This article is from page 13 of the 2011-05-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A MEMBER of Clare County Council has written to the Minister for the Environment, expressing concerns over the delayed completion of a housing estate in Shannon.
The letter was submitted to Phil Hogan by Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn in relation to the Cluain Airne housing development, which was brought to a standstill last year. At a meeting earlier this month, the Shannon Town Manager, Bernadette Kinsella said the council was not yet in a position to provide a date for completion of the 22-unit scheme.
The project got underway in June 2009 and it was initially envisaged that it would be completed within a year.
However, it was halted and those living in the immediate vicinity are demanding its resumption.
Town councillors expressed concern over the delay and took into account the residents’ frustrations.
Cllr Flynn said he was looking for answers to two questions:
“When is the start date and when is the finish date?”
Cllr Flynn told The Clare People that he has now submitted letters to both Phil Hogan and the Clare County Manager, Tom Coughlan.
“It’s like a saga at this stage,” said Cllr Flynn. He said he would like the circumstances surrounding the development to be outlined.
At the meeting, Ms Kinsella told councillors, “I share your total frustration.
“Without a doubt, it is a nuisance for the residents in the area. We have a significant level of expressions from people who are looking for a home.”
She said that the completion period from the time the work recommences until completion is 16 weeks, adding,
“But what I don’t have is a start date.” She said;
“There were delays in the retendering process. It had been our intention that we were expecting a nomination in January. The whole process is taking longer than anticipated.”
Cllr Flynn referred to the issue as a fiasco. Fine Gael Councillor Mary Brennan said that the people of Cluain Airne were “living their worst nightmare”.