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THE government’s new housing plan will fail Clare unless it addresses the unique challenges facing permanent residents trying to secure affordable housing around Clare’s tourist hotspots. That’s the warning delivered this week by Coucillor Cillian Murphy, who told a council meeting on Monday all the anecdotal evidence suggests there is a crisis in the availability of affordable housing stock, for both private ownership or long term rental for permanent residents. Councillor Murphy called on the local authority to conduct the relevant research to establish the current demand in Clare for affordable housing for permanent residents who do not qualify for social housing assistance, with a firm timeline for the delivery of this research. While Councillor Murphy applauded the vision and pragmatism in the government’s New Housing for All plan, he stressed the devil will be in the detail as to where housing solutions will be provided. “The demand for second or holiday homes is long recognised worldwide as a push …

A 16-year-old male has been charged with violent disorder arising from a late night row in Kilkee that saw three people sustain head injuries, writes Gordon Deegan. At the Children’s Court of Kilrush District Court sitting in Ennis, Sergeant Louis Moloney said that CCTV footage shows the teenager – then aged 15 – breaking a bottle off a wall and running with it towards a row which was off camera. In the case, the teenager is charged with committing violent disorder at the Strand Line, Kilkee, on July 31 2020 contrary to Section 15 of the Criminal Justice Act. Sergeant Moloney said that no injured party named the teenager as the person who carried out the attacks on the three injured parties. He said that one of those assaulted required 43 stitches and staples to injuries to his head and arm. Sergeant Moloney stated that another male required five staples to a head injury and a female required five stitches …

MEASURES should be put in place to ensure teenagers socialise responsibly during the Halloween break, according to a local councillor. Speaking at a recent Joint Policing Committee, Councillor Ann Norton acknowledged local gardaí have worked very well over the years with local nightclub owners. The Independent Councillor said she appreciated young people would like to enjoy themselves with their friends after being restricted over the last 18 momths during to Covid-19. Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran said apart from a few flashpoints in certain locations during the summer months, public order offences in the county have been in decline. Like previous years, he confirmed gardaí would be working in co-operation with nightclub owners to ensure there were no major incidents during holiday periods like Halloween. “It is something we are conscious of and we will continue working to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night.” Councillor Joe Killeen said people were delighted with the increase in local tourists on staycations …

THE development of a rail link to Shannon International Airport would help to transform the international airport, according to the county’s first citizen. A renewed call for the provision of this rail link was made by Councillor PJ Ryan at a council meeting on Monday. Councillor Ryan urged Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to provide this rail link, which would provide a huge boost the airport, and would also provide some certainty for land owners, as two possible routes are currently identified in the County Development Plan. Down through the years, the councillor recalled he and other members such as Pat McMahon and John Crowe have called for a rail link to Shannon Airport. In view of Minister Ryan’s preference for rail transport, Councillor Ryan believes they should be pushing an open door in terms of securing his support for this venture. He urged Minister Ryan to secure a slice of significant EU Greenway funding to cover the cost of this …

Clare’s Liam Jegou is set to race at the 2021 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships tomorrow, writes Ivan Smyth. The Ballyvaughan canoeist qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games in a condensed field although he didn’t make a splash as planned after being eliminated at the semi-final stage. However, Thursday afternoon in Slovakia, he hopes to build upon what has been a promising year thus far with another assured display. Jegou has struggled with a neck injury in recent weeks but in a post on social media, the Olympian confirmed that he intends to represent his country in Bratislava. https://twitter.com/LiamJegou/status/1439963454539014147?s=20 He lines up in a talented field as each participant will compete in two heats this afternoon as Jegou aims to reach the final this weekend. Jegou competes in the C1 discipline. In canoe C1, competitors navigate a course while trying to avoid touching a series of overhanging gates. The slightest touch adds two seconds to a canoeists’ time. Missing a …

CONCERNS about the risk of flooding on the Tulla Road, close to the site of a proposed €1.2 billion Ennis data centre, have prompted calls for screens to be put in place at bridges to prevent blockages, writes Jessica Quinn. However, while council executive engineer Barry Conway has confirmed the local authority will carry out maintenance and clearance works, he cautioned about the use of screens. The engineer said that screens “can often times create bigger issues than they resolve”, citing recent “devastating consequences” when screens were installed in Dublin and Donegal. Flooding at Aughavadda on the Tulla Road and Gaurus Bridge was highlighted by Councillors Johnny Flynn and Mary Howard at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. Councillor Flynn pointed to “historic” flooding of R352 Tulla Road and previous river flow blockages/restrictions at Aughavadda bridge and concern about the river flow capacity at the downstream Gaurus bridge. He urged the Ennis Municipal District to “immediately” provide screens …

A festival exhibition will feature portraits of Mountshannon people, one of whom has a tale to tell Dan Danaher LIAM Waterstone still has a glint in his eye when he is asked about the intriguing story behind the stuffed trophy fish, which hangs proudly in a framed glass case at his Moutshannon home. Back in 1997, the 66-year-old father-of-three prompted a manhunt when he decided to spend nine hours in the dark battling with a huge trout before it was eventually brought ashore on a light fly rod. Oblivious to the consternation in the background, as local gardai, friends and neighbours searched the lake and pubs for his whereabouts, Liam explains he would have spent a fortnight in the boat trying to land this “fish of a lifetime”. The well-known fisherman, publican, postman, and bed and breakfast operator, is one of the 12 members of the Mountshannon community, who are part of a photographic exhibition by Clare Champion award-winning photographer, …

A NUMBER of special walks have been planned for the end of September at the 12 O’Clock Hills, writes Fiona McGarry. The amenity’s recreational and heritage project committee is planning the walks to mark the seventh anniversary of the official opening of the facility, in September 2014. The amenity has enjoyed a very successful seven years with continuous development of the trails and the upgrade of heritage sites. The development of a new car park at Belvoir and the addition of a Fairy Trail have been very well received, according to the committee. They have also highlighted the “added dimension” offered by the 13k Purple trail, which has increased the length and the number of hills to climb from two to three. In February funding of just over €18,000 was allocated to the 12 O’Clock Hills project under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) for small scale repairs as well as promotion and marketing. Picnic tables were among the improved …