This article is from page 13 of the 2007-09-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
CONCERN has been raised over a €40 million plan to double the size of Kilmihil, a parish that experi- enced a population increase of only two people in the 2006 census. Kilmihil Construction Ltd is seek-
ing planning permission for 150 resi- dential units, 15 commercial units and a two-storey 50-bed nursing home.
The 2006 census shows that the vil- lage’s population increased by just two in four years, from 576 to 578. During the previous census period to
1996, the village suffered a drop in population of 62, or seven per cent. The developers envisage increasing the village’s population by 100 per cent.
The proposal has attracted little opposition locally. However, in his objection, John Dalton has told Clare
County Council, “The development is too dense and provides a new cen- tre to the village which takes away the rural, easy-going, welcoming nature of our village. It provides the new access roads which will increase traffic hazards. Such developments are normally cul de sacs to avoid
through traffic, boy-racers.
“Such a densely populated area will provide social and economic blacks- pots. The development should be al- lowed in conjunction with some sort of employment opportunity.”
A decision is due on the application later this year.