Lodging of an application for a strategic development zone (SDZ) of what is envisaged to become Europe’s first University town is planned to be made next month.

Both Clare County Council and the University of Limerick are working in conjunction on plans for the South Clare SDZ which is predicted to provide a lift to economic activity in the villages of Clonlara, O’Briensbridge and Castleconnell while also creating up to 3,500 jobs. Outside financial support may be provided to get the project over the line.

Director of Service with the local authority, Liam Conneally said this week that the pace of works with the SDZ “has moved on” in the last two months with optimism expressed to lodge an application for SDZ designation next month. He outlined that there is a “fifty fifty partnership” between the Council and UL.

Limerick City and County Council’s support or lack of may dilute the advancement of the plans, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) feared. He was adamant housing should not be included in the SDZ and called it “an unnecessary intrusion”.

“Small-minded thinking” from elected representatives in Limerick should not stall the project, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) argued. “There are a small group of people painting a negative picture but the bigger picture is the sustenance of the area into the future”.

Areas of accommodation will be needed in the SDZ, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) believed. “I know some people will shy away if accommodation is included because there might be issues but if it is done properly, there won’t be any”.

Related News

court yard lanters 1-2
Gort Arts to host exhibition at Kennedy studio for Culture Night
donna mcgettigan 1
Abnormal rental prices in Clare says McGettigan
donald trump 2
Trump 'more than welcome' in Doonbeg for Irish Open says Agriculture Minister
inagh bus stop bike shelter 1
Inagh named Ireland's Greenest village
Latest News
david speed mural killaloe 1-2
Salmon of knowledge mural unveiled in Killaloe
colm walsh o'loghlen marco cleary 1-2
Marco makes his mark to claim player of the week
banner v ennistymon 16-08-25 ronan kilroy 1
Banner book place in Clare IFC semi-finals for very first time
naomh eoin v clondegad 12-10-24 sean mcallister sean bonfil 1
Clondegad cruise past Naomh Eoin to qualify for Clare IFC semi-finals
cratloe v ennistymon 14-09-25 diarmuid ryan 1
Cratloe claim victory over Ennistymon following extra-time excitement
Premium
Parish produce big second half pump to knock out Kilmurry Ibrickane
O'Currys relegated to Junior A ranks for first time since 95 following Ennistymon loss
Wind in Corofin's sails to bounce back to top tier after quarter-final win over Gaels
Cooraclare cause big shock to knock Kilrush out of intermediate championship
Glory for Kilmihil in relegation final as Wolfe Tones drop back down to intermediate

Advertisement

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.