Four Clare County Council planning projects have been shortlisted for awards in the 2013-2014 National Planning Awards.

The projects are among 33 shortlisted by the Irish Planning Institute, the organisers of the all-island awards scheme.

The 8th annual National Planning Awards recognise successful and innovative planning strategies, schemes or developments, which make an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in urban and rural parts of Ireland. The overall winning entry this year will have the opportunity to represent Ireland in the European Urban & Regional Planning Achievement Awards to be held in autumn 2014.

Amongst the shortlisted Clare projects and plans is the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary, a major strategic plan for the future development and management of marine-related industry and tourism along Ireland’s largest estuary. The land and marine-based plan, the first of its type to be developed in the country, was commissioned by a multi-agency steering group comprising Clare County Council as lead authority, Kerry County Council, Limerick City and County Councils, Shannon Development and Shannon Foynes Port Company. The Plan has been shortlisted in the Economic Planning Award category.

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The Shannon Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2012-18 - the first stand alone town plan that has been produced for Shannon - has been shortlisted for the Urban Design & Place Making Award. The Plan, which was the subject of a public consultation process during 2012, provides a framework for the future development and enhancement of Clare’s second largest town and its environs for the next 6 years.

The Shannon Town Green Infrastructure Plan 2012 has been shortlisted in the Environmental & Sustainable Planning and Heritage Planning Award categories. Meanwhile, the Lough Derg Heritage Trail - a partnership project between Clare, Galway and North Tipperary County Councils - has also been shortlisted for a Heritage Planning Award, a category that recognises excellence in the conservation, preservation and re-use of buildings, features and landscapes of heritage importance as part of a plan or project.

Mayor of Clare Cllr. Joe Arkins commented: "I am delighted to learn that the Council has had four projects shortlisted across a total of five categories. This achievement is testament to the hard work and expertise of the staff of the Planning & Enterprise Development Department and is especially noteworthy considering the fact that the Awards Scheme attracted a record number of nominations this year. Furthermore, I believe the Council’s strong showing reflects the progressive approach adopted by my fellow Elected Members throughout Clare Local Authorities on forward planning policy."

(CD/IT)