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PERMISSION has been granted for 36 new homes in the village of Quin, subject to 25 conditions being satisfied. Datcha Construction, who lodged their planning application in January of 2022 for a site at Quingardens, have secured the permission despite some local opposition. While the developer originally sought permission for 41 homes, the local planning authority has reduced the permitted number by five. The developer had applied for permission for 13 detached, 10 semi-detached and 18 terraced houses on a site of just under two hectares. During the initial assessment of the plans, five objections were received by the local authority. These included a joint submission from Quin Garden Residents, raising concerns about local bat roosts and other issues. County planners sought FI on nine aspects of the housing proposals. These included further details of the impact on the Lower River Shannon Area Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the Poulnagordon Cave SAC and the Old Domestic Buildings SAC. The developer …

CLASS A drugs worth a combined €26,000 have been seized in Clare following a raid on a premises in the county town. On Wednesday, January 11, Detective Gardaí from the Divisional Drugs Unit assisted by the Regional Support Unit and the Southern Region Dog Unit carried out four searches under warrant in locations on the outskirts of Ennis. During the course of the searches approximately €14,000 worth of suspected Cocaine and €12,000 worth of suspected Heroin was located and seized. The suspected controlled substances have been forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for examination and a full investigation into these seizures is being carried out by the Divisional Drugs Unit.

Would you like to do something to help the climate problem in 2023? Bridget Ginnity has some suggestions, both for individual and system change actions. Pick a couple that suit your budget and lifestyle. What’s more, you might even save money too! Transport and travel • Drive slower and smoother • Lift share • Walk and cycle more • Change to an electric car • Think twice before you fly Things   • Buy less, buy wiser, buy local • Share big items like tools/sports gear • Reuse, repair, recycle and upcycle • Gift experiences, not things Home energy • Change from open fire to stove • Cut down or cut out use of coal, peat, oil and gas • Reduce times and temperatures of hot water and room heating • Improve air tightness and insulation • Install solar panels Food • Eat less meat and fish • Reduce processed foods • Eat sustainably produced and local food • Plan …

A CLARE GP is supporting calls for people to wear masks in public places in a bid to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, which has resulted in increased admissions to local surgeries and University Hospital Limerick. Dr Michael Kelleher estimates presentations to his practice has gone up by up to 20% over the last four weeks due to the surge in RSV, Covid-19 and influenza. The Lahinch doctor recalled mask wearing was a very effective measure during peak Covid-19 surges and should again be repeated in the midst of a significant hike in respiratory illnesses. “There is evidence that wearing a mask reduces droplet transmission. In the midst of a surge in respiratory illnesses, I think wearing masks in public places might be perfectly reasonable, particularly if you are a vulnerable individual. “Wearing a mask protects a person you are in close contact with more than yourself. It does make sense. If there was more mask wearing in public, …

PLANS to house refugees in an industrial building in Shannon have been criticised by local elected representatives. Last week the Office of Public Works (OPW) said it had made Unit 153 at Shannon Business Park (a large building close to where Molex had been located) available to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and that it is being adapted for emergency accommodation. In a statement to the Clare Champion the Department acknowledged it is working with the OPW “to develop proposals/design to use a state-owned property in Shannon Free Zone to accommodate International Protection Applicants.” However, it contradicted the OPW’s claim that it is currently being adapted for the use of refugees, saying that engagement between the two bodies is ongoing and contracts have yet to be agreed or signed. Unit 153 is a large building that is not currently in use. Speaking to The Champion on Tuesday, Clare TD Cathal Crowe said he doesn’t believe that …

MET Éireann’s annual report for 2022 showed Shannon’s mean temperature was 0.5 degrees above the long term average, reflecting global warming trends. According to its findings Shannon had 3% less rainfall than its long term average, while enjoying 1501 hours of sunshine, 15% above average. There were some especially notable temperatures recorded Shannon this year, including its highest July temperature on record, when 30.8 degrees was recorded. The highest August temperature on record at Shannon was also recorded (30.0 degrees) and the highest minimum temperature ever seen in Ireland during November was recorded at Shannon as the temperature never dipped below 14.9 degrees on Friday, November 14. The report stated that Ireland’s warming trend continued in 2022, and we are warming in line with the global average. It noted that other countries are warming at a greater rate than Ireland and the summer of 2022 saw multiple heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures across Europe and around the world. The spring and …

A DETAILED design and locations for bus stops as part of plans to develop an Ennis town bus service is expected to be completed by the National Transport Authority within the first nine months of this year. The establishment of the bus service has been described as “crucial” by Councillor Johnny Flynn who, at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, urged that preparations begin immediately to ensure infrastructure is in place to support the service. Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, stated that the provision of the service “has been a priority for all involved in the delivery of services for the former Ennis Town Council-Clare County Council Ennis Area and Ennis Municipal District Council.” And he said the council will assist the NTA in the “timely completion” of required infrastructure designs and installation. Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Flynn welcomed the news that the NTA plan to have a two route Ennis bus service in operation by early …

A COMMUNITY leader has been lauded for her inspirational work spearheading the provision of a €8.5 million sheltered housing complex in Ennis. Pauline McNamara (72) has been awarded the Margaret O’Leary achievement in community housing for her work with Cuan an Chláir. This award is designed to recognise the achievements and commitment to housing by voluntary board members, individuals or local authority representatives demonstrating a high level of leadership in housing delivery and management over a sustained period. “The award is for all of the committee. It is great to win an award, but my focus is on the next project. What has been achieved by the whole committee is marvellous,” Pauline said. In his nomination submission Cuan an Chláir director, Willie Moloney described Ms McNamara as someone who “nourishes and protects dreams through bad days until she brings them to sunshine and light”. Mr Moloney outlined their chairperson has been the driving force behind the initiative from the start …