ENNIS councillors are calling on Shannon Airport Group to defer the planned sale of a 4.9 acre site at the Quin Road Business Park.
The sale of the site at the entrance the business park is expected take place on December 14 with selling agents stating the land would have a number of uses subject to planning permission.
However councillors are urging Shannon Airport Group to enter into discussions with Clare County Council and Irish Water to ensure “essential infrastructure” on the site, including sewerage and roads, remains in public ownership.
Concerns about the effects of the planned sale were highlighted at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.
Councillor Johnny Flynn sought support from council colleagues for “immediate action” to be taken by Clare County Council to engage in “urgent negotiation” with Shannon Airport Group “for the orderly transfer” of services.
The councillor estimated that businesses operating within the park contribute “well over €500,000” in commercial rates to Clare County Council annually while employing up to 600 staff.
He further pointed out that the business park’s sewerage infrastructure, including the “critical” pump house, provides sewerage service to the adjoining Bruach na Habhana estate along with various Council owned properties in the business park.
He said businesses and residents are “very concerned” about the possibility of the site going into private ownership.
Councillor Flynn had previously suggested that the lands could be utilised as a bio-diversity area as well as a car park for people utilising the Ennis to Clareabbey walk.
Responding to the motion, Leonore O’Neill, Senior Executive Officer, stated, “Ennis Municipal District are aware of the current proposed sale of certain lands and infrastructure assets within the Quin Road Business Park.
“The Municipal District are carrying out a due diligence exercise to provide a proper assessment of the assets in question, their current condition and any maintenance liabilities which may arise.
“We are also seeking clarity on the exact terms of the sale.
“It is important to point out that Clare County Council are no longer a Water Services Authority and therefore the responsibility for the transfer of any water services assets such as watermains, sewers and pumping stations now rests with Irish Water.
“Irish Water have their own taking in charge procedure for such assets and the Shannon Group can liaise directly with Irish Water on that matter.”
Councillor Paul Murphy supported Councillor Flynn’s motion saying it is “critical” that proper attempts are made to ensure sewerage services are safeguarded. Councillor Mary Howard also supported the motion.
Councillor Pat Daly stressed the importance of the site’s infrastructure, agreeing the location would be idea for the establishment of a car park.
Ms O’Neill insisted the council must carry out its “due diligence” regarding the site. Director of Service Carmel Kirby agreed stating there is a “myriad of infrastructure in private ownership arrangements and we need to establish what is being sold on the site”.
Ms O’Neill added, “it’s a complicated site”. Councillor Flynn proposed that the council ask Shannon Airport Group to postpone the sale.
Councillor Daly commented, “It’s such important infrastructure, the Council needs to talk to Shannon Group immediately. It mightn’t need stopping the sale, it might take a phone call today.”
Councillor Howard stated the council is facing a “balancing act” of representing constituents while not interfering in business decisions.
“There are issues that have to be answered,” she said.
Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy said she, “100% agree there are concerns”.
“We don’t want to cross boundaries but we do our best to protect residents.”
It was agreed that the council would contact Shannon Airport Group and request the sale of the property be delayed and that Shannon Airport Group engage with Clare County Council and Irish Water.