This article is from page 13 of the 2008-06-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
ENNIS Town Council has raised a number of questions over plans by an Ennis builder to establish a private members club in the centre of Ennis.
Earlier this year, Jack McCarthy lodged plans with Ennis Town Coun- cil for change of use of office on the third floor of the former Central Buildings at the Abbey Street car-
park to a private members club.
A decision was due on the applica- tion last Friday, however, the council has put the plan on hold, requesting further information on the proposal.
In putting the plan on hold, the coun- cil ask ‘what kind of ‘private mem- bers club’ is proposed here? What will it facilitate? During what hours will it function? Will it function as a live music or nightclub venue? Will
it be rented out for parties, functions, gathering? Will sale of alcohol take place? Is it proposed to provide an outdoor smoking facility?’
The council state that under the En- nis and Environs Development Plan, proposals for development involving evening and late night commercial retail and entertainment uses will only be permitted within, or immedi- ately adjacent to Ennis Town Centre
or the local centres and where it can be clearly demonstrated that there will be no detrimental impact on the character and function of the area. The council are also seeking that the proposal will result in no adverse effect on the character of a conser- vation area or other place of special architectural or historic character; will not result in adverse transport or environmental effects; no det-
rimental effect on the amenity en- joyed by neighbouring uses or where the proposal relates to ground floor premises, a shop front or appropriate ols 0F
Mr McCarthy is of McCarthy Bros, which has built hundreds of houses in Ennis and other parts of Clare in re- cent years. Already, a private mem- bers club exists in a building opposite Ennis Community College.