Cowen welcomes positive update on Clara Fire Station plans

Offaly TD Barry Cowen has welcomed the positive update from Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, concerning the proposed construction of the new fire station in Clara.

Deputy Cowen had contacted the Minister following disappointment in Clara that the provision of a new fire station in the town was not included in the recent Fire Services Capital Programme.

Clara was listed as the sole priority for Offaly in this regard and described as “a priority” by Offaly County Council.

However, Deputy Cowen has now provided a more positive update.

“The correspondence I received from the Minister commits to reviewing the Fire Services Capital Programme yearly. It also commits to inclusion of Clara Fire Station if it has progressed through planning in the intervening period," said the Fianna Fail TD.

“I have been informed that it is expected that Offaly County Council will progress the Part 8 planning process in a number of weeks,” he continued.

Deputy Cowen added: “I’d also like to praise the efforts of Cllr Frank Moran who has been pushing the council on this and will continue to ensure matters are progressed sufficiently, thus allowing Minister O’Brien and the department to honour the commitment to fund this important project as soon as possible.”