Regional

THE arrival of almost 20 alien species in Lough Derg has increased the risk of further unwanted invaders, which could change the entire ecology of the lake, a local marine biologist has warned.

A construction compound in the Westbury housing estate has been described as “a bombsite” that is “seen as a playground” amid calls to remove it.

FOR the second year running, finances for Shannon parish are in the red. However, this year’s deficit of €15,384 can be attributed to the renovation project at Mary Immaculate Church, costing €30,000.

CLARE Labour candidate Michael McNamara came under fire at the February meeting of Shannon Town Council.

THE latest addition to the Ennis Sculpture Initiative was unveiled in the town this week. The work of art, sponsored by Ennis Tidy Towns, has fitted in so well to its new location that many passers-by weren’t even aware that it was a new addition to the town.

THE price of parking in Ennis is to increase from next week. Monday will see the introduction of an increase in the standard parking charge from €1.20 to €1.30, which follows on from the Government’s imposed 21% VAT charge on all parking charges.

THERE is a widely held belief that the country’s problems won’t be solved for many years, a Clare Champion vox pop at Shannon town centre last Friday revealed.

Convent Hill, Killaloe is regarded as a good location to ascertain the main issues affecting punters in the midst of the recession in the twin communities of Killaloe and Ballina.