News

GLÓR has come out to show support for the National Arts Recovery Plan and are asking the people of Clare to help give a voice to the arts to ensure its survival from the effects of Covid-19. Theatres and arts centres across the country are backing the plan published last week by the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA). Orla Flanagan, director of the Ennis arts centre says, “All at glór stand together with the NCFA, venues around Ireland and our artists and arts workers at this difficult time to ensure the survival of our sector.” She explains, “Before and during this pandemic, it is the arts that have kept us company, been an escape, a voice, a release, a hope. As the country emerges from the pandemic and businesses attempt to return to trading or pivot to alternative offerings in a physically limited new world, the arts and culture sector will be the very last to recover in any …

Clare County Council has moved to purchase two buildings which will be demolished in order to begin works at one of the most notorious traffic black spots in the county. Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon is the focus of much scrutiny at the height of the tourist season in particular with huge backlogs coming into the North Clare town a common sight. It has also seen several instances of buses unable to take the bend on the busy tourist route which has led to long standing calls for something to be done to alleviate the issue. Planning permission was initially granted in 2018 for a plan of works which were estimated to cost in the region of €7 million which would involve building a new bridge over the river to relieve congestion. This will require the two buildings now under CPO from the Council to be demolished. The two buildings at the corner, Blakes and Linnanes, are protected buildings and will …

THE passing of the collection basket at mass may have been stopped due to Covid-19, but that hasn’t prevented local parishes from being right on the button when it comes to facilitating donations. Both the Ennis parish and Doora-Barefield parish websites have included a ‘donate’ button in which contributions can be made to the parishes online in a safe and secure way. Fr Jerry Carey of Doora-Barefield parish explains that contributions to the parish are “vital” to the ongoing funding of services. The new online facility has three sections where parishioners can donate an individual amount or choose an ongoing payment option. Donations can be made to Parish Funds for the day to day running of the parish which supplements the weekly basket and development fund collections. There are also Priests’ Collections, funds which go to paying the priest with the surplus going to pastoral care in the Diocese. There are four of these collections annually. While Other Collections sees funds …

QUESTIONS are being raised about why a multi-million housing development planned for Meelick has been shelved at a time when private rented accommodation is securing monthly rents of up to €1,300. Deputy Cathal Crowe has written to Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy asking for an explanation why this major development of 70 new housing units was not sanctioned by his department. “It is hugely regrettable that this project is not being developed at a time when there is an immense need for housing in the area. I liked this development because it almost had a 50 50 split of affordable and social housing. “There is a huge demand for housing in South-East Clare. Rents are averaging between €1,300 and €1,500 a month, which is some of the highest in the county. “There is huge rental pressure because of proximity to Limerick City and this housing development needed to happen,” he outlined. “There are other land parcels for sale in Meelick and …

PUBLICANS in Clare have reacted positively to news that pubs will be allowed to open three weeks earlier than planned, but have voiced concern that the two metre social distancing rule will force some rural pubs to remain closed. Under the accelerated road map unveiled by government last Friday, so-called “wet pubs,” which don’t serve food, can open for business from July 20. Pubs serving food may re-open, along with the rest of the hospitality sector, from June 29. While the news has been welcomed by organisations representing the trade, there is broad agreement that the two metre social distancing rule could mean smaller pubs face closure for the foreseeable future. In Feakle, Gary Pepper of Pepper’s Bar and Restaurant, said described the two metre rule as “a non-runner,” but expressed optimism about the pledge by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to reconsider the guideline. “We’re looking forward to June 29.” he said. “There is a lot of …

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a total of 5 people with COVID-19 have died. There have now been a total 1,705 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. As of midnight Friday 12 June the HPSC has been notified of 46 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 25,295 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. Clare has recorded no new cases meaning just one new case has been found here over the last ten days. There have been 369 confirmed cases in the county since the outbreak began. The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread. Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Thursday 11 June (25,249 cases), reveals: · 57% are female and 43% are male · the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years · 3,276 cases (13%) have been hospitalised · Of those hospitalised, 416 cases have …

WITH many businesses re-opening this week, owners are being urged to “set aside prejudice” and “unfounded generalisations based on fears” when it comes to job applications by asylum seekers. Innocent Iroaganachi, who is living in direct provision in Ennis, wants to alleviate what he says are “suspicions” being held about employing asylum seekers insisting that asylum seekers “work hard and put in their best”. He explains, “Prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, the Clare Public Participation Network (PPN) and Clare Local Development Company (CLDC), during an interaction with asylum seekers in Ennis, mentioned that as a result of some doubts, most business owners seem to be sceptical about employing asylum seekers. Some even think that it is illegal for asylum seekers to work in Ireland, as such they do not want to get into trouble with the government.” He outlines that many asylum seekers have received work permits during the lock-down, having attained the required nine month waiting period, after which …

Gardaí investigating organised criminality in Limerick city, carried out a search of a property in Corbally, close to the Limerick/Clare border at approximately 11:35pm last night. During the course of the search, Cocaine (pending analysis) with a street value of €440,000 was seized. A female in her 40s was arrested and is currently detained at Henry Street Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. In a follow up operation this morning a male in his 40s was arrested in the Castletroy View area of Limerick. He is currently being detained at Henry Street Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.