Revised plans submitted to renovate Mountshannon Community Hall

*Mountshannon. 

PLANS have been lodged with Clare County Council that could see Mountshannon Community Hall demolished and replaced with a new facility.

Further information has been received by the Council from Mountshannon Community Council in relation to the proposed development.

At the end of September, Mountshannon Community Council applied for ‘alterations and demolition works to the existing community hall, the construction of a sports hall and arts centre and ancillary buildings along with all associated site works”.

Following this application, further information was requested by the Council who raised concerns that the development may have a negative visual impact on “nearby protected structures”, such as St. Caimin’s Church.

Clare County Council also raised concerns that the development could “have an overbearing effect on the private amenity space”, of homes close to the site. A more exact definition of the site’s boundaries has also been requested.

In response, Mountshannon Community Council have submitted a number of plans that answer the planning department’s claims. New elevations show that the development will not be higher than St. Caimin’s church as feared, nor will it be visible from the road due to the presence of trees. The site will be limited to 2714 sqm in size. Cllr Pat Burke (FG) has endorsed the development.

The current hall was built in 1940 and contains an asbestos roof which will have to be removed before construction can begin. A bat survey may also be required at the site.

The site has received one objection from local resident Paul Knapp. The Mountshannon man voiced his concern that the development could have a negative impact on the unique visual character of the village. “The wall design and cladding of the larger building proposed in the application seems out of character with this part of Clare. The modern materials and design elements proposed could potentially undermine the historical and rural/agricultural charm of the area”, he stated.

He added, “The entrance to my property has on numerous occasions been blocked, impeded and restricted for access and egress by the vehicles parked using the community hall, with an increase in size and visitors, I feel the proposed parking isn’t sufficient for the volumes of traffic it will generate, leading to the status of on road parking to continue”.

A decision on whether the development can proceed is due to be made by May 10th.