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East Clare

Developers offer assurances over Clare village homes plan

DEVELOPERS behind plans for a major new housing estate in Tuamgraney have moved to allay concerns raised by the Council and the local community.  Michael Pearl, who submitted plans in April for 52 homes on a site on the Dock Road, has provided the local authority with a 210-page document in response to a Further Information (FI) request. The response, which includes detailed environmental and ecological reports, is now on public display, with a further submissions period open until November 29.  After plans for six four-bedroom detached houses; 22 three-bedroom, semi-detached houses; 14 two-bedroom semi-detached houses; and ten two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows were submitted in spring, six objections were made. On consideration of these submissions, as well as details of the application, planners asked, in June, for FI on several aspects of the development.  Planners raised concerns over the width and general condition of the L41341 which serves the site, as well as the existing footpath network and sight-lines at the …

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Heritage concerns over Quin telecoms mast plan

A CHALLENGE to a bid to erect a 30 metre telecoms mast in Quin has come from a local heritage watchdog, who have lodged a strong objection to the development, on the grounds of its archaeological and visual impact.  Quin Heritage Group have made a submission on plans by Vantage Towers to develop the lattice tower mast at Quingardens, a location believed to contain a number of important archaeological sites. The group have told the Planning Authority that they are “acutely aware” of archaeological remains in the area. A map, included with the objection, highlights a number of of significant sites, which, according to Quin Heritage Group, represent “evidence of ringforts and fulacht fiadh”. “It is also important to point out a cilín (Children’s grave site) exists close to the proposed mast site that in no way should be compromised,” the objection stated. “We therefore deem it an unsuitable site to erect such a mast.” The objection, which is one …

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Midnight Court to sit at Scariff GAA Hall

SCARIFF GAA Hall will be the venue for a dramatic ‘court’ case on Saturday night, November 19. The newly refurbished and extended hall will host Gerard Howard performing Brian Merriman’s The Midnight Court in an exciting one-man show, directed by Paul Brennan.  Written around 1780, Brian Merriman’s comic poem is set on the shores of Lough Graney. A classic of early modern Irish poetry, its themes include sex, gender roles and the manifestation of a God.  In The Midnight Court, the bachelor poet Merriman is put on trial for the crime of never getting married. The women of Ireland have him up before a court in Feakle, presided over by the Goddess Aoibheal, who demands him to account for this outrageous oversight. Gerard Howard, a Clare native will switch roles from Merriman to maiden, from old codger to goddess, from harridan to 18-foot tall bailiff, exposing the shortcomings of the men of Ireland. Not even the clergy escape Merriman’s scabrous …

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Prestigious award for East Clare soap company

AN EAST Clare company has received a major national award for its dedication to sustainability and waste reduction.  Palm Free (Zero Waste) Irish Soaps Ltd, which was founded in Killaloe and now operates from a facility in Tuamgraney, scooped the Waste Prevention Award in the prestigious Pakman Awards, supported by Repak.  The company produces a range of soaps, shampoo, shaving, laundry and deodorant bars and was honoured at the national awards ceremony for its efforts in helping to prevent surplus waste through innovative means, and for increasing awareness of the importance of recycling amongst its local community Palm Free (Zero Waste) is a family-run business, established in the mid-1990s by Kathy and Tony Hoynes, that has a strong commitment to sustainability. The businesses’ purpose is to make a difference by meeting the demand for zero waste and plastic-free alternatives to everyday hygiene products. All of its products are made of completely natural and vegan ingredients, blended with 100% pure essential oils and natural plant-based colourings. Palm Free Irish Soaps has paved the way …

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Cathaoirleach commends east Clare performance in Tidy Towns

HUGE community efforts across the Killaloe Municipal District have resulted in increased marks for all participants in this year’s Tidy Towns Competition.  Cathaoirleach Alan O’Callaghan said it was wonderful to see local communities putting so much work into their local areas. “On the back of Covid, many groups were down in funds, so it’s great to see them taking on the challenge again and actually upping their game. Without dedicated Tidy Towns committees across the district, the Council would just not be in a position to maintain the same levels of tidiness. It’s particularly good to see newcomers joining committees and brining in fresh ideas and approaches.” Councillor O’Callaghan, who said he had supported Tidy Towns activities through his General Municipal Allocation (GMA), also welcomed the contribution of local groups to biodiversity. “Once upon a time, the big focus was on cutting everything and making it look orderly. Now, there’s a fresh focus on leaving certain areas to grow wild …

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Scariff regeneration works enter planning phase 

PROGRESS with the Scariff Rural Regeneration Project has stepped up a gear, now that the planning process has begun.  A Part 8 planning application for a series of town centre works has gone to public consultation, with submissions being accepted up to December 12. Under the application, it is proposed to change the former Supermacs building into a digital hub and to convert the Merriman Tavern into a community centre and community space. The construction of a car park on a green-field site close to the Market Square is also outlined, as well as pedestrian access from the R352 and the rear boundary wall of the Merriman. The application notes that works would materially affect the Scariff Architectural Conservation Area. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening determination has concluded that “there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development” and that an EIA is not required.  Killaloe Cathaoirleach, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan described the …

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Permission denied for housing estate in Clare town

A LACK of pedestrian links to Tulla’s Main Street has led to a plans for a major new housing estate being turned down by Clare County Council.  After an assessment of proposals for 36 new homes on a site on Church Road, the local authority has refused permission for two reasons. Planners said the estate would be “deficient in terms of its pedestrian provision” and that its design would damage visual amenities locally.  In May, Woodhaven Developments lodged plans for the estate on a prominent greenfield site, close to Glebe House. During the public consultation phase, four submissions were made. These expressed concerns over the proposed boundary of the estate, as well as potential pedestrian access onto lands belonging to a third party.  On foot of these submissions, and separate concerns of their own, planners requested Further Information (FI) on a number of aspects of the development, including the proposed connectivity to Tulla’s Main Street. The Council also pointed out …

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German journalists experience East Clare attractions

EFFORTS to promote the attractions of East Clare to visitors from Germany are back up and running, with a group of journalists recently enjoying a river cruise in the region.  The group cruised the Shannon, taking in Tuamgraney, Mountshannon, Scariff and Killaloe, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and German cruising tour operator, Le Boat.  Those visiting included representatives of popular travel magazines, a regional newspaper and a radio station – are here to find out more about cruising holidays on the Shannon and to experience at first-hand the spectacular scenery and the wealth of things to see and do.  During their time in East Clare, the group visited Wilde Irish Chocolates, McKernan Woollen Mills and Nuala’s Bar and Restaurant in Tuamgraney; Under the Oak in Mountshannon; McNamara’s Bar and Restaurant in Scarriff; and the Farmer’s Market in Killaloe. “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of journalists to visit County Clare and Ireland,” said Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Germany. “Fact-finding visits like this are a really effective way for …

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