Clare arts office and library service lauded for lockdown work

CLARE’S library service has been warmly commended at the May meeting of the local authority, writes Fiona McGarry.
Ennis area Councillor Ann Norton welcomed the return to some in-person services this month and also lauded the county Arts Office for its efforts to engage young people and children during the lockdowns.
“The amount of activity that has been available from the Arts Office and the libraries has been amazing,” she said.
As head of the Clare Crusaders Clinic in Barefield, Councillor Norton said that online story-telling and reading initiatives had been of huge benefit.
“The seeds initiative was also a huge help,” she said. “It gave a chance to introduce younger children across Clare to horticulture. Getting the younger generation growing is a very positive thing.
“Congratulations to all who kept people positive and showing that you can fend for yourself. Children have gotten to know what it’s like to feel soil between their fingers and long may that continue after Covid.”
The Independent councillor also welcomed the works done on Parnell Street and the lanes of the county town.
“Now that people are back out, they’ll get to see them,” she said. “I also want to welcome the business community back and wish them well.”
Responding to Councillor Norton’s comments, Chief Executive Pat Dowling described the lockdown experience as “horrendous” for people. “We haven’t done a bad job at all in surviving it,” he said, “all of us together.”