Ennis

The BreastCheck mobile unit has returned to the grounds of Clare County Council in Ennis and is expected to remain at this location until December. On its last visit, close on 7,000 women availed of the free service. “Since BreastCheck first came to Clare in 2010 may lives have been saved by this simple procedure,” Councillor Mary Howard remarked. “These lives have been our mothers, sisters, aunts and cousins. However, it is important to be aware that about 20 men get diagnosed with breast cancer each year also,” she added. The Ennis councillor said women should carry out regular self examinations of their breasts and encouraged eligible participants to attend their appointment. BreastCheck – The National Breast Screening Programme encourages women aged 50 to 64 to avail of their invitation for a free breast mammogram (x-ray) in the mobile digital screening unit in Ennis. It is expected that about 10,000 women will be invited in this round, including approximately 1,800 women who …

Members of the public have just days remaining to have their input into two key strategies aimed at guiding the proper planning and sustainable development of Ennis and County Clare. The public has until this Friday to have their voice heard in relation to the Draft Ennis and Environs Local Area Plan 2015-2021, while a closing date of Monday next is in place for the new Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023. Clare County Council has already held a number of public consultation events in relation to the two separate plans. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, John Crowe is advising people to familiarise themselves with the new plan and to consider making a submission during the final week of consultation. Mayor of Ennis, Johnny Flynn said, “The new Ennis Plan will guide the development of the county Capital and its environs in terms of economic development, recreational and community requirements, as well as residential, retail, transport and infrastructural needs.

Minister for Education in Northern Ireland, John O Dowd is to address the INTO conference in Ennis in April, is has been confirmed. He will speak on Tuesday, April 7 following the address of the Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan. The INTO general secretary, Sheila Nunan will respond to both ministers on behalf of approximately 850 delegates, representing 33,000 primary teachers in the south and 7,000 teachers in the north, at Treacys West County Hotel. The Conference will be addressed at its opening session on the previous day by INTO president, Sean McMahon from Mullagh and and Tom Healy, director of the Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI). Tom has previously worked in the Economic and Social Research Institute, the Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the National Economic and Social Forum and the Department of Education and Skills.

Ennis solicitor, Marie Keane has been nominated by the Government for appointment by the President as a judge to the District Court. He appointment, along with that of Mr John King, arise from the elevation to the Circuit Court of His Hon. Judge Eugene O’Kelly and the recent retirement of Judge Eamon O’Brien on 24 January 2015. A partner in the firm of [John] Callinan Keane; after her early education,Marie studied at the National University of Ireland, Galway, qualifying with a BA (1988) and LLB (1991), and the Law Society – Solicitors Professional Course in 1994. She also has qualifications in commercial property, mental health law and in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. She is a member of the Family Law Committee of the Law Society, a founding member of the Family Law Mediation Group and a member of the panel for the Mental Health Commission. Marie has been at the forefront of new legal developments since the recent property crash …

Áras Contae an Chláir and the O’Connell Monument in Ennis will be illuminated in green light in the days leading up to St Patrick’s Day. Clare County Council is also encouraging businesses and building owners, particularly of high profile well known buildings around the county, to support the initiative by turning their properties green for Ireland’s national holiday. Welcoming the decision to illuminate some of the town’s best-known landmarks, Mayor of Ennis, Johnny Flynn said, “Famous buildings and locations all over the world will be lit up as part of Tourism Ireland’s drive to grow overseas tourism to Ireland. I am delighted Ennis is participating in this initiative and in illuminating the O’Connell Monument and Áras Contae an Chláir. The Clare capital and the people of the county will also be able to showcase their national pride to the world.” Meanwhile, St Patrick’s Day 2015 in Ennis promises to be a major celebration, with large crowds expected on the streets. …

A 71-year-old man has been returned to prison for one year following a finding by the Court of Appeal that his two-year prison sentence for indecently assaulting two boys in the 1980s was too lenient. However, in its decision delivered today (Tuesday), the court found that the maximum penalty for indecently assaulting a male in the 1980s was two years in prison and not 10, as had been suggested. James (Tony) Maher of Clonroad Beg, Ennis, had pleaded guilty to 18 sample counts of indecently assaulting two boys in the county between January 1982 and April 1985. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each count to run concurrently by Judge Carroll Moran at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on January 14 2013. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully applied for a review of Maher’s sentence on grounds that it was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal agreed and increased Maher’s sentence by one year. President of the Court of …

Coláiste Muire in Ennis will launch its ‘Fresh Air Friday’ initiative this Friday, as part of efforts to secure a Green-Schools Travel Flag. The Travel Flag encourages students, parents and teachers to walk, cycle, car-pool, Park N’ Stride or use public transport on the school run. Staff , as well as parents of students being driven to school, will be leaving the car at home or a distance away to participate in the initiative, which is being facilitated by An Taisce Green-Schools and supported by Clare County Council. Having saved 2,650,000 litres of water from 2011 to 2014 while working on the Green-Schools Water Flag, one of three Flags held by Coláiste Muire, the school is now working on securing the Travel Flag. “At present over 65% of their 860 pupils at Coláiste Muire are arriving to school in a car, so the school has taken on the Green-Schools Travel flag with great enthusiasm,” commented Róisín Garvey, travel education officer …

Irish Water, in conjunction with Clare County Council, has signed a contract for the replacement of around 17km of water mains that are in poor condition in Ennis and surrounding areas. The work to be undertaken by Ward and Burke Construction is part of the Clare Water Conservation Water Main Rehabilitation Strategy. The project will involve the installation of 11.8km of new polyethylene and ductile iron water mains at various locations around Ennis town. Additionally, works will include the replacement of 95 backyard and 978 front of house service connections (which includes replacement of 230 lead service connections) and the transfer of 44 service connections to a recently laid water main in Clarecastle, delivering improved levels of water pressure for customers there. A ring water main between Claureen Roundabout, Lahinch Road and Kilrush Road will also be re-commissioned to improve water pressure in those areas. The project will deliver financial savings over the medium and long term, with reduced maintenance …