The CEO of Shannon Chamber has raised concern that elements of the National Development Plan are “too ambitious” at this stage.
Yesterday, the Government announced a 165 billion euro investment plan for the next decade.
The National Development Plan, published yesterday, will see 165 billion euro spent by the State over the next decade on the likes of roads, housing, water developments and health and education infrastructure.
Many of the projects listed for Clare are already underway or have already been completed, such as the CBS Primary School and flood defence works in Ennis, social housing in Ennis and Shannon and the Killaloe bypass.
However plans have now been confirmed for an upgraded wastewater treatment plant in Lahinch as well as in Clonroadmore, a new aircraft hangar at Shannon Airport and a full Shannon flood relief scheme.
The standout aspect of the plan for Clare is a rail link from Shannon Airport, which will connect to Shannon Town, Ennis, Sixmilebridge, Cratloe and Bunratty and onto the Limerick and Galway lines.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says there is a need to circumvent a lot of the red tape that exists within the Irish planning process but he believes the project should see the light of the day.
The CEO of Shannon Chamber has welcomed what she’s described as aspirational plan.
But while Helen Downes is hopeful that plans to deliver a rail link to Shannon Airport come to fruition, she’s doubtful the spend can be justified.
Meanwhile, provisions for intra connecting buses in Ennis were not included in the National Development Plan, with the National Transport Authority saying earlier this year that funding is a sticking point.
Despite this, Clare’s Green Senator insists plans for a dedicated bus service for Ennis are still on the table.
Roisin Garvey is hopeful plans for enhanced services in the county town will be included in a detailed BusConnects plan to be published shortly.
The National Development Plan has been criticised for a lack of specific timelines and costings, with Clare’s Sinn Féin TD describing it as being “all smoke and mirrors”.
Kilrush Deputy Violet Anne Wynne has criticised the Government for what she’s described as consistent kite-flying and a failure to deliver on plans.
