This article is from page 12 of the 2013-02-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
NORTH Clare could soon become Ireland’s capital for civil partnerships, including same-sex couplings, following plans to create a centre for civil ceremonies in Doolin.
Documents have been lodged with Clare County Council for the development of a conference centre at Ballyvara House in Doolin where events, such as civil ceremonies could take place. The plans were lodged in the name of Lazarus Investments, a new company which is understood to have roots in the North Clare area.
With the development’s proximity to desirable wedding locations such as the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, coupled with the shortage of registered locations for civil ceremonies in Clare and Ireland generally, it is thought that North Clare could prove a very attractive location for couples looking to tie-the-knot outside of the church.
Clare has already been identified as a hotspot for same-sex partnerships, with the Banner County having the second highest rate of same-sex civil partnerships in Ireland. According to figures released by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), 15 Clare same-sex partnerships were awarded between January 2011 and the end of last year. Indeed, Clare has the second highest incidence of civil partnerships per head of population in Ireland, with only Dublin registering a higher rate of civil partnerships.
Despite these figures, only two same-sex civil partnerships have taken place on Clare soil, with no Clare locations registered to conduct civil partnerships until late last year.
According to Kilrush man and Director of GLEN, Brian Sheehan, the large uptake in civil partnerships will prove a stepping stone to full marriage for gay couples.
“It has been an incredible take-up in such a small space of time. I think once same-sex couples become more visible in Clare and other places, more and more people will see that a same-sex couple is no different from a heterosexual couple – this is people making a really profound commitment to each other,” said the West Clare man.
A decision is expected from the planners at Clare County Council on March 20.