Tag Archives: Councillor Pat Hayes

DEER are causing “extreme danger” on roads across East Clare, a meeting of Killaloe district councillor has been told.  The matter was raised by Councillor Pat Hayes who said there had been a number of collisions in recent weeks and that deer were creating “a high risk” for all road users. “Anyone living on the mountain edges knows that is a continuous and major issue that has now exploded,” the Caher man said. “I’ve heard from several people who’ve told me they’ve had deer running against them when they’re out on the road. This is a real road safety issue right across the region. “The Slieve Aughtys are a haven for deer and they have now moved down into the valleys. Many farmers have 20 to 30 deers on their land when they go out in the morning. We are all now owners of a huge deer population and there’s extreme danger when they move out onto the roads.” Councillor …

NORTH Clare’s response to those fleeing the war on Ukraine has been described as “a long haul exercise”, that now needs a clear plan as well as ring-fenced funding support. Figures released this week by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that the Ennistymon Local Electoral Area (LEA) continues to be the area hosting the largest number of Ukrainian arrivals in the country, per capita. While the reception provided in the area since February was commended by the West Clare Cathaoirleach, Shane Talty, he said the ongoing challenges need to be properly and urgently addressed. Up to November 6, there were 3,567 arrivals from Ukraine in Clare with 45% or 1,592 living in the Ennistymon LEA. Arrivals from Ukraine now account for 8.8% of the population in the area. The figure, according to CSO data, shows that North Clare is supporting far more newcomers than areas of a similar size around the country. CSO analyst Karola Graupner said: “Our analysis …

SAFETY at a notorious junction in East Clare was raised again when members of the Killaloe Municipal District met in Scariff this Wednesday. Councillor Pat Hayes appealed for greater efforts to address the issue and avoid a fatality at Henchey’s Cross. He noted that works have been done recently to improve visibility and alert drivers to slow down ahead of the road narrowing and the hidden dip. However, he scored the works “1/10” in terms of their impact on road safety. “We have campaigned a lot to get this much work done,” he said. “I welcome the recent work done, but to my mind, it has highlighted the issue even more. There is a far greater need now for further funding. “These are very localised and small works. In terms of an improvement in safety, they haven’t generated major change. They are, to my mind, confusing signs that create difficulties.” The Fianna Fáil member made his remarks almost a year …

REMEDIAL works at Derg View in Scariff are due to get underway shortly, following the appointment of a contractor by Clare County Council.  The matter was raised by Councillor Pat Hayes who asked the recent meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District for an update on works at the recently-taken-in-charge Factory houses estate on the Connaught Road.  “Residents are looking for an update,” he said. “Proposals on the takeover got full support a while back. These areas are very much in your view point when coming into town. The local community has done a lot of work to maintain the area. Work is now needed on footpaths and roads. In the green area, there are obstacles to be addressed in terms of sewers and drains.” The Caher man welcomed a written response from Kieran O’Donnell who said the Planning Department is currently assessing tenders for the works. “A preferred contractor has been identified and it is planned that this contractor will …

DANGEROUS dips on a stretch of road in North East Clare have been highlighted by a local councillor who lives close by.  The condition of a stretch of road between Killanena and Dromindoora was criticised by Councillor Pat Hayes who called on officials of the Killaloe Municipal District to included on the works schedule for 2023.  “There is dipping in the road,” Councillor Hayes told the most recent district meeting. “A small section was done a few years ago, but it now needs an overlay to make it safe. It is a very well-trafficked route. A big amount of Galway-bound traffic uses it. The road, in general, is quite good, but a section has dipped and it’s quite dangerous. That needs to be addressed.” The motion was seconded by Councillor Tony O’Brien and supported by Cathaoirleach, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan. “There is definitely a need for black top on the R461,” Councillor O’Callaghan said. “Those tar-and-chip jobs on many roads are …

LANDOWNERS in upland areas of East Clare have raised concerns about a drop in payments for the protection of habitats for the endangered Hen Harrier.  Large tracts of North East Clare form part of the Slieve Aughty Special Protection Area (SPA) and farmers are incentivised to use methods that protect these ground-nesting birds, who live on bogs and marginal lands.  The Hen Harrier Project is managed from Oranmore and, according to Caher-based Councillor Pat Hayes, has been working very well. He said, however, that landowners in the scheme are now facing reduced payments, which could, in turn, make participation and conservation measures less attractive. “Up to now, the scheme has been somewhat independent of the Department of Agriculture,” Councillor Hayes said. “Farmers in the GLAS Scheme also got a top up for working with the Hen Harrier Project. Now, it looks like this will all be mainstreamed under the new ACRES [Agri-Climate Rural Environment] Scheme, through the Department of Agriculture. …

A CRISIS in staffing has hit voluntary and community organisations across Clare and beyond, as interest in labour market activation schemes continues to drop.  Despite some reforms to initiatives like TÚS, the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Community Employment (CE) earlier this year, Councillor Pat Hayes said participant numbers are falling. This has left some parts of the county without the resources needed to support community activity.  Councillor Hayes, who is himself a supervisor of RSS and TÚS schemes, has highlighted the issue a number of times over the last year and said a crisis point has now been reached.  “These schemes are vital for schools, playgrounds, graveyards, you name it,” he said. “Every sector of the community is supported in some way by workers who take part in schemes. These workers are a lifeline. The fact is now that, with the cost of living, and transport in particular, there are lot of people who aren’t interested because it wouldn’t …

SERIOUS concern has been expressed about speeding through the village of Clooney, despite recent measures to slow traffic there to 50kph. The matter was raised at the recent meeting of Killaloe district councillors, when Councillor Pat Hayes called for the speed limit reduction to be extended on the Ennis side of the village. After being told that limits are reviewed every five years by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Councillor Hayes urged the Council to use an appeals mechanism to progress the issue. “Exceptional work has been done in Clooney and I’m only talking about the Ennis side of the village,” Councillor Hayes said. “We are all very proud of the work and a fine job has been done. If anyone is assessing the situation from the Ennis side, you’ll see that the speed signs are on the bend. You’re in the village before you see them. They are hidden to some degree.” The Caher man thanked the Council for a …