Mixed local reaction to Claregalway plan

A NEW public realm plan proposed for Claregalway has been met with mixed reactions from local councillors.

At this month’s Athenry Municipal District meeting, Cllr James Charity (FG) expressed scepticism, questioning whether another plan would lead to meaningful progress on the ground.

The plan is a blueprint for the future development of Claregalway’s public spaces, including amenities and infrastructure.

However, Cllr Charity pointed to long-standing unresolved issues, including flooding on the village’s main street.

He referenced the Claregalway Roads and Traffic Scheme which was approved in 2019 and has yet to be delivered.

It was designed to address flooding, traffic and pedestrian safety issues. However, delays linked to land acquisition and the withdrawal of funding by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have stalled the scheme.

“I am always a bit reticent about funding for another plan, a document that isn’t being delivered on the ground,” Cllr Charity said.

“While it’s great to have another plan about what Claregalway needs, the community has been dealing with flooding on the main road for over a decade and we are incapable of doing anything about it.

“We’ve been waiting 15 years for a playground. Do we really need another plan, or do we need to get on with building?”

He said residents are increasingly frustrated by the lack of visible progress and are seeking clarity on when works will start.

“It’s 2019 since the Claregalway Roads Scheme and nothing has been done. When will they see works on the ground? That’s what people want to know,” he added.

Other councillors were more positive about the proposal. Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins (FG), described the plan as “great news for Claregalway as a future town” and said news on the outer ring road was expected soon.

Cllr Tomás Grealish (Ind) said Claregalway was “lacking in facilities” and welcomed the focus on amenities, while Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Cillian Keane (FF) stressed the importance of keeping pressure on national politicians to ensure projects progress.

While a €6 million funding figure was referenced during the meeting, councillors sought further clarity on which projects it would apply to.

Officials confirmed that tenders for public realm works in other locations have been received and that meetings with the Department are expected in the coming weeks to discuss funding arrangements.

■ Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: Sceptical...Cllr James Charity.