Parteen sports complex plan raised ‘serious concerns’

CLARE County Council has raised a number of concerns regarding a proposed all-weather running track and sand-based soccer field in Parteen, despite support from four local councillors, FAI Schools Soccer and Limerick Football Club.

Tom Buckley recently submitted a planning application to construct an all-weather, eight-lane running track and all-weather sand-based soccer field, car parking and associated site works at his current facility at Seanchoill Sports Complex.

In a letter to Mr Buckley, the council stated, in general, it is not favourably disposed towards the proposed development and noted its request for further information should not be interpreted as being indicative of a favourable outcome to the application.

“The planning authority has a number of serious concerns as regards the proposed development due to the location of the site, the fact that the subject site is not zoned and having regard to the lack of infrastructure at this location.
“It is considered important that any further development at this location does not detract from existing facilities, which are located on appropriately zoned lands and the development potential of future facilities proposed to be located on zoned lands within nearby settlements.

“In the context of the foregoing, any development on the subject site should consist of development that is linked/complementary to the existing uses on the site,” the council stated.
The council also had ten requests for additional information on various aspects of the development.

It wants the applicant to submit a master plan for the overall site, together with a justification for the development on unzoned lands and the expansion of existing facilities.
In addition to providing traffic movements that would be generated by the entire development, existing and proposed, the developer has to provide a revised site layout plan identifying the width and length of road, kerbing locations and height, and existing and proposed pedestrian / cycle paths.

The council pointed out adequate disabled parking has not been provided as part of the proposed development. It requested the applicant address the requirement for one space per 20 for the first 100 spaces and one space for 50 above that.

Expressing concern about light spillage onto the local road and adjacent properties, the council sought details concerning proposed floodlighting, height and types of lanes.
The authority claimed the existing developments, as permitted under planning permissions in 2003 and 2004, are different from that constructed and from the drawings submitted under the subject application. Therefore, the authority stated it would appear the existing development is “not authorised by a valid planning permission”. It invited the applicant to submit its comments in this regard.

Councillors Cathal Crowe, Pascal Fitzgerald, Michael Begley and Joe Cooney; Dianne Fay, FAI Schools, Abbotstown, Dublin 15 and Limerick Football Club signed a letter stating they are “extremely supportive of the development of a fully floodlight Olympic standard athletics track and soccer pitch at Seanchoill”.

“As there is no comparable facility to the proposed development, this amenity will provide significant benefits to the community once completed, especially to schools and clubs but also the general public,” the letter stated.

“In addition to that, it will significantly enhance the positioning and reputation of Clare and the surrounding Limerick area as a top sporting venue in Ireland.”
In a letter to Mr Buckley, the ESB confirmed it is not opposed to this development and would arrange to survey the existing line position and make the necessary changes to the requirements of the line, should it come in contact with the proposed development on site.  However, it noted any works associated with the existing line may be subject to planning approval and wayleave agreement.

The Clare Association of An Taisce stated in its submission the design of this sports facility should take into account the adjacent ringfort and requested the provision of an archaeological report.

It sought an assessment of individual and cumulative impact of an additional entrance on this road and questioned if there are enough parking places available for vehicles to avoid using the local road for parking.