*Cllr Pat Burke (FG). Photograph: Martin Connolly
RURAL CLARE’s future came into focus at a special meeting of Clare County Council whereby the County Development Plan was adopted.
Even though it was regarded as a bright week for the fortunes of rural Clare with the revision of a rural development strategy, elected representatives shared their concerns on what the future may hold.
Taking extra time to complete the County Development Plan was “vindicated” according to Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). “I have spoken before about the closing down of rural Clare that allows Irish Water to dictate on the survival of 52 settlements in Clare, it can never be just about urban living, it is important that rural Clare is allowed to prosper,” the Shannon representative stated.
A decline in rural Clare is happening, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) stated. “I’m normally more positive, but there is a decline in rural Ireland and rural Clare, east and west, I’m very disappointed, shame on the Government, we’re still wondering if Broadford will get the go ahead for the wastewater treatment plant, things like this are no-brainers.
“We’ve seen decline in primary school numbers and closures of post office. I fear for rural Ireland and the decline that has taken place, young people are emigrating and rural clubs are not being able to field hurling teams. On a cold winter’s day like today not many will visit Holy Island, we need to sustain our rural communities 365 days a year. The rural decline is what I fear for,” the Whitegate representative added.
