Major redevelopment plan for Scariff town centre 'unanimously' approved by councillors
A MAJOR redevelopment plan for Scariff town centre has been approved by Killaloe Municipal District.
A resolution on the Scarriff Regeneration Project was passed unanimously by East Clare councillors at a special meeting of the Killaloe MD last Wednesday.
The project will see the refurbishment of the former Supermacs and Merriman Tavern buildings and their change of use to a digital hub and a community and enterprise centre, along with construction of a public car park on the adjacent green field site and connection to existing on-site services.
Over 40 new car-parking spaces are to be provided as well as a coach/bus set down area.
Clare County Council obtained €524,000 in funding for the project under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, in January 2022.
A number of submissions were lodged during a public consultation period in July and August 2023.
The majority of the 24 submissions from local businesses and residents objected to the plan on a number of grounds, with the loss of parking spaces the foremost issue.
Other issues included an objection to traffic calming measures; too much greenery and new planting and a query regarding the maintenance of same; objections to bus stop facilities in the town and calls for them to be relocated out of the town centre; lack of resources for people with disablities; and c oncern about lack of guard rail on the large green area and potential for children to run onto the road.
Scarriff St. Patricks Day Committee objected to the plans on the grounds that the parade, trailers, floats etc., would not be able to go through the town, and that the treatment of the area around Market House and McNamara’s pub would not allow bands to play.
A number of submissions supported the plan but highlighted potential improvements that could be made, especially regarding cyclist and pedestrian mobility.
In his response to these concerns, senior planner and Killaloe MD coordinator Brian McCarthy noted that "the primary objection appears to be related to the perceived loss of car-parking from the town centre".
"The proposed development is subject to a significant funding application and is aligned the provision of a car-park of over 40 spaces. Having regard to the submissions made and to alleviate concerns, I recommend that the car-park already permitted is constructed and operational prior to the bringing into use of this public realm project," he said.