This article is from page 62 of the 2013-01-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 62 JPG
THE five North Clare members of Clare County Council are to seek a meeting with Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan (FG) to get him to officially nail his colours to the mast concerning the funding impasse with sewage treatment facility at Doolin.
Councillors at yesterday’s Ennistymon Area Meeting of Clare County Council accused Minister Hogan of muddying the waters concerning the scheme. Under the Department of the Environment’s new criteria for sew- erage funding, smaller projects such as Doolin are excluded.
However, following a meeting between Minister Hogan and a deputation from Doolin, the indication was given that Clare County Council had not made an application for funding.
Cllr Richard Nagle (FF) requested a copy of all correspondence between Clare County Council and the Department of the Environment concerning the Doolin scheme.
In a letter from Minister Hogan’s private secretary, dated November 19 last, the minister invited Clare County Council to make an allocation but failed to answer specific questions about the department’s own criteria, which effectively excluded Doolin from receiving funding.
“Ultimately what this comes down to, under the present waste water programme, [is that] small towns like Doolin cannot be included. The delay in the sewerage scheme in Doolin has delayed the provision of basic infrastructure like footpaths, lighting and pedestrian crossings,” said Cllr Nagle.
“They are not included in the investment programme and if you are not there, how can you get the funding? You have to wonder why Hogan gave false hope to people.
“It is extremely regrettable that we are getting this game of ducks and drakes being played where civil servants are saying one thing in one paragraph or a letter and another thing in another paragraph.
“People have being given the impression that funding is being provided – but nothing is happening. It is totally unacceptable and people are being left in limbo.”
Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) read details of a correspondence between himself and Fine Gael officials into the minutes of the meeting. The emails, which were dated December 8, 2012, outlined the contraction of Minister Hogan’s comments to the Doolin deputation and the current criteria for sewerage projects.
Lahinch councillor Billy Slattery (FG) suggested that the councillors request a meeting with the minister and get him to clarify the situation once and for all.
“A deputation did go and met Phil Hogan and he did give a positive indication to that deputation. If this goes into 2014, the new water body will be responsible for this; Clare County Council will not have any role to play. Is that why Minister Hogan is kicking this can down the road?” he said