Local election candidate calls for 'longer term strategy' for Newmarket-on-Fergus town centre

First time local election candidate and Newmarket-on-Fergus native David Griffin hosted Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher for a public meeting on Rural Development at the GAA Clubhouse in the village.

The need for a longer term strategy for the development of the village was identified as key to unlocking its potential in the years to come.

Griffin said "Planning is crucial to the long term viability of rural towns and villages. Significant Government funding has been invested in trying to protect the viability of town centres, and to combat dereliction and rural depopulation, and to support the economic and social viability of rural town centres. I think we need a roadmap, a Town Centre First Plan."

"A Town Centre First plan is a detailed blueprint, in addition to the zoning map that sets goals and a vision for the future of the town. As part of this. there is a Town Team which is a stake holder group from the community, it has business owners, residential reps, sports reps etc."

"They work in conjunction with Senior Planners and Engineers to develop a plan and in Sixmilebridge it resulted in a 121 page planning document. It’s a dedicated plan for the development of the area that has been approved in principle by planners and engineers as viable."

"I would hope such a plan would aid in the securing additional funding and investment to the area/ The major stumbling block, which was also discussed at the meeting is the lack of sewage capacity for the village. The delays in the granting of planning for the extension of the wasterwater treatment plant are most frustrating, but hopefully we will see this resolved in the coming weeks."

Griffin concluded "It is vital that Newmarket on Fergus retains a representative on the Clare County Council after June 7th so that we have a voice at the table as the community grows over the coming years."