Tag Archives: clare champion

A VIDEO project made in conjunction with community groups Clare has been premiered by Clean Coasts to raise awareness about the issue of marine litter. Both local people and visitors are being asked to enjoy this part of the coast but also to take personal responsibility for the waste that comes from outdoor activities. As the Covid restriction eased in early May, more people started visiting the magnificent coastal area in Clare. A number of Clean Coasts community groups reached out to Clean Coasts, expressing significant concerns relating to the environmental impact of tourists in the upcoming season. The absence of foreign travel, huge growth in take-out food and outdoor socialising had already begun to increase coastal litter. Coastal communities were nervous about what would happen when the season really begins. One group, suggested creating a video about Lahinch to raise awareness about this issue. Clean Coasts Development Officer Ray Ó Foghlu worked with Spanish Point Community Group to source …

BUS Éireann has confirmed that from this Friday, June 25 the last daily departure from Galway to Limerick on Expressway Route 51 will be at 7.05pm.  This service had been temporarily suspended from May 15. “As demand increases with the reopening of society, and with greater opportunities to work and socialise, we know this late service from Galway is important particularly to people in south Galway and Clare. We have worked with the National Transport Authority and are glad to reinstate this trip as the safe reopening of society continues,” said Brian Connolly, Western Region Operations Manager, Bus Éireann.  “It was always the case that these necessary temporary suspensions would be reviewed subject to demand.”  Currently and as a result of the severe impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers, Bus Éireann operates Expressway routes under contract to the National Transport Authority.  Route 51 operates from Galway to Limerick and on to Cork.  There are 23 trips a day between Galway …

THE continued closure of Ennis Friary has been described as “appalling” with the county capital losing out on the financial boost the popular tourist attraction could bring this summer. The friary, which dates back to the 13th century, has been closed to the public since last summer due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Office of Public Works does not have an opening date for the Friary, the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District was told. Councillor Mary Howard had sought clarity on when the OPW planned on reopening the historic building on Lower Abbey Street. Responding to the query, Niamh O’Connor, Administrative Officer, stated that the Ennis Municipal District received correspondence from Trish Ryan, Heritage Services – National Monuments Administration at the Office of Public Works, advising that “the Office Of Public Works do not have an opening date for Ennis Friary.” Councillor Howard voiced disappointment at the response saying the closure has meant that Ennis is losing out. “We …

THE lives of two of Ennis’ best known figures are to be remembered in the county capital this Wednesday evening, June 23. A memorial plaque will be unveiled at 6.30pm at the Queen’s Hotel dedicated to the late Laura Brennan. While at 7.15pm, the late Michael Tierney and his dog Paddy will be remembered opposite Ennis Cathedral with a plaque dedicated in their memory. Unveiling the plaques will be Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Mary Howard in one of her last functions in the role. “For many years I have tried to have something permanent in the town of Ennis to remember the larger than life character that was the late Michael Tierney. Last June when I became Mayor of Clare I promised that both Michael and Laura Brennan would have a permanent presence in the town, my term is finished on Friday,” she said. All are welcome to attend, with plans underway for an event to be held …

GARDAÍ are urging the public to spread the word of fraud prevention as people continue to fall victim to scams on a daily basis. In recent days Gardaí have received reports nationwide relating to automated scam phone calls. The recipient is called and advised via a recorded message that An Garda Síochána is investigating them in relation to suspicious activity linked to their PPS number. In order to rectify the situation the recipient is then advised to press a number to speak to someone further in relation to the matter. These scam calls are mainly coming from numbers with the 087 prefix. On receipt of these communications, the advice of An Garda Síochána is as follows: • Do not engage with the caller. • Do not return the call. • Do not follow the automated instructions – Do not press 1 etc. • Never disclose personal or financial information. • Hang up and block the number if possible. Whilst the …

Call for action to protect town’s citizens CALLS have been made for an “action plan” to protect the people of Ennis after recent statistics showed air pollution levels 12 times higher than safe limits. Environmental Protection Agency statistics show the county capital suffering huge air pollution despite a smoky coal ban being in place. Councillor Johnny Flynn called for the plan, saying this “very serious issue” has not got the attention it deserves because of the focus on Covid-19. He has also pointed out that research has shown that the impact of air pollution on people’s health can exacerbate the impact of the virus. The councillor said more air quality monitors should be put in place that could warn people vulnerable to air pollution of any potential risks. At the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District the councillor asked for a review to be carried out into the causes of poor air quality in Ennis. He asked that the …

ENNIS Tidy Towns are staying on track when it comes to their efforts to keep the county capital looking good. The local voluntary organisation have once again joined forces with Ennis Track Athletic Club to encourage youngsters to think reduce, reuse, recycle. Their latest initiative aims to get plastic litter on the run by developing colourful re-usable bags for runners and track shoes. Cormac McCarthy, chairman of Ennis Tidy Towns explains, “Ennis Tidy Towns has continued their collaboration with Ennis Track in driving sustainability as part of the clubs activities. Two years ago this involved supplying the club with reusable bottles which were given to participants in their kids road race. “This year we worked with them to develop re-usable bags for dirty runners and track shoes. It was observed that lots of shoes were being place in single use plastic bags and given the dirty nature of the shoes, these bags were being disposed of. The new drawstring bags …

“ENNIS is open for business”, the town’s new mayor Councillor Ann Norton exclaimed as she took the chain of office. The Barefield-based representative was elected as mayor of the county capital at the recent AGM of the Ennis Municipal District. Her vision for her term as mayor is to encourage recovery from the “disastrous effects” Covid-19 has had on Ennis. The founder of Clare Crusaders has also vowed to highlight the issues facing carers during her term in office. She was nominated to take the role by Councillor Pat Daly who stated she “is capable of becoming an excellent mayor”, pointing to her heavy involvement in the local community. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Johnny Flynn who spoke of her leadership qualities while also acknowledging the work of outgoing mayor Councillor Paul Murphy in what has been a “very difficult year”. This is Councillor Norton’s second time as mayor, having previously been elected in 2016, while Councillor Murphy was …