Tag Archives: clare

THE town of Ennis is set to be put in the frame as part of a collaboration between a local artist and well-known hotel – and inspiration is being sought from the public. Artist Cathal Butler has been commissioned by Treacys West County Hotel Ennis to create a selection of paintings showcasing the very best of Ennis town and its environs. A photographic competition has now been launched urging members of the public to send an image they believe best captures Ennis which will be transformed into works of art. Five photos will be chosen for Cathal to bring to life on canvas, and the original paintings will be displayed in the hotel’s new Clare Art Display in the hotel lobby. As well as having their winning image immortalised in the hotel, they will also receive a night’s stay at any of the Treacy Group Hotels and a print of the painting. The new paintings will join other works by …

THE Drehidnagower Bridge in Ennis has been described as “lethal” as fresh calls have been made for a separate footbridge and footpath to be built to protect the safety of pedestrians. Councillor Mary Howard said she felt like a “scratched record” as she “once again” asked for funding to be sourced for the works at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. Responding to the motion Conor McDonagh, Executive Engineer, Road Design, said, “Transportation consultants have been appointed under this Active Travel scheme to carry out a transportation assessment, which includes a feasibility and option selection report to examine pedestrian / cyclist permeability over the Drehidnagower bridge. “They are currently undertaking necessary surveys on-site and preparing a suitable Multi Criteria Analysis under which all viable options will be assessed to determine the most appropriate solution. “When the emerging preferred option has been established, it will be necessary to apply to the NTA for further funding and seek approval to progress …

Has your dog got star quality? If your pet pooch is something of a Brad Pitt-bull or a Sandra Bull-dog, then they could win a place in the spotlight in the beautiful and romantic opera La Bohème, coming to University Concert Hall on April 6, 2023. Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said, “People say never work with children or animals, but I love to do both. “The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. “Since then we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage. “Many years ago, when we last did La Bohème and asked local people to volunteer their pets it was a huge success. “We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners! We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.” Your …

A DETAILED design and locations for bus stops as part of plans to develop an Ennis town bus service is expected to be completed by the National Transport Authority within the first nine months of this year. The establishment of the bus service has been described as “crucial” by Councillor Johnny Flynn who, at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, urged that preparations begin immediately to ensure infrastructure is in place to support the service. Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, stated that the provision of the service “has been a priority for all involved in the delivery of services for the former Ennis Town Council-Clare County Council Ennis Area and Ennis Municipal District Council.” And he said the council will assist the NTA in the “timely completion” of required infrastructure designs and installation. Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Flynn welcomed the news that the NTA plan to have a two route Ennis bus service in operation by early …

ENNIS councillors from across the political divide came together this week to support a call by Ennis Mayor Fianna Fáil’s Clare Colleran Molloy for maintenance and clean up works to the DeValera monument. While the town’s deputy mayor, Fine Gael’s Mary Howard who represented the council at a recent commemoration at the monument, has quipped a statue of Michael Collins could be added to the site near the courthouse. Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District Councillor Colleran Molloy described the monument as “kind of sad looking” as she urged that the bronze statue of the former president be examined for maintenance and cleaning. She said that any works needed should be undertaken “as soon as possible”. Councillor Howard described the monument as “an integral part of our public realm” recalling how when she went to school the statue’s glasses regularly went missing. “It’s important we embrace our history and not be exclusive” she said adding with a …

THE “poor condition” of both sides of the road adjacent to Hermitage’s Grotto was highlighted at a meeting of Ennis councillors, with a senior engineer suggesting a thin surface overlay may provide a solution for residents. The condition of the road was raised by Councillor Pat Daly at the Ennis Municipal District meeting. “The road is seriously in need of upgrading, it has not been done in many, many years.” Paddy Tiernan, Acting Senior Executive Engineer informed the meeting that the Ennis Municipal District will put forward this road for inclusion in the Schedule of Municipal Works for 2023. “Subject to inclusion and associated funding this road will be upgraded in 2023.” Councillor Daly welcomed the response, saying the grotto is “a hugely popular area in the middle of the ‘Tage.” Seconding the motion, Councillor Mary Howard said an upgrade is “long overdue”. The road is made of concrete, with Councillor Howard saying there are a lot of older residents …

DESPITE the very high level of inflation seen over the last year, the economic outlook is still quite strong as 2023 begins. While lay-offs in the technology sector have raised concerns, Joe Robbins of Careerwise Recruitment feels those are not reflective of the overall health of the local and national jobs market. “We’re still effectively at full employment. We’re still finding it very hard to find people at all levels. I think we’re very lucky that we have a very diverse economy. “The technology companies are down right now and they’re letting a lot of people go, but if these people can migrate into the medical device/pharma-type companies then there are loads of opportunities still. It’s very buoyant right now.” While inflation is very high, in many cases workers have seen their incomes rise significantly. “Because it’s such a competitive economy the wages have increased. It’s a messy environment as well, people might have two or three opportunites to change …

ENNIS’ Abbey Street must not be left to become “a ghost street”, left behind as other streets in the county town benefit from upgrades. That’s according to Councillor Johnny Flynn who has called on the Ennis Municipal District to carry out a feasibility study on improvement works for the thoroughfare. Speaking at the monthly meeting of the local authority Councillor Flynn pointed to public realm upgrades completed in Parnell Street and planned for O’Connell Street and Barrack Street with a combined cost of €20 million. He urged that the feasibility study for similar works on Abbey Street be carried out “in order to apply for Part 8 Planning to enable the lodging an application to Government for Urban Renewable & Development Fund (URDF)   funding under what would be a third phase of the Ennis Town Centre Public Realm Regeneration.” However, while the local authority executive insisted including Abbey Street in future regeneration projects “is a priority”, Leonore O’Neill senior …