Council will not disclose details of land purchases relating to Cliffs of Moher Strategy

Clare County Council says it won't publicly disclose any specific details relating to the controversial Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040, particularly surrounding the purchase of land at the site as "it would not be commercially prudent."

This has been revealed in a reply to a question submitted by a number of councillors, including Shane Talty, Joe Garrihy, Pat Hayes, Pat Burke, Tom O' Callaghan, Paul Murphy, John Crowe, Ian Lynch, Mary Howard, Rita McInerney, Joe Killeen and Bill Slattery. 

In the question, the councillors asked the Council to outline the statutory basis, governance procedure and rationale underpinning the purchase of lands at the Cliffs of Moher and the source of funding for these purchases.

The Draft Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 proposes the protection of the natural environment and biodiversity of the lands adjacent to the Cliffs of Moher.

In a written reply, Interim Chief Executive Dr Carmel Kirby clarified: "To achieve this objective, it was identified through the drafting of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 that the adjacent lands need to be acquired to future proof this national asset as a key part of the strategic infrastructure of the Cliffs of Moher."

READ MORE: Clare County Council considers new grant that could make a big difference for homeowners