Deep sea port at Moneypoint should be top of taskforce priority list

A CLARE councillor has called on the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce to put the development of a deep sea port at Moneypoint at the top of its priority list.

Kilrush Electoral Area Cllr P.J Kelly brought his motion before October's meeting of Clare County Council.

He brought up his concerns over a document, presented by the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce to the council at a recent meeting, made no mention of "the most important asset of the Shannon area, Moneypoint, as a future port".

He cited congestion in major European deep ports such as Milford Haven and Rotterdam as reason to pursue development of a deep sea port in the Estuary.

"Moneypoint is the deepest potential port, it should be developed," he stated.

Cllr Kelly's proposal was supported by many of his fellow councillors, including Cllr Pat McMahon, who said he had spoken with people from other countries who were "amazed" that a site with the potential of Moneypoint had not yet been developed.