Progress pledged on the issue of landmark property

CONCERNS over a landmark property in East Clare, which remains empty despite being earmarked for sheltered housing for the last two decades, are being addressed, the Council has pledged.
The issue of Mountshannon House was raised at the AGM of the Killaloe Municipal District when Councillor Pat Burke sought an update, after flagging the matter previously last April.
At that time, councillors heard that while the property had been bought by the Respond Voluntary Housing Association, in 2002, thanks to a Council-supported loan, the proposed accommodation had not materialised.
Speaking last week, Councillor Burke said that with developments on the way for The Old Rectory building, which is set to become an interpretative centre for Inis Cealtra, there is growing concern about Mountshannon House.
“The issue hasn’t gone away,” he said. “In recent times, I’ve gotten a number of requests from members of the community who want an update on what’s going on.
“There’s a lot happening with the rectory and people are wondering now what’s happening with Mountshannon House.”
The Whitegate native noted that the issue had received significant publicity when he highlighted it earlier this year and criticised the handling of the matter, branding it “a disgrace”.
“As we know, this got lot of media attention after I raised it,” he said. “What I’m asking now is that it be kept high on the agenda. There might be new options to do something with that property.”
In response, Director of Services, Anne Haugh gave an assurance that the matter is in hand. “It is receiving attention as we speak,” she said. “We are exploring various options and have a proposed route. That’s as much as I can say at the moment and I will update your further.”