More demonstrations in offing

The lobby group opposing the controversial extension of Limerick City into parts of South-East Clare has vowed to organise more public demonstrations if the Government fails to heed their message.
Following last Sunday’s boundary protest at Westbury, Clare Against the Boundary Extension (CABE) chairman, Jim Gully said, “I am not ruling out the possibility of staging more demonstrations or protests in the near future. This could happen if the Government doesn’t listen to the committee and take our views on board.”
Mr Gully said Environment Minister John Gormley needs to meet the group as soon as possible and has written to him to set up a meeting.
“We will do whatever it takes to oppose this boundary extension. We tried to meet Denis Brosnan and his committee and they refused to meet us,” he said.
A decision on further plans of action was due to be discussed at a committee meeting on Wednesday night.
In a short address to the crowd at Westbury Housing Estate on Sunday, Mr Gully acknowledged the Mayor of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin and all the Clare public representatives for supporting their cause and attending the rally.
The former Clonlara senior hurling manager pledged the committee would redouble its efforts to ensure Limerick City would not be extended into South-East Clare.
He pointed out this is an issue affecting Clare and not just parts of the affected areas and stressed the committee would continue to oppose the extension with the backing of public representatives and residents.
Mr Gully has also defended the decision to hold the march at 3pm on Sunday, which clashed with the staging of the Clare senior football final between Liscannor and Doonbeg in Cusack Park, Ennis.
One public representative felt the demonstration could have been held on Saturday or at midday on Sunday and stressed every effort should have been made to avoid a clash with a major sporting fixture.
He added that the timing of the march adversely affected the overall attendance.
However, Mr Gully pointed out that a midday start would have clashed with Sunday mass in a number of local communities while holding it on Saturday may not have suited people who were working or those who wanted to the watch the Munster V London Irish Heineken Cup game.
He explained the committee was anxious not to postpone the rally because Minister Gormley is expected to bring a report before Cabinet on the boundary issue within the next 10 days.