGGA, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO CLARE

Take notice that Michael Murphy intends to apply for RETENTI0N PERMISSION for the alterations to the house and garage as built on site & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

DEERPARK UPPER, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Martina Brennan and Saul Harvey intend to apply for PERMISSION to build a new house, garage, install a wastewater treatment system , improve the existing entrance & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A

submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

CLARE ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Geraldine Sheedy intends to apply for retention permission for development at this site, Clare Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 HFA4. The development consists of permission to retain changes made in 1978 to dwelling layout and elevations from original house constructed in 1956.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BALLYCORNEY, KILLALOE, CO CLARE

NOTICE OF FURTHER INFORMATION/REVISED PLANS

Name of Applicant: Shane Tuohy

Reference Number of the application: 22/403 Address: Ballycorney, Killaloe, Co Clare

Development Description

; Permission for the construction of a slatted agricultural building with an underground slurry storage tank for housing livestock on the existing farm complex together with all associated ancillary and incidental works

Take notice that Shane Tuohy has lodged Significant Further Information / Revised Plans in respect of planning application 22/403. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Chontae on Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

The Clare Echo Quiz

which County Clare village will you find L’ARCO Italian Restaurant?

Tulla, Doonbeg

Smith O Brien’s gaa club are based in which County Clare parish? Feakle, Ballyvaughan, Killaloe

an Chlair is the Irish name for which Clare village? Cratloe, Clarecastle, Liscannor

is a townland in which County Clare parish? Kilbaha, Tulla, Bunratty

Memorial Park is the Gaa grounds in which County Clare town? Kilrush, Milltown Malbay, Shannon

this County Clare village? (Pic right) Doonbeg, Bodyke, Ruan

this County Clare castle. (Pic below) Ballinalacken, Lemenagh, Knappogue

was the theme for the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ennis in 2022?

Together, Together Forever, Working together

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