Council waits on landowners before progressing coastal works

COASTAL protection works in Quilty will progress when signed agreement from the parties is returned to Clare County Council, local councillors have been told. 

The matter was raised at the March meeting of the West Clare Municipal District by Councillor PJ Kelly who sought a report on the proposed works at Clohaninchy.

“For a parish like Kilmurry Ibrikane who are in the habit of winning, I’m disappointed this has taken so long,” Councillor Kelly said. “It is a longstanding problem.”

A written response to the motion came from Gráinne Reddan, Senior Executive Engineer (SEE) with the Project Management Office (PMO).

“To progress the Cloughaninchy Flood Relief Scheme, Clare County Council have been negotiating with landowners over the last number of years, which has proved very time-consuming,” the reply said.

“Landowner agreements were issued in February 2022 and Clare County Council await the return of signed agreements from all parties. Provided that Clare County Council receive signed agreements, Clare County Council will then be able to engage with the OPW regarding the necessary funding for the Detailed Design and Appointment of a Contractor.”

“Clare County Council continue to work and engage with the Cloughaninchy Action Group and we provide project updates regularly.” 

The reply added that members’ previous and ongoing assistance in this matter is appreciated and and that councillors would be kept informed of developments. 

Councillor Kelly noted that the data on which the works are to be based could be out of date.

“The figures are now six years old and will have to be revised,” he said. “We are hoping to get this job done once and for all.”

The motion was seconded by the district Cathaoirleach, Councillor Cillian Murphy.