Clare Councillors Shoot Themselves in Both Feet
It is simply appalling that Clare councillors would argue against planned major rail investment in their own region.
As reported in the Clare Echo, councillors have backed exploring a Glider bus system as an alternative to the proposed Shannon rail link. Cllrs Michael Begley and Pat O’Gorman say they do not expect the railway in their lifetimes. It won't with that attitude lads. They are doing an astounding disservice to County Clare, to Shannon and to the Midwest Region.
A future Shannon rail route is already provided for in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, and the airport link is recommended in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. Do they appreciate how significant that is? Councillors should be demanding its delivery. Instead, they are handing Government an excuse to keep postponing this critical investment.
With the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy being reviewed, this is precisely the moment to strengthen the case for rail and plan development around it. Talking down the project and questioning its protected corridor is profoundly shortsighted.
Better buses should complement rail. They should not become an excuse to abandon it.
The Midwest needs representatives who fight for its future. Clare deserves better than councillors writing that future off.
