Friday, April 02, 2010

Progress Made On Doolin Pier Development

Minister Tony Killeen has confirmed that Clare County Council has advertised a tender for the provision of consulting engineering led services associated with the design and build contract for the new Doolin harbour development.

The North Clare T.D. also confirmed that the planning application and the foreshore licence application for the project are being progressed separately by the Council.

“Following numerous consultations with me, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has agreed to provide a total of six million euro to undertake these works. The funding will be administered through the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government”, stated Minister Killeen.

He continued: “I have made a significant number of representations at Government level on behalf of the local community in recent years and am now delighted that we are at the stage where real movement is being made in relation to these important development works. This is very much a step in the right direction and will be welcomed by users of the pier and harbour”.

The services that the successful contract applicant will carryout include preparation of design and build tender documentation, management of the tender process, administration of the design and build contract, cost control including agreement of final accounts and provision of PSDP services to appointment of design and build contractor stage.

The proposed new harbour development works comprise a new pier up to 60 metres in length, an access road, and sea dredging in Doolin Harbour.

Originally called Ballaghaline Fishing Station, Doolin Pier is the main access point from County Clare to the Aran Islands. It is used by fishermen from the Doolin area as well as the Aran Islands due to its close proximity to the local fish processing plant while a ferry service also operates from there.

2010 Single Payment Scheme Application Forms Are Issued

Clare T.D. and Minister for Defence Tony Killeen has reminded Clare farmers that the issuing of pre-printed applications forms for the 2010 Single Payment Scheme has commenced.

Minister Killeen also reminded farmers that the closing date for receipt of applications under the Scheme is Monday, 17 May 2010.

Commenting on the issuing of application forms, the North Clare Fianna Fail Deputy said he was pleased the Department of Agriculture had commenced the issuing of applications He added: “This is the sixth year of the Single Payment Scheme and it is important that each farmer ensures that the data is correct. While the data is pre-printed as an aid to completing the forms, nevertheless it remains the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that it is entirely accurate.”

The Minister said: “I am pleased to say that these applications are issuing as early as possible, but I would urge everyone concerned to take the time to double-check the pre-printed data to ensure its’ accuracy. While the practise of pre-printing data on the application forms has been very beneficial for both applicants and his Department, the onus rests with applicants to satisfy themselves as to its accuracy.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the system should log onto www.agfood.ie or telephone the dedicated helpdesk at 1890 252 118. The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme is Monday, 17 May 2010.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

17KM Of New Motorway To Open Today

Limerick County Council has announced that the M7 motorway, currently open to traffic along a section of the Nenagh bypass, will open to traffic as far as the Birdhill Interchange (Junction 27) from 3pm today Thursday, 01 April 2010.

Traffic coming from the Dublin direction can exit the M7 on the Birdhill link road (R494), which will lead to the Birdhill roundabout on the existing N7. Traffic coming from the Limerick direction along the existing N7 may access the new motorway via the Birdhill Roundabout on the R494 to the Birdhill interchange (Junction 27).

The additional section of the M7 is approximately 17km in length.

Traffic restrictions currently in place to the North of the Carrigatogher Interchange (Junction 26) will remain in place.