The twentieth century did not bring much excitement either to disturb the quiet pattern of country life. Both the R.I.C. and later the Garda Barracks were burned during an otherwise rather quiet local version of the 'Troubles'. The R.I.C. Barracks had been vacated at the time. The Garda Barracks was burned by the same people in a fit of pique. National Government and two World Wars brought little change. From 1968 onwards, Clane came under the influence of an expanding population in the Dublin area due to lack of regional planning and the lack of development throughout the towns and villages of the Irish countryside. The next seven years brought a massive 500% increase in population to the present 1,500. This put great pressure on very primitive and inadequate community facilities. A ten year slowing period, due largely to a lack of sewerage capacity and also to the recession and increased petrol costs, has provided the time and opportunity to consolidate and develop facilities like the two magnificent new primary schools opened last year and the Community School to be opened next September. This will replace the co-educational secondary school opened originally in 1953 as a Secondary Top, attached to the Convent Primary School. The other major additions to community facilities have been the G.A.A. Grounds and Hall and Behan's Hall. There has also been some welcome growth of small local industries, despite the recession. However, the town is still largely of the "dormitory" type, with most of its inhabitants engaged in outside employment. Dormitory towns are notorious for their lack of community spirit. Clane, however, is exceptional in this regard. The very good community spirit which has grown up over the years continues to improve. The establishment of the Community Council ten years ago has played a major part in this, as have organisations like the Scouts, now almost five years old, and numerous other sporting and cultural organisations which are working for the common good.

©Anthony McEvoy. 1984