This article is from page 20 of the 2008-02-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
ALLEGATIONS were levelled yes- terday that the Ennis Town Manager hid information pertaining to pro- posed development at the Post Office nCOAKG
At Monday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Green Party council- lor Donal O’Bearra accused Town Manager, Tom Coughlan of not shar- ing information collected in a report compiled last year.
After Cllr O’Bearra and Fine Gael
councillor, Johnny Flynn co-tabled a motion calling for a cost benefit anal- ysis prior to any development taking place at the field, Mr Coughlan said a study about the viability of such a project had already been completed.
Cllr O’ Bearra said, “I find it bizarre to say the least. What’s the point of me asking for a cost-benefit analysis when the manager has hidden infor- mation? You said you would keep us informed and I think that is relevant information.”
Mr Coughlan replied, “I was going
to bring all the information when a decision had to be made.”
Cllr O’Bearra said, “I consider that bad judgement on your behalf.”
Mr Coughlan rejected the accusa- tion he had withheld the information from the council and said he would forward copies of the report to all councillors.
The independent study, carried out by Hughes and Roll associates, found there were significant obstacles to re- developing the existing site of the De Valera Public library in Ennis.
It also recommended an infill sec- tion of the Post Office field, located between the post office and St Co- lumba’s church, as the most commer- cially viable site for any new library OlAVolley evento
Mr Coughlan stated that without the sale of the De Valera library, it was unlikely a new library would be event
He said, “It’s an unrealistic assump- tion that it could happen elsewhere.”
Following a lengthy and at times intense debate, members proposed that consultants be engaged to draw up a master plan setting out potential OCSAIeA Co) oy ea erslmr-lmm i elomSI COR
Fianna Fail councillor, Joe Reidy said, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s going ahead. It’s a pity people are changing their minds.”
Fine Gael councillor, Johnny Flynn said he had raised concerns when the project was first mooted about the sale of the original library site.
Fine Gael councillor, Mary Coote Ryan called for a report into the potential effect of construction on flooding.
Town Engineer, Tom Tiernan said a previous flooding report had found the proposed infill section of the field had a “miniscule” effect on flood eynlnKeye
Independent councillor Taiwoo Matthew requested more information on the level of funding available.