News

A COMPANY planning the development of seven wind turbines on land to the east of Kilbane has pledged to provide more detailed information to residents over the coming months. EDF Renewables Ireland, which has confirmed plans to develop a 50MW wind farm, held a public consultation clinic on Tuesday, August 16 last when residents were invited to discuss their views and concerns with members of the project team. The proposed Lackareagh Wind Farm, which could power more than 35,000 homes, will be located in the townlands of Killeagy and Shannaknock. In an information leaflet provided to residents on Tuesday, the company stated it would be carrying out more detailed environmental studies at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape and visual assessments as well as measuring wind speeds. The results of these studies along with feedback gathered throughout consultation with communities will be used to determine the final turbine layout. The company will also be undertaking a transport and access study …

THE number of people on the live register in Clare rose last month, going from 4,587 in June to 4,929 in July. The number signing on at the Social Welfare office in Ennis increased from 2,302 to 2,513, while in Ennistymon it went from 923 to 995. In Kilrush the figure increased from 923 to 995, while in Tulla it went from 638 to 670. The Clare figure is just over 700 higher than it was last July, when it stood at 4,228. Clare has received a significant amount of refugees due to the war in Ukraine, and this complicates making direct comparisons, as the Central Statistics Office say that many of the new arrivals are receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance. “There were 9,942 people benefitting from the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive included in the Live Register figures for July 2022, an increase of 2,795 from June 2022. “People arriving in Ireland from Ukraine under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive can access …

CLARE students hoping to move to Galway for college this year are being warned to be wary of potential rental scams. With housing options in short supply NUI Galway Students’ Union is urging those seeking accommodation for the upcoming academic year to exercise caution before committing to a private residence this year. The union advises that before rushing into signing a lease/contract it is extremely important to make sure the property fits the needs of all tenants and to look out for rental scams. Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, Students’ Union Vice-President/Welfare and Equality Officer says, “There are still some properties available so don’t panic and make sure you keep a close eye on all the accommodation websites especially www.nuigstudentpad.ie” The union have set out some handy tips for those seeking accommodation: 1. Be aware of the following rental scams: Scammer claims to be out of the country so can’t show you the property but requests a deposit. Scammer is living at …

AN Bord Pleanála has been urged to overturn Clare County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a multi-million Euro housing scheme in Lahinch. The council recently turned down plans for the development of seven detached four-bedroom dwelling houses with detached sheds at School Road, Attycristora, Lahinch. Associated site development works included wastewater pre-treatment and connections to public services. A Natura Impact Statement was also submitted on behalf of the developers, SPL Property Limited, Saint Flannan’s View, Ennis. This was the applicant’s second application for the proposed development at this site, which sought to address the council’s concerns raised in a Further Information Request in relation to the previous application. In this subsequent application, the applicant’s design team revisited the layout and as indicated in the Senior Executive Planner’s Report dated July 1, 2022, the council’s concerns were successfully addressed in relation to a number of aspects. These included drainage attenuation, boundary treatment, pedestrian infrastructure, construction traffic, management, water capacity, …

Lough Derg RNLI is recruiting new volunteers to join their lifesaving team for shore duty in roles as Deputy Launching Authority, Additional Lifeboat Mechanic and Tractor Driver.   According to a spokesperson for Lough Derg RNLI shore crew “have a central role in securing the safety of the lifeboat and the men and women launching their craft to rescue those in peril on the water. They ensure the successful and smooth operations of the RNLI’s lifesaving work within the station. “As a volunteer with the RNLI you will gain new skills and enjoy the satisfaction of giving back to your community. The RNLI will provide all training to fulfil your role. You will be supported at all times by the close team of existing volunteers at the station and by the RNLI.” The role of Deputy Launching Authority has been described as “central to operations within all RNLI lifeboat stations, as this volunteer initiates the launch of the lifeboat when requested by …

SOMETIMES raw and always authentic, John Kelly’s photographs capture Clare in all its glorious, local detail.  His pictures have a universal quality too. They celebrate humanity in all its forms and colours. They bear witness to moments and events that are truly extraordinary. They also find the magic in ordinary people going about their ordinary lives. From the intense stare of a rain-soaked Davy Fitzgerald, grappling with a defeat to Tipperary; to the serene faces of pilgrims at St Brigid’s Well in Liscannor, John Kelly’s interest lies in revealing what is going on beneath the surface.  A multi-award winner, John has been honoured many times by his peers. He has been personally singled out for praise by some of the greats of photojournalism including the UK’s Martin Parr and, most recently, by acclaimed portrait photographer, Peter Adams. As part of the Australian’s 40-year mission to track down some of the world’s best photographers, Peter came to Ireland to interview John …

AN URGENT warning has been issued to Clare’s business community following a sharp spike in cyber attacks targeting small to medium enterprises. Cyber security expert Edel Mee, who is based in Clarecastle, backed a recent appeal sent by The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) to the Small Firms Association (SFA). Both the NCSC and GNCCB warned of “a trend of small and medium-sized businesses being increasingly targeted by ransomware groups”. Ransomware attacks are just one of the multiple types of cyber crime directed at business and other organisations. They involve sending malware, mainly by email, which encrypts the user’s data. The cyber criminals then demand a ransom to unlock the system. While high profile cases involving the Health Service Executive (HSE) and other large organisations have received significant media attention, Edel said they are happening regularly to smaller enterprises. “IT security on a network is like your immune system,” she said. “If …

A WARNING has been issued about the impact of long Covid on the health system, with new figures suggesting that over 30,000 people in the Midwestern region are impacted.  Medical experts have outlined that up to 200 symptoms are linked to the condition, which persist from between three months and two years of contracting Covid-19.  Data compiled by Independent TD Denis Naughten suggest that 8,368 people in Clare have long Covid, with chronic symptoms that including brain fog, cognitive issues, exhaustion, sleeplessness, and other psychological and physical difficulties. The figures are based on an analysis of data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), showing that there had been 41,055 positive PCR tests taken in this county, up to August 10.  The long Covid estimate for County Limerick is 14,317; while for Tipperary, it is 10,511.  Deputy Naughten has provided the first analysis and county-by-county breakdown of the 336,451 adults nationally who are likely to be suffering from long Covid …