GROVEMOUNT HOUSE in Ennistymon is to be transformed from a guest house to a Medical Centre.
The former B&B situated on the Lahinch Road has been granted planning permission for the change of use by Clare County Council.
In August 2024, MMD Atlantic Ltd applied to the planning department for a “change of use of the existing guest and dwelling house to Medical Centre, with alterations to elevations requiring infilling of some external openings, and new fire escape with accessible entrance and extended car parking”.
‘MMD Atlantic Ltd’ will oversee the operations of the medical centre once it is built. This is an amalgamation of three local medical practices, two in Lahinch and one in Corofin, designed to serve as a medical hub for North Clare. The new development is designed to serve the local community for up to thirty-five years or more.
Once completed, the medical centre will be staffed by four doctors, two nurses, a receptionist and three administrators. Up to ten patients will be treated at a time, with a further ten in the building’s waiting room at any given time. One of the B&B’s existing bedrooms will be retained and used as a flat by a medical locum who does not live locally.
The development received a number of endorsements from Clare’s politicians including West Clare MD councillors Shane Talty (FF) and Bill Slattery (FG). Election topper and junior minister Timmy Dooley TD (FF) also supported the development’s construction.
A total of thirty-one car parking spaces will be provided at the site in accordance with the site layout plan as the centre has the potential to become a busy location, given the wide area it will serve. Three of these spaces are to be made accessible while a bike rack with space for five bicycles will also be provided for those cycling.
Ennistymon already has a HSE Medical Centre located on the Ennis Road close to the old railway line. The new centre at Grovemount House is expected to serve the wider North Clare area however and relieve pressure on medical services in the county by catering to communities such as Corofin, Lahinch, Kilfenora and Fanore.
There are little changes expected to be made to the building’s structure other than the addition of an accessible entrance for wheelchair users and a new fire escape. The former six bedroom B&B had been listed for sale for over €1.2 million before being acquired by MMD Atlantic Ltd. Development can now begin after the planning department successfully granted permission.
