DEVELOPERS proposing to build 41 new homes in Quin have given their backing to plans for a 30 metre telecoms tower, currently being considered by Clare County Council.  In September, Vantage Towers lodged a second set of plans for the structure, after failing to secure permission for a mast on another site in the village. Reaction to plans for the current site at Quingardens is mixed, judging by submissions made during the public consultation phase.  A submission from Datcha Construction, who are awaiting a decision next month on their plans for a new estate at Quingardens, is among seven that support the mast. Two objections were received, one from Quin Tidy Towns and another from Quin Heritage Group. The owner of the land also made a submission, confirming his consent to the project.  Datcha Construction have backed the mast plan, saying it will make their proposed homes more attractive. “We would welcome this infrastructure development as it will further enhance …

A NEW book on Éamon de Valera’s personal secretary provides a fascinating insight into the life of Kathleen O’Connell and her support for the Fianna Fáil founder’s political career.  The Life and Times of Kathleen O’Connell by Patrick and Paul Murray also sheds light on de Valera himself, through painstakingly compiled details of their communications. Described as “Éamon de Valera’s Indispensable Secretary,” Kathleen, a native of Caherdaniel, County Kerry, is described as someone with an unwavering attachment to the causes she believed in.  Published by De Búrca Books, this is the first biography dealing with the life and times of Kathleen O’Connell. When her name is mentioned, it is almost invariably in association with that of Eamon de Valera. This is because her life derived its deepest significance from her unwavering attachment to whatever cause he espoused. For this reason, any record of her life is bound to throw incidental insights of varying quality on several aspects of de Valera’s career and …

AN EAST Clare company has received a major national award for its dedication to sustainability and waste reduction.  Palm Free (Zero Waste) Irish Soaps Ltd, which was founded in Killaloe and now operates from a facility in Tuamgraney, scooped the Waste Prevention Award in the prestigious Pakman Awards, supported by Repak.  The company produces a range of soaps, shampoo, shaving, laundry and deodorant bars and was honoured at the national awards ceremony for its efforts in helping to prevent surplus waste through innovative means, and for increasing awareness of the importance of recycling amongst its local community Palm Free (Zero Waste) is a family-run business, established in the mid-1990s by Kathy and Tony Hoynes, that has a strong commitment to sustainability. The businesses’ purpose is to make a difference by meeting the demand for zero waste and plastic-free alternatives to everyday hygiene products. All of its products are made of completely natural and vegan ingredients, blended with 100% pure essential oils and natural plant-based colourings. Palm Free Irish Soaps has paved the way …

A KILKEE man has been named Clare Business Person for 2022 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF). Diarmuid Keane is the founder of Diarmuid Keane and Associates, a highly-skilled architecture and design firm. The practice offers a wide range of services including architectural design of new builds and extensions, preparation of planning applications, supervision of construction projects, project management. Diarmuid has been recognised with Business All-Star Accreditation for his outstanding contribution to standards in the construction sector. The prestigious accreditation is an independently-verified standard mark for indigenous businesses, based on rigorous selection criteria. The accreditation is overseen by the AIBF, whose adjudication panel is chaired by Dr Briga Hynes of the University of Limerick (UL) and Kieran Ring, CEO of the Global Institute of Logistics. Reacting to the announcement, Diarmuid said: “I am honoured and privileged to have been awarded the Clare Business Person of the Year 2022 by the prestigious All Ireland Business Foundation. On a personal level I am delighted …

HUGE community efforts across the Killaloe Municipal District have resulted in increased marks for all participants in this year’s Tidy Towns Competition.  Cathaoirleach Alan O’Callaghan said it was wonderful to see local communities putting so much work into their local areas. “On the back of Covid, many groups were down in funds, so it’s great to see them taking on the challenge again and actually upping their game. Without dedicated Tidy Towns committees across the district, the Council would just not be in a position to maintain the same levels of tidiness. It’s particularly good to see newcomers joining committees and brining in fresh ideas and approaches.” Councillor O’Callaghan, who said he had supported Tidy Towns activities through his General Municipal Allocation (GMA), also welcomed the contribution of local groups to biodiversity. “Once upon a time, the big focus was on cutting everything and making it look orderly. Now, there’s a fresh focus on leaving certain areas to grow wild …

TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has intervened in the controversy over the ending of a farming scheme designed to protect the world-famous ecosystem of the Burren. The matter was raised with by Deputy Michael McNamara who told him that farmers participating in the Burren Programme and on the Slieve Aughtys would lose out in the new ACRES scheme. In the Dáil, the Independent TD called on the Taoiseach to review plans to subsume the programme into ACRES Burren Aran.  “The new ACRES scheme will disadvantage the farmers in that [Burren] scheme as it were the farmers on the Slieve Aughtys who are in the Hen Harrier area. The standard they will have to reach is lower, but they’ll get less money.” Responding, the Taoiseach said farmers should not suffer a loss of income due to the new ACRES scheme. “I will take that up with the Minister of Agriculture, because we want more and more people engaged in environmental friendly farming. I …

TWO fatal road collisions, which happened within days of each other, have left the community of East Clare reeling.  The incidents, which claimed the lives of a two men, have also prompted an appeal from Gardaí for vigilance on the part of all road users, particularly in bad winter weather.  Last Saturday night, Billy Hickey, a man in his 80s died in an incident on Main Street, Mountshannon, shortly before 8pm. Warm tributes were paid by those who knew him. Senator Timmy Dooley, a Mountshannon native, extended his sympathies to Mr Hickey’s family.  “I’ve known Billy all my life,” he said. “The entire community is just shocked at his untimely passing. He was a kind and friendly gentleman and deeply rooted in the area, even though he was a native of Tipperary. “His wife is from Scariff and the community is in shock there too. His grandchildren are part of the GAA community and well known, particularly in Clare camogie. …

TRESPASSING on farm land across the county is generating concern, now that the season has opened for hunting.  The ICMSA is seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister for Justice on what it has described as “the growing countrywide problem of gangs trespassing farmland on the pretext of hunting and the levels of intimidation and threat associated with this activity”. In Clare, ICMSA County Chair Martin McMahon said the problem has increased since open season begin on November 1.  “Having people with packs of dogs coming onto farm land is a very big problem,” he said. “Dogs are driving cattle mad and they’ll break through every fence to get away from them. Often, the farmer doesn’t know the cattle are out until they get a call and they could be out on the road at that stage. Farmers have to have public liability insurance in that case because there’s such a risk.” ICMSA headquarters described themselves as “deluged with complaints” …