The topics of off-shore wind energy development and rural decline were most prominent in the latest of Clare FM’s Local Election debates.
With just over a week to go to polling day on June 7th, candidates are competing for 28 seats across 5 electoral areas.
Twelve of thirteen candidates in the Kilrush Local Electoral Area have taken part in the third of six debates taking place in the Council Chamber at Áras Contae an Chláir over the coming week.
Listen to the full debate here. Continue reading below…
The Green Atlantic at Moneypoint Project is pledging to transform the Kilrush plant into a green energy hub and produce enough capacity to power 1.6million homes within the next decade.
The project is expected to be delayed beyond ESB’s initial target date of 2029, in part due to former leading developer Equinor pulling out of the Irish market in 2021 and the planning process to come.
Cree based Independent candidate Dinny Gould believes works aren’t progressing fast enough though and must be expedited to boost employment in the region.
An Independent Ireland Candidate claims local politicians have failed in their efforts to secure funding for major infrastructure in West Clare.
Kilkee farmer Kevin Hassett says questions need to be answered on why the region’s infrastructure has been ignored, in light of Moneypoint’s potential.
According to the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, the local authority is in the process of applying for European funding to secure a Maritime Training Centre of Excellence in Kilrush.
Independent Councillor Ian Lynch insists the community cannot be blindsided by plans for Moneypoint and must ensure all proposals are critiqued to bring maximum benefits to the locality.
A Fianna Fáil candidate for the region believes the N68 needs to be upgraded to a dual carriageway to prepare for the scale of industrial activity promised for West Clare in the coming years.
Quilty man Michael Shannnon says a strategic long-term plan is needed.
The Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce has identified the potential for 10,000 new green energy jobs in the region by 2035 and 50,000 by 2050.
Kilkee Fianna Fáil Councillor Cillian Murphy insists the neccesary upskilling and workshops need to be put in place now, to ensure these jobs remain in West Clare and benefit the local economy.
One West Clare candidate believes there’s not enough representation from this county on important panels hoping to advance off-shore development in the region.
Mullagh Fine Gael representative, Therese Doohan says a greater Clare voice is urgently required on the Shannon-Foynes Port Authority.
Meanwhile, the debate has heard differing views on the legitimacy of claims of rural decline in West Clare, as well as calls for investment and reform of legislation impacting the region.
Candidates appeared to be largely united in their opposition to planning legislation which they believe poses obstacles to West Clare residents looking to build on their parents’ land.
The council chamber has long heard calls from the likes of outgoing Lissycasey Fianna Fáil Councillor PJ Kelly for reform of legislation preventing construction of homes on land backing onto national secondary roads such as Clare’s N67, N68 and N85.
Irish Freedom Party candidate and Lissycasey farmer John Hill claims planning permission is being refused for “ridiculous” reasons.
The Planning and Development Bill is currently being debated in the Oireachtas Housing Committee and concerns have been raised by opposition TDs that if rushed into law, it could result in legal challenges.
Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says it’s the job of local representatives to put pressure on Oireachtas members to scrutinise any potentially harmful legislation.
On the subject of rural decline, Cross Fine Gael Councillor Gabriel Keating believes the problem is being exaggerated by the media.
He insists there are causes for optimism.
With Kilrush having the second-highest rate of commercial vacancy in Munster at almost 25%, Fianna Fáil’s Alan Troy says emphasis should be shifted from Moneypoint to West Clare’s largest urban centre.
Quilty independent candidate Joseph Woulfe, who’s worked in farming, retail and as a barber, says he’d support a regular payment to keep the region’s small and medium businesses afloat.
The West Clare Railway Greenway, comprising four sections, will span 85 kilometres when completed, and construction is expected to commence by 2027.
Ballyea Green Party candidate and secondary school teacher Susan Griffin says once open to the public, the greenway could be a fantastic social outlet for rural people who feel disconnected from their communities.
Kilrush Sinn Féin candidate Dawn Bennett, meanwhile, was unavailable to attend today’s debate.
Clare FM’s local election specials will air on Morning Focus each weekday from 9am, with candidates from Shannon and Killaloe taking part in the remaining debates tomorrow, and early next week.
