Regional

Former Clare Champion journalist, Ger Colleran will be the guest speaker at a national friendship event hosted by the Soroptimists International Ennis and District Club.Saturday’s event at The Old Ground Hotel will be attended by Soroptimists from over 20 clubs in the Republic and Northern Ireland and the theme will be ‘Supporting through Friendship’ which is the ethos of soroptimism.Now editor of The Irish Daily Star and a part-time broadcaster, Quin native Ger Colleran has a strong family link with the Ennis Soroptimists as his sister, Claire is a past president. Ennis was accorded the honour of hosting the event following the selection of their member Rosalie Byrne-Muir as national president.The Ennis and District Club has had five presidents elected to the national forum over its 47 year history.  Through many generations, the club’s all female membership has enjoyed and benefited from enduring friendships and the mutual support of each other which in turn, has generated support from the wider community …

ENNIS Town Councillors remain divided over whether a planning variation should be granted to the Ennis and Environs Development Plan to facilitate a major new retail development on the Limerick Road.Members of Ennis Town Council supported the inclusion of a variation to the Ennis and Environs Development Plan to go on public display, including the proposed development of over 7,834m2 with 610 car parking spaces.Among the amendments to the plan proposed by councillors are that a development site at the Limerick Road and Clonroadmore be, subject to assessment of retail impact, “a suitable location for a district centre scheme or a new large foodstore”.This was proposed by Councillor Frankie Neylon “in the interests of balanced retail development” and seconded by Councillor Michael Guilfoyle.However, Councillor Guilfoyle pointed out that councillors supported this variation to allow it to go on public display but this didn’t mean their support for the controversial project was a “fait accompli”.As a public representative, Councillor Guilfoyle said …

ROSLEVAN Costcutter Store scooped the award for Supermarket Store of the Year for the second year running at the annual Costcutter conference on Tuesday.Tom and Mary Liddy, owners of the store, were also awarded the Best in Fresh Produce award at the conference.Mr Liddy paid warm tribute to his management, staff and customers in the locality for their valued custom and support. “It’s a huge privilege for us to win these two awards for the second year running. It’s a real tribute to our dedicated staff and I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of all our customers, who have supported us so loyally during the past 12 months,” he said.The general atmosphere at the conference was positive, with upwards of 200 retailers attending this year’s Mindset for Success event. Meanwhile, 43 suppliers took part in a trade show as part of the two-day event.Jim Barry, managing director of the Barry Group, spoke at the conference focusing on …

SHANNON’S Kieran McCarthy is going to take on a unique challenge to raise funds for cystic fibrosis next month. The 32-year-old is going to swim three kilometres at Shannon pool, hop on his bike and cycle over 200km to Dublin and then run 26.2 miles in the Dublin City Marathon.Clearly, it will take an immense effort but Kieran says he has been working hard and knows what he’s letting himself in for.“I’ve done four marathons and I’ve done a couple of triathlons so I’ve a fair idea what I’m letting myself in for. I’ve been training for the last year and people who’ve done Iron Mans have given me a few tips. The lads in the leisure centre have given me a nutrition plan as well.”He will begin the swimming at 7.30pm on October 30 and he says the challenge is in keeping with the cause he is working for. “For CF patients exercise is very good and swimming, cycling …

CLARE VEC has been granted planning permission for a temporary change of use of an existing house to office and educational use at Smithstown.Permission was also given to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment system to a proprietary waste treatment system with percolation area and associated site works.The decision to grant planning came despite an objection from Councillor Patricia McCarthy, while her colleague on Shannon Town Council and Clare County Council, Gerry Flynn, made a representation in favour of the application.In her objection, Councillor McCarthy stated, “I have serious reservations in respect of this change of use planning application given the current position whereby there are a large number of business premises vacant throughout Shannon, in the town and in the industrial areas, the majority of which would be suitable for the proposed development.“Further I have concerns that there is a proposal to upgrade an existing waste treatment system, when there is an existing mains system in close proximity and to …

UP to 154 hectares of forest owned by Coillte in South-East Clare will be cut over the next five years, according to the company’s Forest Management Plan. This compares to the felling of an estimated 198 hectares from 2006 to 2010 and 107 from 2016 to 2020, before tree-cutting increases 15-fold to a total of 1,767 hectares post 2020.The Violet Hill Forest Management Plan predicts that about 45 hectares of forest will be felled annually, about 3% of the overall stocked area, which extends to 2,750 hectares in total.Violet Hill is surrounded by Broadford, O’Briensbridge, Parteen, Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Quin and Kilkishen. There are over 30 lakes in the area, with the Blackwater, Owenagarney, Ahaclare and Broadford rivers. The area of the forest is 2,750 hectares of which 72% is spruce and pine, 18% broadleaf and 10% is diverse conifer.Significant operations in areas designated as Special Areas of Conservation and National Heritage Areas have to be carried out in consultation with …

PLANS to convert a former landmark Meelick hotel into a nursing home has prompted objections and observations from business people.The new owners of the Two Mile Inn, Ennis Road, Meelick, have lodged a planning application with Clare County Council seeking approval to convert the premises into a convalescence home.O’Moradh Construction Limited, c/o Denis A Biggane, Planning and Drafting Services, Main Street, Charleville, have lodged plans with the council for the construction of a new dining room extension to the side of the existing rear wing; staff room and toilets to the rear of the existing main bar area; outdoor fenced children’s play area; demolition of existing water tower structure; remedial internal modification works to layout and all ancillary related works.The applicant estimates between 40 and 60 people could be employed at the facility if planning permission is secured and it will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.The former hotel had the benefit of a private water supply …

NEW flow-control lock gates, which are part of the €2 million mooring and walkway in Killaloe, are not working because of unexpected broadband problems, it emerged this week. Waterways Ireland confirmed the lock gates have remained closed because they cannot be remotely operated using a DSL broadband connection from an office in Portumna.These new facilities are principally designed to serve boat users on the lake and are adjacent to the new €2m moorings and walkway on the Shannon Navigation, which was officially opened by Minister Jimmy Deenihan last month. While the control flow gates can be operated manually, a Waterways Ireland spokesman explained the DSL connection is being upgraded by its technical department, which should be completed over the coming weeks.Asked if this issue could have been identified before the new facilities were officially opened, the spokesman explained it is the first time this particular software has been used to facilitate remote access using broadband connection.“This isn’t a major issue …