This article is from page 10 of the 2011-11-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
SHANNON Development has been challenged to play its part in revitalising the economic fortunes of Kilrush by helping create hundreds of new jobs as the west Clare capital looks “to itself for its own salvation”.
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce has launched its action plan for the development of the town, which it says “if implemented in the Kilrush Creek Marina and landbank areas would result in new and increased commercial activities and the provision of new skilled jobs in greater Kilrush”.
The blueprint has been sent to Shannon Development chief executive, Dr Vincent Cunnane for consideration and identifies a range of commercial opportunities that could boost the town’s flagging economic fortunes.
“Kilrush Chamber of Commerce reluctantly recognises that Kilrush town, because of its size and geographical location is unlikely to be a prominent forerunner in the garnering of new international or national based industries,” the plan secured by The Clare Peopl e says.
“Kilrush must therefore look into itself for its own salvation. Kilrush Chamber of Commerce has identified, the Shannon Development owned and operated Kilrush Creek Marina facility as presenting an excellent location for the creation of a mixed commercial, tourism, educational and social development.
“The facility contains large areas of land which are currently vacant green field sites, a boatyard which presents huge potential for further development and exploitation and a Marina which is not being exploited to anything like its full potential,” the plan adds.
Included in the comprehensive report are proposals for the extension of the West Clare Railway to Kilrush, the development of a Kilrush Historical and Remembrance Park, a Community and Youth Theatre, Craft Village, the development of interpretative centre facilities for Scattery Island as well as opening of a year-round West Clare Tourism Promotion Centre.
The Shannon Development-owned landbank on Merchant’s Quay has emerged as a key component of the Chamber of Commerce’s plan to kick-start economic activity in the town.
“The Merchants Quay grassed area is not currently for sale by Shannon Development,” the action plan states and argues that “only upon its full development will it attain any real value. “Shannon Development can therefore provide land areas to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, The West Clare Railway, Kilrush Local History Group, the Brothers of Charity, the Royal Western Yacht Club at no financial outlay to Shannon Development itself. “Kilrush Chamber of Commerce has identified the overall Kilrush Creek Marina Facility as holding out the real possibility for the creation of new revenue streams and new skilled jobs. “Kilrush is presenting this submission to Shannon Developments the current owners for their consideration of the contents contained therein and would request that Shannon Development give serious thought to the development of the facility,” the action plan concludes.