News

MOBILE speed cameras aren’t being used as a means of promoting road safety but as a means of raising money, several Clare county councillors have claimed.At the April meeting of the local authority it was also claimed that the drop in road deaths isn’t down to the use of the cameras, but to changing attitudes among the public.More than one member claimed cameras are being deployed at strategic locations, which are relatively safe, but advantageous for raising money.At the meeting Councillor James Breen put forward a motion that the council “call on the Minister for Justice to clarify the position in relation to mobile speed cameras. In view of the fact we were originally told that the cameras would operate in high speed and major accident areas, they are now operating within speed limit zones in towns and villages throughout this country.”Introducing it, the Kilnamona man said; “Originally we were told you could go to a website and see where …

Frontline health services in Clare should be exempt from proposed Health Service Executive (HSE) cutbacks, local county councillors have insisted.Proposing the motion, Councillor Bill Chambers warned the 5.2% reduction in spending in the HSE Forum West region from Donegal down to Clare would have an adverse impact locally, particularly on staffing.Councillor Chambers claimed there would be a loss of 19 beds in the Clare Mental Health Services while the 3.7% cut in disability services locally would result in cuts in transport, residential and respite services.He said the cut of €1 million in the Ennis Hospital Budget and the 13% or €2 million reduction in the budget for the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick would have a desperate impact on the delivery of health services in the region.HSE West Forum member, Councillor Tom McNamara stressed the reduction on home help spending would have an adverse impact on vulnerable elderly people throughout the county.Councillor McNamara complained that frontline services were being hit by …

Sinn Féin has said they are pleased with the reaction they are getting in Clare regarding the Fiscal Stability referendum.Party spokesman Anne Hayes said this week that thousands of leaflets have been delivered in the last few weeks and that canvassing is about to start.“People see that austerity has failed in this state and in states across Europe where unemployment is risking and poverty and hardship are the only growth industries. This austerity treaty will hand over significant control of fiscal and budgetary matters to unelected EU officials. “Whatever you may think of the Irish Government, at least citizens can change government and make them democratically accountable come election time. We cannot do this with EU officials who are not elected by Irish citizens and held accountable by them.”She said that promises made in advance of the last European referendum had not been delivered. “The promises of jobs and recovery we hear from Government now are exactly what we heard …

A NEW strategy aimed at catering for the needs of Clare’s ageing population has been launched this week. Latest Census figures show that over 11.5% or 13,315 of Clare’s population of 117,196 are currently aged 65 years or over, representing a 0.5% increase on the 2006 Census figures. This figure is expected to grow in the coming years.Following the launch of the Clare Age Friendly County Programme last September, Clare County Development Board is now developing an Age Friendly County Strategy. The initiative, which is supported by the Ageing Well Network, is being championed by former Bishop of Killaloe Dr Willie Walsh. A countywide series of public consultations will begin in Ennis next Thursday when members of the community, especially older people, will be asked to submit their suggestions as to how County Clare can be made a more age friendly place to live in, to work in and to visit.  The consultation sessions will take place at the Temple …

ENNIS pupils are among the finalists in the nationwide search for One Good Idea to tackle climate change and promote energy efficiency.The Idir-bhliain pupils from Gaelcholáiste an Chláir have qualified as one of the top 20 teams in the country to go on to the competition’s national final in Dublin Castle in May. Under the guidance of their geography teacher, Yvonne Walsh, they are promoting greener travel in the school. The team is lead by Niamh Ní Chearbhallain, Susan Ní Fhogartaigh, Sorcha Ní Ghríofa and Cian Ó Ceallaigh and assisted by their classmates in idir-bhliain. Their one good idea is titled The Human Bus, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion, air and noise pollution and safety risks surrounding the school in the mornings.  Yvonne explained, “Students were dropped off at designated stops around the town and walked together to the school thus reducing traffic congestion in front of the school in the morning”. Over the next two weeks, pupils will …

A CONSORTIUM led by Tralee business man Brian Dillon, managing director of Dillon Waste and Recycling, has acquired for an undisclosed sum Mr Binman, the household and commercial waste collection and recycling company. No details of the cost of the acquisition by the Kerry company were revealed.  The acquisition relates to Mr Binman only, which has customers in Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork and Galway. It does not relate to Clearpoint and O’Mearas (Mr Binman Clonmel), which continue to trade as normal in receivership. Kieran Wallace and Padraic Monaghan of KPMG had been appointed by the High Court last November as joint receivers to Mr Binman. When the matter first came before the High Court, it was stated the company employed around 330 people directly and 280 indirectly.The acquired entity will continue to trade under the successful brand, Mr Binman. Brian Dillon will take up the role as managing director of the company. Dillon Waste is a successful waste and recycling …

THE West County Hotel is set to host the finals of a major national music competition featuring some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry as judges.The All-Ireland Music Competition was recently launched at a star-studded event in Dublin. In a major coup for the Ennis hotel, it has been confirmed that the West County will be the scene for the finals in September.It has been announced that Mercury Music Winner and Hot Press Best Female Artist Gemma Hayes will be taking time out of her hectic international touring schedule to judge the competition along with Eurovision winner, Paul Harrington.This is the first year of the All-Ireland Music Competition, sponsored by Shannon Development with Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau. The nationwide competition has prizes of a recording contract and TMI representation with a single release for Christmas. Teresa Brady, sales manager at  The West County Hotel said, “Having worked with Anthony Whelan from Shadow Hawk Music Production over …

The Ennis Branch of the RNLI is launching a Mayday appeal to raise funds for vital lifesaving equipment for volunteer lifeboat crews. In particular, funds are needed for new lifejackets for volunteers who launch the lifeboats to save lives at sea. An exciting calendar of events has been organised to raise the funds for the lifeboat crews. The first event, scheduled for Tuesday next, will be an open evening in the Sanctuary, Queen’s Hotel at 8.30pm to announce details of the proposed new lifejackets campaign.The evening will also highlight events for the coming months, including a stroll on the hills of Aylroe in Kildysart in May as well as the Moonlight to Midnight walk in the Burren in July.  This will be followed in September by the annual Burren Ramble. Invited guests from Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Station, Ennis Branch members and crew from Doolin Sea and Rescue will turn be in attendance to share their life experiences. The RNLI has …