Killaloe Municipal District has hailed proposed public realm works in an East Clare town as a “huge opportunity” for growth in the area.
East Clare representatives have this week adopted a design for the Scariff Rural Regeneration Project, which received 24 submissions during the consultation stage.
Funding was obtained by Clare County Council in 2022 under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund for a proposal to undertake design, feasibility and obtain planning consent for major works in Scariff’s town centre.
The project entails the refurbishment of the former Supermacs and Merriman Tavern buildings and their change of use to a Digital Hub, Enterprise Centre and Community Space.
In addition, the purchase and construction of a public car park consisting of over 40 spaces on the adjacent green field site as well as public realm improvements to Market Square are included in the plans.
With a design decided on and an application for funding due to be submitted in February, Mayor of Clare and Bodyke Fine Gael Councillor Joe Cooney says he’s confident funding will be secured for the works to be carried out.
24 submissions were lodged over the course of the public consultation period, including from local businesses such as Ted’s Fresh Fruit and Veg, Rogers Centra and Scariff Veterinary Clinic who voiced their opposition to the plans.
Scariff Community Council also submitted a petition objecting to the proposed development on the grounds that the loss of parking would be detrimental to businesses, the planned trees and shrubs would take up space which could be used for parking and flush kerbs would be dangerous for children in the area.
Senior Planner and Killaloe Municipal District Coordinator Brian McCarthy is assuring residents that once construction has concluded, there will be a net gain of parking spaces and the town will be a more attractive place to live in and visit.
If funding is secured, Killaloe Municipal District expects the car park to be finished by the end of 2024 with the rest of the enhancements to follow.
You can listen to the full interview below.
