Ennis

WITH just days to go before the announcement of who will host the 2012 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and reap the benefits of a multi-million euro boost to the local economy, the group championing Ennis’ bid has yet again impressed Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

THE ESB has succeeded in its bid to remove a condition of planning for a mast in Knockanean ordering them to pay over €6,000 to Clare County Council, despite an inspector of An Bord Pleanála recommending that the development contribution be increased to €10,000.

Ennis, along with most of the country, has received a clean bill of health once again in the latest survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL). Ennis is in joint 15th position, holding onto its ‘clean to European norms’ status and moving up from 21st place last year.

PROPOSALS to abolish town councils or remove their powers have been described as a “total insult to people” as members of Ennis Town Council emphasised the importance to local political representation.

THE National Looped Walks in O’Briensbridge should be promoted internationally to fully realise its huge tourism potential, according to Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Hayes.Councillor Hayes has also proposed that groups like the O’Briensbridge Community Group work in partnership with Government tourism agencies to present a new package for walking enthusiasts.In addition to promoting the National Looped Walks at high-profile events such as the annual Milwaukee Festival in the US, Councillor Hayes has proposed that a number of walks in East Clare be promoted as part of week-long recreational option for tourists.He suggested the different walks in O’Briensbridge be linked up with similar routes along the East Clare Way. He explained that a walker should be able to start out in O’Briensbridge and have all their belongings and a packed lunch transported to somewhere like Scariff. A day trip to Holy Island, boat trips on Lough Derg, short walks for those interested in a leisurely stroll and other family orientated …

TOWN councillor Mary Howard and town manager Ger Dollard took the long road to China as Ennis representatives at the 2011 World Cities Scientific Development Forum in Chengdu.The theme of the forum was Development and Co-operation among Cities: Building Liveable Cities for Humanity. It focused on disaster reduction and energy management with 33 countries represented.The travel and accommodation costs of the Ennis representatives were paid for by the forum organisers and Councillor Howard said she was pleased Ennis was included. “It was a great honour for Ennis to be asked to attend such a forum and to have an opportunity to contribute to the overall debate for disaster risk reduction. There were over 200 delegates from around the world at the conference and it was very beneficial to be able to present the Irish approach and, in particular, highlight the strategic location of Shannon Airport, in terms of the role it could play in humanitarian aid following major disasters and …

TÁ aonach na bhFeirmeoirí ar siúl í mbaile na hInse le breis ’s seacht mblian anois, i gcroí lár an mhargadh, gach Aoine ó 8am do 2pm.Ba gnách le Breandán MacFhionnghaile, oifigeach forbartha An Clár as Gaeilge, bheith ann go luath ar an Aoine chun glasraí, arán álainn agus cáis ón cheantar a cheannach. Thug sé faoi deara go raibh Gaeilge ag a lán de na daoine a bhí ag díol ann agus labhair sé le Dominic Ó Liatháin, cathaoirleach na díoltóirí mar gheall ar infheicteacht na Gaeilge a láidriú. Anois, tá ceithre Comhartha Mhóra lán Gaelach le feiceáil ar gach bealach isteach agus tá Gnó le Gaeilge ar fáil ag breis agus leath den na seastán. “Táimid thar a bheith sásta nasc a dhéanamh idir an Ghaeilge agus an concaip atá taobh thiar den aonach seo,” a dúirt Dominic. “Is deis iontach é do chustaiméirí agus díoltóirí úsáid a bhaint as a gcuid Gaeilge mar theanga caidreamh go rialta, …

EOIN Conroy, from Barefield, is the driving force behind the successful Enterprise Evolution Programme (EEP), which last week announced 100 new places for jobseekers. EEP is a Springboard-funded programme designed to bridge the gap between education and entrepreneurship. It is a partnership between Innovo Training and Development, the Synergy Centre at the Institute of Technology in Tallaght and the business school at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology and offers unemployed applicants the opportunity to upskill and develop new business ideas, while retaining their social welfare benefits.Eoin of Innovo Training and Development explains, “Our last two rotations have proven that this programme can really help people get a business off the ground, develop their careers and fulfil their potential. A firm focus on idea generation and entrepreneurship is exactly what the country needs at this time. We have the people and talent. We just need to foster, harness and support them,” he said.This year’s participants will be invited …