Flooding Update From Ennis And County Clare - 5.10pm 21 Sat 09

The Emergency Help-Line (1890-252-943) and the inter-agency co-ordinating teams remains in operation.

The flood defences have been built at various locations around Ennis and these are being maintained. Ennis Town Centre is free of water and pumping is continuing.

The Gort Road has been closed to traffic as serious flooding has occurred at the Industrial Estate on the Gort Road. Measures are being taken to alleviate the flooding. All other access routes to the Town are open. The Bank Place Bridge has been re-opened to vehicular traffic. Road closures throughout the County are monitored and updated information continues to be broadcast on an ongoing basis.

Sand bags are continually being dropped off at priority locations and are been used as flood defences at businesses and dwellings

108 people have been evacuated from their homes as a result of the flooding. Accommodation is being provided in local hotels. Some people are now returning to their homes.

The quality of the Ennis Water Supply is being monitored on an ongoing basis and the water supply is safe to drink. In the interests of safety people should avoid contact with flood waters and parents are requested to be particularly vigilant with children.

The general level of flooding has abated in many areas and staff from the various agencies continue to monitor and respond to the situation as it changes.

- The advice from the Gardai is for motorists to avoid Ennis and should not, unless absolutely necessary, come to Ennis.
- The high tide today is scheduled for 9.30 p.m.
- Local people are advised that sandbags are not available for collection by individuals.
- The helpline is 1890-252-943 and will operate on a 24 hour basis.
- The general public is advised to take the necessary steps regarding personal hygiene.
- The sandbags are being used at key locations. Sandbags continue to be distributed to areas most at risk
- Members of the public are asked not to interfere with diversion signs.

Information is also available on the Clare County Council website on http://www.clarecoco.ie



Below are the latest details in relation to roads affected by flooding:
ENNIS TOWN
- The Gort Road access to Ennis town centre has been closed. Gardai at scene
- The Gort Road Industrial Estate is flooded and the Gort Road is not passable at the industrial estate
- There is slight flooding in Abbey Street car park. Partially open access from Francis St via Abbey St and the Height
- Newbridge Road, Ennis closed to vehicular traffic – pedestrian access only
- Local access to Harmony Row only – Gardai on duty at Maid of Eireann Roundabout
- Bridge at Bank Place open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic
- Tobartascain closed from Limerick road junction – local access only
- Cusack Lawn, Lahinch Road, Ennis is passable
- Clonroad – Mangan’s to Sutton’s Lighting is reduced to one lane
- Drumcliffe Road from Lees Road complex to Graveyard is not passable
- Glassan Estate and Claureen Drive, Drumcliffe Road is flooded
- Willow Park and Watery Road passable – local traffic

ENNIS DISTRICT
- Ballymacahill Road is closed
- Quin to Latoon Road – Closed
- Road between Killone Interchange to Doora Church – closed
- Road between Henchy’s Bar and Lynch’s Cross Closed

SHANNON DISTRICT
- All main routes are open to traffic
- Rabbit Island, Newmarket on Fergus is closed to traffic
- Crowe's shop Sixmilebridge at junction with Cratloe Road, flooded but passable
- Road between Ballycasey and Hurlers Cross not passable
- Old roads in the back parts Newmarket on Fergus are flooded
- Rossmanagher Road Sixmilebridge (L7112) not passable

ENNISTYMON AREA
- Ennis to Ennistymon road now open
- Maurice's Mills road from Corofin Road - Not passable
- Lisdoonvarna to Ballyvaughan Road now open
- Ballyvaughan to Fanore Road now open
- Ruan to Corofin Road- now open
- Corofin to Kilfenora Road not passable at Lemenagh
- Corofin to Gort Road not passable at Lough Bunny
- Corofin to Ennistymon Road not passable at Rath Church
- Corofin to Ennis Road not passable at Tierney’s garage- detour in place
- Tubber to Kinvara Road not passable at Lough Bonny
- Tubber to Corofin Road not passable
- R476 Ennis to Corofin closed at Ryan’s Quarry Toonagh is not passable

KILRUSH DISTRICT
- All roads in Kilrush area now open.

KILLALOE DISTRICT
- Tulla to Quin Road at Dangan Cross and School Road impassable
- R466 Road from Broadford to Tulla is not passable - Divert take Broadford to Bodyke road go left for O Callaghan's Mills
- Road from Broadford to Sixmilebridge is impassable

HELPLINE NUMBER 1890 252 943

Killeen Takes Firm Stance At EU Fisheries Council

Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, today attended the EU Fisheries Council where he set down a strong marker to make clear that the important mackerel fishery is protected and that Ireland’s share of the fishery is maintained.

Each year EU and Norway negotiate access to fish stocks in each other’s waters and changing stock patters mean there is increasing pressure for Norway’s access to mackerel to be increased. There is growing concern that the EU will agree to increase Norway’s share of the stock, which would reduce Ireland’s quota for 2010 and future years.

According to Minister of State Killeen: “The mackerel fishery is very important to Ireland and in 2009 we had a quota of 62,000 tonnes worth an estimated €65 million at the quayside. Norway has demanded an increased share of the overall EU TAC, which Ireland is totally opposing and is also seeking to be allowed to fish that quota in EU waters.”

He continued: “I made clear to fellow Ministers and to Commissioner Borg the importance of the mackerel fishery for Ireland and that we needed to work together to prevent any reduction in the EU’s share of the mackerel quota. I am prepared to discuss mutually acceptable arrangements that would increase the access for Norwegian vessels in return for a long term agreement on the share out between EU and Norway that protected the interests of Irish fishermen.”

The Fisheries Council also discussed new conservation measures on mesh sizes and closed areas.

Minister of State Killeen noted that these measures were important to deliver on Ireland’s overall objective of conserving fish stocks and promoting sustainable fishing practices. EU Fisheries Ministers agreed to continue the existing measures for a further 18 months to allow for more detailed discussions with fishermen.

Minister Killeen added: “I consider that we need to strengthen the current conservation rules but I want to ensure that the new measures which are very technical and complex allow for economic fisheries that protect the livelihood of fishermen. I was disappointed that the Council’s failure to reach agreement has resulted in the continuation of measures applied last December for the waters off Donegal. While I secured some limited changes, Council was not prepared to make substantive changes to the existing arrangements for Ireland and the UK in this interim period”.

Flooding Expected Along Lower River Shannon

An Inter Agency Group, comprising the Mid-West Local Authorities (Clare County Council, Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council and North Tipperary County Council) and Emergency Services, has warned of potential flooding along the lower River Shannon over the coming days.

The Group stated that considerable volumes of water are moving down the River Shannon following recent torrential rainfall. Property and land owners from south of Killaloe/Ballina to Limerick City, particularly in flood prone areas, are being advised to exercise increased caution as a result.

The Emergency Services are continuing to monitor the situation, in conjunction with the ESB at Ardnacrusha.

In the meantime, the Inter Agency Group has issued a safety warning advising parents to be particularly vigilant with children and members of the public to avoid contact with flood waters. People are also being asked to keep an eye on any elderly or infirm neighbours.

The flood risk is being monitored on an ongoing basis and further updates will be issued as information becomes available.

Emergency Services Update on Flooding in County Clare and Ennis

The Inter-Agency group comprising of the Local Authority, Gardai, Fire Services, Civil Defence are continuing to co-ordinate the response to the flooding situation in Ennis.

The Gort Road and Limerick Road access to Ennis have been closed. The advice from the Gardai is for motorists to avoid Ennis. Many areas of Ennis are closed to traffic due to flooding and motorists should not unless absolutely necessary come to Ennis.

The sandbags are being used at key locations. In addition empty bags and sand are being provided at the following locations to facilitate local people who are encouraged to fill the bags themselves and use them to protect and safe property.

• Honeywell
• Tobertaoscain
• Castle Lawn
• Foir Uisce
• Ard Aoibhinn
• Francis Street

Other locations will be advised.

The river levels remain a matter of concern and are expected to arise later. The high tide today is scheduled for 9 p.m. Accordingly the risk of further flooding will be higher from approximately 7 30 p.m. this evening. The volume of water north of Ennis is significant and will continue to make its way through Ennis.

Local people are advised that sandbags are not available for collection by individuals. The available stock of sandbags is being utilised to respond to critical areas.

At present 52 people have been evacuated from Willowpark and Oakwood Drive and householders in Foir Uisce on the Gort Road are also been evacuated.

Given the present status of the flooding the emergency response will continue on a 24 hour basis. The helpline is 1890-252943 and will operate on a 24 hour basis.

The Emergency Services are monitoring levels of water. The general public is advised to take the necessary steps regarding personal hygiene.

The Emergency Services are monitoring levels of water on an ongoing basis. Water supplies are also being monitored. In the interests of personal safety people should avoid contact with flood waters and parents are requested to be particularly vigilant with children.

Below is the latest details in relation to roads affected by flooding:

Ennis District

Girroga Lake has burst its bank has flooded Gort Road Industrial Road Industrial Estate
Abbey Street car park slight flooding
Ard Aoibhinn, Limerick Road, limited access
Honeywell is flooded
Abbey Street – Access can be gained from Francis Street and up, Queens Hotel.
Newbridge Road, Ennis not passable
Causeway link now open
Tubber Road, Corofin – not passable
Druimmin on Kilrush Road – Stop/Go system, Ennis Bound Lane is not passable
Lissane & Kildysart Road, Clarecastle, not passable
Cusack Lawn, Lahinch Road, Ennis – not passable
Tobertaiscean closed from Limerick road junction
Limerick Road Captain Mac’s – Not passable
Ennis to Corofin passable
Aughanteeroe Estate, Gort Road – At the back is under water and is rising into driveways – sandbags have been delivered to all houses
Glassan Estate and Claureen Drive, Drumcliff Road is flooded
Ballyline on the N18 flooding on road but passable
Gort Road not passable
Elm Park housing estate – closed
Bridge at Bank Place closed to vehicular traffic
Lissane Cross to Claremount Road closed


Shannon District

Shannon to Newmarket on Fergus Road (Old Road) bad but passable
Crowe’s shop Sixmilebridge at junction with Cratloe Road, flooded but passable
Old roads in the back parts Newmarket On Fergus are flooded
Rossmanaghan Road Sixmilebridge not passable


Ennistymon District – Confirmed with Area Engineer

North of Inagh on Ennis to Ennistymon Road not passable
Maurice’s Mills road from Corofin Road – Not passable
All towns North of Ennistymon – (Ballyvaughan, Carron) not passable
Detours in place and are well sign posted
Leminagh Castle not passable – 4 feet of water on the road
Kilrush District – Confirmed with Area Engineer
Doonbeg at Mount River’s Bridge is not passable
Shragh not passable
Cooraclare to Kilrush flooded not passable
Cooraclare to Cree flooded but passable
Annaghgeeragh Bridge from Cree to Miltown Malbay not passable
Flooding Cappa not passable


Killaloe District

Old Road from Tulla to Quin is not passable
R461 Feakle to Scarriff road is not passable – lake has burst its bank
R466 Broadford to Tulla Road is not passable. Two large floods two miles out of Broadford
Divert take Broadford to Bodyke road go left for O Callaghan’s Mills
One mile out of Broadford on the Sixmilebridge road Doon Lake had burst its banks Diversions in place.

Comhairle Gives Young Limerick People A Voice

Up to 60 students and young people from across County Limerick participated in the eight annual Comhairle na nÓg at County Hall, Dooradoyle today.

The Comhairle, which is part of a programme being run by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, is a local forum for young people where they can discuss local and national issues of relevance to them.

Delegates - representing Schools, Youth Projects, Youthreach, Voluntary Youth Clubs and Special Interest Groups throughout the County - this year chose to discuss the issues of “Alcohol and Drugs” and “Internet Safety and Social Networking Sites”. They also nominated 21 of their fellow delegates to a newly developed County Limerick Youth Council.

The Council, which will meet six times a year and is supported by Limerick Youth Service, will give members the opportunity to raise matters that concern them with the relevant authorities and agencies, in particular to liaise and consult with Limerick County Council, the County Limerick Youth Affairs Sub-Committee and others, on issues of relevance to young people. The Council members will also nominate students to represent the County at Dail na nÓg or “Youth Parliament” in March when Comhairlí representatives from 34 local authority areas around the country convene in Dublin.

Addressing delegates today, Councillor David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council said: “Since its foundation in 2002, Limerick County Comhairle na nÓg has seen a steady increase in its membership which is a tribute to those who coordinate it and continue to develop the initiative.”

He added: “The Comhairle is a wonderful opportunity for young people to contribute to making things better for themselves and their communities. I am delighted to see that Comhairle na nÓg is increasingly being recognised by local, regional and national bodies, which proves that the process is effective and does make a difference to the lives of young people.”

Councillor Naughton congratulated those involved in organising Limerick County Comhairle na nÓg, including the staff of Limerick County Council’s community and enterprise section along with the Limerick County Development Board; Jackie Dwane, youth officer with County Limerick VEC; Maurice Walsh and his team from Limerick Youth Service; and the Facilitators and Note takers who assisted delegates in preparing their presentations.”

Speaking following Comhairle na nÓg 2009, Ms Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services stated: “The Community and Enterprise section of Limerick County Council, the Limerick County Development Board and other bodies throughout the County are very aware of the importance of considering the opinions of younger members of the community when devising local or national policy. In recent years, the input and opinions of local Comhairle delegates have helped to formulate national policies affecting the lives of young people. On a local level, Limerick County Council has developed many policies with substantial input from children and young people.”

Commenting on the theme of “Alcohol and Drugs”, Ms. Cotter Coughlan stated: “Alcohol and drug misuse can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and entire communities. It is one of the biggest issues facing Irish society and, therefore, it is important that every member of society has their say on how it should be handled.”

On the issue of “Internet Safety and Social Networking Sites”, Ms. Cotter Coughlan said there was no mistaking the many risks arising from new communication technologies becoming a part of the daily life of children.

“In recent years - through the widespread use of email, social networking sites and instant messaging - we have witnessed how the anonymous and far reaching communication capabilities of the Internet have brought a new dimension to child protection issues. In this context, I am delighted that Comhairle delegates have empowered themselves to determine, understand and manage the risks associated with the internet and social networking sites. Nevertheless, it is critical to emphasise that the Internet has a very positive influence on the lives of young people in Ireland”, she added.

In recent years, children and young people from every part of County Limerick have discussed a variety of issues, including anti-social behaviour in the community, the way future recreation facilities and youth cafes will be developed and managed; and the development of playgrounds.

Further information on Limerick County Comhairle na nÓg is available from the Community and Enterprise section of Limerick County Council on 061-496000. For more on Dáil na nÓg log on to www.dailnanog.ie.

Emergency Services Update On Flooding In County Clare And Ennis

The emergency services response to ‘unprecedented’ flooding in Ennis is being coordinated from Clare County Council’s Headquarters building on the New Road,Ennis.

The Emergency Team comprises Clare Local Authorities, An Garda Síochána, HSE, Clare County and Fire Rescue Service, Clare Civil Defence and the Army. The Emergency Team is in regular contact with the Office of Public Works, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and other agencies. Priorities for the emergency team include public safety, protection of property and relaying timely and accurate information and advice. Members of the public are advised to make essential journeys only.

A significant number of routes in County Clare, including Ennis, are closed due to flooding (information on all closed routes below). The only access routes to Ennis are the Tulla Road and Kilrush Road. All other approach roads to Ennis, including the Gort Road, are closed.

The Emergency Services are presently evacuating areas where flooding cannot be controlled by sandbags or pumps. Approximately 40 households at Elm Park (Gort Road) and Oakwood Drive (Watery Road) in Ennis have been evacuated today due to serious flooding. The Emergency Services are presently attempting to fill a breach in a river wall, close to the Club Bridge in Ennis Town Centre (Abbey Street Carpark). Ennis Recycling Centre and Ennis Dog Pound in the Gort Industrial State have been closed due to flooding.

The Emergency Services are monitoring levels of water on an ongoing basis. In the interests of personal safety people should avoid contact with flood waters and parents are requested to be particularly vigilant with children. A help line (1890-252943) has been set up for members of the public in Ennis.

Despite today’s respite from the heavy rain of previous days, it is expected that tidal conditions will continue to pose a flooding threat in County Clare and, in particular, Ennis. It is expected that further rain over the weekend will create additional flooding problems for Ennis.

Ennis District as of 11.30am on 20/11/09

Girroga Lake has burst its bank threatening to flood Gort Road industrial Estate
Abbey Street car park slight flooding
Ard Aoibhinn, Limerick Road, limited access
Honeywell is flooded.
Abbey Street - Closed for traffic
Newbridge Road, Ennis not passable.
Causeway link now open
Tubber Road, Corofin – not passable.
Druimmin, on Kilrush Road. – Stop / Go system, Ennis Bound Lane is not passable.
Lissane & Kildysart Road, Clarecastle, not passable.
Cusack Lawn, Lahinch Road, Ennis – Not passable
Tobertaiscean closed from Limerick road junction
Clonroad, Mangan’s to Suttons Lights not passable
Drehidnagower Road is flooded but passable
Drumcliff Road from Lees Road complex to Graveyard not passable
Dun Na Hinse on Lahinch Road, not passable
Castlefergus, Quin – bad but passable.
Spancil Hill to Quin bad but passable.
Toonagh, Fountain on Corofin Road not passable.
Lifford rd closed
Harmony row closed
Watery Road, - Not passable.
Limerick Road Captain Mac’s– Not passable.
Aughanteeroe Estate, Gort Rd, At the back is under water and is rising into driveways.- sand bags have been delivered to all houses
Glassan Estate, and Claureen Drive, Drumcliff Rd, is Flooded.
Ballyline on the N18 flooding on road but passable.
Gort Road one lane only
Elm Park housing estate - closed
Bridge at back –place closed

Shannon District

Shannon to Newmarket on Fergus Road (Old Road) Bad but passable
Crowe’s shop Sixmilebridge at junction with Cratloe Road, flooded but passable.
Old roads in the back parts Newmarket on Fergus are flooded

Ennistymon District

North of Inagh on Ennis To Ennistymon Road not passable,
Maurice’s Mills road from Corofin Road – Not passable.
All towns North of Ennistymon ~ (Ballyvaughan, Carron) Not passable.
Detours in place and are well sign posted

Kilrush District

Doonbeg at Mount River’s Bridge is not passable
Shragh not passable.
Cooraclare to Kilrush and Cooraclare to Cree is flooded but passable.
Annaghgeeragh Bridge from Cree to Miltown Malbay not passable.
Flooding Cappa not passable

Killaloe District

Old Road from Tulla to Quin is not passable.
R461 Feakle to Scarriff road is not passable.
R466 Broadford to Tulla Rd is not passable. Two large floods two miles out of Broadford.
Divert take Broadford to Bodyke road go left for O Callaghan’s mills
One mile out of Broadford on the Sixmilebridge road Doon Lake had burst its banks.

Limerick Clare Kerry Gear Up For European Waste Reduction Week

The “best waste is waste that is never produced” is the key message being delivered by the Limerick Clare Kerry Regional Waste Management Office (RWMO) ahead of the first annual European Week of Waste Reduction, which takes place from 21-29 November.

Limerick Clare and Kerry are among 21 regions across 10 European countries set to take part in the initiative, which will involve over 2,000 projects aimed at advising members of the public, authorities, businesses and public organisations about the kind of waste reduction habits that they can take up in everyday life.

In Limerick, Clare and Kerry there is set to be 10 campaigns during European Week of Waste Reduction (EWWR), which is supported by the European Commission and coordinated nationally by the EPA.

According to Pauline McDonagh, Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD) Programme Coordinator, RWMO: “With 522kg of municipal waste generated on average per person in Ireland, raising awareness about waste reduction and promoting changes in production and consumption patterns is more urgent than ever. The principal idea behind EWWR is that the ‘best waste is waste that is never produced’ because if we do not create waste in the first place then we do not have to treat it.”

Ms. McDonogh said there were many ways in which Irish society could contribute to preventing waste at source. “Whether it is though the reduction or reuse of packaging, the purchase of long-life products or the reduction of food waste, every individual and organisation in Clare, Kerry and Limerick can play a proactive role in reducing the overall waste being produced in the region”, she added.

Ms. McDonogh indicated that many of the messages being promoted as part of EWWR were also contained in the RWMO’s eGuide to Waste Prevention.

The online manual, which was launched during the summer to mark the conclusion of the EPA-funded LAPD Programme in the region, outlines the advantages for businesses and organisations in developing their own waste prevention programme, and a wide range of guides on how to implement such projects.

Ms. McDonogh stated: “Eliminating or preventing waste makes good environmental and financial sense. After all if waste is not created it does not have to be treated and disposed of, which is much better for the local and global environment, better for climate change, and better financially for householders, businesses and other organisations.”

A series of local events are planned throughout the week, focussing on five specific themes:
- Too much waste: Sorting waste is different from preventing waste - you might diligently use your recycling bin and organic bin but what about the waste that is going into these bins can it be prevented - yes by choosing less packaging or using up left overs or reviewing portion size so you have less food waste.
- Better Production: This is aim is for businesses rather than householders - what measures can an industry take to reduce the amount of waste generated through their economic activity? Simple ideas include communicating electronically with customers, printing double sided, reviewing & re-using packaging, smart design that reduces waste.
- Better Consumption: Actions that aim to make us think carefully about the choices we make, such as choosing tap instead of bottled water and choosing food grown or produced in Ireland to reduce food miles
- A longer life for products: can you repair or re-use items- do you really need a new phone, TV or ipod? Can you donate products that you no longer need but are still in good working order?
- Less waste thrown away: Being more aware of “best before” or “use by dates” for food - what do these actually mean, can you freeze foods you can’t eat today so that you can eat them at a later date? What about recipes to use up left-overs. A third of all food bought is thrown away - that’s a lot of food and a lot of money. What about keeping a food diary for the week - to see exactly what was eaten & what ended up as waste?

Events taking place in Limerick City and County from 21-29 November:
- Launch of the “Choose Tap Water Campaign” for student living in on-site accommodation in the Dromroe Village at the University of Limerick
- Limerick Crescent Shopping Centre: Clean Ireland Household Waste Prevention Information Stand
- Regional Hospital Limerick - transfer of WEEBOT garden to Children’s ark unit
- Waste prevention awareness initiative at Weener Plastics, Dromcollogher
- Information stand, organised by RWMO, for the Shannon Development Business Centre at Innovation Works, National Technological Park, and the Tait Business Centre in Limerick City

Events taking place in Kerry from 21-29 November:
- Information stand, organised by RWMO, for the Shannon Development Business Centre at Kerry Technology Park, Tralee
- Waste prevention awareness initiative at Astellas in Killorglin

Events taking place in Clare from 21-29 November:
- Waste prevention awareness initiative at Organic Lens Manufacturing in Ennis
- Information stand, organised by RWMO, for the Shannon Development Business Centre at IAPE Information Age Park in Ennis

Upland Sheep Scheme Payments To Be Made In Early December

Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has confirmed that special payments amounting to approximately 7 million euro will be made to 13,000 hill sheep farmers over the next two months.

Minister Killeen confirmed that he expected that Upland Sheep Payment Scheme payments worth in the region of 5 million euro would be made by the end of the year with the remaining 2 million euro being paid in early 2010. A further 54 million euro will be made available over the next three years in unused CAP funds to support incomes in the sheep sector.

The Clare T.D. said: “The Uplands Sheep Payment comprises unused funds from the Single Payment National Reserve. By creating this payment, the Government has recognised the difficulties and costs, including compliance costs, facing the sheep sector.”

“In addition to the 7 million euro payments being made over the next two months, the Department has allocated an additional 8 million euro for sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities to assist sheep farmers in reducing labour input, as part of a new targeted on-farm investment scheme”, added Minister of State Killeen.

The 2009 Upland Sheep Payment will be payable to farmers who declared their sheep under the 2007 and the 2008 Sheep Census; declared Mountain Type Grazing under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme; and were eligible for and were in receipt of payment under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. The maximum area payable is 15 hectares of mountain type grazing.

Work To Commence On Ennis Art Gallery

Pictured at a contract signing ceremony marking the commencement of refurbishment work on the old museum at the De Valera Library in Ennis, Co Clare, on Tuesday, 17 November 2009 L-R Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Services; Andrea Goble, Executive Architect; Ruth Hurley, Senior Executive Architect; Tom Coughlan, County Manager; Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy; Gerry Dillon, MD of Cordil Construction; Helen Walsh, County Librarian; and Cllr Patricia McCarthy.

The arts in the Mid West Region received a significant boost today with the award of a contract to commence refurbishment of the old museum at the De Valera Library in Ennis, Co Clare.

The dedicated exhibition venue is being developed by Clare County Council in an effort to address the ongoing lack of suitable gallery space in the County.

Mayor Tony Mulcahy noted: “One of the County Council’s objectives is to promote access to the arts and to encourage more people to participate in the arts. It is essential to ensure that proper facilities are in place.”

The Mayor continued: “Local authorities have been and continue to be instrumental in creating a local response to the arts, and more people then ever before are enjoying the arts in a range of disciplines. The development of the new gallery is an exciting development for the county and indeed nationally”.

According to Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Services, Clare County Council: “The refurbishment work will ensure that a top quality exhibition space and centre of excellence is provided in the County. It will present opportunities to showcase Clare art and to encourage national and international artists to exhibit in Clare, ensuring accessibility of the arts to all.”

“This project builds on Clare County Council’s commitment to working with artists, audiences and participants to increase public access to the arts. This project, which will cost in the region of 250,000 euro, is being funded through grant aid from the Arts Council, the Department of the Environment and through Clare Co. Council”, added Ms. Kinsella.

The historical nature of the protected structure has been acknowledged in the design of the exhibition venue, which was developed by the Clare County Council Architectural Services team in conjunction with P. Coleman & Associates, ODM, John Cuddy & Partners and the Clare County Arts Officer.

The proposed refurbishment was given special consideration to ensure harmony with the existing building aesthetic. New lighting and humidity control systems, as well as a central multifunction space will enhance the architectural ecclesiastical features and provide quality exhibition space to museum standards.

It is anticipated that the new gallery will be completed in May 2010.

Eight Clare Environmental Projects Receive Local 21 Funds

Minister of State, Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D., has announced that almost 10,000 euro has been allocated to eight environmental awareness projects in County Clare, under the 2009 Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund.

The Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level. It has operated in various forms since 1997 when 65 projects received funding. 408 projects across Ireland are to receive grants totalling 636,111 euro under the Fund in 2009.

Minister of State Killeen noted that the administration of the funds at local level was the responsibility of Clare County Council with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government maintaining a supervisory role.

The Clare T.D. added that a wide variety of innovative and exciting projects and schemes in County Clare have been supported under the Fund during recent years. He continued: “I am delighted that all projects focus on environmental awareness and action, which complement national environmental policies such as those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainable Development. This year, responding to increased levels of interest, the Department sought to raise awareness of sustainable living and the importance of locally grown produce through the provision of community vegetable gardens and allotments”.

Minister of State Killeen outlined, “The Clare projects, in receipt of funding this year, range from an Environmental Awareness Community Workshop Programme to an education initiative on the transition to a Sustainable Low-Carbon Future. Other projects include the development of a volunteer programme to work against heritage destruction, litter dumping and invasive species.”

A total of EUR9.738 is being allocated to eight projects around the County. The projects include: Burrenbeo Trust, Volunteer Programme to work against heritage destruction, litter dumping and invasive species encroachment (EUR1,700); South West Clare Community Radio Ltd., Grow Your Own (EUR1,200); Ogonnelloe National School Parents Association, Outdoor Classroom (EUR850); Transition Town Ennistymon, Education for the Transition to a Sustainable Low-Carbon Future (EUR1,950); Transition Town Ennis, The Worm Bin Project (EUR238); Killaloe/Ballina Family Resource Centre, Establishing Killaloe Community Garden (EUR1,950); Mol an Óige Steiner National School Ennistymon, Outdoor ClassrooM (EUR850); and Flynn-Furney Environmental Consultants Cratloe, Environmental Awareness Community Workshop Programme (EUR1,000).

“Through the provision and development of environmental initiatives in these eight Clare communities, the fund encourages action and innovation - enveloping new members into sustainable lifestyles and developing sustainable communities”, concluded Minister of State Killeen.

Stellar Line-Up For Ennis Book Club Festival 2010

Some of the most recognisable names in Irish and international literature will participate in next year’s Ennis Book Club Festival, the largest event of its kind anywhere in Ireland and the UK, from 5-7 March 2010.

Supported by Clare County Library, the three-day programme of events is expected to attract hundreds of Book Club members and book lovers from all over Europe and North America. The festival will also feature Ireland’s first ‘Book Club of the Year Award’ and a professional development workshop for library staff.

Among the contributors to the festival will be Lionel Shriver, Prolific journalist and Orange Prize-winning author of “We Need to Talk About Kevin” and “The Post-Birthday World”; Joseph O’Connor, Journalist, screenwriter and author of ten Irish number one bestsellers including “Cowboys and Indians”, “Desperadoes”, “The Salesman” and “Inishowen”; Tim Pat Coogan, Biographer, historian, journalist and writer of “Michael Collins” and “Ireland in the Twentieth Century”; and Fiona Looney, Columnist, playwright, scriptwriter and media personality.

Other authors scheduled to participate in the fourth annual festival include Diarmaid Ferriter, Author, historian, and university lecturer; Paul Howard, Journalist, author and creator of the cult character Ross O'Carroll-Kelly; Claire Keegan; Award-winning short stories writer and author of “Antarctica” and “Walk the Blue Fields”; and Thomas Lynch Essayist, poet, short stories writer, funeral director and winner of the American Book Award and The Heartland Prize for Nonfiction.

Academic contributors to the festival include Dr. Paul Delaney, School of English at Trinity College; Alan Titley, Author, playwright, poet and Professor of Modern Irish and Head of Department at University College Cork; and Niall MacMonagle, Reviewer, Editor and English teacher at Dublin’s Wesley College. Further contributors will be added to the Festival line-up over the coming months.

Commenting on the 2010 Festival, Chairperson Frances O’Gorman (available for interview on 00353-872262259) said: “The festival is a wonderful social and literary event that brings together Book Club members, readers and authors from all over Ireland and beyond. It presents a unique opportunity for all literary enthusiasts to share their joy of reading, to meet authors, to discuss books, and to have a weekend break with friends.”

One of the highlights of the weekend Festival will be The Sunday Symposium, during which Tim Pat Coogan and Diarmaid Ferriter will join a panel discussion on the subject of “Reading History”.

Elsewhere, the Festival is inviting library staff nationwide to a free workshop on how to start, develop and challenge a Book Club. Ciana Campbell of the Festival Organising Committee noted that the professional development workshop, which will be presented by Anne Downes of Opening the Book, has been designed specifically for library staff who are interested or involved in book clubs. She added: “It will cover areas such as managing group dynamics, injecting new life and bringing new ideas”.

Meanwhile, the 2010 Festival features Ireland’s foremost ‘Book Club of the Year Award’. The winning Book Club (up to a maximum of six people) will receive a prize of free weekend passes to festival events and overnight accommodation at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis. Entry forms, which are being distributed throughout the country, must be submitted by Friday 8th January 2010.

Further details on ticket prices and the festival are available from (web) www.ennisbookclubfestival.com, (t) www.twitter.com/ebcf, (e) info@ennisbookclubfestival.com and (t) 087-9723647/085-7758523.

ALL IMAGES BY EAMON WARD

UAE Market Reopened To Irish EU Beef

Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has warmly welcomed the decision by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government to lift its 8-year-old ban on the importation of Irish beef.

The Middle Eastern nation imposed the ban in January 2001 as a result of a review of beef controls in a number of EU countries, including Ireland.

Minister of State Killeen said the announcement was hugely significant as the UAE previously was a significant importer of Irish beef. He noted: “In the year preceding the ban, exports of Irish beef to the UAE amounted to over 5,200 tonnes and were valued at almost 8.3 million euro. The market is being re-opened to Irish beef under 30 months, and will provide another potentially important outlet for Irish beef.”

Minister of State Killeen added: “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, together with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs, has been working vigorously to regain access to this important market. The re-opening of the market is recognition that the production of beef in Ireland is subject to extremely rigorous controls and reflects the importance we place on high standards for food safety.”