Clare County Council has opted to seek further information in respect of Pat McDonagh’s plans for a motorway service area near Ennis.
Representatives for the Supermac’s CEO now have up to six months to respond to the Council’s request, meaning there is no decision yet on whether planning permission is to be granted.
Today was the deadline for a decision on the planned motorway service station at Junction 12 on the M18 motorway.
As is standard, however, the Council has instead sought further information on the project, meaning it won’t get the go ahead, or a rejection, for some time.
Among the revisions sought by the local authority is a commitment that fuel and toilet facilities be opened on a 24/7 basis, in order for the development to fulfil its function as an off-line motorway service and rest area.
It’s also seeking details on signage highlighting a tourism information point, as well as revised plans which would include a reduction in the number of parking bays for buses, saying the original plans contained too many.
The Council is also intructing the developer to work with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, who have raised concerns with plans to construct a sewer connection for the development on the N85 bridge crossing the River Fergus, and how exactly this would work.
Other details are also sought on traffic safety on an adjoining local road, on plans for landscaping, signage and the management of surface water.
Supermac’s says it has no comment at this time in relation to the Council’s move.
The developer has six months to respond and the Council will then make a decision on the application within eight weeks of receiving a full response.
