Knock
Knock Location and Context Knock is a small village nestled on the shore of the Shannon Estuary centred on a small quay and sheltered by a high ridge to the north. It has a unique character due to its attractive setting. As one approaches the settlement from the east, there is a descent into the village levelling out almost at water level along the coast road. Extensive views are afforded across the Shannon Estuary, Clonderlaw Bay and the Kilkerrin Peninsula. The high ridge to the north of the settlement provides a contrasting backdrop. Knock’s idyllic and tranquil setting on the estuary, located a short distance from Killimer and Kilrush, offers a high-quality living environment for those seeking to experience rural life. The village consists mainly of close-knit residential buildings and has two public houses. It is served by Clare Local Link with regular services to Ennis and Kilrush. There are several vacant buildings in the village centre and the reuse, redevelopment or enhancement of these is encouraged as a means of regenerating the village centre and promoting sustainable development. There is a need to ensure pedestrian connectivity to existing facilities within the village, therefore the provision of a public footpath is supported. There is no wastewater treatment infrastructure in this settlement. Any future development including alterations to existing commercial or employment generating development will require private wastewater treatment subject to suitable site-specific conditions and must ensure they are in compliance with the EPA Code of Practice for On Site Wastewater Treatment Systems in order to ensure that there are no significant long-term effects on the Tonavoher River and the adjacent River Shannon and European sites. Water is supplied by a group water scheme. Knock adjoins the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA). Future development must ensure that there are no adverse effects on the SAC and SPA site integrity, or the integrity of any other European site as a result of the proposed development. 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. The estuarine area adjoining the village is also designated a proposed Natural Heritage Area. General Objectives • To consolidate development in the existing settlement which will help support and encourage development of services and facilities, enhance its viability and vitality, whilst safeguarding its unique character and distinctive natural environment; __________________________________________________________________________________ Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029
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