This article is from page 2 of the 2006-06-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
BUILDERS could be on site at the Kilrush Marina as early as the beginning of next year, developing a hotel, apartments and commercial units.
It is believed that Shannon Development has whittled down to three the number of interested parties contending to build on the site. All three are believed to have Clare connections.
Towards the end of the month, executives of the semi-state company will discuss the favoured contender with their counterparts in the Kilrush Marina Company, the Shannon Development subsidiary, which is responsible for the west Clare marina.
It is believed that the board of Shannon Development will then consult with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment before any final announcement on the future of the West Clare Marina is made. That announcement is expected some time in July.
Last summer, Shannon Development advertised for expressions of interest in developing the land around the marina. Its development was facilitated by a decision in December at Kilrush Town Council, to rezone areas of the town.
It is now believed that three companies are being considered for the project, all of whom are planning to build apartments, commercial outlets and a five-star hotel at the waterfront.
Promises have been made that the marina will continue in its present form, with plans to extend it by 100 births, up to 220.
The boat yard may have to be relocated towards the lock gates however.
The project will probably be built on a phased basis, with indications that ownership will only be handed over at the completion of each stage.
The semi-state company could face some difficulties in convincing interested parties of the benefits of transferring the land and marina to the private sector.
When contacted by The Clare People , a spokesperson for Shannon Development said the company could not comment on the details. He said “Shannon Development advertised expressions of interest last summer.
“We are currently carrying out final assessments of expressions of interest,” he said.