Ballyea
Ballyea Location and Context Ballyea is situated between the N68 and R473 approximately 8 km from Ennis. It is accessed from the local roads that connect these two main routes. The village is centred on a picturesque bridge over the Ballymacooda Lough Stream surrounded by attractive tall trees that provide a pleasing focal point. Services and facilities in the village include a church, school, community centre and GAA pitches. Existing housing in the area is concentrated around the church, school, and community centre, where the land gradually rises up from the stream southwards. The wider landscape consists of rolling countryside and is quite robust with a significant amount of tree cover. The size of the village and its secluded setting gives it a peaceful and tranquil character that should be preserved. Killone Abbey, Lake and Holy Well is situated a short distance from Ballyea which attracts visitors interested in cultural heritage. Demand for new housing within the wider area has been quite high in recent years, given the close proximity to Ennis. Ballyea has no public wastewater treatment infrastructure therefore, any future development including alterations to existing commercial or employment generating development to be served by private wastewater treatment systems, subject to suitable site-specific conditions and compliance with the EPA Code of Practice for On Site Waste Water Treatment Systems. Water is supplied via connection to a private group water scheme. Ballyea is located to the east of Knockanira House SAC. Accordingly, objectives set out in Volume 1 of this Plan, relating to European sites and to appropriate assessment will apply to any future development proposals in this area. The Natura Impact Report accompanying this plan (Volume 10a) provides relevant mitigation measures and recommendations at site and project level. General Objectives •
To encourage growth in the village that will consolidate the existing built form, contribute to the vitality of the village and its community whilst preserving and enhancing the unique character of the settlement.
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To ensure that future growth in Ballyea is incremental and small scale in nature, relative and appropriate to the scale, size and character of the population and services in the village.
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To support the provision of infrastructure to allow for future growth of the village.
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To support the provision of a suitably sited playground to serve the area.
__________________________________________________________________________________ Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029
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