Ardnacrusha and Parkroe
Ardnacrusha and Parkroe Location and Context Ardnacrusha is situated just beyond the Limerick City suburbs and forms part of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area. The MASP aims to strengthen the role of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area as an international location of scale, and a primary driver of economic growth in the Southern Region. Ardnacrusha, located on the northern banks of the River Shannon, is synonymous with the hydro-electric power station constructed in 1929 which at that time met 90% of Ireland’s energy needs. Since then the village has grown northwards and eastwards to include Parkroe. The defined settlement boundary for Ardnacrusha and Parkroe focuses on capturing the extent of the existing built form. The extent of ribbon development along the Broadford road and three other minor roads has determined the boundary to the north. The western boundary takes in existing built development and the extent of the Ardnacrusha Power Station. The southern boundary is defined by the Tailrace Canal while the eastern boundary is defined by existing built development. The village is served by a public water main (Roo West Water Supply via the Roo West Reservoir) with adequate capacity for existing development and the target population. The village is not served by a public wastewater treatment system. Any changes to existing residential development or any new residential development on identified lands will be strictly contingent on the provision of appropriate wastewater treatment facilities that can fully demonstrate that there will be no adverse effects on the receiving environment, water courses or adjacent ecological designations. This will be in accordance with relevant EPA standards and requirements. CFRAM mapping shows some encroachment onto existing residential development. New development proposals within these areas should be located within Flood Zone C. Ardnacrusha is predominantly residential and would benefit from the provision of more social, recreational and community facilities to enhance the quality of life of its residents. There is currently no primary school in the settlement with neighbouring Parteen serving a large catchment area including Ardnacrusha. The provision of preschool and health care/medical facilities would significantly enhance the quality of life in the village and help to reduce car trips. Ardnacrusha and Parkroe are located less than 2km upstream of the Lower River Shannon candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Future development must ensure there are no adverse effects on the SAC’s site integrity, or the integrity of any other European site as a result of the proposed development. Accordingly, objectives relating to European sites and to appropriate assessment will apply to any future development proposals in this area.
__________________________________________________________________________________ Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029
62
