A Shannon Independent Councillor claims putting public money into the One Shannon Hub project would simply “prop up private entrepreneurs”.
It comes as Clare County Council has signed contracts with a concept design team as well as a quantity surveyor and project manager for the design of the multi-functional facility in the county’s second largest town.
The local authority has put pen to paper with integrated design team Building Design Partnership Ltd as well as integrated quantity surveyor and project manager Tom McNamara and Partners for the design of the One Shannon Hub.
The facility, which is central to the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan, will integrate a town hall, an adaptable performance and community space, library, and flexible co-working spaces.
In addition, the development will feature public realm improvements to the town square adjacent the site.
The One Shannon Hub will be located on a site to be held by Clare County Council on a 999-year lease which has raised concerns from a number of members of the Shannon Municipal District.
Independent Shannon Councillor Gerry Flynn has questioned the merit of using public money to fund a development on a site that is not owned by the local authority.
You can listen to the full interview here.
The project has been funded thus far under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund.
Once the government announces the fourth round of URDF funding in late 2023 or early 2024, Clare County Council is expected to lodge a funding application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to advance the detailed design and construction phases of the project.
Responding to concerns over the ownership of the site, Sinn Féin Councillor Donna McGettigan says a 999-year lease is effective ownership and local councillors will work together to get the project over the line.
