THE proposed first crematorium in the west of Ireland is set to go ahead in Shannon, despite opposition from council members.
Planning permission was granted for the development at Illaunamanagh in the town, following appeal to An Bord Pleanala for the Crematorium, which was initially rejected by an inspector from the national planning authority.
It was revealed at a Shannon Electoral Area meeting that the 1.29 acres of council land where the crematorium is to be built,
would be sold for the sum of 140,000 euro following receipt of valuation reports and negotiations with the proposed purchasers.
Shannon councillor, Gerry Flynn, felt vindicated by the initial decision of the planning authority’s inspector to prevent the development, and remains in opposition to the decision, saying the land is zoned as green, open space. He added that residents in the vicinity were also concerned regarding the health implications of the building.
The directors behind the corporate development are believed to be former members of the council.
“An Bord Pleanala overturned their own decision so that the development could go ahead, and now all that remains is for it to be rubber stamped by the council in September.
In December 2007, Clare County council granted the planning permission, with 17 conditions, and was appealed to An Bord Pleanala by four objectors.
Heritage body, An Taisce, had also made observations in opposition to the plans for the crematorium, which is to be located adjacent to the Illaunamanagh cemetery in the town.
The Island crematorium in Cork was the only location in the country servicing the public outside of Dublin. The new proposed crematorium in Shannon will service the West of Ireland.
