This article is from page 105 of the 2008-07-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 105 JPG
THE Bunratty Environmental Group is set for a revamp, in an effort to en- sure the appearance of the local area is maintained.
The group was set up in 1997. Since then, some of its members have moved away, while others have passed on.
According to one of its founding members, Ann Jones, locals are now being invited to join the group and play a role in keeping the area clean.
“We are trying to get new members. We want new blood and new ideas. Our aim is to keep the area tidy and
provide extra services for tourists and locals alike,” she said.
She is particularly appealing to lo- cal business people and young peo- ple who have moved to the area, to get involved.
“Our children are married and have young families. There are a lot of 35-year-olds living in the area, with small families. They are the future,” she pointed out.
Since the group was set up, it has played a role in flower beds being put in place, while picnic tables and maps, indicating the location of bed and breakfast outlets, have also been welcome additions in the locality.
“A lot of the bed and breakfasts were cut off, so we put maps on dis- play at Meadows and Byrne and at the entrance to the folk park,” she said.
‘We have also kept an eye on what has been happening in the area with regards planning,’ she added.
“It is an awkward area to have as a community as it 1s spread out so much. There is the Wells, Clonmoney and also Bunratty, but we would con- sider them all the one area. It is hard to get to the heart of the community, when it 1s spread out so much,” said Ms Jones.
Allied to the anticipated addition of
new members to the committee, Ms Jones is also optimistic that the local graveyard will be extended.
‘We have been hoping for the past five to 10 years to get an extension to Bunratty graveyard. We have more or less acquired land and just need to get planning permission and get it through.
“Because it 1s such a historical area, there will be a lot of hold-ups and we have to carry out an archaeological dig, but hopefully we will get it,” she said.
Ms Jones is encouraging anyone in- terested in helping out with the group to contact her on 087 7793563.