*Chemifloc.
CHEMIFLOC have had plans for a major expansion in their Shannon facility stalled by Clare County Council.
The chemical giant has been asked to produce further information in relation to a large proposed development at the Smithstown Industrial Estate.
In February, the Irish chemical manufacturer had applied for the construction of a new two storey office building including laboratories and a gym, as well as a truck maintenance facility, a number of solar panels and over one hundred new car parking spaces.
Clare County Council has found a number of issues in the firm’s application however and have asked that further information be produced.
The local authority has raised concerns over traffic safety at the site, whose main entrance is primarily used by HGVs. They stated that “the proposed exit from the car park and offices area appears to have minimal sightlines onto the Smithstown road. Conflicts may arise between cars waiting to exit this site via this access and other vehicles using the Smithstown Road. Serious concerns arise that the proposed arrangement may lead to vehicular conflict and may result in traffic waiting to access this site queuing along the Smithstown Road”.
Clare County Council has asked Chemifloc to meet with the Planning Authority in order to produce a Road Safety Audit for the site.
A lack of pedestrian and sustainable transport accommodation has also been noted at the site. The proposed new 104 parking spaces is viewed as excessive and in conflict with the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029. The planning authority has stated that the high volume of parking spaces may “discourage consideration of more sustainable travel modes to and from this facility”.
The Irish Aviation Authority has also commented on the planning application. Due to the site’s close proximity to Shannon Airport, the planning authority has stated that a preliminary screening assessment must take place in relation to the cranes that will be used during construction. This is so they do not impact on “instrument flight procedures, communications, navigation and surveillance equipment or on the safety of flight operations at Shannon Airport”.
Concerns have also been raised over the impact the proposed solar PV panels could have on passing aircraft. The planning department has asked Chemifloc to conduct a glint and glare report to gauge the effect the solar panels may have. There are also concerns that light may shine onto motorists travelling on the N19 national route and Smithstown Road which are in close proximity to the development.
Chemifloc Ltd have at least six months to provide the necessary information to the local authority.
