*Chemifloc.
CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING giant Chemifloc have announced plans for a major development in Shannon.
The chemical manufacturing firm is seeking to build a number of facilities at the company’s site in Smithstown Industrial Estate.
The proposed development will consist of “a new two storey office building with ancillary laboratories, canteen, gymnasium, meeting rooms and reception of 2250sqm, a new single storey, double height truck maintenance shed, 101 car parking spaces, 3 van parking spaces and 30 secure bicycle parking spaces”.
Chemifloc are also looking to install a number of solar panels at the site as well as a new water drainage system to service the new development. Plans for a new concrete dry storage area are also included in the application with a new pedestrian entrance and sheltered waiting area also planned.
The Irish chemical manufacturers have been in operation since 1981 and operates the largest self-owned chemical tanker fleet in Ireland. The firm deliver to over 1600 locations and are partners with over 60 major chemical suppliers all over the world. The company primarily manufactures chemicals for the wastewater, agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors as well as odour control chemicals for Ireland’s water and effluent industries.
A landscape design report is included in the application which outlines the environmental impact the proposed development would have on the site. It states that “The proposed development consists of an extension on greenfield lands adjacent to an existing brownfield site occupied by a chemical factory and distribution site”. The landscape design aims to preserve the site’s existing biodiversity as well as introduce new habitats.
The designs state that “a strip of native woodland planting is proposed north of the dry storage area to soften the site into the landscape and extend the tree canopy in the area. Short flowering meadow verges are proposed along footpaths and parking areas to connect to the existing long tufted grass meadows on the site. Existing long tufted meadow areas are otherwise retained or reinstated on completion of the works”.
The development’s traffic and transport management assessment predicts that the site will experience peak traffic between 7.30am and 9.15am and between 5.15pm and 6.15pm. Two of the site’s 101 car parking spaces will be equipped with EV charging facilities. The report also found that local roads would be able to sustain the level of traffic required by construction and that the proposed car and cycle parking facilities are in line with Clare County Council’s Development Plan.
In order to reduce noise, Punch Consulting Engineers have pledged that “All vehicles and mechanical plant will be fitted with effective exhaust silencers and maintained in good working order for the duration of the contract”. They also state that “Any plant, such as generators or pumps, required to operate before 07:00hrs or after 19:00hrs will be surrounded by an acoustic enclosure or portable screen” and that “location of plant shall consider the likely noise propagation to nearby sensitive receptors”.
Punch Consulting Engineers estimate that the development will require at least 40 tradespeople to complete.
A decision on the application will be made by Clare County Council before April 10th.
