Cuan an Chláir

Concern for an ageing population and the vulnerability of the elderly in Ennis, Co Clare, was the prime driver behind a group of people from a diversity of backgrounds coming together in 2007 to form Cuan an Chláir. Those involved had the wellbeing of the elderly as a common focus and the provision of appropriate care and support to that sector as a shared ambition.

Cuan an Chláir is currently building a multi-purpose Community Day Centre for 50 people and twelve two bedroom sheltered houses for the elderly of Ennis and surrounds.

Background to the Day Care Centre and Sheltered Housing

How a society cares for its older people is a real measure of how civilised that society is. When the need was identified for housing for the elderly and a new day centre in Ennis, the Killaloe Diocesan Trust donated 2.42 hectares to Cuan an Chláir Care for those in need.

15% of the population (approx 3075 people) in Ennis are over 65 and in the next 30 years this figure will double so the demographics clearly show that we have an ageing population and a dramatic increase in life expectancy due to medical advancements and improved housing. It is envisaged that the 12 new houses will be filled and the Day Care Centre will be up and running early in 2015. The development is located on the Diocesan land at Cahercalla More, Ennis adjacent to Cahercalla Community Hospital. The houses are funded by the Department of the Environment. The Day Centre is funded by Cuan an Chláir at a cost of 1.3 million. The whole project is costing 3.3 million.

Vision for the Artwork

Cuan an Chláir is commissioning an Artist to develop an art project in the context of the day care centre. 

Other aspects of Cuan an Chláir that may inspire the prospective artist include the development having an intergenerational ethos. The bringing together of services i.e. Local Primary School, Community Hospital, visitors to the Cuan housing project, volunteers, students on work experience all lead to daily interaction which will keep older people included and active in society.

Their quality of life will be enhanced through their continual living in their own community. The local shops are 3 minutes away and a Church and Coffee Shop are located in the adjacent Community Hospital complex which is next door. The project will support job creation and the importance of heritage with the conservation of the ring fort, bat sanctuary, the restoration of the old stone walls and farm buildings and the preservation of the mature beech and oak trees and hedgerows.

The art commission is being funded through the Department of Environment & Local Government Per Cent for Art scheme and is coordinated by Clare County Council Arts Office on behalf of Cuan an Chláir. The contract for the commission will be issued by Clare County Council.

For details about the site, visit 

http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cominfo/arts/public_art_commissions.htm 

Commission Process

Artists will be shortlisted and selected through an open competition process. It is envisaged that this will be a one stage commissioning process. However, if the selection panel deems it necessary to seek further information from artists, any payment associated with second stage proposals will be deducted from the overall artist’s budget of €13,000.