Tag Archives: CEO Pat Dowling

THE Covid-19 pandemic has left it mark on Clare County Council’s coffers, writes Dan Danaher, following an 8.1% rise in the overall amount of uncollected commercial rates, which soared to €11.619 million on December 13 last. Numerous businesses throughout the county were forced to either scale down their operations or close for extended periods due to Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021. New figures obtained by the Clare Champion have revealed the rates arrears increased from €10.78 million at the end of 2017 to €11.619 million on December 13, 2021. A buoyant local and national economy helped the overall rates arrears bill to fall to €10,465 million in 2018 and it fell again to €10.043 million in 2019. However, the onset of the pandemic seems the most likely cause of an increase to €11.578 million in 2020 and €11.619 million in 2021. The figures, which were released under the Freedom of Information Act, show one large business in the county …

A PROBE into how defective blocks came to be used in Clare homes has been sought by a member of Clare County Council. Councillor Mary Howard tabled a motion asking that the authority would call on the Housing Minister “to initiate an investigation into how inferior blocks containing mica and pyrite were used to construct homes”. While there was strong support for her call, as well as an update to a motion tabled, on the matter, by Councillor Joe Cooney, concern was voiced about criticism of the council on the issue. Councillor Pat Hayes said that while there was huge support for everyone affected by pyrite, unfair criticism of the council had to be addressed. Outlining the reasons for her motion, Councillor Howard said she wished to show solidarity with everyone affected. “First of all, I want to send out a message of support to people who are watching their houses crumble,” she said. “The genesis of this is to …

FLOOD relief for Shannon Town has “a long road” to go before completion, the monthly meeting of Clare County Council has been told. Following a question from Councillor Gerry Flynn, the CEO of the authority said the issue will addressed, but will require “a variety of interventions”. Commenting on the monthly update on the Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief Scheme, the Independent member said progress with the works was a matter of concern. “I have been receiving a lot of calls from concerned residents over the flood relief scheme. It seems like a long time since we met the minister on this. Meanwhile, Shannon Airport are pushing ahead with their efforts. The town is still vulnerable and some residents cannot get insurance against flooding. “When will we see work on the embankments of the town? I’m calling on the CEO to progress this because it seems to me that the time-frame is slipping and sliding.” Responding, Pat Dowling said …

ASBESTOS removal works, to be carried out by Clare County Council at sites in West Clare, have been described as “significant” and “in the millions”, in terms of the cost. Council CEO Pat Dowling disclosed that information at the monthly local authority meeting, where he also gave a public assurance that there is no immediate risk at any site. The CEO’s remarks followed a question, on the likely costs from West Clare Councillor Cillian Murphy. The Kilkee-based member noted that the council’s monthly management report referred to the assessment of tenders for remediation of sites with Asbestos Containing Material (ACM). “This is an issue we continually report on,” Mr Dowling said. “The cost will be significant, in the millions. “Right now, I want to reassure the public that there is no immediate danger to public health. The sites are maintained in a safe condition.” Senior Engineer Seán Lenihan said tenders are currently being assessed for consultants who will oversee and …

A MEMORIAL inscribed with the message ‘Inár gCuimhne go deo/Always Remember’ marking the County Clare Nursery (Mother and Baby Home) has been unveiled in Kilrush. The memorial to the women who gave birth in the Kilrush-based County Nursery, the children who spent their lives there, and the infants who died there, was unveiled at Toler Street in the west Clare town by outgoing Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Mary Howard, in the presence of Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling. Following publication of the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes in January of this year, Clare County Council apologised for its role in the County Nursery, which was owned and financed by Clare County Council during its decade of operation, 1922-1932. Clare County Council acknowledged, “with profound regret”, its role in the failure to meet the care needs of women and children resident in the County Nursery. As part of addressing its role in …

EFFORTS to have Clare County Council purchase Our Lady’s Hospital for future development are continuing, despite the council’s CEO effectively ruling out the proposal earlier this week. CEO Pat Dowling said that a feasibility study into the purchase of the site, which did not sell at auction last week, found it would be financially prohibitive. However, members of the Ennis Municipal District have voted in favour of formally requesting the CEO to buy the site, while Councillor Johnny Flynn has written to the CEO, asking him to reconsider the council’s position. At the meeting of Ennis Municipal District, a motion was proposed by both Councillor Flynn and Councillor Mary Howard, asking that the chief executive buy the site as an “Ennis strategic project”. Councillor Flynn said the Ennis site is the “best one in Clare” to fit in with national policy and avail of potential capital funding under the Government’s National Planning Framework Ireland 2040. The motion continued, “This strategic …

ENNIS Town Council could be set for a return. Clare County Council CEO Pat Dowling told a meeting of Ennis councillors that in discussions taking place around the possible reintroduction of some local authority structures, “Ennis is most definitely being earmarked”. He was speaking at a meeting to consider the budgetary plan for the Ennis Municipal District. He outlined that the county capital’s position in the national planning framework strategy and its size strengthen Ennis’ position for a return of a local authority structure. Fianna Fáil has been pushing for the return of the local authorities, introducing a bill to that effect earlier this year. Town councils were abolished in June 2014 when the Local Government Reform Act was implemented in a move that drew much criticism. Meanwhile, it was also agreed at the meeting that the Ennis Municipal District would have €274,400 of discretionary funding to spend. Mr Dowling stated, “The general municipal allocation for 2017 for the Ennis …

Clare County Council has beaten off competition from across the island of Ireland to be named winner of the Charles Thomson Award, an annual award scheme which recognises the work of Local Authorities in promoting water safety. Irish Water Safety (IWS) and the Republic of Ireland and Ulster branch of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) presented the award to Clare County Council at a ceremony in Dublin attended by Councillor Paul Murphy (Leas Cathaoirleach), Pat Dowling (Chief Executive), Anne Haugh (Director of Services) and Clare McGrath (Clare Water Safety Development Officer). The Charles Thomson Award scheme organisers commended Clare County Council for its work in promoting water safety during 2015 including the completion of new lifeguard, training and public facilities at Whitestrand Miltown Malbay, the securing of a record number of International Blue Flags in spite of the damage caused by storms al local beaches during the previous year, the ongoing provision of professional training and upskilling opportunities for …