This article is from page 4 of the 2011-07-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
AFTER more than 15 years of local campaigning, the dangerously corroded metal fence that protects the tens of the thousands of summer beach-goers from a 40-foot drop onto the rock at Lahinch beach is to be replaced.
The metal alloy fence, which was described as rust-proof when it was first erected in 1982, has been completely eroded by rust over the last 20 years, making it structurally unsound and, according to locals, a dangerous accident waiting to happen.
The fence, which runs for more than 140 feet along the most dangerous section of the beach, was damaged by construction work in the 1990s, with many sections simply breaking away.
A delegation from the Lahinch Community Council met with local engineers from Clare County Council in June, with the replacement of the corroded bars the top item on the agenda.
“The community council have been campaigning for these bars to be replaced for 15 years now so we are delighted with the news that they are going to be replaced,” said Gerry Hartigan of the Lahinch Community Council.
“When they were first put up, we were told that the poles were made from a special alloy and that they would not be affected by rust – but that proved not to be the case. Clare County Council have done their best to maintain them as best they could but it really is great news that they are to be replaced.”
Newly appointed Lahinch Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) welcomed the € 48,750 in funding for the project but said that Clare County Council must now get working on completing the much awaited Lahinch Prom Master Plan.
“This work has been delayed for too long already, due to the lack of funding. Now that the Government have resolved this issue, there can be no further delays in getting the job done,” he said.
“I am delighted with the work that has been done in Lahinch in recent years, particularly the new lifeguard facility and the recently opened playground. I am also calling on the council to speed up the completion of the much needed and long awaited Master Plan for the prom in Lahinch.
“There are hundreds of thousands of euro generated in car parking charges in Lahinch each year. The village needs this Master Plan in order to make the resort a world-class tourist destination.”
Meanwhile, a total of € 26, 250 has also been allocated to repair and upgrade the existing slipway at Liscannor. This project, which has been a long-term goal for Ennistymon-based Cllr Richard Nagle (FF) will see much needed repair works undertaken at the pier.