Rent Supplement for those in rented accomodation in Clare could be cut as average prices have fallen in the last year.

The latest DAFT.ie figures reveal the average price for a residential property in Clare costs 577 per month - the figure is down 3.4% of figures for 2010.

In Limerick City the average rent is 673 euro, down 2.4% and in Galway city it's 747 euro down 1.2%.

The Minister for the Environment has said some financial help would be available for people whose septic tanks are found to need significant upgrading after inspections begin next year.

However, Phil Hogan's assurances have done little to satisfy those opposed to the new inspection laws here in Clare, who are accusing him of missing the real point of concern in how much repairs may cost following inspections.

There's some welcome relief for thousands of rural dwellers in Clare with news that the contrverisal septic tank registration fee will be just five euro now instead of 50.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan has announced he's lowering the charge for those who register their septic tanks within the first three months - those who sign up by June will pay just five euro in what he's called a practical approach that will be applied to the inspection of tanks also.

European oficials say Clare homeowners may be able to access funds to help fund the upgrade of their septic tanks.

Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn has said the EU may be able to make funds available in order to help offset potential bills of thousands of euro for some rural residents in the county.

Legislation which will see septic tanks inspected, and which will force homeowners to pay a 50 euro registration charge, was enacted last week despite criticism from rural campaigners.

Rescure services in North Clare are hopeful that outstanding issues surrounding the development of Doolin Pier have now been ironed out.

It follows a recent one day public consultation with surfers, ferry operators and other stakeholders involved  in the 6 million euro project - which is now looking a  2014 operational date - not next year as hoped.

The Planning and Housing Minister is set to be among the main speakers at the Mid-West Regional Authority's annual conference, which will be held in Ennistymon next month.

Minister Jan O'Sullivan is to speak at the event at the Falls Hotel on February 17th - up to 150 key officials will also be in attendance, among them representatives of Failte Ireland, the Irish Exporters Association and the Shannon-Foynes Port Company.

Calls have been made for joined-up thinking to tackle illegal dumping along the Clare-Limerick border.

Local represrentatives want Clare County Council to work with the city and county Councils of Limerick to carry out a co-ordinated clean-up operation in black spot areas.

Locals in South East Clare says illegal dumping has increased in the new year, and Councillor Cathal Crowe says co-operation already exists in many areas, and now should be extended.

More radio listeners are turning their dials to Clare FM.

The latest results of the JNLR-IPSOS-MRBI listenership survey show that over 42,000 people listen to The PPI Local Radio Station of the Year, an increase of 1,000 in the last three months.

The station's market share has also held firm at 48%, meaning that more people are choosing Clare FM's mix of news, talk and music for longer.

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A Bill introducing new regulations for septic tanks is expected to be enacted today, after being sent to President Michael D Higgins to be signed into law.

The Water Services Amendment Bill passed in the Seanad by 31 votes to 19 yesterday afternoon.

Last month the Environment Minister Phil Hogan said it was necessary for the Bill to be enacted by today, on a demand from the European Court of Justice.

Plans for a 30 million euro wind farm at Moneypoint where the turbines will be more than a hundred foot taller than Dublin's spire have been lodged by Electric Ireland.

The five turbines will also be more than twice the height of Liberty Hall, but will be lower than the two 228m  chimney stacks at the coal-burning station in Kilimer.

The wind farm is part of  plans by Electric Ireland’ - formerly the ESB-  to deliver a third of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, which will include more than 1,400MW of wind generation.