This article is from page 32 of the 2008-07-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
UNEMPLOYMENT is on the up, new houses remain unsold but a “very select” few are to beat the blues by being part of the county’s first pri- vate members club with a 24 hour concierge and chauffeur service.
Ennis Town Council has granted planning permission to developer Jack McCarthy for a club on the top floor of the former Central Buildings overlooking the Abbey Street car ee
The council has granted planning for the proposal after ruling that it “will have no detrimental impact on the character and function of the area as the proposed club is to be a very select club with a very high level of (onan eres
It is located in a commercial area in the centre of town and is therefore an appropriate use”’.
However, the council has provided a sting in the tail by granting plan- ning permission for the proposal for only one year.
“This permission shall be for a temporary period for one year from the date of the final grant of permis- sion after which time the use shall revert to office unless an application for its retention is lodged with and approved by the planning authority or An Bord Pleanala.”
The council state the reason for this “is in the interest of orderly develop- neon ae
But the hurdles that Mr McCarthy has overcome to secure planning permission won’t appear like any-
thing that has to be done to receive membership for the club.
According to planning documents lodged with the town council by ar- chitect, Michael Leahy: “my client intends to operate an ultra-exclusive members only club with heavily vet- ted membership”.
On the sale of alcohol at the venue, Mr Leahy said: “No, my client aims to promote an alternative to the peril- ous drinking ‘culture’. In-house pur- suits are geared away from alcoholic Loyetiebesyolaleyne
“My client aims to provide a pri- vate environment for the purpose of business and social networking. It will provide as a business outpost for the corporate traveller while provid- ing an unthreatening environment in which to socialise.
The club will facilitate 24 hour teleconferencing, wi-fi and _ cleri- cal services; a 24-hours chauffeur and concierge service; chess back- gammon and games area; humidor; heated smoking,’ according to the submission.