ASPECTS of the forthcoming new development plan for Clare will be revisited now that wastewater facilities are to be upgraded in the village of Kilmihil.

It follows a call from Councillor Cillian Murphy who told the April meeting of the local authority that the zoning map, and population and housing allocation, for the village must now be revised.

“Kilmihil is a progressive place and I would describe the People’s Park there as world class,” he said.

“The area has suffered from stymied growth due to the lack of wastewater services, but now that is to change and that should be acknowledged in the plan.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Ian Lynch, who agreed that the Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 must be looked at once again for the Kilmihil area. 

“This needs a lot more work and debate,” added Councillor Gerry Flynn. The Independent member paid tribute to Director of Services Liam Conneally and his team for their work on the Draft Plan, which has just come through a public consultation phase. “We might throw back some of the recommendations,” he said, “but we will get there.”

Councillor Joe Killeen said the Draft Plan’s proposed population and housing allocation would not be adequate and would need to be revised for many areas. “We need to chase this,” he said.

In a written response to Councillor Murphy’s motion, Mr Conneally confirmed that developments in Kilmihil would necessitate fresh considerations in terms of the new plan. 

“As a result of the recent announcement of the upgrade for the wastewater treatment plant for Kilmihil the implications of the upgrade for the future planning of Kilmihil will be addressed within the statutory plan making process currently underway for the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029,” the reply said.