Uisce Éireann is being accused of working off "erroneous information" as it looks to build a sewage treatment plant near a popular West Clare tourist attraction.

With the decision date looming for the water utility's application to construct a four-hectare development in the vicinity of Kilkee Cliff Walk, locals have launched a petition expressing opposition to the plans.

Named Ireland's "best-rated tourist destination" this summer with over 90% of its Trip Advisor reviews deeming it "excellent", Kilkee Cliff Walk has long been one of the county's most adored outdoor attractions.

With plans for a major infrastructural development just 100 metres from the four-kilometre trail having come to light, however, there are fears among some people locally that its natural beauty and appeal are in jeopardy.

On January 3rd, Uisce Éireann applied for planning permission for a 4.56 hectare development consisting of a new wastewater treatment plant, a foul pumping station and the installation of new sewers in the townlands of Kilkee Lower and Foohagh, Kilkee.

Since the application went public, almost 100 public submissions have been put in by concerned residents and local representativies who have various qualms with the project.

In the last week, local man Martin Busher has launched a petition on change.org entitled "Save Kilkee Cliff Walk".

He believes the plans are being progressed without adequate consultation within the community.

Since going live last Tuesday, the petition, which claims the walk will be "destroyed" if the facility is built, has garnered over 850 signatures.

Uisce Éireann's planning application claims the wastewater treatment plant would serve a population of 7,900.

Architect and former town councillor on Kilkee Town Council, Tom Byrne, meanwhile, insists this is "ludicrous" as it doesn't factor in the high volume of tourists typically in the area who'll put additional pressure on capacity.

True Colours - Episode 6 - Gerald Adams by Clare FM

On Monday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan.

This week, Tom gave listeners some advice on bee friendly flowering perennials for autumn.

If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or Whatsapp to 086 1800 964.

On Monday’s Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Arts Officer Siobhán Mulcahy.

Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week’s live events for entertainment lovers in Banner County.

This week, Siobhán discussed the Sunrise Kirtan Mela in East Clare, Traditional music in Doolin, Tulla Music Weekend and much more!

A renowned documentary on the story of Bernárd Lynch and his ministry to people with Aids in New York will be screened in Miltown Malbay tomorrow evening.

The Community Hall there will show "A Priest's Testament", which was originally shot for Channel 4 27 years ago.

To tell us more about it, Derrick Lynch was joined by Bernárd Lynch.

Mark Flynn is an Audiologist for Audiology Medical Services clinic in Ennis.

There have been advancements in hearing technology offered to patients.

It's important for early detection of hearing issues.

Derrick Lynch was joined by the Audiologist for Audiology Medical Services clinic in Ennis, Mark Flynn.

Photo (c): www.centrichealth.ie/services/general-medical-services/audiology/

Ennis will be the venue for a Blacksmith and Craft festival next weekend.

Blacksmiths and local crafters, such as basket makers and woodturners will be demonstrating their skills at the Market Place.

For more information on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by the organiser of the Blacksmith and Craft Festival, Guy Urbin.

It's claimed inaction from successive governments in the face of obvious and alarming issues at University Hospital Limerick has contributed to the death of Clare teenager Aoife Johnston. It follows the publication of former Chief Justice Frank Clarke's independent investigation, which found the circumstances of Aoife's death at UHL's Emergency Department in December of 2022 "were almost certainly avoidable". Due to the gross level of overcrowding on the night, Aoife was not taken to the Resus area of the ED, but rather Zone A' where sepsis forms were not kept and therefore nurses and doctors in the area "appeared to be unaware" of her condition. Ennistymon based MidWest Hospital Campaign Spokesperson Marie McMahon whose husband passed away on a trolley at UHL in 2018 insists nothing has improved despite years of problems.

SMB Manager Tommy Liddy After Clonlara Win

On this week’s Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn chats with Niamh Harney and Máire Kennedy from Equine Centred Services who are providing an innovative approach to personal development and mental health support, with the help of some unlikely partners – horses.