Tag Archives: Mary Howard

CLARE artists with disabilities are being encouraged to speak out and express themselves using a voice of their own as part of an international competition. Each year Phoenix Sister Cities, which includes Ennis, host a competition for artists with disabilities. The genesis of the competition is to offer recognition to artists who have gone beyond their disability and utilised their creative talents to promote global understanding of disabilities. Art and photography are submitted by local artists in Arizona and from Phoenix’s 10 sister cities around the world. For 2015, there were a number of entries from County Clare-based artists, as Ennis is twined with Phoenix since 1988. Of these entries, four were award-winners under the theme of ‘A Voice Of Our Own!’ Local woman Theresa Davoren came in third place in her category and she was also presented with a cheque for €150. Awards were also given to Chime Browne, James Hehir and Gerard Arthur. Councillor Mary Howard, deputy mayor …

A date has been set for the Fine Gael convention to select candidates to run for the General Election in Clare. The convention will take place on September 11 in Ennis, with the county’s two sitting TDs, Deputies Pat Breen and Joe Carey, likely to receive the nod. Senators Tony Mulcahy and Martin Conway have both said they will seek the party’s nomination. Clare County Councillor Mary Howard may also seek to have her name put forward. Senator Mulcahy was on the ticket in the 2011 General Election but was not elected, while Senator Conway had expressed his desire to run for Fine Gael on that occasion but was not selected as a candidate. “In 2009, I topped polls in local elections with a significant surplus. I wasn’t running in the subsequent General Election, even though a senior cabinet minister living seven miles away from me had said he would not be running, so it left a vacuum. Fine Gael …

Ennis Councillor Mary Howard is encouraging all women aged between 50 and 64 to attend their regular mammogram, when invited. “All women in this age group should ensure they are on the BreastCheck register, so they can be informed about their free check-up appointments,” Councillor Howard stated. “It’s simple, just log onto www.breastcheck.ie, to register, or Freephone 1800 45 45 55. “There has been a drop of 6% in women attending appointments over the past four years, which is worrying as a minimum of 70% attendance must be maintained to deliver the most benefit to the women screened,” she pointed out. “The vast majority of screenings are found to be perfectly healthy. Where problems are detected, early treatment greatly increases the likelihood of full recovery. Over 450,000 people have attended regular BreastCheck mammograms since the programme began. “Under this Government, there has been a major expansion of screening including Bowelscreen, screening for diabetic retinopathy and newborn deafness and cystic fibrosis. …

The BreastCheck mobile unit has returned to the grounds of Clare County Council in Ennis and is expected to remain at this location until December. On its last visit, close on 7,000 women availed of the free service. “Since BreastCheck first came to Clare in 2010 may lives have been saved by this simple procedure,” Councillor Mary Howard remarked. “These lives have been our mothers, sisters, aunts and cousins. However, it is important to be aware that about 20 men get diagnosed with breast cancer each year also,” she added. The Ennis councillor said women should carry out regular self examinations of their breasts and encouraged eligible participants to attend their appointment. BreastCheck – The National Breast Screening Programme encourages women aged 50 to 64 to avail of their invitation for a free breast mammogram (x-ray) in the mobile digital screening unit in Ennis. It is expected that about 10,000 women will be invited in this round, including approximately 1,800 women who …

CLARE County Council has voted in favour of a motion calling for the suspension of water charges “until an honest debate on the role and future of Irish Water is held in Dáil Éireann”. They also supported a further motion on water charges that would see their introduction suspended “until a proper fair and equitable system” is put in place and Irish Water’s capacity to deliver water services to homes and businesses is reviewed. The council also backed a call for Government to reverse the imposition of water charges and instead use any resources available to repair leaking pipework and return the management of water and wastewater services to local authorities. They did, however, reject a motion from the Fine Gael group recognising the legal obligation for water charges arising from EU legislation and the bailout agreement, and calling on Irish Water to attend the full council to explain its structure, functions and charging system. Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy moved …

Clare third level students, who will be studying away from home,  have been urged to take their time when choosing rental accommodation. The advice has come from Clare County Councillor, Mary Howard who said, “Students should take their time when looking for accommodation to ensure that their potential landlord is an experienced professional and what is on offer is within regulations. “Similarly, I would advise students to choose their flatmates carefully. Tenants are legally obliged to pay their rent and if they or their flatmates fall into arrears and do not repay them, they could face prosecution.” Councillor Howard said students should also consider the term of the lease being offered. “If they are only planning on renting for the academic year, a 12 month lease may not suit them. The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) maintains a register of all private tenancies and landlords are legally obligated to register the tenancy with the board. The PRTB has replaced the courts for the vast majority of landlord …

Ennis Councillor Mary Howard has called upon farmers and residents living near farming areas to “see their farms through children’s eyes” and take the necessary precautions to ensure all areas are kept safe. “2014 is becoming a very dark year for farm deaths in Ireland,” the Fine Gael councillor said. “Seventeen people have died in farm accidents this year – one more than in the whole year of 2013. The Bank Holiday weekend marked a particular low, with two children dying in farm-related accidents. “I commend the IFA for trying to highlight the dangers of farming, and compliment the association for holding the first National Farm Safety Awareness Day with the Health and Safety Authority.”

Clare county councillor Mary Howard is encouraging holidaymakers to make sure their European Health Insurance Card is up to date before travelling abroad. “The European Health Insurance Card, formerly known to people as Form E111 entitles you to necessary healthcare in the public system of any EU / EEA member state or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay in that country. The Card does not cover the cost of treatment in a private setting,” Councillor Howard explained. “While it is not the equivalent of private health or travel insurance, the card is intended to ensure that EU citizens can receive emergency treatment while travelling in any other EU country. Public healthcare systems vary from country to country, and few countries pay the full cost of healthcare for holders of the card. You should also take out private insurance for your trip, but the European Health Insurance Card will make it easier for you to avail of emergency healthcare in a foreign country,” the Ennis-based Fine Gael …