Shannon routes 'safe' says Ryanair

Ryanair today said it has no plans to withdraw any of its flights from Shannon airport following yesterday's announcement that it is to close two of its seven routes at Cork, the Irish Times reports.

As the row over increased charges at Cork airport continued, the airline's deputy CEO Michael Cawley said this morning that speculation over Shannon was unfounded.

"I have no idea where the origin of that speculation arose from," said Mr Cawley on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme. "We have a long-term arrangement with Shannon and they have had a massive increase in passenger numbers with Ryanair now accounting for almost two-thirds of passengers and we have been a massive lifeline to Shannon and the Mid-West region.

Shannon routes 'safe' says Ryanair

Ryanair today said it has no plans to withdraw any of its flights from Shannon airport following yesterday's announcement that it is to close two of its seven routes at Cork, the Irish Times reports.

As the row over increased charges at Cork airport continued, the airline's deputy CEO Michael Cawley said this morning that speculation over Shannon was unfounded.

"I have no idea where the origin of that speculation arose from," said Mr Cawley on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme. "We have a long-term arrangement with Shannon and they have had a massive increase in passenger numbers with Ryanair now accounting for almost two-thirds of passengers and we have been a massive lifeline to Shannon and the Mid-West region.

Mayor Of Clare Challenges Aer Lingus To Dispel Talk Of Transatlantic Cuts At Shannon

The Mayor of Clare today called on management at Aer Lingus to immediately clarify its plans regarding its operating of transatlantic services at Shannon Airport.

High level aviation industry sources have informed Councillor Madeline Taylor Quinn that they believe that Aer Lingus is readying itself to announce a reduction of services between Shannon and New York and the complete withdrawal of its Shannon to Chicago link. The Mayor’s comments follows today’s announcement by the airline that it will require fundamental changes in its operations following losses of more than EUR22m so far this year. Aer Lingus presently operates services between Shannon and Boston, Chicago and New York.

Mayor Taylor-Quinn explained that the airline's first-half loss had served to feed into the growing sense of uncertainty surrounding the future of transatlantic services at Shannon. ‘I believe that today’s financial statement raises questions and further heightens concerns about Aer Lingus’ long-term commitment to its transatlantic services from Shannon. Despite stating this week that it will not be making any announcement regarding its operations at Shannon in the immediate future, I now call on Aer Lingus management to immediately clarify its future intentions regarding Shannon Airport’, added the Mayor.

She continued, ‘the retention of existing transatlantic services and future expansion are critical for the economic viability of County Clare and the wider region. Thousands of jobs and the sustainability of entire communities depend on these vital anchor services. As a region that helped establish and nurture the airline, we are entitled to be informed of any plans that the airline may have regarding its future operations at Shannon’.

Mayor Of Clare Challenges Aer Lingus To Dispel Talk Of Transatlantic Cuts At Shannon

The Mayor of Clare today called on management at Aer Lingus to immediately clarify its plans regarding its operating of transatlantic services at Shannon Airport.

High level aviation industry sources have informed Councillor Madeline Taylor Quinn that they believe that Aer Lingus is readying itself to announce a reduction of services between Shannon and New York and the complete withdrawal of its Shannon to Chicago link. The Mayor’s comments follows today’s announcement by the airline that it will require fundamental changes in its operations following losses of more than EUR22m so far this year. Aer Lingus presently operates services between Shannon and Boston, Chicago and New York.

Mayor Taylor-Quinn explained that the airline's first-half loss had served to feed into the growing sense of uncertainty surrounding the future of transatlantic services at Shannon. ‘I believe that today’s financial statement raises questions and further heightens concerns about Aer Lingus’ long-term commitment to its transatlantic services from Shannon. Despite stating this week that it will not be making any announcement regarding its operations at Shannon in the immediate future, I now call on Aer Lingus management to immediately clarify its future intentions regarding Shannon Airport’, added the Mayor.

She continued, ‘the retention of existing transatlantic services and future expansion are critical for the economic viability of County Clare and the wider region. Thousands of jobs and the sustainability of entire communities depend on these vital anchor services. As a region that helped establish and nurture the airline, we are entitled to be informed of any plans that the airline may have regarding its future operations at Shannon’.

Clarecastle Community Asked For Input On Blueprint For Development In Ennis And Environs

Members of the local community in Clarecastle will get an opportunity to have their say on the draft Ennis & Environs Development Plan 2008 at a public meeting next week.

Clare County Council will host the consultation event in Clarecastle Community Hall on Thursday, 4 September from 3-6pm. Submissions and observations that relate to the future planning, development and provision of services in Ennis town and its environs are invited until 3 October 2008.

The draft Plan also includes a draft Housing Strategy and a list of structures proposed to be included in the Record of Protected Structures. The Plan is due to be adopted by 8 December 2008 and will cover the period December 2008 to December 2014.

Mr. John Bradley from the Economic Development and Planning Department of Clare County Council, explained that the new Plan would be a blueprint for development for the Ennis & Environs area over the next six years. “Ennis has been designated as a Hub town in terms of the Government’s National Spatial Strategy and its growth over the past 7 years has far outstripped all other Hubs in Ireland. The Plan will also contain detailed proposals designed to improve the environment of Ennis town centre and new policies relating to land on the east side of the town prone to flooding”, added Mr. Bradley.

Further public consultation events will be held in Ennis in early September when members of staff will be on hand to answer questions. Submissions to the draft Plan should be in writing. The closing date for submissions is 3 October 2008. The draft Plan can be inspected at Ennis Library and Local Studies Centre, and at the Town Council and County Council offices where it is also available for purchase.

Clarecastle Community Asked For Input On Blueprint For Development In Ennis And Environs

Members of the local community in Clarecastle will get an opportunity to have their say on the draft Ennis & Environs Development Plan 2008 at a public meeting next week.

Clare County Council will host the consultation event in Clarecastle Community Hall on Thursday, 4 September from 3-6pm. Submissions and observations that relate to the future planning, development and provision of services in Ennis town and its environs are invited until 3 October 2008.

The draft Plan also includes a draft Housing Strategy and a list of structures proposed to be included in the Record of Protected Structures. The Plan is due to be adopted by 8 December 2008 and will cover the period December 2008 to December 2014.

Mr. John Bradley from the Economic Development and Planning Department of Clare County Council, explained that the new Plan would be a blueprint for development for the Ennis & Environs area over the next six years. “Ennis has been designated as a Hub town in terms of the Government’s National Spatial Strategy and its growth over the past 7 years has far outstripped all other Hubs in Ireland. The Plan will also contain detailed proposals designed to improve the environment of Ennis town centre and new policies relating to land on the east side of the town prone to flooding”, added Mr. Bradley.

Further public consultation events will be held in Ennis in early September when members of staff will be on hand to answer questions. Submissions to the draft Plan should be in writing. The closing date for submissions is 3 October 2008. The draft Plan can be inspected at Ennis Library and Local Studies Centre, and at the Town Council and County Council offices where it is also available for purchase.

Clareman Nominated For Limerick Job

Tony Considine (left) and Justin McCarthy are among a list of 10 nominations for the Limerick senior hurling manager's post.

Former Clare boss Considine has been nominated by the Garryspillane club, while McCarthy, who was forced to step down as Waterford boss earlier this season, has been nominated by the Camogue Rovers club.

Outgoing manager Richie Bennis remains in the running for a reappointment after been nominated by his club Patrickswell. The list of nominations was announced at a specially convened county board meeting.

Clareman Nominated For Limerick Job

Tony Considine (left) and Justin McCarthy are among a list of 10 nominations for the Limerick senior hurling manager's post.

Former Clare boss Considine has been nominated by the Garryspillane club, while McCarthy, who was forced to step down as Waterford boss earlier this season, has been nominated by the Camogue Rovers club.

Outgoing manager Richie Bennis remains in the running for a reappointment after been nominated by his club Patrickswell. The list of nominations was announced at a specially convened county board meeting.

Major Housing Boost For Miltown Malbay

Clare County Council has signed a EUR4.6m contract with Nenagh-based firm Multeen Developments for a 34-house scheme at Mullagh Road, Miltown Malbay.

‘This represents a major investment in North Clare not least because of the slow down in the Irish economy, but also because it will provide 34 houses to people in need of social housing’, stated Mayor of Clare Councillor Madeleine Taylor-Quinn. Speaking at the signing of the contract, Mayor Taylor-Quinn added, ‘This is a very welcome investment in terms of creating employment, boosting supplies and addressing the deficiencies in housing supply. At a time when the construction industry is slowing down, it is heartening to see that the Council can continue to provide quality homes for the elderly and other vulnerable people’.

“The Council’s total expenditure on housing supply and improvement works to this year will amount to EUR27.5m and this will enable several hundred people to benefit from an improved quality of life. Schemes will be completed in Scarriff, Corofin, Killaloe, Ballynacally and Clarecastle this year and this will bring the total number of completions to 114”, explained the Mayor. The scheme at Miltown Malbay consists of 2, 3 and 4-bed houses and is located close to such services as schools, shops, recreational and business facilities. The scheme, which is funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, will cost EUR4.6m

Cllr. Joe Arkins, Cathaoirleach of the Strategic Policy Committee for Housing welcomed the signing of the contract and wished the developers every success.

Councillor Arkins referred to the range of housing options available from Clare County Council, including Affordable Housing, the Rental Accommodation scheme, Remedial Works scheme, Loans, Voluntary Housing, Housing grants and Improvement Works in lieu of Housing. He continued, ‘The Council has met the Minister with a view to increasing the allocation for the Housing grants and we are hopeful that increased financial resources will be made available for the remainder of the year. So far this year, the Council has approved a total of 235 grants - 124 of which relate to people with disabilities. It is imperative that people with special needs, including the elderly, are cared for”.

IMAGE:
Pictured at the signing of a EUR4.6m contract for a 34-house scheme at Mullagh Road, Miltown Malbay, County Clare: (Seated L-R) Joe Arkins, Cathaoirleach of the Housing SPC, Madeleine Taylor-Quinn, Mayor of Clare, P.J. O Brien, Multeen Developments (Standing L-R), David Timlin, Director of Services, Housing, Nora Kaye, Senior Executive Officer, Housing, and Richard Pyne, Senior Executive Engineer, Housing section, Clare County Council. Pic by Ger Leddin

Major Housing Boost For Miltown Malbay

Clare County Council has signed a EUR4.6m contract with Nenagh-based firm Multeen Developments for a 34-house scheme at Mullagh Road, Miltown Malbay.

‘This represents a major investment in North Clare not least because of the slow down in the Irish economy, but also because it will provide 34 houses to people in need of social housing’, stated Mayor of Clare Councillor Madeleine Taylor-Quinn. Speaking at the signing of the contract, Mayor Taylor-Quinn added, ‘This is a very welcome investment in terms of creating employment, boosting supplies and addressing the deficiencies in housing supply. At a time when the construction industry is slowing down, it is heartening to see that the Council can continue to provide quality homes for the elderly and other vulnerable people’.

“The Council’s total expenditure on housing supply and improvement works to this year will amount to EUR27.5m and this will enable several hundred people to benefit from an improved quality of life. Schemes will be completed in Scarriff, Corofin, Killaloe, Ballynacally and Clarecastle this year and this will bring the total number of completions to 114”, explained the Mayor. The scheme at Miltown Malbay consists of 2, 3 and 4-bed houses and is located close to such services as schools, shops, recreational and business facilities. The scheme, which is funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, will cost EUR4.6m

Cllr. Joe Arkins, Cathaoirleach of the Strategic Policy Committee for Housing welcomed the signing of the contract and wished the developers every success.

Councillor Arkins referred to the range of housing options available from Clare County Council, including Affordable Housing, the Rental Accommodation scheme, Remedial Works scheme, Loans, Voluntary Housing, Housing grants and Improvement Works in lieu of Housing. He continued, ‘The Council has met the Minister with a view to increasing the allocation for the Housing grants and we are hopeful that increased financial resources will be made available for the remainder of the year. So far this year, the Council has approved a total of 235 grants - 124 of which relate to people with disabilities. It is imperative that people with special needs, including the elderly, are cared for”.

IMAGE:
Pictured at the signing of a EUR4.6m contract for a 34-house scheme at Mullagh Road, Miltown Malbay, County Clare: (Seated L-R) Joe Arkins, Cathaoirleach of the Housing SPC, Madeleine Taylor-Quinn, Mayor of Clare, P.J. O Brien, Multeen Developments (Standing L-R), David Timlin, Director of Services, Housing, Nora Kaye, Senior Executive Officer, Housing, and Richard Pyne, Senior Executive Engineer, Housing section, Clare County Council. Pic by Ger Leddin

Funding For West Clare Group Water Scheme

Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister of State and Clare T.D. welcomed today’s announcement that CLÁR top-up funding of EUR305,970 has been approved for works to be carried out on the Leitrim/Shyan Group Water Scheme in West Clare.

The Minister expressed confidence that the funding would help address some of the outstanding concerns of 121 households in Drumelihy, Cree, Cahermurphy and Cooraclare.

‘This allocation will enable a total value of works amounting to EUR1,229,549 to be carried out. The remainder will be funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and by private contributions from the Group members’, stated Minister Killeen.

The Junior Agriculture Minister continued, ‘A total of 121 households will benefit from the schemes with savings of EUR2,528.67 per household. This brings to 769 the number of domestic connections, which have been approved funding from CLÁR in Clare from 2002 to date under this scheme’.

Funding For West Clare Group Water Scheme

Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister of State and Clare T.D. welcomed today’s announcement that CLÁR top-up funding of EUR305,970 has been approved for works to be carried out on the Leitrim/Shyan Group Water Scheme in West Clare.

The Minister expressed confidence that the funding would help address some of the outstanding concerns of 121 households in Drumelihy, Cree, Cahermurphy and Cooraclare.

‘This allocation will enable a total value of works amounting to EUR1,229,549 to be carried out. The remainder will be funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and by private contributions from the Group members’, stated Minister Killeen.

The Junior Agriculture Minister continued, ‘A total of 121 households will benefit from the schemes with savings of EUR2,528.67 per household. This brings to 769 the number of domestic connections, which have been approved funding from CLÁR in Clare from 2002 to date under this scheme’.

National Renewable Energy Conference For Bunratty

Renewable Energy Skills has announced it will host the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference in The Shannon Shamrock Conference Centre, Bunratty, Co Clare on Friday 17th October 2008.

The key focus of this year’s conference will be the promotion of quality assurance within the renewable energy heating industry. National and international experts will explore its importance and benefits in the design, supply and installation of renewable energy heating technologies both in Ireland and abroad. Mr. Dick Whelan of Renewable Energy Skills (RES) explained that the provision of quality products and services to the consumer was crucial to the continued success of any industry.

He continued, ‘There has been some major steps forward recently taken in the Irish renewable energy sector, including the introduction of installer accreditation and minimum quality performance standards for products. At present, however, this is only applicable in the case of installations that are grant aided. The phased introduction of building energy ratings for housing and commercial buildings is another positive initiative’.

Mr. Whelan said that the upcoming conference would review where the renewable energy sector with regard to quality assurance in Ireland. ‘We will also examine European best practice and highlight improvements that can be made for the future across the various technologies. Meanwhile, conference delegates will have the opportunity to celebrate success within the industry at the Gala Award Dinner, which will feature the presentation of FETAC certificates to qualified renewable energy professionals from across the country’, he added.

Fergus Blake of Clare-based Shamrock Solar Energies Ltd, a founding member of the RES network stated, “This conference offers a unique opportunity to all stakeholders in Ireland’s building energy sector. It brings together professional and trades in the industry, architects, engineers, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics to share information, and to exchange ideas on technology trends and what is happening in Europe.”

The 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference will feature a keynote address from Mr. Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation. Other speakers include national and European experts on Solar thermal, Heatpump, Biomass, Energy policy, Microgeneration and Low carbon housing. Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet confirmed that it has had a record year to date as regards training numbers while its membership base has grown considerably.

Persons interested in attending the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference, the Gala Award Dinner or attending any of the renewable energy training events provided nationally should visit www.renewableenergy.ie, call 061 514 598 or email info@renewableenergy.ie.

National Renewable Energy Conference For Bunratty

Renewable Energy Skills has announced it will host the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference in The Shannon Shamrock Conference Centre, Bunratty, Co Clare on Friday 17th October 2008.

The key focus of this year’s conference will be the promotion of quality assurance within the renewable energy heating industry. National and international experts will explore its importance and benefits in the design, supply and installation of renewable energy heating technologies both in Ireland and abroad. Mr. Dick Whelan of Renewable Energy Skills (RES) explained that the provision of quality products and services to the consumer was crucial to the continued success of any industry.

He continued, ‘There has been some major steps forward recently taken in the Irish renewable energy sector, including the introduction of installer accreditation and minimum quality performance standards for products. At present, however, this is only applicable in the case of installations that are grant aided. The phased introduction of building energy ratings for housing and commercial buildings is another positive initiative’.

Mr. Whelan said that the upcoming conference would review where the renewable energy sector with regard to quality assurance in Ireland. ‘We will also examine European best practice and highlight improvements that can be made for the future across the various technologies. Meanwhile, conference delegates will have the opportunity to celebrate success within the industry at the Gala Award Dinner, which will feature the presentation of FETAC certificates to qualified renewable energy professionals from across the country’, he added.

Fergus Blake of Clare-based Shamrock Solar Energies Ltd, a founding member of the RES network stated, “This conference offers a unique opportunity to all stakeholders in Ireland’s building energy sector. It brings together professional and trades in the industry, architects, engineers, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics to share information, and to exchange ideas on technology trends and what is happening in Europe.”

The 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference will feature a keynote address from Mr. Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation. Other speakers include national and European experts on Solar thermal, Heatpump, Biomass, Energy policy, Microgeneration and Low carbon housing. Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet confirmed that it has had a record year to date as regards training numbers while its membership base has grown considerably.

Persons interested in attending the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference, the Gala Award Dinner or attending any of the renewable energy training events provided nationally should visit www.renewableenergy.ie, call 061 514 598 or email info@renewableenergy.ie.

Clare Heritage Week 2008 Kicks Off

Over fifty events are scheduled to take place around Clare as part of Heritage Week 2008.

Clare Heritage Section Lectures:
- Tuesday 26 August (7.30–8.30pm), Main Street, Miltown Malbay.
“Currachs, Boats & Placenames of Miltown Malbay” - An exploration of the Cultural Heritage of Miltown Malbay through an in-depth discussion of the currach, boat and placename heritage of the area. Speakers: Darina Tully, Marine Collections Expert, and Donal de Barra, Placenames Expert. More info from tmacconmara@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846456
- Wednesday 27 August (10.30am-4pm), Loop Head Peninsula, Loop Head.
“Clare Built Heritage Survey” - The survey is available to a limit of twelve people. A training workshop will be provided for those registered to participate. Dependent on demand a second day may be arranged. Speakers: Simon Large, County Archaeologist, and Risteárd Ua Cróinin, Conservation Officer. Booking is required. More info from slarge@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846454
- Thursday 28 August (6.30pm –7pm), Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis.
“From the Rainforest to County Clare” - The talk will discuss global biodiversity issues and place them in a Clare context. Speaker: Brigid Barry Clare Biodiversity Officer More info from bbarry@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846459.
- Thursday 28 August (7–7.30pm), Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis.
“Travelling Underwater from Greece to County Clare” - A comparison of marine species survey work carried out in the coastal rocky habitats of county Clare, and the eastern Aegean islands of Greece. Speaker: Catríona Lynch, Clare Database Manager. More info from clynch@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846499

Admission to all lectures is free of charge.

Educational talks and walks outdoors for adults and children:
- Monday, 25 August (9pm), Dromore Woods Visitor Centre
“Going Bats” - Sinead Biggane, National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Tuesday 26 August (2pm), Slieve Carron Nature Reserve
“A BurrenPot Pourri: flowers, fungi, lichens and anything else that makes an appearance” - Sharon Parr, BurrenLIFE
- Wednesday 27 August (3.45pm), Tuamgraney Heritage Centre
“Exploring our Native Woodland” - Bob Wilson (CELT)
- Thursday 28 August (6.30pm), Glór Cafe, Ennis
“From the Rain forest to Clare & Traveling Underwater From Greece to Clare” - Brigid Barry and Catríona Lynch, Clare Biodiversity Group
- Thursday 28 August (8pm), Clare Museum, Ennis
“Bat Discovery Walk” - David Lyons and Elaine Keegan, Clare Bat Group
- Friday 29 August (7pm), The Burren Centre, Kilfenora
“The Loss of Arctic Char and Changes in Fish Communities in Lickeen Lough” - Fran Igoe, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board
- Saturday 30 August (10am - 6pm ), Doolin Caves car park
“High Cliffs and Deep Caves” - Martin McKeown, Clare Biodiversity Group. What to bring: picnic, suitable shoes, dress for the weather. Fee: 20 euros (adults) & 10 euros (kids) for caves entry and Cliffs of Moher boat. Book in advance to avoid disappointment (065-6846459)
- Saturday 30 August (2.30pm), Mountshannon Hotel car park
“Lakes, Lowlands and Mountains”- Hugh Weir, Natural Historian
- Sunday 31 August (3.30pm), Lighthouse, Loop Head
“Watch Out Loop Head” - Simon Berrow, Irish Whale & Dolphin Group
National Heritage Week In Johnstons Hall
Kinvara - 24th-31st August 2008

Clare Heritage Week 2008 Kicks Off

Over fifty events are scheduled to take place around Clare as part of Heritage Week 2008.

Clare Heritage Section Lectures:
- Tuesday 26 August (7.30–8.30pm), Main Street, Miltown Malbay.
“Currachs, Boats & Placenames of Miltown Malbay” - An exploration of the Cultural Heritage of Miltown Malbay through an in-depth discussion of the currach, boat and placename heritage of the area. Speakers: Darina Tully, Marine Collections Expert, and Donal de Barra, Placenames Expert. More info from tmacconmara@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846456
- Wednesday 27 August (10.30am-4pm), Loop Head Peninsula, Loop Head.
“Clare Built Heritage Survey” - The survey is available to a limit of twelve people. A training workshop will be provided for those registered to participate. Dependent on demand a second day may be arranged. Speakers: Simon Large, County Archaeologist, and Risteárd Ua Cróinin, Conservation Officer. Booking is required. More info from slarge@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846454
- Thursday 28 August (6.30pm –7pm), Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis.
“From the Rainforest to County Clare” - The talk will discuss global biodiversity issues and place them in a Clare context. Speaker: Brigid Barry Clare Biodiversity Officer More info from bbarry@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846459.
- Thursday 28 August (7–7.30pm), Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis.
“Travelling Underwater from Greece to County Clare” - A comparison of marine species survey work carried out in the coastal rocky habitats of county Clare, and the eastern Aegean islands of Greece. Speaker: Catríona Lynch, Clare Database Manager. More info from clynch@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846499

Admission to all lectures is free of charge.

Educational talks and walks outdoors for adults and children:
- Monday, 25 August (9pm), Dromore Woods Visitor Centre
“Going Bats” - Sinead Biggane, National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Tuesday 26 August (2pm), Slieve Carron Nature Reserve
“A BurrenPot Pourri: flowers, fungi, lichens and anything else that makes an appearance” - Sharon Parr, BurrenLIFE
- Wednesday 27 August (3.45pm), Tuamgraney Heritage Centre
“Exploring our Native Woodland” - Bob Wilson (CELT)
- Thursday 28 August (6.30pm), Glór Cafe, Ennis
“From the Rain forest to Clare & Traveling Underwater From Greece to Clare” - Brigid Barry and Catríona Lynch, Clare Biodiversity Group
- Thursday 28 August (8pm), Clare Museum, Ennis
“Bat Discovery Walk” - David Lyons and Elaine Keegan, Clare Bat Group
- Friday 29 August (7pm), The Burren Centre, Kilfenora
“The Loss of Arctic Char and Changes in Fish Communities in Lickeen Lough” - Fran Igoe, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board
- Saturday 30 August (10am - 6pm ), Doolin Caves car park
“High Cliffs and Deep Caves” - Martin McKeown, Clare Biodiversity Group. What to bring: picnic, suitable shoes, dress for the weather. Fee: 20 euros (adults) & 10 euros (kids) for caves entry and Cliffs of Moher boat. Book in advance to avoid disappointment (065-6846459)
- Saturday 30 August (2.30pm), Mountshannon Hotel car park
“Lakes, Lowlands and Mountains”- Hugh Weir, Natural Historian
- Sunday 31 August (3.30pm), Lighthouse, Loop Head
“Watch Out Loop Head” - Simon Berrow, Irish Whale & Dolphin Group
National Heritage Week In Johnstons Hall
Kinvara - 24th-31st August 2008

Illegal Dumping In Ennistymon

Clare County Council's set to take steps to crackdown on illegal dumping at Ennistymon’s bring bank, according to Clare FM news.

It follows numerous complaints over the amount of litter left at the site, particularly at weekends, which is in plain view as you enter the town.

Local councillor Martin Conway who raised the issue with Clare County Council says plans are underway to move the bring bank so culprits will be caught on CCTV.

Illegal Dumping In Ennistymon

Clare County Council's set to take steps to crackdown on illegal dumping at Ennistymon’s bring bank, according to Clare FM news.

It follows numerous complaints over the amount of litter left at the site, particularly at weekends, which is in plain view as you enter the town.

Local councillor Martin Conway who raised the issue with Clare County Council says plans are underway to move the bring bank so culprits will be caught on CCTV.

Swimmer rescued from Lough Derg

A 43-year-old man suffering from hypothermia was rescued from Lough Derg at the weekend after getting into difficulty while swimming.

The alarm was raised at around 9pm when it was reported that a man appeared to be in distress in the water near Twomilegate about two miles from Killaloe on the Scarriff Road.

Killaloe Coast Guard members rushed to the scene and two volunteers entered the water and rescued the unconscious man, who was wearing a wet suit.

Swimmer rescued from Lough Derg

A 43-year-old man suffering from hypothermia was rescued from Lough Derg at the weekend after getting into difficulty while swimming.

The alarm was raised at around 9pm when it was reported that a man appeared to be in distress in the water near Twomilegate about two miles from Killaloe on the Scarriff Road.

Killaloe Coast Guard members rushed to the scene and two volunteers entered the water and rescued the unconscious man, who was wearing a wet suit.

Clare Farmers Protest Over Milk Prices

Clare farmers are expected to protest outside the Kerry Group milk suppliers today over the prices they are being offered for their dairy produce.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) said producers were being "let down" by poor prices at a time when they were being hit with massive cost increases.

"Kerry used to be a milk price leader, setting the pace for the industry, and always paying a top price," said IFA deputy president Derek Deane.

Clare Farmers Protest Over Milk Prices

Clare farmers are expected to protest outside the Kerry Group milk suppliers today over the prices they are being offered for their dairy produce.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) said producers were being "let down" by poor prices at a time when they were being hit with massive cost increases.

"Kerry used to be a milk price leader, setting the pace for the industry, and always paying a top price," said IFA deputy president Derek Deane.

An Indie-cater Of Independent Music

A County Clare music blogger today digitally released his second compilation of original songs from 10 independent artists in 3 different continents.

‘Indiecater Vol. 2’ by mp3hugger is set to exceed the hundreds of sales received by its predecessor, which was digitally released at www.indiecater.com during the summer.

Tracks and artists featured in the new album include Montag - Going Places (Montreal, Canada), Ned Collette - The Country With A Smile (Melbourne, Australia), The Spook Of The Thirteenth Lock - In Country Dark (Dublin, Ireland), Mumblin’ Deaf Ro - What's To Be Done With El Salvador (Dublin, Ireland), AM Syndicate - To The Peasants Of The Emperor (Austin, USA), Eagle Seagull - I'm Sorry But I'm Beginning To Hate Your Face (Nebraska, USA), The Van Allen Belt - The Status Quo (A Line Dance) (Pittsburgh, USA), The Very Most - Good Fight Fighting (Boise, USA), Venice Is Sinking - Pulaski Heights (Athens, USA), and The Ruby Suns - There Are Birds (Auckland, New Zealand).

Commenting on the new album, mp3hugger explained that despite the turmoil being experienced within the music industry there are fresh approaches and exciting new supply chains appearing daily. ‘The onset of digital releases has certainly helped a great deal in profiling the music of under-the-radar artists. Indiecater Vol. 2’ is quite different from traditional compilations as I am a music blogger and not a record label. The album is a release from a fan with no hidden agendas, as every song that appears on the album is hand picked for no reason other than the fact than I love it’.

Mp3hugger continued, ‘The compilation was put together through the goodwill of the acts involved although they will be getting a royalty for their contribution. There are no middlemen, no packaging costs, and no fingers in the pie so it can be sold quite cheaply. The ultimate aim is to focus attention on some great music that would otherwise have slipped through the (inter)net’. ‘The most satisfying thing about the release of the first album was the general thumbs up with which the music was received. Much of the album’s success can be attributed to the fact that many of the tracks, like those featured on the new album, are exclusive’, concluded mp3hugger.

The success of the Indiecater series of compilation albums has led to plans by the internationally renowned music blogger for a third compilation album in October and a Christmas album in December. If you like new music, whether it is indie/electronica/rock or just plain old well-crafted pop songs, ‘Indiecater Vol. 2’ may well become your favourite new album. The compilation may be purchased (EUR4.50) directly from www.indiecater.com, which contains regular updates on future compilations.

For more visit www.indiecater.com or www.mp3hugger.com.

An Indie-cater Of Independent Music

A County Clare music blogger today digitally released his second compilation of original songs from 10 independent artists in 3 different continents.

‘Indiecater Vol. 2’ by mp3hugger is set to exceed the hundreds of sales received by its predecessor, which was digitally released at www.indiecater.com during the summer.

Tracks and artists featured in the new album include Montag - Going Places (Montreal, Canada), Ned Collette - The Country With A Smile (Melbourne, Australia), The Spook Of The Thirteenth Lock - In Country Dark (Dublin, Ireland), Mumblin’ Deaf Ro - What's To Be Done With El Salvador (Dublin, Ireland), AM Syndicate - To The Peasants Of The Emperor (Austin, USA), Eagle Seagull - I'm Sorry But I'm Beginning To Hate Your Face (Nebraska, USA), The Van Allen Belt - The Status Quo (A Line Dance) (Pittsburgh, USA), The Very Most - Good Fight Fighting (Boise, USA), Venice Is Sinking - Pulaski Heights (Athens, USA), and The Ruby Suns - There Are Birds (Auckland, New Zealand).

Commenting on the new album, mp3hugger explained that despite the turmoil being experienced within the music industry there are fresh approaches and exciting new supply chains appearing daily. ‘The onset of digital releases has certainly helped a great deal in profiling the music of under-the-radar artists. Indiecater Vol. 2’ is quite different from traditional compilations as I am a music blogger and not a record label. The album is a release from a fan with no hidden agendas, as every song that appears on the album is hand picked for no reason other than the fact than I love it’.

Mp3hugger continued, ‘The compilation was put together through the goodwill of the acts involved although they will be getting a royalty for their contribution. There are no middlemen, no packaging costs, and no fingers in the pie so it can be sold quite cheaply. The ultimate aim is to focus attention on some great music that would otherwise have slipped through the (inter)net’. ‘The most satisfying thing about the release of the first album was the general thumbs up with which the music was received. Much of the album’s success can be attributed to the fact that many of the tracks, like those featured on the new album, are exclusive’, concluded mp3hugger.

The success of the Indiecater series of compilation albums has led to plans by the internationally renowned music blogger for a third compilation album in October and a Christmas album in December. If you like new music, whether it is indie/electronica/rock or just plain old well-crafted pop songs, ‘Indiecater Vol. 2’ may well become your favourite new album. The compilation may be purchased (EUR4.50) directly from www.indiecater.com, which contains regular updates on future compilations.

For more visit www.indiecater.com or www.mp3hugger.com.