This article is from page 8 of the 2011-09-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
THE county manager has said he does not see the need for an inquiry to be carried out in relation to an affordable housing scheme in Shannon.
After repeated concerns were expressed by residents, and in turn councillors, over the affordable housing scheme at Cluain Airne, there were calls for County Manager Tom Coughlan to carry out an inquiry.
The 22-unit scheme development got underway in June 2009 and it was initially envisaged that it would be completed within a year. How- ever, it was subsequently halted and the initial contractor’s contract was terminated.
The scheme got underway despite concerns from local residents, who objected to the project. They stated that they did not want the houses built in the area and argued that there was inadequate infrastructure in the area to cope with the new houses. Residents have also expressed concerns over the closure of the right of way. A new contractor was appointed in July of this year and the council expressed hope at the time that the project would be completed within 16 weeks of its restart.
In a letter to Shannon Town Clerk Liam O’Connor, which was read out to councillors at their meeting last week, Mr Coughlan stated, “As the purpose of an inquiry is to elicit facts and as the relevant facts are being advised to the elected members, the need for any such inquiry is not apparent and as all relevant facts have been or will be provided by the Town Manager, I fail to see the need for an inquiry.”
He said if councillors were of the view that an inquiry was necessary, “I would appreciate exact criteria which would necessitate” it.
In response, Councillor Gerry Flynn (Independent) said he was disappointed.
“It’s a cop out. It’s no more than I expected. It’s regrettable he did not accede to the request. The place is destroyed,” he claimed.
Fine Gael Councillor Seán McLoughlin asked why it had taken so long to secure a new contractor to complete the works.
The Town Manager Bernadette Kinsella explained the circumstances surrounding the development and said, “The facts clearly show the land was zoned for housing in 2003 and in a subsequent plan.”
She said there was a high level of demand for housing among first time buyers in Shannon, during a study which was carried out.
“I have endeavoured to implement the agreed policy and decision of the council, the democratic wishes of the council. The county manager hasn’t refused to carry out an inquiry. An inquiry is to determine the facts. The facts have been presented this evening,” said Ms Kinsella.
“If there are further facts that members would like to be put in front of them, I’d be happy to do that,” she added.
She said the delay in securing a contractor to complete the works was due to a procurement process and officials had to wait for a nomination from the guarantor.