*Chair of the Shannon MD, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) leads a site visit of the One Shannon Hub with Linda Earlie, Town Regeneration Officer, Clare County Council, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Michael Mullen, BDP; Tom McNamara and Partners, Amanda Doyle and Shannon MD SEO, Anne Griffin. Photograph: Eamon Ward
CONTRACTS HAVE been signed for the delivery of the One Shannon Hub but not without local councillors raising concerns before the paperwork was agreed.
On Tuesday, Clare County Council signed contracts with BDP (Integrated Design Team) and Tom McNamara & Partners (Integrated QS & Project Manager) for the design of a multi-functional building known as the ‘One Shannon Hub’.
This building will combine a town hall, an adaptable performance and community space, library, and flexible co-working spaces in the heart of Clare’s second largest town. Public realm improvements to the town square adjacent to the site which had been formerly earmarked for The Venue are to form part of the development.
Last August, the County Council agreed a 999 year lease for the site which is owned by Shannon Commercial Properties. The hub is a key element of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan, which was part-funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, Project Ireland 2040, under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with match funding by the Council.
Ownership of the site kicked off a debate at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) outlined that the Town Hall which was acquired by the Shannon Town Commissioners and handed over to the County Council when the Shannon Town Council was abolished “is fully owned by Clare County Council”.
He added, “if Clare County Council want to develop a site that is the one to do it on because that is the one we own. I don’t support the spending of public money to prop up private entrepreneurs in the Town Centre, I have no issue with Clare County Council having a presence there”.
Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) said she was happy to see the contract signing move forward, “it is a very positive step for the town of Shannon, bring it on”. She said the project would be a priority of hers during her one-year term as Chair.
Purchasing the site altogether may “close off problems,” Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) suggested. “If we’re putting the money into it, what I believe it is serious money so it is important the Council own it”.
When Shannon Development was absolved, there was no knowledge on who owned the site, Cllr Flynn recounted, “it went into the property portfolio of Shannon Group. Spending public money to prop up private entrepreneurs is a big issue”. He said the statement released last August insinuated the Council acquired the land which they did not, “let’s acquire it and own it”. The alternative of pumping more money into “a shopping centre with limited facilities is a ridiculous spending of public money”.
Acting Director of Service, Siobhan McNulty told the meeting they would endeavour to get clarity for members. “An updated report will allow us to make a decision,” Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) stated.
Considering the outcomes, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) said it was important the people of Shannon do not lose out. “If we don’t get to buy it then what happens? Do the people of Shannon lose out on the Hub, if they don’t want to sell it and think the lease is enough. I don’t want the people of Shannon to miss out”.
No cost analysis has been completed and there is no guarantee of funding, Cllr Flynn claimed in response. “Shannon Commercial Properties are selling off property every day of the week,” Cllr Ryan noted while flagging that the Council Chief Executive has proven himself as “very persuasive in dealing with them”.
“They sold off workshops in Ballycasey, they sold that off, the business centre near the shopping centre they sold that off, they would sell their own mother if they could,” Cllr Flynn replied. Potential for a “nice gesture” in light of the Shannon Heritage transfer could be explored, Cllr John Crowe (FG) believed.
Input of the public is vital said Cllr Ryan who said “for too long one entity has controlled the area” as he voiced criticism of the influence of the shopping centre. Aldi’s plans to open a store in Shannon served as proof of this, Cllr Flynn acknowledged.
