This article is from page 15 of the 2012-01-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
A SERIES of public consultation meetings are set to take place next week as part of the process of putting together an historic first ever stand alone plan for the development of Shannon.
Public meetings are seen as a crucial part of finalising the Draft Shannon Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2012-2018 will provide a framework for the future development and enhancement of Clare’s second largest town and its environs for the next six years.
In announced details of the consultation process, Gordon Daly, Senior Planner, Clare County Council, said, “‘It is an objective of Clare County Council to ensure that Shannon, as a linked gateway with Limerick in the National Spatial Strategy is a driver of county and regional prosperity.”
He said this could be done by “harnessing its strategic location and access on the atlantic corridor, in addition to its employment base, international airport and other competitive advantages.”
According to Cllr Gerry Flynn, “The public consultation process presents members of the public with a valuable opportunity to have their say on the future development of their local community.
“I would encourage people from Shannon and its environs areas to inspect the Draft Local Area Plan before the submission deadline of February 1. They will not get a better opportunity than over the next few weeks to influence the future economic and social development of their town and community.”
The public consultation has also been welcomed by the Mayor of Shannon, Cllr Mary Brennan. “The preparation of a new plan for Shannon and environs is very positive news and I would encourage the people of Shannon to engage with the process. If you have any queries, the Council officials will be on hand to deal to answer any questions.”
The public consultations will take place at Unit A16 (Shaney Macs) in Shannon’s Skycourt January 16 to 18 from 2pm to 5.30pm and January 19 from 3pm to 7.30pm. A further public consultation will be held at Rineanna House, Shannon Free Zone, on January 20 from 12.30pm to 3:30pm.