This article is from page 18 of the 2011-06-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
MEMBERS at the inaugural meeting of the Shannon Green Party have pledged support to campaign for a light rail link to Shannon Airport and want to see any money collected in water charges reinvested in Shannon to tackle leaking pipes.
The first meeting of the new branch under Shannon representative Gerben Unk discussed the possibility of having the link to make Shannon more acessible by public transport. The members said they also want to see an upgrade to provide safe and continuous cycle paths in the estate. But one of the most pressing issue, Mr Unk said at the meeting, is that of water charges.
“It appears that the present govern- ment is intent on bringing in water charges in advance of the roll out of an effective water metering system. Families may be faced with a flat fee of € 175.
The local Shannon Greens are concerned that this will be inequitable because everyone will pay the same regardless of the amount of water they use and ultimately counter-productive as it gives no incentive to user water wisely. Equally, there was concern among the membership for the prospect of an additional drain on the resources of already struggling families. There are fears that it will be introduced without proper processes in place to deal with those who are on low incomes or social welfare who are simply unable to bear the cost.
Just as important is the upgrading and ring-fencing of water charges for small- and medium-sized businesses who can barely survive in the current economic climate,” he said
On the issue of cycle paths for Shannon, Mr Unk said, “The environmental and health benefits of cycling are well documented and it is eminently feasible to cycle from anywhere in Shannon to work in any of the business parks around the town. Cycle paths should be implemented as much as possible, linking local housing estates to the business parks. This must be coupled with a renewed focus on the Bike to Work Scheme. This renewed focus should target local businesses and the community generally.”
The branch now plans to hold a public meeting focused on the water charges issue.
“We will invite all political representatives in the Shannon area, to attend this meeting.
“We are aware there is a lot of leakage due to insufficient piping in the Shannon area and a lot of water gets wasted and we all experienced the effects of this last winter. Sadly this is not unique to Shannon and affects many parts of the country. The Greens demand the proceeds of these water charges are spent at local level to improve the water infrastructure in local communities, for example waste water treatment systems, upgrading and repair of broken/leaking pipes, and educational initiatives focusing on the need to conserve water,” added Mr Unk.