This article is from page 15 of the 2008-04-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
A VOLUNTARY housing associa- tion has moved to scale back its plans for a home to cater for people with mental health disabilities in response to local concerns.
Last year, Sli Eile Housing Associ- ation lodged plans with Ennis Town Solel Ronco noum- emo. qroee- koe isting home at Clonroadmore, Ennis to cater for a group of 10 people with mental health disabilities.
The chief executive of Sli Eile, Joan Hamilton, met with local residents prior to the application being lodged to allay local concerns.
However, in a submission, Christy and Brid Leyden stated: “It is not our wish to deprive persons with mental health disabilities supported hous- ing and while we feel that the lack of immediate access to social and recreational facilities makes the site unsuitable we are more than willing to provide a supportive community environment to help re-integrate pa- tients back into the larger communi- ty so that they can regain their social roles and identity.
“However, we feel that the scale of the proposed development leaves us with no option but request that the application for a 10 bedroom be rejected and replaced with a more manageable model.”
A separate submission lodged by
Paddy Coleman and Associates on behalf of Gerry and Mary Cronin stated that the proposal constituted “over-development of this backland site which would be out of charac- ter with the area, would be contrary to the zoning objective for the area, which is to protect residential amen- ity and allow for development ap- propriate to the sustainable growth of the settkement and would by vir- tue of proximity to site boundaries and be injurious to their residential PMOASOBL Blots
The council stated that the scale of development was excessive in rela- tion to the density, scale and charac- ter of any building in the immediate vicinity.
In response, Sli Eile has moved to reduce its plans. ““This house, which is now reduced in overall layout, pro- poses to now provide for eight per- sons with mental health disabilities,” the group says in a statement to the fo) tnererd e
“This dwelling allows for a relaxed atmosphere in a family network, do- mestic situation that encourages and supports people to progress to self- fulfilment.
“Every possible effort has been made to eliminate overlooking, over- shadowing, and locating the majority of private spaces so that no impact is made on any of the adjoining proper- Woe