A scheme intended to be the solution to long-standing traffic congestion in North Clare has been branded a “waste of taxpayers’ money”.
Judicial review proceedings in relation to the Ennistymon Inner Relief Road have reached a conclusion in the High Court, paving the way for the progression of the scheme.
The project involves the construction of a new bridge in Ennistymon across the Cullenagh River, approximately 80 metres upstream of the existing Michael Conway Bridge.
In September 2022, An Bórd Pleanála approved Clare County Council’s Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire lands and buildings necessary for the construction of the bridge.
The plans hit a stumbling block in November of that year, however, as a judicial review was sought and this effectively brought the project to a standstill.
Almost three years later, in October of this year, the High Court dismissed the application for leave to bring a judicial review against the CPO.
With the proceedings now having concluded with the mutual consent of all parties, the development can finally go ahead.
Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says those affected by construction will be contacted by the local authority in the near future.
The conversation around a solution to traffic congestion at Blake’s Corner has spanned several decades and has often been contentious.
A campaign has been led in recent years by a group named ‘Save Ennistymon Heritage’ to prevent any damage being caused to the listed buildings of Blake’s and Linnane’s.
Donogh O’Loghlin, who runs a drapers on Lahinch’s main street, believes the proposed scheme will create more bottlenecks.
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