A prominent West Clare nursing home has been brought back from the brink of closure following a two-million euro investment from the HSE. It's understood the voluntary board of St.Senan's in Kilrush had considered issuing a closure notice to HIQA due to difficulties meeting regulatory standards. The centre with capacity for 43 residents will now begin immediate fire and electrical safety works, as well as formulating a long-term plan. Clare Fianna Fáil Senator, Timmy Dooley says the funding will ensure the care needs of all future residents can be met.

A West Clare Councillor is urging the local authority to prioritise the provision of Wastewater Infrastructure in one of the county's most prominent tourist areas. Carrigaholt, which hosts a special area of conservation, is one of 50 settlements in Clare that is currently without sewerage facilities. Last month, Cooraclare and Broadford became the first villages from this county to be accepted into a €50m government pilot scheme aimed at connecting unsewered rural areas to treatment plants. Cross Fine Gael Councillor Gabriel Keating claims the council has committed to putting Carrigaholt forward this time around.

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn chats with sisters-in-law Liz Greehy and Ailish Connolly who operate The Kilbaha Gallery on the Loop Head Peninsula and meets resident artist Vincent Killowry.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief.

Clare County Council is calling on The Minister for Transport and the Road Safety Authority to reinstate cash payments at NDLS Centres.

It follows a high volume of complaints from constituents who encountered difficulty in the course of making electronic transactions to either renew or obtain a drivers licence.

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) ceased handling cash during the pandemic and the RSA has said it will not revert to accepting the tender until advised by government.

Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman says the policy is causing major hassle for local people.

A Clare local election candidate insists decisive action is needed to eradicate anti-social behaviour in public laneways in this county.

It follows a number of complaints from residents citing late night gatherings of large groups, substance abuse and alleged drug dealing in alleyways that are commonly used as shortcuts to schools and amenities.

The local authority is now being called upon to temporarily close these laneways and to install CCTV and public lighting in particularly secluded locations.

Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil representative Rachel Hartigan says its not acceptable for residents to feel unsafe in their own communities.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland expects the National Cycle Network Plan to make cycling a safer option for people in this county.

The government has revealed plans to invest €1.4 billion by 2040 in a network of designated cycle routes which will connect over 200 communites nationwide.

Over 3,500 kilometres of cycle routes will be constructed, with the first 1,000 kilometres expected to be completed by 2030.

Ennis native and Head of Communications at TII Sean O'Neill is hopeful that once the correct infrastructure is in place, cycling will be viewed as a viable option for those concerned about road safety.

A Clare Councillor believes new legislation that he is proposing could prevent future riots and reduce shop thefts in the county.

It comes as the local authority is set to write to the government to request that the act of concealing one's face in the course of committing a crime is made an offence.

The proposal was put forward in light of scenes of mass looting following riots in Dublin City last November, while thefts from shops in Clare increased by 54% last year.

Clarecastle Councillor Tom O'Callaghan says thugs feel invincible once they cover their faces.

A South East Clare Councillor is imploring the local authority to establish a theme park attraction at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

It comes as Clare County Council is set to develop a new fifteen year tourism strategy in 2025, which will focus on future product development at the Shannon Heritage Sites.

Last year, Bunratty alone received over 344,000 visitors, representing a 14% annual increase in attendance.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat McMahon believes though that having Shannon Airport, the M18 and priceless heritage and culture on its doorstep would make the perfect ingredients for a new feasible tourism landmark.

Stephen Fletcher leads our Sunday Prayer for Sunday 14th January 2024, the 2nd Sunday of Epiphany and the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The reflection is by Revd Dr David Lose.