Cathaoirleach Cllr PJ Ryan voiced his disappointment about the project's omission from the NDP at the October meeting of Clare County Council, while also issuing reassurances that he believes the road will be completed in due course.
The phase of the project (Coonagh to Knockalisheen) is already under construction, with Cllr Ryan claiming the omission will not be a "show-stopper for what we in Clare want to achieve".
Cllr Ryan welcomed that commitments were repeated to the Killaloe Bypass and Bridge Crossing, a non-national roads project as well as a commitment to much-needed investment in general road maintenance.
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Cllr Ryan continued: "Also, while not specifically listed in the NDP, the plan commits to upgrading existing national road networks and enhanced regional accessibility which should include the N19 Shannon Access Road. The plan also addresses towns and villages that are experiencing major congestion and, again, while not specifically listed, I am hopeful that the Ennistymon Inner Relief Road (Blake's Corner) will continue to be funded as well as the N85 improvements at Kilnamona.
"The NDP commits to the Flood Risk Management Plans carried out under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, which should see the flood relief schemes at Shannon, Kilkee, Springfield, Bunratty and Kilrush being delivered over the lifetime of the plan. The Limerick City and Environs Flood Relief Scheme is specifically listed which will provide flood protection to Westbury, Shannon Banks and the Clare Campus of the University of Limerick. The NDP also commits to continued funding for minor flood schemes."
Cllr Ryan noted that the NDP is committed to Active Travel and Greenway projects, many of which are progressing across County Clare currently and, while not specifically listed in the NDP, he said he is hopeful the West Clare Railway Greenway and other Active Travel projects will be delivered under this plan.
