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Quarry Operations

Local authorities throughout Ireland are currently publishing notices about a new procedure for the regulation of quarries under the Planning and Development Act. This is to bring the country into line with European environmental legislation. Existing quarry operations which raise serious environmental issues and which have not been properly evaluated and licensed in the past must now be fully assessed. These quarries will be entitled to apply for ‘substitute consent’ or they will have to close down. Over the next 9 months councils will be surveying existing quarries and collecting relevant information. Any person, e.g. a quarry owner or a householder affected by a quarry, is entitled to make a submission on this matter to the relevant council. The deadlines for making submissions are given in the public notices and on council websites.

Shannon and Environs Local Area Plan

Clare County Council is making a local area plan for the Shannon Town area. This plan will determine the spatial development framework for Shannon to 2018. A draft plan is on public display and submissions can be made to Clare County Council up to and including the 1st. February 2012.

Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2008-2014

In November Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council adopted a variation of the town plan. The variation involves several changes, the most significant of which is the introduction of a phasing regime for residential land development. This is response to the high level of over-zoning that has taken place. However, the phasing plan that has been adopted by the Ennis councillors is contrary to the recommendations of the council managers and planners and is open to challenge as not being in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development.

West Clare and South Clare Local Area Plans

Draft plans are currently in preparation for these areas covering the period to 2018. Preliminary consultations have already taken place. There will be further public consultations in early 2012.
This office will provide assistance and advice in respect of any of the above.