Couple learns of plans to demolish their family home at public meeting

A Co Clare couple have spoken of their shock at being told of plans to demolish their home of almost 50 years to facilitate the construction of a controversial road.

Historian and author Dónal Ó Riain and his wife Alice found out at a public information meeting that four lanes of phase two of the €100m Northern Distributor Road are set to go through their four-bedroom home, Tuairín na Molt, in Ballykeelaun, Parteen.

While the couple were aware they could be living near the new motorway, which will split Parteen village in two, they claim Clare County Council provided no prior warning or indication that it would result in the loss of their home before the recent public consultation meeting in the Radisson Hotel, Limerick.