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CONCERN has been voiced by several West Clare councillors about the lost opportunity to change the charging structure for parking in seaside towns, as a way of resourcing local facilities. Progress with the updating of parking bye-laws, which could see changes to the current charging policy, was outlined at a district meeting last week. Several members voiced frustration that the status quo will remain in place this summer, while the area’s Director of Services said charges will ultimately have to be considered for facilities which have previously been free. The matter was raised by Councillor Shane Talty who tabled a motion asking about extra staff resources for 2022. He also asked for an update on the county-wide review of parking systems. The Ennistymon man welcomed the fact that facilities will be available for the upcoming four-day Bank Holiday weekend. However, he expressed concern that there will be no change to parking bye-laws this year. “There is money escaping that should …

A SIXMILEBRIDGE family has rejected a proposed Garda cold case review concerning the death of a 23-year-old banqueting manager, writes Dan Danaher. Former Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald appointed retired District Court judge Patrick Clyne to lead an inquiry into the Garda investigation and disciplinary inquiries that took place following the death of Patrick Nugent (23) Feenagh, Sixmilebridge at the end of a 40th wedding anniversary party in the early hours of February 11, 1984. The death of Mr Nugent, Feenagh, Sixmilebridge, was one of the 320 cases examined by the Independent Review Mechanism set up by Minister Fitzgerald, following a complaint made by the family relating to alleged Garda misconduct in June 2014. Justice Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed the Garda Commissioner has instructed that a fresh investigation be undertaken into the matters which Judge Clyne determined required further investigation following consideration of his final report. “This is to be treated as a cold case and given to a …

National Football League Division 1 Round 5 Galway 2-8 Clare 1-5 THE promotion race is down to just three candidates after Galway eventually eased past the challenge off neighbours Clare in a rare derby in Tuam Stadium, writes Eoin Brennan. With the other Division 1 prospectors Derry and Roscommon sharing the spoils, Padraic Joyce’s side soared to the top to the Division 2 table after preserving their perfect National League start. Backed by two-thirds of the side that started last year’s Connacht Final against Mayo, the Tribesmen were full value for their victory after a 1-5 unanswered second half blitz with the aid of the strong conditions. In contrast, Clare only had seven survivors from their sole 2021 championship outing against Kerry, which became six after only seven minutes when Podge Collins had to retire early through injury followed just before half-time by Alan Sweeney on an all-round disappointing afternoon. An error-strewn display was matched by a lack of ruthlessness …

DESPITE new proposals on redress for homeowners with defective concrete blocks, there is still no clarity on when Clare will gain access to the scheme, or on what terms. At the request of the Clare Pyrite Action Group (CPAG) answers have been sought by three Clare TDs. The responses they have received have been described by the group’s founder, Dr Martina Cleary as “completing ignoring the questions and the pyrite issue in Clare”. Earlier this month The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) published proposals for the remediation of eight different dwelling types, including those in estates one one-off houses. Options range from full demolition and rebuilding to partial repair options. Significantly, the SCSI proposed grant support based on building costs for 2022. Previously, homeowners raised concerns about the difficulty in meeting eligibility for the revised Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. They also voiced concerns that homeowners who did quality would be left with large shortfalls on their costs. Following …

AN impatient response given by the Taoiseach when asked about the transfer of Shannon Heritage was criticised at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, with members of Fianna Fáil as critical of the Taoiseach as anyone. Some weeks ago Mr Martin told the Dáil that Clare County Council “should get on with it” regarding taking over the Shannon Heritage tourist attractions, comments that were very unfavourably received in Clare. At the March meeting Councillor PJ Ryan put forward a motion asking that the Council would seek a meeting between the Taoiseach and Council CEO Pat Dowling, to discuss the financial implications of the proposed transfer. Councillor Ryan said the staff of Shannon Heritage are anxious about the situation. He also said that financial support is required for the take over, and that it will be profitable, but that could take some time. In the Dáil, the Taoiseach had compared the proposed take over with Cork County Council taking over Spike …

AT its monthly meeting, Clare County Council condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while it expressed its willingness to do what it can for the refugees now fleeing the country, writes Owen Ryan. Monday’s meeting saw a minute’s silence observed, while Cathaoirleach of the Council PJ Ryan said that Clare stands with Ukraine. “Clare County Council condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is in gross violation of international law and human rights. “This Council stands in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The thoughts of the elected members and staff of Clare County Council are with the people of Ukraine and with the Ukrainian community in Clare and Ireland. “As a demonstration of solidarity Áras Contae an Chláir is lit up nightly in the Ukrainian colours and the Ukrainian and Clare flags are being flown outside the building.” Councillor Ryan added, “Clare County Council supports Ireland’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine in their time …

Lisdoonvarna native Jack Marrinan’s tireless advocacy improved life for gardai and shaped the modern police force, writes Fiona McGarry ONE hundred years of An Garda Síochána will be be celebrated this year and among the key figures in the force’s history, a Clare man looms large. John ‘Jack’ Marrinan was one of a family of nine from Lisdoonvarna and among the second generation of Garda members to take on the role of guarding the peace in the turbulent period through the 1960s and ‘70s. He travelled to the capital to make his life with the force along with several other Banner men who distinguished themselves in their dedication to duty. Jack’s biographer, former Garda-turned-author, Tim Doyle, describes the North Clare man as “a hero” and a natural leader who fought consistently for better conditions and pay for rank and file members. Instrumental in winning a landmark battle for better working and living conditions for Gardaí, Jack was just 28 when …

ACCOMMODATING Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing their war-torn country will be “challenging” for the country, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has admitted. Speaking outside Analog Devices Limerick at a jobs announcement, Deputy Martin acknowledged it wouldn’t be easy to source accommodation for Ukrainian refugees in view of the huge mass movement of Ukrainians from their own country. “There are no easy solutions. We have to reach out and do everything we can to ease the pressure on the citizens of Ukraine. “All of us are very touched by the stress and trauma that is being revisited on families and children arising from this conflict, having to leave their homes in very stressful circumstances. “The mass movement of people from Ukraine is heart-rending. We don’t have ready-made solutions for the scale of the numbers who are going to arrive. But we will do the best we can to step up to the plate.” Asked if he envisaged European countries could put pressure …