Ballycannon North (Meelick)
Ballycannon North (Meelick) Location and Context Ballycannon North is situated just beyond the Limerick City suburbs and forms part of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area along with Sixmilebridge, Ardnacrusha, Clonlara, Clatloe, Bunratty, O’Briensbridge and their surrounding hinterlands. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region includes the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP). 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. The defined settlement boundary for Ballycannon North focuses on the extent of the existing built form. The settlement has a linear form that has developed with deep plots to the south of the main street frontage. To the west, the village stretches as far as the Elton Court residential estate, the boundary follows backland plots, terminating at the village cemetery. The eastern boundary is defined by a stream and the eastern approach to the village is well defined by a mature line of trees, which are designated Trees for Preservation. While the village has a large population it currently lacks services, the former local shop and pub are now vacant premises. The National School serving the village, church and public playground are located at a distance from the village with the GAA grounds being the only amenity in the village. Notwithstanding its designation within the MASP, population growth in the village needs to occur alongside improvements in village service provision and facilities. Ballycannon North adjoins the Lower River Shannon candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Future development must ensure there are no adverse effects on the conservation objectives of the cSAC or on site integrity, or the integrity of any other European site as a result of any proposed development. Accordingly, objectives relating to European sites and appropriate assessment will apply to any future development proposals in this area. The village is served by a public water main (Regional Water Supply Knockalisheen West reservoir). Plans are in place for the conversion of Ballycannon Waste Water Treatment Plant to a Pumping Station and a rising main to Elton Court. It is anticipated that this project will commence in 2022 in line with Irish Water programme. Future development in the village would require infrastructure to provide a connection to the Elton Court Pumping Station. Early engagement with Irish Water and a pre-connection enquiry is advised in this regard. General Objectives •
To support the role of Ballycannon North within the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area in accordance with the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan;
__________________________________________________________________________________ Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029
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