Tag Archives: clare champion

CLARE GAA is planning on turning the Cloister car park in Ennis’s town centre into a permanent parking facility. An application for planning permission for the change of use of the site on Lower Abbey Street has been lodged with Clare County Council. The location currently has planning permission to provide spaces for vehicles before and after GAA matches and authorised events at Cusack Park. The planning application seeks a change of use from a private car park with this limited to a commercial car park for use as a both long term and short term stay for members of the public. The application also seeks permission for the completion of associated site drainage surface dressing, landscaping works and the site entrance, which were previously granted permission.

A RE-DESIGN of an entire development proposed for an historic area of Ennis’ town centre has been sought by the planning authority who have voiced “serious concerns” about the visual impact. Clare County Council have sought further information on the plans by Eko Integrated Services Ltd for the Drumbiggle area, with the local authority highlighting issues including that the height, massing and scale is “not acceptable” as currently proposed. Eko Integrated Services Ltd lodged the application for the development at Drumbiggle Road, Buttermarket Street and Simm’s Lane which if given the green light will see the construction of 46 residential units, a digital hub and cafe. The further information request states, “While a contemporary approach may be considered by the planning authority, this design ethos must have regard to the existing urban fabric in the vicinity of the site, the location of the site within the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and the adjoining hitoric buildings”. The developers have been asked …

THE weather was wet and miserable last Saturday afternoon, but it didn’t stop more than 40 people turning out for a Heritage Week event at Hasting’s Cottage in Shannon. One of the most historic sites in the country’s newest town, Hastings Cottage is where the British Army’s General Lucas was held for part of his time in captivity, during the War of Independence. A group of musicians from the Sixmilebridge Folk Club provided music on the day, it being their first live performance in almost 18 months. Following this there were some short talks on the history of the site and its inhabitants. Hastings Cottage has been in the care of heritage group Dúchas na Sionna for the last ten years and its secretary Olive Carey outlined the progress that is being made in preparation for the complete restoration of the farmhouse barn, as a community, cultural and heritage facility. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council PJ Ryan spoke at the …

AN attempt will be made in Clare this month to carve a replica of a recently discovered wooden pagan idol. The 2.5m oak carved idol, which is over 1,600 years old, was unearthed by archaeologists with Clare-based firm AMS (Archaeological Management Solutions). On Saturday, August 28, AMS staff, members UCD’s Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture and the Pallasboy Vessel Project (UCC) will endeavour to carve a replica of the Gortnacrannagh Idol at Craggaunowen’s Living Past Experience. Work on the replica will start at 10am and continue throughout the day with visitors to the site able to watch the progress. Dr Ros Ó Maoldúin of AMS explained, “Since the Gortnacrannagh Idol is such a unique and significant find, we are making a replica to help us understand the idol better and appreciate how it was made. “It will be possible for people to see this in action at the Craggaunowen Archaeology Park in County Clare during the last weekend …

ENNIS Chamber holds its annual Golf Classic on Friday, September 3, with Munster Group as its main sponsor. This year’s classic takes place at Ennis Golf Club and is open to teams of four (best two scores to count). According to a spokesperson for Ennis Chamber, “As well as prizes for the teams including a 4-ball at Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg, there are prizes for Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive. But more than that, the teams enjoy a great day out.” Teams of four at €250  to include a two-course meal. To book a team contact info@ennischamber.ie

SISTER Ethel Normoyle has been remembered as someone who “fully represented Irish values of solidarity, love and compassion” after she passed away this week. The Lissycasey-born nun spent decades working in South Africa’s Port Elizabeth, renamed Gqeberha, where she founded the Missionvale Care Centre in the late ‘80s. The missionary nun’s work in South Africa saw her receive global attention, including receiving visits from Mother Teresa and Queen Elizabeth. In the wake of her passing, the care centre have vowed to carry on and honour Sr Normoyle’s wishes “of continued compassionate care for the poor and the vulnerable”. Sr Normoyle will be laid to rest this Thursday in her native Lissycasey at a family only service and burial, though the funeral can be viewed online by those who wish to pay their respects. A member of the Little Company of Mary, Sr Normoyle established the Missionvale Care Centre in the Eastern Cape in 1988. Against all odds, she set up …

GLÓR’S director has said the venue are “thrilled” to be open after a “long and challenging period” due to Covid-19. The Ennis arts centre is looking ahead to offering a full programme of live, in-person performances from September. As the venue embarks on its 20th year, director Orla Flanagan has reiterated glór’s committment to supporting and developing a range of artists and with the support of the Arts Council and Creative Ireland. She said the venue was pleased to have commissioned and co-commissioned a number of projects which will come to fruition over the coming months. Ms Flanagan said, “We are thrilled to now get the show firmly back on the road at glór. It has been a long and challenging period being dark and we have given 100% to imaginatively engaging with the public and supporting artists, but we cannot wait to share the magic of the live experience again. We now know there is nothing quite like it.” …

THE pedestrianisation of Ennis’ town centre is set to be rolled back from the end of this month with vehicular traffic restrictions to finish by September 30. The Temporary Covid-19 Ennis Town Centre Mobility Plan taskforce has been dissolved. This comes following a meeting of the taskforce earlier this month during which a review of the current implementation of the plan took place. Based on their assessment and taking into account current public health guidelines, children returning to school, and facilitating outdoor dining, an exit strategy from the plan was agreed. With effect from August 30, current restrictions on vehicular traffic will be lifted within the town centre on Abbey and O’Connell Streets, with some exceptions for the next month. These are Monday-Friday, 11am to 2pm; Saturday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm. From September 30, all restrictions will be lifted. In Lower Parnell Street, the current road closure will also apply until September 30. A spokesperson for Clare County Council …