Shannon

THE Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society has published the latest issue of its journal, The Other Clare, writes Owen Ryan. While the pandemic has posed undoubted problems for the Society, spokesman John O’Brien said that it has actually attracted new members in recent months, having moved its events online. The latest edition of The Other Clare is now available from local outlets, and as ever will be much appreciated by those with an interest in local history. The new edition is the 45th volume of The Other Clare, and the cover carries a fine illustration of the former Sixmilebridge Market House, drawn by artist Hillary Gilmore. The original structure was built to the design of the noted architect John Rothery in 1733, but regrettably only a much reduced remnant of the original building now survives. About 20 authors contributed papers ranging in date from the early Christian period to the early twentieth century. Among the medieval essays, Rosemary Power contributes …

THE social nature of Covid-related behaviour was the topic of a fascinating webinar delivered to Shannon Chamber members. “How people (mis)perceive risk, how they respond to symptoms of the disease, the impact of campaign reminders, behavioural impacts of blended working, and wellbeing, were just some of the issues addressed by Professor Pete Lunn. The founder and head of the Behavioural Research Unit (BRU) at the ESRI was addressing a recent Shannon Chamber webinar, supported by Adare Human Resource Management. As a member of the Behavioural Change Subgroup of NPHET and the Department of Health’s Communications and Behavioural Advisory Committee, Professor Lunn’s team have conducted multiple behavioural studies for the Department of Health and the Department of the Taoiseach, designed to support compliance with public health guidance and to improve public communication. Advising organisations to factor in the great variability in how people handle uncertainty, he said it was crucially important to ensure that employees understand and can clearly see the …

THE Save Our Shannon group rally in Ennis which heard from speakers across the political spectrum and hospitality leaders challenged the Tanaiste to back up his supportive words with action, writes Owen Ryan. Organiser Denis Vaughan “We note the very significant statement of support from the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar that we read about in the media from a recent call with Limerick Chamber. “He committed to ‘positive discrimination’ for airports in the regions in the Covid recovery but this has to be backed up with action and quickly.” The four Clare TDs Cathal Crowe, Joe Carey, Michael McNamara and Violet-Anne Wynne, Senator Timmy Dooley, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council PJ Ryan and former President of the Irish Hotels Federation Michael Vaughan all spoke at the rally. Denis Vaughan said it is imperative the public gets behind and supports Shannon by flying from the airport. The survival of Shannon and other regional airports, however, has never been more dependent on government …

Ballycasey Property Developments Ltd has lodged a planning application for 14 two-storey dwellings at Dun Aras Avenue, in the Hurlers Cross area of Shannon. Three of the houses would be two-beds, while ten would be three-bed and there would be one four-bedroom house. Thirty five car parking spaces would be provided with the houses. At the moment the site is waste ground, according to the application. A description of the proposed development identifies the 0.82 hectare site and states the scheme would comprise 14 two-storey dwellings facing onto Dun Aras Avenue, but with vehicular access to the rear. “There are five house types, ranging from two bed to four bedroom in size. The scheme will be connected to the town water supply and sewerage systems.” On the site of the development, it says it is “a triangle of land bounded to the north by a slip road for the N18, to the south by an existing housing development, and to …

THE Ulster Bank branch in Shannon is one of 25 that are set to be acquired by Permanent TSB, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two, writes Owen Ryan. The deal will see Permanent TSB acquire in the region of €7.6 billion worth of assets. A statement from Permanent TSB said, “It is expected that circa 400 to 500 Ulster Bank employees, who are wholly or mainly assigned to the retail and SME perimeter that is being acquired, will transfer to Permanent TSB. “The exact number of in scope employees that will have the right to transfer under the Transfer of Undertakings regulations will be agreed as part of the next stage of negotiations.” Eamonn Crowley CEO of Permanent TSB Holdings said “This Potential Transaction complements our growth strategy and will accelerate the delivery of Permanent TSB’s ambition of becoming Ireland’s best personal and small business bank. “We see this as a once in a generation …

OBAIR, Newmarket-on-Fergus’ very popular Meals on Wheels service, has increased its output five fold since the onset of Covid-19, going from 50 meals a day, five days a week to now providing 250 meals on average per day, seven days a week. “That required a lot of reorganising,” said Siobhan O’Connell, community development officer and acting manager. “Covid had a huge impact on this part of our business. The elderly were so vulnerable at the outset of Covid that we simply had to expand to ensure that everyone got a hot meal every day. “We had to close our thriving coffee shop and move staff over to Meals on Wheels. We were indebted to the many chefs who volunteered to lend a hand at the outset and within two weeks we had everything running smoothly. “However, we had to start taking orders and payments over the phone and leave food at our customers’ doors, but everyone adjusted.” She said they …

THE new Draft Shannon Town Centre Masterplan proposes developing a main street for the town, to the front of SkyCourt, with an ‘Innovation District’ on the other side of the road. The new document says, “Shannon Town Centre has been the heart of Shannon Town since the 1970s, but despite its range of retail and community services, it lacks definition and the sense of place found in other Irish towns and villages. “This masterplan vision aims to give it that definition, by managing future growth and establish a place that captures and secures the benefit of growth for the local community. “Shannon has been a place of innovation and promoting a healthy lifestyle since its inception, yet its town centre has never been the source of pride that Shannon deserves. “This masterplan vision is an attempt to improve the local townscape with new retail, community, housing, and public spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy.” Regarding the innovation area, it …

THE Love Shannon Community Council have extended the deadline for feedback on its Shannon Community Development Plan, which can still be viewed online. The Plan has numerous suggestions for Shannon, including one for improving awareness of the level of facilities available locally. “58% of the respondents to the Shannon Community Development Survey proposed the need for a multipurpose community hall or centre for Shanon. LSCC analysed this proposal in detail and noted that a range of community centres and halls exist in Shannon, each providing opportunities for community based activities. There is a risk that people are unaware of the range of facilities, of the activities that may be taking place in each and/or how individuals and groups might access these facilities for community purposes. It proposed that “Love Shannon Community Council will develop an online resource, informing the population of Shannon of the range of community halls/centres available in the community and outlining the activities currently offered in each …