Discussions are underway surrounding the development of a Blueway Plan for the Shannon Estuary.
Maximising the potential of water based recreation at the Shannon Estuary underpinned a recent motion to the West Clare Municipal District by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND). He asked that a master plan be completed with a view to focusing on “future community engagement events to be held in Clare communities along the northern banks”.
Officials in Clare County Council have already began discussions with the potential of a Blueway Plan being introduced for the Shannon Estuary. Acting senior executive officer, John O’Malley detailed that the offerings of water based recreational facilities would now be factored into the talks as a result of Lynch’s proposal.
Planning, rural development and tourism sections of the local authority are also involved with the West Clare MD on the plans.
Speaking on the topic, Cllr Lynch admitted that it was the reaction and commentary on The Clare Echo‘s social channels to a motion by Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) that prompted the idea for the proposal. “I’d like to start a simple consultation process, the people that use the water know what is best for it, there are loads of different opportunities. We need to have a separate strategy. You can sail the Estuary in most weathers. Start with a public consultation and put it into an overall strategy”.
Water resources remain vital to West Clare, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) stressed. “I have a feeling water and power is what people want not the big project, it’s the simple stuff”.
