This article is from page 22 of the 2012-12-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
THERE was mixed reaction to the Draft Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary, with one experienced local representative saying he was not impressed.
West Clare Councillor PJ Kelly (FF) who has been critical of the lack of development on the north of the estuary compared to the south in the past said the plan “was not an inviting document. It is not a document that would invoke interest for international investors.”
The father of the council chamber said that he has seen five different reports on the Shannon Estuary being published and they were all shelved.
“I have a funny feeling this one will go the same way,” he said.
Cllr Kelly had argued that the area north of the estuary be zoned a “Special Development Zone” to encourage development.
This is not included and he maintains that the number of special areas of conservation without a SDZ would prove off putting to investors.
“We are more sterilised on the Clare side than on the south side by EU regulations,” he added.
“Like previous reports it is aspirational, lacks focus, is too general and far from convincing.”
Launching the report Minister of State for Housing and Planning Jan O’Sullivan, was more positive.
“It represents collaboration and joined up planning at its best and I have no doubt that it will be emerge as an example of best practice for others to replicate,” she said.
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Daly said, “This plan is the culmination of months of work and represents the commitment of those with a role in the management of the Shannon Estuary to ensuring that future development takes place in a coherent and sustainable manner. I hope that many new opportunities will be afforded to the people of Clare, and the wider region, as a result of this Plan.”
Tom Coughlan, Clare County Manager and Chairman of the Steering Group overseeing the plan, stated that the aim of the SIFP was to identify the nature and location of future development, economic growth and employment that can be sustainable accommodated within the Shannon Estuary.
However, as the estuary is desig- nated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive and also partly a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds, he noted that “the SIFP will also aspire to achieving a careful balance between promoting development, and protection and conservation of this natural resource”.
“The estuary is multi-functional as its waters and adjoining lands support a range of functions, uses, communities, activities and environmental resources and assets. Although the SIFP attributes a very strong weight to the growth of shipping and safe guarding the commercial shipping lanes it also has objectives for marine tourism, leisure and recreation as well commercial fishing and aquaculture, energy and renewable energy as well as aviation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Gordon Daly, Senior Planner, explained that the SIFP recognises the importance of the role the towns and villages along the estuary.
“The important role Kilrush can play in developing tourism on the estuary is recognised in the SIFP due to its many amenities including Kilrush Marina, Cappa Pier and Blue Flag Beach, Vandeleur Walled Garden and Scattery Island. The importance of the estuary to Kilrush is reciprocated in the soon to be published Draft Kilrush Town & Environs Plan 2014-2020.”
The website www.shannonestuarysifp.ie, has been developed to coincide with an eight-week public consultation that extends from December 17, 2012, to February 15, 2013.