Podcasts about north clare

Michelle Riordan is originally from Co Meath where her family runs their own business. She and her husband had both travelled and lived abroad separately for many years. They had grown up down the road from each other in a small rural community in Meath. When their paths finally crossed again in 2004, they established Yogatraveller, a business that combined their passions for yoga and travel. They did all the groundwork from the foothills of the Himalayas in Northern India, building a website and continuing to study yoga. In 2007 they returned to Ireland to have their first child and shortly after we relocated to North Clare where they have been since. Michelle says, ‘after many years of wandering we knew we had found home.'

The state's contract to house International Protection Applicants in the Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna will come to an end this summer. A senior figure within the Department of Integration has confirmed to Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe that the contract is set to end in July and will not be renewed beyond this point. The hotel's 171 residents will be relocated on Friday July 4th. Deputy Crowe says it makes sense for the North Clare town to be one of the first not to have its contract renewed.

A legendary daughter of County Clare could soon be immortalised in mural form. Kilfenora Tidy Towns is seeking planning permission for the erection of a mural of famed aristocrat Máire Rua O'Brien on the east-facing wall of the Burren Sonas Steiner Kindergarten which was formerly is Máire Rua Craft Shop. If granted approval, the piece will be designed by Liscannor-based artist Marcus O'Connor with funding provided by Corofin Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Killeen along with Doolin Ferries. Edel Barry of Kilfenora Tidy Towns believes Máire's legacy has been unfairly tarnished over the centuries.

It's hoped a new shuttle bus service connecting towns and villages in West and North Clare will deliver for the local economy. The free of charge Burren and Cliffs Explorer is expected to run for the next three months and significantly ease traffic congestion in the region. Operated by C&C Executive Travel, the service offers seven busses on seven different routes servicing areas including Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Liscannor, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, Ballyvaughan, Poulnabhrone, Corofin and Carron. Chair of Clare's Strategic Tourism Policy Committee, Cllr Shane Talty, who's also a member of the Cliffs Of Moher 2040 Board, says it's a positive day for the region.

A new free of charge shuttle bus service connecting two of Clare's most prominent tourist destinations to towns and villages has officially been launched today. The Burren and Cliffs Explorer is expected to run for the next three months and significantly ease traffic congestion in the region. There are seven busses in the fleet for seven different routes that will all be operated by C&C Executive Travel. The service begins at 9am daily in Miltown Malbay, Kilfenora, Doolin and Liscannor and will have busses arriving at, and leaving the Cliffs of Moher every half hour. Clare Tourism Director Siobhán McNulty believes it will bring major benefits.

History will come full circle for Tubber GAA this Bank Holiday weekend. The North Clare village will take on Gort in a rematch of their first ever game 140 years ago. The game between Tubber and the Galway side – their near neighbours – will celebrate 140 years since Tubber was registered as a GAA club, and commemorate a fixture that took place in May, 1885. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Member of programme committee, Eoin Ruan and Tubber committee member, Rory O'Connor. Photo(C): https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1261043996029727&set=a.654741073326692

A North Clare musician is making an emotional plea for the return of her Uilleann Pipes. Siobhán Hogan has put the call out on social media, in an attempt to locate the Uilleann Pipes. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by North Clare musician, Siobhán Hogan. Photo(C): ClareFM

There are plans for a new medical centre which will see three North Clare medical practices amalgamate have been given a clean bill of health. The project, which will involve the redevelopment of an existing guest and dwelling house on the Lahinch Road in Ennistymon, will enable more complex procedures, treatments, and more besides. It's claimed 10 patients will be able to be treated at a time with 10 more able to be accommodated in the waiting room. To tell us more about it, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael Kelleher who is a GP. Photo (c) studioroman via canva.com

The completion of major water works in North Clare has been tipped to improve the region's tourist season. Uisce Eireann has now replaced 550m of watermains at Sroohil (Shruh- hill) and a 900m section of cast iron pipes on Circular Road. The phased project was completed with the aim of reducing leakage and water supply disruptions. Manager of Uisce Eireann's National Leakage Reduction Programme Jack Cronin says it's a hugely positive development.

The HSE is being urged to end the "unacceptable" practice of unfunded ambulance shifts in Clare. It's understood ambulance cover in Ennistymon on Wednesdays, Scariff on Thursdays and Kilkee on Fridays is primarily secured through overtime or relief staff. The issue has come to prominence again following a number of high profile incidents locally, including reports of a student waiting over an hour for an ambulance after having a seizure at a North Clare school. Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle says Clare is the poor relation compared to the rest of the country.

A North Clare primary school is set to provide a specialist therapeutic programme for its pupils for just the second year ever, on foot of community donations. Play therapy is designed to help children overcome trauma, anxiety and other issues through a blend of creative arts and recreational activities. Furglan National School in Lahinch is a DEIS facility, but as it's the smallest school in Clare, it relies on fundraising to fulfil extracurricular services and local Café, Anna and Co has now come on board to sponsor play therapy sessions. Principal Patricia Vaughyn says it's a gamechanger.

A North Clare business owner who's due to take over the running of his town's post office says he felt it was his duty to save a vital community service. In October, Councillor Shane Talty tendered his resignation as Postmaster of Lahinch Post Office, citing the expected financial challenges of An Post's decision to transfer mail and sorting services to Ennis. The office on Main Street will soon close and will relocate to Kennedy's Spar in the coming weeks, once the store completes the necessary refurbishments. Owner Robert Kennedy has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan he believes government policy is not protecting the interests of rural Ireland.

North Clare's businesses are hailing the booming footfall boost of the good weather spell. Today is Ireland's hottest day of the year so far and with temperatures expected to exceed 20 degrees in the county today, the crowds have been pouring in. The glorious sunshine and waves are attracting crowds from all over the world to Lahinch today. Sarah and Grace from Long Island are first time visitors to Clare , they didn't expect the weather to be the standout attraction. But it's not just the hottest day of the year so far that's driving footfall in Lahinch - the town's annual trad fest gets underway tomorrow, while the Irish Junior Tour Surfing Competition is also making landfall. Ben Bennett from Ben's Surf Clinic says it feels like the tourist season has finally kicked off. Father and son duo, Niall and Patrick are down from Carlow for the weekend and are keen to take in the sights of some of the country's best surfers in action. They've also been enjoying the hospitality in nearby towns and villages. Some visitors to North Clare have fallen in love at first sight with what the region has to offer. Kate Fennell and her dog Realtín who're originally from Connemara say community spirit is unrivalled.

The new Ennistymon Rivers Festival will take place from the 4th - 6th May. Marking exactly 2 years since the fish kill on the Ballymacraven river, this free, family-friendly festival, celebrates how the local community worked together to restore and protect this river. The festival is designed for all ages and consists of a series of expert talks, engaging workshops, guided walks and kayaking trips along the river. The Ennistymon Rivers Festival will ensure that the Inagh and Ballymacraven river that flow through North Clare and Ennistymon remain a symbol of home, life and community. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kevin Nunan, Chairperson - Restore Ballymacraven River Association. Photo(C): Ennistymon Town Facebook page, Text: Canva

A North Clare village is set to get its first ever public transport connection to one of the closest towns in its vicinity. TFI Local Link has confirmed enhancements to the weekly C8 Carron to Gort route, which will take effect from Friday. The weekly service has always had a stop at Kinvara, Bellharbour and New Quay, but now Ballyvaughan will be added to the timetable. TFI Local Link Limerick Clare Transport Operations Coordinator Cillian Griffey says it will offer many benefits.

A North Clare community's post office has been saved after a new operator took up the mantle at the eleventh hour. Lisdoonvarna Post Office officially reopens in its original location today under new management, after a lease was signed on Saturday afternoon. It had been feared the facility would close due to initial struggles faced by An Post - in which instance postal services would've transferred 12km away to Ennistymon. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says it's a godsend for the locality.

To preview the sporting fixtures, Alan Morrissey was joined on Friday's Morning Focus by Clare FM's Derrick Lynch. Games Previewed: Division 1B National Camogie League Final: Clare v Antrim (Saturday, Abbotstown, 2pm) Soccer: Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Semi-Finals The last remaining spots in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup semi finals will be filled this weekend. · The standout tie sees defending champions Avenue United make the trip to take on Newmarket Celtic in a repeat of last years final. · The Lees Road Astro hosts the meeting of Fairgreen Celtic and Shannon Olympic, while Moher Celtic have home advantage against Bridge United in Lahinch. · Clare FM analyst Jim Madden feels the Bridge will have enough to come through a tricky test against the North Clare side.

The local authority is coming under pressure to honour a twelve-year old contract with a North Clare farmer involving a land transaction. In 2013, Clare County Council acquired land in Sandfield, Lisdoonvarna , to finish a cycle and walking lane for a sum understood to be in the region of €30,000. The landowner was due to receive a stone wall, internal fencing and maintenance of water levels - according to the local authority however, these works will be dependent on the approval of impending planning applications Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery says while the council has provided reassurance, it's taking too long.

Ennistymon residents are being told to expect a more "secure and reliable" water supply once upcoming works are completed. Uisce Éireann has confirmed it will be upgrading 550 metres of watermains along the L-1050 at Sroohil in the North Clare town. Works get underway today and are due to conclude on April 4th, with a road closure in effect for the duration and a traffic management system in place. Uisce Éireann Programme Manager Jack Cronin it's a huge win for locals.

The Attic at Hotel Doolin will celebrate the incredibly talented creative community in North Clare with an event for a powerful cause later this week. Treise Linn, which takes place on Friday, the 14th of March will feature a stellar line-up of musical acts. The event is in support of Women's Aid. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Organiser, Aoibheann Boyle. Photo(C): Clare FM

A water infrastructure revamp commencing in North Clare today is being welcomed locally as a step in the right direction. Uisce Éireann is working to upgrade 550 metres of watermains at Sroohil in Ennistymon in the latest in a series of improvement works on the line. The L-1050 will be closed until April 4th in order to facilitate the works and the water utility claims customers will enjoy a more "secure and reliable" water supply once the upgrade is complete. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons there are many parts of North Clare where similar upgrades are sorely needed.

The leader of Sinn Féin says the State must construct purpose-built accommodation centres in Clare to allow tourism dependent communities here to function. Mary Lou McDonald has been in Clare this morning and has visited St Patrick's Comprehensive School in Shannon as well as Obair Community Crèche in Newmarket-on-Fergus. The Ennistymon local electoral area continues to have the highest proportion of Ukrainian refugees in the country with nearly 11% of its population now from the Eastern European nation. Deputy McDonald has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons she believes North Clare communities are victims of "government mismanagement".

It's estimated the Ennistymon Community Digital Hub is responsible for contributing almost €6 million to the economy each year. A new economic impact study of the North Clare facility unveiled this week has revealed the extent of the benefits the North Clare facility has brought to the region since October 2019. According to the findings, the hub has create 76 full-time employments while its annual value of output is believed to be €5.7 million. Head of Information Systems with Clare County Council, Urban McMahon says the amenity is also having a positive knock-on effect on local businesses.

The Director of the Cliffs of Moher Experience admits North Clare communities aren't seeing a substantial economic benefit despite being in close proximity to the world-famous tourist attraction. It comes as the Cliffs of Moher Experience Activity Report for 2024 has revealed that the attraction generated a visitor spend of €19 million last year. Of the visitors who stayed overnight in Clare during the months of July and August, 26% stayed for at least one night while 12% remained for at least three nights. Director of the Cliffs of Moher Experience Geraldine Enright has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the data demonstrates the positive "power of tourism" - but says nearby businesses aren't feeling the desired effect.

The National Transport Authority has received over 300 public submissions on its plans to reform bus services in North Clare. Fáilte Ireland, Clare County Council, community groups from Corofin, Kilnaboy, Fanore, Kilfenora and elected representatives from both Clare and Galway have been among those to express opposition. One element of the new system would see the Fanore stop removed from the traditional Ennis to Galway route in favour of a shutlle service between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan, traversing Corkscrew Hill. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney believes the status quo should be retained.

It's hoped €7.5m worth of upgrade works carried out by Uisce Eireann will end the threat of future pollution in a North Clare community. It comes as the Ballymacraven Water Treatment Plant, which serves a population of 6,000 in Ennistymon and its surrounding areas has been removed from the utility's remedial action list. In May of 2023, an uncontrolled sludge discharge at the plant caused the death of up to 2,000 fish in the downstream Ballymacraven River. Kevin Noonan from the Restore Ballymacraven River Association says it's a significant step forward.

Coming up on the show: We hear about Clare's latest provincial football success and look ahead to Sunday's National Football League clash with Fermanagh. It's a busy Saturday afternoon in the North Clare area where Tubber hosts the Banner's opening game of the National Camogie League while St Flannans go to Gort for the Croke Cup quarter-final. We look ahead to Avenue United's date with destiny in the FAI Junior Cup and Alan Troy will be along with Greyhound Focus too

It's claimed the closure of a North Clare post office would sound the death knell for the community. An Post has advertised a vacancy in the Lisdoonvarna Post Office on two occasions to no avail and is currently advertising it for the third time. February 28th is the closing date for applications and information can be found on the An Post website. Local woman Marie Lynch says given the challenges faced by residents to keep the town up and running in recent years, closing the post office is unthinkable. Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy has invited An Post's Regional Operations Manager to meet with the Lisdoonvarna Town Team next week in order to share more information about the vacant position. Councillor Garrihy says all the investment going into North Clare will be for nothing if its vital services are allowed to fall by the wayside.

It's feared a prominent North Clare harbour will be devastated unless emergency repair works are carried out immediately. The back wall of Liscannor Bay suffered significant damage last year due to a series of swells penetrating the rock armour, however its condition has deteriorated following Storm Éyown, leaving deep cracks and holes in the walkway, which has now been fenced off from the public. Clare County Council has carried out a preliminary assessment of the extensive damage caused , while all ships that had been in the bay have been brought ashore. Local Fisherman Michael O'Connell who's been operating there for over 40 years says it's a seriously dangerous situation thats putting livelihoods on hold.

Households in North Clare have been hailing the impact of community response hubs set up to assist with the humanitarian fall out of Storm Éowyn. The hubs, co-ordinated by the local authority are providing charging, hot water and shower facilities for those still without power and water countywide. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan paid a visit to two newly established hubs at Ennistymon Community Centre and Hotel Doolin yesterday. He began by speaking to Hotel Doolin's General Manager Donal Minihane who outlined how their support mission began... Photo(C): Clare County Council

The ESB is aiming to restore power in large pockets of East, West and North Clare today as the county continues to grapple with the fallout of Storm Éyowen. Over 44,000 homes and businesses were without electricity here at the peak of the storm, but this was reduced to just 9,700 last night. Today the utility is aiming to return power to parts of Ballyvaughan, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Moy, Lahinch, Drumindoora, Feakle, Mountshannon and Tulla. Clare Area Technical Manager Michael Sammin has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that some households will be without electricity until early next week and that due to repairs, some recurring outages are possible.

Clare County Council is holding an emergency meeting today to discuss the humanitarian response to Storm Éwoyn. It comes as some communities in West and North Clare are now entering their fourth day without access to water, electricity and phone coverage. Residents of Inagh are now into their fourth day without a water supply. The reservoir supplying the village, Kilnamona, Cloonaha and its surrounding areas has been unable to function due to electricity outages caused by Storm Éowyn. ESB predicts power will return to residents by this evening and its hoped this in turn this will return their water supply. Local resident Brigid Rynne, who's also the owner of Wild Ireland Haberdashery in Miltown Malbay says the last number of days have been challenging, especially for vulnerable residents.

New weather sensors will be installed on roads in North and West Clare in a bid to better prepare the council's response to extreme condition events. It follows discontent in the region over the omission of the main Lahinch to Doolin, Lisdoonvarna to Cliffs of Moher roads and the R486 and the R487 roads into Kilrush from the Winter Maintenance Plan. The council has since confirmed that it will have new sensors to monitor conditions on the regional road from Loop Head and on the access road to the Cliffs of Moher. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says it's a positive step.

Residents of a North Clare village have expressed anger over proposed changes to their bus service. Under new plans by the National Transport Authority , route 350 from Ennis to Galway, would operate between every 90 minutes and 2 hours. At present this includes a stop in Fanore, but under the new proposals this would be removed and residents would instead be accommodated on the new 350C route, which is essentially a shuttle service between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan. Local Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy was among those who attended a public meeting at Fanore Church on the matter yesterday, and he gave his reaction to Clare FM's Daragh Dolan... To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Anne Pinlkington, who chaired the meeting. Photo(C): Igor Vershinsky via Canva.com

A local Christmas economic boom and changes to government supports for Ukrainian refugees have been identified as the major factors behind a significant reduction to Clare's live register. The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Clare has fallen by 17% in the past twelve months, according to the latest CSO figures. North Clare saw the biggest seasonal drop with the number of people signing on at the Ennistymon office dropping by 32%, coming just three months after the state removed jobseekers allowance for Ukrainians. Ennis Chamber President Sheila Lynch believes the figures are linked.

A local Christmas economic boom and changes to government supports for Ukrainian refugees have been identified as the major factors behind a significant reduction to Clare's live register. The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Clare has fallen by 17% in the past twelve months, according to the latest CSO figures. North Clare saw the biggest seasonal drop with the number of people signing on at the Ennistymon office dropping by 32%, coming just three months after the state removed jobseekers allowance for Ukrainians. Ennis Chamber President Sheila Lynch believes the figures are linked.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn chats with artist Kevin McNamara, originally from Dublin but living for many years in North Clare. Kevin's work includes a wide range of subjects including animation movie productions and he has worked with several companies including Disney. https://kevinmcnamara.us/

Clare County Council is urging people not be complacent, as travelling conditions remain hazardous on roads and underfoot. Although a status yellow warning for ice and low temperatures will lift at 12 noon today, accumulations of snow and black ice are reported throughout the county following overnight rain, particularly in parts of West and North Clare. In accordance with the local authority's Winter Maintenance Plan, gritting crews continue to salt priority routes up to three times daily. But Clare County Council Senior Engineer Cyril Feeney says surfaces can be dangerous even after their treated.

Businesses across Clare are reporting mixed economic fortunes this Christmas. While some retailers and hospitality providers in this county are seeing signs of a festive footfall boom, others have noticed a significant drop in their bottom line. Despite the pouring rain, Clare's last minute shopping brigade were out in force, hoping for a Christmas miracle. The late rush is always a welcome surge for business owners, which is particularly being felt in North Clare after a challenging year. One Entrepreneur in Ennistymon believes unfavourable weather conditions during the peak tourist season coupled with rising input costs and inflation has put the strain on trade. Michelle Gunning from Mo Leanna Chroí Ceramics says the support of the community has been paramount in pulling through. Parking has also been flagged as an issue in the town, however the owner of a prominent local café believes a culture shift is needed. Sinéad Garvey from St.Tola's Cheese Press says their enjoying a busy month following a slow start to the Winter and insists parking is readily available in Ennistymon if people change their habits. In Ennis, the public realm works on O'Connell Street have been put on pause since November 29th to facilitate the Christmas shopping period. One Business owner claims he's already seeing a marked increase in footfall as a result. Conor Harkin from Truth Menswear on Upper Parnell Street says while the works proved a major disruption, the trade-off has been worthwhile. A Jewellers in the county town has also experienced a serious resurgence within the last month. Founder of Blackbird on Bank Place, Katie Rogers says the bounce back came as a major but welcome suprise. It's the most wonderful time of the year for shopping in Ireland, with AIB data indicating men spent between five and six million-euro during yesterday lunchtime alone. Owner of Fancy That in Ennistymon Carol McGann says its been a balanced year overall with no major growth, but has a cautionary tale for last minute shoppers to remember.

A wastewater treatment plant in North Clare was flooded one in every three days in the first eight months of 2024. An Environmental Protection Agency audit found that Uisce Éireann's sewerage treatment plant in Lahinch was not providing adequate or appropriate treatment. Between January 1st and August 14th this year, Lahinch's Wastewater Treatment Plant flooded on 76 dates out of 227, or 33% of days it was operating. The EPA also noted a significant number of emissions breaches at the plant. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fianna Fáil Councillor from Lahinch, Shane Talty and water quality activist, Liam Grant. Statement from Uisce Éireann: In relation to wastewater treatment in Lahinch, a feasibility study has been completed to look at the requirements and potential options to upgrade both the Lahinch Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Ennistymon WWTP. A new treatment plant to serve both the Lahinch and Ennistymon catchment is the preferred option. The project is currently at detailed design stage and will require several assessments (e.g. environmental, route and site selection, marine survey and modelling) as well as statutory approvals (planning, foreshore licence, EPA Licence review, wayleaves) and as such will take some time to complete. As with any significant infrastructure project, construction timelines and completion dates will be subject to a range of external factors. For this reason a commencement/completion date for the upgraded wastewater treatment plant at Lahinch/Ennistymon cannot be provided at this stage. It is expected that the initial scoping and design works for the upgraded plant at Lahinch/Ennistymon will be progressed through the current investment plan as a matter of priority, with the project to be progressed further in the subsequent investment periods subject to approvals. Photo (c) EPA

A North Clare farmer is warning there will be a serious fallout for this county if the Mercosur Trade Deal proceeds in its current form. Mercosur is a trading bloc made up of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay and under the pact, there will be major tariff reductions on industrial and agricultural goods, raw materials and services exported to, and imported from the EU. Irish farming organisations and the Government have been protesting the deal, arguing that it will lead to cheap imports that do not comply with EU food regulations - something the European Union denies. But Corofin Fianna Fáil Councillor and farmer Joe Killeen is not convinced.

A sheep kill was narrowly prevented in North Clare following an intervention from a landowner. It's after a rottweiller engaged in an attack on a farm in Crusheen on Saturday, before it was shot by the Landowner. According to Clare's County Dog Warden, incidents of sheep kills have dramatically reduced in recent years, from an average of 25 per year almost a decade ago, down to 4 or 5 per year now. Frankie Coote insists they want to get this figure to zero and its vital owners are aware that all breeds are capable of inflicting damage.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn chats with award-winning eco-poet and environmental writer Grace Wells. Based near Ennistymon in North Clare, Grace's poetry and prose are strongly informed by nature, the environment and spirit of place.

A stop-go system is to be trialed in a North Clare village to alleviate traffic issues associated with a bridge no longer deemed to be fit for purpose. Corofin Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Killeen has proposed the system in his native village as a means of improving road safety at the narrow bridge connecting Main Street to the Ennis Road. Responding to the motion, the West Clare Municipal District has conceded that the traffic system at the bridge needs to be "reconsidered and upgraded", and says they'll look to advance the proposal in 2025. Councillor Killeen says it's high time such a system was introduced as the bridge simply can't accommodate two vehicles at a time.

The North Clare Historical Society will present its next talk on Monday November 25th. The Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon will be the venue for the talk. The talk will be given by Rita McCarthy and based on the topic of The Devil, the Law, and the Country House Dance: The Last of the Country House Dances. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Rita McCarthy. Photo (c): https://www.facebook.com/oldkilfarboysociety

It's anticipated an exit strategy for Asylum Seekers living in the Ennistymon electoral area will commence in the coming months. In a statement to Clare FM, Green Deputy Leader Roisín Garvey has assured that following discussions with party leader and Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman, "there will be no increase from now on in the number of International Protection Applicants or Ukrainian Refugees coming to North Clare". While a 300 bed facility in Lisdoonvarna currently contracted to the state to accommodate Asylun Seekers, will be ending its arrangement in the first quarter of next year. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy is hopeful it will end a lentghy period of uncertainty for the region.

Further uncertainty over plans for a newly proposed wastewater treatment plant for North Clare have been described as extremely frustrating. Uisce Eireann is planning to build a new treatment plant to serve both Ennistymon and Lahinch,and although an initial completion date was set for 2029, the utillity has confirmed to Clare FM that this can no longer be garaunteed. The project is currently at the preliminary design phase and will require several environmental, site , modelling and marine surveys before progressing to the next stage. Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says the situation is frightening.

A North Clare businessman says he's stopped ringing the Gardaí for certain incidents because of how bad response times have become. Since the merging of Clare and Tipperary's Garda Divisions last August, just one superintendent is now based in the county compared to four prior to the amalgamation. It was revealed earlier this year that Clare has the smallest Garda fleet in the country, with just 50 vehicles based here, 35 of which are stationed in Ennis. Manager of the Nineteenth Bar and Anna and Co in Lahinch Paddy Murphy, who's standing as an Independent candidate in the General Election, says because Gardaí are stretched so thinly, there's "no point" in calling them.

The Government claims it's committed to delivering a sustainable plan for North Clare. Consultation has recently closed on the Cliffs of Moher 2040 Strategy, the intention of which is to "create world-class visitor experiences, enhance the special qualities of the cliffs and to grow the attraction's tourism and economic contribution to Clare County in a sustainable way". A preliminary draft of the strategy was published in September of last year, with the finalised version expected to be made available in the coming months. Addressing Inagh Senator Róisín Garvey in the Seanad, Minister of State Joe O'Brien says a number of plans to enhance this county's tourism offering are in the works.

A North Clare healthcare campaigner has lambasted TDs for their "farcical" decision to vote against noting the final Oireachtas report on assisted dying. The Dáil has agreed to note the final report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying which seeks to legalise assisted dying in restricted circumstances, with 73 deputies voted in favour and 59 against. The note won't have any material effect on Irish law as a bill would have to be passed by the Oireachtas and signed by the President to make its way into legislation. Lahinch-based Patient Advocate for the Programme Improvement Board of HSE Midwest, John Wall, says given that noting the report doesn't immediately impact legislation, voting against it is a cynical move.