Tag Archives: scariff

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a 21-metre telecoms mast in Scariff have prompted a major objection from a group calling itself East Clare Community Residents, writes Fiona McGarry. Eir proposes to replace a 12-metre wooden pole, at its exchange on The Connacht Road, with a much higher mast with dishes, antennas and other equipment. When submissions closed at the end of January, a total of 11 objections had been made. One of those is a detailed document with 48 signatures on behalf of East Clare Community Residents. Deputy Michael McNamara, has also made a representation on the file, “requesting the need for Clare County Council to engage with those who have made submissions and those who have concerns within the wider public to ensure those concerns are addressed in the planning process”. The 14-page objection from East Clare Community Residents raises concerns about the impact of the proposed mast on the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) of Scariff and Tuamgraney. It outlines detailed …

AS tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, an East Clare tour operator planning a “dating tour” to Kiev has said he is not unduly concerned, writes Fiona McGarry. Scariff’s James Treacy told The Champion that he is keeping a watch on the situation ahead of the planned tour and will stick to whatever advice is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Mr Treacy, who previously insisted that there will be no risk to the safety of the 50 men he aims to bring to Ukraine, said he doesn’t see the current crisis along the Ukrainian border as a particular cause for alarm. “Like all other destinations where there has been war, we cannot travel there unless the Department of Foreign Affairs allow us to travel,” he said. The experienced tour operator, who also runs pilgrimages to religious sites around the world, said he has already encountered situations where conflict has necessitated a change of plan. “I remember …

A SCARIFF photographer is hoping to have a second video shown on RTÉ television, as part of The People’s Angelus. James Treacy, from Moynoe, has been filming with his co-producer, Martin Ryan, of the Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE) for a number of months and the final product is being edited. The short film features farmer John Beston baling silage and cutting hay in the late summer, then using it to fodder his animals in the winter months. The piece was chosen because it fits the meditative and reflective tone of The People’s Angelus. “We have been shooting this video since last July 2021 and we now have to put the jigsaw puzzle together,” Mr Treacy said. Previously, the duo made a short film at Kilmallock Mart in County Limerick to reflect the rhythm of farming life and the role of the mart. That piece will be aired again on RTÉ One at 6pm on Friday, January 28, under …

EFFORTS to conserve and enhance amenities in Scariff are stepping up a gear as we enter 2022.  Intensive work on the ground is paying major dividends as the community also celebrates the recent allocation of funding for regeneration of the heart of the town.  Added to this boost is news of the completion of a project funded by the National Heritage Council and focusing on the Workhouse Water Tower, which dates to the mid-1800s. Last May, Scariff Community Council was awarded funding to prepare a Conservation/Condition Report on the historic structure. The report has now been created by P Coleman & Associates and the Community Council are preparing to share the findings on their website and social channels. This conservation report now forms a vital record and assessment of the building and will be an essential tool in planning and carrying out any future works proposed to the structure and site. The report will also inform future funding applications to help conserve …

FURTHER objections have been lodged in response to a plan from Eir to install a 21-metre mast on its exchange in Scariff.  Submissions are currently being accepted on the planning application, which could see the replacement of an existing 12-metre wooden structure with a much higher telecommunications mast with dishes, antennas and other equipment.  More concerns have been voiced locally, in recent days, this time from residents of the nearby Connaught Road and Derg View development. Additional letters of objection have estimated that the proposed structure would be located just ten metres from some of the homes in the adjacent estate. The submission contends that a mast on the scale of that proposed should not be allowed in such close proximity to the residential development.  Another submission, on behalf of a local family, says their property is already overlooked by the existing mast. “Increasing the height as proposed will result in an even larger eyesore”, the objection drawn up by …

A PLAN to install a 21-metre mast at the Eir exchange in Scariff is being considered by Clare County Council. If successful, the application from Eircom Limited, trading as Eir, would see the replacement of an existing 12 metre wooden pole with the much higher telecommunications mast with dishes, antennas and other equipment.  The plan has already encountered some opposition locally with objections from a number of residents. To-date, three people living close by have told planners the development will impact negatively on them, in terms of their enjoyment of their homes and gardens. They had also said that the structure will overshadow their family homes, and that they have concerns about the development  being located in the centre of a residential area.  In its letter of application, Eir argues that the new mast would be screened by the exchange building and by mature trees, and that it is essential to 3G and 4G coverage for homes and businesses. The …

GOVERNMENT funding of €524,000 has been approved for Clare County Council to proceed with the design and planning stages of a major regeneration project for Scariff Town Centre. The funding will pave the way for a further application of funds to provide a multi service innovation and engagement hub in the east Clare town, to add to the ever growing network of remote working facilities in the Banner county. The project will also deliver improvements to the public realm in Market Square and the town centre, and provide enhanced parking and ancillary facilities. The application was submitted under Category 2 of the Government’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and will facilitate a further application under Category 1 of this Scheme to make these plans a reality. Fine Gael Deputy Joe Carey welcomed the funding saying, “This regeneration project will be a game changer for the town of Scariff and its large hinterland. He added, “I want to acknowledge the huge …

CLARE County Council is proposing to build 18 new homes in Scariff and a Part 8 application is now at the public consultation phase. The apartment development at Ballyminogue, Waterpark, will be situated along the Scariff Stream and have a mix of one, two and three-bed units. A total of 27 car parking spaces are also proposed. The authority’s application states that, “An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening determination has been made and concludes that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development.” In respect of the risk of flooding, a detailed report has also been compiled. It characterises the flood risk as minimal. “The proposed development model shows the proposed development will have no impacts on the flood levels”, it states. The document identifies “residual risks”, including climate change and potential blockage of the downstream Scariff River Ridge and any boundary treatment fending. “In conclusion,” it states, “the mitigation measures put …