Clare councillor opposes plan for crematorium

An independent member of Clare County Council is leading opposition to plans by a Shannon-based company to establish the first crematorium in the west of Ireland.

Cllr Gerry Flynn says that the proposed development is in contravention of the south-east Clare development plan as the site is zoned "open space" and not for commercial development.

The plan has been put forward by Illaumamanagh Ltd. Two of the company's principals are former Clare county councillors Seán Hillery and Tony McMahon.

Plans for the crematorium were first lodged in 2005. However, Illaumamanagh Ltd withdrew the plans last November to revise the €1 million scheme.

The proposal was resubmitted last month.

Cllr Flynn, who also objected to the previous plan, says that the site is on land adjacent to the local graveyard of Illaumamanagh.

He claims that the future expansion of the graveyard could be curtailed if the proposal was allowed to proceed.

"The proposed development is in contravention of the south-east Clare plan, as the proposed site is zoned 'open space' and not for commercial development," Cllr Flynn states in a formal objection to the proposed development.

In a separate objection, locals Ray and Margaret Keohane say that the proposed commercial development would be of great concern on the grounds of increased traffic movement.

"The crematorium in Cork is located away from residential development at Ringaskiddy whereas the proposal for Shannon would be located near residential, sporting and an existing graveyard in need of expansion," they said.

The company says in its submission that it accepts that the plan is in contravention of the development plan. However, it argues that it is an appropriate ancillary development to the graveyard.

A decision is due on the application later this year, although it is likely that the proposal will have to go before the 32 members of the county council as it contravenes the local area development plan.

Developers need the support of three-quarters of the 32 council members in order to obtain planning permission.