Plans for shop and chalet in Mountshannon

A boathouse in Mountshannon has been the subject of five incidents of criminal damage and two burglaries over a seven-year period, according to a local garda sergeant. A boathouse in Mountshannon has been the subject of five incidents of criminal damage and two burglaries over a seven-year period, according to a local garda sergeant.
Mary Muggivan, c/o John Duggan, Manusmore, Clarecastle has re-applied to Clare County Council for planning permission to demolish the existing chalet/shop/boathouse and to construct a mini-café/sweet shop and chalet living accommodation at Mountshannon Harbour.
Plans for the proposed refurbishment of the boathouse were withdrawn a few months by the owner following concerns expressed by Clare County Council and the Department of the Environment.
In a letter submitted to the local planning department, Sergeant Joe Fallon provided a list of reported crimes that have occurred at the applicant’s premises at Mountshannon Harbour.
These include incidents of criminal damage in July and August, 2002; two incidents of burglary in 2003, criminal damage in April 2003, two further incidents of criminal damage in April and May 2009 and youths loitering in June 2004.
“These are the crimes of which you have been the injured party, Other crimes have occurred in the vicinity of the Mountshannon Pier area, which are associated with youths loitering in the area,” he stated.
A screening statement submitted by JBA Consulting in the latest application concluded “no likely significant effect” would result from the proposed redevelopment of the existing chalet and shop.
The Limerick City-based Consulting Engineers acknowledged Lough Derg SPA was of international importance for its breeding populations of Common Tern and overwintering of W Whooper Swan and Greenland White-fronted Goose.
It also has nationally important populations of other breeding and overwintering wetland and waterfowl.
“The proposed redevelopment of the existing chalet and shop at Mountshannon Quay has the potential to adversely impact upon the populations of these important bird species, potentially adversely impacting upon the integrity of SPA.
“Redevelopments, such as the current proposed scheme, have the potential to impact upon bird populations through disturbance and water pollution during the demolition/construction phase and during operation of the site.
“However, this Appropriate Assessment screening exercise has determined that although disturbance and water pollution are potential hazards, there are no mechanisms through which this could have a significant adverse impact on the special conservation interests for which the site is designated. This is due to the scale and nature of the redevelopment and the existing conditions on site,” the consultants stated.
Having purchased the chalet from a relation in August 2001, Ms Muggivan recalled in a submission to the council the redevelopment of the boathouse would act as a deterrent for vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the area.
During the Iniscealtra Arts Festival, Ms Muggivan recalled she often provided free electricity and opened the shop late at night to facilitate the events. She stated this premises was used as a home by baking and cooking for her family.
The council had previously asked the applicant to submit revised proposals to ensure the proposed development complies with the zoning of the site by contributing to the tourism product of the village particularly lake-based activities.
It considered the proposed development had the potential for significant impacts on the Lough Derg Special Protection Area and on the proposed Natural Heritage Area and accordingly should be subject to appropriate assessment screening.