This article is from page 36 of the 2008-01-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 36 JPG
THE blueprint outlining the devel- opment of Kilrush during the next six years will come before Kilrush Town Council next month for its seal of approval.
The public consultation process for the Kilrush Development Plan 2008 to 2014 closed on January 4.
Five submissions were received from members of the public regard- ing the plan.
Concerns have been expressed however that the 2006 Census may hamper development in the town and the development plan must counter- act this and encourage development.
“There are those of us who dis- pute the Census 2006 figures which
show a slight three per cent decrease in population from the census 2002 figures,’ said Cllr Tom Prenderville (FF).
“The inaccuracy of that Census 2006 short-changed our town in terms of investment in that it pre- sented a false account on the state of economic planning and develop- ment of Kilrush. Yet we note in the Kilrush Town Development Plan a projected population increase of 11 per cent over the next six years and a 25 per cent population increase to 3,245 by 2020.
“It 1s interesting to note the projec- tions of the last Clare County Coun- cil Housing Strategy 2007-2012, which predicted that Kilrush would only need an additional 274 housing
units in 2020. Present figures availa- ble from planning applications would appear to refute that assertion.”
The Kilrush councillor said the pro- posal for a multi million-euro water- front development at the marina adds confidence to the town, but the town plan must set an overall strategy for proper planning, sustainable devel- opment and gainful employment.
Cllr Liam Looney (FF) said, “I do hope we get a lot more support from national organisations and agencies than we have been. We haven’t got a lot of support from the IDA or other bodies,” he said.
Acting Senior Planner, John Brad- ley reassured the council that there were sufficient zoned lands in the new plan to provide for the needs
of the town. He said the plan seeks to improve services and attractions within the town so as to maintain the town’s vibrance and curb urban drift to the adjoining countryside.
The senior planner also said the plan could stimulate the competi- tiveness of the local economy, pro- vide upgraded services, promote ur- ban renewal and the regeneration of brown field sites, complete the regen- eration of John Paul Estate, optimise the benefits of the MANS Broadband service, and facilitate and promote the development of the marina.
“If the above objectives can be achieved during the lifetime of the new Development Plan, Kilrush town will face a very positive fu- ture,’ he said.