Unemployment in East Clare has increased by 272%, or 662, people between 2006 and 2011 and a group aiming to identify ways to reduce that stark statistic will hold its first public meeting next Wednesday.

An Bord Pleanála can’t make any ruling on requests for the application of a long-term valuation on houses that are being affected by Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the €40 million new Shannon River Crossing and associated link roads, according to a senior planning inspector.

WITH the 65th anniverary of the tragic crash of Pan American Clipper Empress of the Skies at Shannon Airport approaching, a grandson of one of the victims has expressed his gratitude to the people of Ennis.

A local representative has roundly criticised the ongoing “fiasco” at Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon.“It is a sad situation when two derelict buildings can override health and safety and traffic and the community,” said Councillor Richard Nagle.

A new website aimed at increasing tourists to South Galway by emphasising the area’s links with Lady Gregory and WB Yeats, will be launched next week.

CALLS for the installation of signage on approach roads to Ennis warning of road closures have been rejected by Clare County Council amid concerns that it could discourage people from travelling to the county capital.

LOCAL people are set to spring into cleaning action this Saturday with a number of clean-up events taking place throughout the town.  

A PUBLIC lighting project in Aidan Park actually made the situation there worse, the April meeting of Shannon Town Council heard. While Councillor Gerry Flynn said the residents of Finian Park were lucky their estate wasn’t included, as originally intended.