‘Look at the bigger picture’

OFFICIALS in Clare County Council have been told they must look “at the bigger picture” in order to improve maintenance in Ballycasey, writes

Páraic McMahon

A successful appeal for the local authority to clean out the water gullies in the Ballycasey Manor estate and all estates throughout Ballycasey in Shannon was made by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.

Executive engineer, John Strand confirmed the works would be included in their maintenance schedule.

Putting forward the case, Cllr Flynn explained, “Ballycasey is relatively new but of late the systems seems to be backing up. It is not enough to be bringing in the suction machine and cleaning out the gullies, the wider infrastructure needs to be looked at, the silting goes back into that gully”.

He continued, “the infrastructure was put in place years ago when Shannon Town was being created, it was always capable of taking the volume of water irrespective of volumes that fell. Whether it is funding or we don’t have crews, the maintenance should be larger than what we’re doing and every so often look at the bigger picture”.

Flynn’s proposal was seconded by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).

Donna makes history as first female Chair of Shannon MD

HISTORY was made at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, writes Páraic McMahon

For the first time since the establishment of the Shannon MD in 2014, a meeting was chaired by a female representative.

Shannon woman, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) who was elected as Cathaoirleach last month chaired the two-hour meeting which took place at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel on Tuesday morning.

First elected to Clare County Council in 2009, Cllr

PJ Ryan (IND) made reference to the fact as the meeting was getting close to a conclusion.

“It is the first time we’ve had a lady Chairperson since the Shannon MD structure was put in place. I wish you every success,” the Cratloe native noted.

“I didn’t notice any difference in the meeting,” responded Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND).

Further milestones are likely in the political sphere, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) predicted, “don’t forget us when you become a TD” and he was quickly corrected by Cllr Ryan who suggested Cllr McGettigan would be a future Minister.

While Donna is the first female to wear the mayoral chains in terms of the Shannon MD, she follows in the footsteps of Brigid Makowski (IND), Patricia McCarthy (IND) and Cathy McCafferty (SF/IND) in representing the town, they had either served on the Shannon Town Commissioners, Shannon Town Council and Clare County Council.

Lough Cutra charity fun run

Clare Haven Services were pleased to attend an 8k fun run/walk on Sunday July 9th. The rain held off as 50 athletic enthusiasts gathered in Lough Cutra to raise funds for the Aisling Murphy Memorial Fund and Clare Haven Services. The event was organised by local man Anthony Walsh with the help of the local community. Thank you to Marie Duffy who helped with event promotion, Martin Kennedy and Michael Harte for marshalling on the morning and Gort Garda Station for their advice and support especially Sergeant Darren Griffin and Garda Denise Hynes. Clare Haven looks forward to returning to the scenic surroundings of Lough Cutra next year for what promises to be an exciting annual event.