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The development of a new pier in Doolin moved a step closer last evening when Clare County Council presented what it described as a 'viable development proposal' to Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
In a meeting facilitated by Minister Tony Killeen, it was agreed by both parties that a proposal to build a new pier in the North Clare coastal village at a cost of €10 million would be pursued further.
"This proposal represents the first time that a preferred option for developing the pier has been put forward by Clare County Council," explained Minister Killeen.
He continued: "I welcome the fact that considerable progress on the issue can now take place following years of debate and discussion on what the best way forward should be. I am particularly aware of the sensitive nature of the issue at hand, which is why I have worked for many years to facilitate meetings between various interest groups including the two Government Departments and senior officials from Clare County Council."
"The proposal that has been presented by the Council and well received by Minister Ó Cuív is one of a number of proposals that were drafted by a team of consultants some time ago. It provides for the construction of a new pier in close proximity to the existing pier while it will require less dredging work in Doolin Harbour, which is an expensive and time consuming process," stated the Minister.
Minister Killeen indicated that any advancement of the proposal would now be subject to consultation with interested parties and the approval of Clare County Council. He added that the some land acquisition issues would need to be resolved while it was likely that a foreshore licence would also have to be sought.
The Minister said that he and his colleague Minister Eamon Ó Cuív had become impatient at the lack of progress on the issue.
Also present at the meeting were Tom Carey, Director of Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Clare County Council; and Donal Buckley, Senior Road Engineer, Transportation and Infrastructure, Clare County Council.
(JM)
