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Regional

Improved parking coming after issues with illegal encampments

GRAVE concerns among the local community in Shannon visiting Illaunmanagh cemetery were highlighted at a meeting of councillors where it was confirmed plans are underway for a new footpath and improved car parking. Councillor Gerry Flynn, at a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, highlighted “big entourages” of vehicles attending services at the crematorium parking in spaces provided for the graveyard. Illegal encampments have led to the closing of the parking area near the main entrance, he added saying this is “causing a massive inconvenience”. While sight lines when exiting on to Slí na Mara, “a very busy road, is causing safety issues”. Responding to the motion, Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer Shannon Municipal District stated, “Shannon Municipal District will be installing a new footpath and improved public car parking area in the Illaunmanagh area. “The works include the installation of new drainage infrastructure, kerbing, a new macadam footpath, a new car parking area and improving the entrance to the …

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Scene set for return of Scariff Harbour Festival

FINAL preparations are being made for the eagerly-anticipated Scariff Harbour Festival, which returns after the hiatus created by the pandemic. A host of family-friendly events are on offer over three days from July 29 to 31, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Scariff and the wider East Clare region. Among the many activities available to locals and visitors alike will be a scenic walk on the Sunday (July 31), led by owner of Shamrock Walking Tours, Marie McMahon. The walk will offer a bird’s eye view of the leafy landscape, following the hills of East Clare overlooking Lough Derg and its stunning surrounds. Sunday’s walk will be 14.5km guided looped walk on the hills of East Clare. Those taking part will enjoy spectacular views of Lough Derg and surrounding mountains on the route. The walk includes an optional 3km historical walk of the townland of Cappabane. That promises an insight into the local heritage, historical sites and folklore of …

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Work to replace water mains in Shannon to begin shortly

WORK is set to begin in Shannon in the coming days on the replacement of almost 2km of old water mains, carrying drinking water into the town. The new pipework will reduce the number of bursts and unplanned outages which inconvenience residents in Shannon. The works, which take place along the R471 between the Bealach Brí junction and the Smithstown Road roundabout at Ballycasey will improve the reliability of supply to Shannon Town, according to Irish Water’s Regional Delivery Lead Gerard O’Donnell. Traffic management will be in place, but Irish Water says that local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times. Areas of work will be limited to short sections and the majority of works taking place in the road verge or hard shoulders. Short term supply interruptions may be required to deliver the works, but the project team has said it will ensure that residents are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned …

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Disability Pride and Power Festival afterparty in Ennis

IRELAND’S first festival for disability, Pride and Power 2022, might be over, but there is still time to join the after-party in Ennis. This Friday July 29 at 11am in Cloughleigh Community Centre members of Clare Leader Forum, together with Clare members of Disability Power Ireland’s (DPI) committee, have organised an after-party event for the festival which hosted events nationwide. The Ennis after-party titled ‘What Clare has to Offer’ will feature a showing of the new film ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ developed by Clare Leader Forum and facilitated by Grey Heron Media. There will also be music by the Ukrainian Choir and Paddy Mulcahy, followed by a samba disco. Dermot Hayes of Clare Leader Forum explains, “The Disability Pride and Power Festival 2022 ran throughout the month of July and was the first official celebration in Ireland of Disability Pride Month, an international phenomenon which began in the US in the 1990s. “It was also Ireland’s first cross-impairment festival …

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Killaloe Sailing Club’s Pat seeks to navigate into history books

A KILLALOE Sailing Club member has set sail in his bid to become the first Irish person to complete an around-the-world race known as the “Voyage for Madmen”. Killaloe Sailing Club has wished one of its most well known members, Pat Lawless, the best of luck as he left Crosshaven in Cork on Tuesday to make his way to the starting point for the Golden Globe Race. The 66-year-old, who was born in Limerick, but lives in Kerry, is one of the solo sailors taking on this treacherous challenge. He told Virgin Media in Cork on Tuesday, that undertaking the challenge “was a dream that got hold of him when he was a young fellow”. “The human mind is funny, we all get hooked on something, different kinds of sport, reading, history, and I got stuck in sailing.” A great send off for Pat Lawless KSC member #GGR22⁦@RTESeascapes⁩ ⁦@AfloatMagazine⁩ ⁦@IrishCoastGuard⁩ @irish_sailing Kieran Concannon piping Pat out the gap 👏👏👏👏🇮🇪👍⁦@PatLawless17⁩ pic.twitter.com/77jlObqAoA …

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Leisure centre’s €6m upgrade would cost €17-18m from new

CONSTRUCTING something like the Lahinch Leisure Centre on a new green field site would cost between €17 and €18 million compared to the €6 million it cost to refurbish the existing facility, according to a former manager. Councillor Joe Garrihy said the new revamp, which was done at about 30% of the cost of a new building, represents great value for money. Urging community groups in towns to look at what has been achieved in Lahinch, Councillor Garrihy said a new leisure centre, public toilets, rescue centre, public realm works and upgraded Lahinch Sportsfield are now all within walking distance. “When community, state agencies and stakeholders work together collectively, you can achieve a lot more. We now have a centre that will generate year-round business with tourism providing the cherry on top.” Councillor Garrihy said a state-of-the-art facility had to be provided when the roof started leaking years ago and was close to blowing away. When the Fine Gael councillor …

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HIQA inspection uncovers staffing issue at Clare home

STAFFING issues have been identified in a Killaloe nursing home following an inspection by an independent health watchdog. The Lakes Nursing Home can accommodate a maximum of 57 residents, and on April 6 last during an unannounced HIQA inspection, there were 54 residents in the residential centre. On the day of inspection there were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to attend to the direct care needs of residents. The person-in-charge, however, confirmed that the centre was faced with ongoing recruitment challenges and that staff turnover was high. Records evidenced multiple shortfalls in the allocation of healthcare assistants. It was confirmed that when staff phoned in at short notice they could not be replaced. Residents had provided feedback to the provider through the resident surveys, voicing concerns on staffing in the centre. The results of a residents’ survey identified that 33% of respondents stated they were satisfied while 17% stated they were not happy and 50% were recorded as not …

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WATCH: New virtual tour of Quin Abbey

A VIRTUAL tour of Quin Friary is now available on the website of the Quin Heritage Group.  Members of group were aware that the story of the 12th century Friary was not readily available to either locals or visitors. To this end, with the support of Clare County Council and Creative Ireland, members of Quin Heritage have devised a 12-minute video that shares share the story of Quin Friary over the centuries. The video also highlights many of the main architectural features found within the building. The piece includes floor plans and stunning drone footage, as well as a video walkthrough focusing on features of interest.  The tour is available on Quinheritage.ie. Those using a smartphone will be able to view the video, while moving around the Friary.

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