This article is from page 14 of the 2006-11-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
RESIDENTS concerned over the re-development of the historic Old Military Barracks in Ennis say the development will attract increased levels of anti-social behaviour.
In a statement, the Old Military Barracks Resident Group have called on local councillors to support their concerns, which also include a reduction in green space.
Following a meeting with Ennis Town Council officials last week, residents say their concerns over the development have not been fully considered and that the issue of antisocial behaviour has already been raised with the estate manager. Pointing out that five people with disabilities live in the area, the group say the level of development will negatively impact on residents’ quality of life.
Ennis Town Council hopes to redevelop the Old Military Barracks on the Kilrush Road as a three-storey building consisting of two twobedroomed apartments and two twobedroomed duplex units.
There are also plans to renovate the existing Guard House, a protected structure, which is attached to Avondale House, to incorporate three two-bedroomed terraced houses. Ancillary storage units, rear boundary walls, parking areas and pathways are also included in the plans.
However, residents have voiced their reservations over the scale of the development. In a submission to the council in September, the group outlined their concerns and called on the council to clarify who owned the legal deeds to the area.
“While we welcome the attention that Ennis Town Council is giving to the derelict site, we have strong reservations over the large development being proposed. Seven units is the large number being proposed, three of which are being built on the existing derelict site. Four of these units will be built on the only green space available to the residents.
“As there are seven units being proposed, this will bring extra traffic into the area. One can expect an increase of approximately 10 cars. This is adding to the current number in existence already. There are a number of single story houses in the estate and this new development will overshadow the homes of current residents.”
The issue is expected to be discussed at the December meeting of Ennis Town council.