A VISION for the transformation of a 50 acre site on the shore of Ballybeg Lough into a community and tourism space, which could potentially include glamping, kayaking and cycling facilities, has been unveiled.
A draft strategic plan has been formulated by Clare Clare County Council examining the potential for the future development of lands owned by the local authority at Ballaghafadda West on the Kildysart Road, Clarecastle.
Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say on the draft plan with a deadline for submissions of April 5.
According to the local authority, the Draft Ballaghafadda Amenity and Recreation Plan “sets out a vision to enhance the site’s natural beauty, enrich its ecological value and to encourage engagement with the landscape, lough and its surroundings”.
Under the plan, a network of pathways and boardwalks is proposed to be carefully set within a naturalised woodland, meadow and wetland landscape. Interpretation of the site’s natural and cultural heritage will be provided through signage and public art.
The council outlines that activities on the site may include walking, cycling, wildlife watching, natural play, and low impact water sports, such as swimming, rowing and kayaking with supporting onsite facilities for outdoor recreation, community and tourism requirements as appropriate to the site and objectives of the County Development Plan.
There is also future potential opportunity to enhance and consider the creation of new linkages from Clarecastle village, Ballybeg Woods and Killone Lough to this site.
Among the proposals are the development of a natural play area for children, improvements to water access to encourage water-based activities, pathways, a elevated viewing platform and interpretative sculptures.
The draft plan sets out that “commercial enterprise would further activate the site and provide for both community and tourist facilities”.
The site has the potential for privately operated enterprises to provide glamping circa 15 pods, cycling for around 120 bikes, kayaking of between 35 and 40 kayaks, and a coffee pod for public refreshments.
There is no immediate project funding allocated however it is intended that the plan will support any potential future grant applications.
The draft plan concludes, “Ballaghafadda Amenity and Recreation plan has demonstrated the potential of the site for both community and visitor uses.
“It is considered best practice to deliver the project in phases through a staged implementation programme, and by working with nature, and engaging with the community and academic partners, will provide the best possible outcome for the site and promote sensitive ecological restoration, further enhancing the natural beauty.
“The masterplan also creates an opportunity to evoke the rich archaeological and heritage embedded within the site and context. Enterprising activities such as kayak, canoes, cycle hire and facilities for group activities and glamping, provides a dynamic element to the site, and further energises the local community, and promotes engagement with the site and surrounding heritage and community assets.”
The Rural Development Directorate, Clare County Council, in conjunction with the Paul Hogarth Company ltd, O’ Connor Sutton Cronin Engineers, John Ruddle Consulting, Ruth Minogue Environmental and Risteard UaCróinín, Archaeologist and Architectural Heritage Advisor formulated the strategic plan for the site following extensive surveying, research and design development.
The requirement for a plan on this site is identified in the County Development Plan 2017-2023. This draft plan was informed by earlier consultations in July 2021 via an online survey involving residents, the Public Participation Network, Tourism Groups, the Age Friendly Network, local community groups and landowners.
“The preparation of the Ballaghafadda Amenity & Recreation Plan ensures that there is a template for strategic decision making in relation to future development of the site to support the local community, economic growth, tourism, heritage awareness, amenity and recreation in the area.
“It should be noted that the objective of this draft plan is to provide a strategic vision and the development of many of the key objectives therein would require further detailed design, assessment, and public consultation through a statutory planning process,” state Clare County Council.
“Although there is no immediate project funding allocated, it is intended that this document will guide the evolution of the site at community-based level and act as supporting documentation to any potential future grant applications.
The Draft Ballaghafadda Amenity and Recreation Plan aims to set out a strategy vision for the sustainable evolution and development of the site over time which may form part of the wider future amenity offering for County Clare and the Ennis Municipal District subject to planning and development requirements and funding availability.”
Members of the public are being encouraged to view the draft Ballaghafadda Amenity & Recreation Plan and complete an online survey https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/ballaghafadda-amenity-and-recreation-plan/survey_tools/survey.
The draft plan can be found at https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/ballaghafadda-amenity-and-recreation-plan?s=03
“If you have any thoughts, ideas or opinions on any aspect of the proposed vision for the Draft Ballaghfadda Amenity & Recreation Plan, we would like to hear from you.
“Any individual or interested parties can make a submission or observation on the Draft Plan. Submissions or observations can be made during the public consultation period which will run until Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
“Submissions or observations received are subject to meeting requirements under relevant data protection legislation. All submissions/observations will be subject to Freedom of Information legislation. All observations or submissions received during the above time period will be taken into consideration before launching the final Ballaghafadda Amenity & Recreation Plan.”