IT now looks highly likely a new distributor road to improve connectivity in South-East Clare could take at least five years to fully complete. Residents in the area have been repeatedly disappointed over ongoing delays concerning the construction of the €58 million Coonagh to Knockalisheen distributor road, which forms part of Limerick’s Northern Distributor Road. The scheme was hit with a major setback last March when the main contractor, construction giant Roadbridge, went into receivership owing substantial sums to local subcontractors and construction suppliers throughout Clare. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has repeatedly come under fire over the delay in the completion of this distributor road. The new road will provide an urban style carriageway between Coonagh Roundabout and Knockalisheen Road. The first phase of the project, which cost in the region of €8 million, was completed in 2018 and the construction of the main contract is estimated to cost €35 million. Along with the construction of the new dual carriageway, …

GRAVE concerns about the possible impact on dolphins from the expansion of a controversial Bauxite Residue Disposal Area (BRDA) for the largest alumina plant in Europe were outlined to An Bord Pleanála recently. An Bord Pleanála has given Rusal Aughinish Alumina Limited (AAL) the green light to deposit an extra eight million m3 of bauxite residue in total at its plant, despite trenchant opposition from Futureproof Clare, local farmers, Environmental Trust Ireland and environmental groups. This decision will allow the Russian-owned company to carry out a major expansion of its Bauxite Residue Disposal Area (BRDA), extending the life of the plant for an extra nine years up to 2039. In a submission to the appeals’ board on behalf of Dolphin Watch, Mary Kate Bolger, who has a qualification in zoology and marine biology specialising in bottlenose dolphins, outlined the creatures play a vital role in the eco-system by balancing populations of predatory fish and squid thereby protecting the entire eco-system …

CLARE County Council has backed a proposal to maintain the Local Property Tax (LPT) rate at 15% above the standard rate for 2023 and 2024, despite opposition from three councillors. Members decided not to change the LPT Local Adjustment Factor that is payable for Clare homeowners for the next two years in line with what was in place in 2020, 2021 and 2022. An amendment proposed by Councillor Gerry Flynn calling on the council to reduce the LPT for 2023 by 15% and to only apply the change for one year didn’t secure the required level of support. It was backed by Councillor Flynn, Councillor Donna McGettigan and Councillor Ann Norton but was opposed by 23 other councillors. Councillor Gerry Flynn said it is easy to get bogged down on statistics but for most people they are concerned about coping at a time when the cost of living has gone out of control. “For more than 18,000 people that are …

A LAHINCH-based artist, who is the only Irish painter with three paintings in the British Royal Collection, has described the death of Queen Elizabeth II as the “end of an era”. Michael Hanrahan feared the worst when he heard the Queen’s family were summoned to come to Her Majesty’s Balmoral Castle residence as quickly as possible on Thursday, September 8. The North Clare father-of-four was saddened when her death was subsequently confirmed. “It was the end of an era following 70 wonderful years on the throne. The Royal family has lost their mother while the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth have lost their longest monarch. Her death came suddenly enough. “To see the number of UK Prime Ministers and US Presidents she saw during her reign was incredible. For most people who are living in Ireland and the UK, they can’t remember any other monarch before she took the throne. World leaders will travel to her Funeral Mass on Monday …

KILLALOE has been lauded as a crucial hub along the River Shannon by a well-known senior waterways manager. Speaking at a media event to preview the Lua End of Season Celebration in Killaloe this weekend, Waterways Ireland regional manager, Eanna Rowe said the future development of this hub is outlined in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, which was completed by Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and officials in ten local authorities. “One of the best ways of putting places like Killaloe on the shop window is through festivals like Lua. Waterways Ireland are delighted to support the Lua Festival. “This is in addition to the bricks and mortar development work we carry out as well. It is great to see Lua getting off the ground at last. Covid-19 got in the way previously. Hopefully this festival will go from strength to strength.” Mr Rowe said it is great to see so many elements of the waterside and waterways community coming together in …

AN East Clare boat operator, who been conducting tours to Holy Island for 32 years, has questioned whether Clare County Council’s purchase of the old Mountshannon Rectory represents a value for money deal. Described by the council as a “landmark tourism project” on the banks of Lough Derg, plans were lodged for a proposed new Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) visitor centre in the heart of Mountshannon village last February and were adopted by the council last May. The Old Rectory Visitor Centre building will comprise a reception area, three exhibition areas interpreting stories from Mountshannon and the island of Inis Cealtra as well as a community/co-working space and a revitalised Rectory Garden. Councillors were told at the January meeting of Killaloe Municipal District this visitor centre is expected to be operational by early to mid-2023. The Visitor Experience project to interpret the 41-acres island is a collaborative initiative involving the council, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (Fáilte Ireland), Waterways Ireland, the Office …

A CELT Woodlands Open Day, will be held in the Slieve Aughty Centre, Loughrea next Sunday September 11 from 10am to 6pm. It is a fully hosted free event, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Centre for Environmental Living and Training (CELT) is opening its doors once again to celebrate Ireland’s native forests and the very many benefits of trees to ecologies, the economy and wellbeing. Morning talks on Agroforestry and Riparian Woodland Management will be particularly geared to land owners, farmers, and anyone interested in the continuation and expansion of native woodlands. Hosted walks will be held to demonstrate forest bathing, foraging, Brehon tree laws and Ogham alphabet as well as a medieval roundhouse. Crafters and demonstrations will be held in bushcraft skills, archery, leather work, wood turning and much more. There will be a forest school segment for youngsters and organic lunches will be provided. A special screening of “Call of the Forest: …

THE man who managed Ireland to their first Nations Cup victory in seven years at the RDS Dublin Horse Show last month was accorded a hero’s welcome as he brought the world renowned Aga Khan trophy home to Tuamgraney on Wednesday evening. Michael Blake was lauded by senior officials from the RDS and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) for the key role he played as Chef d’Équipe in leading Team Ireland to victory in the prestigious showjumping event. This coveted show jumping trophy was presented to, Michael, and his team, by President Michael D Higgins in August. It followed a nail-biting jump-off against France in front of a capacity audience at the RDS. This thrilling victory ensured the return of the Aga Khan Cup to Ireland after a seven-year gap. Michael was joined by two members of Team Ireland – Tipperary’s Max Wachman and Meath’s Cian O’Connor. Hundreds of spectators packed the East Clare Memorial Park, with many watching from outside …