A planning application for the complex by Castleisland businessman Tony Walsh has been turned down by Kerry County Council, but councillors are continuing to support his efforts to get the green light.
Kerry mayor Bobby O’Connell, who lives in Castleisland, said his hometown had received very little from the Government or the IDA, and a shopping development would help create much-needed employment.
"It is believed about 60% of shopping business from Castleisland is being haemorrhaged to Tralee. That’s a huge loss to Castleisland and can’t be allowed continue," he said.
The issue was raised at this week’s county council meeting by Independent councillor Brendan Cronin who proposed a 3.2-acre site at Tralee Road, Castleisland, be rezoned from industrial to retail in order to facilitate Mr Walsh’s development.
Mr Cronin said the council had set a precedent for retail development on two sites directly across the road from the site.
"I believe this site [Mr Walsh’s] is ideally located. It is close to the town centre and is inside the route of the new bypass. There’s a huge need in Castleisland for this type of development," he added.
However, senior planning engineer Tom Sheehy said the Castleisland local area plan (LAP) was under review and it would be inappropriate to consider individual rezoning proposals in isolation from the overall strategy for the town. "It would not be the best procedure to have a proposal to vary the zoning going on at the same time as a review of the plan. It would not make sense," he stated.
Mr Sheehy also said there were three alternative sites that might be more appropriate for retail development in Castleisland and would make it more competitive for retailers to come in.
Mr Sheehy also suggested it would be in Mr Walsh’s best interests to have rezoning application considered as part of the LAP review rather than as a motion before the council. After some councillors consulted with Mr Walsh, it was agreed to include the rezoning proposal in the review of the Castleisland LAP which has gone on public display in the town this week.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Multi-million euro facelift for seafront
BRAY SEAFRONT is in for a major facelift with multi-million euro plans to redevelop both Dawson's and the Star amusements with shops, restaurants, apartments and a crèche.
Owners Brian and Gerry Freeney said the development may do for the southern end of Bray Seafront what the Pavillions Scheme has done for Dun Laoghaire.
'At best we would hope for work to start in around a year and a half after the planning process,' said planning consultant Brendan Buck.
He added that construction would be expected to take around two years.
'The Freeneys would make every effort to employ local people through the whole process,' he said.
The owners, who have lodged two planning applications with the town council, plan to demolish the currently empty Dawson building and replace it with a mixed use development.
The Star building is to be retained and renovated to coordinate with the adjoining Dawson's scheme.
Bray Town Council designated the sites 'opportunity sites', back in 2004.
In a statement, the owners said that the benefits to Bray would be significant and include addressing the currently derelict and 'unattractive' Dawson's building, providing employment, and making Bray more attractive for new residents and tourists.
' This is an opportunity to upgrade this area of the seafront,' said the Freeneys. ' The scheme and its design represent years of hard work and it is hoped this scheme can be constructed quickly and provide local employment at a time when it is badly needed.'
Mr. Buck added that the Freeneys and their team have been working on the plans for the past four years.
While admitting that the plans do contravene the Bray Development Plan, Mr. Buck said that they will be actively seeking a material contravention. He explained that under standard B2 zoning they would fall just about in accordance with the plan but that the unusual 'opportunity status', put some restrictions in place that actually make the process slightly more difficult.
A scale model of the development is on display in Bray Town Council offices.
Mary FOGARTY
Bray People
www.buckplanning.ie
Owners Brian and Gerry Freeney said the development may do for the southern end of Bray Seafront what the Pavillions Scheme has done for Dun Laoghaire.
'At best we would hope for work to start in around a year and a half after the planning process,' said planning consultant Brendan Buck.
He added that construction would be expected to take around two years.
'The Freeneys would make every effort to employ local people through the whole process,' he said.
The owners, who have lodged two planning applications with the town council, plan to demolish the currently empty Dawson building and replace it with a mixed use development.
The Star building is to be retained and renovated to coordinate with the adjoining Dawson's scheme.
Bray Town Council designated the sites 'opportunity sites', back in 2004.
In a statement, the owners said that the benefits to Bray would be significant and include addressing the currently derelict and 'unattractive' Dawson's building, providing employment, and making Bray more attractive for new residents and tourists.
' This is an opportunity to upgrade this area of the seafront,' said the Freeneys. ' The scheme and its design represent years of hard work and it is hoped this scheme can be constructed quickly and provide local employment at a time when it is badly needed.'
Mr. Buck added that the Freeneys and their team have been working on the plans for the past four years.
While admitting that the plans do contravene the Bray Development Plan, Mr. Buck said that they will be actively seeking a material contravention. He explained that under standard B2 zoning they would fall just about in accordance with the plan but that the unusual 'opportunity status', put some restrictions in place that actually make the process slightly more difficult.
A scale model of the development is on display in Bray Town Council offices.
Mary FOGARTY
Bray People
www.buckplanning.ie
Shell says it will honour its word on Corrib emissions
Shell EP Ireland has written to individual Erris fishermen stating that it will honour its 'undertaking' in relation to minimising harmful emissions from the Corrib gas refinery into the marine environment.
However, the Erris Inshore Fishermen’s Association says it intends to seek a meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency, following advice given in talks with three Government Ministers and two junior ministers in Dublin recently.
The association’s unhappiness with the company’s delay in seeking to change the emission licensing terms was one of a series of issues raised with the Government delegation at a recent meeting.
Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Brendan Smith - along with Minister for State for Natural Resources Conor Lenihan - attended the talks, which were facilitated by Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Mayo TD, Dara Calleary.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
However, the Erris Inshore Fishermen’s Association says it intends to seek a meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency, following advice given in talks with three Government Ministers and two junior ministers in Dublin recently.
The association’s unhappiness with the company’s delay in seeking to change the emission licensing terms was one of a series of issues raised with the Government delegation at a recent meeting.
Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Brendan Smith - along with Minister for State for Natural Resources Conor Lenihan - attended the talks, which were facilitated by Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Mayo TD, Dara Calleary.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
€50m National Competition for Smarter Travel Areas launched
The Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD has launched a €50 million national competition aimed at funding and delivering innovative examples of sustainable travel in urban and rural areas right around the country.
The purpose of the competition is to help people to leave their cars at home when they can and for them to opt instead to walk, cycle or use other more sustainable forms of transport, particularly for short journeys.
The Department of Transport-run competition is open to Local Authorities to submit proposals for developing sustainable travel systems in rural areas or towns.
The Minister is committing €50m over five years from 2010-2015 to fund the successful projects that are chosen through this competition.
Speaking to Local Authority Sustainable Travel Officers and City and County Managers at the launch of the National Competition in the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Minister Dempsey said - “Too often, our transport solutions have been narrowly designed and have looked at the private car as the primary means of moving people around.
"Today, that focus on the car has to change - I want this competition to help us deliver more people-focused travel and transport systems nationwide. There are many people who would often like to leave their car at home and maybe walk or cycle to work or school if they felt that it was safe and easy to do so. Indeed, there are people who might want to walk or cycle for part of their journeys in combination either with public transport or the car.
"I think it’s time that we concentrated on those people and helped them to travel differently. That’s what this competition is all about.”
Successful bids from Local Authorities will promote sustainable transport modes and better managed traffic in towns, villages or cities nationwide. A Smarter Travel Area funded under this competition could, therefore, include:
* Improved cycling routes, including safe routes to school and major business and workplace zones;
* Secure cycle parking in town centres or at public transport nodes;
* Better walking facilities, including more and improved pedestrian zones;
* Lower speed limits in residential and town centre areas;
* Restricted car access to certain locations;
* School and workplace travel planning;
* e-Working
* Car clubs - and
* Tailored public transport services, such as demand responsive services.
Smarter Travel Areas will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of sustainable transport, promoting and encouraging walking and cycling and reducing car travel, by improving travel facilities and promoting and encouraging behavioural change.
In this competition, preference will be given to Local Authority bids that develop proposals around community-based networks, involving local businesses, schools, retail centres, etc.
Initial bids should be submitted by Local Authorities to the Department of Transport by October 30, 2009. Those shortlisted will be invited to submit full proposals and business cases by end March 2010. The winners will be announced in May 2010 with funding beginning in June 2010.
The competition follows on from the publication of the Government's new transport policy in February 2009 - Smarter Travel: a sustainable transport future.
www.buckplanning.ie
The purpose of the competition is to help people to leave their cars at home when they can and for them to opt instead to walk, cycle or use other more sustainable forms of transport, particularly for short journeys.
The Department of Transport-run competition is open to Local Authorities to submit proposals for developing sustainable travel systems in rural areas or towns.
The Minister is committing €50m over five years from 2010-2015 to fund the successful projects that are chosen through this competition.
Speaking to Local Authority Sustainable Travel Officers and City and County Managers at the launch of the National Competition in the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Minister Dempsey said - “Too often, our transport solutions have been narrowly designed and have looked at the private car as the primary means of moving people around.
"Today, that focus on the car has to change - I want this competition to help us deliver more people-focused travel and transport systems nationwide. There are many people who would often like to leave their car at home and maybe walk or cycle to work or school if they felt that it was safe and easy to do so. Indeed, there are people who might want to walk or cycle for part of their journeys in combination either with public transport or the car.
"I think it’s time that we concentrated on those people and helped them to travel differently. That’s what this competition is all about.”
Successful bids from Local Authorities will promote sustainable transport modes and better managed traffic in towns, villages or cities nationwide. A Smarter Travel Area funded under this competition could, therefore, include:
* Improved cycling routes, including safe routes to school and major business and workplace zones;
* Secure cycle parking in town centres or at public transport nodes;
* Better walking facilities, including more and improved pedestrian zones;
* Lower speed limits in residential and town centre areas;
* Restricted car access to certain locations;
* School and workplace travel planning;
* e-Working
* Car clubs - and
* Tailored public transport services, such as demand responsive services.
Smarter Travel Areas will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of sustainable transport, promoting and encouraging walking and cycling and reducing car travel, by improving travel facilities and promoting and encouraging behavioural change.
In this competition, preference will be given to Local Authority bids that develop proposals around community-based networks, involving local businesses, schools, retail centres, etc.
Initial bids should be submitted by Local Authorities to the Department of Transport by October 30, 2009. Those shortlisted will be invited to submit full proposals and business cases by end March 2010. The winners will be announced in May 2010 with funding beginning in June 2010.
The competition follows on from the publication of the Government's new transport policy in February 2009 - Smarter Travel: a sustainable transport future.
www.buckplanning.ie
College Green Bus Corridor
The College Green Bus Corridor comes into effect on Monday July 27th.
It will restrict traffic through College Green during the morning and evening peak traffic periods from Monday to Friday. The scheme will operate from 7am - 10am each morning and from 4pm - 7pm each evening. During these periods, only public transport vehicles and bicycles will have access to the College Green location.
It will not be in operation on Saturdays or Sundays.
The aim of the scheme is to significantly reduce journey times for cross-city public transport and allow for increased reliability and frequency.
In addition, electronic message signs will be put in place on key city centre routes to assist car users during the introduction of the scheme.
The College Green Bus Corridor is a natural progression in traffic management in Dublin City. Access to the city for public transport users will be significantly eased as a result of the implementation of this scheme. Ready access to all of the city and its car parks will be maintained at all times, ensuring that private car users and business traffic will continue to be facilitated.
www.buckplanning.ie
It will restrict traffic through College Green during the morning and evening peak traffic periods from Monday to Friday. The scheme will operate from 7am - 10am each morning and from 4pm - 7pm each evening. During these periods, only public transport vehicles and bicycles will have access to the College Green location.
It will not be in operation on Saturdays or Sundays.
The aim of the scheme is to significantly reduce journey times for cross-city public transport and allow for increased reliability and frequency.
In addition, electronic message signs will be put in place on key city centre routes to assist car users during the introduction of the scheme.
The College Green Bus Corridor is a natural progression in traffic management in Dublin City. Access to the city for public transport users will be significantly eased as a result of the implementation of this scheme. Ready access to all of the city and its car parks will be maintained at all times, ensuring that private car users and business traffic will continue to be facilitated.
www.buckplanning.ie
Cash in place for liffey cable car
The company behind the Liffey cable car proposal has the money in place to fund the project, it has been revealed.
Despite the difficult economic conditions, the Liffey Cable Car Company is ready and able to proceed with the €52m 'Suas' scheme - and the firm is even planning similar projects in other cities in Ireland and in New York.
The ambitious proposal would see cable cars gliding over the Liffey at heights of 80 metres.
All the company needs is the go-ahead from Dublin City Council after it lodges a planning application and it can proceed, said Paddy Duffy, who has been working with the company on the plans.
The tourist attraction, which is inspired by the London Eye, is the brainchild of developer Barry Boland. "Mr Boland is not looking for any public money at all. He has the sizeable amount of money necessary for the project already in place" - Mr Duffy said.
"The next step would be to approach Dublin City Council to see if the officials will support it. That is where the project is at the moment" - he added.
The company is looking to hold pre-planning consultation meetings with the local authority. If given the go-ahead, Suas will run from Heuston Station to the Docklands.
A presentation of the plan was made to the economic special policy committee earlier this year and was well received by councillors, Mr Duffy said. "The team was very heartened by the positive reaction of the engineering committee of the council when they presented it to them" - he added.
www.buckplanning.ie
Despite the difficult economic conditions, the Liffey Cable Car Company is ready and able to proceed with the €52m 'Suas' scheme - and the firm is even planning similar projects in other cities in Ireland and in New York.
The ambitious proposal would see cable cars gliding over the Liffey at heights of 80 metres.
All the company needs is the go-ahead from Dublin City Council after it lodges a planning application and it can proceed, said Paddy Duffy, who has been working with the company on the plans.
The tourist attraction, which is inspired by the London Eye, is the brainchild of developer Barry Boland. "Mr Boland is not looking for any public money at all. He has the sizeable amount of money necessary for the project already in place" - Mr Duffy said.
"The next step would be to approach Dublin City Council to see if the officials will support it. That is where the project is at the moment" - he added.
The company is looking to hold pre-planning consultation meetings with the local authority. If given the go-ahead, Suas will run from Heuston Station to the Docklands.
A presentation of the plan was made to the economic special policy committee earlier this year and was well received by councillors, Mr Duffy said. "The team was very heartened by the positive reaction of the engineering committee of the council when they presented it to them" - he added.
www.buckplanning.ie
Motorists warned to plan route ahead of city centre car ban
MOTORISTS have been warned to plan ahead to avoid traffic chaos when private cars are banned from one of Dublin's busiest streets during rush hour.
Traffic chiefs believe re-routing drivers away from College Green from next Monday will open up the city for more business.
Some 60 million public transport passengers pass through the bottleneck each year, skirting Trinity College and linking Dame Street and Westmoreland Street.
Alternative
Up to 7,000 drivers a day will have to find an alternative route as only buses, taxis and bicycles will be allowed through College Green between 7am and 10am and 4pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday.
The change will see bus journeys reduced by up to 30 minutes, and the city council says the ban will cut traffic congestion, delays and safety issues for pedestrians, which are a "recognised problem" there.
"It is an unsustainable and unsatisfactory position for all its users, be they bus passengers, taxis, cars, pedestrians and cyclists," Tim Brick from the city council said yesterday.
"The benefits of the measure will be reliable, quicker journey times for public transport users, safer pedestrian movements and better access for commuters, shoppers and essential business traffic.
"The key message here is that Dublin city will remain open and accessible to the greatest number of people. The College Green scheme is a measure that had to happen."
More than 4,300 Dublin Bus vehicles pass through the bottleneck every year, carrying 10 times the number of people travelling by private car. Dublin City Council says that 12,883 cars use the College Green route each day, with almost 7,000 of these travelling at peak times.
Signage
Temporary electronic signage will be in place to direct drivers around the capital and satellite navigation systems will be updated. Access to car parks will be maintained, but routes to some will be altered.
Dublin traffic corps Superintendent Frank Clerkin said motorists had a week to pick alternative routes, which are available at www.transportfordublin.ie. Breaking the ban will incur an on-the-spot fine of €60, which, if left unpaid, rises to €90.
"For the first number of days the gardai will use a certain amount of discretion, but that's not to say they won't be enforcing the bus lane regulations," Supt Clerkin warned.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Traffic chiefs believe re-routing drivers away from College Green from next Monday will open up the city for more business.
Some 60 million public transport passengers pass through the bottleneck each year, skirting Trinity College and linking Dame Street and Westmoreland Street.
Alternative
Up to 7,000 drivers a day will have to find an alternative route as only buses, taxis and bicycles will be allowed through College Green between 7am and 10am and 4pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday.
The change will see bus journeys reduced by up to 30 minutes, and the city council says the ban will cut traffic congestion, delays and safety issues for pedestrians, which are a "recognised problem" there.
"It is an unsustainable and unsatisfactory position for all its users, be they bus passengers, taxis, cars, pedestrians and cyclists," Tim Brick from the city council said yesterday.
"The benefits of the measure will be reliable, quicker journey times for public transport users, safer pedestrian movements and better access for commuters, shoppers and essential business traffic.
"The key message here is that Dublin city will remain open and accessible to the greatest number of people. The College Green scheme is a measure that had to happen."
More than 4,300 Dublin Bus vehicles pass through the bottleneck every year, carrying 10 times the number of people travelling by private car. Dublin City Council says that 12,883 cars use the College Green route each day, with almost 7,000 of these travelling at peak times.
Signage
Temporary electronic signage will be in place to direct drivers around the capital and satellite navigation systems will be updated. Access to car parks will be maintained, but routes to some will be altered.
Dublin traffic corps Superintendent Frank Clerkin said motorists had a week to pick alternative routes, which are available at www.transportfordublin.ie. Breaking the ban will incur an on-the-spot fine of €60, which, if left unpaid, rises to €90.
"For the first number of days the gardai will use a certain amount of discretion, but that's not to say they won't be enforcing the bus lane regulations," Supt Clerkin warned.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
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