This article is from page 12 of the 2012-04-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
TWO local authorities have announced their intentions to draw up a master plan to re-develop the Watery Road area of Ennis.
The plan is to be drawn up in response to concerns over local authority housing in the area. Yesterday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council heard that of the six houses on Watery Road, two are occupied while four are vacant and boarded up.
Both Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council are to meet with landowners to discuss the plan.
In a letter to the council, Fiona Mooney Acting Senior Executive Officer, Housing, Cultural and Emergency Services with Clare County Council, outlined the council’s intention for the area.
She stated, “As discussed this council considers that a long term and sustainable resolution to the various housing, community and environmental issues must be developed. It is the intention of the Housing Department to assign an architectural resource in quarter two of 2012 to begin with a process of developing a Master Plan for the Watery Road area.”
Ms Mooney continued, “This proposed Master Plan will facilitate inputs from adjacent landowners, Clare County Council, Ennis Town Council and local resident’s groups. It is proposed that the Master Plan, once developed, will be presented to both Clare County Council and En- nis Town Council for consideration and incorporation into the Ennis and Environs Development Plan.”
Town clerk Leonard Cleary told the meeting that of the six local authority houses, two are occupied while four are currently vacant.
He said that Clare County Council is currently in the process of preparing a submission for the Department of the Environment to seek funding for the plan.
Mr Cleary described the process as “fairly complex” but said a commitment had been made to move on the plan by April. He said, “The current arrangement and provision is not satisfactory.” Welcoming the plan, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said residents in the Watery Road area had “put up with a lot” over the years.