News

THIRTEEN years after Irish Rail admitted a level crossing near Cratloe was dangerous and should be closed, a local farmer had a ‘near-death’ experience at the same rail crossing.

SHANNON Airport should benefit from a net gain of at least €155 million when profits from Aer Rianta’s assets are distributed on becoming independent from State control.

THE meteorological office had forecast warmer climes, an announcement that had those engaged in the tourism industry in the county finally rubbing their hands in glee.

IF the people of Ireland had the opportunity, they would probably vote for the abolition of the Dáil and not merely for the abolition of the Seanad. That’s the view of former Fianna Fáil TD and Minister Brendan Daly as expressed by him on Clare FM this Tuesday. I am sure the veteran Clare politician doesn’t really believe this. It was somewhat of a throw-away remark in the context of a debate on the proposal to abolish the Seanad. He made the remark to illustrate the low esteem in which politicians and political institutions are held just now.

Like most people who heard the news last week of a gunman going on the rampage in the United States, I felt a sense of horror at the thought of what had happened and sympathy for the victims and their families. I did not feel surprise however and doubtless I was not alone in this either.

CLARE County Council, in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), has announced that due to the abnormal weather conditions and the possibility of pollution, swimming is prohibited at Lahinch, Kilkee and Spanish Point beaches.

Frontline services in Clare County Council will be reduced if the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan follows through on a threat to “withhold” allocations of funding for the third quarter of the year. The money is due from the Local Government Fund but some of it may not now be paid because of non-compliance with the household charge.