This article is from page 5 of the 2006-01-31 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 5 JPG
A DECISION has been taken to site the new bridge across the Shannon at historic Clarisford Palace in Killaloe.
It is expected that a second crossing, to be completed at a later date, will be located just below O’Briensbridge.
The choice of location for the Killaloe bridge and the road serving it has angered local people, who were informed of the decision yesterday, in advance of an official announcement due today.
The project will involve the demolition of at least one house and will cut across land close to St. Anne’s Secondary school .
The route was decided on after the completion of a constraints study report on eight different locations by consultants, RPS MCOS.
Locals angered by the choice of route say it will be a danger to the 400 students who attend St. Anne’s.
A statement issued on behalf of residents affected by the choice today claims it is in direct conflict with stated policies of a number of government and non-government organisations, including Vocational Educational Committees, Council planners, An Bord Pleanala, Government Departments, including the Taoiseach’s office, environmental groups and residents’ groups.
“The policies of the above bodies will challenge the councils leaving them with insurmountable obstacles in achieving funding for the favoured route,” the statement explains.
It goes on to say that the route passes within 15 meters of a residential site that received planning permission for a house as recently as twelve months ago.
“It also calls for the demolition and destruction of family homes. The development plan for this area (zoned residential) has no accommodation for such a major road and bridge.”
In running in front of Clarisford, it also proposes to go through land which has been “consistently protected by an Bord Pleanala because of the heritage importance of the house.”
Killaloe councillor, Tony O’Brien (FF), said that he was welcoming the decision, “because at least there is now some clarity to the situation. But now that the decision has been made, I want to see a proper town plan for Killaloe, with proper funding to put that plan in place.”
Michael Murtagh of the O’Briensbridge Environmental committee said that residents there would prefer to see their crossing done in tandem with the Killaloe bridge “for fear that we would be forgotten about once the first bridge is done.”