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QUESTIONS have been raised over plans for a major new housing development proposed for Quin, following a number of objections.  Planners are seeking Further Information (FI) on proposals from Datcha Construction, to build 41 homes on a large site at Quin Gardens in the heart of the historic village.  In January, the company applied for permission for 13 detached, 10 semi-detached and 18 terraced houses on a site of just under two hectares. During the submissions window, five objections were received. These include a joint submission from Quin Garden Residents. The submissions have raised concerns over issues including flooding, road safety, traffic volumes and the protection of wildlife. One document details incidents of flooding in Quin in 2009, 2012, 2015 and 2017. Other submissions highlight the requirement under the County Development Plan for hydrogeological assessment for any plans on the development site. Concerns were also raised by some residents about potential overlooking of existing homes.  In addition, The Development Applications …

Irish Water’s confirmation that the wastewater treatment plant in Kilmihil is to be upgraded will have significant environmental, social and economic benefits for the village, according to Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara. Deputy McNamara said the works would facilitate future growth in the village and would also eliminate discharges from the plant to the Doonbeg River. “I am delighted to have received confirmation that Kilmihil is one 12 schemes across Ireland to be funded by the European Union under Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan,” stated Deputy McNamara. He continued, “The sewerage network in Kilmihil is a combined system and during past storm events the plant has become hydraulically overloaded. The upgrade will prevent treatment plant discharges from reaching the Doonbeg River, which is part of the Doonbeg Freshwater Pearl Mussel sensitive area. “New commercial, retail and housing developments in the village also will be facilitated as the result of the planned upgrade of the existing treatment plant.” Deputy McNamara …

AFTER Doonbeg edged out Éire Óg by 1-10 to 1-9 in the Cusack Cup and Lissycasey had three points to spare over Kilmihil 0-13 to 0-10 in the Garry Cup on Thursday, Eoin Brennan previews the rest of the weekend’s football action here Cusack Cup (Division 1 League) Round 2 Clondegad v St Joseph’s Miltown at Ballynacally, Saturday 2pm The first real evaluation of Clondegad’s mettle as they crave a kick following a disappointing opener against St Breckan’s. With Miltown having won the 2019 Cusack Cup over their hosts and then managed to retain it in the corresponding fixture in Miltown last July, Clondegad shouldn’t require any additional motivation. Both will be understrength but it also an opportunity for Miltown to up the scoring ante, having only kicked 1-6 last time out albeit sufficient to win. Kildysart v Ennistymon at Kildysart, Saturday 3pm Outside of O’Gorman Cup meetings, they haven’t met too often in competitive action, although there will be …

A NORTH Clare family doctor is encouraging people to wear face masks in public places as four electoral divisions have recorded a 14-day incidence rate higher than the national average. Dr Michael Kelleher made the plea this week after official figures revealed there were 469 cases of Covid-19 in the Ennis Local Electoral Area (LEA) from March 1 to March 14. This translates into a 14-day incidence rate of 1,517, which is much higher than the national average of 1,188. The incidence of the virus was also high in the Shannon LEA where 445 cases were recorded during the same period, giving an incidence rate of 1,464 per 100,000. There were 265 case the Kilrush LEA where the incidence rate was 1,262. The Ennistymon LEA recorded 248 cases, which translates into an incidence rate of 1,511. Killaloe was the only LEA to record an incidence rate of 994 below the national average after the detection of 200 cases. Dr Kelleher …

Large crowds are expected in Barefield this Sunday to celebrate the life of an adopted Clare man with the staging of the ‘Pat Bogue 6k’. It is now almost five months since the Kilkenny native and dad of two young boys collapsed at breakfast at his Larchill home outside Ennis and died. The 49-year-old was the ‘Leader’ of the Clare Crusaders’ running group that has raised over €750,000 to fund the operation of the Clare Crusaders Clinic for children’s therapies in Barefield through running the Dublin City Marathon. All proceeds from this Sunday’s fun run and walk – which promises to be a family centred event – will go to the Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic. Along with the run, there will be raffles on the day with prizes and vouchers up for grabs with all prizes donated by local businesses and friends of Pat. Pat – who moved to Clare in 1993 – was the only Clare Crusader runner to …

GIVEN how long it took to replace Rose Hynes, and how long it took to find an alternative after the appointment of Aaron Forde as chairman of Shannon Group fell through, there was shock this week when it was announced as Conal Henry got the nod to replace Pádraig Ó Céidigh. On those previous occasions it took months for a replacement to be found, but in this case it took a mere six days. Inevitably, given how quickly it happened and how much disappointment there is at the Ó Céidigh resignation, the fact that such a quick decision was made will be seen as an attempt to quell any controversy. On Tuesday, Minister Eamon Ryan announced that Mr Henry would be next to be appointed. “Given the important role of Shannon Group to the economy of the Midwest region and nationally, I am pleased that Conal Henry is willing to accept the position of Chairperson of Shannon Group. “Conal has …

A MART operator has been ordered to pay €10,000 in personal damages to a young female Limerick dairy farmer from injuries she sustained after a one ton bull escaped from a pen at Ennis Mart five years ago. At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Colin Daly has ordered Clare Co-Operative Marts to pay Rose Keating (28) €10,000 for the incident on May 25 2017 that left three other people injured by the Charolais bull. Judge Daly stated that the appropriate general damages in the case was €20,000. However, he halved the pay-out to €10,000 after finding that Ms Keating was 50pc responsible for the injuries she suffered. Judge Daly made this finding after concluding on the balance of probabilities Ms Keating opened the latch to the pen that allowed the bull escape. In evidence, Ms Keating had denied opening the gate that allowed the bull escape. Judge Daly made the award after Ms Keating earlier rejected a settlement offer by Clare …

THE importance of a strong voice to represent business in Ennis has been emphasised by newly elected Ennis Chamber president Colin Ryan. The Bank of Ireland branch manager was elected president at the Ennis Chamber AGM held on Monday, with Sheila Lynch, partner, Cashin Clancy Solicitors elected vice president. On election, Colin who last year served as vice president, thanked Darragh McAllister, outgoing president for his hard work and commitment. He stated, “Ennis Chamber has been fortunate to have had strong presidents during the Covid years, first Allen Flynn, owner Old Ground Hotel, followed by publican Darragh McAllister over the past year.” Outlining his focus for the year ahead, Colin said, “My mission is to build membership. Already we are back to pre-Covid numbers, and I’d like to grow membership further over the coming year.” He added, “It’s critical we have a strong voice to represent business in Ennis during these rapidly changing times and Ennis Chamber fulfils that role.” …