Opponents of a controversial South East Clare road have criticized Clare Councillors for failing to protect the interests of local residents.
It comes as the local authority has defends the chosen route for the Limerick Northern Distributor Road, saying that while it doesn’t satisfy everyone, it’s the best option.
Clare Councillors last night deferred a discussion on the controversial Limerick Northern Distributor Road, until after their counterparts across the border make a decision on the Limerick portion of the route next month.
The issue was before a special meeting of Clare County Council, as some local representatives in South-East Clare seek to change the route that has already been accepted, and adopted in the county development plan.
Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley says they need to wait until the situation becomes clearer on the Limerick side.
Council engineer Tom Tiernan last night defended their plans, saying the route selection process was detailed and methodical, and while it didn’t satisfy everyone, he’s confident that if the process was repeated, the same route would be chosen again.
Chairman of the Northern Distributor Concerned Residents Group, Ed English says this doesn’t come as a surprise, but he’s criticised local representatives for adopting a wait and see approach.
Local residents have vowed to continue their opposition, up to and including a submission to An Bord Pleanála when it reaches planning stages.
But local Councillor Cathal Crowe fears the fight, at Clare County Council level at least, may already be lost.
