THERE are many stark challenges facing the Mid-West region and the best way to tackle them is through a partnership approach, according to Clare councillor, Cathal Crowe. He told the Limerick Post: “The elected members of Clare County Council will continue to promote, encourage and facilitate the development of the University of Limerick’s north campus, and our council is presently acting as the lead authority in the the route selection stages of the proposed Limerick Northern Distributor road.
“It is also in the interests of both counties to have a well resourced and supported Shannon airport”.
Turning to a more localised effort, he had this to say:
“I think it would be both healthy and productive to have a number of joint meetings between the Killaloe Electoral Area councillors and Limerick City East Ward councillors.
“Our administrative boundaries may be drawn at the mid-point of Athlunkard bridge, but this is most certainly not where the issues for our constituents begin and end.
“It is vital that we sit down to discuss areas of mutual interest such as traffic, road maintenance, planning matters, etc. The boundary line between the counties must be accepted and respected for what it is and where it lies but the delivery of service across this boundary should be seamless”.
Two years ago, he pointed out, Clare County Council combined efforts with Limerick City Council to install a new hand-railing on the Athlunkard bridge.
“If heads are put together I think a lot can be achieved.
“I am hopeful that my motion will be passed at this week’s meeting and if our colleagues in Limerick city are agreeable to it, we could have our first joint area meeting this Autumn”.
