CLARE County Council is proposing to build 18 new homes in Scariff and a Part 8 application is now at the public consultation phase.
The apartment development at Ballyminogue, Waterpark, will be situated along the Scariff Stream and have a mix of one, two and three-bed units. A total of 27 car parking spaces are also proposed.
The authority’s application states that, “An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening determination has been made and concludes that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development.”
In respect of the risk of flooding, a detailed report has also been compiled. It characterises the flood risk as minimal. “The proposed development model shows the proposed development will have no impacts on the flood levels”, it states.
The document identifies “residual risks”, including climate change and potential blockage of the downstream Scariff River Ridge and any boundary treatment fending.
“In conclusion,” it states, “the mitigation measures put in place ensure the development is suitable for the location.”
As part of the application, a detailed Ecological Impact Assessment has been submitted. This outlines the impact of the development on the environment, wildlife and local watercourses.
That report predicts a minimal impact on water quality.
“Lough Derg is located approximately 4.23km downstream of the site with a connecting pathway available via the Scariff River,” the document notes.
“Due to the limited quantity of potential contaminants onsite, and the length of the pathway to Lough Derg, the final impact is considered to be short term, not significant, with a neutral impact on water quality, i.e. the expected surface runoff will not negatively impact on the water quality within Lough Derg.”
Once the estate is constructed, the report states that its impact on local waterways will be minimal.
“The development is classified as residential with no commercial or industrial activities onsite that will present a risk of contamination to the Scariff Stream/River waterbodies,” the report notes.
“Activities on-site will be restricted to vehicular movement of residents within the development.”
The EIA notes that the apartments will be located along the Scariff Stream and within 45m of the Scariff River.
According to the plans, “it is proposed to include a stormwater management system as an integral part of the development”.
Any negative impact on a number of Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) has also been ruled out.
These include Loughanilloon Bog, Derryoober Bog and Ayle Lower Bog, as well as the Maghera Mountain Bogs, Down Lough and Cloonloum More Bog on which impact is expected to be minimal. A negative impact on Lough Graney Woods, Cahermurphy Wood and Glendree Bog.
A report on the zoning of the 0.88 hectare site notes that it is earmarked for mixed use, as per the current County Development Plan.
The remaining one hectare of the site “will have the potential to be used for other uses to comply with the development plan”.
Possible future uses, identified by consultants for the council include a community orchard/garden; a picnic area with chess board, games tables and social activities; a performance space – the consultants suggest an “amphitheatre type auditorium with stage to the flatter area”.
A river walk, connecting to other walks in the area is another suggestion as well as potential commercial development of the section of the site closest to the town.
Public submissions on the housing plan are being accepted up to January 21. The council has given January 28 as an indicative decision date.