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A SUSPECT device that was discovered at the Clean Ireland Recycling premises in Shannon last week, turned out not to be explosive. Gardai confirmed that while the device was taken away and disposed of, it turned out not to be dangerous and there is no suspected offence to further investigate. Owen Ryan

    CLARE Fianna Fáil councillors has expressed their fury over the decision to effectively grant the government at least another year in office, claiming people have been “let down”. The decision by Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin to extend the controversial Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Fine Gael for another 12 months to provide political stability in view of the chaos in Westminister has sparked a major backlash from some local councillors. Deputy Martin has stated Fianna Fáil couldn’t risk four months of uncertainty in the run up to a General Election and a length process to form a new government in the interest of the economy. However, a Clare Champion survey of local FF councillors have revealed the majority of them are opposed to the one-year extension. Acknowledging that the uncertainty generated by Brexit is a major concern, Councillor Tony O’Brien said he was “disgusted and disappointed” by this decision. “This decision has let down the party, …

  WALKING enthusiasts in South-East Clare have been issued with an open invitation to work off the Christmas excesses by joining Ogonnelloe GAA club on a climb of Clare’s tallest mountain, Moylussa, midday on Saturday, December 29. In its annual Christmas community gathering, the club is going to make the most of its, and the county’s, biggest asset, Moylussa – the tallest point in the Slieve Bernagh Mountains at 532 metres – with an organised walk from midday. Walkers are asked to assemble for 11.45am. Last year, the community put on a special Christmas Musical Gala but, with major renovations on the Community Hall only just completed, it is taking to the outdoors for the 2018 festive season gathering. The starting point for the walk will be Two Mile Gate, with the two to three-hour – depending on levels of fitness – round-trek taking in the top of the mountain and, weather permitting, resplendent views across Lough Derg and well …

  TWO local organisations are seeking six extra volunteer wardens to monitor long distance walking trails in the county. Clare Local Development Company and Clare Sports Partnership are expanding the “Clare Trail Volunteer Warden” programme. Clare has 420km of trails including long distance walking trails like The Burren Way and East Clare Way, looped walking trails Like Lough Avalla Farm Loop and the Ballyvaughan Wood Loop and on-road cycling trails in Loop Head and Doolin. The trails are managed by a variety of local community groups, Clare Local Development Company, Clare Trails ltd, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte. Eoin Hogan, rural recreation officer for Clare explained the biggest challenge with managing an off road trails such as the Lough Avalla Farm Loop, the Burren Way and the East Clare Way is finding out about the issues that might need addressing, such as broken stiles, missing directional sign. “The goal of our initiative is to expand the already successful …

    EAST Clare councillors have expressed concern over the stranglehold Dublin Airport has on the grown of passenger numbers over the last five years. Passenger numbers at Shannon Airport are expected to be up to around 1.8 million by the end of this year representing over 30% of an increase since the airport became independent, separating from the Dublin group five years ago. Cork Airport has grown by more than 2%, which translates into 50,000 and Knock Airport by 12% in the same period Traffic at Shannon Airport has grown by over 400,000 since 2013, when the airport began managing its own business future after new legislation allowed it function independently of the Dublin Airport Authority. However, Shannon Heritage managing director, Niall O’Callaghan pointed out the “unhealthy dominance” of Dublin Airport comes sharply into focus with confirmation passengers numbers at the city terminal grew by almost ten million in the same period. Given the focus on regional developments and …

  THE closure of the tourism office in Killaloe two years ago has been criticised as a “hugely detrimental” move against the promotion of East Clare and the town. Councillor Tony O’Brien highlighted the impact of closure during a questions and answer session with Shannon Heritage managing director, Niall O’Callaghan at a recent Killaloe Municipal District meeting. The Fianna Fáil Councillor recalled the operation of this tourism office was very beneficial particularly for tourists who came off the Dublin to Limerick motorway a few miles from Ballina. “The closure of this tourism office was hugely detrimental and a backward step. I would ask Shannon Heritage to consider re-opening this tourism office because it is a very necessary and vital piece of infrastructure for this part of the county,” he said Mr O’Callaghan said it was very important to clarify the role of Shannon Heritage, which operates as a commercial semi-state and this is very different to the role they previously …

MANY tears of happiness have been shed in the terminal of Shannon Airport over the last week, as loved ones are welcomed home for Christmas. People whose journeys began in Australia, America, the UK and many other countries are all being welcomed back into their families, with almost 73,000 expected to come through the airport over the festive period. George Egan from Inagh was waiting expectantly outside arrivals on Wednesday morning for his London-based son, also called George. Making his way to Shannon to pick up his son had been no chore. “I’m delighted, it’ll be great to see him. The rest of the family are coming tomorrow too.” Young George works in finance in the UK and was glad to be home. “I’m back for a couple of weeks, so I’m delighted with that. It’s good to see him [his father], it’s been a few months since I’ve been back. I didn’t think he’d set this up!” he joked, …

IT won’t be a white Christmas, at least from Christmas Eve until St Stephen’s Day, according to Met Éireann’s forecast. Monday ON Christmas Eve, it will be mostly cloudy with patches of mist and fog in the north, although a few bright spells are possible. It is more likely to be cloudy with patchy rain in the south. Light and variable winds. Max temp 8-11°C (46-52°F). Tuesday CHRISTMAS Day is likely to be rather cloudy and damp, perhaps with the odd spot of light rain or drizzle. Mist or fog could linger throughout the day in one or two locations. Light south to south-easterly winds. Max temp 8-11°C (46-52°F). Wednesday ST STEPHEN’S Day will be mostly cloudy once more with low cloud or mist likely at times. A few bright spells are possible around coasts during the afternoon, however. Gentle south to south-easterly winds. Max temp 9-12°C (48-54°F).