Clarecastle filling station plans halted

CLARE County Council has put the brakes on plans to redevelop a filling station in Clarecastle, saying the proposal could “endanger public safety” and have an “adverse impact” on the vitality of Ennis and Clarecastle.

Maxol Ltd had looked to redevelop its existing filling station on the Ennis Road in Clarecastle, which they said would include the creation of 12 to 15 jobs.

Plans included the demolition of the existing forecourt building, canopy, fuel tanks and all associated structures at the station. It was also proposed to demolish an adjoining disused dwelling, associated sheds, boundary walls and structures. Under the plans, a new forecourt would have been provided with a 100m2 shop, including off licence. It was also proposed to have a self-service food and seating area.

However, the plans have been refused by Clare County Council. The planning authority stated, “It is considered that the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Ennis and, in particular, Clarecastle centre”.

The council added that the plans would “conflict materially” with the objectives of retail planning guidelines and the Ennis and Environs Development Plan and is contrary to ministerial guidelines.
Regarding the location of the site in relation to the Clareabbey Roundabout, the council found that the “intensification of use and associated vehicular movements” generated by the proposal “would give rise to a number of vehicular conflicts and undesirable cross-movements across the R458 and would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard or obstruction of road users or otherwise.”

The planning authority continued, “Furthermore, the development would result in traffic congestion, both within the site and onto the adjoining public roads, which would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard or obstruction of road users on the adjoining road network”.

By Jessica Quinn