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ARTS groups in Clare were among the beneficiaries in the latest round of funding announcements by the Arts Council. Between them, 14 or- ganisations and individuals in Clare have been granted €444,000 by the Arts Council.

In revealing its funding decisions for 2008, the Arts Council has al- located funds of over €62 million to 538 organisations and individuals to date for 2008.

€100,000 has been allocated to Glor in Ennis. A spokesperson for

the Arts Council said the venue “has truly established itself as a centre of excellence for artists, audiences, per- formers and the wider community”.

The annual Willie Clancy sum- mer school was also singled out by the Arts Council. A spokespeson said the “ongoing expansion of the organisation’s student and audience base is a testament to the quality of the programme and the dedication of its staff”.

The Arts Council has again offered funding to Salmon Poetry, a poetry publisher established in 1981. Salm- on Poetry produces work by new and

established Irish poets and, more recently, a select list of international poets.

Salmon celebrated 25 years of pub- lishing in 2006 and published The Salmon Anthology in late 2007. The publisher is based in rural Clare and is led by editor and manager Jessie Lendennie.

The Arts Council offered funding to the Ennis Book Club Festival un- der the Small Festivals Scheme for an exciting programme of events in 2008. The Arts Council has priori- tised readership and reader activities as part of its strategy.

The full recipients are: Arts Office Clare County Council (€115,000); Corofin Traditional Fes- tival (€13,000); Deirdre O’Mahony (€22,000); Doran Piping Tiondl (€4,000); Ennis Book Festival (€3,500); Foram Gaeilge an Chlair (€2,000); Glor (€ 100,000); Inisceal- tra festival of arts (€15,000); Outsid- ers festival (€7,000); Russell Me- morial Weekend (€3,500); Salmon Poetry (€47,000); Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy (€90,000); Summer Music on the Shannon (€19,000); Winter Music Weekend Festival (€3,480)

A WEST Clare man is pioneering a campaign to take alcohol out of Soa F

Richard Hall from Doonaha West has begun the campaign by writing to the GAA, local print media and the providers of sports wear.

The gold pin pioneer maintains that something must be done to guard and protect children from the “perils of alcohol’.

“We are fully aware of the problems of alcohol in our society, in particu- lar the problems that face our young children day after day. As a society we must do all we can to protect our

younger generation. We are going to need them for our own welfare, in the future,” he said.

In his appeal to the GAA Mr Hall proposed that the sporting organisa- tion would display the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association’s (PTAA) emblem in Croke Park, as close as possible to the Guinness advertising.

He also suggested that the emblem be incorporated on to team shirts when requested by players wishing to wear it.

“There are many GAA players and team trainers/managers who are members of the PTAA and, as members of the Pioneer Associa- tion, | am positive that they would

be very pleased to see the benefits of membership of that organisation be- ing promoted to young and upcom- ing players and stars of the future,” he said.

“Why does the GAA not create a pioneer cup competition in football and hurling for both male and female players? The stipulation being that in order to play for a pioneer team, the player would have to be a member of the Pioneer Association,’ he said.

Mr Hall has also contacted the two largest producers of GAA jerseys. He asked about the viability of putting the pioneer emblem on the jersey at the manufacturing stage.

“If not from a financial point of

view then would you consider such a Suggestion as being a means of pro- moting the benefits of alcohol absti- nence. You could possibly produce a small number of shirts with the pioneer emblem on at the outset, to judge the market.”

“Your promotion of the Pioneer Association would be seen, I am pos- itive, aS a genuine step in the right direction in combating alcohol prob- lems amongst the youth of today and such action could only enhance the opinion of your customers in regards to your products.”

He has also approached a soft drinks company about sponsoring a pioneer cup.

MUSICIANS from all over Galway and Clare descended on Kinvara this weekend for the launch of the debut CD of the Kinvara Area Music Col- lective (KAM).

The CD, which was officially launched at a concert in the village on Saturday evening, features a host of local talent, all of whom turned out to play at the launch ceremony.

It features a cross-genred selection of musicians and is designed to show off the wealth of musical talent that exists in the locality.

KAM was established last year fol- lowing a series of public meetings to

“IT’S hardly a week since I left Gal- way and I’m already in Donegal. Yes- terday, I had the Donegal GAA boys, Niall McCready and David Walsh, pushing me along – and a good job they did too.

“IT met this mad DJ in Bundoran who’s changed his name to Pat Mus- tard and he’s even had the gobshite’s name tattooed up his arm. There is no sign of Daniel yet but I’m living in hope.

“Last week I was taken in by the guards in Castlebar. Lovely fellas they were too and all of them going onto cyberspace to look at me on my website.

“So far I’ve had pushers from Bos-

find ways in which local musicians could help each other and the local community.

“We started talking about how dif- ficult it was to find places to do gigs and places to see gigs in Kinvara. We realised that Kinvara, which has al- ways had a great reputation for trad sessions, had changed, something had happened,’ said musician John Martin.

“The gigs just didn’t happen as of- ten. Besides the music, we were los- ing out in a social way too. People were not meeting up in the pubs any- more, the community spirit was suf- fering as a result.”

After hosting more than 12 concerts

ton Scientific and Western Fire in Tuam and, Jesus, those Polish fellas can push a milkfloat!

“I can’t wait to get back to Clare though, back to my real home in Kil- fenora. Just 21 days to go!”

On ‘Tuesday, February 26,

last year, KAM decided to celebrate the years anniversary of the organi- sation by launching the CD.

“Kinvara is saturated with musi- cians of all different kinds. Part of the idea of this was to try and find a way that musicians could help each other out instead of being in compe- tition with each other,’ said KAM member, Rosaleen Tanaham.

‘The musicians featured on this CD are really only scratching the surface of the talent that is out there.”

Besides running gigs and making CDs, KAM would like to involve as many local people as possible in whatever music-related activities that they can dream up.

“Organising concerts and making CDs is only one part of what KAM can be doing. We would like to see more and more people get involved in the group and hope that it will evolve along with the interests of these people. Whether that means more gigs, music workshops for youngsters, talks or more CDs,” continued John.

“If people want something to hap- pen, then we say go ahead. Talk to us and we will help you as much as possible, but you will have to be will- ing to do the work.”

The CD is currently available from most shops and pubs in Kinvara and from www.openear.ie.

AS a multi-national supermarket chain prepares to open on the out- Skirts of Kilrush, the local Chamber of Commerce has plans in place to ensure the future of the town centre.

On February 24, Tesco will open its doors on the Ennis Road, with free car parking provided to its shoppers.

From next Monday, however, shop- pers will also be able to avail of free parking in the town centre, as 23 businesses in the town provide a Parking Refund Scheme.

The Kilrush Parking Refund Scheme stipulates that customers and motorists who spend a specified amount in the participating business- es will be entitled, on proving their parking cost, to either a €1 refund or

a free parking scratch disc.

The scheme will apply to Kilrush Town Council’s dual system of pay parking, including scratch parking discs and street parking meters.

Work on this initiative began un- der former chamber president Karen Whelan and will be brought to fruition by the new chairman, Paul Coady.

“The objective of the scheme is to encourage customers to shop in Kil- rush and enjoy a refund of their park- ing cost,” he said.

Kilrush Town Council supported the initiative by altering the street metres to provide ticket counterfoils.

Shoppers who use the street metres will hand over the ticket counterfoil to participating businesses (upon paying for purchases) and will re-

ceive a €1 coin refund or free scratch disc. Similarly, shoppers who have a scratch disc will need to retain the scratched disc and the receipt of pur- chase to hand over to the participat- ing business on their next visit.

Town Clerk, Fiona Mooney said, “The chamber should be praised for its initiative. However, it must be pointed out that the Kilrush Town Council parking byelaws will remain in place between 10am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

“Valid parking tickets and discs must also be displayed during these Wb enone

Mayor of Kilrush, Cllr. Tom Clyne (Ind) said, “It 1s marvellous to see Kilrush Chamber and its members actively encouraging the people of west Clare to shop local.”

INCREASES in the number of beaches and days covered by life- guards, more flexible arrangements for funding rural graveyards and the setting up of a full time fire service were all items on the shopping list of Clare County Council members as they met to budget for the com- ing year.

Cllr Martin Conway (FG) called for a five-year plan to be drawn up to provide a full-time fire service which would replace the retained fire serv- ice in Ennis.

He asked that more lifeguards be brought in. “Surfing is a 52-week a year occupation now. Everytime you go to Lahinch, the car park is full. I would like to see the lifeguard serv- ice extended to this beach.”

Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) asked that some of the €206,000 allocated for litter prevention in the budget be “used to catch people who are us- ing the bring banks to dump rubbish and to bring them before the courts. Fines should be raised. The current fine is not a sufficient deterrent.”

Cllr Richard Nagle (FF) said that some larger areas were seen to be

‘getting much more favourable treat- ment in terms of allocated funding for graveyards whereas small, rural communities have to purchase land for burial grounds themselves.” Director of Services, Ger Dollard, said that two lifeguards are rostered on at a time on beaches in consid- eration both of child protection and health and safety concerns. “If one lifeguard gets into trouble, then there is a second to go and help,” he told the members at the budget 2008 meeting. “Our plan is to provide cov- er during the time that the primary school children are off and it can be

difficult to get lifeguards outside that time, as many of them are in college or having their own holidays.”

Director Dollard told the meeting that the issue of a full-time fire serv- ice 1S part of a national review.

‘There is a review of the fire service model to assess where there should be a full-time service. We will have to spend five times as much to go full-time.”

He also told councillors that litter fines are not in the control of the local authority once they get to court, “but judges are taking a sterner view now, One fine recently was for €5,000.”

THE east Clare economy is to receive a massive boost with a health farm resort, formerly jointly owned by Paschal Carmody, to be transformed into a multi-million euro mixed use integrated tourism, recreational and commercial development.

For a number of years, the former doctor and his wife, Dr Frieda Car- mody, operated a health farm at Ti- narana House on the shores of Lough Derg at Islandcosgry, Ogonnelloe.

However, the couple sold their property in summer 2006 in a multi- million euro deal to a Limerick city investor and businessman for an un-

disclosed sum.

Tinarana House resort and spa is set on almost 300 acres near Killa- loe. Last week, the new owners of the prestigious property, Tinarana Ltd., published a planning notice outlining the scale of the proposal for Tinarana House and the lands.

The biggest single investment in the east Clare economy in a number of years, the planning application involves the extension of the exist- ing commercial operation and refur- bishment of Tinarana House, which is a protected structure to include an apart-hotel comprising of 30 two bedroom accommodation suites.

The refurbishment of ‘Tinarana

House will also include multi-pur- pose banqueting, a function/confer- ence facilities and a spa and wellness oon anes

The development is to also include the provision of 155 two bed short term accommodation units and a 18 hole championship golf course that will include a clubhouse, restaurant and bar facilities within the proposed extension of Tinarana House.

The proposal also includes the de- velopment of an equestrian holiday centre comprising of indoor and out- door equestrian areas that includes 20 horse stables.

The plan coincides with Clare County Council putting in place a

number of economic stimuli to aid the east Clare economy.

Earlier this year, the council stated that the construction of a new €30 million bridge across the River Shannon south of Killaloe would commence in two years.

The provision of the long antici- pated bridge will see the end of the traffic gridlock in the heritage towns of Killaloe and Ballina.

The council is also progressing a €2million amenity scheme for the Ballycuggeran area adjoining Lough Derg. It has revealed that provision has been made in the 2008 budget for the preparation of a Lough Derg Marina Tourism Plan.”

THE Clare-based Irish Seed Savers Association, 1n association with Tea- gasc, organised a series of biodiver- sity walks which took place across the country last week. The walks were organised to highlight the larg- est planting of hedgerow in the his- tory of the Irish state.

Nationwide, farmers are busy planting hedgerows on their land, with 15,000 expected to plant an in- credible length of 5,000 km of new native Irish hedgerows in the next KAW (erase

According to Teagasc this will change the landscape of every parish in Ireland as farmers participate in

the REPS 3 and REPS 4 schemes.

More than 25 farm walks will take place around the country between now and the end of February.

The Teagasc walks will demonstrate best practice in hedgerow planting and maintenance. A full range of na- tive Irish hedgerow species are being planted on farms, including whiteth- orn, holly, hazel, spindle, guelder rose and blackthorn.

“Correct planting methods and maintenance will ensure the estab- lishment and survival of all these new hedges,’ said Tim Hyde, Tea- gasc environment expert.

“This is the start of widespread planting in the countryside so it 1s important to get it right first time.

All the stages, including cultivation, planting, pruning, weed control and fencing, will be featured.”

Most Irish hedgerows were planted in the 1700s and 1800s. Acts of Par- liament were then passed, making it obligatory for landowners to plant hedgerows at that time. Hedgerows along townland boundaries often date from medieval times or earlier.

Over time if hedgerows are not managed they grow into an escaped hedgerow with a thin, gappy base. One management option for such hedgerows under REPS is to rejuve- nate by laying or coppicing.

A further 2,800 km of existing hedgerows will be rejuvenated, and the skill of hedge laying will be

CC aaeyeOecIKceMmDOMBOOT- DIN AMGOleII Non MEvaN a number of events contractors will demonstrate coppicing with a circu- JE Tansy- Me

A range of other demonstrations/ stands will also be presented at this series of Teagasc Biodiversity walks, and may include broadleaved tree planting, traditional orchards, LIN- NET crops for wildlife, The Hen Harrier Scheme and slurry injection methods.

The walks are being held in as- sociation with Coillte Nurseries, Seed Savers, the Hedge Laying As- sociation of Ireland, the Professional Contractors Association of Ireland and others. A full schedule can be viewed on www.teagasc.ie

FURIOUS members of Clare County Council told their officials that charg- ing people for recycling will result in fly-tipping and a sharp drop in the amount of recycling which goes on in the county.

At a resumed budget meeting of the local authority to set out the coun- cil’s spend and income for the com-

ing year, the proposal to raise cash by charging people who come to the council’s recycling centres met with stern opposition.

Council members were told that a “nominal” charge of €3 per car would raise an estimated €160,000 in the coming year. This would go to- wards the costs of improvements and additional services at the centres.

Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) said that

for the amount raised 1n the exercise, it would not be worth the damage to recycling practice.

He said there were other ways of freeing up money to improve facili- ties. “Nothing the director of services tells me will change my mind about these charges. We are not using best practice or methods of compacting, SO we’re paying to transport fresh air. There are savings to be made there. I

want to appeal to your better sense which says we should reward people who do the right thing and look at other means of raising funding.”

Cllr Martin Conway (FG) said he agreed “100 percent with Cllr Meaney – we are Sending out the wrong mes- sage if we start to charge”’.

Cllr Tommy Brennan (NP) said that the minister “has said publicly that his department is awash with money – the manager should ask him to send some of it down here instead of these Oi Neon

Cllr Flan Garvey (FF) said that the “way to get people to comply is to reward and encourage them, not pe- nalise them with charges”.

Cllr Pat Hayes said that the Govern- ment is already collecting for recy- cling through the Repak system and asked how much comes back from the scheme to the local authority.

Cllr Patricia McCarthy (NP) told the members that they have “been presented with a balanced budget and either we find some other way of raising this money or we don’t ap- prove the budget, in which case the council 1s disbanded.”

Director of Services, Ger Dollard said that if the council wants to con- tinue having new and improved recy- cling facilities, ““we need the funds to do it and we don’t have any extra funds to avail of so we have to intro- duce charges.”

Mr Construction, but neither of the chart toppers are likely to be as big a hit with the people of Kilrush as the RNLI calendar.

The fundraising object has a spe- cial calendar pin-up in local curate Fr Michael Collins, who is one of just two Irish people to make it on to the RNLI fundraising calendar.

The only other Irish member is a lady from Ballycotton.

Fr Collins has been a crewmember with Kilrush lifeboat station for two years.

His involvement began when the station invited him to look around. It was an inspirational visit that made his mind up to volunteer.

Despite his comparatively short time as a crewmember, he’s had his fair share of drama, particularly the rescue of a family of five whose boat had capsized and was drifting out to sea.

Fr Collins will feature on the cal- endar for the month of July, making him a household name in homes and offices around Ireland and Britain.

The calendar has been on sale since

late last year on the RNLI website or from its catalogue.

As a sea faring town, Kilrush has always been a huge supporter of the RNLI providing funds to maintain the life boat and people for its crew.

The “Rose West’ lifeboat has car- ried out great work for years provid- ing vital assistance to seafarers from Kilbaha to Limerick.

The 30 strong crew are trained and retrained for every eventuality.

The members of the RNLI meet once a week and take part in dilf- ferent exercises with the lifeboat. In case of an emergency a beeper alerts all the crew within a seven-mile ra- dius who make their way to the life- boat station, change and be on the water within eight minutes.

The first three to arrive set out on the boat, one person stays in the sta- tion to assist the crew with any direc- tions. Others open the doors to the lifeboat and see it safely to the sea.

All from 18 to 45 are welcome to ove

FOLLOWING the Dublin launch of BurrenLIFE’s first ever Farming for Conservation international con- ference last week, the Carron-based organisation has teamed up with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to announce a series of illustrated rece

These will take place in the Coun- cil Chamber of the County Museum Building in Ennis for six Wednes- days, from February 6 to March 12.

The series will reflect on and cel- ebrate the hugely diverse range of natural and cultural heritage in the Burren region. It promises to be a rich and varied programme of talks.

The series kicks off with a talk entitled “Eating The Landscape – Farming The Burren’ by Ruairi O Conchuir.

The talk will highlight the upcom- ing conference and will also focus on the production of quality food from a quality environment.

The lecture on February 13 will be delivered by Barry O’Donoghue, park ranger with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

O’Donoghue grew up watching hen harriers on the family farm in Tralee and this helped him attain a depth of knowledge of the factors regarding the conservation of these rare birds.

His talk is called ‘Rare, Beautiful and Preying – the Hen Harrier’.

Ian Doyle will take up the mantle on February 20 and give a talk en- titled “The Vanishing Monuments of the Burren’.

This will be concerned with, amongst other things, the huge den- sity of archaeological monuments in the region and the real threat posed to them by the onset of scrub.

Guest speaker on February 27 will be Eugenie Regan. She is one of two ecologists in the National Biodiver- sity Centre in Waterford.

Eugenie’s research is focused on wetland and limestone grassland ecology.

The penultimate talk in the series will focus on the rich geological di- versity of the Burren Region. The

talk is entitled “Rocks and Land- forms – The Geodiveristy of the Bur- ot

The speaker in this case is Mat- thew Parkes, assistant keeper of the National History Museum in Dub- lin with special responsibility for its geological collections.