News

THERE has been a welcome in East Clare for a period of additional consultation on a multimillion Euro windfarm proposed for the slopes of Slieve Bearnagh, writes Fiona McGarry. Controversy surrounded the initiation public consultation phase for the Carrownagowan Windfarm, which was submitted as Strategic Infrastructure in November 2020, because public health restrictions prohibited gatherings and meetings during the window for submissions. Over the course of last year, An Bord Pleanála sought Further Information on the 19-turbine proposal from developers, Coillte. The board has now judged the material received to be ‘significant’, meaning that it must go on public display, with an opportunity for members of the public to make submissions on it until 5.30pm on March 14. “The information received by An Bord Pleanála was deemed to be significant so it’s now very important that people review this material and make themselves aware of what is involved,” said Councillor Pat Hayes. “The period for submissions on the new information …

AFTER teasing the location of the shop that sold Friday’s €30.9m EuroMillions jackpot winning ticket on Sunday, the National Lottery has now revealed the name of the shop. Friday’s winning ticket was sold at Larkin’s Gala Service Station, Garryurtneal, Ballina, Tipperary. The National Lottery has also stated that it is still waiting to hear from the winner of the mega EuroMillions jackpot prize worth over €30.9 million, and it continues to encourage players in the Mid-West region to check their tickets. The winning numbers in Friday’s EuroMillions draw were: 13, 18, 38, 42, 45 and lucky stars 07, 11.

THE government has been urged to reverse the planned end of coal-powered electricity generation in Moneypoint Power Generating Station by 2025 in the absence of alternative energy sources being available to fill the gap, writes Dan Danaher. The call was made by Independent Deputy Michael McNamara, who has criticised the Government’s policy of closing power stations during an energy crisis in the hope that they will eventually be replaced with green energy sources at an unspecified time in the future. In the absence of assurances that Ireland will have alternative energy sources in place by 2025, Deputy McNamara believes the government should reverse its decision concerning the proposed end for coal-powered electricity at West Clare power generating station. Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday night during a debate on a Bill introducing the €100 electricity credit scheme for householders, Deputy McNamara said growing concerns over Ireland’s energy security are being exacerbated by the closure of the country’s power stations and …

THE National Lottery has dropped a tantalising teaser as to where Friday night’s winning EuroMillions ticket worth €30.9m was sold. The organisation confirmed this morning that it plans to unveil the name of the winning store which sold Friday night’s winning ticket on Monday morning. The winning store which has become the home of Ireland’s 17th EuroMillions jackpot win since the game was started in 2004 is based in the Mid-West region in the bordering areas of Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. The National Lottery has also stated that it is still waiting to hear from the winner of the mega EuroMillions jackpot prize worth over €30.9 million, and it continues to encourage players in the Mid-West region to check their tickets.

VIEWS are being sought on measures to improve water quality in Clare, with two public meetings taking place online this week. On Tuesday, February 15, the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) meeting will focus on the Shannon, Killaloe and Ennis Municipal Districts. The meeting will cover the following catchments Lower Shannon, Lough Derg & Fergus Catchments. A meeting on Thursday evening will focus on the West Clare Municipal District and will cover the following catchments the Inagh River, Shannon Estuary and the Malbay catchment. The meetings will also look at the draft River Basin Management Plan (2022-2027). This blueprint sets out the environmental objectives to protect and restore rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters together with the actions and measures required to ensure those objectives are achieved. The online public consultation meetings offer an opportunity for local people to input into the draft plan, to make a submission and to get involved in helping to protect and restore local water …

COUNTY planners have given March 24 as an indicative decision date for a major new housing development in the offing for a Clare village, writes Fiona McGarry. A proposal to build 41 homes on a large site at Quin Gardens in the heart of Quin village is being considered currently by the local authority. The application from Datcha Construction is seeking permission for 13 detached, 10 semi-detached and 18 terraced houses on a site of just under two hectares. Five of the homes will be two-bed units, 32 will be three-bed and the remaining four homes will be four-bed. The largest of the proposed homes will be just over 158 square metres, while the smallest units will be just over 109 square metres. A total of 95 car parking spaces are proposed and provision has been made for charging points for Electric Vehicles (EVs). Drawings and site plans show that the proposed homes are arranged in four clusters, with a …

PROPOSALS for the development of a gated community for older people in the centre of Ennis have been refused planning permission by the local authority, despite the plans being scaled back by developers. The plans for the development on Upper O’Connell Street would “adversely affect the amenities and character” of the Architectural Conservation Area in Ennis town, the council determined in turning down the application. A planning application lodged by Alan Cummins Ltd had originally sought to construct a two-storey building incorporating six one-bedroom apartments, and a single storey building incorporating six storage sheds to be used in conjunction with the apartments. These plans were later reduced to a proposed one-storey building with three one-bed apartments after concerns were raised by Clare County Council. The changes were not enough however to convince the planning authority to grant planning permission for the units, with council planners refusing planning permission. The site of the proposed development is located within the ACA and …

PROGRESS with the provision of additional classrooms at an East Clare secondary school is moving as quickly as possible, the Minister for Education has said. Minister Norma Foley gave the assurance on the long-awaited new rooms, which will include facilities for practical work, in response to a question from Deputy Cathal Crowe. The Meelick man raised the issue in the Dáil, asking for an update and timeline on the works. In response, Minister Foley confirmed that, under Project 2040, under her Department’s Additional Accommodation Scheme two new mainstream classrooms are to be provided as well as a metalwork room and a woodwork room. She confirmed that the project has been “devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare ETB (LCETB)”. “In respect of Scariff Community College, the project was approved in February 2017 and proceeded through the various stages of the architectural planning process thereafter,” Minister Foley outlined. “A Stage 1/2A report was received in May 2018 in that respect and …