This article is from page 20 of the 2012-02-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
A LANDOWNER has urged to National Roads Authority (NRA) to reconsider the current design of a salt depot proposed for the old GAMA site on the outskirts of Ennis.
Clare County Council is proposing to build a road maintenance depot for the region at Tulla Road, Ennis, (old GAMA site) adjacent to Junction 13 of the N18 motorway with access from the R352 Tulla Road from Ennis. It is anticipated that the depot will be run by the NRA.
Landowner Michael Murphy, whose land at Knockanean was the subject of a compulsory purchase order in 2000 for the Ennis bypass, has objected to aspects of the proposed development.
In a letter from his solicitor Mr Murphy states that the land taken at the time was “grossly excessive”.
In his submission, Mr Murphy, states, “My road frontage and access points onto Tulla Road are being acquired and I am pleading with you to reconsider the junction design and reduce the land take in this area which would allow me an access onto the Tulla Road from my property on western side of the bypass.”
He continued, “This bypass is having a serious impact on my property and I would urge you to carefully consider the above items and meet with me at the earliest opportunity to discuss accommodation works which would reduce the impact.”
Council officials have said that they would urge the NRA to meet with Mr Murphy. According to the council, the development will include: offices, storage area and workshop, car parking, salt barns, depot, weighbridge, hard standing area, ESB sub-station, refueling bay, access road directly from the R352 road.
The development will also encom- pass ancillary services such as water supply, foul treatment, surface water collection, bounding and landscaping around the site, the diversion, protection and provision of utilities and construction of boundary treatments, accommodation works and fencing at required locations.
In a submission, An Taisce have asked the council to take into account the needs of bats feeding in the area. They cite the example of the custombuilt bat house built during construction work on the Ennis bypass. An Taisce says the council must “take into the account the need for bats to have a wildlife corridor of vegetation leading to the bat house concerned especially the Lesser Horse Shoe Bat species”.
The project has been strongly criticized by former Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Tommy Brennan. Cllr Brennan, who is chairman of the Ennis East Electoral Committee, has labelled the project a “waste of time” and taxpayer’s money, saying it represents an unnecessary duplication of resources. Cllr Brennan says the Council has adequate salt supplies at its depots in Beechpark. Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) has said the site should be used for the development of a secondary school for the Barefield area.