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REAL concern about the spread of giant hogweed in south east Clare was voiced at the July meeting of Shannon Municipal District councillors, writes Owen Ryan. Councillor Michael Begley requested a “comprehensive programme” to eradicate it in the Clonlara, Mountcatherine and Gilloge areas, which would include both public and private lands. He said that there is a lot of frustration with how it is being dealt with, and that there is much if not more of it on private, rather than public lands. “We need a programme urgently,” he claimed. Councillor Begley said it is very important to get it at the right time of the year, and that changes to weed killers mean that more frequent treatment is required in the early stages of growth. He said that this year nearly all of the hogweed in the area had come to seed, and that if even one percent of what had come to seed came to root, the situation …

CLARE County Council has expressed concerns about the visual impact of a proposed holiday development near Ogonnelloe on a strategic regional road, writes Dan Danaher. John Walsh, c/o Roy O’Shea, 20 Lower Hartstonge Street, Limerick, recently lodged a planning application for a change of use from residential to recreational camping site, and the construction of six cabins for short stay accommodation, a gravel access path, seven car parking spaces, a waste water treatment system at Kilana Lodge, Rahena More, Ogonnelloe. The application also included the preparation of an Natura Impact Statement and ancillary works. In its request for further information, the local planning authority stated the information submitted with this application is insufficient to enable the authority to make a complete planning assessment of this proposal. The proposed site is accessed via a regional road R 463, which is a strategic regional route. The authority claimed the development proposal would result in an intensification of use of an existing entrance …

A BID has been made to reduce the backlog in West Clare of local roads that need upgrading under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), writes Fiona McGarry. At the July meeting of the municipal district, Councillor Gabriel Keating proposed that, in view of the 220 roads on the waiting list in the West Clare district, funding might be contributed from the income generated by the Local Property Tax (LPT) to match that from the Department of Rural and Community Development. In a written response to Councillor Keating’s motion, Noeleen Fitzgerald, Director of Finance said the matter would be considered when the 2022 budget was being drafted. “The draft budget 2022 process has commenced and will be considered by members at the statutory budget meeting later this year,” the reply stated. “The Local Government Act 2001 Section 102 as amended by The Local Government Reform Act 2014 provides the legislative basis for the preparation of the draft local authority budget. “This …

CONTACTS between An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Shannon Aer Lingus workers who are being laid off are understood to be continuing following an initial meeting, writes Owen Ryan. While Aer Lingus have been adamant that there will be no rethink on the closure of the Shannon cabin crew base, there has been a little optimism since the meeting between the Taoiseach and workers took place, with one source saying there is still a “smallish chance” of a rethink. Speaking on Wednesday, Clare TD Cathal Crowe said that the meeting between the Taoiseach and the workers had been satisfactory. “The meeting went well. It lasted for an hour and a half, which was much longer than all in attendance had expected. “The staff said that the Taoiseach had given a very sympathetic and listening ear, he understood where they were coming from, he listened to many of the reasons they gave as to why this permanent closure is unfair and unwarranted. …

WITH three of the four sides emerging contently from the opening round, the stakes in the ‘Group of Death’ are upped this weekend as Ennistymon are introduced into the mix against Kilmurry Ibrickane while old rivals Miltown and Cratloe renew acquaintances. Eoin Brennan reports. Kilmurry Ibrickane v Ennistymon at Cusack Park, Saturday, 4.30pm (Referee C Maguire) While neighbours Kilmurry Ibrickane and St Joseph’s Miltown know each other inside out, it’s a little less familiar territory from now on for the defending champions who will be expecting an Ennistymon ambush this Saturday. The North Clare side were the only team to sit out the opening weekend of the championship so they will be extra eager to not only get their championship challenge underway but also make an immediate impact. After all, with Kilmurry Ibrickane, St Joseph’s Miltown and Cratloe strong favourites to take the three knock-out spots, Ennistymon will be determined to break up that cosy cartel, having contested at least …

LAST week’s meeting of Shannon Municipal District heard criticism of the new draft masterplan for Shannon Town Centre, and a request that the deadline for submissions on it be extended. Very close to the outset of the meeting independent Councillor Gerry Flynn made the call for the time for submissions to be extended. He said that just the previous day the county development plan had been pushed back for seven months, because there hadn’t been adequate consultation due to Covid-19. Putting the deadline back for the Shannon masterplan is necessary, he said, with local people unhappy about the level of consultation. “There is widespread anger in the community because they haven’t had proper engagement.” After Jason Murphy of the Council’s executive said he would run the request by Brian McCarthy of the Council’s planning section, Councillor Flynn said this would not be adequate. “This is something for the Chief Executive to decide on.” Councillor Flynn said he had put forward …

A COMMUNITY mural will be painted during the summer months on an exterior wall of New Quay National School. The mural will be dedicated to the people working and living around Bellharbour and New Quay and created by professional artist Richard Hearns who is living in the area. Some funding has been offered by Clare County Council’s Community Support Scheme which will help the artist to purchase the necessary supplies. The concept of the design is based on ‘GROWTH’. There are many aspects within this concept -whether it be the growth of a child through school years mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. There is also the growth of nature and natural phenomena which Richard also plans to incorporate into the design. An oil painting will be created by Richard to begin the process and then in collaboration with a mural artist they will follow this design and produce the mural at the school. New Quay Community Development Group is inviting …

A WEST Clare pool lifeguard has been hailed a “hero” after rescuing a young girl who fell into the water at the rear of Seafield Pier in Quilty. Leah Peters (7) was visiting Seafield pier, in Quilty, West Clare, when she fell from the pier into the water. Her mother, Julie, has described the incident as her “worst nightmare”. Patrick Mungovan (25), was walking his dog along the pier last week when he heard the girl’s mother calling for help. The mother-of-three had a baby in a pram and another older child. This was the first time that Mr Mungovan had to use his life-saving skills in an emergency situation. “I was just there for a walk with the dog, I saw this lady screaming and crying. She was lucky I just happened to be there in the right place at the right time. Mr Mungovan has been a lifeguard since he was 16 years of age, and was providing …