This article is from page 16 of the 2013-11-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
REPORTS on the development potential of the Shannon Estuary date back to the 1960s, but the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary launched on Friday afternoon is ground breaking, those in attendance were told.
Gordon Daly, Senior Planner with Clare County Council, said the report was the first of its kind in the country as it mapped out future development and management of marine-related industry and tourism along Ireland’s largest estuary.
“We’ve talked about it and around it for years. We have had reports Arthur Young 1989, Brady Shipman 1999, Ewbank Preece 1989 and PWC 1998. Now finally we have done something positive in putting this plan in place,” said Mayor of Clare Joe Arkins.
He asked that the Oirechtais members present to ensure the Government “pick up and move on this plan”.
Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O’Sullivan vowed Government support for the strategy that identifies nine ‘Strategic Development Locations’ on the Estuary, including Moneypoint and Innismurry/Cahercon on the Clare side.
It also identified designated Shell Fish Waters at Poulnasherry Bay and Carrigaholt Bay and pointed to opportunities at Rinevella Bay, Killimer and Clonderlaw Bay.
The plan supported by 19 bodies including the lead organisation, Clare County Council, recognises the tourism potential of the estuary and includes objectives to further develop the cruise ship industry, while it highlights the potential of the Islands on the Fergus Estuary.
Meanwhile, the strategy features objectives relating to aviation and supports the future development of Shannon Airport, including acknowledging the importance of the 2000- acre land bank zoned for aviation uses in the Shannon Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2012-2018.
Balancing the industrial development of the estuary with the environmental needs of the area was the greatest challenge when drawing up the plan, all agreed.
County manager Tom Coughlan said that there were tensions at times between the protection of the estuary and the development of the estuary.
“The estuary also has a wealth of natural heritage and biodiversity system and the whole area is designated as a special area of conservation because of the presence of a number of important species. They are located through out the whole estuary, but the rich diversity of wild life and natural heritage in the area does not mean the development and the potential economic future of the area is off the agenda. It simply means that development in the overall area requires sensitive and careful management and I think we are all very much aware of that,” added Minister O’Sullivan. Without such a plan there is a risk of missed opportunity.”
“Looking the future the steering partners have agreed to stay in place. The challenge now going forward is to maximise the social economic and environmental protection of the estuary,” said Mr Coughlan.