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;

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• To ensure that future growth in Knock is incremental and small scale in nature, relative and appropriate to the scale, size and character of the population and services in the village; • To support the provision of necessary infrastructure to allow for future growth of the village; • To improve the footpath network in the village, in particular linking the residential properties to the national school; • To support and facilitate repair to the sea wall and its ongoing maintenance; and • To support the development of a settlement network along the Shannon Estuary including Knock along with Killadysert, Ballynacally, Labasheeda and Killimer, to assist collaborative projects and the sharing of assets and strengths including developing its economic and tourism potential as a stopping point on the Shannon Estuary Way.

Employment and Enterprise

Agriculture also remains an important part of the local economy in the smaller settlements along the estuary. In order to support economic development, the Council will facilitate home-based economic activity and encourage farm enterprise and agri-tourism in Knock.

Tourism

Knock is well positioned on the Shannon Estuary Way to facilitate the development of tourism and leisure activities associated with the estuary. It is an objective:

• To facilitate the continued development of existing tourism assets and support the development of additional tourist facilities and services along the Shannon Estuary Way.

In order to promote economic development, the following zoning objective for the pier and harbour area is identified:

MAR1 Pier

There is potential to develop the quayside at Knock for leisure and recreational use including the development of the existing pier and harbour areas as a tourism and leisure facility. There is also the potential to develop water-based commercial activities, but these must be compatible with the tourism and leisure potential of the pier. Development proposals for this area must prioritise the protection of the setting and views afforded of the estuary in this location. Development proposals for the pier and surrounding area must be accompanied by an assessment of the proposals on coastal erosion in the area.

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Strategy for Growth and Sustainable Communities

The strategy for the sustainable growth of the village and its community is through consolidation and regeneration that promotes compact sequential growth and supports and strengthens a sustainable village community and its rural hinterland. This will be achieved by encouraging small scale growth in areas which make a positive contribution to the overall enhancement of the village and sustains it into the future. In line with this approach and to promote vibrant rural villages, village growth areas have been identified which provide opportunities and choice for development, including small scale commercial, enterprise, community, services/facilities as well as small scale cluster housing, all of which offers a viable and attractive option for rural living within a village community and setting.

In addition to compliance with the policies and objectives set out in Volume 1 of this Plan, any development proposals on areas identified for growth shall consider the following:

VGA1 Lands to the North of the R486

This area is located close to the centre of Knock and is identified as being suitable for development. The area is slightly elevated in relation to the R486 and therefore siting and design will be of particular importance to ensure that development does not detract from the character of the village. Dependent on layout and design, single storey buildings may be required. Siting, scale and design shall be of a high standard and development proposals must demonstrate the suitability of the site to accommodate a wastewater treatment system and must be accompanied by a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment to ensure that the development itself will not be liable to or give rise to flooding in other areas.

Place Making and Regeneration

Knock’s beautiful setting on the estuary and the dramatic descent into the village from the east and west gives it a very memorable sense of place. The woodlands, the riverside area and the pier contribute greatly to the character of the area.

Woodland in the Area

There are many mature trees within and surrounding the village of Knock. These trees occur both individually and in small clusters and contribute greatly to the character and amenities of the area. The trees represent the remaining pockets of Knock Wood, which once extensively covered the surrounding area. These trees should be retained and incorporated into any future development proposals in the area.

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Riverside Areas

All new development on areas adjoining the river in the village must be set back a minimum of 10 metres from the river’s edge to protect the river from pollution, to conserve the riparian zone and to allow for seasonal changes in the water level of the river.

OS1 Adjacent to the Pier

It is important to preserve this area of land as it contributes to the setting of the settlement, allows for significant views of the estuary and provides an important amenity for residents and visitors.

Flooding and Flood Risk

The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment in Volume 10(c) of this Plan indicates that there is flood risk to some lands within the settlement. Any further development of the existing residential lands can be managed through appropriate site layouts and building layouts, with development limited to Flood Zone C.

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