This article is from page 18 of the 2013-07-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
WORK on a new development plan for Ennis and its Environs is expected to come to a halt following the publication of new local government legislation.
Last week, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, published the Electoral, Local Government and Planning and Development Bill.
Speaking yesterday, Director of Service and Ennis town manager Ger Dollard said the new bill contains a provision to grant discretionary powers to local authorities facing abolition to extend the lifetime of the existing development plan and to cease any development plan reviews already commenced.
Ennis Town Council had begun the process of drawing up the Draft Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2014-2020.
Mr Dollard was speaking at the July meetings of councillors in the Ennis electoral areas.
Councillors in the Ennis West Electoral Area committee heard calls for the development of a Green Plan for Ennis. The proposal was contained in a motion out forward by Cllr Brian Meaney (FF).
Cllr Meaney told the meeting that Ennis contains a number of unique, green spaces that could be better utlised to improve the town.
In his reply, senior executive planner Brian McCarthy stated, “The provision of a Green Infrastructure Plan in and around urban areas is now widely recognised as contributing importantly towards creating places where people want to live and work. Green infrastructure can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, protection against flooding and erosion as well as enhancing the quality of life for residents of the areas and enhancing their awareness of the local environment.”
Mr McCarthy continued, “The natural heritage of Ennis and environs with its natural and semi-natural amenities is an important aspect to the quality of life of its citizens and tourists and is ideally placed for the development of a green infrastructure plan. A green infrastructure plan offers huge potential to enhance green spaces and biodiversity for the benefit of the people of Ennis to create and enhance attractive and accessible places for people to enjoy direct and regular contact with the natural environment.
“It is considered the development of a Green Infrastructure Plan for Ennis and Environs is ideally provided via the preperation of the Draft Ennis and and Environs Development Plan.”