Ennis

FITNESS facilities for young and old, cultural activities, a farmers’ market and the development of the River Fergus are just some of the innovative suggestions made by the community of Clarecastle as part of Clarecastle Community Development’s two-month consultation to establish a vision for the village’s future.The new Clarecastle Community Development company held its first public meeting in the Abbey Hall in January at which the interim board of Clarecastle Community Development undertook to consult with the community of Clarecastle. Since then, they have been very busy contacting sectors in the community to gather their thoughts. A contact information form was delivered to each household in the parish of Clarecastle encouraging individuals to provide details of particular skills and services they could offer the new development company and seeking their views on potential projects they deemed necessary for the improvement of Clarecastle.  The opportunity was also given to feed input and comments to Clarecastle Community Development through its website www.clarecastledev.com.  …

ASPIRING archaeologists have the chance to take part in a dig at a Mesolithic site in Fanore next month as part of the Burrenbeo Conservation Volunteers (BCV) programme. As part of the BCV programme, members of the public are invited to join with others and become a volunteer heritage worker. “You will get to assist in an extremely important Mesolithic site excavation, the first of its kind to be excavated in County Clare and can do so for free. All you need is enthusiasm for the Burren and commitment to the project.” The BCV is seeking volunteers for a minimum week-long commitment to assist qualified archaeologists with excavating, stripping, sieving, site drawings and closing of an important Mesolithic Site.The dig begins on April 16 and continues every Monday to Friday for a five-week period until May 18. Anyone hoping to attend should wear full wet gear, warm clothes, hiking boots or steel capped boots if possible, gardening gloves, and bring …

THE developers behind controversial plans for a €34 million retail development on the outskirts of Ennis could have to pay more than €700,000 to Ennis Town Council if the decision to refuse planning permission is overturned by An Bord Pleanála.

PEDESTRIANISATION is set to return to Ennis for St Patrick’s Day and it has been confirmed there will be free parking in the town on the day.

A NEW group has been helping young people in Cloughleigh to develop their talents for the betterment of their local community. The junior youth group has just recently started in the area and is aimed at young people aged 11 to 14. Already, they have organised a litter clean-up, with plans for even more action in the  future.

Ennis’ unsung heroes will next week be deservedly recognised for their good work in the parish when they are presented with People of the Year awards.The annual awards presentation will take place on Thursday, March 8, in the Old Ground Hotel with five local people receiving a People of the Year award from Bishop Kieran O’Reilly. A special merit award will also be presented.This year’s recipients will be Donal Griffin, Lahinch Road; Katie Drennan, Claureen; Patrick Murphy, Circular Road; Carmel O’Grady, Childers Road and Joe Martin Tulla Road. Receiving the special merit award will be Canon Pat Taaffe.According to Fr Tom Hogan of Ennis Parish, “Many people are working in a voluntary capacity, often unnoticed, giving of their time and energy in the service of others and enriching our community. A number of years ago the Pastoral Council decided to acknowledge their contributions and awards have been presented to worthy participants since.”The evening will begin with a slide show presentation …