This article is from page 21 of the 2012-01-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
CLARE County Council is to examine the historic remains of the O’Brien family at St Bridget’s Well, including the family vault which contains the remains of Cornelius O’Brien, the man who built O’Brien’s tower at the Cliffs of Moher.
The O’Brien family vault, which is located in the St Bridget’s Well cemetery, and the famous monument dedicated to the family, have suffered severe damage in recent years, with the monument now badly in eed of repair and in danger of collapsing.
“This is of real historic importance. Part of the ancient heritage of Clare is located in these structures and they are rapidly deteriorating,” said Cllr Richard Nagle (FF).
“Cornelius O’Brien was the man who built the tower at the Cliffs of Moher and this monument dates back to 1854.
“All of the spire of that monument has now cracked and it is only a matter of time before this monument is going to collapse.
“The same thing applies to the vault in the cemetery, which is where all the family has been buried. There is nothing to prevent people from going over the railing and into the vault.
“Both of these are listed structures and regarded as structures of historical importance.
“We need to contact the Heritage Officer and get them to make contact with the OPW quickly and seek resources for this work and seek their assistance.”
Meanwhile, Lahinch-based Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) has asked Clare County Council to examine the prospect of using some of the local authority’s own land in Liscannor to create a place where the Lahinch RNLI can store and launch their boat from.
Currently, the rescue service has to launch their boat from Lahinch and can face major delays, especially at times of high tourist numbers at Lahinch.
“I know that Clare County Council have property in Liscannor but we are using Lahinch for water rescue at the moment.
“Surveys have been done that show that it would be far easier and quicker to launch boats in Liscannor. I believe that the council have land on the dock in Liscannor.
“Maybe we could use this, or buy more land beside it if needed,” he said.
These comments were supported by Ennistymon-based Cllr Richard Nagle (FF), who said that a proper facility would have to be put in place in Liscannor.
“I would support the provision of facilities in Liscannor but I would certainly not support some sort of container being put in place. Not on the main route to the Cliffs of Moher, at a scenic spot that the local people enjoy.
“This would have to be a proper building,” he said.