Shannon

UNCHECKED built-up islands of silt and vegetation on the Old River Shannon is causing flooding during periods of very high rainfall, local residents have warned.In a submission to consultants Jacobs Consulting Engineers, who have completed a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA), residents in Springfield, Clonlara, stated the River Shannon downsteam of the Parteen Weir is unable to take a high volume of water during flooding because of the unchecked build-up of silt and vegetation.Commenting on the ESB report submitted to the PFRA, the group said it understands that more water was spilled down the Old River Shannon than through the Headrace during each flood.“The Mulkear River also flows into the Shannon just above the channel restriction. This river is a fast-flowing river and during flood times when it meets the Shannon flood water, the volume of water is such that it has nowhere to go, so it backs up to us at Springfield and Illaunyregan.“As part of the study, which …

A LARGE proportion of Shannon’s young people don’t go on to third-level education, according to the new draft development plan for the town.

THE first-ever standalone town plan for Shannon is now on public display and it envisages the population growing to 12,000 by 2017. According to the document, Shannon’s population in 2006 was 9,222 and the population target for 2017 is 11,972, an increase of 2,750.It also states that 53.1 hectares of land is required for residential zoning. The plan states there are opportunities to improve the appearance of the town. “Opportunities exist to express Shannon’s strengths and assets with a new image that is fresh and welcoming. This could be pursued through improving the sense of place on arrival and on moving through the town in a way which would benefit residents but particularly visitors. Visitors can be workers from the Free Zone, attendees at sporting events, shoppers, people attending appointments, people using the airport and others who can support facilities, services and events. There is also an opportunity to improve sustainable travel patterns around the town and environs. The town …

SHANNON Development have welcomed a new broadband initiative at the Free Zone, which they claim will help strengthen its case when seeking to attract foreign direct investment.A new dark fibre optic cable will give businesses operating in the Zone and the Smithstown Business Parks an opportunity to avail of enhanced high-speed broadband services improving the region’s national and international connectivity. The new service is being provided by Aurora Telecom, a division of Bord Gais networks. Shannon Development worked with them to extend their planned Ennis to Cork fibre project to include the areas. They also facilitated Aurora with a site at Shannon for the point of presence (POP point of presence, it telecom switch).Doctor Vincent Cunnane, chief executive of Shannon Development said that the new service will offer industries in the Free Zone and Smithstown virtually unlimited resilient bandwidth well into the future, a key selling point for potential foreign direct investors. “As Aurora’s network is fibre-based, it ensures a …

A RELUCTANCE to carry out works to alleviate flooding at Cluain Airne drew criticism from Shannon Town Council, at the December meeting.

A FOUL smell from the Tradaree Wastewater Treatment plant is noticeable as far away as Bunratty, it was claimed at this week’s Shannon Town Council meeting.

THE national budget dominated the headlines on Tuesday but on the same evening, Shannon Town Council’s budget for next year was announced, which will see spending lowered slightly.In 2011, total expenditure came to €149,500, while budget estimates for next year have come to €145,000. Some of the areas of saving include office expenses and advertising (€500), travel and subsistence (€1,000), training (€1,000) and town twinning (€1,500).In the budget document, town manager Bernadette Kinsella stated, “Overall, the budget for 2012 has represented a difficult balance in terms of maintaining services while at the same time acknowledging the financial circumstances which exist, both at public finance level and at individual enterprise level.“I am confident the draft budget achieves the balance required and will ensure that Shannon Town Council can fully contribute to and participate in a wide range of activities in 2012. It is essential that Shannon Town Council would continue to adopt a progressive and visionary approach to the discharging of …

THE people of Shannon don’t know what they’re breathing in, this week’s meeting of Shannon town councillors heard, while there was trenchant criticism of the Environmental Protection Agency. There were also concerns expressed about the rate of cancer in Shannon and the surrounding areas.The EPA wrote to the council, in response to an earlier letter, outlining some of its activities in Shannon.“I refer to your letter dated September 14, 2011, received by the agency on September 16, 2011 in relation to your request that the agency investigate significant odour problems in the Smithstown area in Shannon. The agency has been working with Clare County Council in relation to this issue and the following outlines the agency’s work to date.”The letter went on to state that the EPA received odour complaints relating to EPA-licensed facilities in the Smithstown Industrial Estate on 10 specific dates in August, September and October. It also stated the complaints were passed on to both Chemifloc Ltd …