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Breaking News

Covid downgrade of Clare driving licence office made permanent

THE temporary Covid downgrading of National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) offices across the State, including the Clare office in Ennis Shopping Centre, has now been made permanent. The move was confirmed in the Dail to Deputy Michael McNamara by Junior Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughten who said, “The current NDLS contract, which was put in place with the front office service provider in 2021, no longer offers a walk-in service.” Customers would have to avail of the online service instead, she said, and a “verified MyGovlD account, which requires a public services card (PSC), is needed” to avail of that. “This is despite a Data Protection Commission investigation into the legality of the Public Services Card which found that there was no lawful basis for a person to be told they needed the card for anything other than accessing social welfare or benefits,” Deputy McNamara explained. In the Dáil on Thursday evening, Deputy McNamara raised the issue of difficulties encountered by …

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WATCH: TD’s ‘ticking time bomb’ claim about Estuary facility

TWO large Bauxite Residue Disposal Areas (BRDA) totalling an estimated 450 acres are akin to a “ticking time bomb” on the site of the largest European alumina facility located near the Shannon Estuary, a Dáil deputy has claimed. In a hard-hitting statement issued in the Dáil this week, Deputy Paul Murphy of People Before Profit claimed “there is a toxic time bomb ticking at Rusal Aughinish Alumina Limited (AAL) near Askeaton”. . “I remember visiting it when it was Aughinish Alumina, almost ten years ago, and meeting local campaigner Pat Geoghegan, who I believe the Taoiseach met when he was Minister for Health. I saw a massive, red mud storage area, which is now so big it can be seen from space. “It comprises 50 million tonnes of toxic waste. Uranium, lead, mercury and hazardous salt cake are contained within it. “It seeps into the estuary, it kills wildlife and it threatens public health. It is a result of bauxite …

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GALLERY: Tulla advance as rivals draw in first division

Tulla United’s hopes of securing the First Division crown and promotion to the Premier Division received a huge boost when they overcame Moher Celtic in a tight encounter. The winners enjoyed the perfect start when Darragh Murphy’s industry gave Conor Whelan a goalscoring opportunity which was duly taken as Tulla struck first after five minutes. Their second goal came before the break with Fionn Ryan sending James Wallace in behind the Moher defence before Wallace powered through and rounded Moher goalkeeper Shane Keane before his left footed strike caused the net to bulge. Both sides had chances in a competitive second half with Tulla ‘keeper it took a couple of Simon Kilker needing to be on form to keep his side’s lead intact. Moher got a consolation goal in the concluding stages when a deflected Eoin Davies strike found its way to the net. Top of the table Tulla are at home to Coole FC next while Moher Celtic are …

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Budding Clare author to launch debut book this week

WHEN West Clare author Meadhbh Chambers completed working on her debut children’s book Rosie the Daisy there was certainly no shortage of little readers to give their reactions. As well as being a mother of four, Meadhbh is the infant teacher at Kilmihil National School. “I’ve tried the book out on my own kids, and in the classroom, and my kids have 33 cousins as well so I’ve given it out to a few kids to get feedback and it’s been very good so far,” she tells us. Launching this Friday in Kilrush Library, the book tells the tale of a daisy named Rosie, with Meadhbh explaining that as well as being a touching children’s story it is also a resource aimed at encouraging communication between children and trusted adults. “The idea behind it is that it would be a resource for adults to open up conversations with children, about sharing their thoughts and worries and feelings. The story is …

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Clare schools advised to close and bus services suspended

THE Department of Education is advising that schools in county Clare stay closed on Friday February 18 due to the Status Red wind warning. The department stated that remote teaching and learning should commence where possible, in line with schools’ remote teaching and learning plans. It also advised schools to keep up to date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins and in particular any change in the status warning for their area. Also, due to the weather warning all Bus Éireann services in County Clare will be suspended on Friday morning, February 18, between 1am until 10am. This suspension will also apply to all routes operating into or out of the status red warning area. Due to the extreme nature of Storm Eunice and the threat of multi-hazard weather events as confirmed by Met Éireann, the Department of Education is advising that schools in counties where Status Red wind warnings are …

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Treasures in the Attic as live music back on bill in Doolin

INTIMATE gigs and live entertainment are back on the bill at the hottest North Clare music venue, The Attic at Hotel Doolin.  Already hugely popular with fans of traditional music, Doolin now boasts another venue for music, spoken word, theatre, comedy and more. While The Attic opened last summer, it is now coming into its own with the easing of public health restrictions. Daily live music will be on offer this summer and organisers have promised to keep the tune coming throughout the winter with intimate gigs of all genres. Patrons will get the chance to check out some visual art. The artwork in the Attic was specially commissioned by local artist Marcus aka Surfek West who drew his inspiration from the mesmerising colours of the skies off Doolin pier. Also gracing the walls are some of the original Lisdoonvarna Festival posters alongside past posters from the Doolin Folk Festival. Organisers even promise that some of the same talent will …

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Clare now upgraded to status red weather warning

CLARE’S weather warning for Friday has been upgraded from orange to red and will be in effect from 3am to 8am at least. Storm Eunice will track quickly over Ireland tonight and Friday morning bringing severe and damaging winds. Southwest winds veering northwest will reach mean speeds in excess of 80 km/h with gusts in excess of 130 km/h. Some coastal flooding, especially at high tide. An Garda Síochána wishes to advise the public that a red weather warning has been issued for a number of counties. For further information, please go to the Met Éireann website: https://t.co/ioxYmvi8Xv https://t.co/w03u6HYhKh — Garda Info (@gardainfo) February 17, 2022 Clare County Council is advising members of the public to avoid unnecessary travel where possible, but if you must travel, please slow down and take care when driving, and charge mobile phones before travelling. It is also advised to secure any street or outdoor furniture. The public are warned electricity wires are always live, …

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‘I wish the winner the best of luck’ – €30.9m ticket vendor

Dan Danaher spoke with the couple who sold the winning €30.9m EuroMillions ticket in Ballina NATIONAL Lottery chiefs are remaining tight-lipped on the identity of the €30,928,078 EuroMillions jackpot winner who has redeemed the lucky Quick Pick that was bought in Ballina. Michael and Siobhán Larkin are still celebrating after it was announced that their store, Larkin’s Gala Service Station in Ballina sold the winning ticket from the draw on Friday night. They have scooped €25,000 from selling the winning ticket as well as much local and national media attention. Arrangements are now being made for the 17th EuroMillions jackpot winner, since the game was launched in 2004, to claim their truly life-changing prize following contact with the National Lottery. In July 2005, Dolores McNamara from Limerick, was Ireland’s first and biggest EuroMillions winner scooping over €115 million. Ms McNamara now lives near Ogonnelloe. Siobhán Larkin, who owns the business with her husband Michael on the Ballina to Birdhill road, …

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