Tag Archives: clare county council

A SECOND wind farm application for the development of eight large wind turbines about 6.5 kilometres from Miltown Malbay, which was previously involved in High Court proceedings, has been refused by Clare County Council. Clare County Council has turned down plans by Slieveacurry Limited for permission for a ten-year planning permission for the construction of a renewable energy development, which would have had a 30-year operational life from the time of full commissioning, if it had secured the necessary planning approval. Notwithstanding the location of the site on lands identified as “strategic” for windfarm developments, the planning authority considered the proposed turbine structures by reason of their height, scale and siting on this open and exposed upland landscape would constitute a prominent feature on the landscape from both local and long range viewpoints. When assessed in conjunction with existing and permitted wind turbines in the area, the local authority considered the proposed development would give rise to an excessive proliferation …

AN incentive scheme to encourage those who witness the “scourge of illegal dumping” to come forward and report it to the authorities has been proposed by an Ennis councillor. Councillor Pat Daly believes that an award scheme which recognises those who come forward publicly should be put in place, and he has received the backing of his council colleagues. Speaking at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District he urged that the Council “consider finding ways to incentivise civic-minded members of the public to report incidences of illegal dumping in the Ennis municipal district area and, where possible, make evidence available”. The councillor commented, “There are two types of people who see illegal dumping and want to report it. One is someone who gives the information and wants to stay anonymous, but the other is a person that has no problem reporting and is prepared to give evidence. “This is a suggestion, but some award scheme should be given …

CONSTRUCTION on the County Museum redevelopment project has begun with hopes the works will be complete by August. Contractors M. Fitzgibbon Contractors Ltd started works on site following the lifting of Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions for the construction sector. The Clare County Council project will see the refurbishment and conversion of the upstairs rooms in the building into modern office and meeting room space, while the downstairs will be transformed with the addition of Éamon de Valera’s 1947 Dodge car to the Museum exhibition, together with an improved Tourist Office. The iconic 1947 Dodge Plymouth transported two of Ireland’s presidents, including Éamon de Valera, in the early years of the State. The County Museum redevelopment project was designed in-house by Clare County Council’s Design Office in conjunction with the Property Management unit, with external consultancy services engaged for mechanical, electrical and interior design. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard, said, “I am delighted to see this investment in …

ARTISTS and performers in county Clare are being urged to avail of a support scheme to get them back to work this summer. Clare Arts Office has issued calls to support those looking to perform outdoors in the coming months, for artists looking for studio spaces and for those involved in amateur drama seeking to attend the Drama League of Ireland Summer School. The Arts Office is interested in hearing from performing artists (ensembles/bands or individuals), promoters, producers, venues, etc. to see how it can work with them to facilitate programming of outdoor live performances this summer, animating local communities, should public health considerations permit. All types of performance (music, spectacle, circus, street arts, etc.) are encouraged to apply to this scheme including small scale solo performances, unplugged presentations through to amplified concerts. The arts offices says it especially welcomes joint applications from producers and performing artists for a series of events. Family or all-ages performance events are particularly welcome. …

CHILDREN and young people across Clare are gearing up for a celebration of youthful creativity on Saturday, June 12. Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth plan. Among its local support organisations are Creative Ireland Clare and Clare County Council. Cruinniú is a component of the already well-established annual programme of activities organised by the Library and Arts Service for children and young adults. Recognising the cultural vibrancy in Clare, the Council has mobilised a strong Creative Ireland Culture Team to deliver the programme in the county. Helen Walsh, Clare County Library is the Creative Ireland Coordinator and Sheila Quinn is the Curator of the programme. Across the county, artists and creative practitioners have been busy working with young people to produce 24 events, which will be hosted online on June 12. Highlights of the local programme of events include a film by Fanore NS, entitled The Magic of the Sea. It incorporates …

INCREASED lifeguard cover is required in Lahinch, according to a mother who had three teenagers rescued from a rip current by surf instructor, Tom Hennessy recently. Barbara Jordan believes Clare County Council and other local authorities need to review the provision of lifeguards in view of the dramatic increase in open water swimming and water based activities throughout the country. “There is no point in increasing cover after a drowning. If water safety is given more exposure, it will save lives. Water safety awareness should be taught in secondary schools. “If a swimmer is caught in a rip current, they should swim parallel to it. There are currents in every beach across the country. “When lifeguards are on duty they can direct swimmers away from rip currents. Lifeguards should be on duty full time from June to September inclusive with weekend cover from April. “Clare Water Safety Association do an amazing job but it is up to the Council to …

Clann Nua project had successful trial in Limerick AN innovative project aimed at tackling an accommodation shortage for single homeless people has been introduced to Clare. Mid-West Simon Community over the past few weeks has worked with Clare County Council to introduce the Tenancy Sustainment project throughout Ennis. Clann Nua meaning New Family was developed by Mid-West Simon Community in response to the shortage of single unit property which is resulting in single people having to remain in emergency accommodation for longer than necessary. Jackie Bonfield, CEO of Mid-West Simon Community said, “Clann Nua provides the opportunity for two or more previously homeless people to share one permanent rental housing unit. “These are acquired through CAS/RAS funding or through the Clare County Council long-term social lease with a private landlord.” Mid-West Simon started the initiative in the summer of 2020 with the backing of Limerick City and County Council and showing great success the programme is now being rolled out …

THE structural repair and refurbishment works to the O’Connell Monument which were put on hold due to Covid-19 will now commence on June 9,with scaffolding to be erected in the first week. This project is being part funded under the Historic Structure Fund 2020 from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and will take up to 12 weeks to complete (without interruption). The contractors appointed to undertake the specialist repair work are INSP Stone Ltd. T/A Irish Natural Stone, Bouleevin, Boston, Tubber. The loading bay immediately adjacent to the O’Connell Monument will be temporarily blocked off while scaffolding is being erected and decommissioned. A pedestrian management plan will also be put in place.