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THE Migraine Association of Ireland is hosting a free event this Wednesday, December 15, with one of the leading global specialists in strategies for coping with pain. The online event which takes place between 5 and 6pm will be addressed by Dr. Ian Weinberg, practicing Neurosurgeon at Linksfield Clinic and Triangles Method Applications, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr Weinberg has unique insight into pain and how it works within the body. He has developed strategies himself to cope with pain and in 1992 he pioneered the application of psychoneuro-immunology (PNI – the scientific study of the influences of mind states on immune function) into the clinical environment. The event has been subsidised through the HSE National Lottery Office CHO area 3 Clare. The scheme to support national organisations is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Rural and Community Development Though the event is free, booking is necessary and a ticket can be obtained through this link …

FEARS that the County Development Plan could be “hindered” by an absence of updated flood maps, and with that future development in Ennis, were expressed at a meeting of Ennis councillors. The issue was highlighted by Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy who urged that the Office of Public Works issue up to date maps to represent the Ennis South Flood Relief Works. She said this is necessary to ensure the council is not impeded in zoning lands for the development of the county capital. “We want to ensure we have adequate zoning of lands for all of our needs, most especially there is a huge demand for housing of all types, not just social housing. I am concerned that in our efforts in drawing up the plan we will be impeded from adequately zoning land because of a lack of maps.” Sean Lenihan, Senior Engineer, responded, “As the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme is not yet officially completed, the updated Flood …

AN Ennis gym is shaping up to help ensure those in need have a merry Christmas, and is urging people to get involved and show its support, writes Jessica Quinn. Ozone Health and Fitness has once again teamed up with a group of local volunteers led by Kathleen Austin to launch a food drive to support “genuine families in need” in Ennis and the county. This endeavour will not just help these families at Christmas but also into the months ahead. A donation box has been installed at the gym reception in the Quin Road Business Park and people are being encouraged to drop in non-perishable food or other household items for distribution to those in need. Last year the appeal saw €3,000 worth of food and other essential supplies donated, and according to owner Ken O’Malley they hope to help even more this year. He told The Champion, “Last year we teamed up with an extraordinary group of local …

Dan Danaher asked Taoiseach Micheál Martin about some key Clare political and social issues DD: Clare home owners affected by pyrite have been excluded from the latest mica scheme. There is a lot of frustration in the county over this. What do you say to these people? MM: I think there is further information to come, is my understanding, and there is further engagement with the minister and the department. On the receipt of that information, I understand the minister will be positive in his response to that. Our view is to work with groups locally with a view to inclusion, that is the general approach. My understanding is there has been interaction and engagement, which will continue. DD: It is taking a long time to approve a scheme, can you understand the frustration if your house is crumbling? MM: The manifestation of this in terms of the presentation to the minister was a lot longer in Donegal. We are …

WITH storms battering the coast this week, the weather has been a far cry from last month. Shannon recorded the highest temperature in Ireland in the month just past, that day was also the warmest November day there for 43 years. A temperature of 17.7 degrees celsius was recorded in Shannon on November 14, the warmest temperature in the town in the month of November since 1978. There was also 25% more sunshine in Shannon over the course of the month than in an average November. Met Éireann statistics show that the amount of rainfall in Shannon during the month was 43% below what would be expected in an average November. In its summary of the month Met Éireann said the first two thirds of the month were mild with the high pressure mostly centred to the south of Ireland. The final third of the month saw high pressure shift to the west of Ireland, allowing cooler air masses from …

CHRISTMAS, a time for getting together with family and friends, exchanging gifts, eating and drinking, talking and laughing. At religious ceremonies around this time, the Christian churches encourage their congregation to consider the meaning of Christmas. Christian churches and other religions have also become more vocal in encouraging action regarding climate change. Pope Francis in his encyclical letter in 2015 stated, “We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” Christmas is a time to put our worries aside if we can, including those about this environmental challenge. Instead of worrying, doing something to reduce our climate impact can increase our enjoyment – and be easier on the wallet. A time for giving It’s interesting to think back on previous Christmases and consider the highlights. Gifts are certainly an important part, both giving and receiving. Do you remember what you gave and received last year? A …

PROPOSALS for the refurbishment of a forecourt on the outskirts of Ennis have been refused planning permission over the potential “adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Ennis and Clarecastle”. Maxol Limited had applied for planning permission to refurbish and rearrange the internal area of the foodhall of the existing forecourt on the Ennis Road, Clarecastle. According to the application the plans would allow for an expansion of the existing deli offering to include a branded hot-food takeaway, with 20 people to be employed. Under the proposal an existing children’s play area, closed since March 2020 due to Covid “and difficulties of ensuring safe sanitation levels for future use” would have been removed to allow for a reallocation of foodhall space to provide a new layout. Clare County Council planners assessing the proposal expressed concerns that the development would result in “intensification of the existing use on site”. “I consider the development would become a destination in its own …

AN overpass should be constructed at the Clareabbey Roundabout to allow pedestrians and cyclists cross safely, Ennis’ deputy mayor has insisted, accusing Transport Infrastructure Ireland of “dragging its heels” on safety concerns. Councillor Paul Murphy has described the roundabout on the N85 as “a disaster from day one that needs to be addressed immediately”. Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District the Clarecastle councillor said it “beggars belief that TII are still dragging their heels, still having reviews and studies, and there is nothing concrete going on.” The councillor, who has regularly highlighted the danger the roundabout poses to cyclists and walkers who wish to cross the road, said that it has “cut off the village of Clarecastle and Ennis from each other”. The councillor had sought a progress update on a preliminary design report which was required to be submitted to TII before final approval. He also urged that a pedestrian and cyclist overpass be designed with …