A question mark has been thrown over plans for Supermac’s to build a Barrack Obama style motorway plaza on the outskirts of Ennis.
Last month, Clare County Council granted planning permission to Supermac’s MD Pat McDonagh for the development but appeals have since been lodged with an Bord Pleanala.
The fast food business lodged its first plan for a motorway plaza off the M18 motorway in December 2014 and now in response to the latest plan, three appeals have been lodged with an bord pleanala by local businesses.
Those to lodge appeals include the operator of the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, Duesbury Ltd and four other businesses in one appeal along with appeals by Maxol Ltd and long time opponent of the plan and local landowner, Shane Brigdale.
Previously the appeals board has refused planning permission for a Supermac’s plaza in the same location, meaning a revised plan had to be submitted.
In the Old Ground-led appeal, five local businesses say the development will have a ‘significant negative impact’ on Ennis, Clarecastle and Crusheen, acting as a ‘counter attraction’.
Shane Brigdale has successfully opposed the Supermac’s plan at the appeals board previously.
In his objection against the new plan, Mr Brigdale claims to have a right of way across the site which he uses on a daily basis to access his lands.
When planning was granted for the project last month, MD of Supermac’s, Pat McDonagh stated: ‘I believe that it will be very good for Clare and for Ennis and good for employment in that area.’
A decision is due on the plan in May.
