This article is from page 11 of the 2013-01-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
A DECISION to grant permission to plans to develop outdoor café facilities aimed at boosting “activity” and “vibrancy” in Ennis town centre have been appealed to an An Bord Plennála.
The Ennis-based Duesbury Limited sought planning permission for the incorporation of one car parking space at O’Connell Street, Ennis, to provide extended pavement area to allow provision of an outdoor seating area adjacent to Poet’s Corner/Town Hall, along with provision of fascia signage and surround to existing central door-way and incorporation of existing Poet’s Corner porch with main bar area. That part of the Old Ground Hotel is classified as a protected structure.
In granting planning permission, the Council ruled that the applicant shall obtain the appropriate the consent of the Road Authority to the alteration of the public footpath and roadway.
The Council ruled that the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Under the conditions of the planning permission, the proposed paving shall match the existing pavement on O’Connell Street.
In a report submitted on the proposed development, the Director of Service and Ennis Town Manager, Ger Dollard, noted there had been no objection from the Fire Department or the Conservation Officer.
He stated, “I would concur with the planner’s report that the principle of outdoor seating is considered acceptable and would improve the vibrancy and character of the street.
“This is the type of activity that the Planning Authority would wish to encourage to increase activity and vibrancy on the main thoroughfare in Ennis.”
The decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleánnala by Ennis businessman Oliver Moylan, who also filed an objection to the proposed development.
In his submission, Mr Moylan states that it is not for a public authority to grant public space for a private enterprise.
Mr Moylan, who owns the Ennis Cash Company, says Woolworths were refused permission to build on two feet of the O’Connell monument in 1960. The submission states that the removal of two parking spaces would result in an estimated loss of € 800,000 to the Council in one year, based on calculations carried out in a previous parking survey.
He states that the development would create “enormous danger” to pedestrians and motorists. Mr Moylan argues that Ennis is already well served by cafés, pointing out that 15 such businesses are located between the Old Ground Hotel and Hughes and Hughes bookstore.
He added, “As there are 200 wet days in Ennis every year, canopies and heating will have to be put in due course. What an obstruction to passing traffic.”