News

THE recent return of a “sewerage-type smell” in parts of Shannon has prompted renewed calls for the Government to fast-track the allocation of €22 million for a major upgrading of the “outdated” treatment plant. Councillor PJ Ryan said there are reports of a return of an intermittent “sewerage-type smell” in parts of Shannon, including the Tradaree and Cronan Gardens area. While this foul smell, which comes and goes, isn’t as bad as the pungent one that caused huge difficulties last year, Councillor Ryan explains it tends to get worse as the day gets hotter. Councillor Ryan believes foul odours will continue to cause a nuisance for businesses and residents until the sewerage treatment plant is properly upgraded. The Independent Councillor said the plant was never designed to take the current volumes of industrial and domestic waste. Councillor Gerry Flynn said he recently contacted the environment section of the council, following complaints from residents about a foul smell in the town. …

Mullagh National School pupils are winning the obesity battle, thanks to the use of state-of-the-art facilities, as part of its commitment to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. That’s according to INTO president, Seán McMahon, who returned to his own school to raise the Active Schools’ Flag in his first official function since becoming president. Mr McMahon described this national education programme as one of the most important initiatives currently available to schools, particularly in the context of statistics indicating that over 100,000 Irish pupils are considered to be obese. Speaking at a recent Early Childhood Ireland Conference, Dr Catherine Woods revealed that research indicates only 19% of children are meeting their recommended daily level of exercise. Even more frightening is the trend towards obesity within the overall Irish population, with forecasts of 50% being obese by 2020. While the INTO regularly call on the government to provide additional physical education funding, Mr McMahon said Mullagh National School is way ahead …

The Burren will be showcased to one of the most lucrative tourism markets in the world after Black Head was used as the backdrop of Vogue, earlier this week. Irish photographer, Boo George, who was shooting for Emporio Armani at Dollymount Strand, last week, used the stark North Clare scenery as the setting for the fashion feature, with top international model, Aymeline Valade. Vogue is one of the top fashion magazines in the world and producer of this shoot, Laura Oughton, believes, “It is the perfect opportunity to let people see this area and hopefully they will want to come and visit and see where we shot the story.” She added that this was her first time in Ireland but she would definitely be back. “There are so many different types of scenery here and so much we can shoot,” Ms Oughton said. Michael Fitzsimons, Fáilte Ireland’s client services officer for Clare and the Aran Islands, believes this type of …

The parishioners of Clarecastle will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the construction of  the Church of Ss Peter & Paul on this Sunday. A special mass at 12 noon will be the focal point of the occasion and there is an open invitation to everyone to attend and hear Dr Joe Power outline the history of the church. Construction of the chapel was begun in 1839 to replace a much smaller thatched chapel, which lay about 100m to the south-west of the present church. The work was instigated by the parish priest, Fr Patrick O’Gorman, who came to the parish in 1834. The plot of ground upon which the church stands was donated by the Protestant landlord, Mr Patterson, in 1839. Other Protestants living in the parish, such as Mrs Stamer of Carnelly, who gave £60, also donated generous sums to the building project. The walls and roof of the building were completed in 1841 and in October of that …

Plans  for coastal protection works at the Donald Trump-owned Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg have been put on hold after Clare County Council requested further information. The request seeks information on the potential impact of the proposed works on the habitat of the Vertigo Angustior snail. The development being sought by TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd relates to coastal erosion management works at Carrowmore Dunes, White Strand, Doughmore Bay and Trump International Golf Links and Hotel, Doonbeg. It consists of the re-profiling of sand dune slopes and ancillary marram planting, sand trap fencing and golf course repairs at three locations within the Carrowmore Sand Dune System; temporary construction compound within the hotel complex and access to the beach during construction via the public access track off Mountrivers Road. The applicant states that a Natura Impact Statement would be submitted to Clare County Council with the planning application. In its request for further information, Clare County Council said, “Having regard to the …

The  countdown is for the landmark 110th County Clare Agricultural Show, set for Sunday, July 6 at Ennis Showgrounds. Always one of the top shows in the country – the prizemoney is an added bonus – the organisers are looking forward to welcoming the top breeders and owners of horses and cattle. There will also be several classes for sheep and donkeys. The Brood Mare All-Ireland Championship qualifier has a prizefund of €1,500, while the All-Ireland Yearling Colt or Gelding Championship carries a €2,500 pot. The prestigious De Valera Cup will be awarded to the champion young horse. On the showjumping side, spectators will be entertained by big name riders on the show circuit, while the pony-jumping will also attract considerable attention. The showgrounds indoor facility will house a huge array of home produce, fresh vegetables and flowers, as well as trade stands. The carriage driving class is always a big hit, as is the dog show and agility course. For …

More must be done if  town centres are to survive, according to Ennis Chamber. Ennis Chamber and Chambers Ireland have called on Government to introduce measures to support business growth and job creation in town centres. The call comes following a presentation by the latter to the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Ennis Chamber is calling on Clare County Council to reduce the county-wide rates to the Ennis town level, incentivise town centre locations for businesses and to give additional weight to local businesses in its procurement of goods and services. According to Chambers Ireland, the Government can support the revival of town centres by reducing the cost of doing business in town centres and by implementing fair public procurement policies that do not discriminate against SMEs, among other measures. Chambers Ireland chief executive, Ian Talbot said, “If our economic recovery is to be successful, it must be sustainable at a local level. Town centres have consistently suffered …

A ‘tractors only’ sign is still greeting tourists and local residents who want to use an important link road on the Loop Head Peninsula. Frustration is growing among householders living on the Ross Road, which connects the Loop Head Lighthouse with the Bridges of Ross, over the delay in making this route passable for cars. Despite numerous pledges from local politicians that this road would be repaired before the Local Elections on May 24 last, Clare County Council will not be in a position to start work until July 7. The roads at Ross Bay and Rinevella were extensively damaged during the January and February storms, when coastal protection gabions were washed up during extreme weather conditions. While the works at Rinevella will not start until September or October, the council has pledged to carry out temporary repairs to this road in the meantime. A sign stating ‘Suitable only for tractors’ was erected by Clare County Council in February, to …