Nenagh-based Mid-West Regional Authority (MWRA) is looking to Europe to increase the number of rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary availing of cloud clustering technology.

EXCITEMENT is reaching fever pitch in Tuamgraney this week as the battle for the coveted mayoral crown intensifies in the lead-up to the local Gathering celebration.

THE grounds of The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon will once again be one of the most popular venues in North Clare over the  June Bank Holiday weekend for the North-West Clare Agricultural Show. Once again it is a two-day event and kicks off early on Saturday with the pony jumping competitions, scheduled for 9.30am. In all, there will be 10 jumping events, including five qualifiers for the Shannonside League. In addition, a Stubbens saddle will be presented to the leading rider. Some 13 years ago, there was an excellent vintage display on the opening day of the show. It was revived last year but patrons were deprived of the opportunity of enjoying it because of the poor weather. It is back again this year and organsiers are hoping the weather will be more favourable this time round to view the display of vintage cars, tractors and machinery, starting at 11am. The main part of the show is on Sunday with an …

THE gardaí’s Juvenile Diversion Programme in Clare has been praised for its work in keeping teenagers away from a life of crime. Restorative justice, which allows young offenders to come face to face with victims of crime has been hailed a success.

A TOTAL of 947 species were recorded in the Burren National Park during the 2013 24-hour Bioblitz last weekend.

CLOSE on 100 primary schools in Clare now fly the Green Flag, the international award for environmental action, after six schools were awarded the flag for the first time.

THE appointment of Shannon’s new chief executive Neil Pakey was announced last week and he met the local media for the first time on Friday, at the launch of the Philadelphia service.

A RALLYING call for people with disabilities to fight for their rights and speak out  against Government cuts,  was heard at a conference in Ennis recently. The conference, organised by Disabled People Against Cuts, was held in the West County Hotel.