News

THE proposed development of a new West Clare wind farm is earmarked for an area already “saturated” with wind turbines, a local opposition group has claimed. MCRE Windfarm Ltd has lodged a planning application for the construction of ten wind turbines in phase two of the Cahermurphy wind farm. Subject to planning approval, this will involve the development of a wind farm and underground grid connection cable to the national grid in the townlands of Cahermurphy, Knocknahila More South, Carrownagry South, Caheraghacullin, Drummin, Doolough, Glenmore and Booltiagh. The Cahermurphy 2 Opposition Group feel that this site is entirely unsuitable for an industrial development of this kind. At present, there are 107 operational industrial wind turbines within a 12k radius of Cahermurphy, with planning permission granted for another 30. According to a statement issued by the group, there were 104 submissions objecting to the Request for Further Information planning application for the Cahermurphy 2 wind farm. The group stated there were …

DEPUTY Joe Carey has been told that a decision to extend a redress scheme to Clare homeowners affected by pyrite is “premature” until a full report on the extent of the problem has been compiled, writes Fiona McGarry. The Fine Gael TD tabled a questions to the Minister for Housing asking him to report on work to incorporate Clare in the defective concrete block scheme and whether homeowners will be eligible for 100% of the costs. Responding, Minister Darragh O’Brien outlined how Clare County Council is compiling a report on the extent of the problem in this county. “Such analysis will provide the evidential basis necessary for the consideration of any extension of the scheme,” he said. “Pending the receipt of and consideration of such analysis it would be premature to consider an extension of the scheme,” the minister added. In respect of the existing scheme which only covers Mayo and Donegal, Minister O’Brien said he expects a review being …

Robin Simons tells Jessica Quinn about managing Parkinson’s, dancing on mountains and the positivity of dogs “I think self pity is a terrible affliction”, author and photographer Robin Simons tells me on the crackling phone-line from his home in Germany. Robin has lived with Parkinson’s disease for more than 20 years, and I last spoke with him when he was living in Connemara, climbing mountains and planning on writing a book of poetry and photographs inspired by the health benefits of nature. Ten years on, Robin has finished writing his third book, Dancing on the Mountain Tops, detailing his climbs of 150 mountains in Ireland, including many in Clare, and the lessons he has learned along the way. However, these weren’t the only challenges Robin has faced. In 2016 he had major Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to help treat his Parkinson’s and just five weeks later he had a near fatal collision with a tree. Those setbacks, however, didn’t stop …

GARDAÍ are following “a definite line of enquiry” following two separate drugs seizures in Clare. As part of an ongoing operation targeting the cultivation of drugs in West Clare last Monday evening, June 28, uniformed Gardaí from Kilrush Garda Station executed a search warrant in a house in Liscannor. During the course of the search four cannabis plants with a value of €3,200 were seized. Later the same evening the Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house in Lahinch and seized cannabis plants worth €8,800. No arrests were made on the day but gardaí say they are following a definite line of enquiry and files will be prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

GARDAÍ in Clare are urging people to stay cautious on their staycation. With holiday makers looking forward to a summer break at home, the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána have launched a campaign urging road users to ensure that they stay safe on the road. “We want people to enjoy their summer holidays. If you are planning a staycation, please ensure you plan your journey in advance, take frequent breaks and do not allow any distractions while driving. Ensure everyone in your vehicle is wearing their safety belt and make sure all children are in a suitable safety seat,” says Clare Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks. “Be mindful of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and motor cyclists. Park safely and legally when visiting beaches, beauty spots as well as other public amenities. Parking illegally can lead to unnecessary risk and dangers such as forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads. It is important …

Engineer says that a centralised plant for problem areas would be more efficient THE development of single waste water treatment systems for four North Clare locations is a “waste of resources”, according to a local civil engineer. Irish Water has confirmed works to end the long-running practice of discharging raw sewage into Liscannor Bay are due to get underway in the coming months following the appointment of a contractor to construct a new wastewater treatment plant. However, Mick Duffy believes the development of a central treatment plant to deal with waste water issues in Kilfenora, Ennistymon, Lahinch and Liscannor would be far more cost efficient for the taxpayer. “Kilfenora, Ennistymon, Lahinch and Liscannor all have issues with under capacity or dysfunctional wastewater systems,” Mr Duffy told The Champion. “It seems to me a pity and a waste of resources that these are treated individually instead of in combination with one appropriate plant treating all. “Nobody has costed such a solution …

AN EPIC fundraising run in memory of the late beloved son of a west Clare family has made an impressive €45,000 for a number of charities. Ailish and John McMahon lost their son Cormac in May 2019 and wanted to do some good in his memory by raising much-needed funds for charities. The four charities to benefit will be The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice and Bumbleance, the official Children’s National Ambulance Service. The event, dubbed 4 10ks 4 Cormac saw John completing four 10-kilometre runs in just one day, four hours apart; something he achieved with flying colours on May 15 this year. Last week, the family handed over the proceeds of the fundraiser at West Clare Sports and Fitness, with the successful campaign raising over €45,000. The final figure came both from online fundraising through a account and a sponsorship cards sent out around west Clare, including Cooraclare, where John is originally from and …

TRIBUTES have been paid to the legacy of an award-winning “community leader” in South-East Clare. A veil of sadness descended in O’Briensbridge last week following the death of former community group chairperson, Mick Murtagh (82), in University Hospital Limerick (UHL). Councillor Tony O’Brien said Mr Murtagh was a very passionate about his local community. “Mick Murtagh worked that passion to make a huge contribution to his community. He worked tirelessly and selflessly for the betterment of others. He was a leader in community activity.” O’Brien’sbridge community group chairperson, Margaret O’Connor, said it was with great sadness and regret that people learned of the sudden passing of their dear friend and neighbour, Mick Murtagh. “Mick walked the riverbank daily with his dog, Patch. He was out walking the same route just days before he passed away. “Mick worked tirelessly and passionately on behalf of his beloved communities of Montpelier and O’Brien’sbridge. “His love for his native place was evident in all …