Minutes of May 2025 Monthly Meeting of Clare County Council

Present

Councillors

P. Daly, M. Howard, P. Murphy, A. Baker Bashua, T. Guilfoyle, C. Colleran Molloy, T. O’Callaghan, A. O’Callaghan, P. Burke, T. O’Brien, C. Ryan, D. Griffin, R. Hartigan, J. Crowe, P. O’Gorman, M. Begley, T. Mulcahy, J. Ryan, B. Slattery, J. Garrihy, S. Talty, J. Killeen, D. Gould, R. McInerney, I. Lynch, G. Keating, M. Shannon.

Officials

• Carmel Kirby, Interim Chief Executive.
• John Corry, Meetings Administrator.
• Aoife Coote, Assistant Staff Officer, Corporate Services.
• Seán Lenihan, A/Director of Economic Development.
• Ann Reynolds, A/Director of Rural Development.
• Caroline O’Connor, Management Accountant, Finance and Support Services.
• Alan Farrell, Director of Physical Development.
• Siobhan McNulty, Director of Tourism Development
• Jason Murphy, Director of Social Development.

Present via MS Teams:

• P. Hayes

Presiding

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. A. O’Callaghan presided.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. A. O’Callaghan acknowledged that the new Chief Executive would be commencing his role as Chief Executive with Clare County Council in mid-May and he thanked the Interim Chief Executive, Dr. Carmel Kirby for all her support and assistance over the past few months and wished her well as she returns to her previous role.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. A. O’Callaghan congratulated Ann Reynolds as the successful candidate in the vacant Director of Services position and wished her well in the role.

Votes of sympathy

A vote of sympathy was extended to the following:

• The Murphy Family, on the death of David Murphy, RIP.
• The Corey Family, on the death of Mary Corey, RIP.

 

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. A. O’Callaghan proposed a minute’s silence for the tragic deaths of Garda Kevin Flatley, who died in the line of duty and two teenage boys who drowned in Donegal.

 

Item 1: Minutes of Council Meetings

a.      Ar moladh Cllr. I. Lynch
Cuidithe ag Cllr. D. Griffin agus glacadh leis

“That the Minutes of the April Meeting of Clare County Council held on 14^th April 2025 be adopted and signed.”

Item 2: Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

 

Item 3: Correspondence/Comhfhreagras

The following correspondence was circulated with the agenda.

1. Correspondence dated 17th April 2025 from Clare Public Participation Network.
2. Correspondence dated 14th April 2025 from the Office of the Minister for Health in relation to Lung Cancer Screening.
3. Correspondence dated 16th April 2025 from the HSE in relation to progress of haemodialysis unit.
4. Correspondence dated 30th April 2025 from the Office of the Minister for Further and Higher Education in relation to free fees initiative.
5. Correspondence dated 16th April 2025 from Cathal Crowe, T.D. in relation to the National Ambulance Service.
6. Correspondence dated 16th April 2025 from Joe Cooney T.D. in relation to the National Ambulance Service.
7. Acknowledgement dated 22nd April 2025 from Office of the Minister for Health in relation to the National Ambulance Service.
8. Acknowledgement dated 15th April 2025 from Minister of State, Timmy Dooley T.D. in relation to National Ambulance Service.
9. Acknowledgement dated 22nd April 2025 from Office of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine in relation to Deer Management Programme.
10. Acknowledgement dated 29th April 2025 from Office of the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity in relation to eradication of Hogweed.
11. Resolution dated 22nd April 2025 from Kerry County Council in relation to a defined calendar for grant applications.
12. Resolution dated 16th April 2025 from Leitrim County Council in relation to Ash Die back trees.
13. Resolution dated 9th April 2025 from Sligo County Council in relation to Housing.
14. Resolution dated 10th April 2025 from Donegal County Council in relation to Road Safety.
15. Buildings Action Coalition 2025 Summit, 17-19 June 2025, Enniscorthy.

Cllr. I. Lynch referred to the correspondence from Kerry County Council to Minister Calleary, T.D. requesting a defined calendar for grant applications and noted it was a good idea.

Cllr. Lynch noted that the replies received on his motion the previous month failed to address the SAR contract and helicopter that was awarded without a forward-mounted searchlight. Cllr. Lynch requested that the local authority write to the Oireachtas members on this specifically.

 

Item 4: Minutes of Municipal District Meetings

a.         Ar moladh Cllr. P. Murphy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. P. Daly agus glacadh leis

“That the Minutes of the Ennis Municipal District Meeting held on the 11 March, 2025 be noted.”

Item 5: Minutes of the Corporate Policy Group Meetings

The members noted the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th April, 2025 as presented.

 

Cllr. I. Lynch requested that the CPG minutes include details of the item being discussed so as to understand what items are being referred to.

Item 6: Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) Meetings

a.         Ar moladh Cllr. M. Begley
Cuidithe ag Cllr. I. Lynch agus glacadh leis

“That the Minutes of the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee meeting held on the 30 January, 2025 be noted.”

 

Item 7: Monthly Management Report

The Monthly Management Report attached to the agenda included key activities in the principal service areas and was noted by the members.

 

Item 8: Disposal of property at 7, Clarehill, Clarecastle, Co. Clare pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and Section 211 of the Planning & Development Act, 2000. 

 

Report from Jason Murphy, Director of Service, Social Development Directorate was circulated with the agenda together with a map.  The report states that the property was purchased in 2002 under the Shared Ownership Scheme and a loan was originally granted to them to purchase a 55% stake in the dwelling and this has been repaid in full, and they have also purchased the Council’s equity share.

The Council is now disposing of its interest in the property subject to the conditions as set out in the notice served on the members dated 28^th April 2025.

 

Ar moladh Cllr. P. Murphy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. A. Baker Bashua agus glacadh leis

 

“Notice having been served pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, Clare County Council approves pursuant to the powers vested on it at Section 211 of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 as amended, of disposal of property at 7, Clarehill, Clarecastle, Co. Clare subject to the conditions as set out in the notice served on the members dated 28^th April 2025.

 

Item 9:           Memorial Committee

 

Report dated 6^th May, 2025 from Mary McMahon, Administrative Officer, Corporate Services Department was circulated with the agenda. The report outlined details of applications received and considered by the Memorial Committee on 30th April, 2025 as follows:

1. Brendan O’Regan memorial

This application was approved having been proposed by Cllr. T. Mulcahy, seconded by Cllr. D. Griffin and agreed by the members present.

 

2. Margaret Merritt memorial

This application was approved having been proposed by Cllr. I. Lynch, seconded by Cllr. M. Shannon and agreed by the members present.

 

3. Bridget & Michael Williams memorial

This application was approved having been proposed by Cllr. I. Lynch, seconded by Cllr. M. Shannon and agreed by the members present.

 

Item 10: Clare Twinning Funding 2025 

 

Report dated 15^th April, 2025 from Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism and Twinning, Tourism Directorate was circulated with the agenda. The report outlined details of applications to be considered for funding, as follows:

• Sixmilebridge, Clare with Nort-sur-Erdre, France: 40 soccer youths coming to Sixmilebridge, at Easter time, For approval: €1,250.
• Ballina / Killaloe with Basse Goulaine, France: Football Club to travel to this year’s Eurofoot competition & Twinning Committee visit to Basse Goulaine; Secondary School exchanges: For approval: €1,875.
• Ennis with Langenfeld, Germany: A video in German about Ennis; Backbeats band to Ennis for St Patrick's Day; Erasmus accreditation & committee to visit Langenfeld; Ennis Oktoberfest {German community in Clare); Kaffeklatsch in Glor: For approval:
• €4,000.
• Ennis & Phoenix, USA: Youth Exchange Programme; Sporting Activities; Musical Activities; Mayor's Lunch; Volunteering: For approval: €2,300.

The applications were approved having been proposed by Cllr. J. Crowe, seconded by Cllr. D Gould and agreed by the members present.

Item 11: LCDC Annual Report 2024 

 

Report dated 6^th May, 2025 from Bernadette Haugh, Chief Officer, Clare LCDC was circulated with the agenda along with a copy of the Annual Report.  The report states that the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is a statutory committee of Clare County Council and includes representatives from local state agencies, the community voluntary sector as well as other local development and interest groups. The LCDC has prepared and oversees the implementation of the community elements of the Local Economic and Community Plan 2024- 2030 (LECP) which is a 6-year strategy for the County. The committee is also responsible for the Healthy Clare Action Plan and oversight of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) for Clare.

The report notes that the annual report has been prepared in the context of Chapter 2 Section 128B (1) (i) of the Local Government Act 2001, as inserted by the Local Government Reform Act 2014, which states that one of the functions of a Local Community Development Committee is: "to prepare, adopt and submit to the local authority a report in relation to the performance of its functions during the year immediately preceding the year in which the report is submitted".

The LCDC Annual Report 2024 was adopted by the members present having been proposed by Cllr. M. Begley, seconded by Cllr. J. Garrihy and agreed by the members present.

 

Item 12: Clare Age Friendly County Strategy 2024-2030

 

Report dated 24^th April, 2025 from Shanelle Waring, Age Friendly Programme Manager, Rural Development Directorate and Ann Reynolds, A/Director of Service, Rural Development Directorate was circulated with the agenda along with a copy of the Clare Age Friendly County Strategy 2024-2030. 

The report states that the Clare Age Friendly County Strategy 2024-2030 was launched at the Health and Wellbeing Age Expo in the West County Hotel in October 2024. The aim of the Age Friendly programme is to improve the quality of life of older people throughout Ireland with a shared vision to make Clare a great county to grow old.

The report gives a brief synopsis of the Age Friendly Programme, noting:

Age Friendly Ireland is a national programme which is responsible for the delivery of Age Friendly programmes and services. The shared service supports a network of thirty-one local Age Friendly programmes which are led by local authorities and which involve many stakeholders from other public bodies, universities, community/voluntary and private sector partners. Age Friendly Ireland manages Ireland's national affiliation to the World Health Organisation Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. It involves a multi­ agency, multi-sectoral approach to age related planning and service provision.

A core element of the Age Friendly Programme structure in Ireland is the voice of the local people which is represented through the Older People's Councils. These voluntary committees are established and managed by local government to represent

diverse communities of older people across Ireland, including rural and urban dwellers, older members of the LGBTQI+ community, minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities and older people living in long term residential care. The ethos is to involve older citizens as co­ design partners who work alongside stakeholders in the public, private, academic and NGO sectors in order to effect change. At a local level, OPC's work with their local authority and with the inter-agency Age Friendly Alliance Structure established in each city and county. At a national level, they raise issues through the Age Friendly Shared Service and identify ways to improve services for older people.

The report notes that Clare has now produced its third strategy, and each member of the inter-agency Age Friendly Alliance team has committed to a number of actions to implement which were identified during the reviews of the past two strategies and research for the 2024-2030 strategy.

The Clare Age Friendly County Strategy 2024-2030 was adopted by the members present having been proposed by Cllr. M. Shannon, seconded by Cllr. A. Baker Bashua and agreed by the members present.

Cllr. I. Lynch welcomed the work done on the Age Friendly Strategy to date and referred to Section 8 on Transportation and requested that options such as carpooling would be reviewed to solve the transportation issue for those who had to stop driving.

 

Item 13: Supplementary CLAGS 2025 Approval

 

Report dated 28^th April 2025 from Ann Reynolds, A/Director of Service, Rural Development Directorate was circulated with the agenda. The report states that the Spancilhill Fair is due to take place on 24th June 2025.  Previous support from the Elected Members for this historic event has been the subject of Notice of Motions and commitments were made by the former Chief Executive at a Council meeting held on 11th April 2022. Spancilhill Fair has been in existence for over 300 years and has a long-established cultural and heritage history in the County.

The report further states that Clare County Council’s Insurance Providers IPB, have provided insurance cover to the Spancilhill Fair Committee in 2022, 2023 and 2024 subject to certain requirements and support from the Council.

The report proposes to provide the following financial assistance in 2025, subject to the approval of the full Council:

• Supplementary Grant Approval of €9,000 to be provided to Spancilhill Fair Committee to support this event under the Clare Local Area Grants Scheme under the Pre-Existing Commitments category.
• Spancilhill Fair Committee to engage directly with IPB Insurance, as Policyholders, with responsibility for ensuring that all traffic and safety measures are in place in accordance with the event management plan and any insurance obligations.

The Clare Local Area Grant Scheme 2025 - Support for Spancilhill Fair was adopted by the members present having been proposed by Cllr. P. Murphy, seconded by Cllr. M. Howard and agreed by the members present.

 

Item 14: Two Year Progress Report on Clare County Development Plan 2023 - 2029

Report dated 29^th April 2025 from Helen Quinn, Senior Planner, Planning and Economic Development was circulated to the members ahead of the May Council meeting along with a copy of the Chief Executives’ Two-Year Progress Report on the Clare County Development Plan 2023 – 2029.

The purpose of the report is to set out the progress made towards achieving the development plans’ objectives within the first two years of the plans’ implementation. 

The two-year progress report on Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 was noted by the members as presented.

 

Item 15: Naming of the New Killaloe Bridge

 

Report dated 7^th May from Alan Farrell, Director of Service, Physical Development and Helen Quinn, Senior Planner, Planning and Economic Development was circulated to the members. The report refers to the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 upgrade that is being led by the Project Management Office (PMO) in Clare County Council who have entered into a Section 85 Agreement with Tipperary County Council to deliver on behalf of both authorities and funded by the Department of Transport.

The report notes that the project is at a very advanced stage with the substantial completion certificate issued subject to certain caveats of work to be undertaken by the contractor which are expected to be completed in the coming two weeks and that it is anticipated that the project will be officially opened by the Minister of Transport before the end of May subject to satisfactory completion of works specified. 

The report notes that in recent months officials from both Councils including management, the technical teams involved, heritage officers, arts officers, planners and municipal district staff met regarding the naming of the bridge and the process.  Given that two local authorities are involved, it is important that the name was agreed by both authorities.  Based on the views expressed at the meetings and from previous discussions, there was a consensus that Brian Boru was a strong option given the historical heritage and the potential from a tourism perspective.  It was agreed to progress the naming of the bridge through the Placenames Committee in Clare and the equivalent committee in Tipperary.

The report notes that the Placenames Committee in Clare County Council met on 27^th March 2025, and it was recommended by the Committee that given the historical significance and strong local association with Brian Boru, the appropriate name for the bridge is the Brian Boru Bridge with the Irish Translation being ‘Droichead Bhrian Bóramha’.   This recommendation was brought to the May Corporate Policy Group meeting and agreed to include it on the agenda for the Plenary meeting to be held on 12^th May 2025.   Tipperary County Council have agreed the same name at their naming Committee level and the recommendation is going to their CPG this week.  It will be included on the agenda for their Plenary meeting to be held on the 12^th May 2025. 

The naming of the Killaloe Bridge was adopted by the members present having been proposed by Cllr. P. Burke, seconded by Cllr. M. Howard and agreed by the members present.

 Cllr. P. Burke noted the scale of the infrastructure and thanked all involved in bringing this project to an end.

Cllr. M. Howard noted what a welcome development this was and advised that this was the first project for the Placenames committee since it was reinstated.

A. Farrell, Director of Physical Development advised that the official opening was on the 22^nd May at 3p.m. and the Minister for Transport would be attending. Mr. Farrell noted that it was a huge opportunity for the Mid-West region and the biggest investment in infrastructure within the region.

 

Item 16: Member Representation of all Board listed in Appendix 8 of the Annual Financial Statements

 

Report dated 7^th May 2025 from John Corry, A/Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Services was circulated to the members. The report provides a table of the Companies in which Clare County Council have a 100% shareholding, as listed in Appendix 8 of the Unaudited 2024 Annual Financial Statement.

The table identifies the number of Elected Members required on each Board.  It also identifies where nominations of Elected Members are required for appointment to the relevant Board. The report advises that Governance guidelines are currently being prepared for all these entities.

 

Entity	Parent Dept	Members Required on Board	Members to be nominated/         appointed
Glór Music DAC	Rural	2	0
Cliffs of Moher Centre DAC	Tourism	2	2
Kilrush Amenity Trust LBG	Tourism	2	2
Ennis 2040 (Strategic Development) DAC	Economic	3	3
Clare MEZ ( Maritime Economic Zone) DAC	Economic	0	0
Shannon Heritage DAC	Tourism	2	2
Clare Tourism Development DAC	Tourism	2	2

 

The elected members noted the report as presented.

Cllr. S. Talty welcomed the report and acknowledged that there was a body of work being undertaken currently around governance guidelines and proposed to defer items 17 – 21, this was seconded by Cllr. P. Burke.

Cllr. I. Lynch referred to the Clare MEZ DAC noting its strategic importance and sought to get members on this board.

 

Item 17: Appointment of 3 members to the Board of Ennis 2040 DAC

 

This item was deferred.

 

Item 18: Appointment of 2 members to the Board of Kilrush Amenity Trust

 

This item was deferred.

 

Item 19: Appointment of 2 members to the Board of Clare Tourism DAC

 

This item was deferred.

 

Item 20: Appointment of 2 members to the Board of Shannon Heritage DAC

 

This item was deferred.

 

Item 21: Appointment of 2 members to the Board of Cliffs of Moher DAC

 

This item was deferred.

 

Item 22: Civic Reception

 

Report dated 7^th May 2025 from John Corry, A/Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Services was circulated with the agenda. The report states that at the May meeting of the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) the members considered a nomination for a Civic Reception to honour Mick Guinee. The nomination was submitted by Cathaoirleach, Cllr. A. O’Callaghan. The nomination was made to the CPG in accordance with Standing Order Number 72.

 

The report notes that the proposal for the award of a Civic Reception is to acknowledge the significant contribution in support of community organisations not only in Shannon, but across all of County Clare and beyond, while also providing employment in the Shannon Industrial Estate, which has huge economic benefits.

 

Having considered the nomination, the Corporate Policy Group recommended to Council the Award of a Civic Reception to Mick Guinee in recognition of his contribution to economic development within the County.

 

This was approved by the members present having been proposed by Cllr. J. Crowe, seconded by Cllr. A. O’Callaghan and agreed by the members present.

 

Item 23: Briefing from Padraic McElwee, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Ennis 2040 DAC

 

Cllr. A. O’Callaghan welcomed Padraic McElwee to the chamber and noted that this briefing was being held arising from a motion from Cllr. T. O’Callaghan at the March Council meeting.

Padraic McElwee, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Ennis 2040 DAC addressed the meeting and began by outlining the origins of Ennis 2040 DAC and the staffing structure over the past four years.

Mr. McElwee proceeded to the discuss the following:

• Strategy for Ennis 2040:
• Diversify economic base
• Enhance residential accommodation
• Activate key sites

 

• Population Change within the County and Ennis M.D.

 

• AECOM Report:
• €48 million Investment across Town Centre Regeneration Projects.
• €3.5 million per year invested into the Clare Economy.
• Addition of 220 long term employment jobs post construction.
• Addition of 526 jobs during construction phase.

 

• Project costs (2021-2024)

 

• Rate of Return/Market Analysis

 

• Assets and Liabilities Summary

 

• Fixed Assets Acquired Q1 2025:
• Ashfield House.
• 22 Acres Development Lands Claureen.
• 3 Acres Development Lands Claureen – Subject to planning.
• Acquisition unlocked lands to progress LIHAF Road.

 

• Loan Repayment

 

• Company Law Compliance

 

• Ennis 2040 DAC Board Structure

 

• Corporate Governance

 

• Ennis MD Meeting 4^th March – decisions on projects.

 

• Priority Focus:
• Progress Causeway Quarter
• Pre-planning Ashfield House
• Develop Masterplan for Claureen Lands
• Progress Site Acquisitions
• Promote Roche opportunity site

 

• Future Challenges:
• Appropriate site development
• Funding
• Development Risks
• Repayment

 

The elected members thanked Mr. McElwee for the clear and concise presentation and for being so transparent. The members raised queries in relation to repayment capacity of the loan, if building houses was bordering on market speculation, would the members be consulted and communicated more regularly going forward and if the Post Office field was a matter for the DAC or the Council.

The elected members noted that the public realm works are nearing completion, and the town is looking well. The members welcomed the focus on the county town of Ennis and noted the importance of incentivising new businesses and supporting the current traders and businesses. The members acknowledged that Penny’s wouldn’t have secured the location in Harmoney Row without the DAC and thanked Mr. McElwee for listening to what they had to say on the projects within the strategy.

Mr. McElwee answered all the queries raised by the members.

 

Motion for Purpose of dealing with Urgent Business.

 

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. A. O’Callaghan informed the meeting that he had received a request for a motion for the purpose of dealing with urgent business in relation to Camogie players wearing skorts or shorts which read as follows:

 

“The elected members would stand in solidarity with camogie players to exercise their right of choice to wear shorts or skorts”

The elected members were unanimous in supporting the motion put before them and the motion was approved having been proposed by Cllr. A. Baker Bashua and seconded by C. Colleran Molloy and agreed by the members present.

 

Item 24: Casual Trading Licence

Ar moladh Cllr. T. O’Callaghan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. I. Lynch agus glacadh leis

 

“I am calling on Clare County Council to seriously consider the impact of granting Casual Trading Licence’s to operators adjacent to permanent trader’s and to carry out a review of the current policy. The cost of keeping a permanent business open has risen considerably and a number of traders have closed their outlets as a result of these costs that are impacting on the viability of their operation.” (M)

S. Lenihan, A/Director of Service, Planning & Economic Development Directorate replied as follows:

“Members will be aware that the Casual Trading Act of 1995 sets out the provisions regarding the granting of Casual Trading licences.  Casual Trading Byelaws are then adopted by each Municipal District and the most recent Byelaws made by the Municipal Districts in Clare County Council were adopted in 2021. Part of the process is the identification and demarcation of where Licensees can setup and trade and this is strictly monitored and enforced.

Notwithstanding, should any MD now wish to commence a review of their Byelaws, this can be proposed and adopted at MD level.  If ratified, the review will then be facilitated by the Economic Development Directorate. New Draft Byelaw maps would then need to be prepared, agreed with the Elected Members and put out for public consultation and comment.   Following consideration of public submissions received, the Draft Bye Laws may or may not be amended prior to adoption by the MD Councillors.

Trusting that this clarifies matters but happy to discuss further with the Member if required.”

The elected members thanked Mr. Lenihan for the reply and welcomed the ability to amend the byelaws at MD level. The members noted the importance of fair trading for all concerned and with the number of new pop-up businesses the existing traders and businesses must be protected. The members acknowledged the Casual Trading Team in Clare County Council noting the great work they do.

 

Item 25: Residential Tenancies Act Review

Ar moladh Cllr. I. Lynch
Cuidithe ag Cllr. T. Guilfoyle agus glacadh leis

 

“That Clare County Council request the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, to urgently review the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, with particular attention to Part 3 – Rent and Rent Reviews, Section 19(1), which states:

“In setting, at any particular time, the rent under the tenancy of a dwelling, an amount of rent shall not be provided for that is greater than the amount of the market rent for that tenancy at that time.”

It has become clear that the term “market rent” is being misused by some landlords to justify excessive rent increases. Specifically, there is growing evidence that rents are being benchmarked against short-term rental prices or selectively chosen advertised rental properties, rather than reflecting actual rates being paid by tenants in comparable long-term tenancies.

This practice is contributing to unsustainable rent inflation and placing additional pressure on tenants already struggling in the midst of an ongoing housing crisis. It is therefore essential that the legislation is reviewed and strengthened to ensure that rent review mechanisms are fair, transparent, and grounded in realistic comparisons that protect tenants from exploitation.” (M)

The elected members expressed frustration that in the first half of 2025 landlords have been increasing rents and the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 allows for it. The members noted that landlords are benchmarking rents against short term rental prices which is inflating the market value. The members urged the Minister to review the Act noting that there must be a fairer system.   

 

Item 26: Self-Help Grant

Ar moladh Cllr. D. Griffin
Cuidithe ag Cllr. M. Howard agus glacadh leis

 

“That Clare County Council look at rolling out the Self-Help Grant to support local authority tenants who want to make improvements to their homes.” (M)

 

P. MacCormaic, A/Senior Executive Officer, Social Development Directorate replied as follows:

“The Housing Dept. of Clare County Council acknowledges and welcomes receipt of this motion. I note the scheme is in operation in a small number of other LAs and we will review same with view to bringing forward report to Social Directorate SPC for further discussion.”

The elected members welcomed this grant noting that it gives tenants support and incentive to keep the property maintained. The members sought further information on the scheme and requested a presentation to be given through the Social Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).

Cllr. J. Crowe, Chair of the Social SPC noted that this would be discussed at the next meeting of the committee.

 

Item 27: Local Authority Funding

Ar moladh Cllr. J. Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. T. Guilfoyle agus glacadh leis

 

“To ask the relevant Minister to properly fund Clare County Council in order for it to carry out more works in the county and to be able to employ more council workers.” (M)

 

The elected members noted that roads funding is a priority and to get more workers on the ground. The members noted that Clare County Council is not receiving funding like neighbouring counties and there is a need to keep pressure on Government. The members suggested that how local authorities are financed needs to be reviewed and they queried if 25 vacant general operative roles had been filled yet.    

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. A. O’Callaghan advised that there was a recruitment competition held for the General Operative role, a panel has been formed and some positions had been filled.

 

It was agreed to take items 28 and 30 together.

 

Item 28: Local Government Audit Report 2023

Ar moladh Cllrs. S. Talty, J. Garrihy, P. Hayes, P. Burke, T. O’Callaghan, P. Murphy, J. Crowe, I. Lynch, M. Howard, R. McInerney, J. Killeen agus B. Slattery.

“Following the Local Government Audit report 2023, presented at the April meeting, we request the Chief Executive to:

1. Outline the statutory basis, governance procedure & rationale underpinning the purchase of lands at Cliffs of Moher highlighted in the Audit and the source of funding for these purchases.

2. Commit for future timely engagement with members in advance of strategic land/property purchases. Ensuring that members are regularly briefed on capital spending plans and given detailed update on ongoing capital reserves.

3. Provide a breakdown of lands/property purchased in 2024, to include details of property acquired, all associated costs and the funding sources.” (Q)

 

Dr. C. Kirby, Interim Chief Executive replied as follows:

“Section 10 of the Local Government Act 1898 (as amended); Section 213 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Section 11 and Section 184 of Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) sets out the powers of a County Council as to acquisition of land or easements.

The Council on an ongoing basis acquire parcels of land for various strategic projects including infrastructure improvements such as road realignment, road widening, flood relief, housing development amongst others. In the last 10 years Clare County Council has purchased land at a cost of circa €34 million (€23m in the last five years) across several capital project areas.

In line with Clare County Council and National Government policies, the draft Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 proposes the protection of the natural environment and bio-diversity of the lands adjacent to the Cliffs of Moher. To achieve this objective, it was identified through the drafting of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 that the adjacent lands need to be acquired to future proof this national asset as a key part of the strategic infrastructure of the Cliffs of Moher.

The unique landscape of the Cliffs of Moher has developed as the largest natural attraction in Ireland with 1.3m visitors in 2023. It is a major economic driver of tourism in Ireland Inc., the West of Ireland and locally in County Clare. It supports jobs, airports and enterprise within an economic framework that dovetails with sustainable development goals.

As site custodians with nearly five decades of experience and to guarantee public ownership for future generations this investment was considered necessary to address constraint on the site carrying capacity, and requirement to distribute visitors. The land provides land for expansion of pathways, safe coastal walk access, onsite infrastructure, wastewater treatment infrastructure and some additional building/facilities for this world class visitor experience.

The oversight process of acquiring the land generally involves a detailed recommendation to the Chief Executive, recommendations are supported by independent valuation(s) and where required relevant reports. Contracts are discharged in line with contractual and administrative requirements including Chief Executive Orders.

At budget time each year the Council takes the opportunity to present the Section 135 capital report to the members. The Section 135 report outlines the estimated capital expenditure over a 3-year period. In 2025 the Section 135 report presented outlined forecasted expenditure to 2027. In addition, the Annual Financial Statement reports the actual income and expenditure of the Council including transfers to reserves which is a reserved function.

The purchase of land can be commercially sensitive, and it would not be commercially prudent to declare our intention to purchase land/property in advance. That said land/property acquisition would in the main be supported by strategic plans and/or projects. In the case of the Cliffs of Moher, members were briefed in a range of engagements during the process of drafting the Cliffs of Moher Strategy.

See below Appendix 5 of the Annual Financial Statement 2024 which outlines land purchase commitments by the Council during 2023 and 2024. 

 

 

The breakdown of the Purchase of Land commitments in 2024 and 2023 is as follows:

 

 

Additional costs (stamp duty, legal costs, professional fees) associated with the above acquisitions amount to ~€1,030,000. 

The lands were purchased from own resources. Where approved the costs are recouped from the relevant government department(s) as projects are progressed.”

The elected members noted that they were aware of the plan to purchase land for the Cliffs of Moher Strategy but hadn’t been informed that the purchase had taken place. The members noted that they are slow to justify any decisions being made on any draft documents. The members stated that the Cliffs of Moher is a draft strategy document that is being used as a backdrop to purchase land and stated that the members should be given the opportunity to approve the Strategy. The members noted that the spirit of engagement needs to be looked at and that they are fully engaged with other ongoing projects so why not this one.

A number of the elected members acknowledged that the purchase of land is an Executive function and agreed that this was due to commercial sensitivity and that it could drive the price of land up if it was known that the local authority were interested in purchasing.

Dr. C. Kirby, Interim Chief Executive noted that there was extensive engagement with the Councillors at Municipal District and County level in 2022 and 2023. Dr. Kirby noted that the Masterplan attached to the strategy outlines that additional lands would need to be acquired. Dr. Kirby acknowledged the commercial sensitivity around the purchase of lands and stated that the Cliffs of Moher is the largest natural attraction in Ireland and that the revenue from it will be reinvested back into Tourism infrastructure. Dr. Kirby noted in relation to Designated Activity Companies (DAC) not all have the same purpose and that is why they are treated differently, and she acknowledged the members concerns about hearing information second-hand.

 

S. McNulty, Director of Tourism noted that some transactions have a clause where the figure can’t be disclosed. Ms. McNulty noted that the Cliffs of Moher strategy is not a statutory document for adoption but that it would be brought before Council for noting. Ms. McNulty gave a firm commitment that developments are being done with openness and transparency and noted that they are bound by the Public Spending Code.

 

Item 30: Cliffs of Moher 2040 Strategy

Ar moladh Cllr. J. Garrihy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. S. Talty agus glacadh leis

 

“I call on the Chief Executive to clarify the status of the Cliffs of Moher 2040 Strategy in context of it never being brought before elected members for approval.” (M)

 

Dr. C. Kirby, Interim Chief Executive replied as follows:

“The Cliffs of Moher Strategy is at final draft stage, and it is acknowledged that the strategy is not approved. It should be noted that the Cliffs of Moher Strategy is not a statutory plan requiring adoption by the Council.

The Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 has 5 pillars and is supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). There was significant consultation during the process of drafting both the strategy document and the EIA. The overarching objectives of the strategy are sound and broadly agreed however in response to feedback following a workshop with the WCMD councillors it was decided to undertake a review of the final draft of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040.

It remains the intention of the Council to bring the reviewed Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 before the Council for noting.”

The elected members noted that they believed that the Cliffs of Moher Strategy would have to be brought before the members for adoption before any lands would be purchased. The members noted that the host communities of North Clare are not being considered within this strategy and that in order for the members to support the strategy they would have to address funding and transport/connectivity concerns for communities surrounding the Cliffs of Moher. The members stated that they want a strategy that is fully supported by the elected members. The members noted that implementation of the strategy is most important and that a strategic road network would need to be part of the implementation of the strategy.

A number of the members advised that they are fully in support of the vision set out in the strategy and that all tourist attractions will benefit from the Cliffs of Moher. The members stated that the local authority needs to be ambitious in its targets as the tourist market is very competitive. It was suggested that going forward if a purchase is commercially sensitive that the Cathaoirleach is informed immediately after the purchase has been finalised.

Dr. C. Kirby, Interim Chief Executive noted that a draft strategy is not a statutory document but is intended to be brought forward for noting. Dr. Kirby stated that there was a lot of engagement with this strategy and that the national asset has 1.3m visitors annually and that the strategy aims to increase their dwell time for maximum economic benefit for all towns and villages in Clare. Dr. Kirby noted that transport is included in the strategy and that the strategy won’t be finalised until everyone is on the same page.

McNulty, Director of Tourism reminded the members of an upcoming walkabout and briefing at the Cliffs of Moher and stated the importance of towns and villages engaging with the new shuttle bus service to maximise their benefit. Ms. McNulty referred specifically to the Burren Centre who has created a one-day itinerary for a Burren and Cliffs of Moher experience using the free shuttle bus.

Cllr. I. Lynch requested that the briefing be in the Council Chamber and not offsite.

Ms. McNulty noted they will provide a link to the briefing for anyone that cannot attend in person.

 

Item 29: EirGrid Update

Ar moladh Cllr. M. Shannon
Cuidithe ag Cllr. C. Colleran Molloy agus glacadh leis

 

“EirGrid develops, manages and operates the electricity grid in Ireland, making sure everyone has electricity when and where they need it. EirGrid is responsible for Ireland's transition to a low carbon future. As they enhance the electricity system, they are delivering critical infrastructure that underpins greater energy independence for industry, Farmers and Domestic Costumers, but as importantly, will create a better and sustainable future for the next generation.

With future plans at Moneypoint being the nucleus of all wind renewable energy off the West Coast what are EirGrid plans to distribute energy throughout County Clare.

I call on Clare County Council to invite the CEO of EirGrid to present plans to us in the Council Chamber.” (M)

The elected members noted the importance of energy distribution within the County given the future plans at Moneypoint for wind renewable energy. The members referred to the planned data centres for Ennis that is being delayed by Eirgrid not issuing a grid connection. The members referred to the town of Arklow which was recently granted a grid connection from Eirgrid and compared Ennis and Arklow. The members noted that it is important that Clare has a platform to attract industry.

 

 

 

Item 31: Community Crisis Response Plan

Ar moladh Cllr. J. Killeen
Cuidithe ag Cllr. R. McInerney agus glacadh leis

 

“Having a key role in the coordination of community development activity in the County, I call on the LCDC to consider the development of a Community Crisis Response Plan for the County with the commitment of the agencies and organisations represented on the LCDC, together with support from Communities and other stakeholders in the coordination of future response efforts arising from severe or adverse weather events and that the LCDC will explore funding opportunities locally and nationally to support the delivery.” (M) 

A. Reynolds, A/Director of Service, Rural Development Directorate replied as follows:

“Clare LCDC was established for the purposes of developing, coordinating and implementing a coherent and integrated approach to local and community development. As a Statutory Committee of Clare Council, it supports local collaboration by actively working with Local Authority Members, State Agencies, people actively working with local development, community development and economic, cultural and environmental organisations to implement a joined up cross sectoral approach to local and community development programming.

The LCDC’s role also involves the coordination, planning and overseeing of local and community development funding and also the pursuit of additional funding for Clare. The next meeting of the Clare LCDC is 21^st May 2025 and the Chief Officer of the LCDC has been asked to include this initiative on the Agenda for the consideration of the LCDC Members in terms of its development, coordination and specifically potential funding sources.”

The elected members referenced Storm Éowyn noting that all communication was down for a number of days during the storm. The members acknowledged the work that Clare County Council did by opening the community hubs providing showers, hot water and electricity points and noted how much it helped people during this time. The members suggested that the local authority look at community centres around the county and upgrade them to have resources for future response efforts. The members noted that during and following the storm, communities and businesses provided support, the members suggested the local authority reach out to these communities to put a plan in place for any future similar storms.

 Item 32: PPN Presentation to Council

Ar moladh Cllr. T Guilfoyle
Cuidithe ag Cllr. J. Ryan agus glacadh leis

 

“This Council confirms receipt of the Clare Public Participation Network (PPN)'s request to make a presentation at a formal Council meeting. We approve this request and direct the Chief Executive to invite the Clare PPN to present at the next available full Council meeting.” (M)

A. Reynolds, A/Director of Service, Rural Development Directorate replied as follows:

“A letter from Clare Public Participation Network, dated 17^th April 2025 is included in correspondence for this meeting. The PPN is seeking to present their work at a future Council meeting.

Should the members wish to facilitate this request a presentation by the PPN will be scheduled at the earliest opportunity.”

The elected members welcomed a presentation from the PPN noting what great work they do for the county and in bringing various organisations together. The members noted that they would find a presentation interesting and informative.

 

Item 33: Planning Policy

Ar moladh Cllr. B. Slattery

“I call on the Council Executive to update on the following:

                                                                                                       

1. Is it lawful for a Planning Authority to zone land as “Open Space” other than land already in public ownership?
2. Notwithstanding s191(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended is Clare County Council exposed to claims from private landowners of lands in long term agricultural use and which land was rezoned “Open Space” by the Planning Authority?
3. Is the planning Authority entitled to impact on the property rights of private landowners by virtue of rezoning private lands as “Open Space” and the consequent restrictions on development arising?
4. Is it legitimate to maintain scenic route planning policy within the boundaries of defined settlements?
5. I ask that the reply to this question should be considered with respect to s. 204 which is a separate process to the review of the Development Plan and involves specific notice and consideration of objections/submissions prior to a decision to impact the lands. In other words, is it an abuse of process to rezone private land as “Open Space” in a Development Plan with the intention of maintaining a scenic route within a defined settlement as opposed to using s.204?” (Q)

 S. Lenihan, A/Director of Service, Planning & Economic Development Directorate replied as follows:

“The statutory provisions regarding the content of a County Development Plan is set out in Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, stating in section 10(1) that ‘A development plan shall set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the development plan and shall consist of a written statement and a plan or plans indicating the development objectives for the area in question.’

 

Section 10(2) of the Act states that ‘Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a development plan shall include objectives for— (a) the zoning of land for the use solely or primarily of particular areas for particular purposes (whether residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, as open space or otherwise, or a mixture of those uses), where and to such extent as the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, in the opinion of the planning authority, requires the uses to be indicated;’.

Within the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 lands are zoned for a range of land-uses all of which are described in Chapter 19 of Volume 1: Written Statement.

The zoning “Open Space” is described as follows:

‘It is intended that lands zoned ‘open space’ will be retained as undeveloped open space, mainly for passive open space related activities. The open space/park areas could contain active play facilities such as children’s play areas, but these should only be a small component

of the overall areas involved.’ Within the Volume 3 settlement statements and maps for each Municipal District there are specific objectives that relate to Open Space zonings within some settlements, sometimes in the context of place-making.

Section 10(8) of the Planning and Development Act states that ‘There shall be no presumption in law that any land zoned in a particular development plan (including a development plan that has been varied) shall remain so zoned in any subsequent development plan.’ In the preparation of a development plan, it is the responsibility of the Planning Authority to deliver a development plan that focuses on the interests of the common good for proper planning and long-term sustainable development rather than on those of individual land interests. The preparation of the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 involved 3 stages of extensive public consultation where there was opportunity to participate in the process and make submissions for all stakeholders through the statutory consultation provisions.

Scenic routes are designated in the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029, supported by objective CDP14.7 Scenic Routes and which are listed in Appendix 5 of Volume 1 of the development plan. The scenic route plan objective is applied outside of settlements.

Planning objectives for protection of existing village and townscapes within settlements can generally be achieved through appropriate land-use zoning and therefore the application of Section 204 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, relating to the designation of Landscape Conservation Areas has not been applied in the county.

Trusting that this clarifies the matter but I am happy to discuss further if felt necessary.” 

Cllr. B. Slattery noted that landowners of privately owned agricultural land that has been rezoned as “Open Space” are very restricted in what they can now do with the land, and queried if compensation can be provided for?

Cllr. Slattery requested that the legal team review part C of his motion.

 

S. Lenihan, A/Director Economic Development noted that all sites are considered irrespective of ownership and noted that there is a structured and guided process in place. Mr. Lenihan noted that the Planning Regulator has no issue with the County Development Plan, and it was made in accordance with the plan making process and with complete transparency. Mr. Lenihan noted he would revert on the compensation query.

 

Item 34: Wastewater Treatment Schemes

Ar moladh Cllr. R. McInerney

“That Clare County Council provide an update on the current status and progress of the Cooraclare and Broadford Wastewater Treatment Schemes, including timelines for delivery, funding sources, and any obstacles to implementation. Furthermore, that Clare County Council liaise with Uisce Éireann to compile and publish the following:

 

1. A list of all towns and villages in County Clare that currently have a wastewater treatment system, with the remaining capacity in each system for additional housing or commercial units.
2. A list of towns and villages in County Clare that do not have a wastewater treatment system, and whether a priority list exists detailing which areas are proposed for future schemes, and in what sequence.

 

In addition, I request that Clare County Council outline the government funding allocations for the county in 2024 and 2025 for water and wastewater projects either through Clare County Council or Uisce Eireann.” (Q)

 

C. Feeney, Senior Engineer, Physical Development Directorate replied as follows:

“Clare County Council working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Uisce Eireann have now agreed the final scoping, costing and co-funding requirements based on 2025 estimates. However, due to an overall increase in costs across all the local authority schemes under the Measure A8 Programme there is now a requirement for the Department to seek additional funding at government level. Currently Clare County Council are required to provide 15% of the funding for the project with the remaining 85% of the funding from the Department.

Typically projects of this scale will take approximately 3 - 5 years to deliver and will be subject to securing the relevant planning permission and EPA discharge authorisations. In addition, the projects will be subject to the Public Spending Code and various gateway - milestone checks as the projects progress.

 

Clare County Council is no longer the Water Services Authority for the provision of wastewater services. Uisce Eireann has advised that towns and villages and their wastewater treatment capacity for county Clare can be viewed on the Uisce Eireann website on the following link;

Clare | Wastewater Treatment Capacity Register | Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water)

The following large and small villages defined in the County Development Plan have localized networks, and in most cases small treatment plants, serving small local groups of either (i) publicly built houses or (ii) developer-built housing estates but do not have extensive publicly accessible sewer networks or a municipal wastewater treatment plant.

Large villages

Ardnacrusha                 Cooraclare                     Lissycasey

Bridgetown                    Kilmaley                        Meelick (Ballycannon)

Broadford                      Kilmurry                         O’Brien’s Bridge

Carrigaholt                     Labasheeda

 

Small villages

Ballynacally                    Fanore                           Querrin

Bodyke                           Flagmount                     Ruan

Connolly                         Killimer                           Spanish Point

Cree                                 Moy                                Toonagh

Cross                               O’Callaghan’s Mills        Tubber

 

The following large and small villages defined in the County Development Plan have no sewerage systems, other than in some cases very small developer-built systems not yet in the Council’s or Uisce Eireann’s charge.

Large villages

Barefield                         Cratloe                            Doolin

 

Small villages

Ballinruan                       Cranny                            Kilnamona

Ballyea                            Doonaha                         Kilshanny

Belharbour                    Inch                                 Knock

Boston                            Kilbaha                            Knockerra

Caher                              Kilbane                            Moyasta

Cappa (Kilrush)             Killanena                        Ogonnelloe

Carron                             Kilmurry McMahon

Clooney                          Kilnaboy

There is currently no priority list for future investment in wastewater infrastructure as that investment now comes under the remit of Uisce Eireann. We have no visibility yet of Uisce Eireann’s Capital Investment Plan 2024-2029. Likewise it is premature to consider any future priority list for schemes under the Measure A8 pilot project as the qualifying criteria outlined by the Department could alter depending on the outcome of the current scheme.

Uisce Eireann has confirmed that during the previous capital investment programme from 2014-2024 they have invested approximately €75m in water and wastewater projects in county Clare. Due to the cyclical 5-year nature of their capital investment cycle they are unable to provide an estimate for 2025.

Clare County Council was allocated funding under the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme (2024-2026) of €9.1m with a further yearly allocation of €1.85m for subsidies to existing schemes and bored well grants.”

Cllr. R. McInerney welcomed the findings but noted she was concerned about delays and rising costs. Ms. McInerney noted that the delays to the wastewater treatment schemes are a barrier to housing. Ms. McInerney acknowledged that several treatment plants are working at full capacity but that more engagement with Uisce Éireann is needed.

 

Conclusion

The meeting then concluded.

Signed: ____________________________
Riarthóir Cruinnithe

Signed: _____________________________
Cathaoirleach

Date:               _____________________________

Page last reviewed: 12/05/25

Content managed by: Corporate Services Department

Back to top