Ennis

THE continued closure of Ennis Friary has been described as “appalling” with the county capital losing out on the financial boost the popular tourist attraction could bring this summer. The friary, which dates back to the 13th century, has been closed to the public since last summer due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Office of Public Works does not have an opening date for the Friary, the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District was told. Councillor Mary Howard had sought clarity on when the OPW planned on reopening the historic building on Lower Abbey Street. Responding to the query, Niamh O’Connor, Administrative Officer, stated that the Ennis Municipal District received correspondence from Trish Ryan, Heritage Services – National Monuments Administration at the Office of Public Works, advising that “the Office Of Public Works do not have an opening date for Ennis Friary.” Councillor Howard voiced disappointment at the response saying the closure has meant that Ennis is losing out. “We …

A NEW funding stream has opened up to give Ennis town centre properties a facelift and maybe encourage a few ‘Insta’ moments. Councillors have committed money from their general municipal allocations (GMA) to fund painting, gutter cleaning and repairs to properties adjoining the public realm works on Parnell Street. A fresh look and facelift will hopefully result in some pretty Instagram pictures, according to Councillor Mary Howard, as Ennis looks to attract more visitors over the coming weeks and months. Properties adjoining the Parnell Street works are to benefit from the additional funds from local councillors’ GMA in a move described as “fantastic” by the Mayor of Ennis. Ennis Municipal District councillors agreed to allocate a further €8,000 from their GMA towards the painting, gutter cleaning and repair scheme of the properties. This additional allocation, in conjunction with the €10,000 available for the Ennis Municipal District area under the Community Support Scheme (Town/Village Paint works), will be ring-fenced for this …

MEMBERS of the public are being urged to have their say on plans for the transformation of Ennis town centre, writes Jessica Quinn. An online consultation clinic hosted by the project team will be open to all this Thursday, while details of the plans have also been put on display at the offices of Ennis Chamber. Clare County Council was recently approved for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for a public realm enhancement project for O’Connell Square, Bank Place, O’Connell Street, High Street, Old Barrack Street and Barrack Square. Part 8 planning permission was granted for the O’Connell Square, Bank Place, High Street, Old Barrack Street and Barrack Square element. The Council is now developing proposals for the O’Connell Street element, with modifications for Barrack Street, and is seeking people’s input on the preliminary design for the project with a view to informing the detailed design process. The Project Team, comprising Tom McNamara & Partners and Nicholas …

FOUNDER and voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International (CCI) Adi Roche paid a special visit to the youngsters of Teach Abhaile pre-school and naíonra this week, describing the children as “our hope for the future”. The campaigner who has spoken out on issues relating to the environment, peace and social justice talked to the children at the Ennis school about the ways they can protect our world. The school on Kevin Barry Avenue was festooned in orange, the colour of Chernobyl Children International with cards and decorations made by the children given pride of place. Speaking to The Clare Champion ahead of meeting the children, while adhering to social distancing guidelines, she said such encounters were something that “really gladdened her heart”. “In the middle of the pandemic and hearing all about the variants and Delta, it is just wonderful to come to some place like Teach Abhaile, and to meet those who are our hope for the future, the …

Call for action to protect town’s citizens CALLS have been made for an “action plan” to protect the people of Ennis after recent statistics showed air pollution levels 12 times higher than safe limits. Environmental Protection Agency statistics show the county capital suffering huge air pollution despite a smoky coal ban being in place. Councillor Johnny Flynn called for the plan, saying this “very serious issue” has not got the attention it deserves because of the focus on Covid-19. He has also pointed out that research has shown that the impact of air pollution on people’s health can exacerbate the impact of the virus. The councillor said more air quality monitors should be put in place that could warn people vulnerable to air pollution of any potential risks. At the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District the councillor asked for a review to be carried out into the causes of poor air quality in Ennis. He asked that the …

ENNIS Tidy Towns are staying on track when it comes to their efforts to keep the county capital looking good. The local voluntary organisation have once again joined forces with Ennis Track Athletic Club to encourage youngsters to think reduce, reuse, recycle. Their latest initiative aims to get plastic litter on the run by developing colourful re-usable bags for runners and track shoes. Cormac McCarthy, chairman of Ennis Tidy Towns explains, “Ennis Tidy Towns has continued their collaboration with Ennis Track in driving sustainability as part of the clubs activities. Two years ago this involved supplying the club with reusable bottles which were given to participants in their kids road race. “This year we worked with them to develop re-usable bags for dirty runners and track shoes. It was observed that lots of shoes were being place in single use plastic bags and given the dirty nature of the shoes, these bags were being disposed of. The new drawstring bags …

“ENNIS is open for business”, the town’s new mayor Councillor Ann Norton exclaimed as she took the chain of office. The Barefield-based representative was elected as mayor of the county capital at the recent AGM of the Ennis Municipal District. Her vision for her term as mayor is to encourage recovery from the “disastrous effects” Covid-19 has had on Ennis. The founder of Clare Crusaders has also vowed to highlight the issues facing carers during her term in office. She was nominated to take the role by Councillor Pat Daly who stated she “is capable of becoming an excellent mayor”, pointing to her heavy involvement in the local community. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Johnny Flynn who spoke of her leadership qualities while also acknowledging the work of outgoing mayor Councillor Paul Murphy in what has been a “very difficult year”. This is Councillor Norton’s second time as mayor, having previously been elected in 2016, while Councillor Murphy was …

A RICH display of music and song greeted the education minister as she visited Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg in Ennis this week to announce a new multi-purpose hall and two Early Intervention rooms. In a socially-distanced ceremony, some of the school’s 481 pupils showcased their talents to a small but appreciative audience including the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Mary Howard, board of management representatives and parents. Addressing the gathering bilingually, the minister said she was very proud of the work being done. “It’s a very positive day for the school and an endorsement of the very positive work that goes on an ongoing basis,” she said. “There has been very strong commitment from the entire school team. The ongoing engagement with the Department of Education has been very positive. This school has grown and developed spectacularly in the last number of years. That’s a tribute to the excellent work that goes on here on a daily basis.” Príomhoide Dónal Ó …