THERE are 6,241 adults and children on Clare County Council’s social housing waiting list, 2,998 of these on HAP, according to the local authority which says the county has a “robust housing delivery programme”. These details have been released as Clare Labour urge the local authority to speed up the Town Centre First plan and engage with over 80 towns and villages in Clare, saying local efforts will help to reduce numbers on the waiting list and house people. According to Dermot Hayes of Clare Labour this would help “to bring back to life unused houses/sites and repopulate these places again to bring vibrancy and thriving schools, shops and communities. Because most infrastructure is already in place in these settlements, it is cost effective to immediately connect these houses as they are reconstructed.” Clare Labour has carried out a housing survey based on data for April of this year showing 2,987 households approved for social housing support, however the party …

WOMEN are often driven by a sense of social injustice as a pathway to politics and more women need to support each other as allies in a bid to bring about a cultural shift. That was one of the key messages from the ‘Promoting Gender Equality & Diversity in Local Government’ event hosted by Clare County Council and See Her Elected in glór, Ennis last week. Madeleine Taylor Quinn, the first female TD for County Clare and one of the first women elected to the council in 1979 was the keynote speaker at the event.  She said that finance and childcare issues are still some of the major barriers for women entering politics as well as a lack of maternity leave for county councillors. “My first child was only two weeks old when I got a call to say you better be in Dublin tomorrow for a vote of the Government could fall- imagine being put under that sort of …

DOG owners risk losing thousands of euros in damages claims if their pet is left uncontrolled and causes an accident on the road, the county’s dog warden Frankie Coote has warned saying, “You could lose your house if there was a serious accident”. The stark reminder comes as Éilís Neville, chairperson of the Clare Ladies Cycling Club reveals two of the club’s members have been hurt in recent weeks following incidents involving dogs. According to Mr Coote a dog must be on its owners property unless it is with the owner or a responsible person and under control. He is aware of successful large claims for compensation by people injured on the road as a result of an uncontrolled dog. “There are dogs that chase bikes, dogs that just walk out and even dogs just outside on the road sleeping, but if a dog is outside the property and if there are any injuries or damage caused by them, then the …

THE Yellow Brick Road leads to glór theatre in Ennis this week as the Dinan School of Ballet hosts their annual production, which this year will see all proceeds donated to Milford Care Centre.   The school’s annual summer show makes a welcome, post-pandemic return, with Over the Rainbow, their own unique adaption of the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz. The two performances, on Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, bring the talents of students of all ages to the fore with a brilliant mix of dance and drama, creative choreography, colourful costumes and quirky characters, and a guarantee of something for all the family.   Now in its 35th year, the Dinan School of Ballet, founded and run by Niamh Dinan, has, with the exception of over the course of the pandemic, produced a school show every year since 1988. This year will be of particular importance to the entire school community with all proceeds from the shows being donated to support the invaluable …

FIVE individual appeals have been lodged to An Bord Pleanala against the decision by Clare County County to grant planning permission for a residential development near an Ennis retirement village. The local authority gave planning permission in March to Leadlane (Drumbiggle) Ltd to construct 56 residential units on lands to the west of Pairc na Coille Retirement Village in Drumbiggle. However the plans are now on hold as five separate third party appeals have been lodged with the planning board. Issues raised in the appeals include fears by residents of the Willsgrove housing estate in Ennis that the council will in the future create a pedestrian/cycle link between the estate and the new development. The link, which was opposed by residents, had been removed from the proposal during the planning process. In assessing the application planners with the local authority outlined a concern that without the inclusion of the proposed pedestrian link the development would constitute a cul-de-sac. Willsgrove resident …

DRIVERS are “taking risks every single day” at a notorious road junction in Ennis, with one councillor likening it to “Russian Roulette”. The frustrations of residents on the Shanaway Road who are awaiting road safety improvements were highlighted at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. An update from the roads design team on any progress made regarding the exit from Shanaway road onto Lahinch Road was sought by Councillor Mark Nestor following contact from residents. The meeting was told by council officials that designs for Active Travel Measures are being developed. Michael O’Grady, Executive Engineer, stated, “The Road Design Office have recently completed a topographical survey of the N85 from Claureen roundabout to the start of the speed limit zone, conceptual design options for Active Travel Measures are being developed for this area, the Shanaway Road junction is being incorporated in these designs.” Councillor Nestor acknowledged the response and welcomed the survey however he continued, “that’s all well …

A CELEBRATION of European dance, music and song will be held in Ennis this summer as the county capital has been chosen to play host to the 18th European Culture Week. The five day festival will start in Ennis on August 8. The festival is a celebration of European cultures with eight groups participating from seven European countries. The participating groups are travelling to Shannon Airport from France, Spain, Sardinia, South Tyrol in Italy, Romania, Lithuania and Hungary. Ireland will be represented at the festival by Clanna Mileadha- a group of musicians, dancers and singers based predominantly in County Clare. The European Culture Week is bi-annual festival which returns this summer to Ennis for the first time since 2002 following a two year delay due to Covid restrictions. This festival’s history is particularly special as it was founded in 1986 to promote friendships across cultures and regions within Europe. These groups are coming together to celebrate their unique individuality. Each …

AN Ennis man has returned from a second humanitarian mission helping Ukrainians – and their beloved four legged friends – flee the war with Russia. John Casey, founder of the Tesla Owners Group in Ireland, was among a convoy of drivers who recently brought 40 Ukrainian refugees along with 10 dogs, 11 cats and a guinea pig, from Poland back to Ireland. “We were a right little Noah’s Ark,” he tells us. He explains that the pets have helped to bring a sense of comfort to the refugees, reminding them of a life before the invasion. Travelling with the convoy of cars over land and by ferry meant they could bring their much loved animals with them to safety. “These people are great pet lovers and they are very reluctant to leave their pets behind. We brought back some beautiful dogs and cats. They do love their animals and it’s good that they were able to bring them as they …