This article is from page 3 of the 2008-05-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
A NUMBER of Shannon town centre businesses have expressed concerns over the final part of the redevelop- ment of the town.
Last month, SkyCourt sought plan- ning approval for two major stores and a courthouse as part of a €60 million redevelopment of the town on aKee
The plan incorporates a 60,000 sq. ft. unit for Dunnes Stores and a further 16,650 sq. ft. of retail space,
together with a new mall and addi- tional car parking.
The project will involve the demoli- tion of the existing Lidl store and its relocation to a larger site within the town centre.
This latest phase of development completes the masterplan for the town centre which was established in 2001 and forms part of the total regeneration of Shannon.
SkyCourt argues that the nature and form of the proposed develop- ment would support the viability and
vitality of the designated centre and would not seriously injure the amen- ity of property in the area.
But in an objection to the plan, Fei- dhlim Hillery of Sean Hillery (Phar- macists) Ltd has expressed serious concerns over the proposal by Sky- Court to remove the car-park to the rear of his business.
He said that he was concerned that the removal of this facility from the shopping mall would seriously erode its attractiveness to all potential busi- nesses.
“T am concerned that this will lead to the abandonment of units — which has already occurred — and to the area become vacant and rundown.”
In a separate submission, former President of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce and owner of McLough- ney’s Newsagency, Eoin Hoctor said that while he was not against the de- velopment, he had genuine concerns in relation to its possible impact on his business if disruption during the construction phase was not guaran- Keteren
Aidan Quish of Shannon Knights also lodged a submission, stating that if planning permission was granted, it would have a significant impact on his property and his ability to oper- ate his business.
“I had previously indicated to rep- resentatives of the developers of the town centre the difficulties with their proposed development but my representations to date have been ig- nored,” he said.
A decision on the SkyCourt appli- cation is expected later this year.