Clare couple blocks development in Ennis

An Ennis couple who received more than €100,000 from a developer after withdrawing their objection to a €20 million housing development have successfully blocked a proposal for a retail development on Ennis's Francis Street.

Vindicating the stance taken by Vincent and Ann Coffey of Clon Road, Ennis, Co Clare, in relation to plans by Galvin Construction Ltd to build a retail outlet on Ennis's Francis Street, An Bord Pleanála ruled the development would be contrary to proper planning and development of the area.

The appeals board concluded that without on-site or adjacent car parking spaces, parking and associated traffic-turning movements would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazards and the obstruction of road users.

In 2004, the Coffeys withdrew their objection to a €20 million housing scheme at the Quin Road, Doora, by Luxury Homes (Galway) Ltd after the company paid them £85,000 (€107,930) and gave them two free sites.

The Coffeys operate a business adjacent to the proposed development site and expressed concern over the impact the proposal would have on their development.

A letter to the board from the Coffeys stated that at no time did they approach the developers with the intention of securing payment of money, gifts, consideration of other inducement by any person.

However, they had blocked an application by the same developers in June 2004 to build a €10 million development on zoned lands in Ennis after their appeal to An Bord Pleanála on the application was upheld.

In August, Luxury Homes (Galway) Ltd lodged new plans with the council for 108 two-bedroom apartments at Doora.

The Coffeys lodged a fresh objection against the proposal, their concerns relating to traffic safety, the layout of the scheme and the density of the proposal.

Last September, Ennis Town Council granted planning permission for the proposal by Galvin Construction in spite of an objection lodged by the Coffeys, who own property adjacent to the site.