THE highly popular seed swapping events return to Scariff on Sunday next (March 6), offering an opportunity to learn new skills and contribute to the promotion of biodiversity. A Community Seed Exchange will be hosted by Irish Seed Savers at its leafy gardens in Capparoe. The event will run over two time-slots, starting at 12pm and again at 2pm, and will present the chance to for individuals, families, gardening and community groups to come together to share and swap seeds. Those intending to join are invited to bring any spare or saved seeds to share and swap with other growers. From the rare to the everyday varieties all kinds of seeds are welcome. This event will help promote biodiversity and, through the sharing seeds, a more resilient food system is created. Irish Seed Savers is delighted to be able to open to in-person visits and events, after the restrictions that the pandemic brought. “The past two years have really highlighted …
Read More »Council seeks more detail on controversial telecoms mast
MORE details are being sought on a controversial plan for a 21-metre telecoms in an east Clare town, writes Fiona McGarry. While the Council originally indicated that a decision could be made this month, it has now asked developers Eir for Further Information (FI), following significant public opposition in Scariff and a representation from a local TD. Eir proposes to replace a 12-metre wooden pole, at its exchange on The Connacht Road, with a much higher mast with dishes, antennas and other equipment. When submissions closed at the end of January, a total of 11 objections had been made. One of those is a detailed document with 48 signatures on behalf of East Clare Community Residents. That objection raises concerns about public health, the proximity of the site to Scariff National School and the impact on the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) of Scariff and Tuamgraney. Deputy Michael McNamara made a representation on the file, “requesting the need for Clare County …
Read More »Opposition to mast in Clare town continues to grow
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a 21-metre telecoms mast in Scariff have prompted a major objection from a group calling itself East Clare Community Residents, writes Fiona McGarry. Eir proposes to replace a 12-metre wooden pole, at its exchange on The Connacht Road, with a much higher mast with dishes, antennas and other equipment. When submissions closed at the end of January, a total of 11 objections had been made. One of those is a detailed document with 48 signatures on behalf of East Clare Community Residents. Deputy Michael McNamara, has also made a representation on the file, “requesting the need for Clare County Council to engage with those who have made submissions and those who have concerns within the wider public to ensure those concerns are addressed in the planning process”. The 14-page objection from East Clare Community Residents raises concerns about the impact of the proposed mast on the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) of Scariff and Tuamgraney. It outlines detailed …
Read More »Ukraine dating tour operator keeping an eye on the Russians
AS tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, an East Clare tour operator planning a “dating tour” to Kiev has said he is not unduly concerned, writes Fiona McGarry. Scariff’s James Treacy told The Champion that he is keeping a watch on the situation ahead of the planned tour and will stick to whatever advice is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Mr Treacy, who previously insisted that there will be no risk to the safety of the 50 men he aims to bring to Ukraine, said he doesn’t see the current crisis along the Ukrainian border as a particular cause for alarm. “Like all other destinations where there has been war, we cannot travel there unless the Department of Foreign Affairs allow us to travel,” he said. The experienced tour operator, who also runs pilgrimages to religious sites around the world, said he has already encountered situations where conflict has necessitated a change of plan. “I remember …
Read More »For whom the bell tolls: Clare man shooting for Angelus video
A SCARIFF photographer is hoping to have a second video shown on RTÉ television, as part of The People’s Angelus. James Treacy, from Moynoe, has been filming with his co-producer, Martin Ryan, of the Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE) for a number of months and the final product is being edited. The short film features farmer John Beston baling silage and cutting hay in the late summer, then using it to fodder his animals in the winter months. The piece was chosen because it fits the meditative and reflective tone of The People’s Angelus. “We have been shooting this video since last July 2021 and we now have to put the jigsaw puzzle together,” Mr Treacy said. Previously, the duo made a short film at Kilmallock Mart in County Limerick to reflect the rhythm of farming life and the role of the mart. That piece will be aired again on RTÉ One at 6pm on Friday, January 28, under …
Read More »Heritage and amenity works celebrated in Scariff
EFFORTS to conserve and enhance amenities in Scariff are stepping up a gear as we enter 2022. Intensive work on the ground is paying major dividends as the community also celebrates the recent allocation of funding for regeneration of the heart of the town. Added to this boost is news of the completion of a project funded by the National Heritage Council and focusing on the Workhouse Water Tower, which dates to the mid-1800s. Last May, Scariff Community Council was awarded funding to prepare a Conservation/Condition Report on the historic structure. The report has now been created by P Coleman & Associates and the Community Council are preparing to share the findings on their website and social channels. This conservation report now forms a vital record and assessment of the building and will be an essential tool in planning and carrying out any future works proposed to the structure and site. The report will also inform future funding applications to help conserve …
Read More »More concerns raised over mast plan for Clare town
FURTHER objections have been lodged in response to a plan from Eir to install a 21-metre mast on its exchange in Scariff. Submissions are currently being accepted on the planning application, which could see the replacement of an existing 12-metre wooden structure with a much higher telecommunications mast with dishes, antennas and other equipment. More concerns have been voiced locally, in recent days, this time from residents of the nearby Connaught Road and Derg View development. Additional letters of objection have estimated that the proposed structure would be located just ten metres from some of the homes in the adjacent estate. The submission contends that a mast on the scale of that proposed should not be allowed in such close proximity to the residential development. Another submission, on behalf of a local family, says their property is already overlooked by the existing mast. “Increasing the height as proposed will result in an even larger eyesore”, the objection drawn up by …
Read More »Plan for 21-metre mast sparks opposition in Clare town
A PLAN to install a 21-metre mast at the Eir exchange in Scariff is being considered by Clare County Council. If successful, the application from Eircom Limited, trading as Eir, would see the replacement of an existing 12 metre wooden pole with the much higher telecommunications mast with dishes, antennas and other equipment. The plan has already encountered some opposition locally with objections from a number of residents. To-date, three people living close by have told planners the development will impact negatively on them, in terms of their enjoyment of their homes and gardens. They had also said that the structure will overshadow their family homes, and that they have concerns about the development being located in the centre of a residential area. In its letter of application, Eir argues that the new mast would be screened by the exchange building and by mature trees, and that it is essential to 3G and 4G coverage for homes and businesses. The …
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