Regional

“RISKY” footpaths around Tulla are to be upgraded, however a funding allocation from the Department of Transport will not cover pavements repairs in one of the area’s oldest housing estates.  The matter is one of ongoing concern in the East Clare town and was back on the agenda at the most recent meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District. Cathaoirleach Joe Cooney appealed to the authority to replace the main footpath in O’Reilly Park in conjunction with the upgrade works for the centre of the town. The Fine Gael member tabled a motion calling on the Council to take the opportunity to address a long-standing problem for residents.  In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Niamh Madden said the funding available to the Council only covered the town’s main streets. “ The footpath upgrade works for the town of Tulla are being funded by a grant awarded by the Department of Transport as part of the Active Travel scheme,” her response …

RECREATIONAL facilities in Broadford have received a major boost thanks to the provision of a new sensory playground costing an estimated €105,000, writes Dan Danaher. While the main beneficiaries will be children at Broadford and Kilbane National School, it can also be used by the local community outside school hours. With six children with Autism in a special class, this playground facilitates the sensory processing needs of student in the ASD unit and others who have issues in mainstream classes. Up to €30,000 was raised locally by parents and the local community, apart from a €10,000 donation from EI Electronics Shannon, managing director, Mick Guinee. In the region of 75% of the money came from the school’s own finances. It is located next to the astro turf facility that cost €85,000 two years ago that was funded through a Chlár grant and €30,000 from the board of management. Principal Aonghus O’Brien described the new facilities that at the disposal of …

RESIDENTS of neighbourhoods in Ennis are “living in a nightmare” fearing a return of flood waters, a meeting of councillors heard, as it was confirmed funding has been made available to carry out a feasibility study aimed at finding a solution to the issue. The worries of residents from Victoria Court, the Lahinch Road and lower Cloughleigh were highlighted at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. Councillor Pat Daly stated that flooding is a “big issue” for residents in these areas. He pointed out his brother is among those affected saying, “They are living in a nightmare, always worried there could be a flood in their gardens and houses.” At the meeting Councillor Johnny Flynn sought an update on previous requests for a solution to the flooding affecting properties in the area. He recalled flooding in 2012 / 2013 left one businessperson counting the costs after €30,000 in catering equipment was destroyed. “This urgently needs to be addressed,” …

THE proposed development of training facilities at Cahercon proved not to be economically viable, the Dáil heard recently and the matter was again raised by Councillor PJ Kelly at a meeting of Clare County Council.  He requested a report outlining the employment related projects now being pursued in the Shannon Estuary. The report subsequently received from Director of Service Liam Conneally said, “There are very real opportunities for both Moneypoint and Cahercon and all of Clare to play a key leading role in the establishment of a hub for offshore wind energy together with the route to market and supply chain associated with the Offshore Renewable Energy industry. “In this regard Clare County Council have been actively supporting and liaising with the key Offshore Renewable Energy companies seeking to build Offshore Floating Wind farms off the Clare Coast. “These companies will utilise the Shannon Estuary, for manufacturing, assembly, servicing, and associated supply chain requirements of the large-scale turbines and critically …

TWO wind farms with a total of 15 wind turbines could be located in close proximity to each other in South-East Clare after a developer unveiled new plans for another renewable energy development, writes Dan Danaher. EDF Renewables Ireland has announced plans to develop a 50 megawatt wind farm with up to seven turbines on land to the east of Broadford. The proposed Lackareagh Wind Farm, which could power more than 35,000 homes, will be located in the townlands of Killeagy and Shannaknock. The project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine layout. Detailed environmental studies will also be carried out at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape and visual assessments. The results of these studies, together with feedback gathered in consultation with local communities, will be used to determine the final wind farm layout and number of turbines. This is in addition to …

IT was back to school for Environment Minister Eamon Ryan when he visited Ennis last week. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport paid a visit to Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg where he joined in with their walking bus. The walking bus has proven to be a massive success with pupils at the Gort Road primary school since its introduction two years ago. And on Friday the Green Party Minister got to see first hand how the children have been doing their bit to help the environment by walking to school. During the visit the minister also spoke with principal Dónal Ó hAiniféin on the importance of cycle lanes for the town, as well plans for the school’s new extension. Mr Ó hAiniféin told us,“Like other schools we have been dealing with traffic issues for many years, the dropping off and pick up in those 15 or 20 minute period when things are quite busy. “Instead …

SHANNON Commercial Properties has lodged a planning application for an Air Cargo hub and logistics/distribution facility, along with an office area. Part of the Shannon Group that owns and manages the Shannon Free Zone, Shannon Commercial Properties lodged the application for a one-storey, high-bay building. In the past Shannon Group has held talks with Amazon about the company opening a distribution facility in Shannon, but as yet it is unknown whether this proposed development is to accommodate them. In a statement to the Clare Champion a spokesperson for Shannon Group said, “The upgrade of our cargo facilities is part of our overall plans to enhance the facilities Shannon has to offer to cargo operators using the airport. “The 2,705m2 distribution facility will be located on a three-acre development site on what is regarded as one of the airport’s most prominent locations and will incorporate an additional 335m2 of office accommodation. This facility will provide direct landside/airside access. “The distribution facility …

WHEN West Clare author Meadhbh Chambers completed working on her debut children’s book Rosie the Daisy there was certainly no shortage of little readers to give their reactions. As well as being a mother of four, Meadhbh is the infant teacher at Kilmihil National School. “I’ve tried the book out on my own kids, and in the classroom, and my kids have 33 cousins as well so I’ve given it out to a few kids to get feedback and it’s been very good so far,” she tells us. Launching this Friday in Kilrush Library, the book tells the tale of a daisy named Rosie, with Meadhbh explaining that as well as being a touching children’s story it is also a resource aimed at encouraging communication between children and trusted adults. “The idea behind it is that it would be a resource for adults to open up conversations with children, about sharing their thoughts and worries and feelings. The story is …