Shannon to Bunratty walking trail moves one step closer - Clare Echo

PLANS for a walking trail linking Shannon and Bunratty have moved forward with Clare County Council confirming that an Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funding application has been submitted.

*Progress has been made on the proposed Shannon-Bunratty walking trail according to an update from Cllr Tony Mulcahy’s (inset) Notice of Motion at the September MD meeting.

PLANS for a walking trail linking Shannon and Bunratty have moved forward with Clare County Council confirming that an Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funding application has been submitted .

The update was given at the September meeting of the Shannon Municipal District following a Notice of Motion from Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG).

Cllr Mulcahy asked whether an application could be submitted under the ORIS for the development of a walking trail between Shannon and Bunratty.

In a written response, Senior Executive Officer Suzie Clifford confirmed that an application had already been submitted.

“Shannon Municipal District has submitted an Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funding application to the Planning, Economic, Rural and Community Development Directorate for a Shannon to Bunratty Trail,” she said.

“Multiple stakeholders provided the Municipal District with letters of support.”

Cllr Mulcahy said he was happy with the response and that it would be “fantastic to get it in place”.

Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF), who seconded the motion, said discussions had already taken place with farmers in Shannon and Bunratty about the proposed trail route and allowing people to pass through their land.

However, he said the project appeared to have “come to a full stop” once Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) became involved.

Cllr O’Gorman said €100,000 had been received the previous year “to bring it forward another bit”, but suggested progress had stalled following TII’s involvement.

He said a similar issue had arisen with a footpath in Cratloe near the main road.

Council officials said an alternative route was also being examined, with the route previously discussed by Cllr O’Gorman having received significant support.

They said the Shannon-Bunratty link remained on the council’s radar because of its potential economic benefits for Shannon and the wider region.

Officials said work was continuing to find an alternative solution that would allow the project to progress, with an official saying: “If it can’t happen one way, we will try to do it another.”

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