Tag Archives: Director of Rural Development Leonard Cleary

THE level of demand for homeless services in Clare is as high as it has ever been, the County Council management’s report for October states. “Demand for homeless services in Clare are unprecedented for this time of year. At the time of writing emergency accommodation is at capacity with a waiting list in place for access to accommodation,” it claimed. The report said it is very hard to find new accommodation, even though it is badly needed. “The Council continues to pursue additional emergency accommodation however this is proving challenging due to competing demands for accommodation in the County.” During the period from August 19 up to September 15 it found that 13 households exited homeless services, but there were 40 new presentations, along with 191 repeat presentations. At the October meeting of the Council, Director of Service Ann Haugh said that Clare’s experience is not exceptional. “We are reflecting what is happening nationally really, presentations are rising.” Also at …

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 …

A FREE interactive mobile app has been launched for those visiting or planning to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in County Clare. With free Wi-Fi available throughout the main visitor centre building and viewing platforms, visitors will be able to access a range of information about the Cliffs of Moher via their smartphone. The app also contains 13 audio tracks narrated by Conor Tallon and features contributions from people with extensive knowledge of the rich history, geology, flora and fauna of Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. For Android users – https://t.co/1HaQWZ2Q0m For Apple Users – https://t.co/7JHqjEbGtZ — Cliffs of Moher (@CliffsofMoherIE) July 29, 2021 Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre Ltd., commented, “A key feature of the new app is to educate visitors and to significantly improve visitor experience while on-site, but also in the pre- and post-stages of their visit. It will be effective in providing information to helping guests find …

CONSULTATION with landowners will be central in the development of the West Clare Greenway, a senior council official had pledged. Leonard Cleary made his remarks in response to a request from Councillor Susan Crawford for an update on the long-awaited trail which will run through Ennis, Corofin, Ennistymon, Lahinch, Miltown Malbay, Quilty, Doonbeg, Moyasta, Kilrush and Kilkee. At the January meeting of the municipal district, Mr Cleary said that landowners and the farming community would be consulted at every stage. In response to the motion from Councillor Crawford, Seán Lenihan, Senior Engineer with the council’s Project Management Office (PMO) said that technical advisors for the Planning and Consent Phase and Detailed Design Phase for a 20km section between Kilrush and Kilkee will be appointed by March. “Following the council’s commissioning of a positive Feasibility Study, we were fortunate to secure €255,000 from the Department of Transport’s Carbon Tax Fund to progress the proposal through the various stages required,” Mr Lenihan’s …

COMMUNITY playgrounds are facing huge hurdles in securing insurance cover, with the county council being urged to step in to support them. The matter was raised at this month’s meeting of Clare County Council, where Councillors Cillian Murphy, Ian Lynch and Joe Garrihy tabled a motion calling for new playgrounds and those whose policies had lapsed to be taken in under the council’s policy. “We could soon be looking at two-tier communities,” Councillor Murphy said. “Those who have community playgrounds and those who don’t, if this situation isn’t resolved. This is a grossly unfair and utterly risible situation.” The Fianna Fáil member said he was aware of two community groups who would not be able to draw down their core funds for playground facilities, if they are unable to get insurance cover. “In one case a group has spent €275,000 and is ready to go, but the playground has to have insurance cover,” he said. “Significant time and energy has …