This article is from page 14 of the 2006-07-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
CLARECASTLE will have to wait until the completion of the Ennis by-pass for any planned regeneration scheme. Calls have been made for a regeneration scheme to be drawn up for Clarecastle village because of the impact of heavy traffic flow through to the area.
Clare County Council have discussed the matter and plan to progress it further once work on the bypass has been completed.
But local councillors would like to see the council produce a comprehensive plan and engage in full consolation with the public.
Speaking at the recent meeting of councillors in the Ennis electoral area, Cllr Joe Carey (FG) outlined the need for a regeneration scheme.
Cllr Carey said significant contribution fees from development projects in the area could be used to fund the project.
“Clarecastle has suffered greatly from through traffic and traffic congestion as a result of the absence of the Ennis bypass . . . I’m proposing that this scheme would pay particular attention to public consultation and that a time frame for its implementation would be put in place without delay.”
He added that a plan needed to be in place especially for the main street and that local people must be given a big input. Cllr Bernard Hanrahan (FF) supported the call saying it was vital the good appearance of Clarecastle be maintained.
“I would compliment the council on the money that has already been spent on Clarecastle already. We are on the entrance route to a major town, and when the bypass is complete, I would be looking for more footpaths to be installed.”
Senior Executive Engineer, Hugh McGrath informed the meeting that €200,000 had already been spent on the village renewable scheme. He confirmed that discussions with the council’s architect. “There is a lot of work currently being done there. Once the bypass is open and infrastructural works are completed, then the scheme can be examined further”. Meanwhile, requests have been made to halt completion of sewerage works along the Ballybeg road until facilities are in pace to deal with storm water. Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) issued the call citing problems with run off water.
Some €300,00 has been allocated to the scheme, but repair work cannot be carried out until the sewerage scheme has been completed.