News

DESPITE the announcement of a significantly reduced registration fee for septic tanks for a three-month period and strong indications that financial assistance would be available for those who cannot afford remedial works, there is still huge public disquiet over the 2011 Water Services Amendment Bill.

If the Government can be forced to climb down on the septic tank issue, surely it can also be forced to climb down on the vexed question of those hated household charges.

Despite the best efforts of the Irish government and their European masters to prevent a referendum on the new European fiscal treaty, a vote may yet still happen. The Attorney General and possibly the courts may give the people a choice in their future where the politicians have denied them. There remains an interesting question however; could this be passed if the people are given a choice?

New legislation governing septic tanks could be delayed by President Michael D Higgins on foot of a constitutional challenge by a North Clare chartered civil engineer.

There were shades of illegal activities in the Wild West in East Clare this week as a farmer was hit by a cattle-rustling raid. The rustlers made off with 15 cows worth in the region of €30,000 and gardaí are warning the farming community to be wary of this crime and to be cautious of animals being offered for sale in unusual circumstances.

Clare primary teachers and local union representatives protested on the streets of Dublin on Wednesday amid a groundswell of opposition over the impact on proposed staff and support services cuts on national schools throughout the county.

The Cliffs of Moher outperformed the country last year when it came to the percentage increase in tourist numbers, it was revealed this week.