This article is from page 17 of the 2006-12-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
PLANS have been lodged with Clare County Council to construct a substantial park ‘n ride facility in Liscannor for the €31.5 million Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.
The plans by the Mermaid Partnership form part of the first signs of a private sector involvement in the visitor centre which is now nearing completion. The outline planning application is for the construction of a park ‘n ride facility with a retail development which will consist of five buildings and 352 underground car-parking spaces and 10 bus-parking bays.
The site located on the northern side of the R478 in Liscannor village is zoned for park and ride facilities in the North Clare Area Plan.
John D Flanagan of the Mermaid Partnership confirmed that outline planning is currently being sought from the Council.
“The Council’s decision will dictate when an application for full planning permission will be submitted. A timeframe on an approximate start up date for the proposed park and ride service to the Cliffs of Moher will be made once such an application is submitted. We are anxious to proceed with the proposed development as early as possible.”
“The overall proposal has the potential to contribute hugely to the overall development of the tourist sector in Clare while creating considerable employment opportunities in Liscannor and the north Clare area.”
North Clare councillor, Martin Conway (FG) said he was supportive of the application, provided that it met all the criteria.
“Park ‘n ride for the Cliffs of Moher is the way to go. When you look at the poor quality of road structure around the Cliffs of Moher, anything that will reduce the volumes in terms of traffic is a welcome development.”
“The development of a park ‘n ride facility at Liscannor is also fulfilling another objective of spreading the benefits of the new visitor centre around north Clare. It will benefit Liscannor and I would be hopeful for park and ride facilities at Ennistymon, Lahinch and Doolin”, he said.
A decision is expected on the application in 2007.