Clonakilty redevelopment on hold pending EPA decision

THE proposed redevelopment of a key waterfront site in inner Clonakilty Bay has been delayed pending a decision from the Environmental Protection Agency on whether an environmental impact study (EIS) is required.

The delay is also affecting the planned multi-million euro sale of Clonakilty GAA grounds although the club has appointed a design team to proceed with the development of a playing fields site at Aghamilla on the Dunmanway Road.

The GAA club hopes to have four playing pitches completed by 2007 on a new 25-acre site.

The proposed redevelopment of the existing GAA grounds is linked to a new Draft Action Area Plan, which was drawn up by independent consultants in conjunction with Clonakilty Town Council and the GAA club.

The plan will be put on public display after the EPA makes a ruling on an EIS.

Any development of the existing eight-acre GAA site will require rezoning.

However, the EIS decision will mainly affect the adjacent foreshore where the Draft Action Area Plan envisages public amenity facilities such as car parking, walkways and pedestrian bridges.

Local councillors have strongly signalled their support.

However, the council members agreed not to vote on a proposed variation to the town development plan until a public consultation process was undertaken.