This article is from page 13 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 13 JPG
THE consultation process between State agencies and the public on the blueprint for the development of the Shannon Estuary will be kick-started in Kilrush next week.
The people of Clare have been urged to have their say in the major strategic plan for the future development and management of marinerelated industry on the estuary by attending the public consultation that will take place in Kilrush Town Council on Monday next between 4.30pm and 8.30pm.
“I encourage the people of Clare to attend the upcoming event,” said Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Daly.
“This is an ideal opportunity for people to voice their views on how best to manage this important resource. I believe that the people of Clare have a key role to play 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,” he added.
The Draft Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary was launched last month by Jan O’Sullivan, TD, Minister of State for Housing & Planning and has been commissioned by a multi-agency steering group comprising Clare County Council as lead authority, Kerry County Council, Limerick City and County Councils, Shannon Development and Shannon Foynes Port Company.
The land and marine-based plan, the first of its type to be developed in Ireland, indentifies a number of strategic sites along the Estuary for future possible development in the areas of industry, tourism, energy, fishing and aquaculture and marinerelated industry.
The plan will be on display until February 15 to give the public an opportunity to view the proposals and put forward their opinions to the appointed project consultants, RPS Consulting Engineers.
On completion later this year, it is anticipated that the SIFP will be incorporated, by means of Variation, into the relevant County and City Development Plans.