Action needed on ‘disgraceful’ activities at 12 O’Clock Hills
April 4, 2021
An East Clare councillor has branded as “disgraceful and outrageous” the situation at The 12 O’Clock Hills in terms of illegal dumping and anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Joe Cooney made his comments at the recent meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District when he called for a barrier to be erected to address issues including fly-tipping, theft, bike-scrambling and other unauthorised and illegal activities in the area. The Fine Gael member proposed that the barrier might be put in place on the link road between at Torpey Hurleys and the R471 at Oatfield Church. He stressed that this would only be done after consultation with householders, landowners, The 12 O’Clock Hills committee and Coillte.
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PICNIC tables are among the improved facilities that will be provided at the 12 O’Clock Hills walking trail, thanks to a funding boost from government and Fáilte Ireland. Just over €18,000 has been allocated to the project under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) for small scale repairs as well as promotion and marketing. It is part of a total allocation of €88,250 for five walking and cycling amenities in Clare.
While a strict travel restrictions are currently in force, the hills have proven to be a hugely popular amenity over the last year in particular.
“The 12 O’Clock Hills is now an established and very successful amenity,” said committee chairperson, Patsy Neville. “The availability of this amenity has been particularly appreciated during the current Covid-19 pandemic as it provides the space for people to get outdoors and exercise which has been extremely important from a physical and mental health perspective during these challenging times. I
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced €88,250 in funding under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2020 (Measure 1) for five projects in County Clare.
These projects are among 173 projects in the country to benefit from €3.2 million in funding announced by the Minister on 18th January under the ORIS.
The scheme provides funding for the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways. The funding announced under Measure 1 of the scheme will support small-scale local projects with funding of up to €20,000 each.
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard, has welcomed the announcement saying: “The importance of our outdoor recreation facilities cannot be underestimated. The last year has demonstrated more than ever the importance of outdoor amenities for our physical and mental wellbeing. There has been a notable increase in the number of people using our wal