Supermac’s motorway plaza plan for Ennis blocked

Plans by Supermac’s chief Pat McDonagh for a network of motorway forecourts have been dealt a blow after An Bord Pleanála refused permission for a rest stop on the Limerick to Gort road, outside Ennis.

Supermac’s has plazas at Moneygall in Co Offaly and another recently opened plaza near the M6 at Loughrea, in Co Galway. Clare County Council gave Mr McDonagh the green light for the Ennis project.

However, that decision was appealed by rival Applegreen which has its own plans for a service area 8km south of the proposed Supermac’s site.

Applegreen and a local business Claureen Service Station withdrew their appeals, leaving one objection to the plan. Supermac’s has the option of lodging revised plans.

Mr McDonagh said yesterday: “I’m not really commenting on it now until we study the inspector’s report. ”

The appeals board refused planning on three grounds, including the design would not integrate with the rural and predominantly flat landscape.

The board said the plan would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development and the proposed access would endanger safety.

It also said it would represent an unacceptable risk of pollution to ground and surface waters.

Applegreen earlier this year were refused planning permission by Clare County Council for a motorway plaza near Dromoland Castle after the five-star hotel objected to the plan.

Applegreen appealed the decision to Bord Pleanála.