Tag Archives: clare county council

BURIALS are taking place at an East Clare cemetery with mourners and undertakers having to make their way around scaffolding supporting a dangerous church ruin. The situation at the Old Cemetery in Moynoe was highlighted at the September meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District by Councillor Pat Burke. The Whitegate native called for an outline of any works planned at the church ruins.  “Scaffolding was erected, some months ago, because the church is considered unsafe,” he told the meeting. “Burials have taken place and the scaffolding is still there. We were very grateful for the funding for works at Clonrush Cemetery and very keen to see similar works in Moynoe. I’m concerned, though, that that will take time and Moynoe can’t be left the way it is.” Councillor Joe Cooney seconded the motion. “We are aware of the inconvenience being caused to families there, but health and safety is very important,” he said. “The problem is funding. When we go …

SUBMISSIONS to An Bord Pleanála by property owners affected by the compulsory purchase order for an inner relief road in Ennistymon have revealed stress, fears for business viability and opinions that the project will not actually improve traffic flow. Clare County Council has pledged to complete the detailed design and tender documentation to secure a contractor for the project as soon as possible following planning approval from An Bord Pleanála. Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Seán Lenihan, confirmed the council would also start the engagement process with affected land and property owners in terms of agreeing compensation packages and other associated arrangements required. A Part Eight development was granted by the council but was appealed to An Bord Pleanála. The development includes the pedestrianisation of the existing bridge, the inclusion of a roundabout at the western end of the proposed new bridge crossing on the L-1084 and the relocation of the existing public car park adjacent to New Road …

SHANNON Heritage workers have been left reeling after confirmation of a multi-million Euro investment package in Budget 2023 to facilitate the transfer of its tourism sites to Clare County Council failed to materialise. SIPTU members have said they feel completely “let down” by the government who announced funding for tax cuts and various groups in Budget 2023 but failed to confirm the long-awaited investment package on Tuesday or Wednesday. This comes despite strong indications at a recent rural SPC meeting where councillors were told senior Clare County Council officials had received positive vibes about a major funding announcement on Budget Day. SIPTU members have condemned the failure of the Government to announce the long awaiting multi-million euro funding required to facilitate the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council. In a hard-hitting statement issued to The Clare Champion,  SIPTU Organiser, Rachel Keane, admitted their members are shocked, bitterly disappointed and feel completely left down by the Government. “They …

ANY view that Clare County Council has failed to utilise funding available to it under the Active Travel Scheme is not correct, the September meeting of Clare County Council heard. Councillor Paul Murphy put forward a motion asking that funding be sourced so that an Active Travel/Sustainable Travel Officer be appointed to support the work already being carried out. He also asked for an update on monies drawn down, and what stage various projects are at. A written reply to his motion from Council engineer Conor McDonagh stated, “Clare County Council has made a submission to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for additional resources including for an Active Travel Officer. We await a response from the NTA in this matter.” His reply also gave an update on numerous projects, including ones already complete at Kilrush, Miltown Malbay, Doolin, Quin, Kilmurry, Clonmoney, Boston, Ruan, Lahinch and Ennis. Councillor Shane Talty praised the impact of the scheme and said the Council have …

AS THE evenings draw in, an exciting programme of music and song will play out at venues on the shores of Lough Derg in Mountshannon.  ‘Autumn by the Lough’  is curated by local musician Clí Donnellan, and an initiative of Clare Arts Presents (CAP). Supported by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, through Clare Arts Office, and Mountshannon Arts, the eclectic programme will include traditional and contemporary sounds.  Events get underway this Friday, September 30, at 8pm at St Caimin’s Church of Ireland in Mountshannon with a performance from AWNYA. Drawing on the tradition of storytelling, this Clare conceptual artist and singer-songwriter promises to take audiences on a theatrical journey through her songs, to create a full immersive experience. There is honesty and comedy woven into her songs, as well as what is described as “a refreshing view of the world of broken hearts!”. AWNYA’s music has been described as ‘Vaudeville Folk’ and a highly entertaining …

A DECISION on funding for the long-awaited Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience Centre is expected to be made in the coming weeks, Deputy Michael McNamara has been told in Dáil Éireann. The Independent TD questioned Minister Heather Humphreys as to when there would be news on a major funding application made by Clare County Council. A Category 1 application was made, in April, by the Council to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). Deputy McNamara sought a statement from the Minister for Rural and Community Development in relation for the timeframe on that funding decision.  The Fine Gael minister told the Scariff TD that she understood that the application in question was made to the fourth round of funding, which closed at the end of April. “My Department received 42 applications to this call, together seeking funding of over €149 million,” Minister Humphreys said. “I understand that an application was received for the project referred to by the Deputy.” She …

CLARE County Council is set to engage immediately with affected landowners as it bids to progress a new relief road in Ennistymon that will alleviate traffic problems in the town. Following approval by An Bord Pleanála for the Council’s N67/N85 Inner Relief Road Ennistymon (Blake’s Corner) Compulsory Purchase Order 2020, the local authority is commencing plans to procure a contractor for the works at the earliest juncture. Should the engagement process go smoothly with attendant approvals from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, work could begin on the project early in 2024. Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Seán Lenihan, added: “Following the decision by An Bord Pleanála, we will now arrange to complete the detailed design and tender documentation required to procure a contractor for the works at the earliest juncture. “We will also commence the engagement process with affected land and property owners in terms of agreeing compensation packages and other associated arrangements required.” Clare County Council published the CPO in …

A LANDMARK study of poverty and social exclusion in Clare has described as “staggering” the difference between Census figures detailing 10,281 unoccupied dwellings in the county compared to just 53 vacant properties, according to Clare County Council figures. The report cited Census figures showing an overall figure of 58,148 habitable dwellings in Clare. Of these, 47,867 were occupied, 4,912 were unoccupied holiday homes, and a further 5,369 were vacant dwellings. This means that there were 10,281 unoccupied dwellings in the county, giving a total vacancy rate of 17.68% or nearly one in six houses in Clare. Last July, there were just 10 properties for rent on Daft.ie for the entire county. According to Clare County Council, the report stated there are just 53 vacant properties in Clare. The census figures do not include derelict buildings. They relate to dwellings that are in a generally good state and are habitable. The report also outlined there are 4,912 vacant holiday homes in …