This article is from page 15 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 15 JPG
GREEN Party councillor, Donal O’Bearra has stated that the planned €20 million redevelopment of a site overlooking the River Fergus in Ennis raises the spectre of a concrete jungle in Ennis, unless a number of issues are addressed.
Last month, a Galway company, Briarlane Development Ltd lodged plans for the site, which would provide a new pedestrian bridge across the River Fergus to the Abbey Street car-park, adding to the four vehicular bridges already in use in and around the town centre.
The new proposal – in common with the application turned down by An Bord Pleanala last July – seeks to transform the Ennis skyline with a six-storey apartment block.
The development also includes a plan to develop a 30-bedroom hotel, 58 apartments, eight commercial units and 238 car-parking spaces, along with one three-storey and one two-storey block.
The developers are expected to state to Ennis Town Council that if permitted, the development will revitalise what is currently an underutilised backland site.
However, Cllr O’Bearra has lodged an objection against the proposal.
“The spectre of a concrete jungle is not an exaggerated prospect unless the role of nature as a significant component and partner in our built environment is recognised, actively and seriously cultivated, restored and progressed in real terms.
“The built component of our environment has alone dictated our social environment in the absence of nature for too long and to the detriment of the balanced whole.
“It is time to redress the natural deficit.”
Cllr O’Bearra claimed that the application “from the point of view of urban ecology, the built town’s relationship with the natural environment lacks respect, creativity and application and consequently goes against both the spirit and intentions of the Town Plan.
“The council should acknowledge this and act decisively and proactively in its role as upholder of the Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2003.”
Cllr O’Bearra has requested “a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) should be carried out of the bird life, aquatic flora and fauna, so that the importance of wildlife in urban areas such as this is highlighted.
“It is clear that without a little more imagination and application the current proposals are patently at cross purposes and even belligerent to the intention to protect, conserve and enhance the natural environment contained in the Development Plan.”
A decision is expected on the application next month.