West Clare

AT Tuesday’s meeting of Kilrush Electoral Area county councillors in the Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Councillor Christy Curtin asked that the findings of the recent review carried out on the six proposed actions of the West Clare Economic Task Force be published and discussed by the Kilrush Electoral Area meeting, with a view to progressing phase two of the programme.

THE quality of teaching and standards achieved by pupils at Labasheeda National School have been praised in a report following a Whole School Evaluation, which was carried out by the Department of Education and Skills on June 13 last.The school is a co-educational primary school, which operates under the patronage of the Bishop of Killaloe. At the time of the evaluation, 29 pupils were enrolled and there were no pupils in third class. The report described attendance rates in the school as “very good”. The school has two mainstream class teachers. A learning support teacher, who is shared with other local schools, provides support to pupils.This whole-school evaluation focused on the quality of teaching and learning in Gaeilge, English, mathematics and physical education. The board of management of the school was given an opportunity to comment in writing on the findings and recommendations of the report.The evaluation report received this week found a number of strengths at the school. It …

KILKEE Town Council has called on Shannon Development to immediately withdraw from sale the two industrial units and sites on the Kilkee Enterprise Estate on the Carrigaholt Road.At this week’s meeting, Councillors Paddy Collins and Claire Haugh tabled a motion asking that Shannon Development refrain from selling the factory bays, as moves were afoot to establish a geology centre in the vacant unit.However, in a report furnished to the meeting, Gerry Fitzmaurice, asset and leasing manager with Shannon Development, explained that as part of its role, the company is charged with using its asset base to generate economic development opportunities across the Shannon Region.“In this instance, there have been a number of enquiries regarding the purchase of these buildings so it was decided, in the interests of fairness and transparency, to offer the properties for sale by public tender. This decision is in accordance with the guidelines for the disposal of State assets as set out in the Code of …

THE November meeting of Kilrush Town Council heard the town will have to market itself more effectively as the peak Christmas shopping season nears.

KILKEE-based community radio station Raidió Corca Baiscinn is to mark UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities next Monday.

KILRUSH town councillor Tom Prendeville has predicted that Ireland may soon resemble Germany in the 1930s, when the Third Reich was established under National Socialist German Workers Party leader Adolf Hitler.

IN response to an article in last week’s Clare Champion, regarding the possible loss of 15 people from 23 on the FÁS Community Employment Scheme based at Kilrush Youth Centre, the Department of Social Protection has said 14 vacancies have to be filled on the new scheme.

UNTIL early August Jack Downes was a normal, happy 14-year-old teenager who enjoyed life at home, school and being with his friends. He was an excellent swimmer and played soccer for Moneypoint AFC.