CAMPAIGNERS ATTEMPTING to save two 19th century Co Clare buildings immortalised in John Hinde postcards have appealed to Minister for Tourism Mary Hanafin to intervene.
The “Blake’s corner” buildings in Ennistymon are at risk of vandalism, according to the Save Ennistymon Heritage group, and it says the legal owner, Clare County Council, is doing nothing to protect the structures.
However, the council’s senior engineer, Tom Tiernan, has said measures were being taken to preserve the buildings.
He confirmed that proposals to “improve the nearby junction may well have implications” for their future.
Mr Tiernan says the junction at Blake’s corner for the N67 and N85 national routes has become a bottleneck for tourist coaches bound for the Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch and other county attractions.
He acknowledges there were “sensitivities” in relation to the listed buildings, and “all issues” would be considered in plans for a junction or roundabout.
Last year the council said it would be consulting with the heritage division of the Department of the Environment, the Heritage Council and An Taisce before coming to a final decision.
Mr Tiernan says that a bypass for Ennistymon would be ideal but “light years away” in the present financial climate.