This article is from page 6 of the 2006-11-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
THE €2 million expansion of a filling station and shop in Shannon has been put on hold because SkyCourt has refused consent for the development.
Local businessman Darragh O’Connor closed his Texaco filling station and convenience shop a month ago and had commenced its redevelopment. This was to incorporate knocking and rebuilding the site and the opening of a Spar store on the premises.
The project was to include the construction of a shop, treble the size of that which existed previously. Mr O’Connor had planned to locate the retail unit on the ground floor, with offices and store rooms upstairs.
The business has been operated by the O’Connor family for the past 30 years. Mr O’Connor was granted planning permission four years ago for this development. It is part of the SkyCourt centre complex. Texaco have leased the site from the town centre management company.
However, SkyCourt has now informed Mr O’Connor that they are “refusing consent” for the development. In response to a query from The Clare People , SkyCourt issued a brief statement on the issue, stating, “In general, SkyCourt welcomes the development of new units and the expansion of existing outlets at our shopping centre in Shannon. However, in this instance, regrettably we were obliged to refuse consent for reasons of good estate management and in the interests of overall trade at the centre.”
A spokesman said, “It is not an objection per se. It is a refusal to grant consent. The management company is refusing consent.”
Mr O’Connor, who took over the business from his parents Al and Mary 10 years ago, expressed frustration at this development taking place at such a late stage.
“I think it is a shame that somebody can come and object. I had expected to be off for five months working on this project and had intended to open in March or April next year, but it is gone back at least two months now,” he said. Mr O’Connor said he may now have no option but to go to arbitration in an effort to sort out the issue.Local councillor Tony Mulcahy (FG) said SkyCourt’s refusal to consent was a shame.
“This family have been in business in the town for many years. It is disgraceful that anyone would object to someone growing their business.”