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MUHAMMAD Ali was overwhelmed by the reaction to his ‘homecoming’ and now Ennis should seek to position itself as Ireland’s greatest town of Cead Míle Fáilte.

Thousands lined the streets for the former world champion’s visit in 2009.

A year later, Lonnie Ali said she had never experienced anything like the large crowds that turned out to welcome her husband to Ennis.

Speaking at the time, she said, “All the people in Ennis that came out and welcomed us, all the people that came out and supported us. There were so many people there and Muhammad was so excited, he’s still excited when he thinks back to that day.”

Now there are calls for Ennis to cap- italise on its reputation as a welcoming town. Councillor Johnny Flynn (FG) told last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council that Ali’s family had remarked that the welcome he received in Ennis “meant more to him than his Olympic medals”.

He said this image should be used to promote Ennis abroad.

Cllr Flynn was speaking as members backed a proposed to make Ali the first recipient of a County Clare passport.

The proposal was made by Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) to conincide with Ali’s 70th birthday this Tuesday In a motion submitted to the meeting, Cllr O’Shea called on the council to offer a Clare passport to visitors.

He said holders would be entitled to discounts at major tourism attractions, shops and restaurants.

In his response, Town Clerk Leonard Cleary, stated that the council works closely with the tourism industry on initiatives to promote Ennis.

He added, “The development of an incentivised pricing discount structure for visitor attractions would need to be led by the tourism industry and supported based on available resources by the local authority.”

Mr Cleary said the proposal could be further discussed at the next meeting of the Ennis Municipal Policy Committee (MPC)

ENNIS Town Council has not ruled out the possibility of turning Ennis’ oldest inhabited house into a museum at some point in the future.

Recent tests have shown that Ms Irene Clune’s house, known as McParland’s on Parnell Street, is one of the oldest timber frame houses in Ireland, dating back to the 16th century.

The building’s triple diamond stone Jacobean chimney has been an icon of medieval Ennis for centuries. The house has undergone necessary structural repair work in recent months.

At last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Councillor Paul O’Shea (Lab) called for the council to seek funding to open a medieval museum at McParland’s.

In his reply to Cllr O’Shea’s motion, Town Manager Ger Dollard stated that conservation works at the site are progressing well and should be completed by February. He confirmed that the council has received a grant of € 85,000 from the Department to part-fund the work.

Mr Dollard said, “Arrangements need to be made to cover the balance of the overall cost (€ 170,000) arising on the present contract.”

He continued, “The council is conscious that the house does represent the home of an elderly lady who has an expectation of returning to the property when the works have been completed. The property is not owned by Ennis Town Council.

“In addition, the structure is a very confined structure and it is difficult to see how it could operate as a visitor facility.

“It should also be noted that the County Museum is currently funded on a joint basis by Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council and the council would not have the resources to commit to the management of a separate and further museum.”

Mr Dollard continued, “However, the council is conscious of the importance of the building and this will remain a consideration for the council in any future discussions in relation to the property.

“The suggestion contained in the motion will be borne in mind in any discussion on future use of the property.”

BYELAWS with real teeth are required to prevent the “intimidation” of staff at Ennis’ main sports and recreation amenity.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) made the call to highlight what he said is the growing problem of dogs being let off leads at Lees Road.

Last April, the issue of dogs being let run off leads in Drumcliffe graveyard was highlighted by local clergy. The problem prompted Fr John McGovern to issue a notice calling on pet-owners to respect graves.

At last week’s meeting of Ennis Council, Cllr Guilfoyle said stronger byelaws are also required to stop illegal parking and driving.

Cllr Guilfoyle said some drivers are ignoring the one-way system in place at Lees Road. He said that staff attempting to enforce the existing laws regarding parking and pets have been “intimidated”.

“This is wrong and we have to give them real powers,” he added.

Cllr Guilfoyle said problems have also arisen where people paying to use the synthetic running track have been “pushed off” the facility by non-payers.

Commenting on proposed new equipment at Lees Road, Cllr Guilfoyle said, “It’s a wonderful place and we have to protect it.”

The council has announced plans to install new facilities at Lees Road. The council has received funding of € 34,000 from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for the provision of outdoor gym equipment at Lees Road.

Active trail equipment – which includes a trail crossing, rope post crossing, crossbeam crossing, rope crossing and hand-over-hand ladder will be installed as part of the project. This equipment will incorporate new elements for children, teenagers and adults.

THE process of drafting a new plan that will chart the development of Kilrush for much of the next decade is to begin by this March at the latest.

The importance of the plan to the future of the West Clare capital was emphasized by Town Manager Nora Kaye, who urged that all interest groups in the town take part in the process that is set to be kickstarted at a meeting of the Kilrush Town Council.

“I would hope that the senior planner for West Clare would address Kilrush Town Council at the February or the March meeting to start this process,” revealed Ms Kaye.

“It is very useful that the new town development plan for Kilrush is starting this year. In view of discussions that we’ve had about revitalizing the town centre of Kilrush and promoting Kilrush as a place to invest and a place to do business, I think it’s very timely that the new town plan and the preparations for it will be commenc- ing early in 2012,” added Ms Kaye.

The Town Manager revealed the new Kilrush Town Council planner Emma Pillion will be involved in the process of drafting the new town plan, but she emphasized that the completed blueprint will be about “refusing or granting planning permissions”.

“It is an opportunity,” said Ms Kaye. “It is not just a plan by which we refuse or grant planning permissions, it is really an investment strategy for the town of Kilrush going forward.

“I think that having a Kilrush Town Development Plan is very positive and hopefully it will serve us well in attracting new businesses to the town,” she added.

Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF) told the meeting that developing a new marketing for Kilrush should be a key part of the plan.

“I notice in Drogheda that’s now being sold as Drogheda on the Boyne. It’s a new brand. Why not Kilrush on the Shannon, why not build on the maritime theme. I think that is the way to go.”

CLARE County Library have launched a new competition to highlight the crucial role played by family carers.

Following the success of last year’s poetry competition as part of a partnership involving Caring for Carers, Clare County Library and the Ennis Book Club Festival, a new nationwide poetry competition for 2012 has recently been launched.

The theme of this year’s competition is ‘Springtime’, which organisers hope will inspire the many family carers around the country to put pen to paper. Poems should be no longer than three verses and entries should be submitted by Friday, February 17, to Brigid Barron, Caring for Carers Ireland, National Office, 2 Carmody Street Business Park, Ennis. Email bbarron@caringforcarers.org.

The winner will receive a weekend stay for two in an Ennis Hotel during this year’s Ennis Book Club Festival, which takes place from March 2 to 4, with a weekend pass to all of the festival events. Four runners-up will receive two tickets to the Joseph Woods and Paula Meehan poetry event as well as two tickets to the Maureen Gaffney reading. Both of these events will take place at the Ennis Book Club Festival on Saturday, March 3. Further details on the festival are at www.ennisbookclubfestival.com.

Speaking at the launch, Helen Walsh, County Librarian, said “The library is delighted to be involved in this poetry competition. I see it as a very worthwhile community project. Caring for Carers carry out invaluable work throughout the country and the library has a particular interest in socially inclusive events such as this.”

According to Brigid Barron, Research and Program Manager with Caring for Carers Ireland, recognising the role of family carers in the home is crucial. She said, “This form of care is the foundation of formal health and social care systems. Family carers are a distinct group who provide care and also, very importantly, require care themselves. We hope they will get involved in this poetry competition and we greatly look forward to receiving their entries.”

THE links between the first President of the United States and an historic North Clare home will be explored in a new programme to be aired this week.

Located in New Quay, Mount Vernon has battled the elements of the Atlantic Ocean since 1788. It was built by Colonel Persse, a friend of the first president of the United States, George Washington. Persse’s grand-nephew, Ireland’s greatest art collector, Hugh Lane, bought the house in 1880. When the Lusitania was torpedoed and sank in 1915, Lane was on board and sank with the ship and his latest collection of Monet, Ruben and Rembrandt paintings. The house was passed onto Lane’s aunt, Lady Augusta Gregory, one of the most pivotal figures in the Irish cultural renaissance. The history of Mount Vernon will be the subject of Cé a Chóna igh I mo Thea chsa , a new show by TG4 which will be aired on Thursday, January 19 at 10pm.

The 12-part series looks at the hidden histories of some of Ireland’s best-known homes. The show is presented by veteran traveller and broadcaster Manchán Magan.

Manchán will look at some of Mount Vernon’s most famous guests – WB Yeats, George Russell, Sean O’Casey, JM Synge and George Bernard Shaw – and he’ll find out why Yeats dedicated his famous poem to Lady Gregory’s nephew.

According to Manchán, “Every old house wants to tell its story, but it just doesn’t have the words. You need to help it speak. It wants you to, and if you take on the challenge, you feel as though it’s following you every step of the way, helping you at times, directing you towards sources of information that you never would have guessed; but hindering you at times too. Houses have their secrets, and the thrill is getting beyond these to uncover a new perspective on an old world.”

HOPES are high that North Clare could see an increase in the number of Chinese tourists in the years ahead following an historic visit by the Chinese Ambassador to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher over the weekend. The ambassador, his Excellency Mr Luo Liang, visited a number of North Clare locations on Saturday as part of his first ever visit to the county. The Cliffs of Moher was the first stop and here Ambassador Luo was welcomed by the Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Hayes (FF), before he enjoyed a guided tour of the cliffs and O’Brien’s Tower given by the Director of the Cliffs of Moher Experi- ence, Katherine Webster. “The number of Chinese visitors to the Cliffs of Moher has been increasing in the last few years and 2011 saw a number of Chinese specialist tour groups making regular visits,” said the Mayor of Clare, Pat Hayes. “We want to encourage our Chinese friends to spend more time in County Clare that has so much to offer them. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to welcome Ambassador Luo here so early this year and we in the county look forward to doing likewise for many of his compatriots in the year ahead.” After the Cliffs of Moher the ambassador then moved on to Lisdoonvarna where he sampled the fare at the Burren Smokehouse. He was also given a tour of the smoking factory by Birgitta and Peter Curtin. The Ambassador and his party continued on to lunch at Burren Fine Wine and Food near Ballyvaughan and rounded off their tour with a visit to Poulnabrone Portal Tomb in the heart of the Burren. This was Ambassador Luo’s first visit to County Clare and he expressed his conviction that Chinese visitors would appreciate the stunning vistas of the Cliffs of Moher and the spectacular landscape of the Burren. He also highlighted the warm welcome he had received in County Clare and the remarkable cultural heritage of the county. Following a plan to streamline the visa applications process for Chinese people visiting Ireland, it is hoped that a large number of visitors will come to Ireland in 2012, with many expected to include Ireland as part of their trip to London 2012.

SOIL quality in parts of Clare could be a “significant issue” under new legislation proposed for septic tanks.

Under proposed new legislation, householders with septic tanks and other on-site systems will be required to register the details of their system with the relevant local authority. A national register will also be compiled and held by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Homeowners will be required to pay a registration fee of € 50. Fianna Fáil estimates that the cost of upgrade works to be between € 7,000 and € 17,000. The party says this figure is based on inspection failure rates in Cavan where 25 per cent of septic tanks needed upgrading.

Concern has previously been expressed that homes in the west of Ireland will fall foul of the new regulations due to poor soil quality in the region. The matter was discussed at yesterday’s meeting of Clare County Council’s Environmental Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).

Senior engineer Paul Moroney told the meeting that clay soil is a significant issue in parts of East and West Clare. Mr Moroney said issues may also arise regarding karts limestone in mid-Clare.

Asked about the standards by which septic tanks would be measured, Mr Moroney said the regulations would aim to abolish the risk to human life.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said this “risk-based inspection process” should take into account occupancy rates in rural homes.

Cllr Michael Kelly (FF) asked what the impact would be on houses built on small sites. He said some homes might have to be demolished to facilitate upgrade works to septic tanks in breach of new regulations. Cllr Kelly also proposed that a grant be made available to houses that require upgrades. Cllr Pascal Fitzgerald (Lab) said greater clarification was required regarding the cost of upgrades.

Mr Moroney told the meeting that the legislation regarding septic tanks had yet to be enacted.

An estimated 300 people attended a public meeting in Ennis last November.

Organised by Fianna Fáíl TD Timmy Dooley, the meeting was held to highlight growing concern among rural communities over the potential impact of new septic tank legislation.

Campaigners and farmer’s representatives have claimed that plans for new monitoring and inspection of septic tanks represent “an attack on rural Ireland”.

The new legislation could affect thousands of Clare homes.

GOVERNMENT claims that the use of Shannon Airport by the US military over the past decade has been good for the economy have been called into question this week by Shannonwatch.

The mid-west-based watchdog has hit out at the what it says is the Dublin Airport Authority’s “lack of transparency” when it comes to divulging the what Shannon has earned from the military stopover since 2001.

In 2011, the US Military – on foot of a Freedom of Information request revealed that there 12,154 troop stopovers in Shannon en route to US war fronts, carrying 2,300,925 troops, while 11,995 return flights accounted for 2,029,365 military personnel over the same period from January 2001 to Janaury 2011.

And, additional figures secured by The Clare People revealed that 407 commercial flights carrying military personnel have passed through the airport from January to June 2011.

The 2001 to 2011 figures revealed that the peak period of Shannon’s use in US military operations came in 2005, when 1,973 flights passed through the airport, carrying 335,847 passengers, over double the amount that had passed through the previous year.

“In the few cases where the State could benefit financially from the US war traffic it is reluctant to give details,” a spokesperson for Shannonwatch told The Clare People this week.

“The Dublin Airport Authority has said that landing and parking fees are applied in the case of the main US troop carrier, Omni Air International. However “for confidentiality and commercial sensitivity reasons” they will not say how much it pays for its daily foreign troop flights through Shannon.

“The Irish Aviation Authority which imposes air traffic control fees also refuse to indicate what en-route and terminal air navigation charges Omni Air International pays. The lack of transparency around the payment of charges by the US military and its carriers undermines any statements that politicians make about the use of Shannon being good for the economy” the Shannonwatch spokesperson continued.

“It would be morally wrong to profit from the hundreds of thousands of lives lost as a result of the invasions and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. But it is even more alarming to realise the extent that we are supporting it financially. At a time of economic crisis, the spending of € 4 million a year by a supposedly neutral state in support of illegal wars is an outrage,” the spokesperson added.

SHANNON Development could be about to play its part in helping revitalize the business district of Kilrush town centre through a new grant aid fund, the potential for which is set to be teased out over the next month by the state agency in conjunction with the town council and interest groups in the West Clare capital.

Details of what could potentially be a ground-breaking aid to new and existing businesses that wish to upgrade and re-brand themselves was unveiled by town manager Nora Kaye at the January meeting of Kilrush Town Council.

“We had a positive meeting with Shannon Development in relation to finding some fund that would encourage people to set up business in the town,” revealed Ms Kaye.

“The meeting was arranged with Shannon Development and that meeting took place (last Thursday). We discussed the need to revitalize the town centre, in view of the recent upgrade of Moore Street.

“What we were really looking at was a Shopfront Assistance Fund. For new businesses that are starting up or have started up, there would be a fund there from which allocations could be made and it would go towards helping the financial aspects towards setting up and fitting out a new business in the town, or even existing businesses that need to upgrade,” added Ms Kaye.

This new departure was given a broad welcome by all councillors, with the Mayor of Kilrush, Cllr Ian Lynch, saying that it was up to the local authority to spearhead the continued regeneration of the town.

“If we lose any more shops in the town people won’t stop in the town at all,” warned Mayor Lynch. “This is about reviving our town centre. This town council chamber is in the heart of the town centre and we really are the pulse of the town and we really need to drive this thing forward,” he added.

“It would be great if we could sit everyone around a table, so that we could all be involved in it,” said Cllr Marion McMahon-Jones (FG).

“I have spoken to a number of people with business premises on Moore Street and I think we should sit down and see what they have to offer.

“We should dedicate a meeting to this – not a monthly meeting but a special meeting,” suggested Cllr Liam Williams (FG).

“What’s going to happen is that a scheme will be drafted and we would hope to launch it early in the year so that businesses could avail of it and it would encourage phase two of the Moore Street regeneration,” concluded town manager Nora Kaye.

The special meeting to discuss the regeneration of the town has been fixed for Tuesday, February 7.