*Ballard Rd, Miltown Malbay.
A NEW SOCIAL HOUSING SCHEME in Miltown Malbay has highlighted the need for improvement works at an adjacent estate.
Completed in October, the Baile na mBan development on Ballard Road, Milltown Malbay, consists of 27 social housing units provided through a direct build scheme by Clare County Council at an approved budget of €5,695,957.
This scheme was welcomed by Cllr Shane Talty (FF) who asked that provisions be made in the 2023 schedule of works for “the resurfacing of the road network in the existing Ballard Road Housing estate, as well refurbishment of the storm water network there”.
Enda MacNamara, senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District stated, “The area office will review the road network around the existing Ballard Road housing estate to determine the extent of works required. If deemed feasible, the roads will be put forward for inclusion on the Schedule of Municipal District Works for 2023”.
Explaining his reasoning for putting forward the proposal, Cllr Talty commented, “the old Miltown Malbay social housing scheme is looking across the wall at this brand new estate with fantastic lights and footpaths, they have subterranean tunnels or whatever they are that Cllr Kelly refers to”. Temporary patching to fill “the enormous potholes” was listed as a short-term measure by the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD.
Of the new 27 unit development, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) stated, “it’s a high quality estate and a wonderful job, I must compliment the housing section, it’s done to a very high standard, if you do it right on day one it’s nearly right for forever”.
Benefits of housing were cited by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) as he noted the addition of children to schools and benefits to the local economy. “There is a certain amount of upgrading needed as the next step and it must be done pretty soon”.
