THE development of a masterplan for Newmarket-on-Fergus is “vital” in preparing for the future growth of the village a meeting of councillors has heard.
Clare County Council Senior Planner Helen Quinn has confirmed that the village is the next recommended location for a masterplan exercise within the Shannon Municipal District.
Councillor Pat McMahon told a meeting of the municipal district that he has received “a large number of enquiries from individuals, various organisations and voluntary bodies” about the need for a masterplan for Newmarket-on-Fergus.
He pointed to the upgrade of the waste water treatment plant, which it is envisaged will allow for the growth of the village including additional housing. “It is vital that parallel to this is a masterplan to plan for the future,” he said.
Ms Quinn, senior planner, responded to the motion, “As members are aware a Town Centre First Masterplan is currently underway for Sixmilebridge.
“The locations and programming of further town centre first masterplanning excercises have not been identified to date. However, it is intended that Newmarket-on-Fergus would be the next recommended location for such a masterplanning exercise within the Shannon Municipal District area.”
Councillor John Crowe spoke about the masterplan which is currently underway in Sixmilebridge saying “It’s only started in the last couple of months but we can see activity already.”
Councillor PJ Ryan commented that a masterplan is “very beneficial to any town or village” and agreed that “Newmarket-on-Fergus needs a masterplan.” He added it is “essential” that the local community play a part in the development of any plan.
Councillor Gerry Flynn stated that he has been involved in the development of a number of masterplans, cautioning, “sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for”.
He insisted that instead of a masterplan developed “by planners coming into town with a brief” there must be “buy-in from the public and elected members, people who are familiar and know and breathe the area”.
He continued, “It’s a two way street, without that input you end up with a plan that is not fit for purpose.”