This article is from page 17 of the 2006-07-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
PLANS for a €40 million housing development in Kilkee are facing opposition from across the west Clare resort.
Earlier this year, plans were lodged for 196 homes by Colm Kennedy, Noel Gallivan and James Rael for Kilkee Upper.
The three developers are seeking full planning permission for 116 homes and outline planning permission for 80 homes. The plan also includes the construction of a childcare facility and nursing home.
However, the plan has attracted 24 separate objections. In their objection, Jackie and Joseph Haugh said that: “Were this development to go ahead, it would be a social, environmental and economic disaster of epic proportion for Kilkee.”
In his objection, local businessman, Brian Melican said: “I live on the Dunlicky Road just a few hundred yards away from this development and we can smell the raw sewage from where it is being pumped into the sea.
“Adding more to this will destroy our beach, which is the biggest attraction in Kilkee.
Estimating that there were 1,000 holiday homes in Kilkee, Mr Melican asked “will someone in the council wake up and call a halt. We have a beautiful place but we have to protect it. Enough damage has been done. Leave it at that.
“The heart of our town is dying. Let’s rejuvenate that and don’t mind filling our green fields with houses.”
In her objection, Aida O’Kennedy claims that the proposal will only add to Kilkee’s traffic chaos and result in more sewage going into the bay.
An objection lodged by Daniel Noel Gleeson states that “as the population of Kilkee has been falling, it is clear that there is no market for permanent residences”.
Mr Gleeson said that satisfying the demand for holiday homes and apartments “will ruin this town”.
Mr Gleeson also expressed his fear over the impact that the proposed development could have on Kilkee’s Cliff Walk. He said: “This would be most disadvantageous to Kilkee.”
He added: “The enlargement of Kilkee will overload beyond its capacity, remove the character of the seaside fishing village and proliferation of holiday homes and when the economy hits a troubled spot, will result in attracting a troublesome element to Kilkee.”
A decision is due on the application next month.