Part VIII Application - Proposed development at the Cloister, Ennis

Notice of proposed development by a local authority

The Cloister, 49 Abbey St., Ennis, Co. Clare, V95K88N

Location

The Cloister, 49 Abbey St., Ennis, Co. Clare, V95K88N

Nature and extent of proposed development

In accordance with Part XI, Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act (as Amended) and Part VIII, Articles 80 & 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as Amended), notice is hereby given that Clare County Council proposes to carry out the following development:

The proposed works shall include for the following:

1. Change of use of building from permitted multi-use community spaces including arts studios, classrooms, conference spaces, exhibition and heritage spaces, tourism space, kitchen/café, adopted under Part 8 Ref. No. 24-8016 to a new tourism experience building inclusive of exhibition space, community space, retail and offices.
2. New open plan entrance & arrivals courtyard on the western facing range to be created by demolishing the existing doorway, adjacent wall, first floor terrace & by lowering the parapet walls. The smooth plaster render is to be removed in this area only, to expose the buildings original construction. Proposed new floating metal canopy over.
3. New visitor reception area, toilet block, office space, plant rooms and exhibition areas on the ground with new passenger lift to service all three floors.
4. First floor office and staff welfare areas, meeting room, multi-purpose community and education room.
5. Attic/second floor storage areas and plant room.

In accordance with the Habitats Directive, Appropriate Assessment Screening has been carried out on this project. The screening report accompanies the planning application.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening determination has been made and concludes that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development and an EIA is not required. Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of this notice, apply to An Coimisiún Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

This development proposes works to a protected structure, RPS No: 736 / NIAH No: 2000141 as noted in the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 Volume 4, and that is part of a National Monument No. 170 / RMP CL033-082001-Ennis Friary Complex.

View plans and particulars

Plans and particulars of the above development will be available:

• under the "Documents" heading on this page
  and
• for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at:
  The Planning Department,
  Clare County Council,
  Áras Contae an Chláir,
  New Road,
  Ennis,
  Co. Clare
  during normal working days from 9.00am to 4.00pm from Friday 8th May 2026 to Monday 8^th June 2026.

Submissions or observations

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the proposed development would be situated, may be made in writing to the Senior Planner, Planning, Economic, Rural & Community Development, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare up to and including Monday 22nd June 2026 and should be clearly marked ‘The Cloister, Abbey St., Ennis’.