This article is from page 27 of the 2008-01-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 27 JPG
A HOSPITAL for Shannon, the rail link and the future of the airport are among the main issues on the minds of the people of Shannon.
That’s according to the Shannon Area Network, which is a collective gathering, open to all community and voluntary groups in Shannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Sixmilebri- dge, Kilmurry and parts of Cratloe. It is one of five area networks across the county.
As the group prepares for its AGM on Thursday night – at the Bunratty Castle Hotel – Chairman of the Shan- non Area Network, Pat Gaughran, 1s
appealing to local groups to get in- volved with it and voice their opin- eyes
There are up to 500 voluntary and community organisations in_ the county and the Shannon Area Net- work has up to 150 members.
Mr Gaughran said the network or- ganised a very interesting discussion last year, but regrettably, it was not well attended. “It was dealing with the future of Shannon and asking the question ‘Where do we go from here?,” said Mr Gaughran.
The discussion was focused on a number of issues, including tourism, jobs and a rail link for Shannon.
“We were disappointed with the at-
tendance. We would appeal to people to come out to our events this year,” he added.
A schedule of events and discus- sions for the forthcoming year will be put together after the AGM and the committee is hopeful that many people will attend the various fora.
“We are asking people to come out and have their voices heard. We can only bring forward to the County Development Board the issues they raise. We can highlight things that need to be highlighted,” he said.
The network’s members have a number of interests, he said.
“The rail link has been a big one, along with the airport. A hospital
for Shannon was a priority, but it has been put on the back burner. We hope to get that going,” he said.
Dr Paula Russell, of University College Dublin, will attend the AGM and will speak to those in attend- ance, as part of research she is carry- ing out. Her research, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, 1s based on sustainable rural develop- ment. The views of those present at the AGM will be taken into consid- eration by her, in her project.
The key posts on the network com- mittee will be filled at the AGM. Be- sides Mr Gaughran, the main posts are currently filled by Richard Cahill (secretary) and PJ Ryan (PRO).