by Bernie English
PLANS to site a crematorium in Shannon have provoked residents to take their fight beyond the planning process in a bid to convince the local authority to find an alternative site within the town.
Residents are objecting to plans to site the crematorium on a 1.29 acre site at Illaunamanagh, saying that it is too small, adjacent to local sports facilities and other amenities including a walking loop.
Concerned residents also say that the facility is in a cul-de-sac and close to a number of housing estates.
“We have to stress, we’re not opposed to having a crematorium in the Shannon area, we just believe this is the wrong site and we would be happy to discuss any number of alternative sites with the county council,” said Charlie Murray, PRO for the Concerned Shannon Residents group.
“We’ve visited other crematorium facilities, one which is set on nearly twenty acres, with facilities such as a garden of reflection for family members. This would be set on a very small site, adjacent to sports facilities, where people are playing rugby or other sports – they’re not going to be quiet to accommodate a funeral”.
Mr Murray said that the facility “should be something that Shannon is proud of but there are 300 acres of land in Shannon, which would provide more suitable sites for a crematorium. We’re not vigilantes or activists but my children will grow up yards from the door of this facility and there’s no need to site it where it is. We can suggest any number of better locations”.
Objectors say there is an agreement in principle between the council and the developer but no papers have yet been signed.
But a spokesman for Clare County Council’s planning department says there is little that can be done at this stage.
“The application has already been through the planning system and there were local objections but permission was given. There is no comeback on the planning decision unless there is a special meeting called by 14 or more of the council members to overthrow it and as of yet, that hasn’t happened”.
But locals say they are still appealing to the developer and the local authority to consider other options”.
