10-year wait for Ennis development approval

A PROPOSED development, which has cost a well-known Ennis business family more than €100,000 in the past 10 years to get off the ground, has been given the go-ahead by Ennis Town Council.

Leo and Gearóid Mannion, of Tom Mannion’s Travel Agency on O’Connell Street, have been granted planning permission to demolish existing premises at 71 O’Connell Street/Westby’s Lane/Barrack Street to construct a mixed-use building with basement car parking, retail space and apartments.
The planning application allows for retaining elements of the existing structure, including the façade at O’Connell Street.
The proposal was granted permission by Ennis Town Council subject to 23 conditions, including that the height of the buildings on the Barrack Street elevation be reduced by one storey and redesigned as appropriate.
Planning permission was previously refused on this site for the demolition of the existing building as it was felt that the proposals put forward at that time would partially obstruct views of the Cathedral.
Similar concerns regarding the latest planning application were raised by archaeological conservation officer Risteard Ua Cróinín who described the development as “overbearing” and stated it had the “potential to do irreparable damage to a very attractive county town”.
He stated, “If permitted it will obscure not only the clock but a significant part of the Cathedral which is a protected structure and views of which are important and protected. To allow these unique buildings, streetscapes and slate medieval townscapes to be dominated by a featureless concrete development would serve to detract from the visual amenity and architectural integrity of the town of Ennis.”
However, in a letter to the planning authority, both Leo and Gearóid Mannion insisted, “Having been born in this town and lived our lives here, we have no wish to compromise Ennis’ built heritage”.
They outlined that they have received advice that in excess of €100,000 had been spent on the project in 10 years and they pointed to their record of development at the site for 25 years.
Also, Siobán Mulcahy, architect, stated, “Buildings are continually evolving and it is a quality contributing to the richness of urban streetscapes that buildings have been and can continue to adapt to changing circumstances and changing forces of history. It is my opinion that proposed new development can be regarded as another step in the evolution of a building, provided that the existing building is accurately recorded and archived.” She insisted that any visual impact would be “minimal”. The site is within the Architectural Conservation Area, however, the building does not form part of the list of protected structures. Conservation works will be carried out as part of the development, with plans to retain the perimeter walls of the 19th century frontage and return buildings.
Outlining the conservation works, the architect concluded, “The proposed works to the existing building shall respect and enhance the 19th century qualities of the structure so that its significant features are conserved. Inappropriate 20th century interventions to the exterior of the building shall be reversed and appropriate materials shall be used throughout in remedial works. Throughout the building, where elements of the 18/19th century structure are uncovered, they shall be recorded and documented so that the historic profile of the building can be verified and confirmed.”
In his planning report, executive planner Andrew Hersey, described the proposals for retail units as being “advantageous to the town centre, which is lacking in larger retail units for attracting branded retail outlets”. He agreed that the historical aspect of the existing buildings be retained.
In making the decision to grant planning permission, the planning authority stated that having regard to the established use on site, it considered that subject to conditions, the development is in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Among the conditions of planning permission, the developers will have to pay almost €75,000 to Ennis Town Council in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting the development as well as over €60,000 in respect of car parking.
A licensed archaeologist must be employed to carry out monitoring of all sub-surface works and a statement of how it is proposed to retain and repair elements of architectural heritage interest in the existing buildings.