LIMERICK and Clare Education and Training Board has been granted planning permission for a new 2 storey school building at Mol an Óige Community School in Ennistymon.
The project received representations from cllrs. Shane Talty (FF) and Bill Slattery (FG) during the planning process.
LCETB originally applied to Clare County Council in May last year, seeking permission for the “Construction of a new 2-storey school building (1863.6 m2) incorporating 8 classrooms, general purpose room, library, offices, resource and learning rooms and associated ancillary accommodation”. Plans for internal paths, turning areas and 19 car parking spaces were also included in the application received by the local authority.
The multi-denominational school adopts the Steiner pedagogical approach to education, emphasising “experiential, creative and active learning with a view to fostering resilience, independence and lifelong learning skills”.
The planning department found a number of issues with the initial application, however and requested further information in relation to several aspects of the proposed development. The council made reference to the Clare Development Plan which sets guidelines for the number of car-parking spaces that can be allocated to a school. As a result, Clare County Council recommended that LCETB issue new plans for an increased 31 parking spaces on site, in line with the proposed staff of 25 teachers and 4 ancillary staff.
The council also expressed concern over the proposed site entrance, which it felt would lead to traffic increases and delays at the junction of the L1050 local road and N67 national road in the North Clare town. The planning department also asked LCETB to provide further information in regards to “access to the proposed development by fire brigade personnel”, and the provision of details on water supply for firefighting.
LCETB responded to this request with the information required, helping to secure permission for the development. A document answering Clare County Council’s concerns by Quilligan-Scally Architects addressed parking concerns by stating the current school had made a mistake in its initial application over teacher numbers and now wishes “to indicate that the school currently has 8 teaching staff which will expand to 11 teaching staff and 8 ancillary staff”. This means that the 19 proposed car parking spaces could be approved.
Fire safety concerns were addressed through a consultation with Council Fire Engineer Ger Fallon and amendments to the original site plan. Wider footpaths will now be built on site to allow easier access for fire tenders. Details of an improved water supply system have also been supplied to Clare County Council.
With their requests answered, the planning department has granted conditional permission for the proposed development to go ahead. The council has ordered that “the school shall not be occupied unless a new concrete footpath is provided along the southern side of the L1050”, citing pedestrian safety concerns as a priority for the development. The local authority has also stated that its appointed archaeologist will establish buffer zones on the site before any significant work can be undertaken.
The project can now move beyond the planning process following Clare County Council’s decision to grant permission to the development.
