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Tag Archives: Michael Begley

Possibility of another Clare rates bill increase next year

THE commercial rates bills faced by Clare businesses could increase by 2.5% next year. Commercial rates increased by 3.8% in 2022 and it was anticipated that there would be no further increase in 2023. However the level of inflation seen this year was not forecast, and county councillors have been warned that if a 2.5% increase is not agreed their General Municipal Allocations (GMA) will have to be cut. Further discussions between elected representatives and the executive are set to take place ahead of November 25, when the Council is due to agree a budget. The Shannon Muncipal District’s draft budget meeting took place this week, and afterwards Independent Gerry Flynn said that giving indicative figures in advance of an overall budget being passed is pointless. “Really and truly it was a non event. Having these meetings before the budget is approved is ridiculous. “The granting of the GMA budget is connected to the buoyancy of the main budget, if …

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Further Delay With Flood Defences for Springfield, Clonlara

DISAPPOINTMENT has been expressed in Springfield, Clonlara, after a further delay with relief works designed to save residents from a repeat of devastating flooding that has forced them out of their homes multiple times over the last 15 years. Planning for flood protection works began in early 2016, after more than 10 families had to evacuate their properties and a further five had their access roads completely cut off. Since then, the proposed €1.2 million works have hit a number of hurdles, and it has now been confirmed that rather than going through an internal local authority adjudication process, the plans will now go to An Bord Pleanála. Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Seán Lenihan told authority members this month that the nature of the works could not be contained, as had been anticipated, within a Part Eight application. “They require an EIAR (Environmental Impact Assessment Report) and an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement),” he explained, adding that the application …

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Support for motion to suspend water charges

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 …

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Dog poisoning concerns in Clonlara

FEARS have been expressed that a child could be killed in Clonlara by ingesting illegal substances after up to six dogs died in the locality. One dog was found dead about 100 yards from Clonlara National School, which is located very near the access point for the popular walking route on the canal bank at the back of Derryvinna Housing Estate. No one has been charged in relation to these incidences involving unknown persons. Councillor Michael Begley warned that any poisonous substance, such as Strychnine, that was laid along the canal bank could be picked up by crows and dropped in a nearby lawn where children play. A number of dog owners and Councillor Begley discussed this issue with ESB representatives recently, where it was suggested that an amenity area could be cordoned off exclusively for the use of walkers without being let. However, the ESB, according to Councillor Begley, didn’t agree with this proposal as it wants to continue …

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Out of the loop at O’Briensbridge

The “permanent” closure of a small section of a National Looped Walk near O’Briensbridge in the interest of safety has been described as “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. Councillor Michael Begley made the assertion after it emerged that it could take years before the public walkway near the bridge in the village is re-opened after it was closed off last week. Last week, Clare County Council explained this walkway was shut for the “forseeable future” after Christy Crotty and a young toddler passed under the bridge minutes before mortar fell when the bridge was hit by a truck. This was the second incident involving falling mortar after another walker, Sean O’Dowd, has a similar experience. However, it could take years before this walkway can be used again, after the council linked its re-opening with the opening of the Killaloe bypass. Killaloe Municipal District senior executive engineer, Hugh McGrath explained the council couldn’t give a date for re-opening as …

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Lack of Clonlara candidate helped Begley

Outgoing Clare County Councillor, Michael Begley became the third member of the local authority to secure re-election at around 11.10 pm with 1,799 votes. The Independent Councillor admitted the loss of 320 from nearby Parteen concentrated his mind and his supporters to get those votes back. Acknowledging the lack of competition from another Clonlara candidate was a big help in his re-election bid, he identified three pools of votes to secure some additional votes. These included votes left behind by outgoing Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald and Councillor Cathal Crowe, who moved from Killaloe to the Shannon Municipal District and the decision of former Fine Gael Councillor, John McInerney not to re-enter the race. While all these votes were party votes, he managed to get enough of them to eventually secure his re-election. His re-election bid was also helped by the fact he was the only independent candidate out of the starting line-up of ten. He pointed out there was no comparable …

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Clare Election

In the Killaloe area, Joe Cooney of Fine Gael , as expected, will be comfortably elected, as will Independent Michael Begley.  Next home will be Tony O Brien, Fianna Fail and Pat Hayes of Fianna Fail. At this stage, it appears that outgoung Mayor of Clare Joe Arkins of Fine Gael will have a fight on his hands to retain his seat. Liam Wiley, Fianna Fail and Pat Burke of Fine Gael are among those who will be in contention for the remaining seats. [doptg id=”14″]

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