Podcasts about east clare

The Minister for Transport will officially open a long-awaited bridge in East Clare in the coming week. Minister Darragh O'Brien is set to unveil the Brian Boru Bridge connecting Killaloe and Ballina next Thursday at 3pm. The major infrastructural project crosses the River Shannon one kilometre south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will connect the Killaloe Bypass with the R494. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says it's a gamechanger.

 News and events from around East Clare for the weekend  of the 10th-11th May 2025   -13.56 Weather forecast  sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins   News sponsored by Leona's Nail and Brow bar  Scariff https://www.facebook.com/Leonasnails

Originally broadcast as part of  Saturday Chronicle Live from the Cobblers rest Bodyke as Part of Bodyke Annual Festive May Bank Holiday weekend 3rd May 2025 hosted by Marie McNamara and Trish Nugent Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

 News and events from around East Clare for the weekend  of the 3rd-4th May 2025   -14.59 Weather forecast  sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins  News sponsored by Leona's Nail and Brow bar  Scariff https://www.facebook.com/Leonasnails

News from East Clare with Gda Conor Horan, Killaloe  Garda station. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 26th April 2025 hosted by Daragh Leamy and Stephen Minogue. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

Tuamgraney native, Nationally renowned Oral Historian and author joins Jim and John on the phone ahead of Easter Sunday in talking about the annual Easter Celebration in East Clare Memorial park and Scariff Church, This annual events takes place as part The East Clare Memorial Committee -Clare's longest running commemoration group who have been honouring the men and women from East Clare that fought for Irish independence. They also discuss methods of recording Oral history, its value  and how it should be used in the digital era.  Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 19th April 2025 hosted by Thomas Conway and Tom Hanley. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

Allie Glynn from Westbury in East Clare is a Wedding, Newborn and Family photographer who captures memories in both documentary and studio style. She is also an artist and studied art first at school and later in college where she was also introduced to photography. She graduated from the Crawford College of Art & Design in Cork City with an honours degree in 2015 and established her own business two years later.

 as broadcast from the SBCR studio at the Derg Active Alliance building Scariff and hosted by Tom Hanley and Thomas Conway.  Saturday Chronicle is kindly sponsored by James M Nash and Co and Derg Kitchen Design   http://dergkitchendesign.ie. Saturday Chronicle is kindly sponsored by James M Nash and Co and Derg Kitchen Design   http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com 

News and events from around East Clare for the weekend  of the 19th-20th April  2025   -14.39 Weather forecast  sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins  News sponsored by Leona's Nail and Brow bar  Scariff https://www.facebook.com/Leonasnails

 News and events from around East Clare for the weekend  of the 19th-20th April  2025   -13.53 Weather forecast  sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins  News sponsored by Leona's Nail and Brow bar  Scariff https://www.facebook.com/Leonasnails

The East Clare Memorial Committee, the county's oldest memorial group, will host its annual Easter Commemorations this Sunday in Tuamgraney and Scariff. This is continuing a tradition that spans over a century of honouring local heroes who fought for Irish freedom. This year, the committee will pay tribute to two remarkable individuals: Martin ‘The Neighbour' McNamara of Kilkishen, a legendary East Clare fighter, and Kathleen Foley (née McCormack) of Clonlara, who served as second in command of the East Clare Brigade of Cumann na mBan. To learn more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Cathaoirleach of the East Clare Memorial Committee, Cllr Pat Hayes, and the Secretary of the East Clare Memorial Committee, Tomás MacComara. Photo (C): on top: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10230268459600757&set=pcb.2052261091945593&__cft__[0]=AZW6upnIFI1-BS-x2C32bGTkwC3JZtUgbDg5V8d2qduVo4wGQr5orBEKcVvuKhy7-UJ8--nd_yGS4tTpauZiTnq7-rqBLlQbXbwvFUzs6SuNqyELzaxZnpcmBGqBXwY2L85PuUcpAFHm3sbU1DZcVSRxW3h4oKlZRV3L-sJSJ6uFtqzzXWhEmqwCOy1n8um0NywT1bKuVX_q0Gtvvh0x4PZG&__tn__=*b1H-R Photo (C) on bottom: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10230268458320725&set=pcb.2052261091945593&__cft__[0]=AZW6upnIFI1-BS-x2C32bGTkwC3JZtUgbDg5V8d2qduVo4wGQr5orBEKcVvuKhy7-UJ8--nd_yGS4tTpauZiTnq7-rqBLlQbXbwvFUzs6SuNqyELzaxZnpcmBGqBXwY2L85PuUcpAFHm3sbU1DZcVSRxW3h4oKlZRV3L-sJSJ6uFtqzzXWhEmqwCOy1n8um0NywT1bKuVX_q0Gtvvh0x4PZG&__tn__=*b0H-R

News and events from around East Clare for the weekend  of the 12th-13th April  2025   -14.40 Weather forecast  sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins  News sponsored by Leona's Nail and Brow bar  Scariff https://www.facebook.com/Leonasnails

with Gda Dave Moran, Killaloe. Originally broadcast Live from the trading Post Tuamgraney for Tuamgraney Harp Festival as part of Saturday Chronicle 5th April 2025 hosted by Pat O'Brien and Anthony Lenihan. https://www.facebook.com/eastclaretradingpost  Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

as broadcast live as part of Saturday Chronicle from the SBCR studio in the Derg Alliance Building Scariff Hosted by Geraldine Colleran and Marianne Purcell. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

 News and events from around East Clare for the weekend  of the 5th-6th April  2025   -16.09 Weather forecast  sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins   News sponsored by Leona's Nail and Brow bar  Scariff https://www.facebook.com/Leonasnails

5 brothers are celebrating 50 years of trad music! Like many Clare musicians, the Grogans come from a musical background. Their grandfather Michael Grogan R.I.P. played the concertina, while their late grandfather Pat O' Loughlin from O' Callaghan's Mills was a traditional singer. They began their musical career under the guidance of All-Ireland traditional violinist Vincent Griffin from Feakle. The five brothers have their own Céilí band and have played at numerous venues around the country. The Grogan brothers joined Peter O'Connell in-studio. Photo(C): ClareFM

Construction is finally underway on a brand new dual diagnosis and CAMHS facility in South-East Clare. Inis Ghile in Parteen is set to become the permanent home of the East Clare Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, whilst also treating co-existing mental health and substance misuse issues. The HSE had originally hoped to open the facility last July, it's now envisaged it will be operational in the coming months. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe believes it will be transformative.

A long-awaited flood relief scheme in East Clare will be completed in the coming months. Responding to a parliamentary question for Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, the Department of Public Expenditure has confirmed the construction of the Springfield Flood Relief Scheme in Clonlara is nearing completion. The update also states the scheme will be informed by a groundwater report due to be finished by the end of June. Deputy Cooney says while the news is welcome, it should've come years ago. To discuss this further, Peter O'Connell was joined by Cllr Michael Begley. Photo © Pat Flynn

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Pat Flynn visits am award-winning volunteer-led sailing club based on Cullaun Lake in East Clare. Cullaun Sailing Club was recently voted Club of the Year by Irish Sailing beating off stiff competition from Royal Irish Yacht Club and Skerries Sailing Club in Dublin; and Glandore Harbour Yacht Club in Cork.

 News and events from around East Clare for the weekend  of the 29th-30th March  2025   -15.16 Weather forecast  sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins  News sponsored by Leona's Nail and Brow bar  Scariff https://www.facebook.com/Leonasnails

The People of Clare Against Genocide, East Clare for Palestine, Portumna for free Palestine and friends have come together to present a screening of the documentary film ‘The Phoenix of Gaza'. The screening will take place Wednesday, April 2nd at the Templegate Hotel in Ennis at 7:30pm. It will be followed by a post-show discussion with the director, Palestinian journalist, Yousef Alhelou. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by the director of the Phoenix of Gaza, Yousef Alhelou. Photo(C): Yousef Alhelou

East Clare Musical Society is celebrating its 20th anniversary in style. Their latest production will see them bring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the stage. The beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical will run from April 17th to 20th at the Scariff Community College Hall. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Rhys McNamara who plays Joseph, Hannah Moloney who plays one of the 2 narrators and Sarah King, Musical Director. Photo(C):Clare FM

 News from East Clare with Gda Ger Harrington, Killaloe  Garda station. ( with apologies for poor phone line quality) Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 15th March 2025 hosted by Pat O'Brien and Fiona Levie. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

The lack of information on the current stage of the Limerick to Scariff Greenway has been branded as "disappointing". Killaloe Municipal District has revealed that a peer review of the preferred route corridor of the long-awaited greenway has taken place and public consultation on the project will be held on the peer review group and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have concluded discussions. On foot of a motion tabled by Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes at this week's meeting of East Clare representatives, it's been agreed that Waterways Ireland will be invited to attend the next meeting. Councillor Hayes says landowners in particular deserve more detail on the plans.

News and events from around East Clare for the weekend  of the 22nd-23rd March  2025   -14.06 Weather forecast  sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins   News sponsored by Leona's Nail and Brow bar  Scariff https://www.facebook.com/Leonasnails

Killaloe Municipal District is "quietly confident" its efforts to secure State funding for two major projects in East Clare will prove successful. It comes as Clare County Council has submitted a funding application for what are being described as "transformational" public realm regeneration and enhancement projects in Crusheen and Killaloe-Ballina. Funds are being sought for the reopening of Crusheen Railway Station as well as the development of a multi-purpose community enterprise hub and creche in the village. Additionally, an application has been submitted for public realm revitalisation in Killaloe-Ballina town centres including the transformation of the vacant Killaloe Courthouse into a cultural and musical venue. The applications have been made under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which can make up to €1 million available to a local authority for the purpose of feasibility and project development works. As Killaloe-Ballina straddles the Clare-Tipperary border however, the application is a joint effort from both local authorities, meaning up to €2 million can be awarded for this project. Senior Coordinator of Killaloe Municipal District, Brian McCarthy believes they have a strong case. The Department of Rural and Community Development is expected to announce successful RRDF applicants by September of this year. After this point, should the East Clare projects be successful, further funding can be applied for to deliver the works. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says the investment would allow his hometown to become a more "sustainable community".

It's hoped a new development will solve legacy traffic issues and grow business in East Clare. Clare County Council has secured Part V Planning permission for a first ever public car park in Bodyke village. The facility will be located at Minogue's Corner adjacent to the church and community park and will also provide public lighting and a bike repair area. Local Fine Gael Councillor Conor Ryan is hopeful it can improve the economy and road safety.

 News and events from around East Clare for the weekend  of the 8th-9th March  2025   -12.48 Weather forecast  sponsored by Paddy Punch engineering Scariff, read by Jim Collins  News sponsored by Leona's Nail and Brow bar  Scariff https://www.facebook.com/Leonasnails

News from East Clare with Gda Brian Quinn, Scariff  Garda station. Originally broadcast as part of Saturday Chronicle 8th March 2025 hosted by Daragh Leamy and Stephen Minogue. Saturday Chronicle is Sponsored by JAMES M NASH AND DERG KITCHEN DESIGN http://dergkitchendesign.ie Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

It's hoped a vital wing of an East Clare nursing home will come back into full service in the coming months. The Department of Health has confirmed that four short-stay beds at Raheen Community Hospital will reopen by the end of June, subject to a successful recruitment process. However, frustration has been expressed over six long-stay beds at Ennistymon Community Hospital remaining idle, with the HSE understood to be in the midst of a recruitment campaign to staff them. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says the process must be expedited.

You've heard the old saying: “It takes a village to raise a child” - but have you ever heard the one that “it takes a local community to keep a golf club going?”. It's certainly applicable to the members of East Clare Golf Club. The golf club, situated in Bodyke, could have been a thing of the past, were it not for the efforts of its members. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Chairman of the marketing committee of the East Clare Golf Club, Nick Ryan. Photo (C): Clare FM

A violent attack by a dog on livestock in East Clare has prompted Clare's County Dog Warden to once again urge people to rein in their pets. A German Shepherd is understood to have killed five sheep while injuring several others after entering a field in Garraunboy in Killaloe in recent days. The dog's owner has subsequently put the animal down and has reimbursed the farmer for the lost sheep. Frankie Coote says at all times of the days, dogs should be kept under control to prevent similar vicious incidents.

Hundreds of homes and businesses in East Clare remain without power today following the devastation of Storm Éowyn. Many in the likes of Feakle, Scariff and Tuamgraney lost electricity on Friday morning with some now entering their fifth day of outages. While power had returned to many in Tulla, a transformer fault at 11:30 on Monday morning has resulted in outages for many on the main street and beyond but it's believed power will be restored to the majority of those affected by 9 tonight. One area still grappling with electricity outages is O'Callaghan's Mills where Clare Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association Secretary Martin McMahon resides. Clare FM's Seán Lyons has travelled to his home to get a better understanding of what the ordeal has been like for those in the east of the county... Photo (C):Clare FM

On Ours To Protect today, we take a closer look at biodiversity and sustainability in Co Clare. We visit the Lough Grainey valley in East Clare an area of immense beauty and ecological value. Here, a highly skilled team of directors, committed to protecting biodiversity, rewilding and nature education are working to develop the area as a nature sanctuary. Dr Marina Levitina is Co-founder of the Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary.

A councillor embroiled in a row over who'll wear the Cathaoirleach's chains in East Clare over the next few months has dismissed the episode as a "political spat". Sparks flew at yesterday's meeting of Killaloe Municipal District when Fine Gael's Pat Burke contested the decision allowing the Leas Cathaoirleach, Fianna Fáil's Pat Hayes, to ascend to the vacant top position. Arguably Clare's most harmonious municipal district became a battleground this week as the subject of which councillor will replace newly-elected Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney as Cathaoirleach dominated early discussions. Prior to his election to Dáil Éireann in November, Deputy Cooney had been the appointed Cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municipal District for the 2024/25 Clare County Council term, with Maghera Councillor Pat Hayes serving as Leas Cathaoirleach. Following O'Callaghan's Mills native Conor Ryan's co-option onto the municipal district in December, the newcomer quickly indicated his lack of interest in taking the reins just set. Yesterday, it was proposed that Councillor Hayes would step up from his position as vice-chair to be at the helm of the MD until June, with Fianna Fáil councillors Tony O'Brien and Alan O'Callaghan backing the plan. The development led Whitegate Councillor Pat Burke to accuse the Fianna Fáil contingent of "railroading" their Fine Gael counterparts and refusing to engage with him on the subject. He claims it's not unthinkable that the three Fianna Fáil councillors have a "plan up their sleeve" to ensure Councillor Ryan never has the opportunity to be Cathaoirelach in this term. With four years left in this council term, it's not yet clear if Councillor Hayes will serve a full year as Cathaoirleach at another stage or if Councillor Ryan will wear the chains for half of that year in order to ensure both representatives do a full stint. Councillor Hayes believes a "flare-up" is healthy every once in a while and doesn't envisage that the issue will be a cause of friction going forward.

The Killaloe Municipal District's Fianna Fáil councillors have been accused of "railroading" their Fine Gael counterparts following the selection of a new Cathaoirleach. Upon being elected to Dáil Éireann in November, former Bodyke Councillor Joe Cooney vacated the Cathaoirleach seat in the Killaloe MD. Following a decision by his replacement, O'Callaghan's Mills Councillor Conor Ryan, not to to take up the mantle, it was decided at this week's meeting of the region's elected representatives that Leas Cathaoirleach Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes will assume the role until the end of the council term. Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke claims his Fianna Fáil colleagues have refused to engage with him on the issue and that there's no precedent for a vice-chair to be elevated to the top position.

The firm responsible for a new demographic, economic and social analysis of the east of the county says it's been pleasantly surprised by how well the area is doing. Ennis-based consultancy People and Place has launched its socio-economic analysis of Killaloe Municipal District which is the first of its kind in Ireland. The report shows that the region's population is growing at a faster rate than that of the county, Ireland as a whole and all other MDs bar Ennis, with its number of residents having increased by almost 8.8% between 2016 and 2022. Director of People and Place, Justin Gleeson has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons that there's plenty of causes for optimism in the findings.

There's a call for an an after hours GP service in East Clare amid claims the service is "non-existent" there. The Friends of Ennis Hospital Campaign has published the results of a survey it conducted from December 29th to January 6th which found that 51% of Midwest patients surveyed went to their pharmacy before any other service over the period. Of the respondents who attended University Hospital Limerick, 40% rated it as "excellent", with just 13% deeming the experience "very poor". Friends of Ennis Hospital Chairperson Angela Coll has been telling Clare FM's Séan Lyons a key finding was that many in the east of the county are forced to go to Limerick or Tipperary if they require a GP out of hours.

It's hoped a new road in Shannon can get at least as far as the planning permission stage this year in the interest of Shannon Airport's continued growth. It's just one of the projects being named as a priority by Clare's local elected representatives for 2025. Following the co-option of James and Conor Ryan last month, Clare County Council will meet for the first time this year next Monday, January 13th. Among the long-awaited projects expected to get over the line in the coming months is the Ennis Town Bus Service which was included by name in Budget 2025. The service will feature two routes, with one traversing Ennis from the Lahinch Road to the Tulla Road, while the second will go from Clarecastle to Ballymaley via Friar's Walk. Mayor of Ennis, Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy, says the service will be in operation by the end of June. Moving to Clare's second town, a recent update from the local authority on the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road Improvement Scheme indicated that the design team are working towards finalising the documentation required for a planning application. The road, which has been in the works for a number of years, would go from the roundabout at Drumgeely to the airport, and would feature six controlled pedestrian crossings, new bus stops, cycle lanes, footpaths and public lighting. Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman, believes if the Clare base is expected to grow, the road must be in place as soon as possible. Roads are also of major concern in the East Clare region which it's often argued has been historically under-funded when it comes to maintaining and improving the roads network. Leas Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes claims many areas haven't seen adequate levels of investment in recent times. Turning to West Clare, all eyes appear to be on healthcare and specifically on access to emergency care. The HIQA report examining the viability of a second emergency department in the Midwest isn't due until June while an interim report has been promised by Taoiseach Simon Harris early this year. Cathaoirelach of the West Clare Municipal District and Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney, who's a member of the Regional Health Forum West, insists an new ED is needed and it must be in Ennis.

An East Clare member of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is warning that in the days following Christmas Day, blood stocks will see a stark countrywide deduction. With 67% of blood stocks used to support cancer treatments and further vast quantities used to support childbirth, stocks will be depleated over the festive period with hospitals only able to hold fresh blood for three to five days. Broadford native and IBTS Donor Recruitment Executive, Alex O'Connor says the donation clinic in Treacy's West County on December 27th is vital to replenish stock. He's warning that although stocks have recovered from pre amber alert levels, robust measures need to be put in place just after Christmas to prevent levels falling to this threshold.

Shovels will soon be in the ground for a revolutionary project in East Clare. It comes as Clare County Council has put pen to paper with Coolsivna Construction on the first phase of the Scariff Rural Regeneration Scheme. The contract is worth €3.2m and will involve the complete refurbishment of two buildings including the vacant Merriman Tavern, which will be repurposed as a digital hub and the construction of a new car park on a greenfield site. Mayor of Clare Cllr Alan O'Callaghan says its a huge step forward for the region.

It's been suggested group water schemes are being left in "no man's land" following water outages in East Clare. Homes on the Garraunboy Group Water Scheme in Killaloe were without water for six days this week due to the after effects of Storm Darragh. Supply has since been restored but it's understood to be the latest in a series of such incidents in the locality. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says neither Clare County Council nor Uisce Éireann are answerable for the issues and as a result, locals feel "in limbo".

When you're tracing a song through six generations, and you're digging into distinct versions of dance tunes carried by players from East Clare, you never know what card games and shipwrecks you might also uncover. This special episode—the last new story for a while—weaves together stories from John Tunney and Mary MacNamara, who grew up around generations of music in rural Ireland, with the tale of an American kid who played cards with her grandparents. * Find Paddy Tunney's (restrung) Stone Fiddle .. and news about future Tunney re-releases HERE. * Find Mary MacNamara's Sundays at Lena's HERE. * Listen to other episodes, and stay tuned to future Irish Music Stories endeavors (including the print edition of podcast highlights) HERE ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:Thank you to Sharon Murphy, Michael Craine, Jackson Galloway, Karin Kettinring, David Vaughan, John Ploch, Adele Megann, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Mike Voss, Isobel McMahon, Heather Carroll, Ian Bittle, Rick Rubin, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Chris Armstrong, Jonathan Duvick, Susan Walsh, and Bob Suchor.

Madge O'Callaghan is an author and poet based in Kilbane, East Clare. She worked with primary school children from Broadford and Kilbane National School on a collection of illustrated stories called “Broadford Myths and Legends”. The book will launch this evening at Broadford Community Hall from 7 pm. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Madge O'Callaghan. Photo (c): Clare FM

The potential pedestrianisation of a landmark bridge is East Clare is being described as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". An informal public information session will be held in the Killaloe Hotel today from 5pm to 7pm on Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council's intention to pedestrianise the existing Killaloe-Ballina Bridge. The plan forms part of the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme which involves the construction of a new vehicular traffic bridge and connect the proposed Killaloe Bypass to the R494. Killaloe Municipal District Senior Planner Brian McCarthy believes the measure would have a very positive effect on both towns.

East Clare's newest councillor is hoping to bring about major improvement to special needs education, youth facilities and infrastructure in rural areas. O'Callaghan's Mills farmer Conor Ryan has been selected to be co-opted to the council seat vacated by TD Joe Cooney, following a Fine Gael selection convention last night. A special meeting of the local authority will take place on Thursday to formally ratify the 33-Year Old's position, along with that of Sinn Féín's James Ryan who will replace TD Donna McGettigan. Conor has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that a key focus will also be tackle the spread of TB and storm responses on local farms.

It's feared there will be a fatality in an East Clare housing estate unless legacy issues with public lighting are dealt with. Houses 37 - 46 in Arda na Deirge, Killaloe do not fall under the remit of Clare County Council and although the relevant poles are in place, its understood the bulbs have not functioned for six years. At the latest meeting of the local authority, outgoing Chief Executive Pat Dowling said the council must "redouble its effort" to resolve the matter, particularly coming into the Christmas period. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says there have already been close calls and the situation can't afford to get worse.

A soon-to-be Clare Sinn Féin councillor says his primary aim while on the local authority will be to develop and maintain the "ignored" south-eastern region of the county. A Sinn Féin selection convention in Shannon has seen James Ryan unanimously selected to fill the seat on Clare County Council vacated by Donna McGettigan following her election to Dáil Éireann two weeks ago. The Westbury native, who works as a teacher and artist, ran for the party in June's Local Elections, receiving 455 first preference votes. He's been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he'll endeavour to tackle the overgrown parts of south-east Clare and look after the needs of its ageing population.

Tourist footfall is expected to receive a boost in East Clare next year with the arrival of a long-awaited new attraction. The Old Rectory building overlooking Mountshannon Harbour and Lough Derg is currently the subject of a overhaul worth €300,000 which will see it turned into a visitor and interpretative centre. It's part of the €4 million Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience project which has been dubbed the "most significant tourism project ever to be undertaken in East Clare". The attraction is due to open in March of 2025 and General Manager of Clare Tourism East Stephen Hanley says strong numbers are expected.

Shovels will enter the ground for a highly anticipated regeneration project in East Clare at the beginning of next year. The Killaloe Municipal District has confirmed that construction for the Scariff Town Regeneration Project will begin in January of 2025, with the development of a greenfield site as a car park to be the first aspect of the project to get underway. Following the car park's completion, work will begin on the renovation of the vacant Merriman Tavern as a Community and Enterprise Hub, as well as public realm enhancements in Market Square, with the €11 million project to conclude construction in mid to late 2027. Senior Planner with Clare County Council and Co-ordinator of the Killaloe Municipal District, Brian McCarthy, says the car park should be up-and-running within a year.