Toonagh
Toonagh Location and Context Toonagh is a small village which comprises a school, crèche, shop, a small housing scheme and, a linear development of housing on the eastern side of the R476. Its proximity to Ennis makes it an attractive place to live. Growth in the village will be carefully monitored and managed. It is not intended to ‘complete’ the development of all lands within the boundary of the village within a short time frame, but rather a long term time frame for its completion is considered more appropriate. The goal is to ensure that Toonagh maintains existing population levels and services and that future growth is incremental and small scale in nature, relative and appropriate to its scale, size and character. In terms of infrastructure, water is supplied by Toonagh-Dysart Group Water Supply, a private group scheme with a water source in Ballycullinan Lake. One housing estate in the village has a small on-site secondary treatment plant. Any future residential development, commercial or employment generating development will require private treatment subject to suitable site specific conditions. The EPA Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment Systems will be strictly adhered to in order to ensure protection of and achievement of at least ‘good status’ in the Shallee River as per the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. Given the presence of Toonagh SAC, which is designated for the protection of the Lesser Horsehoe bat, all future developments within and surrounding Toonagh village should adhere to ‘Bats and Appropriate Assessment Guidelines’ (Bat Conservation Ireland, 2012). The existing tree line, hedgerow and mature trees located within the vicinity of the settlement should be retained as suitable foraging and commuting routes for bats. Any proposals for the redevelopment and/or refurbishment of old or derelict buildings may be subject to detailed bat surveys as appropriate. Bus Eireann provides a convenient and valuable transport service with a drop off/collection point at Toonagh Stores on the Ennis to Kilkee route. General Objectives • To promote small-scale development in the village in order to maintain and increase the population in the local community and to support the existing services available to the community in the village and the surrounding area; • To ensure that existing population levels and services are maintained and to encourage new residents to the village; • To ensure that future growth in Toonagh is incremental and small scale in nature, relative and appropriate to the scale, size and character of the existing village; and
__________________________________________________________________________________ Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029
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