Plans for what would be the largest housing development ever in Ennis have been stalled again.
Clare County Council has requested further information on the 300 unit development proposed for Drumbiggle in the county town.
The development put forward by Glenveagh Homes Ltd would comprise of 159 townhouses, 112 semi-detached dwellings, 20 bungalows and nine detached units.
15% of the project would be designated as open space while of the remainder of the development, 55% would be three-beds, 30% would be two-beds, 10% would be four-beds and 5% would be one-bed homes.
However, some local residents have opposed the plans citing environmental and infrastructural impacts.
One resident claims the development would contravene Ireland’s Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2023, along with the EU Habitats Directive which make it an offence to disturb or destroy the habitats of protected species.
The submission requests a full ecological assessment, including bat survey, as all species in Ireland are protected and the proposed development would allegedly significantly impact the habitat of those in the area, breaching legislation.
Multiple neighbours of the site have raised issues with transport links.
The closest residents to the site claim a bus route serving the area needs to be implemented before the development goes ahead, while another highlights concerns for traffic congestion that would be brought about by an additional 300 homes.
Another resident claims the proposal is ‘incomplete and premature’ while also stating the development is ‘a material contravention of numerous objectives’ outlined in the county’s development plan.
The developer now has an additional four weeks to provide the information requested by the local authority.
