Tag Archives: clare champion

PLANS for a new Aldi store in Ennis are “good news” for the county capital insists hurling legend Brian Lohan. The Clare hurling manager alongside Inch businessman Martin O’Malley are behind plans to develop the Westpoint Retail Park on the Kilrush Road. If given the go-ahead, the discount store will be an anchor tenant in the second stage of Westpoint’s development, with a HSE Outpatients Department already on site. Mr Lohan has lodged a planning application to Clare County Council for a change of use from retail warehouse to a discount food store at Westpoint. According to Aldi this new store will create 30 new permanent jobs at the store, and up to 50 construction jobs, if given the green light. It aims to open the 1,000sqm store in late 2023. Mr Lohan told The Clare Champion that they have been working in partnership with Aldi for a number of months ahead of lodging this planning application. He said he …

NESTLED deep in the heart of the Burren, Caher Bridge Garden in Fanore has over the years been wowing garden enthusiasts from all over the world, even bringing some to tears of joy. The award winning garden has appeared in magazines, newspapers and the Top 100 Gardens of Ireland book among other esteemed publications. So, it is surprising to discover that this Thursday (July 22) will see the garden make its very first television appearance, featuring on RTÉ One’s latest series Ireland’s Garden Heroes. The show, which will be broadcast at 8.30pm reveals the hard work and imagination ordinary people have put into their gardens across the island. Carl Wright, the man behind Caher Bridge Garden tells us that he never intended to be a gardener, but once he started he couldn’t stop. Describing the hidden gem as an “obsession”, he says, “I don’t think there is another garden in the country like it”. Originally from Devon, Carl first began …

ATTEMPTS to promote biodiversity are resulting in a “huge problem” for residents committees and Tidy Towns groups, according to Ennis’ deputy mayor. Councillor Paul Murphy is calling for funding to be put in place to help gather up the “huge volume” of excess cut grasses in green areas following delays in cutting due to efforts to promote biodiversity. Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, the councillor said, “I am requesting that a budget is sought by Ennis Municipal District  to facilitate the engaging of an appropriate contractor to gather and dispose of the huge volume of excess cut grasses that are on our green areas across the Municipal area. This is as a result of later starting dates for grass cutting in order to promote biodiversity. However, while welcoming this initiative, many residents committees and Tidy Towns groups now have a huge problem with the unkept appearance of our public spaces.” Eamon O’Dea, senior executive officer, responded …

BUSINESSES in Lifford are “feeling a bit left out of the loop” when it comes to lighting up the town centre at night. The Ennis Municipal District has installed festoon lights in the town as part of efforts to support outdoor dining and encouraging people to visit the town, however according to one local councillor parts of Ennis are “feeling forgotten about”. Councillor Mary Howard, speaking at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, called on the local authority to reconsider hanging festoon lighting in the Lifford area. “The businesses in that area would appreciate the lights being installed for the summer months,” she said. She said that Ennis is “looking so well” with the new lights adding, “The people in Lifford are feeling a bit left out of the loop.” She recalled how efforts were made a number of years ago to extend Christmas lighting into the Lifford area and questioned why this cannot be done again. “They …

HE creation of a world class Greenway along the route of the old West Clare Railway, expected to bring positive benefits to the entire county, has moved a step further with the appointment of consultants for the first section of the project. Clare County Council has announced the appointment of Roughan & O’Donovan Consulting Engineers to progress the options, route selection, design and assessment phases of the first section of the Greenway between Kilrush and Kilkee via Moyasta.  Much of the land along the old rail-line is in private ownership, and Clare County Council’s Senior Engineer, Seán Lenihan acknowledges that the project has its challenges, with success dependent on co-operation and collaboration between all parties involved. He assured that the council is committed to working with all affected parties, and the council are due to begin engagement with landowners, the public and community groups in the coming weeks. The creation of a world class Greenway from Ennis to Kilkee, connecting towns and …

THE National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) charity shop has found a new home in Ennis, where a stronger emphasis on sustainability is clearly visible. The NCBI has relocated its shop to Quay House, Wood Quay and opened its new doors last week. Beverley Scallan, Head of Retail, said, “Opening this shop is a fantastic step forward for NCBI. We have transformed what has become the norm for NCBI stores throughout the country, and with this new look, I hope the NCBI store will become a cornerstone of the community as it has in so many other locations across the country. All aspects of the shop fit-out are made from reusable and recyclable raw materials. In addition, the shop will sell quality preloved clothing, accessories, and hidden gems. So, by supporting our shops, customers not only generate funds for our services but also support our drive for more sustainable fashion and furniture. We urge shoppers to pop in and …

TOURISM in Ennis has received a boost with the historic Ennis Friary re-opening to the public this week. The friary, which dates back to the 13th century, re-opened on Tuesday having been closed to the public since last summer due to Covid-19 restrictions. And as an extra bonus, admission to the popular attraction is free for the season. Welcoming the announcement, Councillor Mary Howard said it is “great news” for the town. Just last month she criticised the continued closure of the Friary, saying that the town was losing out on potential tourism opportunities. The Friary has been opened with health and safety in mind and Covid-19 guidelines have been put in place. A maximum of 15 visitors are permitted on site at any one time. Social distancing will apply throughout the site. Face coverings must be worn in all indoor spaces. There are self guided visits only, but Ennis Friary guides are on hand to answer any questions. Hand …

THE Cliffs of Moher welcomed some very special guests on Friday with the arrival of two Dublin teenagers who had just completed a mammoth journey. Friends Scott Ward and Derek O’Brien reached the cliffs after walking for six days from Coolock in Dublin, 250km, for charity. The pair had been sharing their journey across social media, touching the nation with their epic endeavour and raising more than €70,000 to date. Arriving at the Cliffs of Moher the 19-year-olds paid tribute to all who came to welcome them saying, “Thank you all so much for coming to the cliffs yesterday in the rain. It was an absolute pleasure seeing everybody and I can’t thank you all enough for the experience.” The youngsters had raised the funds for Abacas Kilbarrack Special School, where Scott’s cousin Lucas attends. “I know the amazing work they do each time I see Lucas in his progression. This school is amazing and I wanted to say thank …