Community input sought for Kilrush plan

Kilrush people are being asked by the local town council to participate in the public consultation process for the preparation of the Kilrush Development Plan 2014-2020, details of which were announced this week.
Kilrush Town Council has commenced the period of public consultation as part of a review of the 2008 Development Plan for Kilrush, due to expire in 2014.
The revised plan will determine the ­future land-use needs of the local ­community in terms of economic development, recreational and community requirements, as well as residential, transport and infrastructural needs.
The review of the plan, which is being carried out in accordance with Section 11 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, will feature informal public information events at Moore Street (former Clohessy Electrical Sales store) on Tuesday, February 28 and Wednesday, February 29 from 12noon to 7pm. Council officials will brief also local children as part of development plan process during visits to local schools on Monday, February 27.
Meanwhile, an Issues Booklet ­outlining the statutory and public consultation processes involved in the preparation of the plan has been produced and made available online and at council offices.
Welcoming the commencement of the public consultation process, Mayor of Kilrush Ian Lynch explained that obtaining input from the local community at the beginning of the plan-making process is important to the final outcome of the development plan.
“A development plan is required to address the issues identified by the public and to reflect the aspirations of the community, as well as having regard for the hierarchy of government policy, strategies and guidelines. The Issues Paper commences the first stage of the plan-making process by stimulating debate and encouraging the public to get involved.
“I am confident that the level of interest and commitment the council will receive from the members of the public in Kilrush will shape the Kilrush Development Plan 2014-2020 in a positive manner and will also ensure its implementation when it is adopted in 2014,” Mayor Lynch said.
Commenting on the background to the plan, Nora Kaye, director of services and Kilrush town manager, said that planning legislation requires the planning ­authority to review the Kilrush Development Plan 2008-2014 no later than two years from the date of expiration of the plan.
“The new town plan will act as a catalyst for economic development and job creation in Kilrush and it can be viewed as a strategic investment strategy for the town and surrounding areas. Therefore, it is vitally important that the councils receive the input from all sectors of the community,” the town manager commented.
The preparation of the new Kilrush Development Plan includes objectives on a range of topics, including core strategy; zoning of land in line with population target; provision of infrastructure; conservation and protection of environment; protection of structures or streetscapes; renewal of areas in need of regeneration; provision of accommodation for travellers; preservation, improvement and extension of recreational amenities and the provision of community services.
The Issues Book is on display at the offices of Kilrush Town Council and Clare County Council as well as at local libraries and on the www.clarecoco.ie and www.kilrushtowncouncil.ie websites.
Three-hundred copies of the Issues Book also have been issued to community groups, stakeholders, statutory bodies and ratepayers in Kilrush.
Community groups, individuals, stakeholders and students are encouraged to make written submissions no later than 4pm on Tuesday, April 10.
There will be an opportunity later in the process for the public to further express their views and make additional submissions.
In making submissions and observations, individuals should state their name, address and, where relevant, the body represented. Submissions or observations should be addressed to: Planning, Economic Development and Enterprise Department, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis.
Alternatively, submissions may also be emailed to forwardplan@clarecoco.ie (maximum document size by email: 4MB) or can be faxed to 065 6892071. Submissions made via email must include the full name and address of the person making the submission.