School objects to apartments overlooking children's play area

An Ennis primary school has claimed that the ability of "strangers" in proposed new apartments to observe pupils playing in the yard could constitute a risk to the children.

Plans have been lodged to construct two new shop units and three apartments adjacent to Cloughleigh National School on the western fringes of Ennis.

A number of local residents and the school's board of management have objected to the plan.

In an objection school principal Pat Hanrahan said: "We would like to ensure that the windows of the proposed rear apartment do not overlook the school.

"Young children use the school and yard for play and recreation during the day and evening and we believe that it would not be appropriate to have tenants, who would be unknown to school management, able to observe pupils.

"The board of management believes that this may constitute a risk to pupils and should be avoided."

In response, the applicants, Kieran and Ann Walsh of Cusack View Stores, revised their plans to ensure there were no rear windows at first floor level.

However, the school still had concerns. A follow-up submission stated there were "concerns that the side entrance may lead to unwanted visitors entering school grounds at weekends and causing damage" and asked that the boundary wall be properly secured.

Local residents have also objected saying the proposed development was "completely at variance with the homes" in the area and that the development was not needed.

A decision is due to be made on the application later this month.