The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
AN Ennistymon company has been refused planning permission to retain two electronic signs descried as “a travesty and a blot on the landscape”.
An objection from a local resident had been very critical of the signs and their “lurid animation” at Daktronics Ireland Ltd premises in the Deerpark Industrial Estate in the town.
“Their huge LED sign is an eyesore and a blight not only on the town of Ennistymon but also on the surrounding countryside,” the submission stated.
“It was built without permission, illegally, and should not be allowed to be retrospectively allowed considering the phenomenal detrimental effect it has on the surrounding area,” he claimed.
The objection added, “I myself live across the valley from the site and the huge LED sign is bright enough at night to cast a shadow in my bedroom and its repeated lurid animations are both distracting and disturbing.
“Throughout the whole of last winter their sign caused me unnecessary stress as I am prone to Scintillating Scotoma (Visual Migraines/Aura Headaches) triggered by bright light and especially bright LED points such as signs and headlights.
“From the Main Street in Ennistymon the sight of the huge sign is just awful and I urge you, and anyone else concerned to go and see it in person. It is a travesty, a true blot on the landscape.”
Planning permission was refused and the Chief Executive’s Order said, “It is considered that the proposed signs for retention by virtue of their internal illumination, height, size and nature (electronic variable messaging signs) at an elevated and visually prominent location on the outskirts of Ennistymon in a semi-rural setting, would form an incongruous feature in the landscape.
The order further stated they would be contrary to the standards for signage as set out in the Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023 as varied, and would therefore be seriously injurious to the visual amenities of the area.
“The proposed retention, if permitted, would also set an undesirable precedent for similar development and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” the order concluded.
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
