Plans have been lodged for a landmark council owned homeless shelter in Ennis.
The purpose built development would cater for women and children only.
The Emergency Accommodation centre is proposed for the site of the former Grey Gables Bed & Breakfast on Station Road.
Since becoming derelict, the building had been routinely used and accessed by rough sleepers, but under the plans it will be demolished entirely.
The new premises will have two and three-storey elements and will have capacity for 61 residents.
The design statement prepared by Vincent Hannon Architects outlines four different types of rooms, including an emergency room for short-notice arrivals.
There’ll also be a residents’ kitchen, dining room, family communal room, play room with linked external play area, and an external playground and smoking area.
During a prior public consultation process, the Board of Holy Family National School raised concerns regarding pupil safety, safeguarding, traffic management
and the impact on school operations.
A significant number of locals also raised concerns regarding resident vetting, 24-hour staffing and security, anti-social behaviour, and whether the facility would operate as
an alcohol- and drug-free environment.
All observations have been forwarded directly to the accommodation provider for consideration in the facility’s management plan.
Clare County Council is accepting submissions on the plans until December 11th, with a decision due in February.
