There was a packed public Gallery at Clare County Council for the debate on the Shannon Town and Environs Local area plan and local residents expressed upset that the vote went on favour of the rezoning of land at Stonehall Newmarket on Fergus to facilitate the development of a large-scale renewable energy projects
On Wednesday’s Morning Focus we heard John Cooke speak to residents Tina O’Brien, Richard McMahon, Georgina McBride aand Josephine McMahon – all from Stonehall, Newmarket on Fergus after the meeting to get their reaction to the vote
John also spoke with Tom Coughlan, the Clare County Manager, who put forward the view that zoning would open the county up to job creation though not for any specific company or developer
Brian McInerney, Chairperson of the Concerned Residents of Stonehall and Environs outlined the next step the group will take now that the council have moved to rezone the site
We also got reaction from Councillor Pat McMahon of Newmarket on Fergus and Sean McLoughlin of Shannon who both voted against the rezoning.
The Environment Minister has promised there won’t be any up-front charges on homeowners for the installation of water meters
Phil Hogan’s also announced the establishment of Irish Water – as an independent state-owned subsidiary of Bord Gáis
He says he expects the vast majority of homes in the country to be metered by the end of 2014, after which charges – which have still to be decided – will begin
Clare Deputies Pat Breen of Fine Gael and Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fail discussed this with John.
The Irish Countrywomen’s Association has organised a cookery roadshow that is coming to Ennis on Friday
Celebrity chef Edward Hayden will be appearing in the Auburn Lodge at 8pm
John O’Callaghan, CEO of the ICA, encouraged people to attend
President Clare ICA Frances O’Halloran and Kay Murray from O’Callaghan’s Mills spoke about the Clare membership. www.ica.ie
This is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week
The Clare branch have organised an information meeting tonight in the Gael Scoil, Ennis between 6-8pm and are inviting anyone interested to attend
Deborah Kett, Secretary of the Clare branch spoke with John.
Paul Wolfe of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service answered listeners queries in his weekly slot.
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