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SHANNON Commercial Properties had been due to receive a decision on a proposal for an advanced technology manufacturing unit in the Free Zone, but Clare County Council have now sought further information.
The proposed development would be a single storey high-bay industrial floor, with an ancillary office area. It would replace existing structures at the site, with planning permission for their demolition already granted.
In a submission accompanying the application it set out what is proposed. “The site is located at Bay 77 and 79 within the Shannon Free Zone, adjacent to Rineanna House. Currently it consists of two free standing 1960s factory facilities with associated car parking and back of house amenities, which are earmarked to be demolished to make space for the new 40,000 square foot advanced technology manufacturing facility.
“As part of Shannon Commercial Properties 5+ years development strategy, Shannon Commercial Properties with Hassett, Leyden and Association are exploring the redevelopment of this under utilised gateway site in order to provide a modern, fit for purpose approx 33,000 square foot advanced technology manufacturing unit factory along with approximately 7,000 square foot modern offices, loading provisions and car parking as well as optimising the value of the site.”
It claimed that the new development could provide “a catalyst and benchmark for the forthcoming Shannon Commercial Properties”.
It claimed that “The corner site is very well located, less than one kilometre from Shannon Airport, 2km from Shannon Town Centre, 26km from Ennis Town and 26km to Limerick City.”
Expounding on the benefits to Shannon it added, “The proposal demands to meet the needs of the building users, while not forgetting our duties to the general public. We should attempt to introduce sustainable modern features where possible and wholeheartedly strive to merge the Shannon Free Zone estate into a modern industrial campus feel, enjoyed by all who work within and those who visit.”
It claimed that the site is well set up to exploit solar energy. “With an unobstructive skyline facing south, the development has a great opportunity to maximise on solar sustainable features. The introduction of solar panelling, either photovolitics or flat bed panels, we shall aim to introduce as many sustainable features as reasonably possible, making our building a beacon of sustainability for future developments in the Shannon Free Zone.”
However the use of solar panels was one of the issues raised by the Council, in its request for further information. “It is noted that it is proposed to provide approximately 231 square metre area of solar panels on the roof of the proposed development. Please be advised that the proposed solar panels are required to be assessed for any potential glare and glint issues in relation to aviation due to the proximity of the site to Shannon Airport.”
The applicant was asked to submit revised details, and to consult with the Irish Aviation Authority and Shannon Aviation Authority.
Due to the proximity to the Lower River Shannon and the Shannon Estuaries, they were required to submit an Assessment Screening Report, while they are also required to include information to show the development will not increase overall flood risk.
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked for a number of other regional titles in Limerick, Galway and Cork.
