Tag Archives: Clare County Council Strategic Policy Committee

AN emergency housing unit for homeless people is set to be established in Ennis. Clare County Council is searching for a property in the town for the unit, director of service Liam Conneally has confirmed. At a meeting of the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), Mr Conneally said a bid was made for a property last year but it proved unsuccessful. A second option was considered but the cost of the fit-out was higher than anticipated. The council has now increased its bid for the first property. SPC member Dermot Hayes said, “Homelessness has more than quadrupled and it’s tragic to see so many houses lying idle.” Mr Conneally acknowledged that the acquisition of a property “has taken a lot longer” than anticipated but he said it would be operating as soon as possible. In terms of location, he said the unit “has to be central”. Trade union representative Tom Guilfoyle urged the council to borrow money to allow more houses …

The IAG bid to takeover Aer Lingus will be the subject of debate at Áras Contae on Chláir on Monday afternoon next. A special meeting of Clare County Council has been called, at which much of the discussion will focus on how any takeover of Aer Lingus might impact on Shannon, and the need, in any circumstances, to protect the airport’s access to the highly lucrative London Heathrow slots. It is expected that the meeting will adopt a resolution calling the Government to stoutly resists pressure to sell off it’s 25.1% take in Aer Lingus, which would scupper IAG’s takeover offer. It has been made clear by Transport Minister, Paschal Donohoe that no “formal offer” has yet been made by IAG and the process is at an “early stage”.