Housing Update – February 27th

Every Wednesday, I will update you here on the social houses that are available via Clare County Council.

As always, it is vital that you register with Clare County Council’s housing section for their Choice Based Letting site, where you are able to register your interest for a property. You can contact the housing section on (065) 6821616.

Please note: Some weeks, no properties come online and therefore there will be no housing update.

Ballynacally

Address: 10 Rosscliff Court, Ballynacally Ennis, Co.Clare

Details: Two Bedroomed Bungalow

  • Kitchen/Living/Dining area
  • Level access bathroom
  • Oil heating with space heating stove
  • Side gate entrance to rear garden
  • Front and rear gardens
  • Parking available in driveway

 

Kilrush

Address:  7 Glen Court, Kilrush Town, Co.Clare

Details: Two Bedroomed Bungalow

  • Kitchen/Living/Dining area
  • Level access bathroom
  • Air to water heating
  • Side gate entrance to rear garden and ramp to rear garden
  • Shed at rear of property
  • Communal parking – there are no designated spaces

Crowe tells Dáil that ‘time is now’ for refurbishment of ‘decaying’ Clonlara NS building

Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe, has told the Dáil that works to replace the ‘decaying’ Clonlara National School building need to be expedited and called on the Minister for Education to progress the works without delay.

Deputy Crowe addressed Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, and Minister of State in the Department of Education, Michael Moynihan, in the Dáil chamber to highlight the unsuitable and outdated infrastructure at Clonlara NS and urged the Minister to rubber-stamp the upgrade works.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Crowe said: “In total, there are five classrooms in an older block of the school which was built in 1968 and, along with a new staff room and entrance area, the school has applied for replacement of these.

“These classes are small, drafty, cold and damp. The walls are decaying, and the roof is perished. I have firsthand experience of these classrooms because, as you know Minister, I taught for 16 years prior to my election to the Dáil and during Covid, when there was staff shortages due to illness, I did a couple of unpaid subbing days in the school.

“I was in one of those old classrooms. The wind howls around it. The walls are actually buckled because they’re so old and some of the windows have dislodged from the point at which they were first fixed.

“Last September, I brought the Principal, Donnchadh Kelleher, and the Chairperson of the Board of Management to meet then Minister for Education, Norma Foley. I want to thank Minister Foley for her willingness to progress this project and for facilitating that meeting to examine the proposals herself. Subsequent to that, there has been over and back correspondence with the Building unit in the Department of Education, but I think now is the time to approve this.

“The classrooms are no longer fit for purpose, and it does not fit the curriculum. There’s also an inaccessibility issue because the school is built on two levels. As you come through the main doors of the school and down the corridor there’s a very precarious ramp. In the past, students in wheelchairs would have had to use it and it is nowhere near compliant with building regulations.”

Additionally, Deputy Crowe said: “This is a vibrant and enthusiastic school community and it is time they were rewarded with a school building which reflected this.”

Minister of State at the Department of Education, Michael Moynihan, responded to Deputy Crowe and confirmed the Department’s approval of the proposed works and indicated that the project will now progress to finalising the brief and procurement of the design.

Minister Moynihan said: “I am pleased to advise that the accommodation brief for a significant extension at the school has been approved by the Department. The accommodation brief will include replacing some of the accommodation to provide new and modern facilities and increase the capacity for the school.

“The next steps will involve finalising the formal project brief, which will then enable the school authority to be approved to the commence the procurement process for the design team.

This Department clearly understand the challenges in Clonlara NS and the thing we have to do now is to make sure it proceeds through the various stages and get this building up and run. I will commit to ensure that we work together with you and to try to make sure it happens in a timely fashion.”

Bishop Willie Walsh – RIP

It was with great regret that I heard of the passing of Bishop Willie Walsh this morning.

Bishop Walsh was the Bishop of the Killaloe Diocese from 1994 until 2011 and spent sixty-six years as a priest, as of this month.

A native of Tipperary, Bishop Walsh had certainly made Clare his home; studying and teaching in St Flannans College, before living across from the school in later life. A fervent GAA fan, Bishop Walsh was an almost assured sight at intercounty, club and school games down through the years.

Bishop Walsh was known to all het met as a wonderfully warm and gentle man, who always had a kind word or a thorough analysis of the latest sporting action to share with those who stopped to chat to him.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Crowe welcomes almost €40 million investment in Clare’s road network

Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe has welcomed an almost €40 million investment in Clare’s regional and local roads.

The €39,389,500 allocation to Clare County Council for 2025 was announced this morning by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and represents a national investment of €713 million nationally this year.

Deputy Crowe commented: “This is a very welcome investment in Clare’s road networks and I am particularly glad to see Minister O’Brien specifically highlighting two projects in Clare as key national development projects; the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road linking Meelick to Limerick City, and the Shannon Crossing and Killaloe Bypass project in Killaloe.

“Among the allocation today is €14,259,000 for the improvement of roads and a further €1.7 million for the maintenance of roads, in addition to over €13 million for strategic regional and local roads. Furthermore, almost €800,000 will be allocated to drainage works, €700,000 will go towards bridge maintenance, and over €700,000 is ringfenced for climate change adaption and resilience works.

“This Government is committed to building and maintaining a safer and more efficient road network and this morning’s announcement is a continuation of these efforts.”

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien said: “My main priority is the ongoing maintenance and renewal of the regional and local road network, alongside strategic investment in developing and improving the road infrastructure network.

“Rehabilitation and maintenance is fundamental to keeping the network in a good condition, and a significant increase in funding has been provided for in 2025, with most of the funding going towards restoration of the network. This is essential for maintaining social and economic connectivity, linking people and places across the country.”

“In addition to maintaining our current road network, we are developing and upgrading this infrastructure through investing €70 million in vital strategic projects which are continuing to be progressed. These include those identified for development under the National Development Plan such as the Shannon Crossing and Killaloe Bypass project in Killaloe and Ballina, and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road in Limerick City.”

Statement on threat made against Clare schools

Overnight, a shocking threat was made against schools in different parts of our county.

Gardai acted swifty on this “threat” and have now confirmed to me that there is no active threat.

This was a very scary incident for parents, students, school staff and the general public and I have full confidence in Clare’s Gardai to properly investigate this and establish all the facts.

Lessons to learn’ from Storm Éowyn, says Crowe

Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe says there are lessons to learn from the country’s preparedness for and response to Storm Éowyn.

The storm struck the western coast of Ireland most severely and particularly affected power and water supplies to counties like Clare and Galway.

Deputy Crowe says lessons must been learned from the impact of this unprecedented storm: “Storm Éowyn had a devastating impact on County Clare and it will long live in the memories of the people of our county.

“The loss of electricity and water, for prolonged periods for many, was a cause of huge strain, stress and upset. I don’t think anyone, including Met Eireann, fully anticipated the velocity of the storm until it reached the western shores of Ireland. Indeed, given the force of some of the gusts, I’m sure this storm could now be classed as a hurricane.

“I think the Government has lessons to learn from Storm Éowyn and as a TD for Clare I have already undertaken some actions. I have written to the Minister for Agriculture asking that the sale, supply and planting of Leyland cypress, and similar coniferous trees, be reviewed. These are non-native trees and whilst they look nice when they are saplings and low sized trees, they grow out of all proportions and are notorious for trapping gusts of wind during storms. So many of these trees fell during Storm Éowyn whereas a higher percentage of deciduous trees survived the storm.

“Leyland cypress trees are not native to Ireland and they do very little in terms of enticing or hosting wildlife habitats and I think there’s a need to review the continued importation of these species.

“I also think that Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) need to review the planting of vegetation along the motorway network, national roads, and slipways to the motorway and dual carriageway. Many trees on slip roads fell during Storm Éowyn, making it impossible for people to gain access to or exit the M18.

“Furthermore, I believe that Uisce Eireann needs to have a more comprehensive network of generators available to them. When an electrical outage happens, Uisce Eireann should have the capacity to immediately hook up generators to water pump stations and sewerage treatment plants so that the continuation of these utilities can be ensured.

“Finally, I have also raised with colleagues in Government the possibility of extending the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme so that a wider net of people can be supported. I am particularly concerned for those who have lost electricity for long periods along with people who have had structural damage to buildings on their land holding and those who saw a disruption to their business and farm activities.”

Illegal caravan encampments cannot be used to leap-frog housing list – Crowe

Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe has welcomed the moving-on of an illegal caravan encampment in Ennis and says that illegal caravan encampments cannot be used in an attempt to shortcut the Council housing list.

Deputy Crowe was speaking after an encampment of a number of caravans in the Cappahard estate on the Tulla Road in Ennis, which had been in place for a number of months, moved on late on Tuesday evening.

According to Deputy Crowe: “Whilst I am glad that the illegal encampment at Cappahard in Ennis has moved on, it’s deeply frustrating to discover that it has now moved to Waterpark House in Drumbiggle.

“The encampment in Cappahard first arrived in late November and had remained there since. I have been liaising with local residents, Clare County Council and An Garda Siochana on the matter and whilst I am glad that they have moved on, I will be asking the Council to prosecute those from the encampment for litter strewn about the site under the Litter Pollution Act. I have also written to the Council to ask that obstacles, such as boulders, be considered for the boundary of the green area to deter potential future encampments.

“It is my view that illegal caravan encampments are being used as a method to force Clare County Council into housing families ahead of others. Encampments like this are in breach of the law and it is important that Clare County Council remain resolute and unwavering in terms of their housing policy.

“Setting up an illegal caravan encampment cannot and should not be used in an attempt to force Clare County Council into providing accommodation in quicker time. Nobody should be allowed to leap-frog others in the housing list and if this were to happen it would totally undermine the system.

“Every week, my office helps dozens of people in their quest to find housing for their families. We go over and beyond to help them but many of these applicants, some of whom have to couch surf or occasionally sleep in cars, would find it deeply frustrating if someone illegally parked in a caravan were to pass them out in the housing list in being appointed tenants of a house.

“The illegal encampment in Cappahard was an afront to people who own homes and rent properties there. Open green spaces are for the enjoyment of all residents and it was utterly wrong that people thought the green area in Cappahard was an appropriate area to set up an illegal caravan encampment.”

Crowe welcomes new Clare Garda Youth Diversion Project

Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe has welcomed the announcement of a new Garda Youth Diversion Project to be based in East Clare.

Youth Diversion Projects (YDP) work with young people at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour to divert them away from criminal behaviour and towards better life outcomes.

The East Clare YDP is one of two to be announced today, with the other based in North Tipperary, which in the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division.

Welcoming the announcement was Deputy Crowe, who said: “Youth Diversion Projects have a proven record in diverting young people who are at risk of crime away from that criminal actions. Even involvement in crimes which are considered minor is a dangerous and slippery slope that can lead to much more serious criminal activities and impacts on families and careers, and can have life-lasting consequences.

“Every day I hear the consequences of getting involved in anti-social behaviour, drugs, theft and other criminal behaviour and it can have knock on effects on the people around those involved in crime.

“I have liaised with quite a number of youth organisations and advocacy groups recently and I see time and time again how the correct deterrents combined with proper supports to keep those at risk of crime away from criminality can be transformative, and I welcome this pilot being rolled out in Clare.”

The two new YDPs will be part of a wider Joint Commissioning initiative to trial a new collaborative approach to commissioning of relevant services in six pilot areas based on an agreed assessment of the needs of local young people. This approach aims to enhance communication and collaboration between agencies based on principles of the best interest of children and young people.

The objectives of the YDP are to:

  • promote focused and effective interventions to challenge and divert young people from offending behaviour
  • utilise YDP resources in areas of greatest need and to establish effective crime prevention supports in co-operation with other youth service providers nationwide
  • actively promote crime prevention policy through focussed educational interventions influencing positive development of young people towards becoming responsible citizens.

According to Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan: “Youth Justice interventions are about recognising that many young people who stray from the proper path simply need support and direction to turn their lives around. I am committed to ensuring that children who have become involved in criminality, and those at risk of becoming involved in criminality, have the tools they need to make good choices and turn away from offending behaviour.

“Through the Programme For Government and the Youth Justice Strategy, we are committed to improving outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality through investment in youth justice services. We can make a lasting difference to the quality of life not just for young people, but for the entire community.”

Council may need to step-in to protect Clareabbey – Crowe

Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe, says Clare County Council may need to intervene to protect the historic Clareabbey site after the Office of Public Works (OPW) again ruled out installing CCTV cameras at Clareabbey, near Clarecastle, to deter anti-social behaviour.

The 12th century Abbey is the location of frequent anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping, and several tombstones have been smashed on a number of occasions in recent years.

Deputy Crowe once again called for the installation of cameras at the site following a recent meeting at Clareabbey with a delegation from Clarecastle Tidy Towns and other local community activists, where the number of instances of anti-social behaviour was highlighted.

In response to a parliamentary question Deputy Crowe raised on the matter, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Jack Chambers, explained that there are a number of obstacles preventing the OPW from installing CCTV cameras at the site, saying: “OPW does not have the capacity, currently, to monitor CCTV in real-time at National Monuments or provide an immediate response if something is picked up by a camera.

The response continued: “The State does not own any land outside the Abbey Walls so cannot install a camera pole on land which is not in ownership. It is considered that there are significant archaeological considerations that would need to be addressed before OPW would be permitted to install cameras on the walls of the Abbey or indeed in the area of where there are burials. Any project would require the agreement and Ministerial Consent of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as appropriate to proceed.

“While there are wireless and solar cameras available, such cameras are of a low resolution and may not be adequate to clearly identify people if the need arose. Wireless cameras operate over the mobile phone network which would pose issues of security. There are no power or other services available on site. While the issue of broadband could be dealt with wirelessly, underground ducting to provide power would need to be installed and this would involve crossing third party property.  There are challenges associated with introducing a supply to the site given that the nearest electricity source is approximately a kilometre away.”

Expressing his frustration with the OPW’s response, Deputy Crowe says the local authority may now need to step in to protect the site. According to Deputy Crowe: “I’m very disappointed that the OPW has ruled out the possibility of installing CCTV cameras at Clareabbey.

“This is a majestic and very historical monastic site in County Clare and if it’s not protected properly, it is at great risk of being further vandalised.

“Over the last number of years, there’s been a number of incidents of vandalism within the Abbey site and several family gravestones have been smashed to pieces. Following these instances, beer bottles and drug paraphernalia has been seen around the Abbey.

“When I met volunteers from Clarecastle Tidy Towns at the site recently, they told me how frequently clean-ups are required at the site due to dumping of household waste, which remains a pressing issue.

“Owing to its remote location, adjacent to the River Fergus and far removed from the residential settlements of Clarecastle, it is quite difficult for anybody to have oversight of the Abbey and therefore the Clarecastle Tidy Towns group have long been of the view that CCTV cameras are required.

“I share this view and have been over and back with the Office of Public Works for quite some time hoping to have these installations approved.

“I’m not happy with the OPW’s stance on this and I hope, working in conjunction with Councillors from the Ennis area, Clare County Council may be able to assist in terms of monitoring the access road to the Abbey.

“I have always taken a keen interest in history, and I find it disgusting and indeed sacrilegious that someone could be so ill minded as to desecrate graves within the historic Clareabbey site.

“The installation of cameras wouldn’t, in my opinion, have cost a huge amount of money and I have seen first-hand, on my farm, how effective wireless sim card powered cameras can be.

“I think the response from the OPW doesn’t do enough to protect Clareabbey and other actions, including the involvement of Clare County Council, must now be explored.”

Urgent remedial action needed at Tullyglass Hill following Storm Éowyn – Crowe

Urgent remedial action should be carried out to hazardous trees at Tullyglass Hill in Shannon to re-establish safe public use of the popular walking route, according to Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe.

Deputy Crowe was speaking after visiting the site this week to inspect damage caused by the recent Storm Éowyn.

According to Deputy Crowe: “I am calling on Clare County Council to take swift action to make the forest at Tullyglass Hill, Shannon safe for public use again.

“In the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, there has been considerable damage to the large trees that grow at this location and earlier this week I visited the site, along with local residents, to see the damage first hand.

“Some of the trees growing at the top of Tullyglass Hill are 100 feet high and owing to their elevated location on top of the hill, they were very much windswept during Storm Éowyn and several of them fell straight to the ground.

“A greater problem is fallen trees which have not reached the ground yet and are suspended precariously by the branches of other adjacent trees. I fear that if one of these branches snapped, these huge trees would come crashing to the ground and could pose a serious risk to life.

“I have spoken with Clare County Council and I am aware that they will very shortly undertake a risk assessment done in this wooded area and I hope that the remedial action to remove fallen trees and cut down other trees that are at high risk of falling will be undertaken as soon as possible.”