This article is from page 24 of the 2012-12-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
THE first standalone plan for Shannon that will be the new blueprint for the growth and development of Clare’s second largest town over the next six years was officially launched at a ceremony in Shannon Airport on Monday.
The Shannon Town & Environs Local Area Plan has been produced by Clare County Council and contains objectives to establish a strong and vibrant town centre, maximise the potential from Shannon’s location on the Estuary, increase the town’s tourism potential and establish Shannon as a low carbon town.
It also provides sufficient zoned land to cater for an increase in the current population of 9,673 to a target population of 11,972 by 2017.
Meanwhile, the plan has anticipated proposals for the development of an aviation services hub at Shannon airport by zoning a 2000-acre landbank around the airport.
The area covered by the plan includes the town of Shannon, Shannon International Airport, Shannon Free zone, Smithstown, Westpark and some adjoining hinterland, including Hurlers Cross.
The launch of the plan, which was an objective of the existing Clare County Development Plan, has been welcomed by the Mayors of Shannon and Clare.
Town Mayor Michael Fleming described the plan as a “unique blueprint” for the future economic and social development of the town and surrounding community, while Senior Planner at Clare County Council, Gordon Daly said “implementing this plan by working with all those who have an interest in Shannon is now the priority for the council”.
“While Shannon’s importance as an aviation hub and as a significant employment centre is recognised in its designation as one of nine Gateways along with Limerick in the National Spatial Strategy, the council is keen to stress that the plan is also one for the town itself and the people who live there. The council is particularly pleased that the final plan is the result of the high level of engagement received from the people of Shannon during the plan making process.”
“For the first time since the town was established during the 1960s, clear objectives to establish Shannon as a tourism destination in its own right have been set out,” he stated.
“Amongst the objectives is the development of an aviation museum at Shannon Airport, as well as improved aircraft viewing point. The aim is to build on existing facilities such as Atlantic Air Venture and Ballycasey Craft and Design Centre.
“The plan also identifies a site at Illaunagowan point on the Shannon estuary close to the centre of the town for a potential tourist/interpretative development associated with the Shannon Estuary,” he added.