This article is from page 14 of the 2011-10-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
THE current site of Ennis National School would be more suitable for large retail developments than a location away from the town centre, a meeting has heard.
The school is due to move from its present location on Kilrush Road to a new site at Ashline with construction work due to commence this autumn.
In addition to 32 classrooms, the building will include rooms for our reading class, special education teachers and library. The building will have an energy rating and a level of disability access, which is ahead of current regulations. Facilities for sport will include a full-size sports hall with dressing rooms and a playing pitch.
The current site was put forward as an alternative to a proposed major urban development at lands at Tobertascáin and the Limerick Road, at a meeting in Ennis last week.
Organised by Ennis Chamber of Commerce, the meeting was held to discuss a proposed variation to the Ennis and Environs Development Plan.
Vice President of Ennis Chamber, Brian O’Neill said the Chamber favoured the development of smaller scale developments located closer to the town centre.
Mayor of Ennis Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) questioned the suitability of Ennis National School as location for a major retail development.
He said there were questions to be asked over how the site could accommodate heavy traffic flows.
Referring to the suggestion of Ennis National School, Cllr Guilfoyle said, “If you’re going to mention something, mention something that works.”
Responding to Cllr Guilfoyle’s comments, Ennis based architect and urban planner Michael Leahy, said a full assessment would have to be carried out at Ennis National School before any definitive answer could be given. Mr Leahy, who prepared Ennis Chamber’s submission on the proposed variation to the Ennis and Environs Development Plan, told the meeting that the possibility of constructing a shopping centre at the Ennis National site could not be ruled for traffic reasons alone.
“There are always engineering solutions to engineering problems,” he said.
Asked about other town centre locations for potential new shopping centres, Mr Leahy said Cusack Park had been mentioned as a possibility.
“There are definitely sites that are closer to the town centre that could be used,” he added.