News

IRELAND’S first national hub to support individuals, families and carers living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) launched this week in Ennis. FASD Hub Ireland will provide a compassionate, confidential helpline offering advice, support and signposting. The Hub is run by FASD Ireland, a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Ennis, and is part funded by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.  FASD is Ireland’s most prevalent neuro-developmental disability, with an estimated 240,000 people across Ireland living with the condition. Ireland has the third highest prevalence globally, following only South Africa and Croatia*. Despite the significant numbers of people living with the condition in Ireland, there is still no formal diagnosis pathway for people who think they may have FASD, and very little supports for people who live with the condition. Welcoming the launch of the Hub, Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte TD, said, “As the Minister for Disability, I am delighted to support the launch of the FASD Hub. We need …

A GOAL to develop a new community and recreation park, including a full sized all-weather playing pitch and walking track and trails, is being realised in Clarecastle. Clarecastle Community Amenity Company have turned the sod on the park which will be located on lands donated by Clarecastle GAA. The park is part of a wider phased programme of development that will include a spectator viewing area, floodlighting and female changing rooms. It will feature the first full-sized all-weather pitch in County Clare. At the sod turning, Tadg Collins, chairman of the Clarecastle Community Amenity Company said, “Today is the culmination of a number of years’ work to develop a facility that has been long identified by members of our community as filling a gap in terms of facilities for young and old. It will provide a community resource that we hope will encourage more year-round physical activity and participation in a safe environment. Our partnership approach with Clarecastle GAA provides …

AN ambitious plan aimed at rejuvenating Ennis’ town centre was given the star treatment at its recent launch. The Canvas Project, led by Experience Ennis, has a vision to aesthetically transform the entire town of Ennis, street by street, making it an even more attractive place to live and visit. The project was launched with a presentation of the Parnell Street Pilot on the big screen in Ennis’s Empire Movieplex last week. The team seeks to maximise the impact of the rejuvenation plans by concentrating initially on one section of the Parnell Street; the pedestrianised stretch between Dallas Barbers and Bonfire restaurant. This street having undergone a recent public realm investment of €6 million euros has a beautifully paved surface that provides the perfect canvas for rejuvenation, and, when completed it is anticipated this postcard perfect street will become the launching pad for the delivery of a much larger scale vision for Ennis, explains Rosemarie Noone CEO of Experience Ennis. …

THE development of a second Lidl store in Ennis has been put on hold as separate appeals have been lodged to An Bord Pleanala, including one by the supermarket giant itself. An appeal has also been made by retailer representative group The Retail Grocery Dairy & Allied Trades Association (RGDATA) who say the decision to grant planning permission should be overturned. Last month Clare County Council granted planning permission to Lidl Ireland for a €20 million mixed-use development at the junction of the Clare Road and Tobarteascain Road. As well as a new store, the plans included 20 residential apartments, a café and two commercial units. According to Lidl, the development would create 30 local jobs along with 100 more during construction. However, Lidl has appealed against conditions of planning, including one which places restrictions on the use of the accommodation units. Lidl have also disputed a Special Development Contribution of €325,000 describing it as “not warranted and considered excessive”. Meanwhile …

LOUGH Derg RNLI and Killaloe Coast Guard have been commended for their quick action in rescuing 40 people whose vessel ran aground on Lough Derg at the weekend. On Saturday afternoon Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to assist the people on a 40ft passenger vessel aground on a rocky shoal off Bonaveen Point on the County Galway shore, at the north-western end of Lough Derg.   At 1.20pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker and crew Doireann Kennedy and Oisín Higgins on board. Given the large number of people on board the casualty vessel, Valentia Coast Guard also requested Killaloe Coast Guard to launch.  The casualty vessel was spotted aground off Bonaveen Point at 1.35pm. Using local knowledge and electronic navigation tools on board the lifeboat, the RNLI volunteers navigated around two shallow shoals to make a safe approach to the stern of the casualty vessel. Those on the casualty vessel informed the lifeboat crew …

GARDAÍ are appealing for the public’s help after a knife wielding robber escaped from an Ennis business with a sum of money.  A man holding a knife demanded the money from staff of a business premises before leaving on foot. Ennis Gardaí are investigating the robbery which occurred at approximately 6.11pm on Thursday, March 16. A lone male wearing a hoodie entered a business premises in Clare Road Mall, Clare Road. He was holding a knife and demanded money from the staff member. He got a sum of money and left on foot in the direction of Limerick Road. “This is a busy time of the evening on this road and we are appealing to anyone who saw this male or anyone who may have dash cam footage to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100,” said Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks.

A YOUNG female cyclist was hit by a car and dragged into the middle of a roundabout during a hit and run in Ennis last week. The Clare Roads Policing Unit are investigating the incident that occurred on Wednesday, March between 5.25pm and 5.40pm at the Dunnes / Friars Walk roundabout. The woman was cycling on the roundabout near glór when she was hit by the car which failed to stop at the scene. Luckily she was not seriously injured. Gardaí are now seeking witnesses to the hit and run or those who may have camera footage to contact them. Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks outlined that, “A young lady was cycling her bike on the roundabout and was struck by a vehicle that was coming from the Temple Gate side.  She was dragged into the middle of the roundabout and the vehicle left in the direction of Dunnes Stores towards Station Road.” Giving a description of the vehicle, …

The Post Office Sessions continue at the X-PO this Friday, March 24 at 8pm.  The monthly event showcases some of the finest singers, musicians and poets from North Clare and beyond. Troubadours and listeners are very welcome to this special evening in an intimate, historic space. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. More information is available from 087-2925487 or by walking in on the evening. Bígí linn!