A major plan is being launched today on how to manage the marine-related industrial development and growth along the Shannon Estuary.
The Strategic Integrated Framework Plan is being commissioned by Clare County council and is reportedly the first of its kind developed in Ireland.
The plan identifies nine development locations on the estuary for development: Moneypoint, Innismurry/ Cahercon, Limerick Docks, Foynes Island, Foynes Port and adjoining lands, Askeaton Industrial Estate, Aughinish Island, Tarbert Power Station, and Ballylongford Landbank.
Moneypoint and Tarbert power stations will be charted as key energy sites. Ballylongford Landbank is the site of the permitted liquefied natural gas project and Kilconly Point, Carrig Island, Tarbert Bay, and Moneypoint are sites ripe for supplying renewable energy.
The plan favours expanding its major shipping activities and protecting its commercial shipping lanes.But there are also plans to develop marine, tourism, leisure and recreation activities, as well as fishing and aquaculture activities.
It is also a special area of conservation for birds and marine life.
"The primary aim of the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan is to identify the nature and location of future development, economic growth and employment that can be sustainably accommodated within the estuary." Clare county manager and chairman of the plan's steering committee, Tom Coughlan told The Irish Examiner.
