A plan to develop three multi-storey apartment blocks adjacent to one of Co Clare's most renowned historic monuments - Ennis Abbey - has been criticised by heritage groups and Duchas, the Heritage Service.
Last February, a Galway-based company, Dwellblin Construction Ltd, applied to Ennis Urban Council for planning permission for 44 apartments in three three-storey blocks on a 2.2-acre site which adjoins the Ennis Abbey, around which the town has grown since the 13th century.
The developers state in their application that the positioning and layout of the development have taken due cognisance of archaeological sensitivity.
However, in a submission to the council, Duchas stated: "In view of the proximity of the proposed development to the abbey, and given its height and scale, we consider that it would detract significantly from the amenity and integrity of the abbey."
Duchas maintains that the development would be visually obtrusive from the grounds of the abbey. However, it says that consideration could be given to a suitably-designed development of lesser height and scale towards the rear of the site, which is zoned for residential development.
In its submission, An Taisce said that the proposed site included part of the monument. It maintained that the proximity of the abbey would indicate that the area proposed for development was itself of archaeological importance.
Oidreacht na hInse, a local heritage group, and a number of local residents are also opposing the project.
In an attempt to limit any possible negative archaeological impact, the developers have commissioned an archaeological assessment and have carried out pre-development testing of the site. The assessment concluded that the proposed development would not adversely impact any existing or known archaeological site, while the testing did not yield any significant archaeological material.
A decision on the application will be made on June 12th.