This article is from page 36 of the 2008-11-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 36 JPG
MAINTAINING the Roche _ phar- maceutical plant in Clarecastle as a world class site is critical to ensuring the company’s future status in the area, a meeting has heard
That was the view expressed by Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) at last week’s meeting of councillors representing the Ennis Electoral Area.
Cllr Meaney stated that Roche, Clarecastle, was in competition with other Roche facilities around the world, to develop new and high quality product lines. As such, said Cllr Meaney, effort must be made by Clare County Council to ensure that a “valuable employer” like Roche re- mains in Clarecastle.
“Clare County Council needs to work with significant emphasis to make sure that Roche is a world class site. The entrance to Roche will have to be significantly improved”, said Cllr Meaney.
He added “We are at a critical juncture with dealing with Roche…. If they are not successful, it could effect the future of the plant. Clare County Council must do everything it can”.
The matter arose following a mo- tion put forward by Cllr Bernard Hanrahan (FF). Cllr Hanrahan asked when work at a junction at the entrance of Roche was expected to be completed.
Work at the site, at the corner of Clarehill and Patrick Street, was
delayed after a derelict cottage there was deemed to be a protected structure. A report carried out two years ago by then Conservation Of- ficer Risteard Ua Cronin found that the house was an 18th or early 19th century dwelling that appeared to be of “high architectural and heritage interest”.
Speaking at last week’s meeting, Cllr Hanrahan said that permission had been given to demolish half of the cottage. He said that work on traffic calming measures at the en- trance should be completed as soon as possible.
‘The issue of the junction has been dragging on and on for too long now’, said Cllr Hanrahan.
He added, “The worst thing about
this now is that they will probably have to put in traffic lights and a roundabout there to keep residents rN Koh
Cllr Meaney urged the Council to contact Roche with an effort to 1m- prove site access to the facility. He said the company were willing to contribute to the cost of carrying out the works.
Cllr Hanrahan said Roche were eager for the work to be completed. “Its important we get this moving,’ added Cllr Hanrahan.
Responding to Cllr Hanrahan’s motion, Declan O’Regan, Senior Ex- ecutive Engineer stated ‘Roche have not approached this office in recent times to advise that they intend to go ahead with these works.