An application for planning permission for the development of Ireland's first eco-village is to be lodged with North Tipperary County Council today.
The architects of the project hope to get the go-ahead for what they say will be the establishment of the country's first fully-fledged sustainable community.
A site on the edge of the village of Cloughjordan has been chosen for the eco-village, which would house up to 100 ecologically friendly dwellings, a natural wetland waste water treatment system and use solar energy to heat the homes.
"The village offers an opportunity to build a home in a unique community which is committed to ecological, social and economic sustainability," says the promoting company, Sustainable Projects Ireland Ltd.
Approximately 100 services sites, community buildings, playgrounds and a network of cycle and walkways make up the plans. Over 50 acres of land have been allocated for community use, divided between agricultural land and a wildlife area.
The promoters say non-intrusive street lighting will enhance night-sky views, while careful street design means that cars will be "guests" in the area while pedestrians will enjoy right of way.
Designed by eco-architects Solearth in collaboration with consultants Buro Happold, the master plan includes innovative surface and waste water treatment systems. A constructed wetland will treat waste and provide a wildlife habitat. "The village" was conceived in 1999 to create an ecological community that would offer a top quality of life. North Tipperary County Council has rezoned land adjoining Cloughjordan for sustainable community development in a move that significantly boosts prospects for the project.
The move was hailed "a major step forward" by Mr Johnny Connolly, chairperson of Sustainable Projects Ireland. "It's a good indication that North Tipperary County Council see merit in promoting sustainable development and that they are looking to the future."
Eco-architect Mr Brian O'Brien of Solearth said potential homeowners could work within a fairly loose set of guidelines in designing their own homes.
No other development plan has given so much thought to traffic calming and giving people dominance over cars, he added.
Under the plan, most houses will face south to harness the heat of the sun and there are plans to run an S-shape water feature through the site, incorporating a series of ponds and reed beds.
Mr O'Brien said playgrounds, planting and horticultural areas also feature in the design, against a background of existing hedgerows and mature trees.
Fianna Fáil county councillor Mr Jim Casey said the majority of local people welcomed the plan.
"The project will be a major boost to the area and the sustainable living practised by the new people will be a model for other villages throughout the country to follow.
"It will enrich our community and I think we will probably learn a lot from it ourselves."