It’s claimed a major new economic and spatial plan highlights the importance of Clare working with other counties and focusing on overall regional development.
The project will focus on economic and population growth in the entire southern region, which includes Clare, up to 2030.
The clock is ticking now for members of the public to have their say.
The Southern Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy – or RSES – is one of three such plans being put forward for Ireland.
It sets out the plan for the region for the next 11 years and for the Banner County, Ennis is highlighted as a key town for development, while the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area will see increased focus.
While the plan has been criticised in Limerick, where it’s feared it’s focusing too heavily on Cork City, it’s been warmly welcomed here in Clare.
Fine Gael’s Joe Cooney, who is chair of the county’s Physical Development Committee, says it’ll deliver a much-needed boost here.
One South-East Clare Councillor says the plan shows that there is no benefit in rowing over what the county boundaries between Clare and Limerick look like.
As recently as January, the boundary debate was re-ignited after a former Limerick Mayor called for a plebiscite to be held of residents in Shannon Banks and Westbury.
But Meelick Fianna Fáil Councillor Cathal Crowe – a resident of Westbury himself – says the regional plans shows the importance of working together and not getting bogged down in petty politics.
