DEVELOPMENT of a pump track in Lahinch would offer an alternative to “drinking cans by the cliff car park” for young people, a Green Party councillor has claimed.
Arranging a pre-feasibility study for the development of a pump track in Lahinch has been sought by Cllr Liam Grant (GP) who praised the “very successful” and “hugely popular” equivalent in Shannon and the demand existing in North-West Clare for a similar facility. The end of the promenade and top carpark were suggested by Grant as possible locations.
A demand also exists in Kilkee and Lisdoonvarna for such facilities, he maintained, “the Council should look into carrying out feasibility studies and design work across all locations collectively”.
Acting senior executive officer in the West Clare Municipal District, John O’Malley detailed that the Shannon Pump Track project was managed by Clare County Council’s forward planning section as part of the Shannon Town Park Project with EU funding from the Southern Regional Assembly’s Operational Programme and matching funding from Clare County Council following extensive public consultation.
He stated, “In order to progress the proposed pump track in Lahinch and other locations in the West Clare MD funding will be required to progress with a feasibility study which will include a public engagement process for these areas. I will work with the member on progressing this”.
There is a strong desire to have skater and cycle tracks across North-West Clare, Cllr Grant outlined. He committed to continuing to push for the pump track as long as he was sitting on the Council. “Drinking cans by the cliff park in Lahinch was the big thing to do, this is an alternative option that we can put forward. This facility will become more and more popular, let’s get a very good one in Clare. I’ll go around with a bucket myself if I have to in order to fund it”.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) wheeled in with solid support for the proposal, “I’m 100 percent behind you on this one, they’re very cost effective, there’s a bit of capital money that needs to go in but they’re not huge numbers for what they deliver”. He acknowledged the importance of a feasibility study, “the engagement with the community as to where it goes is a very important piece of the puzzle”. He said he was willing to support funding through his General Municipal Allocation.
