‘Many areas are not getting the level of support they need’ - Cllr Griffin - Clare Echo

GREATER investment in roads, footpaths, drainage and public spaces is needed across the Shannon Municipal District, according to Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr David Griffin (FF).

Cllr Griffin has called for additional resources to be allocated to the district in future Clare County Council budgets and work programmes, saying current investment is not meeting the needs of local communities.

He said residents were being let down by what he described as underinvestment in essential infrastructure and the maintenance of public spaces.

“The reality is simple; people can see the difference every day,” he said.

“If roads are deteriorating, footpaths are left in poor condition and public spaces are not being maintained properly, then the funding model is not working.”

Cllr Griffin said the district needed a more balanced allocation of resources that reflected its population, traffic levels and the scale of infrastructure it was responsible for maintaining.

He highlighted the range of communities served by the district, including Shannon, Sixmilebridge, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Westbury and suburban areas on the outskirts of Limerick City, as well as rural and recreational areas.

“The Shannon District is a growing and active district servicing some of the fastest growing towns in the County,” he said.

“Our district must service the second largest town in the county, Shannon, the third largest town, Sixmilebridge, the fifth largest village of Newmarket-on-Fergus, one of the largest housing estates in Munster, Westbury, major suburban areas on the periphery of Limerick City, and extensive rural and recreational areas.”

Cllr Griffin said he believed many areas were not receiving the support needed to meet community expectations.

“But I feel many areas are not getting the level of support they need to truly meet the expectation of communities,” he said.

He called for a more equitable allocation of funding during forthcoming budget discussions and the preparation of the council’s programme of works, with particular emphasis on roads, drainage, footpaths and general maintenance.

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