This article is from page 12 of the 2006-09-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THE future of the campaign to secure a second entrance to Gort from the Gort/Crusheen dual carriageway hung in the balance last night as a meeting between south Galway politicians and the Gort Regional Alliance for Community and Environment (GRACE) went into overtime in a local hotel.
The ongoing situation has seen the National Roads Authority (NRA) at odds with Galway County Council over the construction of a second entrance. The NRA have advised GRACE that because of the growth rate of the town, Gort should have a second entrance onto the bypass. This point is disputed by Galway County Council. Council officials argue that the population of Gort does not justify a second entrance.
The latest census figures reveal that the population of Gort has grown by 53 per cent in the last six years. GRACE have examined the planning situation and zoning in the town and believe that the increase will continue in the foreseeable future.
The group have lodged a submission to the environmental impact study for the proposed roadway and are currently awaiting a response.
Aside from the bypass issue, the meeting also heard plans for the creation of a water and sewerage system for the town. These are already at an advanced state.
GRACE also announced preliminary plans to launch a Wealth from Waste project in the town. This project, which would be the first of its kind in Europe, would include a major recycling facility.
A public meeting is due to take place to discuss all of these issues in Gort on October 6.