Tag Archives: White Strand

EMERGENCY services have dealt with a chemical incident close to a popular beach in Clare, reports Pat Flynn. Clare County Fire and Rescue Service and Gardaí were alerted at around 1.30pm today following a report that a drum had washed onto rocks at White Strand near Miltown Malbay. Units of the fire service from Ennistymon and Kilrush stations responded to the incident. On arrival, fire crews carried out an assessment of the scene and confirmed that a 40-gallon container had washed onto the rocks about 300 metres from the beach and close to a popular walking path. Firefighters wearing specialist chemical suits for dealing with hazardous materials used a ladder to reach the scene. The incident was located in a small cove at the base of a 15m cliff. Fire crews confirmed that the plastic barrel had split and its contents had spilled onto the rocks. As a precaution, fire service personnel set up a cordon around the scene and …

AHEAD of the May Bank Holiday Weekend, Clare County Council is urging the people of Clare to maintain their efforts to suppress Covid-19. “The sacrifices that people have made, combined with the rollout of the vaccination programme, are having an impact, but we all need to continue doing the things that protect us from Covid-19. This will help to reduce the chance of outbreaks in healthcare settings, workplaces, our homes, and schools,” said Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council. “We have cause for cautious optimism as we look to the future. This is a reflection on the truly commendable commitment that the people of Clare have shown. I understand that many people feel fatigued. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has advised that adherence with public health advice, combined with the vaccination programme, is key to exiting this pandemic in the coming months. That prospect gives us huge motivation to move forward. “As we look ahead to …

SWIMMING prohibitions have been lifted at Kilkee, Spanish Point and White Strand Miltown Malbay this afternoon (Saturday, August 8). However, the bathing restriction remains at Lahinch. The temporary prohibition had been put in place by Clare County Council, on the advice of the HSE. A statement from the local authority said that “a temporary prohibition on swimming at Lahinch has been revised to an advisory note not to swim, therefore it is advised not to swim at Lahinch” Clare County Council also continues to advise that the safest place to swim is at lifeguarded locations. For further information, contact Clare County Council environment section on (065) 6846331 / enviroff@clarecoco.ie and visit www.beaches.ie

In consultation with the HSE, all bathing restrictions are being lifted at White Strand Doonbeg and White Strand Miltown Malbay, with immediate effect. The temporary prohibition on swimming remains in place at Kilkee and Quilty (front beach). A spokesperson said there is ongoing monitoring at these locations and Clare County Council is in consultation with the HSE.  

Clare County Council is urging visitors to Clare’s beaches this June Bank Holiday Weekend to take responsibility for their rubbish by bringing it home with them. The Council has employed additional resources to deal with the increase in litter that has resulted from the rise in visitor numbers to beaches such as Kilkee, Lahinch and Spanish Point. The local authority says it is also installing additional refuse facilities at Clare’s Blue Flags in an effort to minimise littering while litter wardens have been deployed to monitor littering activity. “Our beach is a fantastic resource for the wider community and it’s up to us all to ensure that we take home what we bring to the beach”, said Cyril Feeney, area engineer with with th council. He added, “The council wishes to acknowledge those who have used the public bins to dispose of their litter. These bins are emptied regularly each day but often reach their capacity due to the unprecedented …

SEVERAL fundraising swims and walks will be held across Clare on Christmas Day and on St Stephen’s Day. The Kilrush swim will take place at Aylevaroo beach at 11.15am. Proceeds go to Kilrush RNLI and Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation. Contact Therese on 086-8717452 for sponsorship cards. Meanwhile the 12th annual swim in Gortlass Lake, Kildysart will again take place on Christmas Day at 12noon. All funds raised are donated to the cancer centre in Kilkee. Contact John O’Connell on 087-9672442. Doonbeg GAA club will host a Jack and Jill Foundation fundraising swim at the White Strand at 12.30pm on December 25 while the GAA clubs in Killaloe and Ballina will benefit from the Christmas Day swim at Two Mile Gate on 12.30pm on Christmas Day. More information is available from Christy McGrath on 061-376245. The annual Christmas Day swim will take place at Flaggy Shore, New Quay on Christmas morning while a swim will be held at Fanore on …

President Michael D Higgins turned back the clock  this Friday when he visited his Alma Mater, St Flannan’s College in Ennis. The President was welcomed by college president, Fr Joe McMahon and principal, Carmel Honan and following a tour of the school, addressed students. President Higgins, in thanking Fr McMahon and Ms Honan for their invitation, he also thanked Richard Esedebe, a third-year student, who initiated the visit, by asking him to present tthe Gaelbhratach award last year. In his address, he said, “It is a great pleasure to revisit a place which has played such a significant role in my life. It was here that, like you, I spent some of my formative years, learning not just that which was laid out in the school curriculum, but so many other important life skills such as the value of friendship and loyalty and teamwork and the importance of reaching one’s full potential. “My teachers and fellow pupils, and the overall ethos …