News

THE introduction of a new support scheme for people who need long-term nursing home care provides a more equitable and affordable mechanism for Clare families, according to Deputy Timmy Dooley.

IT was another miserable week for the people of Ireland. Countless numbers were left homeless and flooding caused millions of euros worth of damage. Our appeals for fair play in sport fell on the deaf ears of international soccer authorities. And the recession bit deeper, as tens of thousands of public sector workers went out on strike in protest against further threatened pay cuts.

THE controversy surrounding the provision of a new youth café in Ennis rumbled on this week when local residents issued statements about claims made by Councillor Brian Meaney concerning their opposition to the facility.

Editorial AFTER a week-long deluge and rains of biblical proportions, people might be lulled into a false sense of security in thinking that things can only get better.

Thousands of euro worth of damage was caused this week as two streets in the centre of Clare’s county town flooded, forcing people from their homes and damaging business premises.Last Thursday night, Ennis’ Francis Street flooded for the first time in living memory. The River Fergus spilled down Abbey Street and the flood’s source took locals by surprise as water surged from the Club Bridge, a point at which they said the river had never before burst.Freda Nihill has lived on Francis Street for 55 years. On Thursday, water gushed in her door destroying the floor of her 200-year-old house.“I was just sitting here looking at Eastenders and when I pulled the curtain, I saw the water on the street and decided that I mightn’t go out again that night. Then a knock came to the door and the water was just coming in. “The gardaí and the fire service put down sandbags. I thought the bags might keep it …

AN Taoiseach Brian Cowen commended the resilience of the people of Clare in the aftermath of some of the worst flooding ever to hit the county. The Taoiseach visited Ennis as part of an itinerary that included trips to other flood-hit areas, such as Cork and Ballinasloe.

DUTCH engineers should be recruited to produce long-term flood-protection solutions to deal with the disastrous flooding situation in Ennis, according to a local county councillor.

ONE of last week’s flooding victims believes he was the victim of allowing over-development on the flood plain of the Fergus. Eamon Traynor, who lives on the Tulla Road, was an objector to the development of Castlerock and Cappahard