Chief Executive Gordon Daly is set to publish the proposed variation tomorrow, according to RTÉ. He said the zoning of additional land for residential development is a key step toward increasing the pace at which housing can be delivered.
According to Mr Daly, expanding the amount of land available for housing will help address ongoing demand while also responding to a request from Government for local authorities to amend their development plans in order to increase the supply of land suitable for residential development.
The proposed variation also seeks to provide greater clarity and certainty around several strategic sites in Ennis, the county town. By identifying these areas more clearly within the development plan, the council aims to support more efficient planning and delivery of housing projects in the years ahead.
Of the total 1,280 acres included in the proposal, 324 acres have been newly identified for residential use. In addition, 336 acres that were previously classified as long-term strategic and sustainable development sites are now proposed to be designated for residential development. A further 212 acres are being put forward as Village Growth Areas to support the expansion of smaller settlements.
The remaining lands included in the proposal have been identified as suitable for potential housing development beyond the lifetime of the current development plan.
Clare County Council stated that the proposed variation has undergone detailed environmental assessments as well as flood risk analysis to ensure the suitability and sustainability of the lands identified for development.
The proposal follows the recent establishment of a new Housing Activation Office within the council. The office has been created to work closely with landowners, developers, communities and other stakeholders in order to help accelerate the delivery of housing throughout the county.
Mr Daly said that increasing housing supply can have broader benefits beyond simply meeting demand for homes. He noted that encouraging housing development can also help regenerate towns, address rural depopulation and support economic growth across County Clare.
The proposed changes were developed in consultation with the elected members of Clare County Council, who will ultimately decide whether to formally adopt the variation to the development plan.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Paul Murphy, has encouraged members of the public and other stakeholders to take part in the consultation process. Submissions on the proposal will be accepted between 6 March and 7 April.
