This article is from page 3 of the 2011-03-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
HUNDREDS of new construction jobs will be created in Clare in the coming week if a number of ambitious new projects are cleared to proceed.
The construction sector in the county is on the verge of a mini-revival with a sharp increase in the number of commercial and residential developments seeking planning permission with Clare County Council.
Over the next three weeks planners at the local authority will decide whether to grant permission for the construction of four major commercial developments and three residential developments in Clare – amounting to almost 250 residential units.
According to estimates from the CSO and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), more then 4,000 construction jobs have been lost in Clare since 2007.
The CIF yesterday urged Clare County Council to look positively on a number of “very viable” commercial projects in the county.
“There seems to be a number of very viable schemes going before Clare County Council at the moment and we would urge them to look favourable in them,” said Clare CIF spokesperson, Conor O’Connell.
“Despite this we need to see the quick roll out of a number of public schemes such as the Ennis Waste Water Scheme, which would be a help in itself but would also prompt related development in the area.”
A decision will be made this Thursday on the construction of a new supermarket and office development in Miltown Malbay. The proposal, which is being put forward by Michael Gleeson and Jim Shannon, will contain a 4,153 square metre supermarket, a warehouse, three office units and an underground parking facility.
A decision is also due on the construction of a Wellness Centre including 15 tourist accommodation units in Ruan, a medical centre and community pharmacy in Roslevan and a new thrift shop and offices by Clare Care in Killaloe.
On the residential side of the market Jim Woods Building Contractor is awaiting permission to construct 16 houses in Kilkishen, while Allied Irish Bank have applied for the construction of two new houses and the retention of planning for 25 more at Arda na Deirge in Killaloe. A decision is due from Clare County Council on March 31 whether to grant Drumquin Construction Ltd an extension on permission to develop 190 houses at Knockanean in Roslevan.
Meanwhile, a major step towards the construction of a large retail centre by Michael Lynch Ltd on the Tobarteascain Road in Ennis could be made next week. A decision on road and pedestrian access to the development in due next Monday.