Minister of State Tony Killeen today confirmed that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has expressed its intention to shortly grant a Foreshore Licence for Ballyvaughan.

According to the North Clare T.D., the issuing of the licence will clear the way for works to commence on the long awaited Ballyvaughan Sewerage Scheme.

He said: "The Department has indicated its intention to grant the Foreshore Licence, details of which have yet to be agreed. I welcome this commitment, as the absence of such a licence has been the main obstacle to progress on the scheme.

"I have been further informed by the Transportation and Infrastructure section of Clare County Council that land acquisition is proceeding and tender documents can be further advanced now that the decision by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to grant the licence has been notified."

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The Minister explained that the delays to the commencement of works on the North Clare scheme could be attributed to the detailed consideration that must be given to the potential effects that issuing such licences would have on the local marine environment and future impact on the areas concerned.

He said: "I am delighted, however, that the Department has now expressed its intention to grant the licence, thus enabling Clare County Council to invite tenders for the construction of the necessary infrastructure."

The provision of a Sewerage Scheme in Ballyvaughan would bring similar benefits to those experienced in Lisdoonvarna and surrounding areas following the completion of the local Sewage and Water Schemes.

Mr Kileen said: "For many years, the lack of adequate infrastructure in North Clare had led to pressure being placed on rural communities in relation to development with more and more people applying to the County Council for permission to build and to provide their own septic tank and water supply."

"Work on the Ballyvaughan Sewerage Scheme will relieve much of this pressure and provide for the rural regeneration and sustained economic development of North Clare. Equally, with ever-increasing numbers of tourists visiting the village and surrounding areas, it is imperative that the necessary infrastructure is put in place. After all, a sustainable tourism industry is critically important to the future economic well-being of the entire county," he concluded.

(VB/JM)