Clare’s new County Development Plan is to be put out to public consultation later this month.
It’s after elected representatives gave the next stage of the plan the green light at a special meeting last evening.
This County Development Plan will run from 2023 to 2029, and will outline how the local authority can use particular areas and lands, such as for residential or industrial use.
Fears have been expressed by Councillors over the last number of months about the impact national guidelines, which representatives here have to adhere to, will impact Clare’s future.
Under the National Planning Framework, houses will not be able to constructed on rural land unless proof can be provided that there is a social economic need for the build.
There’s also concern that 52 towns and villages throughout the county that don’t have adequate wastewater infrastructure, such as Broadford and Carrigaholt, will have lands dezoned.
A number of Councillors told last evening’s meeting that while they are endorsing the plan, it doesn’t mean they agreement with every aspect of the document in its current form.
Representatives are hoping to receive correspondence from Housing Minister Darragh O’ Brien urgently on a number of concerns, while legal advice on the plan is also due to be given to Councillors later this month.
Having been given the green light by elected members, the plan will be put out to public consultation from December 10th.
It will remain in public view for around 15 weeks, with submissions on the document being taken until March 28th, 2022.
