This article is from page 13 of the 2008-06-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A SIXMILEBRIDGE doctor is part of local opposition to plans for a €55 million residential development in what is Clare’s fastest growing vil- lage.
Earlier this year, Cormac Quigley lodged plans to construct 221 residen- tial units in the south-east Clare vil- lage. The proposal is one of a number of large-scale planning applications planned for Sixmilebridge.
According to the 2006 census, the population of Sixmilebridge exceed- ed 2,000 for the first time in living memory.
Dr Padraic McKenna is one of a number of residents of Ashview Drive in the village to have lodged an individual objection, while the Ashview Drive Residents Associa- tion have also objected to the devel- opment.
In his objection, Dr McKenna claimed that Sixmiulebridge was growing too quickly for the local in- frastructure.
“The roads, services, local facilities and amenities and local infrastruc- ture would not be able to support such a development. It will mean that families will have to travel to Shan- non, Ennis or Limerick for schools ANNO Mr Dee CoevIBlene
“This development is not in line with proper planning requirements for a small town like Sixmilebridge, as it will comprise housing units only. There are no proposals for a playground, créches, parks or play- ing pitches. These types of facilities are essential for the families who are to reside in the new development and the town as a whole.
“Sixmilebridge has very poor local transport. Its connectivity with Shan- non, Limerick and Ennis is very poor. In this context, building a large hous- ing estate to house hundreds more persons in the town is ludicrous.
“Sixmilebridge is really a rural area. The development proposes a high-density urban or suburban-style development which is completely un- suitable for the town. Such a devel- opment is more suitable for Limerick or Ennis. The development would adversely affect what is a rural area and would damage the character of the town,’ Dr McKenna objection concludes.
Another local development, pro- posed by Fordmount Development, is awaiting a decision from the coun- cil planners. This is for a mixed- use scheme comprising residential, retail, community and commercial units on a nine-acre site bounded by the Limerick Road.