Tag Archives: clare county council

FOLLOWING advice from the Health Service Executive (HSE), Clare County Council has issued a swimming advisory notice for Kilkee beach asking that people not swim there due to an increase in the levels of bacteria found in the water. The council introduced the advisory on Wednesday morning. The noticed was issued after elevated levels of microbiological contamination were recorded in a routine bathing water sample in Kilkee, which experienced an exceptionally busy June Bank Holiday weekend. The council says that monitoring is ongoing and efforts are underway to identify the bacteria source. It is possible that the swimming ban could be lifted as early as Thursday.    

New traffic arrangements will be put into effect from tomorrow (Tuesday) to facilitate the final phase of works on the Ennis Market Rejuvenation Project. Construction work is progressing on schedule and will deliver a new covered building for market traders in Ennis town centre by the end of July. Clare County Council says the traffic arrangements are aimed at maximising vehicular access to the market area whilst works are ongoing. From Tuesday, access to and from the Market area will be enabled via Summerhill and Lower Drumbiggle Road, while access will be restricted from the Market area junction with Lower Drumbiggle Road to the junction with Barrack Street (local access only). Signage detailing temporary changes to vehicular access to the Market will be in place while personnel will be present at the junction of O’Connell Street and Barrack Street to assist with traffic management. The local authority is also reminding the public that trading in the area is operating as …

THE founder of an animal rescue organisation in Ennis has described the number of dogs being put to sleep at the Clare pound as “worrying”. In the first four months of this year, 64 dogs were euthanised at the pound, a figure which Deirdre Ryan of Rover Rescue believes is far too many. Figures show the equivalent of a dog a day being surrendered to the pound in the first four months of this year, with Ms Ryan saying more needs to be done to ensure dogs brought to the pound find new homes. And she says that people who surrender their dogs need to be more aware that there is a possibility that the animal may be put to sleep. Statistics released to The Clare Champion by Clare County Council show that the number of animals being euthanised at the pound has dropped steadily in recent years. From January to April of this year, a total of 64 dogs …

The Diocese of Killaloe is in for a windfall with confirmation that a key piece of development land in the heart of Ennis has been sold. The former site of Ennis National School on the Kilrush Road was put on the market by the St Flannan’s (Killaloe) Diocesan Trust, with an advised minimum value of €1.2 million. The land is seen as a strategic site in the future development of the county capital. Auctioneer Liam Browne of REA Paddy Browne and Co told The Clare Champion that the St Flannan’s (Killaloe) Diocesan Trust are happy with the price achieved for the site. He said that, once developed, the site would enhance the town centre. However, he said he was unable to disclose the amount paid for the property or who the purchaser is. Mr Browne said, “It would be premature to give the name of the purchaser at this stage, until the sale is formally closed. I wish the new …

Clare County Council has a announced a fund for groups planning to provide recreational and play activities to children and young people during National Recreation Week from July 3 to 9. The grants, which are funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, are aimed at groups who wish to provide “Commemorating 1916” themed activities. The fund is also open to National Play Day on July 3, which is generally targeted at children up to 12 years. “The purpose of Recreation Week and Play Day is to promote the importance of recreation for young people with events taking place in towns and villages across Clare,” explained Michael Neylon, play and recreation officer, Clare County Council. He continued, “While the focus is primarily on young people, a significant outcome from these initiatives and projects is that the opportunities and positivity derived in relation to young people is also applicable to all members of the wider community.” Mr Neylon said funding …

An Garda Síochána, will conduct a national speed enforcement operation “Slow Down”, supported by Clare County Council, the Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders for a 24-hour period from 7am on Friday next to 7am on Saturday. The objective of the initiative is to reduce the number of speed-related collisions. The higher the speed, the greater the likelihood is of a collision happening and the more severe the outcome of that collision. As a general rule a 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions, and this is why reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving road safety. The “Slow Down” operation will consist of high-visibility speed enforcement activities as well as the delivery of a road safety message through the media. In addition, Garda personnel will man display stands at key venues to provide road safety advice and distribute road safety leaflets.

AN appeal against Clare County Council’s refusal of planning permission for the redevelopment of a filling station in Clarecastle has been withdrawn. Plans for the redevelopment of the existing Maxol filling station on the Ennis Road were earlier this year refused permission by Clare County Council, who found that the proposal could “endanger public safety” and have an “adverse impact” on the vitality of Ennis and Clarecastle. Maxol Ltd had looked to redevelop its existing filling station on the Ennis Road in Clarecastle, which they said would lead to the creation of 12 to 15 jobs. While the appeal has been withdrawn, Maxol are open to submitting a new development proposal for consideration by the planning authority. The original proposed development would have included the demolition of the existing forecourt building, canopy, fuel tanks and all associated structures at the station. It was also proposed to demolish an adjoining disused dwelling, associated sheds, boundary walls and structures. Under the plans, …

WHAT criteria should be used to determine if a person is famous enough to be immortalised in County Clare? That’s the question for Clare County Council, with plans revealed this week for the regulation of memorials amid fears of a “proliferation of plaques”. A draft Memorial Policy for Clare County Council is currently being prepared by the local authority. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council James Breen had his say on the plans at this week’s meeting of Ennis Municipal District. “Memorials should be erected only to people with unique achievements, or there will be memorials in every corner of the county,” he stated. According to the draft document in relation to civic memorials, “A memorial is a lasting tribute to a person, persons or event. Therefore the council needs to be confident that the subject of the memorial is of sufficient importance that the reason behind the decision to approve a civic memorial will stand the test of time. It …