This article is from page 22 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 22 JPG
OPINION is divided on how Dr Brendan O’Regan should be honoured in Shannon.
While members of the local town council agree that he should be remembered in a notable way, the exact project to be chosen was the subject of debate at a meeting last week.
The motion was proposed by the town’s mayor, Councillor Mary Brennan, who said that Dr O’Regan’s achievements should be remem- bered.
His immense contribution to the airport and Shannon Development was recalled, with councillors expressing the view that this should be linked to the project.
“One way we could honour him would be to have a viable airport. He would be very sad to see what we have today,” said Fine Gael Councillor Seán McLoughlin.
Independent Councillor Patricia McCarthy said she was opposed to naming streets and buildings after people.
“He was associated with Shannon Development and associated with the airport and the industrial estates. It’s a pity Shannon Development when they were naming their building that they didn’t name it O’Regan House,” she said.
Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn said he was in agreement with Cllr McCarthy. “I don’t agree with buildings and roads being named after people,” he said.
“He was a man of vision. He was a pioneer of his time,” he said.
Fine Gael Councillor Mike Fleming made a suggestion that a bus shelter be named after Dr O’Regan.
“I wouldn’t be in favour of any road or sign but there’s a new bus shelter going into Cronan. It could be the O’Regan bus shelter,” he said.
Fine Gael Councillor Vincent Coleman suggested a connection to the Lynxs Cargo facility. “If it gets off the ground, it will bring development opportunities to the airport,” he said.