Work on the development of the new Shannon Town Park is scheduled to begin in the coming week.
The proposed works include formal footpaths and a cycle track, an adventure play area and a bandstand/performance area, the first cycle pump track to be built in the Mid West Region, formal and informal seating areas, lighting and signage, the creation of a natural water feature and new native woodland planting. The development will also include a new Toucan pedestrian/cycle crossing on Bóthar Linne.
The proposal to deliver the €910,000 flagship park for Shannon Town has been developed by Clare County Council with co-funding through the Southern Regional Assembly’s Operational Programme 2014-2020. The design proposals have been prepared by Nicholas de Jong Associates|Urban Design (Limerick), commissioned by Clare County Council, following extensive consultation with the community and key stakeholders in January 2017, which included invaluable feedback from local residents, the schools, SkyCourt, the Garda Station, the Shannon Venue and the Leisure Centre. The statutory Part 8 approval for the scheme was obtained in April 2017.
Cllr. Mike McKee, Cathaoirleach of Shannon Municipal District said, “This is a very important and worthwhile local project that will deliver long term, positive benefits for the people of Shannon and surrounding areas. Once delivered, the Shannon Town Park will act as a focal point for the wider community, and will also enhance the recreational opportunities for children, youths and adults in the wider Shannon area.”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, explained that Clare County Council is funding half of the overall cost of the project with the balance of the overall cost being provided in EU funding from the Southern Regional Assembly’s Operational Programme 2014-2020 to support sustainable urban development in the Limerick-Shannon Gateway.
He continued, “Clare County Council was allocated €455,000 in EU funding from the Southern Regional Assembly’s Operational Programme 2014-2020 to support sustainable urban development in the Limerick-Shannon Gateway. Clare County Council is funding the balance of the overall cost of the Shannon Town Park project. The sanctioning authority for the Shannon Town Park project is the ERDF Auditing & Certifying Authority within the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform.”
Following a competitive tender process, the construction contract has been awarded to the Crawford Group (County Wexford), which has extensive experience in the construction of several similar public parks. The planned construction period is 6 months, giving completion of the Park towards the end of autumn 2018. The Contractor will ensure that disruption during the works is kept to a minimum, and will provide regular notifications to local stakeholders during the construction period.
Further information and updates on the new Shannon Town Park project is available on the Clare County Council website, www.clarecoco.ie.