*The Shannon Masterplan.
A DRAFT design of the One Shannon Hub is due to be published in November with public consultation on track to commence this month.
In July, 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 will combine a town hall, an adaptable performance and community space, library, and flexible co-working spaces in the heart of Shannon.
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. Plans to develop the Shannon Venue were scrapped in 2018 when a voluntary group established six years earlier failed to secure necessary Government funding and instead funds were granted for a masterplan.
A 999 year lease for the site owned by Shannon Commercial Properties was agreed on by Clare County Council in August 2022.
Addressing a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, Acting Director of Services, Siobhán McNulty explained that a steering group was established with monthly meetings taking place with the design team.
She confirmed that a draft design will be completed in November at which public consultation will commence. She said a further case will be submitted in the first quarter of 2024.
Stressing the need for “serious effort” to make the project a reality, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) remarked, “so many things have failed in Shannon. It would be extremely unjust to Shannon people to let this project fall back”.
McNulty stated that the Council were “very committed” to the One Shannon Hub.
Having previously sought the return of an Economic Development update to the agenda of Shannon MD meetings, Cllr Gerry Flynn commented, “it proves how important it is to have this as an agenda item, we’re at the heart of economic activity”.
Details on a timeline for the project were sought by Cllr Michael Begley (IND). He was then informed the timeline “is November” for the publication of a draft design and the commencement of public consultation.
