East Clare

PLANS for a glamping development on the outskirts of Killaloe have been given the green light by Clare County Council. Elaine and Patrick Scanlon, c/o Andrew Hersey Planning, secured planning approval for six glamping pods, toilet block, car parking area, vehicular access, waste water treatment plant and ancillary site works at Lackenbawn, Killaloe subject to nine planning conditions. The planning authority considered the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. One of the planning conditions stipulated the mitigation measures set out in the Natura Impact Statement – which were received by the planning authority on April 14 last – have to be implemented in full throughout the construction phase of the development. Prior to the start of the development, the applicant has to pay a contribution of €6,354 to the council in respect of public …

A FARMER has had to use silage bales to prevent illegal encampments beside a graveyard in East Clare, in a situation described as “crazy, outrageous, and scandalous”. At the July meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, incoming Cathaoirleach Alan O’Callaghan appealed to the Council to put in a long-term solution, saying the problem at Ballysheen Graveyard is an ongoing one.  “The ground was given to Clare County Council for the graveyard, in order to facilitate parking,” the Kilmurry man outlined. “Unfortunately, it was being used for other things. A local farmer hat to put bales out. I would not be in agreement with them being taken away, until something long term is actually done in order to stop the issue of illegal encampments. “When pressure is on in other places, that’s when encampments arrive there. Kerbing might work. We have to remember that the farmer has forfeited several bales of silage.There are a good few there.” The Fianna Fáil member …

MONDAY, August 1, will see a gathering in East Clare to commemorate two Old IRA volunteers, who were involved in a number of ambushes at the height of the War of Independence. Following extensive research, the family of Captain Mattie McGrath and his brother Dinny of Annaghneal, will remember their contribution to the fight for Irish freedom, and that of their comrades in the Sixth Battalion of the East Clare Brigade. The brothers were involved in up to six ambushes on Crown forces in East and South East Clare, including attacks like the high-profile Glenwood Ambush. “We knew a bit about Mattie and Dinny when we were growing up, but we’ve found out a lot more since then,” said Mike McGrath, a nephew of the men. “The Sixth Battalion organised ambushes all over East Clare, during the War of Independence, with Mattie and Dinny involved in many of them.” Research by Mike’s nephew, Seán, and his daughter Aoife, show that …

TOURISTS coming into East Clare could be at a serious disadvantage if they are driving an Electric Vehicle (EV), due to a lack of rapid chargers.  That was the view expressed by Councillor Pat Hayes who made an appeal, at the July meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District committee, for better infrastructure to support EVs.  “I’m being asked every day about this and I’d like a progress report,” he said. “I’m wondering about the rapid charging points in particular. If someone comes off the motorway and wants to charge their EV in Killaloe or Scariff, we don’t have a plan for that yet.” The Caher man pointed out that as more motorists make the switch to EVs, charging infrastructure needs to keep pace. “There’s a huge amount of people moving to electric cars and asking where the fast-charging points are,” he said. “The fact is, we don’t have any. There is urgency around this now. We need at least one …

VANDALISM in the local playground has prompted a staff of Clare County Council to contact Crusheen Gardaí. The matter was raised by the incoming Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District when members held their July meeting. Councillor Alan O’Callaghan said he had been asked by locals in Crusheen to raise the issue. He tabled a motion calling for lighting or other works to stamp out the problem.   “There have been a few incidents of anti-social behaviour recently within the playground,” he said. “I think that a few lights leading into the playground would be ideal.” The Kilmurry man thanked Community Playground Coordinator, John Treacy for a reply to his motion. He said the problem of anti-social behaviour wasn’t widespread, but that there were concerns in Crusheen. “There are a lot of lovely playgrounds, on some occasions, anti social behaviour happens,” he said. “We don’t have too much of it, but the problem is rising in Crusheen area and I hope …

AHEAD of the August Bank Holiday weekend, renewed concerns have been voiced about a spike in unauthorised camping and the flouting of bye-laws at a number of waterside amenities in East Clare.  Local councillors were told that, at one small harbour, signage showing that camping is prohibited had been painted over and blanked out, by those illegally using the car park overnight.  At the July meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District committee, Councillor Pat Burke highlighted recent issues at waterside facilities at Killaloe, Mountshannon and Dromaan. “Unfortunately, there is vandalism and anti-social behaviour going on this summer at some of our amenities,” he said. “If you take the toilet block in Mountshannon, there are constant issues every week. I have spoke to Gardaí about this and they are aware of it.” The Whitegate native also expressed his annoyance at issues involving jetskis in Killaloe and Mountshannon. “Some people are responsible jetski users, but the majority are not,” he said. “I …

FINAL preparations are being made for the eagerly-anticipated Scariff Harbour Festival, which returns after the hiatus created by the pandemic. A host of family-friendly events are on offer over three days from July 29 to 31, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Scariff and the wider East Clare region. Among the many activities available to locals and visitors alike will be a scenic walk on the Sunday (July 31), led by owner of Shamrock Walking Tours, Marie McMahon. The walk will offer a bird’s eye view of the leafy landscape, following the hills of East Clare overlooking Lough Derg and its stunning surrounds. Sunday’s walk will be 14.5km guided looped walk on the hills of East Clare. Those taking part will enjoy spectacular views of Lough Derg and surrounding mountains on the route. The walk includes an optional 3km historical walk of the townland of Cappabane. That promises an insight into the local heritage, historical sites and folklore of …

A KILLALOE Sailing Club member has set sail in his bid to become the first Irish person to complete an around-the-world race known as the “Voyage for Madmen”. Killaloe Sailing Club has wished one of its most well known members, Pat Lawless, the best of luck as he left Crosshaven in Cork on Tuesday to make his way to the starting point for the Golden Globe Race. The 66-year-old, who was born in Limerick, but lives in Kerry, is one of the solo sailors taking on this treacherous challenge. He told Virgin Media in Cork on Tuesday, that undertaking the challenge “was a dream that got hold of him when he was a young fellow”. “The human mind is funny, we all get hooked on something, different kinds of sport, reading, history, and I got stuck in sailing.” A great send off for Pat Lawless KSC member #GGR22⁦@RTESeascapes⁩ ⁦@AfloatMagazine⁩ ⁦@IrishCoastGuard⁩ @irish_sailing Kieran Concannon piping Pat out the gap 👏👏👏👏🇮🇪👍⁦@PatLawless17⁩ pic.twitter.com/77jlObqAoA …