WATERWAYS IRELAND NEW REGIONAL OFFICE IN CARRICK ON SHANNON

At a press conference in Carrick on Shannon this afternoon it was announced that Waterways Ireland would not proceed with plans to build the new Regional Office on the site owned by Waterways Ireland at Cortober, Carrick on Shannon.

In September, Waterways Ireland organised a public meeting to consider the views of interested parties as part of the consultation process for the proposed new Regional Office for Waterways Ireland.

Approximately 280 local residents and interested parties attended the public meeting and provided feedback on the proposed building and its location. During the two hour meeting, presentations were made by Waterways Ireland and the OPW and it was an opportunity for Waterways Ireland to listen to all comments and concerns regarding the proposed building and location.

All comments were considered by Waterways Ireland and the final decision not to proceed to planning stages was announced by John Martin, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland. Speaking at the press conference, he said, "Given the number and indeed weight of opposition to the proposed site and having taken into account a number of other factors, Waterways Ireland has decided not to proceed with the building at the Cortober location. We have informed the Office of Public Works of our decision and will be asking them to seek an alternative site for the building."

At the press conference it was also announced that Waterways Ireland will be initiating discussions with Roscommon County Council regarding an improvement programme for the site in Cortober with a view to providing a quality recreation and amenity area, with involvement from local residents. The site at Cortober is owned by Waterways Ireland and leased to Roscommon County Council at present.

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Further information from:

Ms. Aoife Morrissy, Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland, 00 353 71 9650787 or 00 353 879918412. Or:
Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland, 00 44 28 66346203.

Date: 03.11.2005
PR050026