This article is from page 11 of the 2006-01-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
TWO Ennistymon schools have warned Clare County Council that schoolchildrens’ health will be put at risk if a plan to convert the local Convent of Mercy building into an apartment complex proceeds.
The boards of management of both Scoil Mhuire, Convent of Mercy and the Ennistymon Convent Primary School have told the council if the plan proceeds, it will pose a safety threat to the children attending the schools.
In their objection, Scoil Mhuire’s board members state, “the heavy traffic involved at the construction stage of development and the volume of cars that will service the apartments, when occupied, could pose a serious threat to the safety of our students.”
The objection by Scoil Mhuire is supported by opposition from the school’s parent’s association.
“It is with extreme concern that we have learned of the application,” they state.
The parents point out that the school has a policy that children must walk and not be driven the narrow road to the school.
“The reason is safety. It is therefore inconceivable that this proposed development could be favourably considered, particularly with its inclusion of 30 car-park spaces and the inevitable traffic up and down this totally unsuitable access road that this development will generate…it will have extremely serious implications for the safety of all children attending the school.”
In their objection, the Board of Management of the Convent Primary School stress that “it is wonderful news that the Convent of Mercy – closed for eight years – is to be developed.
“However, we are very concerned about access to the building as it also the entrance to the primary school and this may create health and safety issues.
The application by Tomas Fitzgerald of Banna Developments was made in 2004. Last year the council stated that it had serious concerns that the proposal would exacerbate the traffic problems.
The council told the applicant: “You are strongly advised to investigate the possibility of providing an alternative access where conflict between cars and pedestrians is significantly reduced.”
The developers suggested an alternative access, however at a meeting towards the end of last year, the council’s road engineering staff stated that they would prefer the original access road.
The consultant has since asked for a meeting between the planner, engineer and the applicant to resolve the issue. A decision on the application is expected at the end of the month.