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Permission sought for new restaurant

AN application has been made for planning permission to facilitate the opening of a new restaurant at Ballycasey Crescent.John Mullane has made the application to change an existing hair salon to a restaurant, which would incorporate a takeaway.According to the application, the premises has an area of 78m2 and the change to a restaurant would mean that an additional three or four people would be employed there.The application states it is estimated that 80 cars a day would come to the restaurant and at peak times there would be 15 an hour. The opening times specified in the application would be from 9am to 11pm six days a week and from 10am to 10.30pm on Sunday. These opening hours would be in line with the opening hours of the nearby Mace store.While the application does make specific reference to a takeaway facility, it also stipulates that this would not be of the typical fast food variety. “The applicant wishes to …

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Jim named runner-up in escort competition

THE escort representing Clare at this year’s Rose of Tralee made it to the final three of the Escort of the Year competition on Tuesday. Jim Healy from Tipperary, but working in Shannon and chosen at the Clare selection, escorted the newly crowned Rose of Tralee Tara Talbot, representing Queensland, at the festival this week.Jim works with the Irish Business Employers Confederation (IBEC) as an industrial relations/human resources executive. In his spare time, he plays rugby and football, enjoys horse riding and athletics and has represented Ireland nationally and internationally in various sporting events.Peter Sands, escort to the New Zealand Rose Ailbhe Ryan, was announced as the winner. He teaches at St Mary’s Grammar School in Magherafelt and he described the experience as life changing. “It’s been a very humbling experience and I think the only one happier than me right now is my mummy and I’m sure there’ll be tears as well. There’s 31 other guys that I would …

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First meeting for LGBT support group

A SUPPORT group for parents, friends and family members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people will have its first meeting at the Shannon Family Resource Centre on Monday, September 19, from 7pm to 9pm.The group is being run by Rainbow Support Services, which supports the LGBT community in the Mid-West. Spokesperson Vanessa Buswell said people may be upset after a family member or friend comes out but the group will try and provide assistance. “It still can be upsetting for some but not for all. The beauty of this group is that it’s for all family members. Even if someone has accepted their son or daughter and understand LGBT issues, they can support other parents and tell them how they coped with it and understood it.“It’s for mothers, fathers, grandmothers, brothers and sisters, that sort of thing. It’s basically for them to be able to meet and to get support from each other. To help them to understand …

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Free zone companies paid over €7m in grants last year

INTEL Shannon Ltd received over €3 million in industry grant payments in 2010 according to the Shannon Development annual report.The report, published last week showed that in total, companies at the free zone received just over €7.52m in grant payments last year.Over the years, Intel has received over €6m in grants. After Intel, Zimmer Orthopedics received most last year, a sum of €1m. Zimmer, which announced it would be opening a plant in 2008, had received payment of €2,409,711 by the end of last year.Element Six Ltd were granted €357,000 last year, bringing total payments to them to €5,807,682. Bustec Production Ltd was granted €300,000 last year, bringing total payments to them to €872,559. Shannon Aerospace received grant payments of €144,318, bringing total payments to the company to €44,596,223.The report also showed that employment in both manufacturing and services at the free zone declined slightly last year.It estimates that the cost per job in companies assisted by Shannon Development in …

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Free Zone employment down 4%

WHILE there were a number of positives at the Shannon Free Zone last year, the numbers working there ultimately declined by 4% in 2010, the Shannon Development annual report shows.There were 362 new jobs created at the Free Zone last year but 616 jobs were lost, a nett loss of 254.The overall loss follows on from a nett loss of 787 jobs (11% of the total) in 2009 and a net gain of 108 jobs in 2008.In the annual report, it was claimed the overall performance was quite good in the circumstances. “The Shannon Free Zone performed well against a difficult global business environment in 2010. During the year, 362 new jobs were created. Among the job highlights in 2010 was the announcement of up to 117 Shannon Development-supported new jobs at US global financial security firm Genworth Financial. While overall employment at Shannon Free Zone fell 4% year on year, it should be noted that almost 90% of these …

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Walkers’ spirits not dampened by weather

A TORRENTIAL downpour didn’t deter between 250 and 300 men, women and children from taking part in the first ever Marie Keating Foundation sponsored walk, organised by the Charlie Tully Celtic Supporters’ Club. Kenny McGorrian, PRO of the club, said there was a great level of interest from the public and it was a very enjoyable event.“The heavens literally opened up within minutes of the walk starting and by the time we had gone 500 yards, everyone was drenched but such was the atmosphere, the jokes, the banter and joviality that the weather conditions paled into insignificance. “As the crowds began gathering, it was evident the weather forecast wasn’t going to be a factor and by 11.30am, we already had a 100-strong crowd assembled for the walk. As each minute passed, the numbers just got bigger and bigger, with walkers coming from as far away as Offaly and Newcastle West, with others coming from Ballycar, Ennis, Sixmilebridge and Shannon.”Guest of …

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Flood defence improvement to the tune of €150,000

THE Office of Public Works (OPW) have pledged €150,000 to improve local flood defences.In an email this week, the OPW stated, “The Shannon Airport River Defences are allocated €150,000 to strengthen some 155m of the critical embankment using a rock armour revetment in front of the existing embankment.”The move was welcomed by Clare TD Pat Breen who said getting resources at the present time is very positive. “There is work needed on the embankments so this money is very welcome. It is a very difficult time to get resources and this will help to strengthen 155m of the critical embankment.”Funding has also been provided for works to combat coastal erosion at Quilty, bringing the allocation to projects in Clare to over €220,000.Senator Tony Mulcahy also said the funding was welcome and the importance of keeping the embankments in good condition must be borne in mind. “Any money that is allocated in the current climate is very welcome. As we know, …

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Green party meet about water charges

THE Shannon Green Party recently held one of their first public events, a meeting on the topic of the introduction of water charges.Gerben Uunk lives in Hurlers Cross and is involved in the local branch of the Green Party. He said people should get a certain amount of water for free, before charges kick in. “There should be an allowance, where people are allowed to get a certain amount of water for free. Also, water meters need to be in place and if you use less you should get a smaller bill,” he said.He said he was unsure how existing proposals for charges had been arrived at. Mr Uunk said that although the party has been hit with a drop in support nationally, they are hopeful of building up a strong party unit locally. “We have a few members at the moment and we are trying to get it up and running,” he added.He said the local organisation is planning …

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