Council seeks more details on Cusack Park plans

CLARE County Council is seeking further information from Clare County GAA Board on the proposed €2.5m redevelopment of the Southern Stand at Cusack Park, following three separate submissions on facilities for disabled fans.

The county board applied for planning permission on October 30 to remove the existing roof of the Southern Stand, erect a new roof complete with camera box accommodation and rear access stairs, and to build a new toilet block adjacent to the stand.

An application was also submitted for a new turnstiles block and boundary wall.

Clare County Council has now written to the county board to say that, “concerns remain regarding the provision of adequate disabled access and viewing points within the proposed development,” and has requested an access statement which, “demonstrates how the proposal in its current format provides for the requirements of Universal Design” – [the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability] – “and demonstrates the provision of adequate sheltered viewing points for the disabled.”

Further information is also sought on access arrangements inside and outside of the grounds, the layout of stairways, proposals for drop off and disabled parking facilities, and how emergency services will be facilitated.

Three submissions were made on disabled facilities which commented on the present facilities: “Currently there is no covered wheelchair area in the grounds which means that all types of weather conditions have to be endured by both the wheelchair user and their carer.”