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FÁILTE Ireland has this week published a comprehensive set of reports capturing holidaymakers’ views of Ireland, including a survey on County Clare. The Fáilte Ireland Holidaymaker Study 2013 analysed the views of nearly 10,000 overseas and domestic holidaymakers, who visited 11 holiday areas across the country between May to October 2013. Visitors explained why they chose a certain destination, how they researched their trip and sourced their information as well as where they stayed, where they chose to eat and what attractions they visited. Of those surveyed, 64% said they would recommend Clare as a tourist destination and of those, 76% recommend it because of its “beautiful scenery and countryside”, while 51% said they would recommend it because of its nice and friendly people. It was the friendliness of local people which stood out most to tourists in their overall experience and the county earned a score of 4.78 out of 5 for this. A close second was its natural …

The Chambers of Ennis, Galway, Limerick and Shannon, which represent 1,355 members with a combined employment level of 45,700, have welcomed the recent signing into law of the Shannon Airport Bill. The Chambers’ concern about the length of time it has taken to complete this very necessary piece of legislation has been well documented but the presidents are now unanimous in their belief that a new dawn has finally arrived for Shannon Airport with new Shannon Group plc finally being in a position to bring their very ambitious plans for the airport to fruition. In a joint statement, the presidents said,”The ability of the new airport management teams now in place at the airport is clearly evident. A five-year decline in passenger numbers has already been reversed in its first year as an independent entity, and double-digit growth in passenger numbers is forecast for 2014. We can now confidently look forward to seeing further wins for the new strategic business units …

THE annual Tour De Munster charity cycle will see cyclists from across the province take to the roads in Clare on this Friday. While the route does not extend into the north of the county, Dysart’s Conrad McCullough is taking part in the event, which is raising money for Down Syndrome Ireland. The 23-year-old has Down Syndrome himself and loves cycling, so he will participate alongside the likes of Seán Kelly for the Clare leg of the event, when it leaves Killaloe on Friday. About 120 amateur cyclists will take off from the City Hall in Waterford on a 640km charity cycle around Munster over the course of four days from Thursday to Sunday. Conrad’s love of cycling came from his parents. He is a member of Burren Cycling Club with his mother, Breda and his father, Brendan. “We were always involved in sport and when Conrad was very young, he was always on a bike with his brother and …

Ennis Councillor Mary Howard has called upon farmers and residents living near farming areas to “see their farms through children’s eyes” and take the necessary precautions to ensure all areas are kept safe. “2014 is becoming a very dark year for farm deaths in Ireland,” the Fine Gael councillor said. “Seventeen people have died in farm accidents this year – one more than in the whole year of 2013. The Bank Holiday weekend marked a particular low, with two children dying in farm-related accidents. “I commend the IFA for trying to highlight the dangers of farming, and compliment the association for holding the first National Farm Safety Awareness Day with the Health and Safety Authority.”

In the wake of a wave of rural crime, older farmers in Clare have been asked to consider applying to their local community group for a personal alarm under the Seniors Alert Scheme. ICSA rural development chairman, Billy Gray said, “Subsidised monitored personal alarms are available to all those aged 65 or over who meet the criteria of the scheme and have a landline telephone. “Community groups have been issued with grants to cover the costs of purchasing and installing the alarms, and the recipient only has to pay the yearly monitoring fee.” “These alarms provide great security for older people or older couples living alone, as the alarm is monitored twenty-four hours a day and if you have any concern for your own safety, whether it’s an intruder or an accident, all you have to do is press the button and there’s someone at the end of the line to help.” Those who want more information  can contact the …

ICSA beef chairman, Edmond Phelan has called for an end to the 30-month age specification for beef cattle. “The 30-month rule is a relic of the past, introduced as an emergency measure in the fight against a disease which has long-since been contained,” said Mr Phelan. “It is now being used by the meat industry to dampen the market through over-supply.” “Peak calving months are March and April, and this issue will be particularly evident over the next few weeks, as more than 500,000 beef calves born in March and April 2012 are now approaching 30 months and there is an artificial urgency to sell these animals now to avoid penalties.” “This is an example of the manipulation of the Quality Payments System to penalise rather than reward farmers, and ICSA intends to ensure that this artificial market impediment is raised at the next beef roundtable meeting.”

The EPA has published the 2012 National Waste Report, which provides valuable information on trends in waste generation and management. It highlights the impact of an evolving waste policy landscape in Ireland, and changing household behaviours in relation to waste generation. Municipal waste generated per capita has decreased by 24% over the period 2007 to 2012 from 0.78 tonnes of waste generated per person in 2007 to 0.59 tonnes in 2012. Whilst the economic downturn undoubtedly had an impact on the levels of waste generated, this indicates a trend towards less waste generated and improved waste prevention in the country. Dr Jonathan Derham, EPA programme manager, said,“The data shows that Irish society is producing less waste per capita and is deriving more value from the waste it does generate through recycling and use as a fuel. Maximising the resource efficiency of all materials consumed is an essential aim of our transition to a sustainable economy.” 2012 was the first year …

Ennis Chamber has welcomed the return of the Merriman School back to the county capital for 2014. Taking place from Wednesday to Sunday week in Glór, Merriman has since its foundation in 1967, celebrated the work of Poet Brian Merriman and the history and traditions of Thomond,as well as promoting interest in all aspects of Irish culture. CEO of Ennis Chamber Rita Mc Inerney said, “Ennis Chamber is delighted that the Merriman School has returned to Ennis this year. The school is a very unique and distinguished festival in the Irish calendar with and impressive programme of topics and speakers. Ennis Chamber would like to encourage the business community to show their support for the festival through their welcome and interest in the programme of events. “The Merriman School attracts a broad range of people locally, nationally and internationally to Ennis over the five days, resulting in an economic boost to the business community. In turn Ennis has much to offer …