Draft Plan deadline looming

THE window for the public to make submissions on the Draft County Development Plan is closing fast was the message from the Mayor of Clare, Councillor Tony Mulcahy this week. 
The mayor was presenting prizes to the winners of a photography competition run by the council in conjunction with the Clare Champion, to mark the publication of the Draft Clare County Development Plan 2011-2017.
Caelinn Crowley from Ennis was the winner in the U-18 category, while John Power of Belvoir, Sixmilebridge won the over 18 category.
The photography competition was run with the aim of promoting awareness among the public of the importance of having an input into the draft plan, by making a submission.
“The closing date for receipt of submissions is April 6.  I cannot stress how important it is that interested parties make a submission before the end of this ten-week consultation period. There is little point in six or 12 months time raising fundamental issues on the planning and development of the county.  Now is the time,” the mayor stated.
The Draft Clare County Development Plan 2011-2017 sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the functional area of Clare County Council. When adopted, the six-year blueprint will replace the existing County Development Plan 2005 and it will be the sixth such plan since 1964.
Mayor Mulcahy welcomed the work and input to date on the draft plan.  
“The primary goal of this plan is to position County Clare as a driver for local and regional growth through harnessing the potential of its unique location, quality of life, natural resources and other competitive advantages.  Ultimately, the plan seeks to make County Clare a better place to live in, work and visit.”