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A NORTH Clare secondary school has achieved a huge 81% qualification rate ahead of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSE) 2023.  Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna entered a total of 11 projects into next year’s prestigious competition and nine of them have qualified. The average qualification rate is around one-third, putting Mary Immaculate students and teachers in a league of their own. “We’ve been told that there were 1,700 entries this year,” said retired Science Teacher, John Sims, who has stayed on board to support BTYSE projects and the school’s proud history with the competition. “We’ve also seen that 550 of those entries have qualified. That represents a qualification rate, on average, of just over 30%, so we’re well in excess of that. It’s to the huge credit of the students and teachers at Mary Immaculate, as well as the parents and the entire school team.” Four individual projects from Mary Immaculate have qualified, as well as …

DEVELOPERS behind plans for a major new housing estate in Tuamgraney have moved to allay concerns raised by the Council and the local community.  Michael Pearl, who submitted plans in April for 52 homes on a site on the Dock Road, has provided the local authority with a 210-page document in response to a Further Information (FI) request. The response, which includes detailed environmental and ecological reports, is now on public display, with a further submissions period open until November 29.  After plans for six four-bedroom detached houses; 22 three-bedroom, semi-detached houses; 14 two-bedroom semi-detached houses; and ten two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows were submitted in spring, six objections were made. On consideration of these submissions, as well as details of the application, planners asked, in June, for FI on several aspects of the development.  Planners raised concerns over the width and general condition of the L41341 which serves the site, as well as the existing footpath network and sight-lines at the …

THE Shannon Estuary presents a unique opportunity and is best placed in Ireland and Europe to develop the Atlantic floating offshore wind industry and help the country reach its climate goals, according to a new report. The review of the Shannon Foynes Port Company’s Vision 2041 masterplan by global experts Bechtel supports the development of offshore wind in the region. The report explains how the deep waters of the Shannon Estuary, almost unrivalled in a European context, would not only facilitate the deployment of floating offshore wind at scale from Europe’s best wind on Ireland’s west coast but help decongest the Irish supply chain through the provision of road and rail linked container services. Bechtel are global experts in ports, having delivered facilities around the world, including Khalifa Port, the most advanced trading hub in the Middle East. The report, which was launched by Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan, TD, found that development of the Shannon …

A SURVEY should be carried out to ensure the condition of housing estates in the charge of the local authority is “kept up to a certain level” with an annual maintenance programme put in place, an Ennis councillor has suggested. Councillor Ann Norton was speaking at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District councillors where the “appalling condition” of footpaths and the road surface in a residential area of Ennis was highlighted. An assessment of the Maiville estate in Ennis was sought by Councillor Mary Howard who stated, “The footpaths and road surface in Maiville is in an appalling condition, man-hole covers are a number of inches above the road surface and are a health and safety risk.” She stated that the man-hole covers are “very dangerous” and she urged the council to take action “as a matter of urgency”. Ian Chaplin, acting senior executive engineer confirmed that the estate is in the charge of the local authority and …

MAJOR benefits will flow from the completion of the new River Shannon Crossing and associated infrastructure, according to Clare County Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling. Mr Dowling admitted the inadequacy of the existing route has been a source of frustration and debate over many years. “Today is a landmark event, signalling the exciting new future that such infrastructure will bring about. This project also brings economic, social and community benefits. With the two councils developing the new Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan (KBTEMP), he said this sets out ambitious plans inspired by the common goal of “two towns, one community”. He predicted the new infrastructure would enhance the area as a location for residents, businesses and tourists facilitating local, regional and national development for future years. Some of the benefits include safer roads and less town congestion, an alternative route to take through traffic and heavy goods vehicles out of both town centres, facilitate public realm projects in the …

OVER the years since it opened its doors in 1979, Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon, has been renowned for all things musical. Producing school musicals to a very high standard is very much part of its tradition and audiences across North Clare and further afield have been wowed by productions including ‘Oliver’, ‘Calamity Jane’, ‘Godspell’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Les Miserables’. As Scoil Mhuire enters into amalgamation with the CBS and the Vocational School next year, its forthcoming show will be one like no other. Staff and students have promised “an absolute feast of colour and song for the eyes and the ears”. Rehearsals have been underway since September, under the watchful eyes of director and choreographer, Peter Kennedy and producer, Patricia Dooley. The high standards set by previous productions have pushed the cast and crew to new levels. Fittingly, the school will end its run of musicals by returning to its roots. In 1994, Mary O’Loghlin, former …

Clare County Council has opened a Book of Condolence in memory of the late cervical cancer campaigner, Vicky Phelan. The Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Tony O’Brien, is inviting members of the public to sign the book and join people from all over Ireland and beyond in honouring Vicky’s legacy as “a remarkable person and a courageous and inspiring advocate for women’s health”. Councillor O’Brien said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Vicky Phelan. Vicky’s campaigning to expose the controversy around the national screening programme CervicalCheck gave voice to many women and reflected her immense courage, determination and dignity while facing her own illness. “In doing so, Vicky inspired us all. Vicky Phelan truly made an enduring contribution to Irish society. On behalf of the Elected Members and staff of Clare County Council, I wish to extend deepest condolences to Vicky’s family at this most difficult time.” Chief Executive of Clare County Council Pat Dowling …

AN appeal has been issued for witnesses to an incident that occurred in Ennis in which two gardai were assaulted. At approximately 1am on Thursday, October 27, Ennis Gardaí responded to a call of a male engaging in threatening and drunken behavior in the Woodquay area of the town. It’s believed the man was kicking taxis and may have engaged in damaging other such property. On arrival at the scene Gardaí met with this male who then attacked the two Gardaí. Both Gardaí were injured as a result of the assault. An investigation is ongoing into the assault on both Gardaí and the criminal damage incidents and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed these incidents or anyone who may have dash cam or camera footage to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100.