The Clare Echo 28/09/23

SPORT: GREAT DAY FOR THE PARISH

Rampant STI levels spark public appeal

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RECORD levels of chlamydia are likely to be recorded in the MidWest region by the end of 2023.

Officials with Public Health HSE Mid-West are recording unprecedented levels of chlamydia and gonorrhoea this year. Members of the public in Clare are being urged to protect their sexual health and to avail of testing due to unprecedented levels of chlamydia and

gonorrhoea this year.

According to the latest data, record levels of gonorrhoea are being reported in the Mid-West region. If current trends persist, record levels of chlamydia are likely to be recorded by the end of the year.

In 2022, Public Health HSE Mid-West recorded the highest number of both chlamydia cases (798), and gonorrhoea (188) in the past ten years.

Year-to-date in 2023, there have been 664 cases

of chlamydia, and 274 cases of gonorrhoea.

Dr Kenneth Beatty, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, said, “The rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections in the MidWest is an issue of Public Health concern. For males and females, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to painful inflammatory diseases, which can lead to infertility.”

l Michael Guilfoyle and Shane O’Grady show their emotion at the final whistle as St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield consolidate their senior hurling status Photo by Joe Buckley

Cratloe’s Michelle stars in Grá ar an Trá dating show

CRATLOE’s Michelle McGrath is starring in a new dating show on television, writes Páraic McMahon

Grá ar an Trá commenced on Virgin Media Television on Monday night and sees 10 singletons head to the Gaeltacht looking for love and also brush up on their native language.

Presented by Gráinne Seoige, James Kavanagh and Síomha Ní Ruairc, the show will see one pair crowned the ‘couple with the most focail’ and walk away with a grand prize to the value of €10,000.

Twenty eight year old Michelle works as a HR manager and was formerly a make-up artist with MAC Cosmetics.

Speaking ahead of the show, Michelle was confident she’d be able to find the right match. “Every girl deserves someone who treats her well and puts in the effort to do nice things for her. I feel like I’ve been through it all and I know what I deserve. I can spot a game player a mile away so I’m not here to put up with that”.

Boil water notice continues

O’BRIENSBRIDGE, Bridgetown

and Montpelier remain under a boil water notice, which was first issued over a month ago, writes

Páraic McMahon

Efforts led by staff in Uisce Éireann and Clare County Council are ongoing to lift the boil water notice which was issued on August 25th and impacts all customers supplied by the O’Briensbridge public water supply.

A disinfection at the plant serving the supply led to the introduction of the notice.

While drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Clare County Council are working to rectify the issues at the treatment plant, all customers on this supply are advised consumers to boil and cool their water before drinking.

Uisce Eireann’s Darragh Conneely acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community. “We are carrying out additional sample analysis at the treatment plant and out in the network, along with installing extra alarms and shutdowns at the plant.

Monitoring of the supply will continue and plans to increase the robustness of the water treatment plant are in progress. Uisce Éireann is investing in additional monitors to safeguard future supply. We appreciate the impact that this notice is having on the community and thank them for their patience”.

l Michelle McGrath heads to the Gaeltacht looking for love

Blunder on Bunratty Bandstand sees Council pay €40,000

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council has been forced to pause works on the construction of a band stand in Bunratty after realising it did not own the lands on which the structure was to be built.

Town and village renewal works have been underway in Bunratty since June 2023. Part of the plans included the construction of a band stand in the heart of the locality but a stumbling block has been met after Clare County Council realised they were not the owners of the land that the feature was to be erected on.

This discovery was made after an estimated €35,000 to €40,000 had already been spent. The site is located at the back of The Creamery Bar and Restaurant.

Prior to the works, the Council were unable to find a registered owner for the land and had maintained it for in excess of 30 years.

This is despite the owners being well-known in the locality for their contribution to the area. The Clare Echo understands that the landowner has made themselves known to the Council in recent weeks with negotiations on what happens next now at a delicate point. The site is currently blocked off.

Statutory approval for the town and village renewal works in Bunratty were obtained under Section 38 of the Roads Act 1994. The enhanced public realm works are to include traffic calming measures and the introduction of a number of pedestrian crossing points which will connect the north and south of the main road in Bunratty for the first time.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council told The Clare Echo, “A bandstand will be installed in due course. While such a development does not require planning permission, the Council is currently engag-

ing with relevant Parties to deliver this community project. The completed bandstand would create a focal point in the centre of Bunratty and would add considerable amenity value to the village”.

When pressed as to why the planned bandstand had been paused, the spokesperson confirmed, “An issue regarding land ownership has arisen and this is currently being addressed in communication with the relevant parties”.

Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) admitted that the setback was “an unfortunate thing”. The former Mayor of Clare told The Clare Echo he was optimistic that an agreement could be reached between the Council and the landowner. “I would be hoping there would be a solution found to it very soon and the owners would see their civic duty to the area, they have massive links to the area.”

l IN THE ROUND: Construction began in June

Rally stalwart dies in Carron

A KERRY rally stalwart died following a two vehicle collision in Carron at the Clare Stages Rally on Sunday, writes Páraic McMahon

Thirty seven year old Damian Fleming from Kilcummin was killed in a two-car collision during the fourth stage of the Clare Stages Rally.

Motorsport Ireland will conduct a full investigation into the incident with the relevant authorities. In a statement, Motorsport Ireland extended its “deepest sympathies” to the family and friends of the competitor who was fatally injured “during a tragic accident”.

The statement added, “Motorsport Ireland and its amalgamated clubs are recognised internationally for operating to the highest standards of motorsport safety for competitors and spectators in line win the best practice of the FIA”.

The driver of the second car involved in the incident was transferred to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) to receive treatment for the injuries sustained.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a serious two vehicle road traffic collision which occurred at approximately 1:30pm on Sunday in Carron.

According to a

spokesperson for Clare Motorclub, “The relevant authorities were immediately advised of the incident and emergency services are in attendance at the scene. The event has been halted and a further statement will be issued in due course”.

The Clare Echo understands that Mr Fleming’s car had broken down, while the other vehicle lost control on approach and collided with the stationary vehicle. Such incidents are rare in rallying as cars depart at timed intervals, and other cars were understood to have passed before that, without incident.

Gardaí investigating theft from Bank of Ireland

GARDAÍ IN Clare are investigating alleged theft from a financial institution, writes Páraic McMahon

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed to The Clare Echo, “Gardaí in Clare are investigating a complaint of alleged theft from a financial institution. As this is an ongoing criminal

investigation An Garda Síochána has no further comment”.

The Sunday Independent reported that two Bank of Ireland staff are the subjects of the investigation after more than €20,000 was reported missing from a bank branch.

Bank of Ireland have been

in contact with Gardaí in relation to the investigation.

“There is no impact to any customer accounts or funds as a result of this matter,” the bank spokesman said.

“Given this is now with An Garda Síochána, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

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Selected Jackets €50

Wynne hits out at O’Donnell for making sweeping changes to Development Plan

CLARE TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) has criticised a Junior Minister in the Dáil for the ‘O’Donnell Directive’ which has seen sweeping changes made to the Clare County Development Plan, writes Páraic

McMahon

Following a special meeting of Clare County Council last week, Deputy Wynne raised the concerns of elected members in Dáil Éireann.

She stated, “The assembled members called me and my fellow Oireachtas colleagues from Clare before them to discuss what they say is the shameful ministerial direction given by the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell, which cut the knees out from under our new county development plan.

“It was an interesting meeting where councillors

from all parties and none, including the parties of the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell and of the Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, voiced their disdain and disgust at the heavyhanded decision that will serve to block planning permission across large swathes of County Clare”.

Actions of the Junior Minister, Kieran O’Donnell (FG) saw him “come along with his red pen and effectively erase some of the most significant provisions in the plan,” she said.

Deputy Wynne said an increasing amount of people in Clare are blocked from building their “forever homes on their own land” by the Government. “It is going after rural Ireland and making it next to impossible to get the planning permission to build a house

on one’s own land. The Minister of State says the Government is committed to Housing for All. Clare says ‘Don’t make us laugh’.

“Due to the ministerial order, around 113 km of national roads in County Clare are now no longer viable sites for new house building. Some 105 of those are in the West Clare Municipal District. This is yet another example of anti-rural policy by this Government, which seems adamant about starving communities in my constituency of basic services and now blocking people from building their own house on their own land. In the words of the councillors, it is now not the Clare County Development Plan but instead is the plan of the Office of the Planning Regulator, OPR,” she added.

County ‘united in grief’ following the death of 14 year old girl

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

County Clare is experiencing an outpouring of grief following the death of a 14 year old girl.

Family and friends of the teenager were heartbroken when the girl died peacefully at Crumlin Hospital on Monday.

Huge crowds attended a healing mass at Kilnamona Church on Saturday where prayers were said for the teenager. She was a popular figure at Coláiste Muire in Ennis where she was in her second year, principal Jean Pound told The Clare Echo “We’re very saddened by her passing, we are thinking of her family

and friends at this difficult time. She was a lovely girl and was very involved in camogie and horse-riding. She had lots of friends and we have been trying to support her second year friends and peer community”.

Coláiste Muire has triggered its critical incident response plan and is receiving support from the Department of Education and the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).

Ms Pound continued, “Any sudden death is a big shock to the community, we have a close-knit community here, the students are still coming into school and we are working with the students, we are

doing our best to support both staff and students at this time”.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bishop Fintan Monahan led a mass in the school which was attended by all second year students.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said the area was “united in grief”. He stated, “I have nieces and nephews at that age, and when they are around 13 or 14, they feel like they are going to live forever. The family never expects it when someone loses their life, especially someone so young. The community is united in grief and as someone who spent many years in a classroom, I’d expect the school to wrap around this

girl’s classmates and friends. We will all be here for them at this time of grief”.

An Garda Síochána are investigating if the death was due to taking part in a viral TikTok challenge. At this stage, investigators believe she became seriously ill after inhaling aerosol after seeing a ‘challenge’ on TikTok. The trend is commonly known as ‘chroming’. The social media challenge has already claimed the life of a teenage girl in Australia.

A spokesperson for TikTok said in a statement, “Our deepest sympathies are with the family experiencing this tragic loss. Content of this nature is prohibited on our platform

and would be removed if found. We will continue to prioritise protecting and supporting our community, working with expert partners and providing safety resources to those who need them”.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Media, Niamh Smyth TD (FF) raised the girl’s death as the committee met. She asked Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett to comment on concerns about online safety. Ms Hodnett said they were very saddened to read about the girl’s death, saying “this is the very essence of why we need an online safety code”.

lCONCERNS: Violet-Anne Wynne TD (IND) Photo by Natasha Barton

Judge grants Garda contesting drink driving early trial

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has given a serving Garda charged with drink driving and careless driving an early trial date after being told the suspended officer faces “huge financial consequences”.

In the case before Ennis District Court, David Kenneally (41) of The Maples, Oakleigh Wood, Tulla Rd, Ennis is contesting three separate charges being brought against him that are alleged to have occurred at Abbey Street, Ennis on February 5th last year.

In court, State Solicitor for Co Limerick, Aidan Judge asked Judge Alec Gabbett that a trial date be fixed for late March or April of next year.

Mr Judge said that he was not available before then for the case in Ennis because of work commitments elsewhere.

Solicitor for Mr Kenneally, Daragh Hassett said that

he could not consent to the case going back to next March or April.

Mr Hassett said that Mr Kennally is a serving member “and because of these charges he is not working”.

He said, “We are all well aware that members who are suspended face huge financial consequences”.

He added, “I couldn’t consent to a trial eight months away - it is a district court summary matter. I am very clear, I am not prepared to allow a District Court trial to go back eight months”.

Judge Gabbett said that he would fix a date for January 8th next at Ennis District Court.

In the case, Mr Kenneally is charged with drink-driving at Abbey Street, Ennis on February 5th 2022 contrary to Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act.

Mr Kenneally is also charged with driving without due care and attention

at the same location on the same date contrary to Section 52 of the Road Traffic Act.

Mr Kenneally is also facing a summons of consuming intoxicating liquor with the intention to frustrate a prosecution under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act at Abbey Street, Ennis on February 5th 2022 contrary to Section 18 (3) of the Road Traffic Act.

The contested case was initially specially fixed for July 25th last and Mr Judge told the court on that date that the State is to call 12 witnesses in the case.

The case was adjourned on that date after Mr Judge applied to seek an adjournment in the case as one of the prosecution witnesses was unavailable due to the death of his mother.

Mr Judge said that “the defence is insisting that I produce this witness and I have no option but to seek an adjournment”.

Enjoying Culture Night in Shannon

Joanna and Jason Begley along with their daughter Aoibhinn enjoyed performances by Shaskeen, Ray Fean and Cyril O’Donoghue in a memorial concert organised by Cuppa Tea

TV and Culture Night Clare

Photo by Joe Buckley

Bid to ban day buses from Cliffs fails

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ELECTED representatives in West and North Clare refused to back a motion from a Green Party councillor banning day trip buses from visiting the Cliffs of Moher.

In what is a rare occurrence in the workings of Clare County Council, there was no seconder willing to put their hand forward to support a motion from a colleague when elected members gathered for the September sitting of the West Clare Municipal District.

Lahinch’s Cllr Liam Grant (GP) urged the local authority to ban day trip buses from visiting the Cliffs of Moher. He explained that these are “buses that leave Dublin in the early morning visit the Cliffs and return to Dublin on the same day without stopping at any other visitor attraction or town. These buses are a hindrance and a nuisance on our roads and they are not providing enough of a benefit to the North Clare community to continue allowing them operate”. He added, “We need to be more selective with our tourists to ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs”.

Up until September, 13 per cent of visitors to the Cliffs were arriving via route licence which would have began their trip in Dublin or Galway.

General Manager of the Cliffs of Moher and Clare Tourism North West, Geraldine Enright stated, “75 per cent of route licence operators are stopping in another location in Co. Clare, delivering economic

benefit to the areas and businesses at which they stop in. Clare County Council has put a stop on new route licences since 2016, unless specific criteria is met to stop at another fee paying attraction, visit outside of peak times and offer an overnight package in Co Clare. Two licences have been issued under the new criteria”.

Bunratty, Ennis, Liscannor, Doolin and the Burren are the other

stops in the county on the current route licenses.

Ms Enright outlined, “Under Failte Ireland’s DEDP (Destination Experience Development Plan) for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher an online Ambassadors Module has been developed and is being rolled out to drivers, guides and businesses as an education tool for responsible travel in the destination. The DEDP and the preliminary draft of

the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 recommends an integrated traffic and transport strategy for North Clare”.

Speaking at a sitting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Grant admitted that the motion stemmed from a public meeting in Ballyvaughan. “The consensus from that meeting is an unhappiness with the tour buses in the area, there is a perception that these buses aren’t benefitting

the area, a lot of people expressed concerns”.

He questioned if all bus operators were stopping in places other than the Cliffs. “It is a great benefit in offering jobs but we have to look at the value of tourism, are they of value if they are not staying over”.

No seconder was forthcoming for Cllr Grant’s motion. Director of Services with Tourism Development in the Council, Leonard Cleary told the meeting, “This is a public road and people have the right to travel on a public road, people who operate commercial buses have a right to use the road, the data in relation to licenses has been set out, Clare County Council must have regard to route stop licences. We can’t actually even if there was a seconder for the motion, we can’t implement the decision proposed, we want to work as part of a transport plan, specifically on stopping the buses the data would say 13 per cent of visitors are arriving via route licence, 75 per cent are stopping in another location in Clare, it is important to have that data available today”.

Encouragement for Cllr Grant to put forward his views in a submission to the North Clare mobility strategy was issued by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), “We do need to reflect on the density of traffic coming through, we do need a strategy and to strategize all this density of traffic into the future”. He added, “It’s fine to be able to say we can’t stop all the buses but surely we can come up with a strategy to minimise the density of traffic”.

l

Photo by John Mangan

A night to remember in Shannon

Brendan Wall (aka Stoney) performs at the memorial concert in honour of local music icons Pat Costelloe, Johnny Fean and Paul ‘Swive’ O’Donoghue

Important Notice for Clare Commercial Ratepayers

A revaluation of County Clare is underway. By now you should have received your Valuation Certificate from Tailte Éireann.

Staff from Tailte Éireann’s Valuation team will be available to answer any queries you may have regarding the revaluation at the following locations from Monday 2nd October to Friday 6th October 2023.

For further information go to our website tailte.ie or call the Valuation team on 01 584 6753.

Date Location Time

Monday 2nd October Killaloe Municipal District, Clare County Council, Mountshannon Road, Scariff, Co. Clare, V94 X25K

‘War of words’ erupts over Ennis 2040 plan

by

A WAR OF words has erupted between the Ennis 2040 DAC and Save Ennis Town.

As evident by the majority of views at the Retailers of Ennis meeting held in May, attended by over 200 people which led to the formation of the Save Ennis Town group, there is strong opposition to the mixed-use development identified for Abbey Street car park as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy.

When defending the levels of engagement, a spokesperson for the DAC said the strategy was completed in 2021 “by international experts on behalf of Clare County Council after two years of study, analysis and extensive stakeholder consultations with local representatives, local communities, and businesses”. Public consultation will be held on the Abbey Street development in the autumn or winter of this year “when draft plans become available, giving everyone the oppor-

statement added, “Save Ennis Town reject these allegations and regret the implication that we would, in any way, attempt to mislead or supply false information to the public on an issue of such crucial importance to the future of our county town”.

Referring to Save Ennis Town as “protesters” and a “protest group” was incorrect according to the group who clarified that it was “a voluntary community group” formed following ‘deep concerns’ over the proposed

10am-4pm

Tuesday 3rd October Temple Gate Hotel, The Square, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 H0XK 10am-4pm

Wednesday 4th October Temple Gate Hotel, The Square, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 H0XK 10am-4pm

Thursday 5th October Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, V95 D2PC 10am-4pm

Friday 6th October Kilrush Golf Club, Ennis Rd, Parknamoney, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 W025 10am-4pm

Commencement of the ‘big dig’ in the car park to allow for archaeological works to be undertaken has led to the first of what is expected to be many spats between the Ennis 2040 DAC and Save Ennis Town.

Ennis 2040 DAC have accused Save Ennis Town of making “false claims” in their criticism of the ‘big dig’ and labelled them as a “protest group” in a statement to The Clare Echo.

They said the description of the DAC as a private company was misleading and indicated it was a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of Clare County Council and “is a not for profit and the members of Board consist of public, private and local elected representatives which give their time voluntarily”.

Reference to the “ill-conceived and expensive development” in the Market by Save Ennis Town was also criticised by Ennis 2040 DAC who noted it was “an entirely separate development and bears no relation to any of the Ennis 2040 projects”.

Views that Ennis 2040 DAC have little interest in engaging with the public and businesses on their plans were rejected.

tunity to have their say”.

Although a historical record of Ennis has been published by the Royal Irish Academy, an archaeological excavation licence has not been granted for Abbey Street car park before, the spokesperson stressed. “The Ground Investigations are necessary to shed light on the rich archaeological heritage of the site. The findings from these excavations will inform the design process of a landmark building”.

On the loss of 25 car parking spaces and parking charges income during the works, the Ennis 2040 DAC spokesperson stated, “Every effort has been made to minimise disruption over the short period of these excavations. Loss of income from car parking should also be minimal as 60 per cent of the car park is allocated to permit holders”.

Save Ennis Town in a statement to The Clare Echo took umbrage with the response of Ennis 2040 DAC. A spokesperson confirmed, “Save Ennis Town are currently working on a detailed statement to refute these unfounded allegations, which we will issue in due course”. The

plans “to build on the Abbey Street Car Park and the destructive effect such an ill-conceived development would have on the business and civic life of the town”.

“From the outset Save Ennis Town have been clear that, as a group of townspeople, some with family connections to Ennis going back many generations, we only want what is best for the place where we live. Save Ennis Town is not against the right type of development in the right location in Ennis. However, the group, and also the more than 3,700 individuals who have signed our petition, believe that the proposed plans for the riverside car parks in the town are the wrong type of development in the wrong location,” the statement added.

In June 2021, Clare councillors voted 23-5 in favour of setting up the Ennis 2040 DAC and giving a loan of €10m to deliver the Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy. In April of this year, the transformational sites were included in the Clare County Development Plan 2023 - 2029 which was adopted unanimously by Clare County Council.

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l OPPOSITION: Members of Save Ennis Town pictured on Harmony Bridge Photo by Ray Conway

Photo by Joe Buckley

‘We’re sick of hearing a couple of weeks’

MAYOR of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) [inset] received a round of applause from his colleagues when voicing frustration on the long-running wait for an announcement on Broadford and Cooraclare’s inclusion in a pilot wastewater scheme, writes Páraic McMahon.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien (FF) announced the launch of the €50m scheme for essential sewage infrastructure for rural villages in April of last year.

Last September, Broadford and Cooraclare were submitted by Clare County Council in an official application for inclusion.

Clare’s Government TDs, Cathal Crowe (FF) and Joe Carey (FG) have previously stated on more than one occasion that announce ments were due “within weeks”.

Speaking at a special meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Cooney said the local authority had been “told numerous times there would be an announcement made on the wastewater scheme, it is a total disgrace to have no announce ment on the pilot scheme. We can see why council lors are frustrated and why Cllr Kelly is constantly put ting motions on the agenda for planning”.

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) commented,

K N O C K S H A N V O

W I N D F A R M W E B I N A R

“Shame on the Government and shame on Minister O’Brien for making a promise to the people of Broadford”.

Deputy Crowe said, “there hasn’t been a false dawn, Minister O’Brien didn’t lead anyone down a garden path, that accusation cannot be levelled at Minister O’Brien, he gave a commitment in the school yard in Broadford and that will be honoured”.

Meelick native Crowe told the meeting, “ten or twelve villages will be announced in a matter of weeks, I don’t want to pre-empt it but I think it there will be good news”.

A frustrated Mayor Cooney responded, “We’re sick of hearing a couple of weeks at this stage, we’ve to move forward. Would you contact me by end of the week with a date for this announcement, I am sick of hearing a couple of this and a couple of that”. His remarks were greeted with a round of applause from across the Council Cham-

Crowe said a timeline has been given. “We had agreed that 9th October would be the agreed date, my belief is we’ll have good news by then, if we get to 10th October it will be a different story”.

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‘Contacting Gardaí now like dealing with Eir’

RINGING an Garda Síochána is ‘like ringing Eir’ with the lack of urgency to calls, an East Clare representative has claimed, writes Páraic McMahon

Speaking at Thursday’s meeting of the Killaloe Muncipal District, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) voiced worries for the future of An Garda Síochána.

“My concern and the concerns of a lot of people is policing is to look after the people, the way policing is gone it is more like a business and all based on stats which I’d be very fearful of”.

Falling numbers of Gardaí is causing apprehension, he stated. “It has happened on a few stations that you would ring the station in Sixmilebridge but it is transferred to Shannon and it rings out. We feel like Eircom now, if you ring you’re left on the never never, the people need to be able to get through to someone”.

People no longer the name of their local Garda, Cllr O’Callaghan lamented, “we’ve gone away from the model of being able to sort things and we’ve the book brought out”. He commended existing officers of the Gardaí for the pressures they are under in the job.

Superintendent of the East Clare Tipperary North Community Engagement functional

‘Resources won’t be lost to Tipperary’Supt Ollie Baker

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

area, Ollie Baker explained that with the new dispatch system all calls are put through to the control centre in Cork, “they have through mapping and can see where nearest car or resource is for that call to service, that will dictate the urgency or immediacy of the response required”. He added, “With this change has come a more modernised 21st century police force”.

He said he would speak with Supt Ryan based in Ennis regarding the transfer of calls to ascertain greater detail.

Clare has not benefitted as much as Tipperary with the amalgamation of the Garda Divisions, Cllr O’Callaghan felt. “The sun is shining so we have to keep positive. I fought hard with Cllr Burke on the JPC to keep Ennis as the new centre but did it really happen”.

“It did,” the Supt responded. “All the Superintendents have Tipperary numbers,” Cllr O’Callaghan observed to which Supt Baker pointed out that the Chief Superintendent is primarily based in Co Clare.

Cllr O’Callaghan replied, “They are all Tipperary numbers but it is the Gardaí on the ground that we want, community policing model is the one we want and you’ve spoken about it, prevention is better than cure”.

Need for policing to protect tourism reputation flagged

ATTEMPTS to increase the amount of Gardaí patrolling busy tourist spots in East Clare will be examined, writes Páraic McMahon

An increased level of policing was sought by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) for the tourism amenities of East Clare.

Speaking at the September meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, he stated, “we have considerable resources gone into attracting tourism and amenities from Mountshannon and Whitegate to Ballina and Killaloe, Dromineer and Terryglass, I’d hope to see an increasing level of policing to prevent incidents we had in previous

years.

“We had a serious incident in Killaloe this year and I would like to commend An Garda Síochána and the agencies who responded. I want to see a level that would prevent those accidents and when those type of people that come to cause destruction are dealt with firmly”.

Tourism’s importance to the region was acknowledged by Superintendent Ollie Baker.

“Tourism is huge in this part of the country, when the new bridge opens in Killaloe it will open this part of the county, it is a more niche tourist market than West or North Clare but it is still very valuable.”

EAST Clare’s Garda resources will not be diminished despite the area being without a Superintendent under the newly amalgamated Garda Division with Tipperary.

Of the six Superintendents are in the amalgamated Garda Division of Clare and Tipperary, all but one of them are based in the Premier County.

Under the new operating model which came into effect on August 27th, there have been major changes across the Division. Mountshannon, Scariff and Killaloe are now under the East Clare Tipperary North Community Engagement functional area along with Nenagh, Roscrea, Newport, Borrisokane, Toomevara, Cloughjordan, Dolla, Lorrha, Moneygall and Portroe.

This will see two Gardaí and one Sergeant located in Scariff while Killaloe will have 18 Gardaí, four Sergeants and one Inspector.

Two-time All-Ireland winner with Clare, Ollie Baker has been appointed Superintendent of this functional area. He briefed elected members of the Killaloe Municipal District on the changes at a meeting in Scariff on Friday. “This is local to me,” he assured the East Clare representatives. “The resources won’t fall into Nenagh, that won’t happen,” he added.

According to Supt Baker, officers like Inspector Michelle Moloney who joined him in Scariff “have spent considerable time ensuring members in Killaloe and Scariff stay here, their value is here, the value of a Scariff or a Killaloe Garda in North Tipperary holds no value. There will be times when they are called over with other events happening that is a once off thing”.

A commitment was given that a visible Garda presence would remain in East Clare. “Every morning there will be a patrol car dedicated to policing in this part of the area and every night, that

without fail will be happening. There is a change and there will be challenges”. As a result, he admitted that there would be missteps along the way.

Supt Baker continued, “Coming into this new amalgamated area I’m quite pleased with the work that has been done, this area has stayed alive in a policing sense”. He added, “there will be changes and a lot of challenges but the biggest challenges will be a change of mindset”.

He told councillors, “ye haven’t lost anything from the Guard on the ground, the centres have changed and the old term district has become longer community function areas”. Supt Baker added, “My challenge is to ensure I have that service available for the locality, the plan won’t be changing, local policing here will not diminish in any respect”.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) spoke of his forty five years working with a semi-state company when listing to the concerns that emerge as to the actual benefit of these changes. He maintained there was 30 Gardaí based in the locality “a few years back”.

“Change is change, communities on the periphery always feel the most vulnerable,” commented Cllr Pat Hayes (FF). He expressed further worry that legislation passing through the Dáil could see the end of Joint Policing Committees. He said of his area of Killanena and Flagmount, “we’re on the periphery, thank God crime levels are low but we’ve had issues in the past with breakins and all those issues. Change always brings worry, the resources might end up in the far end of Nenagh and leave nothing available for Killanena, Flagmount or Feakle”.

Confusion on what functional areas certain parishes fall into was also raised by Cllr Hayes who requested maps be issued to the councillors. “It doesn’t seem very logical where you might arrive to the far end of Feakle and some-

one else has to come from Ennis,” he said of the fact that Feakle village is under the Tulla district whereas the remainder of the parish falls into another functional area. “Prior to this the service was very limited in East Clare anyway, Tulla and Scariff had limited offices, up to now the services and personnel were challenged”.

Hayes added, “I’d rather keep our business in our county, I am concerned and

Encampments & speeding

ILLEGAL encampments and speeding are two of the biggest issues facing the Superintendent now responsible for East Clare, according to the county’s first citizen, writes Páraic McMahon

Elected members of the Killaloe Municipal District received a presentation on the new policing model in An Garda Síochána from Superintendent Ollie Bak-

er who is responsible for the East Clare and Tipperary North Community Engagement functional area.

It follows the amalgamation of the Clare and Tipperary Garda Divisions, the headquarters of which is based in Ennis. Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) remarked to Supt Baker following his presentation, “whether you can bring

Tipperary and Clare together on the GAA field is another thing” to which Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) quipped, “he did enough to disrupt it”.

Following a meeting with Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee (FG) in the past fortnight, Cllr Cooney was hopeful more Gardaí would be employed in Co Clare “going forward, I had a positive meeting with her and I am hopeful it will be looked at”.

There was “a serious chat” between Cllr Cooney and Minister McEntee on the illegal encampment in Sixmilebridge, he advised the meeting. “It needs to be looked at in a big way, it is upsetting people’s lives, they have bought houses in a private estate but the illegal encampment is causing concern and

Photo by John Mangan

hearing it from Gardaí themselves, I think we need to improve our services, I have a worry here going forward that we will be losing services”.

In response, Supt Baker acknowledged, “The concerns are there, my own background and experience in policing has all been community related, I haven’t specialised in areas of crime or traffic, everything in the 25 years I’ve been in An Garda Síochána has been on vthe alue of the community, I understand the values and they at a

minimum need to know who the local Garda is”.

Doora native Baker continued, “I’m pragmatic enough to know you have to find a system that best works, everyone in their own house at night needs to have reassurance that Gardai are available”.

Efforts will be made to provide councillors with a map of the new system, he confirmed. “A boundary has to go to somewhere, the old county boundaries came into being fourteen or fifteen years ago, we’re now bound by model boundaries”.

‘biggest issues’

worry, it is not good enough”.

Speeding was another issue flagged by the O’Callaghans Mills man.

“We’re all guilty of speeding through villages and there is only one way of teaching us the lesson, it needs to be looked at. We’re all well aware of the campaign to reduce the speed limits, your input into that will be very important, my belief is every road won’t be done but we’re all well aware that the speed limits do need to come down”.

Director of Service for Social Development, Anne Haugh told the meeting that were reliant on An Garda Síochána to assist them with the management of estates, housing and illegal encampments. She said it was “imperative” that working relationship continued under the new model.

“I am assured by what you have said that there will be no change in

how we do business, the two sides working together are the most effective”.

Supt Baker told the meeting he has “a lot of experience” in the area of illegal encampments. “It is extremely challenging and complex to deal with, the only solution I can offer is through engagement, prevention is definitely better than the cure and being aware of what is required to make places not feasible for encampments has to be part of our planning and from an environmental design aspect that our crime prevention officer is available to the local authority as another opinion”.

On the subject of speeding, Supt Baker said he formed part of a working group which examined the speed limits nationally.

“The amount of people involved in road safety amazed me, the Guards only play a small part which is enforcement,” he admitted. “Talking and cooperation between all the areas is important, we’re aware of where the hotspots are between us and then we shut them down”.

l Superintendent Ollie Baker

No serious injuries in Killaloe fire

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NO SERIOUS injuries were recorded after a business premises in Killaloe caught fire on Monday afternoon.

Two persons were hospitalised following the fire at Walsh’s Bar. They received further assessment at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) before being discharged.

An alarm was raised at approximately 12:50pm on Monday following the outbreak of the fire with emergency services responding to the scene including

An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service and units of the Clare County Fire Service in Killaloe and Scariff. The blaze has caused considerable damage to the building.

On Monday evening, the Garda Forensic Unit combed the premises while locals including former Irish rugby captain Keith Wood waited to assist in boarding up the building.

Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) and local Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) were also present. Cllr O’Brien described it as “a devastating

blow for the Walsh family and for the town and business community. This was a very popular pub and it has been here for decades, part of the local community”.

Cllr O’Brien noted it was “lucky that nobody was seriously injured. There were no customers on the premises, but there could easily have been as it is the only one open in the town at that time”.

Walsh’s Bar is a popular spot in the East Clare town and is noted for its live music along with broadcasting sports coverage.

Fashion, family fun and entertainment at Crescent Shopping Centre’s 50th anniversary celebrations

THE malls of the Crescent Shopping Centre will resound with excitement when the impressive line-up of events organised to mark the Centre’s 50th anniversary launch.

Spread across three weekends in October and November, events in the ‘Crescent

50 (1973 – 2023) Series’ include a fashion and style event, a carnival, a Paw Patrol event, radio roadshows and a customer appreciation evening to cater for all.

Launching on Saturday, 21ST October, with a style and lifestyle event, curated by Vogue Williams and involv -

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR DEVELOPERS AND BUILDING CONTRACTORS FOR THE PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING –EXTENSION OF DEADLINE

Clare County Council is extending the deadline for the receipt of expressions of interest for the provision of turnkey housing developments by Housing Developers and Building Contractors for delivery of affordable housing in the following locations:

• Ennis Shannon

Further details of this scheme and a guide to making a submission are available on the Clare County Council’s website under www.clarecoco.ie or by emailing affordablehousing@clarecoco.ie

The revised latest date and time for receipt of submissions is 4.00pm on Tuesday 31st October 2023.

Please note that Clare County Council is not obliged to purchase any turnkey housing development submitted as part of this process.

Dated 26th September.

Signed: Adrian Headd, A/Senior Engineer, Housing Department.

ing Ireland AM presenter Muireann O’Connell and fashion icon Celia Holman Lee, the series will continue on the bank holiday weekend with a medley of family fun spread over two days, concluding on Thursday, 2nd November with a customer appreciation day where customers can shop to the sound of string music while availing of discounts and giveaways.

Launching the ‘Crescent 50 Series’, Centre Manager John Davitt said: “Life has changed so much in the 50 years since the shopping centre opened in 1973, not just in terms of the way we live, but in how we shop and dress. Added to this, the footprint of the Centre itself has increased.”

“We thought it would be good to look back at some of these trends in our style and lifestyle event and to also give back to the customers and the community we have built up in the past fifty years,” he added.

The line-up for the ‘Cres-

cent 50 Series’ includes: Day 1: Saturday, 21st October at 1pm: Style and Lifestyle event with Vogue Williams.

Taking place on the main concourse, this event will see Vogue Williams discussing personal style with Muireann O’Connell, delving into her go-to style staples, trends she follows, her work-out routine and balancing home and career.

The event will also include a curated-style showcase with Vogue’s hand-picked looks from the Crescent Shopping Centre’s fashion retailers, modelled by the Holman Lee Model Agency with commentary by Celia Holman Lee.

Days 2 & 3: Saturday, 28th October 1pm-4pm and Monday, 30th October from 11am-4pm (October Bank Holiday weekend)

Family fun takes centre stage over the bank holiday weekend with two days dedicated to family entertainment. Lovers of circus will be impressed by the carnival of

family fun that will be provided by Corvenious Entertainment.

The ‘Carnival Fun at 50’ event on Saturday, 28th October, will include candy-striped tents, stilt walkers a popcorn hut and a candy floss machine capturing the children’s attention as they wait for trips on the miniature electric train that will take them through the shopping centre malls, squealing with delight.

The Family Fun at FiftyPaw Patrol Live’ event on Monday, 30th October will see special guest, children’s TV presenter and Limerick native Emma O’Driscoll MC an event with Paw Patrol characters. This event will include five live shows, as well as ‘Meet & Greets’ with Chase and Marshall.

The final day of the celebrations, Thursday, 2nd November, will spill out into the car park where RTE 2FM’s Jennifer Zamparelli will broadcast her daily 9am to 12noon show from the RTE Roadcaster. She will be

followed by the SPIN South West’s Roadshow team who will entertain customers from 12noon until 3pm, a nice lead-in to the on-mall entertainment for the customer appreciation evening which follows from 4pm to 9pm. Shoppers will be in with a chance to win Crescent Shopping Centre vouchers throughout both shows. Customer appreciation evening will see discounts on offer from retailers in the Centre, this day will have something in the bag for everyone. The Capriccio String Quartet will provide lively music to match the spirit of the event.

As John Davitt says: “With the 50th celebration in mind, we are looking forward to our customers and community taking part in the celebrations with us on our big day and look forward to seeing them.”

For more information log onto www.crescentshoppingcentre.ie or follow us on socials @crescentshoppingcentre.

lBLAZE: Walsh’s Bar

Feel the Burren supports JIGSAW charity

€2,400 has been raised by the ‘Feel the Burren’ outdoor challenge for JIGSAW, the national centre for youth mental health. Hundreds of people took part in this year’s outdoor challenge which brought participants on a 10km walk and run across the Burren. Josephine Forde of Feel the Burren said, “We are delighted to help support this wonderful charity in sustaining its community-based services, which provided help to a total of 36,360 young people last year”. Hosted by the McCormack family, the annual Feel the Burren takes place during the Bank Holiday Weekend. Visit www.feeltheburren.ie for more.

‘Lights out’ in housing estates

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LIGHTS are out in a number of housing estates across the county as a result of new compliance measures between ESB and Safe Electric when it comes to undertaking upgrades.

Housing estates in Ennis, Meelick, Miltown Malbay, Newmarket-on-Fergus and Westbury are among the locations impacted in recent weeks with no public lighting and what have been acknowledged as “significant delays” in scheduled upgrades.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) flagged the matter by calling on Clare County Council “to urgently liaise with both the ESB and Safe Electric with a view to resolving public lighting and cabling issues within housing estates across the county”.

Senior engineer in the roads and transportation section of the Council, John Leahy explained, “repair times of some public lighting faults will take longer than previously experienced due to additional works that are mandatory to ensure compliance with the ESB’s public lighting requirements and Safe Electric’s standards. The public lighting is 40 to 50 years old in many of these housing estates. These requirements address potential electrical legacy safety issues and ESB attendance at these repair locations is required”.

Leahy confirmed that the Coun-

cil is meeting with ESB locally with engagements also ongoing nationally on the provision of “adequate ESB resources to accelerate repair times and address the current backlog of works”.

Anne O’Sullivan, an acting senior executive engineer with the Council acknowledged the “significant delays to the return of supplies, it is regrettable and taking longer than it should be”. She said they have met ESB staff in person with a view to arranging for additional resources. “We will continue to work with ESB and escalate the issue, we’ve made them very much aware of our dissatisfaction with ESB attending our sites”.

Speaking at the September sitting of the Council, Cllr Howard highlighted, “In recent weeks we’ve had estates in complete darkness”. She said that current protocol requires the ESB to visit the site due for upgrades on two separate occasions, first to turn off the power and again to reconnect, the time between each visit is causing the delay. She believed the matter was a health and safety issues both for the public and ESB’s contractors.

Sentiments from Leahy were not strong enough, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) maintained.

•

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• SENIOR EXECUTIVE TECHNICIAN, 2023

“What was once a simple call out is now a three-part drama, they’ve changed safety protocol and nobody will stand over what is there, it is leaving more estates in the dark and leaving people vulnerable in their homes, there a number of houses where there is dead lights outside the door”. One estate in Miltown Malbay has had the lights gone since January, he claimed. Time is ticking with the evening’s getting shorter, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) commented.

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon Thursday 5th October 2023.

• ASSISTANT PLANNER, 2023

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon Thursday 12th October 2023.

GENERAL OPERATIVE PANEL, 2023

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon Tuesday 17th October 2023.

Applicants should note that in the event of a large volume of applications being received, desktop short listing may take place based on the type, length, and relevance of previous experience.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846250, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

“The Council should have known this was coming with the transition to LED energy.

“The cut off happens in the estate to fit the new boxes and the length of time it takes to reconnect has left the public very concerned as we’re heading into the winter”.

Acting Director of Service, Siobhán McNulty advised the meeting, “the issue isn’t the replacing of the heads, it is the decoupling of the supply which is the where the regulation has changed”.

She assured elected representatives, “we are working very closely with ESB”.

Record levels of STIs in Mid-West

UNPRECEDENTED levels of chlamydia and gonorrhoea have been recorded in the Mid-West this year, writes Páraic McMahon

Public Health HSE Mid-West is appealing to people in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary to protect their sexual health and to avail of testing due to unprecedented levels of chlamydia and gonorrhoea this year.

According to the latest data, record levels of gonorrhoea are being reported in the Mid-West region. If current trends persist, record levels of chlamydia are likely to be recorded by the end of the year. In 2022, Public Health HSE MidWest recorded the highest number of both chlamydia cases (798), and gonorrhoea (188) in the past ten

years. Year-to-date in 2023, there have been 664 cases of chlamydia, and 274 cases of gonorrhoea.

Dr Kenneth Beatty, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, said, “The rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections in the Mid-West is an issue of Public Health concern. For males and females, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to painful inflammatory diseases, which can lead to infertility.

“An individual, behavioural response is needed to protect ourselves. Wearing a condom correctly and availing of frequent testing is the most practical way to prevent future infections and to protect your sexual partners. Free contraception is available to 17-30-yearolds, and SH24 home testing is

also free for everyone,” Dr Beatty added.

Dr Patrick O’Donnell, GP with HSE Social Inclusion CHO3 & Associate Professor of General Practice at University of Limerick, said, “Testing for sexually transmitted infections is now even easier with the availability of the home testing programme. These curable conditions can be present for a period of time without a person realising it. There are easy treatments and supports available to a person if they have been diagnosed with a sexu-

Voters encouraged to Check the Register

CLARE County Council is encouraging everyone, including those already registered to vote, to go to checktheregister.ie and either confirm or update their details, by providing their PPS number, Eircode and date of birth.

With an upcoming referendum, local and European elections, the Council is encouraging everyone to act now to get ahead to ensure their information is correct.

PPS numbers, just like dates of birth, will never appear on the electoral register, but their inclusion will assist in improving the integrity of the register by enabling management of duplicate entries.

You can also let your Local Authority know about other necessary changes – for example, family members who are deceased but are still on the register, as we all know that it can be upsetting for a loved one to receive a polling card for someone no longer with us.

The Council hopes that the simplicity of the process will see significant numbers of people confirming or updating their information.

Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said, “Voters now have a simple and straightforward way of engaging with their Local Authority on the electoral register through checktheregister.ie. The ability to engage online has been a game-changer

in the registration process, both for registration authorities and for the wider public. These changes give us a more accessible, flexible, and modern system that’s simple and straightforward to use. It has never been easier or quicker for people to register to vote or update their details, or simply let the Local Authority know that their details are current and correct by adding their PPS number, date of birth and Eircode, so that’s what we’re encouraging everyone to do.”

Noeleen Fitzgerald, Director of Finance and Support Services, Clare County Council, added, “Clare County Council is gearing up for a substantial body of work over the coming months to update the electoral register and further improve its accuracy. Even if we are already on the register, we all have a part to play and we can do this by checking and either confirming or updating our information. Adding details such as your date of birth and PPS number allows local authorities to cross-check and confirm the information provided by each person, adding to the integrity of the process.”

A paper form will remain available for those who wish to use it, either with a PPS number or with an in-person identity check at a local Garda station, similar to the previous process.

ally transmitted infection. If you need further advice you can speak to your GP, practice nurse, sexual health clinic or go online to www. sexualwellbeing.ie”.

Advice from Public Health HSE Mid-West is for people to use a condom correctly every time they have set whether it is oral, anal or vaginal and to avoid sexual contact if presenting with symptoms of an STI and to get tested if showing symptoms of an STI. Persons should also get tested if their recent sexual partner(s) have an STI, or

if you have new or multiple sexual partners.

People can avail of free home testing via www.SH24.ie. SH24 testing has accounted for nearly 40% of all positive chlamydia cases in the Mid-West so far this year.

In summer 2023, HSE Mid-West established its first ever Regional Sexual Health and Wellbeing Committee, to tackle rising levels of sexually-transmitted infections and to improve sexual wellbeing in the Mid-West region.

Even if you’re already registered to vote, now is the time to confirm or update your details by logging on to checktheregister.ie and providing your PPS Number, Eircode, and Date of Birth.

Hard copy forms are also available by contacting this office. For further information, please email register@clarecoco.ie or freefone 1800 24 54 26.

The Easy Way to Secure Your Say

Clare County Council are updating the Electoral Register and it’s your responsibility to ensure that your details are correct.

lSexual health

Active Ennis complex ‘accessible for all’

COUNTY Clare are leaders in the field of structure and facilities, and working closely with Clare Local Sports Partnership, Active Ennis endeavours to ensure “that everyone who is living in this county or visits, has the ability to be actively participating in physical activity when they’re here and encouraging that”.

Active Ennis Leisure Complex is an integral part of this service, offering a complete indoor health and fitness arena with White Flag accreditation, providing pool and gym-based activities for all individuals and clubs in Ennis and further afield.

Available at Active Ennis Leisure Complex is:

• Only 25m pool in Ennis

• Only pool with an accessible hoist, Sauna, and steam room

• State of the art gym with sauna and steam room,

• Pay as you go options for all,

• Large, accessible car park,

• Variety of fitness classes, Memberships and Pay-as-you go options are available for all at Active Ennis Leisure complex.

Cahercalla Hospice coffee morning

For more information follow us on Instagram Active_Ennis or visit our website www.activeennis.ie

Toonagh Hall was the place to be on Wednesday 20th of September where the kettle was definitely on for the big, annual Coffee morning in aid of Cahercalla Hospice, organised by the Toonagh N.S. parents Association with help from the wonderful Toonagh Craft group ladies. Great fun was had with all students from Toonagh N.S. taking part along with their teachers and staff. There was a great gathering of the local community at the sweet smelling event where the coffee poured and the cakes were devoured and the cherry on top was the fantastic 735 euro that was raised for our local Cahercalla Hospice proving that coffee and friends are the perfect blend. Many thanks to all who supported the successful event. Mile buiochas agus go meadai dia thu. Pictured is the inspirational Etna O’ Gorman doing the honours of officially opening the coffee morning by cutting the cake!

Diocese launches Vocations initiative

ONE of the largest Catholic Dioceses in Ireland, the Diocese of Killaloe has announced a yearlong initiative to encourage men to consider joining the priesthood.

A multimedia promotional campaign across counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly

and Laois is underway and visits to parishes across the Diocese commence this coming weekend in Ennis followed by visits to Nenagh, Birr and Castleconnell during October.

With just over half of the 58 parishes in the Diocese currently served by a resident priest, Vocations Director Fr. Iggy McCormack says

Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood

Vocations Director Fr. Iggy McCormack is visiting parishes across the Diocese of Killaloe as part of a year-long initiative to encourage men to consider joining the priesthood.

there is hope the three vocations recorded in the Diocese of Killaloe during the past 12 months can be built on during the ‘Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood’.

“Geographically, we are the third largest Diocese in the country and is it has become increasingly difficult to maintain full cover across the five counties due to retirements and a lower number of vocations,” he explained. “The idea of that young men taking up a vocation has arguably become more countercultural in recent years, but we are very hopeful that we can build on recent progress whereby three men from the Diocese will enter the seminary at Maynooth over the next 12 months.”

Fr. McCormack, who also is Principal of St. Flannan’s College in Ennis, said the vocations initiative will encourage people to discover more about vocations on the Diocesan website while the parish church visits are aimed at kickstarting conversations within family groups, with local priests and in communities across the Diocese on the vocation of priesthood.

He continued, “I am encouraging any man

who has been considering a vocation and is exploring their calling to make contact today with the Vocations Office or to speak with their local priest. Most newly ordained priests will comment on how the encouragement and counsel they received from their local priest greatly assisted in commencing their journey to priestly ministry.”

Ennis native Mark Nestor, a former secondary school teacher and Clare County Councillor, entered the National Seminary at Saint Patrick's College Maynooth last week having spent the past year at the Royal English College of St Alban in Valladolid, Spain.

"Answering yes to my vocation to priesthood has resulted in a great sense of contentment in my life,” Mark explained. “The support I have received from family, friends and the Diocese over the last two years has been phenomenal. I would encourage anyone who feels they have a vocation to priesthood to reach out and talk about their vocation."

Visit www.killaloediocese.ie or follow the Killaloe Diocese on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more on the Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood.

lVOCATION: Pictured at St. Flannan’s College is Diocese of Vocations Director Fr. Ignatius McCormack and Mark Nestor of Ennis, County Clare, who entered the seminary at Maynooth during September 2023. Mark is a former student of St. Flannan’s College where Fr. Iggy currently is Principal

Photo by Eamon Ward

Clare Law Association hits out at legal aid funding defecit

THE failure by successive Governments to adequately invest in the criminal justice system is a cause of great concern for the Law Society of Ireland and Clare Law Association.

In advance of the publication of Budget 2024, solicitors in County Clare are urging Government to take action and to make provisions for adequate investment in the criminal legal aid system. Continued inaction will directly contribute to the creation of an inequitable legal system made up of those who have ready access to legal representation, and those who do not - whether that is due to affordability, or geography.

Access to justice, and consequently access to legal representation, is a fundamental human right and, therefore, every effort must be made to avoid a two-tier system. We must ensure that we have a sustainable criminal defence profession to protect the constitutional rights of citizens to legal advice in criminal cases, including the right to legal representation where a person cannot afford to pay for it.

Demand for solicitors providing services to the State’s criminal legal aid system is increasing. However, many practitioners are choosing to leave the profession to work in other areas of law or to work for the State, because the remuneration provided in this area is not commensurate with the demands of the role.

Fees for criminal legal aid work were cut several times during the financial emergency more than a decade ago, and despite the increasing complexity of criminal legal work in that period, these rates have still not been reviewed - the only part of the public sector not to have pay cuts reinstated.

Criminal legal aid fees are almost 30% less than they were before the cuts were imposed without taking account

Shannon Culture Night

of significant inflation over that time. This is despite the following reforms and changes to work practices in the profession including increased workload, both in quantity and seriousness of cases, and rising overheads.

The lack of investment by Government is creating an unviable criminal legal aid system with clear consequences for access to justice. ‘Legal aid deserts’ are already emerging in some parts of the country where there may only be one solicitor available to take legal aid cases, or in some cases none at all. In this context, the case for restoration of criminal legal aid fees is irrefutable.

The Law Society, and in particular the Criminal Law Committee, has been campaigning for many years for these fees to be restored because we believe it is essential that we have a criminal justice system that is both effective and sufficiently funded to ensure access to justice wherever people need legal representation.

Over the intervening years, many in the Law Society, its committees and individual solicitors have been continuously working and communicating to highlight this issue, as outlined below.

A report on the lack of viability of the system was prepared in 2016 and submitted to the Department of Justice. A further submission was sent to the Department of Justice in 2018 outlining how the legal aid scheme could be restructured. Since then, there have been meetings with various Ministers for Justice with broad support expressed but no action.

We believe a fair, effective, and efficient criminal legal aid system is fundamental to the democratic administration of justice. We are urging Government to use Budget 2024 to invest appropriately in the criminal legal aid system in the public interest.

Mental Health Week 2023

WEST Clare Mental Health Association are delighted to announce details of free local events to mark Mental Health Week 2023 and World Mental Health Day Tuesday October 10th 2023.

Tuesday October 10th

World Mental Health Day 2023

7pm-9pm Dr David Coleman

“Managing Anxiety” in Kilrush Community Centre. Dr Coleman is a Clinical Psychologist, TV and radio broadcaster, author and columnist

Wednesday October 11th

7pm-9pm Farmer Safety,Health & Wellbeing Talk in Curtains Farm ,Kilmihil

V15E197

• Speakers :Dr Tracey O Connor PHD AG Sci-

TÁ TÁBHACHT LE DO GHUTH AGUS TÁ TÁBHACHT LE DO VÓTA

Tá nuashonrú á dhéanamh ag Comhairle Contae an Chláir ar Chlár na dToghthóirí agus is ortsa atá an fhreagracht as a chinntiú go bhfuil do mhionsonraí ceart.

Fiú má tá tú cláraithe cheana féin chun vótáil, seo é an t-am chun do mhionsonraí a dheimhniú nó a nuashonrú trí logáil isteach in checktheregister.ie agus d’Uimhir PSP, d’Éirchód agus do Dháta Breithe a sholáthar.

Is féidir foirmeacha cóipe crua a fháil freisin trí theagmháil a dhéanamh leis an oifig seo. Le haghaidh tuilleadh faisnéise, seol ríomhphost chuig register@clarecoco.ie nó cuir glao ar an líne shaorghlao ag 1800 24 54 26.

An Bealach is Fusa chun do Chead Cainte a Chinntiú

ence, • George Graham Chairperson Awareness Head To Toe

• Aisling O Connor Councellor & Pyschotherapist

• Information stands from IFA, Agri Kids, Social Farming, Healthy Clare, Embrace Farm & Awareness Head to Toe

Sunday October 15th 11-1pm. Guided Mindfulness walk through Vandeleur Woods with Ellen Chambers. Opportunities to practice some mindfulness techniques along the way Enquiries to: westclaremha@ mentalhealthireland.ie, 085 8559511, https://westclarementalhealth.ie or find them on Facebook

Crowds gathered in Shannon to remember local music legends on Culture Night

Photo by Joe Buckley

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Music icons remembered on Culture Night

SHANNON had a night to remember while honouring three musicians for Culture Night, writes

Páraic McMahon

Pat Costelloe, Johnny Fean and Paul ‘Swive’ O’Donoghue were in the thoughts of all musicians and members of the audience who gathered on Friday evening at The Goalpost Bar operated by Wolfe Tones GAA club.

Organised by Cuppa Tea TV and Culture Night Clare, the trio were honoured in performances by Shaskeen, Ray Fean and Cyril O’Donoghue.

Both Pat and Paul were also acknowledged at Culture Night 2021 in Shannon.

Formerly a member of Shaskeen, Pat died in April 2020, he was the band’s singer and also played guitar, bouzouki, banjo and mandolin. The Moycarkey native had lived in Shannon for 40 years had been an integral part of Clare FM’s tradi-

tional music team for 25 years.

From Finian Park, Paul died in March 2018 with his brother Cyril leading the tribute in his honour.

A guitarist with Horslips, Johnny died in April of this year at the age of 71.

He spent his childhood in Shannon and Garryowen and his father worked in Shannon Airport. He has been described as a guitarist who stood shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.

Over 40 free events were held across the county, offering an exciting, vibrant and diverse programme of events and activities for all ages and showcasing the wealth of artistic talent throughout the county.

Delta announces return of New York service

DELTA Air Lines are to restart their daily seasonal service from Shannon Airport to New York in May 2024, writes

Páraic

McMahon

It will be the first time since 2019 that Delta operate a service from Shannon to JFK. Taking flight from May 25th 2014, the service will provide an additional 2,700 week-

ly seats on the JFK route. Flights from Shannon will depart daily at 11:55 with flights from New York arriving in Co Clare at 10:10.

CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine outlined that they have been working closely with Delta Airlines to bring the route back to Shannon. “The additional

daily service to this important gateway of JFK will further boost connectivity to the US, helping our customers to reach global export markets, attract Foreign Direct Investment and bring international visitors to the West of Ireland - all of which help drive economic activity”.

New infrastructure could get Pride rainbow colours

PRIDE COLOURS are to be considered for new installations of footpaths and benches across Shannon Town, writes Páraic McMahon Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) led the call for such a move. She asked the local authority to examine the feasibility of “placing progressive pride colours in with new installations such as footpaths and benches”. This she said would “mark an inclusive society in Shannon”.

Senior executive engineer in the Shannon MD, Tom Mellett noted that Clare County Council was “a proud supporter” of the Pride celebrations in the county which ran from

September 18th to 24th.

He explained, “the use of rainbow or ‘pride’ coloured infrastructure is not specified by any design standards. However, designers do have discretion in other areas such as provision of benches, bollards and certain types of street furniture. Where there is scope to incorporate such measures, they will be considered”.

Multi-colour railings are intended to be introduced when the Town Park in Shannon is painted, he confirmed. “This would be in keeping with the objective of the progressive flag which is a reminder of the struggles people from the LGBTQIA+ community deal with, it is intended to indicative an inclusive, welcome and safe community”.

lLOCAL LEGENDS: Pat Costelloe, Johnny Fean and Paul ‘Swive’ O’Donoghue were honoured at the event

Photo by Joe Buckley

Thought for the week: I wish you enough

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

Many of you probably have heard this little prayer I found in my Nana Scully’s prayer book: “Dear God, so far today I have done all right. I haven’t gossiped, haven’t lost my temper, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overly indulgent. But in a few minutes, Lord, I am going to get out of bed, and from then on, I am probably going to need a lot more help.”

KEY TO YOUR HEART

When it comes to overcoming being greedy, selfish, and overly indulgent, we all need a lot more help. Money and material things are on the minds of almost everyone. Deep down, people’s search for more is rooted in a desire for a sense of security, but there is a high risk that a person will become a slave of wealth, accumulating it only for oneself and not in order to serve others. As Morris Chalfant wrote: “The great question of this century is, ‘How can I acquire wealth?’ No question occupies a larger place in the minds and hearts of people today than this. This Is true of people in every station and in every walk of life.” We are social beings confronted with the fact that while many of us do as we please without concern for others, we cannot do so without affecting them. No matter how we isolate ourselves or ignore the plight of others, we still live in a web of relationships where our actions have consequences. Greed or avarice is an uncontrolled longing for increase in the acquisition or use of mate-

rial gain, be it food, money, land, or animate/inanimate possessions, or social value, such as status, or power. Greed is “a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” If you give the key to your heart to greed, it will leave the door wide open to vanity, arrogance and all of the other vices, squeezing God out of the way.

GREED IS A TERRIBLE THING

Money in and of itself is not an evil, but as St.Paul taught in his letters to Timothy, it is the love of money that is the root of all evil. There are some of the wealthy who deal with their prosperity very well using their resources to bless others and build for the good of all. For many, however, wealth presents major difficulties. No matter how much people have, if they allow greed to rule them, they will always want more and more. In addition, they will never be content with or thankful for what they have. We always overcome evil with good. As it says in Romans 12:21, “Do not let evil things win against you! Instead, do good things. Then you will win against evil things.”

BE GENEROUS I have found that the best way to prevent greed from ruling in my life is to be aggressively generous. I want to encourage you to ask God daily to show you something you can do for someone else especially for those most in need in your communities and in your life. Focusing our thoughts on others keeps us from being selfish and self-centered. When we ask God to help us do this, He may show us something as simple as sending someone a text message of appreciation or

physically giving someone a word of encouragement. He could show us something that will require a donation of time or money. When we give, we never lose anything because our generous deeds always return to bless us. As it says in Luke 6:37–38, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you.”

LEARN TO SHARE

God’s Word teaches us to be on our guard against greed because life does not consist of our possessions for it says in Luke 12:15, ““Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not

consist in the abundance of his possessions.” The more generous we are, the more joy we will have. So be wary of greed. And it’s not just about money. You can be greedy for material possessions, fame, compliments, likes and much more. Whatever it is, greed is a spiritual disease of the heart and is always destructive. So work on your heart to drive out any sort of greed or avarice that might dwell there. Learn to share, give generously as much as you can!

LOVE IS THE GREATEST GIFT

When we display our love, generosity and care for other people, it brings happiness and joy into our lives. I’ve found in my journey so far in this life, showing love,

lending a helping hand, and showing I care is one of God’s greatest gifts to me. If love and care lives within us, we can share it with our families, friends, colleagues, neighbours and those who are total strangers to us. Love ranges in many forms: it can be a loving relationship with our spouses and our children; love for our parents and our siblings; love for a dear friend, colleague or neighbour; love for a stranger, a homeless person, a refugee; love of a pet; love of the earth and its beauty. Have you ever given it any thought about what love gives back to us? It actually brings us love, smiles, desires, caring, kindness, nurturing, happiness, contentment, knowledge, and a joy opening our hearts to

self-satisfaction and internal peace.

All of these attributes to making our lives worthwhile, gives us a will and drive to do different things, a desire to live life to the fullest, a joy to exist on a daily basis, knowing we’re doing our best with our lives. I cannot imagine life without love, mercy and caring in my heart and soul. If we didn’t have this gift we were given, wouldn’t life be so empty?

Love lives in us and it familiarizes us to enjoy existing upon this earth.

Love, care and sharing is definitely not something you can buy, it’s something acquired by those who we are inside. It’s a blessing to have the ability to love and care for others for who they are and not for what they are or what they have in life. Without love and caring we would be lost in this country and in this world of ours. If there wasn’t any love in our lives, we would go on aimlessly without a purpose in our lives. Love and caring for others earn us the values of love, respect, and commitment. Love and caring is a special gift given to us from God and we should use it as such.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, remember they say it takes a minute to find a special kind loving person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them. Remember to tell your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues that you wish them enough! To all of you reading this, I wish you enough for your life’s journey. “God, help me not to be a greedy person who always wants more and more, but instead help me be generous to everyone I can, in every way. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Beannachtaí na Féile Míchíl oraibh! - Happy Michaelmas!

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

TÁ AN t-am sin den bhliain linn aríst nuair a dhéantar ceiliúradh ar Chónacht an Fhómhair (autumn equinox). Nuair a bhíonns an lá agus an oíche ar chomhfhad. Agus deirtear freisin nár cheart puiteachaí (sméara dubha) a bhaint i ndiaidh Láil’ Míchíl, an 29ú de Mheán Fómhar. Go bhfága Dia an tsláinte ag iar-scoláire an Ghaelcholáiste, Áine Mhaoir, atá san iomaíocht do ‘’Réalta Óg na Bliana 2023’’. Tugaigí bhur dtacaíocht d’Áine agus seolaigí an téacs ‘’GRADAM6’’ chuig 51500. Go n-éirí leat a Áine! An Clár Abú!

Imeachtaí/Events:

• INIS – RANGANNA GAEILGE/ ON-GOING IRISH CLASSES, Ennis Education Centre, Dé Céadaoin, 6pm agus 7pm, spraoilegaeilge@gmail.com, 085-1295594

• CILL INÍNE BAOITH - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

• INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

• RAIDIÓ CLARE FM - ‘’Cúl-chaint’’ le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile mhaidin Dé Sathairn, 9am. Seol nuacht chuig: Donal@ clare.fm

l(above) Blackberries and (right) Áine Mhaoir

l Learn to share

GREEN CLARE

Clare leading the way on

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council is hosting the county’s second SDG Week, encouraging people to implement 17 goals which will help foster a more sustainable future, and address the global challenges we face.

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

Quality Education, Clean Water & Sanitation. Departments across Clare are taking a cross-directorate approach to promote these SDGs with the Environment Section, Rural and Community Development Director at, Climate Action and Housing Directorate taking a lead on the initiative.

washer and washing machine when they are full, that’s something we can all do to achieve SDGs and that’s benefitting life below water, it’s putting less pressure on our infrastructure, it’s more economical as well.”

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

Running from Monday September 18 to Sunday October 8, SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week in Clare sees a range of activities and events from Energy Saving seminars to Sustainable Gardening events. They are all taking place at Clare Libraries and Áras Contae an Chláir, with funding support from Creative Ireland.

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

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

“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.

2022 marked the beginning of Ireland’s participation in SDG Week and Clare County Council hit the ground running, becoming an SDG Champion. Dena McGrath from Healthy Clare tells The Clare Echo that achieving this status shows that Clare County Council is “leading the way on the SDGs in the county”.

SDGs were developed by the United Nations and are the blueprint for a sustainable planet. Amongst the 17 goals include No Poverty, Good Health & Wellbeing, Zero Hunger,

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.

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.

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 per cent 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-wa-

Dena explains that while increasing sustainability is a global issue, there are small steps we can make in our own households to do our part and Clare County Council are distributing an action book which gives households tips on increasing their sustainability. “For example, No Poverty. If you can buy Fair Trade products, and support sustainable trade, buy clothes from shops that help charities and consider donating food to a food bank, this is stuff we promote ourselves on a local level. A lot of time with these big United Nations goals, you might feel they’re huge and unachievable for the person on the street, but at least with this little action book that we give out to promote sustainability goals, you can see what you can take at an individual level to work towards the goals as well.

connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that electricity 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.

Healthy Clare has been a local leader in implementing these goals with initiatives such as the Not Around Us campaign which promotes the denormalization of smoking for young people (Good Health & Wellbeing); and their period poverty initiative, a free period products initiative which tackles the No Poverty and Gender Equality goals set out in the SDGs.

Dena says that the initiative, despite only being in its second year, has already made a noticeable impact with many council staff now displaying an SDG postcard in their workspace outlining the 17 goals which they can help support.

swaps, clothes mending, and upcycling workshops while a four sustainable gardening workshops in partnership with Clare Garden Festival are being hosted throughout the week, which are being facilitated by leading organic gardeners.

An auction for the country’s first “major offshore projects” is to commence this year on the east 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”.

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

“Even little actions like only using your dish-

Another example is the age-friendly Clare team who are hosting a strategy workshop next week based on the World Health Organization Age Friendly Themes and the SDGs. Niamh O’Donovan of Clare Libraries tells The Clare Echo that they have already run successful events as part of SDG Week including clothes

€350m.

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.

Today (Thursday September 28), Climate Action Officer Chris Dixon O’Mara will give a demonstration in Kilkee Library on how to use Home Energy Savings kits, which are available to be loaned through Clare Library branches. Niamh notes that there are waiting lists in every branch for these kits which are available year-round, “Everybody wants to reduce their energy bills so these are a great initiative, they’re really easy to use and you can see which appliances are using the most energy in your home.”

"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”.

Clare Libraries – which is hoping to open its new flagship library in Ennis next year – also has events happening throughout the year to promote SDGs, such as free digital literacy classes for older people, cyber security events, parent and baby groups, and various liter-

sustainability this SDG Week

acy programmes, all which help bring communities together and help people to participate in society.

Niamh is encouraging the people of Clare to visit their local library to ask what’s happening in their area for SDG Week or to visit clarelibrary.ie.

Karen Foley of Clare County Council’s Environment Section stresses that SDGs need to be achieved all year round. “Just by reading the 17 goals that they can support, that’s what we want to see happening across the county. The likes of the Green Schools programme, they align to the goals, as do the Tidy Towns who get points for aligning their actions to the goals.”

She says that simple steps people can take to support a Greener Clare through SDGs include ‘choose to reuse’, protecting local biodiversity by promoting pollinators, greener cleaning, greener gardening and managing your waste properly.

“There’s lots we can do to support the

goals. It’s a learning process for everyone, for us in the local authority and for community groups as well. Some people may think it’s just to do with the environment but it’s to do with being healthy, delivering quality education for people, responsible comsumption and production, decent work and economic growth and another really important one for us in Clare County Council is partnership for the goals .” For more information on the SDGs, visit Clare County Council’s dedicated webpage on https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/clare-sdgs.

Dena McGrath of Healthy Clare, Karen Foley of Greener Clare and Niamh O’Donovan of Clare Libraries

A display stand at Áras Contae an Chláir photo by Tom Micks

Beach Clean sweeps coast

Eight groups and Over 210 volunteers removed an estimated 1.3 tonnes of marine litter from Clare coastlines during the Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean weekend. Among them a dedicated team organised a clean-up at Whitestrand Beach, Miltown in Malbay, managed to remove over 300kg of marine litter, ensuring the coastline stays pristine and beautiful.

‘Red tape stopping more vacant coming back into use’

GRANT regulations and red tape surrounding septic tanks have been blamed with building barriers stopping vacant houses from coming back into use across Clare, writes Páraic McMahon.

As per an EPA report released at the end of June this year titled ‘domestic waste water treatment systems inspection in 2022’, it revealed that half of septic tanks failed their inspection in 2022 and 20 per cent were identified as a risk to human health and the environment.

In a proposal before the September sitting of Clare County Council, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) asked that Minister for

Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien (FF) “urgently reform the ineffective septic tank grant regulations and remove the red tape which disqualifies affected households from accessing a grant”.

Malfunctioning septic tanks are posing a risk, he flagged while also arguing that ground and surface water quality could be better protected. “The wide-ranging reform should include for a provision to enable householders to self-report a fault to the local authority so that they might qualify for the grant and take the necessary action to ensure the septic tank is not a water, environmental or

health hazard”.

Ennis based Cllr Flynn outlined that there an approximate 57,000 homes in Co Clare, 46,000 of which are private households, 6,000 are vacant and 5,000 are holiday homes. He maintained that more than 10,000 of these properties were served by a septic tank, “looking at the current grant scheme it is not leading to faulty septic tanks to be repaired and replaced”. He added, “it is an obstacle stopping vacant houses from coming back into use”.

North Clare residents have been raising the matter, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) said.

“Tying this into other schemes that are there makes sense,” he felt.

“We are looking at an investment of €30m into the housing stock in Clare, if we were told that was possible we would be doing summersaults,” the Lisdoonvarna man stated.

Addressing the meeting, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) remarked that she was going to table a motion on the topic next month.

“The grant scheme in place is for very limited areas of the county, most of the area is in the Burren area, the Council have to be restrictive in what we can approve because they need to be able to prove the demand in sensitive areas, we need to be more generous and not have it so restrictive”.

Órla becomes Chair of INHEF

AN ACADEMIC residing in Quin has been announced as the new Chairperson of the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum (INHEF), writes Páraic McMahon.

Ennis native, Dr Órla Slattery (inset) takes over the role from the inaugural Chair, Mr Des Aston of Trinity College Dublin. The INHEF is a national interest group comprised of representatives of higher education providers interested in supporting access routes and inclusive education initiatives to learners with intellectual disabilities in Ireland.

Its membership is comprised of several higher education institutions, including UCC, MTU, ATU Athlone and DCU. The INHEF has become a powerful driver of change within the landscape of higher education in Ireland, and has provided a dedicated platform to address the systemic bar riers to inclusion for people with intellectual disability wishing to pursue post-sec ondary education.

A lecturer in Mary Immacu late College (MIC), Dr Slattery works as Inclusion Co-ordinator for Adults with Intellectual Disability at MIC.

Órla said it was “a great honour” to take up the role having been a

long-standing member of the INHEF. She praised her predecessor for his “pioneering work” which she credited with causing “significant change throughout the sector”. She added, “At this pivotal time when we welcome the introduction of PATH 4 Phase 2, which aims to enhance course provision for students with intellectual disabilities in our colleges and universities it is more important than ever, that we continue to uphold the mission and values of the INHEF as we work together to create a more equitable higher education landscape in Ireland”.

Since 2011, Dr Slattery has worked within the Faculty of Education and has established strong community links with agency partners such as Enable Ireland and the Brothers of Charity to support the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities at MIC.

Under her leadership, the Certificate in General Learning and Personal Development (CGLPD) received formal ccreditation in 2017. The CGLPD is a level 4 QQI award which is accredited in partnership with the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, thereby representing an innovative cross sectoral partnership between the FET and HE sectors.

A job less ordinary

As

an employer that embraces diversity, we are seeking passionate individuals in search of a dynamic and rewarding career to grow our Airport Police Fire Service team.

Overview

We are inviting you to apply to join the Airport Police Fire Service Panel at Shannon Airport.

Successful candidates will provide the safety and security for all airport installations, buildings, aircraft and all airport users. The role will include fire-fighting duties, rescue, and first-aid on a 24/7 basis.

Requirements

As a minimum you will need to provide…

√ Completed Leaving Certificate or equivalent

√ Proof of residency in the state for five years

√ Proof of full Clean Class B driving Licence

In addition...

You’ll enjoy working as part of a team, engaging with the emergency services, and the public.

You must demonstrate adaptability, flexibility and have the leadership skills, patience, and professionalism to deal with difficult situations. Strong verbal and written communication and customer-focus will give you the platform to succeed and prosper in this exciting and challenging role.

How to Apply:

Responsibilities

As a member of the Airport Police Fire Service team, you’ll enjoy a varied role and be responsible for:

• Providing fire-fighting, rescue and security duties at Shannon Airport

• Working to required standards and operating procedures to comply with ICAO, EASA

• Ensuring the safety of everyone using the airport and securing aircraft, airport installations and property

• Responding to an aircraft incident or emergency and performing other duties depending on operational need

• Monitoring fire safety prevention standards throughout the airport

• Completing required airside safety functions to include airside patrols and bird scaring activities

• Attending ongoing training programmes, both regulatory and routine

• Maintaining a high level of personal fitness throughout your service career

Applications in the form of a cover letter and current CV (MS Word or PDF) should be sent to: recruitment@snnairportgroup.ie not later than 17.00 hours on Tuesday, 17th October 2023. Ensure your email and telephone number (including mobile) are included with your application.

As these are shift positions, applicants must be over 18 years of age on date of application. The selection process for the Airport Police Fire Service will include a physical fitness assessment, work-related assessments, interview, 5-year background check, Garda vetting and pre-employment medical.

What is the Fuel Allowance and how do I qualify for it?

WITH rising energy costs hitting the pockets of people in Clare, and across Ireland, along with inflation impacting most industries, Citizen’s Information answer your questions about who qualifies for the Fuel Allowance and how you can claim it.

Q. Like many people we are struggling financially and I dread the thought of winter coming, I have heard people talking about fuel allowance, what is it and how do you qualify for it?

A. Dear Reader

Thank you for your question, I think it is on a lot of peoples minds at the moment. Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months; (one per household) it is paid to those who qualify at a rate of €33 per week or in 2 lump sums. The next payment period is from 25 September 2023 until 5 April 2024.

So how do you qualify?

For over 70’s you do not need to

be getting a qualifying social welfare payment, however you must be legally resident in the State, pass a means test and be living alone or only with other qualified people.

If you are getting a means-tested payment, for example Disability Allowance or State Pension (Non-contributory), this means

you have already satisfied the means test. You must also meet all other conditions, such as those related to your household composition to qualify.

If you are under 70 and getting a payment based on your social insurance record, for example, State Pension (Contributory) or

Invalidity Pension, you need to pass a means test and meet all other required conditions to qualify.

You may also be entitled to Fuel Allowance if you are getting one of the following payments and satisfy certain living conditions:

Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance, (if qualified), Disability Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance (if qualified), One-Parent Family Payment, Jobseeker's Transitional Payment, Invalidity Pension, State Pension Contributory or Non-contributory, Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension Contributory or Non-contributory, Deserted Wife's Benefit or Allowance, Blind Pension, Death Benefit Pension under the Occupational Injuries Scheme, Farm Assist, Guardian's Payment (Contributory or Non-Contributory), Incapacity Supplement under the Disablement Pension Scheme, Revenue Job Assist, Social Security Payment (of which there is an Irish equivalent payment) from a country covered by EU Regulations or a

country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement.

Since January 2023, half-rate Carer’s Allowance and Disablement Benefit payments are not included in the Fuel Allowance means test. If you are living with a person who is 70 or over, it may be better for your household if they apply for Fuel Allowance.

How to Apply

Remember to apply before the start of the Fuel Allowance season (late September). If you apply after this, the department cannot backdate your allowance. You can apply online on your mygov account or get a paper form from INTERO. Alternatively you can visit your local Citizens Information Centres in County Clare where Information Officers are available to answer any queries you may have about the Fuel Allowance.

Cold snaps: Avoid expensive repairs by being prepared

FEAKLE Water Services experts are encouraging homeowners to prepare and protect their homes’ infrastructure ahead of the cold winter months.

Given the extremely cold weather that we have experienced over the past number of winters, many people have been without water and heat for extended periods.

Feakle Water Services tell The Clare Echo that it would be prudent to act now in order to prevent issues arising if we continue to experience extreme weather conditions this winter. How can I safeguard my home?

There are a number of simple measures that can be taken to help avoid these issues in the future. Feakle Water Services are happy to assist in a range of areas including Lag external pipes; ensuring pumps are in areas that are sufficiently insulated to prevent freezing; taking measures in your attic to prevent tanks and pipes from freezing (blow heaters or infra-red lamps that kick on when temperatures fall); and servicing your boiler or heat pump and avoid long waits during winter when the demand for service is higher.

Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann advises that homeowners or owners of businesses and farms can take a few easy preventative measures during a cold snap. These include checking outside pipes that can become frozen and burst during periods of cold weather

and, if possible, turn off water supply to these areas or to any unoccupied premises. Alternatively, if the water system is left operational, you may consider setting the heating to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate, and will help prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.

To contact Feakle Water Services, call (061) 650 001. For advice on general winter readiness go to www.winterready.ie.

Be safe in severe weather

THIS week marks the first storm of the winter period with Storm Agnus bringing with it warnings of gusts ranging up to 130km/h.

There are a range of measures the Government advises that motorists and road users can use to ensure their safety in periods of extreme weather conditions.

Is your journey absolutely necessary?

Can you use public transport – during these severe weather conditions public transport routes will be prioritised. If you must use the car, before you begin your journey consider the following: Put a hi-viz jacket, shovel, boots or wellingtons, extra clothing or a blanket and a flask in the boot of the car, in case you do get stuck or have to abandon the car. You should check your tyres – pressure, tread depth (minimum 1.6 millimetres) and condition.

Clear windscreen

Ensure all your windows are clean and free from snow and bring a scraper and de-icer with you. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision.

Check your lights and indicators as falling snow reduces visibility. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. If your car has rear wheel drive the addition of extra weight in the boot, such as a bag of sand or cement, will help your wheels to grip.

Driving advice in icy conditions

It takes longer to stop a vehicle in snow or on icy roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. During your journey remember the following: keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users;

keep your windows clear of snow during your journey; manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking, acceleration or steering as these can induce a skid; use the highest gear possible to reduce the engine revs as this will help avoid wheel spin; When travelling downhill, especially through a series of bends, select a low gear as early as possible and allow your speed to reduce using the brake pedal gently.

Reduced visibility

Heavy snowfall will reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and fog lights if fitted. At low air temperatures watch out for black ice, especially in sheltered/shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls. Tune in to your local radio station regularly to keep up to date with information on weather/ road conditions, road closures etc.

Advice to walkers and cyclists

If a journey cannot be avoided, pedestrians should be extremely careful as snow and ice can make walking on footpaths very dangerous. Wear sturdy footwear with good gripping soles. Take an extra look before you cross the road and do not attempt to cross the road if there are vehicles around – remember snow and ice increase the distance that cars need to stop. Visibility is reduced in snowy condition so wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch.

Advice to motorcyclists and cyclists

Motorcyclists and cyclists should consider their safety before using their motorcycles / bicycles in icy/snow conditions. Controlling two wheeled vehicles in snow or icy conditions is extremely difficult and there is an increased danger of a collision with a vehicle that is out of control. Consider taking alternative transport or walking.

MOLONEY Fuels are preparing to warm thousands of Clare homes this winter as they approach a quarter of a century in business.

One of the county’s most popular suppliers, Moloney Fuels are fuel specialists in kiln-dried timber, smokeless coal, ecologs and wood pellets.

Clarecastle native Seán runs the family business based in Drumbiggle, Ennis, which was established by his parents, dad Andy and late mother Noreen, as a grocery store. Seán grew the fuel business and notes that in recent years there has been an increased usage in fire stoves in people’s homes. Moloney Fuels recommends kiln-driend timber, which Seán notes is a cleaner timber for stoves, and high-quality wood pellets which are sourced directly from the mill.

Moloney Fuels also provide smokeless coal which continues to have strong demand, with the family business covering all of County Clare.

Moloneys keeping you warm this winter

Clare Homeowners urged to invest in home energy upgrades

IN PREPARATION for the colder months, now is an ideal time to invest in insulation upgrades and replace fossil fuel heating systems.

According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), by investing in home energy upgrades, homeowners are creating a more comfortable and healthier home.

Over 14,723 homeowners in Clare have already upgraded their homes with help from SEAI’s Government funded grants. SEAI registered One Stop Shops offer homeowners a fully managed solution for a complete home energy upgrade.

With an estimated 50% of Irish homes reaching a BER rating of ‘D’ or lower, Irish homeowners are currently losing out on comfort and savings, according to SEAI.. More and more homeown-

ers are aware of the benefits of home energy upgrades, with attic and wall insulation being a great starting point. These are long-term investments which will significantly improve home comfort and health, as well as reducing energy consumption and lowering energy bills.

For homeowners using fossil fuel heating systems such as oil or gas, they should consider the clean switch to a heat pump system. Heat pumps are highly efficient alternatives to fossil fuel heating systems, creating a warmer and healthier home by maintaining a constant, comfortable temperature throughout the year. Even better, as you are no longer using fossil fuels, you are reducing your carbon footprint and creating a much more energy efficient home for the future.

According to Stephen

Farrell, One Stop Shop Programme Manager with SEAI, “Since 2009, over 14,723 homeowners in Clare are enjoying a warmer, cosier, more energy efficient home, having already begun their home energy upgrade journey with the support of SEAI. As we head into the winter, now is

the perfect time for people to upgrade their homes and enjoy a whole new world of comfort and savings.”

Farrell went on to explain the different home energy grant options available from SEAI, “SEAI’s One Stop Shop service is ideal for homeowners who want to

Getting Winter Ready?

carry out a complete home energy upgrade in one go and to achieve a BER rating of B2 or better. This grant option makes it a lot easier for the homeowner, as a SEAI registered One Stop Shop will manage their entire project from start to finish, including the grant application. Another great benefit is that the grant is deducted from the cost of works, so the homeowner is getting the value of the grant upfront which can really help with financing. They will also carry out a Home Energy Assessment which provides a useful technical report on the energy upgrades needed to make your home suitable for a heat pump and to bring it to a B2 BER rating. SEAI offers a stand-alone grant of €350 for this assessment and you are under no obligation to carry out the works.

SEAI also offers a range

of individual home energy upgrade grants to suit most budgets and circumstances. This is a great option for homeowners looking to start upgrading their homes over time and giving them more flexibility.”

Whether you choose to carry out a complete home energy upgrade through the One Stop Shop service, or carry out individual energy upgrades over time, both options offer significant Government grants ranging from up to €1,500 for attic insulation, up to €8,000 for external wall insulation and up to €10,500 for a heat pump system.

For further information about SEAI Home Energy Upgrade grants visit https://www.seai.ie/grants/ home-energy-grants/.

Feeling is 'electric' for Feakle men

TUS CLARE SHC QUARTER FINAL

Feakle 1-18 Kilmaley 2-13

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

Crusheen had point to prove

TUS CLARE SHC QUARTER FINAL

Crusheen 3-07 Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-07

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

CRUSHEEN

Frees For: 8 (5/3)

Wides: 12 (5/7)

Scores from Play: 3-5

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Breffni Horner (2-1)

Own Puck-Outs won: 10 from 18 (56%)

STORY OF THE GAME

FEAKLE

Frees For: 17 (7/10)

Wides: 10 (3/7)

Scores from play: 1-9

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Shane McGrath (0-8 7f)

Own puckouts won: 14 out of 21

Bookings: None

KILMALEY

Frees For: 9 (6/3)

Wides: 6 (4/2)

Scores from play: 2-7

Spread of scorers: 4

Top scorer: Michael

O’Malley (0-7 5f)

Own puckouts won: 20 out of 29

Bookings: Tommy Barry (8)

REFEREE: John Bugler (Whitegate)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Ger Conway, Feakle:

“There is a great bunch of lads inside in the dressing room and the commitment and the heart they have shown all year has been tremendous. For the last ten or 15 minutes that really showed. We have said to them all year, stay in the game as long as possible and something will turn for you and it did today. It wasn’t an easy day to score frees, there was a tricky wind blowing across the field. Gary [Guilfoyle] stepped up when he came on and he shot over a few.

“We have been using 18 or 19 players all year, there is a job in picking the team, there are lads fighting for places which hasn’t always been the case in recent years. We are a bit disappointed with conceding the two goals. We had prided ourselves in the fact that we had only conceded one goal in the championship all year. At the end of the day we got over the line today. It’s a great feeling, the feeling in the dressing room is electric at the moment”.

Conor McMahon, Kilmaley Selector:

“I thought we were the better team for an awful lot of the game. There were so many flat parts of that second half, we couldn’t get momentum and it was really disappointing. Our lads seemed to be out on their feet. We are just really devastated. After Tom O’Rourke’s goal we just couldn’t see it out. We made mistake after mistake, they just seemed to hang in there.

“Daire Keane was a huge loss, he got a dead leg and he couldn’t move. We just couldn’t build on that goal. Feakle hung in there. At times they had no right to hang in there but they just did. I thought they did very well to stay in the game. They were fully deserving of the victory in the end. We just couldn’t get our hands on the ball”.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS

Frees For: 18 (9/9)

Wides: 10 (5/5)

Scores from Play: 1-4

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Eanna Crimmins (1-1)

Own Puck-Outs won: 12 from 22 (55%)

REFEREE: Johnny Healy (Smith O'Briens)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Tomás Ryan, Newmarket-on-Fergus:

“t’s the manner of defeat really as it wasn’t too dissimilar that last year’s exit but it was a worse performance. We didn’t perform at all save for 10 or 15 minutes after half-time so it wasn’t a fitting display to the year that the lads put in so that’s the most disappointing thing.

“We all have to take responsibility for that and it’s just a pity to end the year on such a poor note.

“The first goal Crusheen got set the tone but it was fairly

even for a long time after that until the second and third went in. Our full-back line was left exposed and credit must be given to Crusheen for that as they worked it well for those two one-on-ones and finished them brilliantly.

“It was a long way back but I felt that we put ourselves back in a decent position early in the second half but ultimately failed again to kick on and I just think that we were thrown by that start."

“Going into this game, we were very focused on what had happened a month previously at the same venue...so regardless of the result, we wanted to show that Crusheen are a good hurling team, that

we are able to compete and that what happened a month previously was not a true reflection of our ability or commitment.

"So today was very pleasing as we went out, performed and that happened to be good enough to win."

'So proud' of Scariff victory

TUS CLARE SHC QUARTER FINAL

Scariff 3-19 Clooney/Quin 1-22 (AET)

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

SCARIFF

Frees For: 15 (5/6/4)

Wides: 7 (3/1/3)

Scores from play: 3-13

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Mark Rodgers (3-12 6f)

Own puckouts won: 20 out of 32 (63%)

Bookings; Daniel Treacy (42 and 60); Sean Minogue (67);

REFEREE: Jim Hickey (Cratloe)

CLOONEY/QUIN

Frees For: 19 (8/7/4)

Wides: 9 (6/2/1)

Scores from play: 0-11

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Peter Duggan (1-8 1-8f) Own puckouts won: 19 out of 27 (70%)

Bookings: Shane McNamara (9 and 68, yellow cards don’t carry over to extra time), Peter Duggan (29)

MANAGER COMMENT “

“When we weigh it up hopefully we will be able to say we were the better team. Those ten minutes before the end with the conditions, there was bound to be a swing and what happened in that ten minutes was fair. The tide was swinging towards them but the character we showed in the next five minutes showed how good these lads are, they are a mighty bunch and we are so proud of them. Clooney had the momentum going in at the end of normal time. We just asked our lads to stay positive and keep doing what they had been doing all year and they did. Today was a good day for East Clare, after tomorrow there

will only be four teams left and ourselves and Feakle will be two of them.

“We really needed a couple goals like Scariff got. I thought we bossed the game for long periods but they took their chances when they were on top, even when they weren’t on top they took the chances when they got them. We are very disappointed but fair play to Scariff. We never panicked, we always felt we

would get back into it. We were six or seven points down with 25 minutes to go, a lot of things not going for us but these guys have a lot of character but we nev-

er panicked but you have to take your chances. They are a young team and so are Scariff. Scriff will come on a lot from this game and I wish them the best of luck”.

l Joe Carmody and Mikey O’Neill try to block Adam Hogan’s handpass

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Sean O’Connor loses the ball under pressure from Breffni Horner

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Mark McKenna, Scariff:

l Man of the match, Mark Rodgers

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Tommy Corbett, Clooney-Quin

Michael Browne, Crusheen

Clonara 'buzzing' after win

TUS CLARE SHC QUARTER FINAL

Clonlara 1-14 Éire Óg 0-14

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

CLONLARA

Frees For: 10 (5/5)

Wides: 11 (5/6)

Scores from Play: 1-10

Spread of Scorers: 5

Top Scorer: Micheál

O’Loughlin (0-6 4f)

Own Puck-Outs won: 11 from 20 (55%)

ÉIRE ÓG

Frees For: 14 (7/7)

Wides: 7 (4/3)

Scores from Play: 0-3

Spread of Scorers: 3

Top Scorer: David Reidy (012 10f 1’65)

Own Puck-Outs won: 12 from 26 (46%)

REFEREE: Fergal O'Brien (Broadford)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Donal Madden, Clonlara:

“I’m so proud of these lads. Look I know it’s only a quarter-final but they are fantastic guys and fantastic characters. Great people make great players so I’m just so, so proud they way they conduct themselves on and off the field. The parish are clearly behind us and that stands for an awful lot to us and If we never win another game, we’ve achieved a lot this year as a club.

“Our work-rate was through the roof today, the only thing

that annoyed us on the line was the amount of frees we gave away. I felt that our indiscipline was keeping Éire Óg in the game but we held firm and I’m delighted.

“The goal was huge although It feels like about two years ago at this stage as I was picking nearly every ball with them and it was such a great contest.

“It’s just a fantastic game we play and it brings the best out in people so we’re buzzing after winning this one.

“What a weekend it was though. What a performance from Crusheen, the character and heart that Feakle showed. Scariff too, young Rodgers is amazing, what a prospect he is. I mean to score 3-12, if many of us were there on our own for an

Semi-final match-ups announced

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SEMI-FINAL pairings for the penultimate stage of the Senior, Intermediate and Junior A hurling championships are now known.

Clonlara who eliminated Éire Óg on Sunday to become the favourites for honours will face Feakle while the most recent winners Crusheen (2011) come up against Scariff.

Last year’s beaten finalists in the Clare IHC, Tulla meet Sixmilebridge in a repeat of the 2022 semi-final while Corofin await the winners of Parteen/Meelick versus Ruan, their tie to be held on Thursday evening.

Respective groups in the U21 football and hurling championships were also drawn on Monday at Clareabbey.

In the A football and hurling championships, the top team in each group along with the best runner-up will advance to the semi-finals. For the B and C equivalents, it is only the top team in each group which progresses to the knockout stages.

October 14/15 is the planned start date for the U21 hurling with the U21 football kicking off on October 21st/22nd.

Senior Hurling Championship

Semi-Finals (Sep 7/8)

hour we wouldn’t score that. “So it’s a fantastic championship this year so far and we are only at the semi-final stage so we’ll looking forward to the next step as these days have to be enjoyed”.

Tones & Magpies lose senior status as Parish and Mills win vital ties

TUS CLARE SHC RELEGATION PLAY-OFF

St Joseph's Doora-Barefield 2-16 Wolfe Tones 1-13

Venue: Fr Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

DOORA/BAREFIELD:

Frees for: 11 (5/6)

Wides: 6 (4/2)

Spread of scorers: 7

Scores from play: 2-8

Top scorer: Davy Conroy (011 8f)

Own puckouts won: 15 from 22 (68%)

TUS CLARE SHC RELEGATION PLAY-OFF

O'Callaghan's Mills 1-16 Clarecastle 1-13

Venue: O'Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARECASTLE

WOLFE TONES:

Frees for: 16 (7/9)

Wides: 8 (6/2)

Spread of scorers: 4

Scores from play: 0-6

Top scorer: Cian O’Rourke (0-9 6f)

Own puckouts won: 15 from 24 (63%)

REFEREE: Gus Callaghan (Feakle)

SCAN

O’CALLAGHAN’S MILLS

Frees For: 16 (7/9)

Wides: 7 (4/3)

Scores from Play: 1-7

Spread of Scorers: 5

Top Scorer: Colm Cleary (0-7 5f)

Own Puck-Outs won: 19 from 26 (73%)

REFEREE: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)

Clonlara v Feakle

Scariff v Crusheen

Intermediate

Hurling Semi-Finals (Sep 7/8)

Corofin v Parteen/ Meelick or Ruan Tulla v Sixmilebridge

Junior A Hurling

Semi-Finals (Sep 7/8)

Kilmaley v Clooney-Quin

Sixmilebridge v Broadford

U21A Football Championship (Starts Oct 21/22)

Group 1: Banner

Lissycasey

Corofin St Breckan’s

Group 2: Cill Cúl Gaels

Wolfe Tones Western Gaels

Ennistymon

Group 3: Kilrush/Killimer St Joseph’s D/B Éire Óg

Frees For: 9 (5/4)

Wides: 12 (8/4)

Scores from Play: 1-9

Spread of Scorers: 7

Top Scorers: Darragh Healy (0-4 3f 1’65), Conor Halpin (1-1)

Own Puck-Outs: 16/23 (70%)

SCAN HERE FOR

U21B Group 1:

Kildysart Cratloe

Clarecastle

Parteen-Meelick Group 2: St J Miltown

Clondegad Western Gaels (2)

Clan Lir Group 3: Doonbeg

Cooraclare

KIB Group 4: Clooney/Quin

Wolfe Tones 2

Ennistymon 2

U21A Hurling Championship (Starts Oct 14/15)

Group 1:

Corofin/Ruan

Inagh/Kilnamona

Scariff/Ogonnelloe

Group 2: Sixmilebridge St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield

Clooney/Quin

Group 3: Crusheen/Tubber

Clarecastle

Feakle/Killanena

U21B Group 1: Clonlara

Ballyea Tulla Smith O’Brien’s Group 2: Banner Crusheen

Wolfe Tones Éire Óg

Group 3:

O’Callaghan’s Mills

Kilmaley

Bodyke

Group 4:

Parteen/Meelick

Broadford

Newmarket-on-Fergus

U21C

Group 1: St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield (2)

Clarecastle (2

Scariff-Ogonnelloe (2)

Cratloe

Group 2:

Whitegate

Sixmilebridge (2) Tubber

Group 3: Éire Óg (2)

Inagh/Kilnamona (2)

Ennistymon

Group 4: Ballyea (2)

Wolfe Tones (2)

Corofin/Ruan (2)

SEMI SPOTS FOR TULLA, COROFIN & WHITEGATE

l Dylan McMahon, Aidan Moriarty, Colm O’Meara and Cian Moriarity celebrate

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Luke O’Halloran under pressure from Cian Minogue Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Jarlath Colleran gets to the ball before Aron Shanagher

Photo by Ruth Griffin

l Rory O’Connell carries the ball forward for Clarecastle

Photo by Chris Copley

Lohan adds Bugler & Corbett to Clare management team

out in the quarter-finals in both seasons. He is the owner of Carey Corbett Financial solutions alongside Donal Carey and has been involved as an officer with Club Clare.

Tommy captained St Flannan’s College to win the All-Ireland colleges championship in 1991 and was part of the extended Clare panel that won the All-Ireland SHC in 1997.

CELTIC BEGAN DEFENCE OF FAI JUNIOR CUP & WINS FOR AVENUE, FAIR GREEN, OLYMPIC & SHANNON TOWN

SOCCER: CDSL ROUND-UP

BRIAN LOHAN has added former Clare hurlers Brendan Bugler and Tommy Corbett to his management team.

Lohan confirmed on Monday in Clareabbey that the duo are replacing the outgoing Sean Treacy and James Moran who had been involved for all four of the Shannon man’s campaigns as county manager.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, selector Ken Ralph will continue in the role for 2024.

An All-Ireland winner in 2013 and a twotime All Star, Bugler had been part of Terence Fahy’s Clare U20 management for the past two seasons, reaching the

provincial final this year where they lost to Cork by two points.

Bugler’s inter-county coaching career began in 2020 when he was the attacking coach for the Wexford senior hurlers who were then managed by Davy Fitzgerald and knocked out of the championship by Lohan’s Clare.

He was coach of the St Flannan’s College side that won the Dr Harty Cup for the 22nd time in 2020. The Whitegate hurler has also managed the Birr senior hurlers.

Still lining out for Whitegate, he represented his county at all levels, making his senior debut under Tony Considine’s watch in 2007 and bowing out

following the first year of Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor’s tenure in 2017. The pinnacle of his time in saffron and blue was winning the All-Ireland championship in 2013.

Currently the manager of the Clooney/Quin senior hurlers, Tommy Corbett enters an inter-county management set-up for the first time.

Clooney/Quin have reached back-to-back quarter-finals in the Clare SHC while during his time as Chairman of the club’s juvenile committee he was a central figure in the club’s continued progression.

A native of Ennis, he managed the Éire Óg senior hurlers in 2017 and 2018, the club bowing

Corbett made his National Hurling League debut in June 1997, lining out at full-back when Clare lost out to Wexford 3-14 0-16. He featured in the Oireachtas Cup in 1996 which Clare won out and made his final appearance for the seniors in the same competition in November 1998.

Speaking on Monday, Brian stated that he was very pleased with the two additions. “It is great that those guys are getting involved, they have a history of working with their clubs and their county”.

He paid tribute to the outgoing Moran and Treacy for their contribution, “James and Sean have been with us for the last four years and have worked very hard, we are absolutely sorry to see them go”.

Also joining the setup is the well-respected strength and condi-

tioning coach, Lucasz Kirszenstein. The former Galway senior hurling head of athletic development has left Henry Shefflin’s backroom to join the Banner County. He spent seven years with Galway which included winning the All-Ireland title in 2017, a year previous he was the S&C coach with Tipperary when they got their hands on the Liam McCarthy in 2016.

A native of Poland, Lucasz resides in Limerick and is also involved with Na Piarsaigh. He has formerly been involved with Glenstal Rugby, the Irish women’s rugby team, the Munster rugby academy plus the Limerick U21

hurlers and Clare minor hurlers.

Meanwhile, former Galway hurler, Aidan Harte is to join the management of the Clare U20s.

The Clare Echo understands that 2017 All-Ireland winning wing-back will replace Brendan Bugler as coach to the Terence Fahy managed side.

Harte has been coach to the Crusheen senior hurlers this season, guiding them to a first Clare SHC semi-final in four years after they defeated Newmarket-on-Fergus in Sunday’s quarter-final.

Since August 2018, Aidan has been teaching history and geography at

St Joseph’s Tulla following stints in Edenderry and Ballinasloe.

During his time at the East Clare school, he has been involved with several hurling teams, most notably the 2022 side that were crowned Dr Harty Cup champions for the first time.

His addition to the management will see him link up with Fahy and Tomás Kelly who were also part of the Harty winning set-up.

Along with the 2017 All-Ireland success, Aidan won equivalent titles at minor (2005) and U21 (2007) with the Tribesmen. With his club Gort, Aidan won county championships in 2011 and 2014.

Golf: Victory for Moran in Kilrush

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

THE Munster Group insurance competition at Kilrush at the weekend was won by Sean Moran (22) with 41 points.

The category winners were David Keane (10) with 40 points, Pat Shannon (18) with 36 points and Niall Pilkington (14) with 32 points. The nines were won by Alan F Howard (35) with 20 points and Jack McGrath (16) with 21 points.

The ladies competition for the Fr. Pat Malone prize was won by Peggy Mulqueen (33) with 37 points and she had one to spare over Mary Keating (33) with third spot filled by Anne Gallagher (11) with 33 points.

The category winners were Mary Nolan (18) with 33 points, Marion Brennan (27) with 33 points and Mary Downes (31) with 25 points.

The 12 hole competition was won byh Margaret Griffin with 26 point from Mary Collins with 22 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

The Woodstock masters competition was played at Woodstock at the weekend when Mike Martin Hogan (25) was the winner with 38 points from Aidan Mulcahy (8) with 37 points with third spot filled by David Greene (15) with 35 points

The leading qualifier was Paudie O'Connell.

The winner of the club singles was Tom O'Donohue (22) with 39 points from Eoin Collins (17) with a similar score while Stephen McCarthy (17) was third with 38 points. Mike Reen (40) won the gross with 30 points. This weekend’s competition will be a club singles

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

Eoghan McNeill was the winner of the men’s 18 hole stroke competition at Dromoland at the weekend with 66 nett. He had one to spare over Patrick Moylan with third spot filled by Brian Moloney with 69 nett. Seamus Cusack won the gross with 73 while the category for handicaps of 22 and over was filled by Tom O’Sullivan with 74.

Paudie Dorgan was the winner of the men’s

9 hole stableford competition with 19 points. The ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Jean Colleran with 34 points from Joan Dunne with 30 points. Anne McMahon won the 9 hole competition with 18 points from Mairead Bergin with 15 points, EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

Kieran Kennedy was the winner of the men’s v par competition at East Clare on Sunday with a score of 6 up and he had two to spare over Teddy O’Hanlon.

The weekend’s inclement weather conditions resulted in the cancellation of some competitions.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

The overall winner of the ladies 18 hole stableford competition at Ennis last week was Kathleen Pyne (33) with 35 points.

Suzanne Deane (17) won division 1 with 29 points, Ann Pyne Gallery (29) won division 2 with 30 points and Kathleen Frehill (38) won division 3 with 28 points.

The overall winner in the 9 hole stableford

competition was Geraldine O’Mahoney (15) with 19 points. Mary Nagle (12) won division 1 with 19 points, Mary O’Halloran (17) won division 2 with 15 points and Marian Irwin (20) won division 3 with 13 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB:

The weekend 18 hole singles stableford competition at Gort was sponsored by Gerry O Donoghue, Family Butcher and the winner was John O’Connor (27) with 41 points. Category 1 was won by Niall Loftus (10) with 38 points, category 2 was won by Chris Murphy (14), also with 38 points while category 3 was won by Ollie Curtin (20) with 40 points.

The Friday open singles sponsored by Ward and Burke was won by Noel O’Shaughnessy (9) with 37 points while the gross was won by Alan Minogue (6) with 30 points. In the ladies 18 hole singles competition on Friday, Teresa Mahon (26) won with 37 points while the weekend singles competition wass won by Louise Butler (16) with 30 points.

Jack Kelly was Newmarket’s goal scorer

Photo by Joe Buckley by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Photos by Gerard O'Neill

Ennis RFC Seniors & U14s continue winning ways

by Dearbhla Parry

Senior Men: Ennis RFC 33 St. Mary’s RFC 21

The Ennis Senior’s Men’s team came out victorious on Thursday morning, with a final score of 33 – 21.

Ennis took a 21 – 7 lead during the first half, which continued into the second half of the match, despite their yellow card. Ruairi Quinlin went in for a high tackle, giving St. Mary’s a chance to capitalise on the scrums and score from a set piece move. Eventually, Ennis’ efforts pulled through with another win. Scorers included Brendan Cleland (x2), Brendan Kleane (x2) and Calum Barret (x2), while Oisin Mangan made 4 out of 5 conversions.

U14: Ennis RFC 38 – 19 Ballina/Killaloe RFC

The second league game of the season took place on Sunday for the U14’s Ennis team at the Scarriff RFC grounds. They played the amalgamated team made up of Ballina/Killaloe/New -

port/Scarriff. Ennis dominated the first half of the game that laid the basis of the victory with a 38 – 19 score. They took the lead early on, with two converted tries in the first 10 minutes of the game; Captain Steven O’Neill scored the first try while Alex Pelczar scored the second. Great control of the field was seen by Reece Yeung, Shaun Woods, Col Griffin and Josh Flynn. Just prior to half-time, O’Neill and Pelczar had two further tries, resulting in a deserved score of 26 – 7.

The amalgamated opposition team fought hard in the second half, making it a more competitive match. However, after fending off a couple of onslaughts, Ennis scored two further tries by Pelczar, putting Ennis in the lead with 38 – 7. The opposition fought back with two more tries, resulting in the final score.

Apart from those previously mentioned, stellar performances were noted by Eoin Keane, Conor Ow -

ens, Ronan O’Leary and Christopher Rynne.

U14 Ennis RFC: Oisin Egan, Shaun Woods, Reece Yeung, Colm Griffin, Christopher Rynne, Cormac Dinan, Cillian Dinan, Josh Flynn, Steven O’Neill, Jake O’Donoghue, Conor Owens, Alex Pelczar, Jamie Gillespie, Eoin Keane, Ronan O’Leary, Reece Corbett, Luke O’Connor, Thomas Connolly, Dan Holly, Fionn Molony, Harry Daniels, Dan Holly and Ronan Donlan.

Donie Duggan strikes with another double

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

TULLA’S Donie Duggan had double success despite the horrendous weather in the greyhound scene over the weekend.

The final of the Talking Dogs A2 Tri-Distance Stake over 575 Yards was the feature event in Saturday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium in a night of horrendous weather but some excellent racing.

As the runners began the long run towards the opening bend for the feature contest Claudegreengrass was just about best away ahead of Annie On Faya and Millroad Victory. At the opening bend, the Larry Keleghan owned Claudegreengrass took command of the contest as he grabbed the rails berth and entering the back straight the lead was two lengths over Millroad Victory.

Approaching the penultimate bend the lead was three lengths and although Millroad Victory stayed on well in the straight Claudegreengrass (Magical Bale-Notimetotalk) held on gamely to land the prize and complete a double for the Donie Duggan of Tulla kennel by half a length in 31.62.

The Donie Duggan owned and trained Knoppogue Blue recorded her second career success in this A4 graded contest as she put up a career best 28.96 in scoring by seven lengths from Menmal King in 28.96. The winner was away well in company with Menmal King but with the advantage of the inside line the winner cornered well to lea day two lengths entering the back straight . Approaching the third bend Menmal king did close but Knoppogue Blue (Magical Bale-No-

timetotalk) kicked clear to win going away in fine style.

There was a change last week to the schedule at Galway when there was racing on Wednesday evening instead of Friday night when there was eight races on view and in the finale of the evening, an A3 contest the performance of the evening went to the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained Bayview Fred, who romped home to notch career win number 4 in 28.91.

There was also an eye-catching performance by Knockdrum Molly for the Collins brothers, Paddy and John who are Knockerra natives, who recorded her second career victory in 29.10, she is a daughter of Ballymac Anton and Notimetotalk.

At Limerick Greyhound Stadium, on last Thursday night, Clooney Bale made up for his narrow defeat last week with a one length victory in 29.52 in an A4 contest, a son of Magical Bale and Astro Aoife, he is owned by Clooney’s Martin Williams and is trained in Sixmilebridge by Stephen Murray, this was his fourth career win.

After returning from a break from the track, the rest period has seemed to benefit Snuggie Ranger who made it two wins on the bounce with a 29.13 victory for Myles Cummins from Newmarket-on-Fergus, a son of Paddys Magic and Miles Girl, this was his eighth career victory.

Thanks is given to the Ballingcollig RFC for hosting this pre-season tournament.

The Ennis RFC team on the day included Saoirse Downes, Kayla Considine, Ciara Reidy, Sally Kelly, Maggie Murphy, Aisling Heapes, Jennifer Weston, Eileen Keane, Emma Keane, Lyndsay Clarke and Nell Walsh.

Senior Women: Ennis RFC v Bruff RFC Called off.

Fixtures:

U13 Boy’s Tournament: Ennis v Bohemian; Saturday September 30, Kick-off at 9am in UL

U15 Boys – TBC

U18 Girls:

10 Aside Tournament

The U18 Ennis Girls RFC travelled to Ballincollig on Sunday morning to take part in the 10 Aside Tournament. The Tournament hosted 12 teams from around Munster.

Ennis won all their pool

games against Clonakilty, Fermoy and Ballincollig White and the Ennis Girls managed to qualify for the Cup Semi-Final against Ballingcollig Black. This contest was close as Ennis lost out in one try toward the end, but still displayed their excellent rugby skills.

U16 Boy’s 1st Round Pan Munster: Ennis v Clanwilliam, Sunday October 1, Kick-off at 12:00 in Clanwilliam Park

U18.5 Boy’s 1st Round Pan Munster: Ennis v Galtee, Sunday October 1, Kick-off at 12:00 in Kilfeacle

Senior Men’s Final McInerney Cup - TBC

l Ennis RFC Mens side scrum down against St Mary's

Quin Taekwon-Do athletes claim several World Titles in Finland

Team Ireland returned from the Taekwon-Do World Championships with a very impressive haul of 10 Gold, 5 Silver and 8 Bronze medals, ranking in 2nd place overall from sixty nations. Team Ireland and Quin Taekwon-Do Head Coach, Stephen Ryan, led the sixty person team Ireland squad, which also comprised eight members from Quin Taekwon-Do Club.

James Tuite, current European Champion competed in the -69kg sparring category defeating opponents from England, Chile, Argentina, Germany and Scotland before narrowly losing out to an Italian opponent in the final, seeing James return home as World Silver medalist. James was also part of the senior male sparring team who won the Gold medal along with his brother Shane and club mate Luke Moriarty. The senior male team defeated teams from the USA, Spain, Norway and Germany before convincingly defeating Sweden in the final to claim the title of World Champions. Luke Moriarty also went on to take the silver medal in -75kg sparring defeating opponents from Ukraine, Finland, Norway and Germany before narrowly losing to Norway in the final.

It is worth mentioning that brothers Shane and James showed incredible resilience in their strong performances at these championships, with the passing of their Grandfather, Joe, on the day before they were due to travel and despite this being an incredibly difficult week for them both they were able to push through and help their team claim the world title.

Christine Franks was part of the senior fe-

male team who also claimed the title of world champions with very skillful performances seeing them defeating teams from Slovenia, Norway and Argentina to claim the gold medal. David Larkin captained the junior male team to the Gold medal in the team pattern event with very sharp performances against teams from Poland, Scotland, Argentina and Romania to claim the world title.

Shauna Daffy came very close to the podium with strong performances in the over 65 kg sparring category before narrowly losing to a Scottish opponent in the quarter final.

Dannan Fox gave a solid performance in the -70kg sparring category narrowly losing to Poland and as part of the junior male team and Cara Copeland, competing at this level for the first time, gained huge experience in the individual and team pattern events.

The next event on the horizon for Quin Taekwon-Do club is the Irish Cup taking place in the University of Limerick on November 4th and 5th, which forms part of the selection process for the 2024 European Championships which will take place in Lublin, Poland and Quin Taekwon-Do will be hoping to have a strong contingent as part of team Ireland for that event also.

FOLIO: CE25480F

Registered land in Clare, Townland of CAHERHURLY, in the Barony of TULLA UPPER, in the Electoral Division of CAHERHURLY.

COUNTY: CLARE

In the matter of The Registration of Title Acts 2006 to 2021. In the matter of the Application of JILLIAN SEXTON for the Registration of a Right Acquired by Prescription.

Application No. D2021LR122374T

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,

Take Notice that Gerardine C Costello & Associates Solicitors have lodged an application on behalf of JILLIAN SEXTON, the registered owner of Folio CE25480F under Section 49A of the above Act for the registration of a Right of Way: All that and those the right of way to pass and repass over the roadway at all times by day and by night on foot and with motor vehicles for agricultural purposes outlined in orange on the map attached hereto and marked with the letters “A” to “E”. The original map showing the right of way may be inspected at Tailte Éireann, Registration Division, Chancery Street, Dublin 7.

All persons objecting to such registration are hereby required to file their objections in writing duly verified within one calendar month from the date of publication of this notice. In the absence of objection or in the event of any objection not being sustained, the application will proceed without further notice.

Dated this the 27th day of September 2023

Niamh Moloney, Assistant Principal, Tailte Éireann, Registration Division, Chancery Street, Dublin 7.

l Quin Taekwon-Do club athletes at the Taekwon-Do World Championships in Finland

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KINTURK, CONNOLLY, CO. CLARE V95 D320

We Aimee Landers and Colm Reidy intend to apply to the above-named Planning Authority for Retention Permission to retain inadvertent demolition of existing cottage and partly built dwelling house to first floor level. Planning permission is also sought to complete the said dwelling house and associated site works at Kinturk, Connolly, Co. Clare V95 D320

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, Clare County Council Offices, New Road, Ennis Co. Clare during its public opening hours and 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 Au-

thority of the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to, or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLONMONEY NORTH, BUNRATTY, CO. CLARE

We, Kevin and Marta

Toomey intend to construct an extension to rear and side of existing cottage and associated works, to include renovation of cottage, installation of a wastewater treatment system and site works at Clonmoney North, Bunratty, Co. Clare

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, Clare County Council Offices, New Road, Ennis Co. Clare during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the

Recent Deaths

CUNNEEN, Francis (Frank)

Scariff Clare

Furey, Vincent

Clonlara Clare

Hehir, Michael Mullagh Clare

WHITE, THOMAS JOSEPH (Tommy)

Whitegate Clare

Casey (née Doherty), Mary

Fanore Clare

Coen, John Shannon Clare

Keane (née Downes), Patricia

Cree Clare

McLoughlin (née McInerney), Geraldine Kilkishen Clare

O’Dea, Sr. Eva (Evelyn)

Ennis Clare

O’Dea, Sr. Eva (Evelyn)

Tulla Clare

Reilly, Aiden

Ennis Clare

Sheehan (née Moloney), Assumpta

Ennis Clare

Crowe, Tom Meelick Clare

Moloney (née Cassidy), Maura Killaloe Clare

O’Donoghue, Michael Quilty Clare

O’Donoghue, Michael Miltown Malbay Clare

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL AUGHINISH, KINVARA, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Sue James intends to apply for permission to demolish the existing haybarn and construct a dwelling in its place, install a wastewater treatment system and all other associated and ancillary site works. 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 DOUGH, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brid and John Fawl intend to apply for retention permission for the garage as built on site and for permission to build a new dwelling, connect to services & all other 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 ROO EAST, ARDNACRUSHA, CO CLARE

I, Jack Keogh, am applying to the above authority for Permission for the following development on property at Roo East, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare: Permission for the construction of a detached single storey dwelling, detached domestic garage, new entrance, onsite wastewater treatment system, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

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 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 CARROWMORE NORTH, MULLAGH, CO. CLARE

We, Caroline & Gary Rawlings, intend to apply to the above named authority for planning permission to alter and convert an existing detached private garage for use as a granny flat ancillary to the existing dwelling and connected to the existing wastewater treatment system and all ancillary site works at Carrowmore North, Mullagh, Co. Clare.

The planning application may be inspected or pur-

chased 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 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

Orsted Onshore Ireland

Midco Limited, intend to apply for permission for development at this site Booltigh, Ennis, Co. Clare. This development will consist of a 10 year planning permission for the construction and operation of battery arrays (240 number units, each 1.87m2 by c. 2.32m tall), a control building with gross floor area 140m2 by 6.40m tall, 3 number 12MVA transformers (c. 3.5m tall), 1 number 2.5MVA transformer (c. 2.5m tall) and inverters (24 number units, each 1.85m2 by c. 2.22m tall). The development will include for all ancillary infrastructure including security fencing, lighting, CCTV, internal access roads and drainage. The development will have a 35 year operational lifetime. The overall development site is ca. 1.42 hectares (ha).

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 MOLOUGHA, KILLIMER, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Kenneth Mulqueen is applying for retention permission for the construction of a mechanic workshop & planning permission to construct a carpark and handling area ancillary to the workshop along with all associated works at Molougha, Killimer, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offic-

es of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and 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 BREAGHVA EAST, LISSYCASEY, CO

CLARE

Take notice that Deirdre & Declan Donnelly are applying for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated 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 Clare County Council during its public opening hours and 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.

LICENCE APPLICATIONS

AN CHUIRT DUICHE

THE DISTRICT COURT

LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1833

SECTION 6

INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960

SECTION 29

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF KILLALOE DISTRICT NO. 12

Ronan Donnellan Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named

Applicant Ronan Donnellan of Mount levers, Sixmilebridge, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Killaloe District Court on the 05 December 2023 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises at Kilmurray, Sixmilebridge, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Signed Stiofan Fitzpatrick

Solicitor for Applicant

Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge, Clare

To the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco. ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74

To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

CHIMNEY

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The Clare Echo Quiz

1

The Burren in Clare is home to how many species of plants?

a. 700

b. 900

c. 1100

2

Which of these is not found in the peatlands of County Clare?

a. Common goose

b. Feral cats

c. Common lizard

3 Raised bogs are generally found in which part of the country.

a. North of Ireland

b. West of Ireland

c. Midlands

b. Galway

c. Wicklow

7 There are ____km’s of explorable caves in the Burren Region.

a. 50

b. 70

c. 90

8

The Burren contains the longest ______ in the world?

a. Stalactite

b. Stalagmite

c. Pillar

9

Which type of bat is common to Clare’s woodlands and trees?

a. Fruit bat

b. Brown Long-Eared Bat

4

In what year was the Shannon Estuary designated as a Whale and Dolphin sanctuary?

a. 1991

b. 2001

c. 2011

5 The largest mainland Puffin colony is located at ____?

a. West of Kilkee

b. Loop Head

c. Cliffs of Moher

6 Which county as well as Clare house the most turloughs?

a. Donegal

c. Bulldog bat

10

How many types of land and sea mammals are there in Clare?

a. 11

b. 33

c. 55

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

Last weeks answers

. piece missing on green door

. button missing on Pamela’s jacket

. crown missing in Munster crest

. BOI logo missing on jersey

. addidas logo missing on jersey

. line in wall missing (right)

. Munster crest missing on shorts

Feakle v Kilmaley

Photo by Ger O’Neill

1. 700

2. Feral cats

3. Midlands 4. 1991

l QUESTION 7: There are ____km’s of explorable caves in the Burren Region?

WORD SEARCH

Blush

Burgundy

Cardinal

Carmine

Cerise

Claret

Copper Crimson

Flushed

Garnet

Glowing

Mandarin Pink Rosy Rouge Ruby

The Clare Echo Crossword

HOW TO PLAY

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.