Show Notes
Ennis Tidy Towns is hailing the milestone of achieving its 25th Gold Medal. The community group was among the eight Clare towns and villages to be successful in the top tier of the competition. In total, 936 towns and villages entered the 2026 edition. Ennis Tidy Towns Volunteer and Councillor Mary Howard says it's an enormous sense of pride for the group.
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Concern has emerged Clare could lose a vital community outreach programme. Creative Communities Engagement Officers were established in all 31 local authorities in 2023 as part of a five-year strategy under the Creative Ireland Programme. The Government has made no indication yet if the positions will be renewed, potentially putting jobs and funding for youth and diverse community services and workshops at risk. Clare CCEO Eva Birdthistle says clarity is urgently needed.
Concerns have been raised following a dangerous incident of vandalism in Shannon. Large quantities of broken glass were scattered throughout the town park including near the bandstand, with shards also found hidden in grassy areas. Particular concern was raised due to the close proximity of the park to both primary and secondary schools. Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan says it posed serious risk to both children and pets.
A Clare disability rights activist says disabled people are often 'trapped' in low income jobs so they don't lose access to medical cards. A group of working disabled people across Ireland have put forward the proposal to Ministers Jack Chambers and Dara Calleary to expand the cost of disability payment. Ennistymon-based Clare Leader Forum Director, Ann Marie Flanagan says at present people are forced to work low income jobs as they'll lose access to vital services if they move into a higher tax bracket. She says working disabled people can't earn close to enough to cover rising costs paired with the hidden cost of disability.
A Clare Green Party representative is calling on the Government to stop favouring tech companies in order to stem the tide of global warming. It follows a warning from the UN Environment Programme that the chance to maintain global warming at 1.5 degrees celsius above pre industrial levels is now gone. Their latest report says urgent cuts are needed to greenhouse gas emissions, including reductions of 18% by 2030, 45% by 2035 and 69% by 2040. Ennis Green Party Representative, Bridget Ginnity, says it's disappointing that Government has pulled back on climate commitments.
The Taoiseach has given his two cents on the possibility of an East Clare Gaelscoil. It comes as the board of O'Callaghan's Mills National School is looking into converting to education through Irish. It would allow the school to develop an additional class and avail of extra supports and teaching hours. Responding to Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe in the Dáil, Micheál Martin says the move could save a lot of money.