This article is from page 14 of the 2012-01-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
THE process of drafting a new plan that will chart the development of Kilrush for much of the next decade is to begin by this March at the latest.
The importance of the plan to the future of the West Clare capital was emphasized by Town Manager Nora Kaye, who urged that all interest groups in the town take part in the process that is set to be kickstarted at a meeting of the Kilrush Town Council.
“I would hope that the senior planner for West Clare would address Kilrush Town Council at the February or the March meeting to start this process,” revealed Ms Kaye.
“It is very useful that the new town development plan for Kilrush is starting this year. In view of discussions that we’ve had about revitalizing the town centre of Kilrush and promoting Kilrush as a place to invest and a place to do business, I think it’s very timely that the new town plan and the preparations for it will be commenc- ing early in 2012,” added Ms Kaye.
The Town Manager revealed the new Kilrush Town Council planner Emma Pillion will be involved in the process of drafting the new town plan, but she emphasized that the completed blueprint will be about “refusing or granting planning permissions”.
“It is an opportunity,” said Ms Kaye. “It is not just a plan by which we refuse or grant planning permissions, it is really an investment strategy for the town of Kilrush going forward.
“I think that having a Kilrush Town Development Plan is very positive and hopefully it will serve us well in attracting new businesses to the town,” she added.
Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF) told the meeting that developing a new marketing for Kilrush should be a key part of the plan.
“I notice in Drogheda that’s now being sold as Drogheda on the Boyne. It’s a new brand. Why not Kilrush on the Shannon, why not build on the maritime theme. I think that is the way to go.”