Developers remain committed to €60m Derg marina project

The developers of a proposed €60 million redevelopment of a marina on the shores of Lough Derg remain committed to the overall project, despite a withdrawal of the planning application this week. That’s according to Eclipse Development spokesman, Michael Parker who told The Clare Champion that the developers were still going ahead with and were fully committed to the major revamp of Derg Marina.

Mr Parker explained that the developers were currently working with the council to deal with a “technical issue” and there was no fundamental reason why the application was withdrawn.
He added that the developers would address this issue with the council as soon as it was practically possible.
North Tipperary County Council confirmed on Wednesday that the developers had withdrawn the application on Monday, the same day the six-month time limit had elapsed to address 28 issues of concern raised by the council in its further information request made last January.
Once the developers address the council concerns, it is expected they will submit revised plans for a scaled down version.
The proposed Shoreline development initially included 85 apartments, five townhouses, a new marina boardwalk with 236 berths, public walkways, a new base for the Shannon Coast Guard search and rescue, 260 carpark spaces, commercial units for restaurants and shops and an educational facility helping to create a sense of community on the site.
The first planning application represented a €60 million investment in the region and the promoters estimated it would be worth roughly €6 million a year to the local economy. If planning is eventually granted, 120 jobs will be created during the two-year construction phase and the scheme is expected to generate 70 jobs once it is completed.
In its request for further information, North Tipperary County Council expressed concerns about height aspects of the proposed developments as well as its public and private open space. It was also stated that a revised Visual Impact Statement is needed while the Traffic Impact Statement and Road Safety Audit hasn’t fully addressed vehicular and pedestrian safety implications.
An assessment on the potential impact on the fishery habitat of the lake and clarification about the relationship between boat servicing facilities and the coast guard search and rescue was also sought.
“The proposed development is premature pending the upgrade of the waste water treatment plant. The applicant is requested to submit full details of involvement in upgrading the plant as referred to in the environmental report.
“The applicant is advised that the Water Services Section is not in favour of the applicant’s proposal to install a foul pumping station on site and the applicant is requested to investigate all alternative options through consultation with this section,” the council stated.
The council has expressed concern that the development might seriously compromise the integrity of the Lady Landsdowne shipwreck and requested measures to ensure its protection during construction and proposed that the raising of the vessel and use on site as a feature should be fully investigated.
A large number of local residents, community and leisure groups had objected to the planning application including the local Derg Marina Action Group, which organised a public meeting earlier this year.