Tag Archives: Áras Contae an Chláir

AHEAD of the ‘Longest Night’ of December 21, Samaritans Ennis and Clare are reminding those in need that their helpline will be open during their darkest hours if they are lonely or struggling to cope this Christmas. Volunteers on the 24-hour-helpline answered almost 40,000 calls in Ireland in December last year, with more than 50 volunteers answering over 1,150 calls and written contacts on Christmas Day alone. Landmarks across Ireland and Ennis and Clare are lighting up in green to mark the Longest Night, to show people Samaritans are here for them during the long dark nights. Áras Contae an Chláir and Samaritans Centre, Sunville in Ennis are among those turning green on Monday, December 21, the winter solstice, to support Samaritan’s Christmas campaign. We are calling on local businesses and others to do the same. Margaret MacMahon Director of Ennis Samaritans, said, “It has been an unprecedented year with the pandemic affecting so many people’s health and wellbeing and …

ÁRAS Contae an Chláir will light up in the colours of pink and blue for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day this Thursday. Gemma O’Gorman, from Kilmurry McMahon, is raising awareness of the cause and the need for supports for families affected by miscarriage and infant death. Ms O’Gorman said, “In lighting up its headquarters, Clare County Council, in my opinion, is creating a platform for those who wish to acknowledge their loss and show a sense of solidarity with each other and that they are not alone. It may also encourage those who wish to gather and talk.” Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Mary Howard added, “Clare County Council is pleased to support Gemma in raising awareness of the issues around miscarriage and infant death. We will be lighting up Áras Contae an Chláir on October 15 in sympathy with those who have experienced a loss and to mark this important day of remembrance.”

Clare County Council has joined local authorities across the country in raising a flag to coincide with the first annual LGBTQ Pride festival of 2016 which is taking place in Dublin this week. The Council is participating in the inaugural ‘Having Pride in Local Government’ initiative which is being coordinated by the Local Government Management Agency. Councillor James Breen, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council raised the Pride flag outside Clare County Council’s Corporate Headquarters at Áras Contae an Chláir on the New Road in Ennis. Councillor Breen said the raising of the flag is also a mark of respect for the victims of the shooting in Orlando, Florida earlier this month.

Áras Contae an Chláir and the O’Connell Monument in Ennis will be illuminated in green light in the days leading up to St Patrick’s Day. Clare County Council is also encouraging businesses and building owners, particularly of high profile well known buildings around the county, to support the initiative by turning their properties green for Ireland’s national holiday. Welcoming the decision to illuminate some of the town’s best-known landmarks, Mayor of Ennis, Johnny Flynn said, “Famous buildings and locations all over the world will be lit up as part of Tourism Ireland’s drive to grow overseas tourism to Ireland. I am delighted Ennis is participating in this initiative and in illuminating the O’Connell Monument and Áras Contae an Chláir. The Clare capital and the people of the county will also be able to showcase their national pride to the world.” Meanwhile, St Patrick’s Day 2015 in Ennis promises to be a major celebration, with large crowds expected on the streets. …

Clare County Council has lined up two public consultation events this week on the new Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023. Members of the public have until March 9 to make a submission on the new plan, which sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the functional area of Clare County Council over a six-year period. The preparation of the plan will begin with two sessions of public consultation at Áras Contae an Chláir in Ennis on this Thursday from 4pm-7pm and on Friday from 11am-2pm. An issues booklet aimed at initiating public debate on what broad planning and development matters should be included in the new development plan has been produced and is available online at www.clarecoco.ie, and at council offices and libraries throughout Clare.

A NEW service for supporting Clare businesses has become operational in Ennis this week with hopes high that it will “harness innovation, grow businesses and create jobs locally.” The new Clare Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is based at Clare County Council’s headquarters, Áras Contae an Chláir and represents a major restructuring of state support for businesses which was previously delivered by county and city enterprise boards. Combining the resources of the Clare County Enterprise Board and Clare County Council’s business support unit, the Clare LEO is one of 31 LEOs around Ireland that is tasked with delivering services and support to businesses within a framework set by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and overseen by Enterprise Ireland. Mayor of Clare Councillor Joe Arkins said the Clare LEO will act as a “first-stop-shop” for small businesses throughout the county. He added, “I look forward to the newly operational LEO playing a leading role in stimulating enterprise development in Clare. …