This article is from page 2 of the 2006-09-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
PLANS have been lodged with Clare County Council to construct a roadlink to the Ennis by-pass that would open almost 60 acres of land for commercial development on the outskirts of Ennis.
The move by Michael Lynch Ltd is the latest by developers in the scramble to exploit the commercial opportunities provided by the opening of lands by the €190 million by-pass.
Already, plans for two large-scale retail parks have been lodged. One of the options put forward for the lands near Clareabbey by Michael Lynch Ltd is for the development of a 42,000-capacity stadium.
The proposed development of a 1.5km-long single-carriageway is to connect the Clonroadmore industrial estate, where the headquarters of Michael Lynch Ltd is based, and the western relief route of the Ennis by-pass.
The road will open up lands for development at Clonroadmore, where the company propose to develop the stadium along with 8,000 sq metres, a 70-bed hotel, 650 sq metres of offices, 1,200 sq metres of a conference facility, 240 houses, 1,000 sq metres of gym, an all-weather pitch, a three to four acre public park around Clareabbey and park-and-ride facilities along with a train stop.
The second option put forward for the land is the development of 400 residential units, 25,000 sq metres of retail warehousing, a three to four acre public park around Clareabbey, park-and-ride facilities and a train stop.
The company states that the road will unlock development lands and will facilitate the orderly and controlled development of land in close proximity to the urban core of Ennis.
The proposed link road is to be located 30 metres from the national monument, the Clareabbey.
However, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) states that the site of the proposed route is “outside the area of highest archaeological potential”.
The EIS does acknowledge that “it is possible that archaeological deposits may be present within Area 2”.
As part of consultation for the EIS, An Taisce’s Heritage Officer, Ian Lumley stated that the “proximity of the proposed route to the ruin of the medieval Clareabbey and its impact on the physical and landscape is seriously problematic”.
Meanwhile, Green Party Councillor Brian Meaney said the abbey has been isolated and hidden away for years and he is doubtful that the road will “alter the integrity of the abbey.”
He believes the road will improve access to the historic site and reduce anti-social behaviour on the grounds.
A decision is due on the application later this year.