An East Clare local election candidate has spoken out against Clare County Council plans for a major new strategic development on the Clare side of the UL campus.
The local authority is awaiting Government approval to push ahead with plans for a development that could generate 3,500 jobs.
It’s already been met with opposition in Limerick, but now the plan is also receiving mixed reactions on this side of the county divide.
After announcing its plans last April, the Council has now lodged an application for the area adjacent to UL as a Strategic Development Zone.
The local authority is optimistic that the Government will give the development the green light and allow for what they feel is the natural expansion of the campus
It could also facilitate up to 3,500 jobs and Sixmilebridge Independent Councillor PJ Ryan believes it’ll be hugely beneficial for Clare.
But it’s not all plain sailing.
Some elected representatives and candidates in Limerick have expressed concerns that the project, which was initially dubbed as a ‘New Town’, could weaken the connection between UL and the City.
While now, one East Clare Green Party local election candidate has also voiced his concerns.
Barry O’Donovan believes Clare’s Council is living in the past and that this is just the latest effort to maintain a toe-hold in Limerick.
He thinks it will only add to congestion and thinks it will be of little benefit to Clare and the region as a whole.
