The Chair of the Save Ennistymon’s Heritage group says a timeline for the completion of works at Blake’s Corner in the town needs to be made clear.
It’s after two million euro has been set aside by Transport Infrastructure Ireland towards proposed new infrastructure at the North Clare site.
A proposed new bridge over the River Inagh and an inner relief road connecting the N85 to the N67 were granted planning permission back in April of 2018.
Clare County Council applied to compulsorily purchase the necessary land and buildings for the works in 2020, with a two day oral hearing on the matter held back in June of this year.
It’s understood inspectors are still considering all evidence and submissions and will make recommendations to An Bord Pleanala as to whether the order should be confirmed or not in due course.
In the meantime, TII has confirmed two million euro is available to begin the Blake’s Corner works, which include the bridge and relief road.
Ennistymon based Fianna Fail Councillor, Shane Talty, says the funding is a welcome development in the area.
Clare County Council says it’s hopeful of a decision from An Bord Pleanala before the end of the year.
However, there is concern in some quarters of North Clare that the decision making process on the Blake’s Corner works has been too slow.
The Chair of the Save Ennistymon’s Heritage group wants assurances on existing properties around the site along with a timeline on when proposed works may begin and end.
Denis Vaughan says further detail on the funding set aside is needed.
The local authority says if An Bord Pleanala approve the proposed works, construction will commence as soon as possible, and will take around 18 months to complete.
