NEWMARKET On Fergus CLG has applied to Clare County Council for a new two storey extension and further renovations at its community centre in the village.
The community group feels that the proposed development is necessary to ensure that the centre is “fit for purpose now and in the future”.
A planning application issued to Clare County Council by Miltown Malbay based McKenna Consulting Engineers is seeking planning permission to “demolish a section of their existing community centre and to replace with a new extension on the east elevation, to add a covered area to the south elevation and to install an underground water harvesting system”.
According to documents included in the planning application, the proposed underground water harvesting system will “allow for rainwater to be collected from the roofs of the community centre and directed into the underground tank. The overflow from the underground tank will be connected to the existing surface water system serving the community centre. The underground tank will be 1.64m wide x 6.6m in length and 2.05m deep”. The proposed extension will help to ensure increased accessibility and functionality of the building as it continues to cater for several community groups and activities in the village.
The centre is a popular outlet for the people of the village and is situated on Ballycar Road. The facility was first established as a Temperance Hall in 1840 by dedicated members of the Temperance Movement, whose goal was to provide a space that would significantly improve the quality of life for the residents of Newmarket-on-Fergus and the nearby communities. The community centre has continued to serve as a vital hub for local activities and gatherings, fostering a strong sense of community and support among its members over the years.
The hall has been granted planning permission for several renovations in recent years, including the construction of new male and female toilets and changing rooms in 2018. Planning permission for the construction of a glass wall to the existing handball alley and a viewing gallery in the same area were also granted in 2015. In 2022, a €450,000 refurbishment of the site was carried out.
A decision on the proposed development will be made by Clare County Council by the 26th of August. Submissions from members of the public can be issued to the planning department up to August 5th.
