A transformational project proposed for the site of the former Our Lady’s Hospital in Ennis has been hailed as a vote of confidence in the town and the wider region.
Plans are due to be lodged for Páirc Mhuire, a multimillion-euro multi-purpose development on the Gort Road site, which has been derelict for a number of years.
A hotel, a private hospital and a third-level college are among the proposals that previously failed to materialise at the former Our Lady’s Hospital grounds.
But this week there is renewed hope that fresh life will be breathed into the area, with a multipurpose development valued at between €35 and €40 million.
Plans include more than 160 homes across a mix of refurbished and newly constructed buildings, along with over 20-thousand square feet of commercial space, local amenities and a crèche.
The existing church on the site will be converted into a dedicated community building, while landscaping works will include a sensory playground area.
Mayor of Clare, Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy says the project still has a number of hurdles to overcome during the planning process, but if given the green light it would bring much-needed accommodation to the town.
The proposal comes from Walsh & Sheehan Investments Group, which has previously delivered a number of housing and regeneration projects.
These include the redevelopment of St Joseph’s House, the former Little Sisters of the Poor convent complex in Waterford, which was converted into age-friendly housing.
Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly says the developers have the necessary experience behind them to ensure the preservation of the existing heritage on the Gort Road site.
The project is proposed across 13 of the 18 acres purchased by Walsh & Sheehan Investments Group, with potential for further development of the remaining land.
The site is close to the proposed Ennis Inner Relief Road connecting the Gort Road and the Tulla Road, which is included in the Local Transport Plan as well as the upcoming proposed variation to the County Development Plan.
Clare County Council recently reaffirmed its commitment to the infrastructure project and is hopeful of securing funding under the second tranche of the Government’s new Housing Infrastructure Fund.
Former Mayor of Ennis, Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy says a development of this scale underlines the long-term need for the relief road.
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