Clarecastle
Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy
May 2013
3
2
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Location & Description...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Purpose & Scope of Study ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Statutory Context............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.0 THE TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
2.1 Brief history, origins and current role ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
2.2 Benefits of involvement / participation – Community, Business and Tourism..................................................................................................................................... 8
2.3 International profile.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Summary of assessment criteria........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
2.5 Achieving success and avoiding pitfalls .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
3.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
3.1 Historical Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Village Form & Development........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
3.3 Built & Visual Character ........................................................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT INTERVENTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.1 Urban enclosure and space making ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.2 Functionality of public open space .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.3 Pedestrian Walking Routes & Linkage................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
4.4 Other potential interventions............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
5.0 GENERIC PRINCIPLES & GUIDANCE......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.1 Street signage & furniture ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
5.2 Business frontages & commercial signage ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
3
5.3
Street tree selection & planting...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.4
Walking routes & trails................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
6.0 MATRIX OF PROPOSED ACTIONS............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
7.0 APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
4
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
Location & Description
Clarecastle is a village located just south of Ennis, in County
Clare, Ireland. Over the past ten years the village has a rapidly
increasing population due to its close proximity to Ennis,
Shannon and Limerick, and also less than an hour away from
Galway city.
It comprises a land area of 305.4 Ha, with significant natural
amenities, historic core and reasonable community and
commercial services. It is defined by the Fergus river to the east
& the new link road to the Ennis bypass, to the north. The
principal roads are the former N18 from Limerick to Ennis, the
Kildysert Road and the Ballybeg Road. These roads give access
to a wide spectrum of built environment from high-density
historic village core to low density detached houses. Connectivity
is relatively poor between the areas.
The village has a history stretching back several hundred years
owing to its prominent location on the River Fergus giving and
controlling access to its estuary and maritime trade.
1.2
Purpose & Scope of Study
The purpose of this project is to assist and encourage local
community groups at a local level to improve their towns and
villages, and participate in the Tidy Towns Initiative, through the
preparation of a strategic plan.
Through a process of critical examination, opportunities have
been identified to improve and enhance the urban and natural
environments, and these have then been translated into a local
level strategic plan.
The plan identifies maps and considers in a strategic manner a
number of potential projects or actions, of a varying of scale,
nature and ambition - which local groups may initiate
immediately or plan towards undertaking in the future. The plan
seeks to incorporate broader environmental issues and generally
accepted principles of good urban & landscape planning and
design.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
5
It is the aim of the strategic plan that the identified opportunities
be driven by the local community through the vehicle of
established Tidy Towns Community or Community Groups.
network between the major cities in Ireland. The
upgrading of the rail network is a secondary scheme.

The Clare County Development Plan 2011-17
1.3 Statutory Context
It is important to consider the statutory planning context when
considering the requirements of Clarecastle as this offers
perspective from a national, regional and local level. Principles
documents among these are;

The National Spatial Strategy 2002-20
The National Spatial Strategy aims to achieve balanced
regional development through the designation of
strategically located towns identified as ‘Gateways’ and
‘Hubs’ which energise their surrounding hinterland.
Gateways are centres for national strategic growth with
the industry and infrastructure to sustain development
and generate investment. ‘Hubs’ support the national and
international role of the ‘Gateways’ and in turn energise
smaller towns and rural areas within their sphere of
influence.
Clarecastle is strategically located next to Ennis identified
as County Clares ‘Hub’ town and as such is intended to
benefit socially, economically and physically from the
‘Hub’ town.

The National Development Plan 2007-13
A central government plan for large-scale expenditure on
(mainly) national infrastructure, (spending €70 million a
day every day from 2007 to 2013). The primary elements
to the plan is the development of a national motorway
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
A strategic development plan covering the entire county
over a six year period.

Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2008
Clarecastle is today a growing suburb of the County Town of
Ennis. The Development Plan identifies key challenges for the
residential community:
a) Integrating existing and new communities in a coherent
urban framework.
b) Improving permeability throughout the RDA by creating
new linkages for walking, cycling, and public and private
transport.
c) Upgrading the urban fabric, particularly in the historic
core, with suitable street furniture, external finishes,
street lights and undergrounding of cables.
d) Integrating natural and visual amenities with the built
environment and establishing a revitalised visual identity
at the core area.
e) Providing facilities for bus services and possibly Park and
Ride.
f) Increase the range of services available locally.
The village is regarded as a “Portal Entrance” to Ennis and a
Concept Development Plan has been prepared to guide the
redevelopment and upgrading of the public realm and
streetscape – higher standards of public realm, street furniture,
surfacing undergrounding of utility services and good quality
design of buildings and finishes.
6
Supporting Actions in the Development Plan include:
a) Provide high quality imaginative development and public
open spaces that are locally distinctive in form, materials and
detailing;
b) Conform to the zoning objectives on the proposals map and
layout concepts and design guidance established in the
relevant RDA masterplan;
c) Provide for a net residential density as indicated within the
Residential Density Guidelines;
d) Provide for, or make a financial contribution in lieu of, the
provision of services and community facilities in accordance
with adopted thresholds;
e) Meet with objectives and legal requirements to ensure the
protection of architectural or natural heritage features or
habitats and ensure public accessibility to heritage features;
f) Incorporate measures to encourage walking, cycling and
public transport as the preferred mode of transport; these
measures
will
include
facilitating
pedestrian/cycle
permeability network throughout the RDA;
g) Provide safe vehicular access between the development and
the adjacent public roads;
h) Provide
for
the
construction
of
adequate
service
infrastructure i.e. water mains, foul and storm water.
In addition for the Western Residential Development Area:
i) Safeguard and make appropriate contributions for the
provision of a new road from Lahinch Road to Lees Road that
follows the alignment of the proposed western by-pass
extension.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
7
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
8
retain the “Tidy Towns” name because it is such a well-known
brand.
2.0 THE TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION
2.1
Brief history, origins and current role
In 1958, there was a nationwide festival called ‘An Tostal’, the
aim of which was to highlight and celebrate everything
considered Irish. It was during that festival that the National
Tidy Towns initiative was launched by Bord Fáilte, the Irish
Tourist Board (now Fáilte Ireland). It was preceded by a National
Spring Clean Campaign which ran between 1953 and 1957 but
the Tidy Towns competition quickly became established and is
now Ireland’s best-known and most popular local environmental
initiative. In 1995, responsibility for the competition moved from
Bord Fáilte to a government department and is managed today
by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local
Government. Super-Valu has been an important sponsor of the
competition for more than 21 years and continues its support.
Glenties, Co Donegal was the first overall winner of the 52
entries in 1958 and it highlighted the strong level of community
support which made the difference in achieving a high standard
in the competition. Last year there were over 800 entries and the
motto "make your place a better place", continues to inspire
communities to implement a range of improvements in their
town or village. While the initial focus was on tidiness and the
paintings of walls and buildings, the competition is now much
more complex, taking into consideration matters such as wildlife
and waste management. Indeed consideration was given to
changing the name to one which would reflect the various
criteria under which entries are judged but it was decided to
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
There are a range of winners in the various categories and
regions, but the emphasis is on participation. Every effort, no
matter how small, contributes to an improvement of our country
and makes it a better place for citizens and tourists.
2.2 Benefits of involvement / participation –
Community, Business and Tourism
Apart from the obvious benefit of implementing environmental
improvements in the community, participation in the competition
also rewards individuals by enabling them to practice and/or
develop a range of skills and work experience. Some of the skills
developed
through
participation
include
communication,
teamwork,
time
management,
positive
attitude
and
entrepreneurship. It is a way of meeting new people, extending
your network, and making valuable contacts in your community
and with communities elsewhere in the county and in other
counties. Involvement in Tidy Towns committees helps to build
self-confidence and to feel valued and to have the satisfaction of
making a difference.
Participation in the competition is an indication of a caring
community and the level of success adds further credibility to
their ability to deliver on a programme of improvement. This
builds a reputation that the community would be a good location
in which to live or to develop an enterprise. The well managed
community attracts investment and business people welcome
being associated with success, especially in environmental
schemes because it adds to the quality of their operations. More
business in a community adds to its prosperity, providing
9
additional resources to make even greater progress in the
competition. Thus the cycle continues.
2.3
International profile
In some cases, news of success may spread overseas and
awards such as Ireland’s tidiest town or village can have
additional benefits by attracting tourists. The centre “gets on the
map” and is mentioned in tourism literature as a “must see”
location. There is also the Entente Florale competition which is
held among twelve European nations. It is a further opportunity
for recognition of achievement and each year two centres are
judged for this competition by a panel of international judges.
This has brought further attention to their communities. There
are other competitions such as LivCom which are opportunities
for raising the international profile
2.4
Summary of assessment criteria
The Tidy Towns unit of the Department of the Environment,
Community and Local Government has available a handbook for
Tidy Town committees. It contains over 60 pages of valuable
information on each criterion upon which the entries are
adjudicated. A copy of the manual can be downloaded from the
following weblink.
http://www.tidytowns.ie/u_documents/2010%20TidyTowns%20
Handbook.pdf
The following are the assessment criteria:
1. Overall Development Approach
50 marks
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
2. The Built Environment
3. Landscaping
4. Wildlife & Natural Amenities
5. Litter Control
6. Tidiness
7. Waste Minimisation
8. Residential Areas
9. Roads, Streets and Back Areas
10. General Impression
Total
50 marks
50 marks
50 marks
50 marks
30 marks
20 marks
40 marks
50 marks
10 marks
400 marks
The following are some brief comments on the above criteria.
2.4.1 Overall Development Approach - 50 marks
This section is an opportunity to inform the adjudicator of the
extent of the centre by including a boundary map with the
various streets and estates identified. A simple and accurate
map is all that is required. Each centre is encouraged to prepare
a three/five year plan and to indicate a phased delivery of the
proposed improvements. It is important to tell something about
the committee, the number of members, meetings and extent of
links with public bodies and business interests and the system of
communications to the community and network links.
The
extent of voluntary support should also be highlighted.
2.4.2 The Built Environment
50 marks
This section refers to buildings, pavements and street furniture.
Towns and villages will have a range of buildings with varying
architectural styles and there will be a mix of traditional and
modern all of which determine its character. A survey should be
carried out to determine the various styles, evaluate their quality
and state of repair. In the short term little can be done about
changing such a mix, however, it is important that a community
10
in consultation with the Planning Department of their local
authority aim to preserve and protect buildings that enhance the
character of the community. They should also aim for the style
and details of new or infill developments to take into account the
nature of local features. Since the early days of the competition
there has been a great improvement in the condition and repair
of buildings but in recent years because of the economic
recession a number of derelict buildings exist in many
communities. Such derelict areas including old graveyards can
impact greatly on the appearance of a town or village. The
elements in this section will be the responsibility of a cross
section of the community and perhaps also public bodies and
therefore presents a great challenge for a committee to have all
owners and agencies pay attention to their property and have
them repaired and/or painted on a regular basis.
2.4.3 Landscaping
allowed to grow longer and even encourage some wildflowers to
establish. Wildflower meadows are considered in this criterion
and also in “Wildlife & Natural Amenities”. The presence of
weeds impact negatively on landscape schemes and weeds are
also considered under the “Tidiness” criteria. Remember that
hedge clipping must be done outside the months of March to
August for the protection of wildlife.
There have also been cases of too much emphasis and an
inappropriate use of costly seasonal floral bedding schemes
which attract attention rather than enhancing an area. These
demand a high level of maintenance and should be restricted to
central areas to encourage people to “stop and stare”. The use of
floral containers should be limited to areas where planting in the
ground is not possible. For success, the container should be less
conspicuous than the planting displayed.
50 marks
2.4.4 Wildlife & Natural Amenities
This section deals mainly with “soft” landscape elements of a
community such as trees, shrubs, hedges, flowers and planted
areas whether in an urban setting or an open space. Paving is
considered if it is part of an open space development. In past
years some communities lacked a planned approach with various
plant species used without any attention to design/planting
plans.
It is important to devise sensible planting schemes
which add structural elements and year round interest rather
than a splash of colour in the summer. The use of a single
species in street tree planting is recommended rather than a mix
of species within a street. Consider the use of native species
where appropriate, such as on approach roads. Existing trees
should be surveyed to determine their importance and possible
treatment for retention and to highlight any ecological or cultural
significance they may have. The need to mow grassed areas is
usually well understood but sometimes margins at the edges of
towns or villages are over-maintained when the grass should be
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
50 marks
In most communities there are opportunities for highlighting and
enhancing the natural amenities through conservation measures
and public awareness activities.
Rivers and streams are
everywhere as well as hedgerows and these can be studied for
their flora and fauna and measures taken to protect wildlife.
Providing bird boxes is a popular approach to such measures.
Further potential can be realised if there are lakes, forests,
mountains, rivers
and sea shores within easy reach of
communities.
However, wildflower meadows can be easily
established and their management can become a strong
educational resource for local schools.
Consider developing
nature trails that link with other communities; they have the
added potential of attracting people from other areas.
A
management plan would assist in developing a programme of
appropriate conservation measures for existing features and the
development of additional facilities.
11
2.4.5 Litter Control
50 marks
Litter is a major problem everywhere but it has been one of the
greatest success stories of the Tidy Towns competition. It was
the emphasis back in 1958 but there is now a greater level of
awareness of the issue.
Constant vigilance is required to
maintain areas litter free. There is an argument that most
conscientious people will hold onto litter until they see an
appropriate location for its disposal. This is usually a litter bin,
but if there are none, they will bring their litter home. For that
reason some communities have decided that they would not
provide litter bins and instead put up signs asking people to
bring their litter home. Once litter bins are provided there must
be a maintenance programme in place to ensure that they are
not overflowing with litter at any time.
The problem of litter is caused by people who do not care if they
dispose of it in a bin or just anywhere. Thankfully some such
people have been caught and prosecuted through the courts.
Recommendations here are to identify problem areas where
action such as regular litter patrols and monitoring are needed.
Remember for health and safety reasons to wear protective
clothing such as gloves and footwear and to take out appropriate
insurance.
This criterion provides an opportunity for the
business community to make a valuable contribution by
managing areas in front of their premises and/or having their
employees undertake litter control projects in association with
schools and communities.
2.4.6 Tidiness
30 marks
While the presence of litter will make a place untidy this section
is more concerned with items that cause clutter. Things such as
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
too many signs and too many poles are a major problem. A
common mistake is to erect a new pole when erecting a new sign
rather than see if it can be fitted on an existing pole. There may
be a miscellaneous number of signs advertising events or B&Bs,
and some events may even be out of date and should be
removed. Vigilance by the community members will help to
reduce the numbers of such signs. Another issue is the presence
of overhead wires over which unfortunately the local community
has little control. Graffiti is a problem that seems to occur in
particular areas; it is a hazard when traffic signs are obscured.
The use of climbing plants on walls can help to eliminate the
available space for graffiti.
Another alternative is to have
specially dedicated areas for graffiti where an artist guides the
creative talent more successfully to enhance the area. Weeds
are unsightly especially at the base of kerbs and walls. However,
the use of weedkillers which turns the weeds yellow only raises
environmental issues. Such materials should be used to prevent
the growth of emerging weeds; otherwise, manual weed control
is a better approach.
2.4.7 Sustainable Waste &
Resource Management
20 marks
From 2013 onwards the former ‘Waste Management’ section has
been renamed the ‘Sustainable Waste & Resource Management’.
This section now places greater emphasis on ‘Waste Prevention’
ahead of ‘Waste Treatment’. An explanatory document has been
included with this years entry form and can be downloaded from
www.tidytowns.ie which has the following explanation;
The idea behind this is to encourage entrants to move beyond
recycling and to take steps to reduce the amount of waste
produced by the community in the first place. The category
Sustainable Waste & Resource Management is now evolving in
order to keep up with current waste policy and ‘best practice’
12
guidelines. Entrants should consider any resource efficiencies
across the community so please also bear in mind areas of
water, energy and transport. Highlight any progress in reducing
usage.
This category is not about litter. Recycling initiatives (which
should be well established in the community at this stage) should
have a more minor focus. However, initiatives should be
mentioned as recycling forms part of a proper community waste
management system.
Waste Prevention means preventing waste being generated in
the first place, reducing the amount that is produced, reducing
the hazardous content of that waste and reducing its impact on
the environment. Once you have prevented waste as much as
possible, you should look at any possibilities to reuse, then to
recycle as much as possible. “Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”.
2.4.8 Residential Areas
40 marks
The scale of residential areas will vary from one community to
another; some smaller ones may not have a distinct residential
estate. In that case it is important to work with key residents in
the village. Residents associations can be a major force in the
implementation of various works in a community by taking
particular care of their estate. To encourage a high standard, it
is recommended to organise a competition between estates and
this is usually done at county level by the local authority.
Attention should be paid to the maintenance of the houses,
boundary walls, fences, gardens, communal open spaces,
planting and estate signage. Tidy Towns committees usually
seek to have a representative from each estate on their
committee.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
2.4.9 Roads, Streets and Back Areas
50 marks
Visitors gain first impressions as they enter a town or village and
therefore it is important to walk each route and identify areas
which enhance the approach and other back areas which need
attention and perhaps should be screened with trees or hedges.
There may be old buildings, empty houses, walls in poor
condition and there may also be incidences of dumping at the
back of boundaries. Side streets and alleyways may often be
overlooked. If not in use it may be best to enclose them with a
suitable gate. The renewed interest in stone walls has helped to
restore existing walls and added new walls in many towns and
villages thereby adding greater character to the approach and
the built environment. Sometimes old walls may contain flora of
valerian, ferns, ivy-leaved toadflax, lichens and mosses. It is
best to leave them in place rather than consider them as weeds
to be removed.
One easy to read sign in timber, stone or even metal should be
positioned in a prominent location on each approach to the town
or village. If it is some distance from the centre refrain from the
use of flowers or beds in that vicinity. Remember that signs
should be bi-lingual.
The quality of the streets surfaces,
pavements and car parks is very important.
2.4.10 General Impression
10 marks
This last criterion is essentially a review by the adjudicator of the
final impression made after the site visit. It is an opportunity to
reward communities for making exceptional efforts for
overcoming particular obstacles such as the development of a
site that was a problem for some years or for dealing with issues
such as vandalism.
13
2.5
Achieving success and avoiding pitfalls
The tasks undertaken by Tidy Towns committees are many and
varied. Sometimes individual members can be so dedicated that
they lack the opportunity to stand back and plan important
measures for achieving success. While their efforts are a shining
example in their community they can sometimes be seen as so
involved that others may feel discouraged from helping them.
Therefore planning succession within the committee is one of the
important matters that should be considered. Where possible,
this can be achieved by committee members serving for a limited
period and that each member should seek to have others
involved who in time would replace them. One way to do this is
to identify community members with particular skills, approach
them and invite them to be involved.
If and when newcomers join the group it is inevitable that they
will make suggestions, some of which were tried and tested and
perhaps failed.
Be patient with them and refrain from
immediately dismissing their ideas. Also, remember to include
them in discussions on various projects.
The involvement of children is of paramount importance in
cultivating civic pride and they should be encouraged to carry on
the work even if they move to another community. It will enrich
their understanding of the environment and the importance of
working with a community.
Success breeds success. Thus when a high standard is achieved
for example in litter control it influences people not to be the one
who ruins what has been achieved.
When such an ethic
becomes widespread in the community it leads to a greater
sense of well-being.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
The involvement of local business interests when possible should
extend beyond making a financial contribution. It is better if
they also participate by ensuring that their own properties make
a positive impact rather than being the focus of criticism in the
adjudicator’s report. Local authorities have responsibility for all
public areas. The best use can be made of their resources by
exploring means of cooperating with the workforce in their
various projects to avoid any duplication of effort. Also, other
statutory agencies may be able to provide assistance with
particular projects.
14
3.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL
3.1
eighty-foot-long quay was erected. Clarecastle became the port for Ennis
and by 1837 was used for the export of grain and the importation of coal.
At that time it also had a thatched Catholic chapel, and two hedge schools.
Historical Overview
Clarecastle takes its name from CLÁR ADAR DA CHORADH or CLÁRATHA-DA-CHORADH, meaning the bridge between two weirs, which
almost describes the castle's function, situated as it is on an island of the
Fergus River at its narrowest navigable point.
The word CLÁR, meaning board, is generally used to signify a wooden
bridge and the earliest settlement here may simply have been referred to,
in Irish, as "the wooden bridges". A second explanation of the name stems
from the de Clare family having been given land in Kilkenny and Thomond,
including Bunratty and Clarecastle.
Clarecastle Quayside (Castle & Barracks seen in
distance).
The castle of Clare was a typical Norman castle with a strong stone tower.
Originating in the mid thirteenth century the castle featured in many local
historic events and changed hands on a number of occasions including the
Earl of Thomond and the Williamites. Ireton, (Oliver Cromwell's son-inlaw), succumbed to the fever at Clare Castle and died in Limerick a few
days later.
The town of Clare, so called after the castle, was of such importance that it
gave its name to the county in 1579. In the 1700s The Government leased
the use of the castle as a barracks. By 1837 there were three cavalry
barracks on the site, affording accommodation for 17 officers and 234
men. This was then the main barracks for the county. The castle continued
in use as a barracks until 1921.
Clarecastle was also developed as a harbour by Sir Lucius O'Brien after
the last Earl of Thomond died in 1738. Wine imported at the quay of Clare
was bought by the local gentry. By 1770 Sir Lucius had added six twostoried slated houses, six one- storied thatched houses for weavers, a
large malt-house and kiln, a linen factory, a market house, a lime kiln and
salt works, an extensive quay and a large deal yard adjoining. In 1815 an
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
Clare Abbey
Clarecastle Quayside
15
Land reclamation of the Fergus began in 1843. The O'Gorman Mahon
made a reference to "the grand lands" that could be reclaimed from the
river. In 1860 the River Fergus Navigation and Embankment Act was
passed to improve navigation and reclaim land, particularly from the
estuary. However, little was actually done until 1879.
Given its strategic position at the head of the Fergus estuary, it is no
surprise that the harbour at Clarecastle was an important port for more
than three centuries, and played a significant role in the local economy.
Not only was Clarecastle Ennis’s out-port, but it was also the port of midClare, handling large volumes of imports and exports for the region. The
exports were chiefly agricultural products - oats, barley and wheat, besides
other produce such as butter and bacon. The cargoes imported included
coal, timber, iron, salt and provisions.
3.2
Village Form & Development
The oldest area of Clarecastle is based around the southern end
of the town, with early development occurring primarily to the
immediate south east of the castle and river crossing. The harbor
area constitutes a historic part of the town with both commercial
and residential buildings nearby creating a distinct character to
this area.
While most of the trade was with ports like Liverpool, Glasgow and
London, there were also shipping links to Canada, Scandinavia and other
European countries. The port trade slowly declined in the nineteenth
century due to competition from the Ennis-Limerick railway, opened in
1859, and from motor transport in the twentieth century. The last cargo
vessel to dock at the extensive quays of Clarecastle was the M.V. "Sisu"
from Sweden in 1969.
The local tradition of drift net fishing for salmon on the Fergus estuary
dates back for centuries and the fishing licenses were handed down from
father to son. Today however, drift-net fishing is more of a hobby than a
full time occupation.
(ROCHE Ireland, a major pharmaceutical plant and large employer in the
vicinity is located just to the west of the quayside area).
Other significant features of Clare Castle include Clare Abbey which was
founded in 1189 by Donal Mór O'Brien. It was an abbey of the Canons
Regular of St. Augustine and was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.
1842 Ordinance Survey map of Clarecastle
The town has developed northwards along the Ennis Road, with
the northern end of the town predominantly developed for
domestic / residential usage.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
16
3.3
Built & Visual Character
Today Clarecastle constitutes a sizeable village based on the
west bank of the Fergus River. As expected of a historic town
Clarecastle contains a number of protected structures located in
the town and its environs and an Architectural Conservation
Area. Its overall built & visual character is defined by a wide
range of urban development which has occurred over a long
period of time.
Historic 6” Ordinance Survey map of Clarecastle
Over time the spread of development between Clarecastle and
Ennis has meant that the two are now physically linked and it is
not particularly clear to the visitor at what point one leaves Ennis
and enters Clarecastle. Approaching Clarecastle from Ennis, the
most obvious existing visual definition of the entrance to
Clarecastle is the new Clareabbey roundabout, (though the town
boundaries do in fact extend a little further northwards).
Currently the roundabout is simply grassed with no
distinguishing feature to announce Clarecastle – an opportunity
exists here to announce Clarecastle by means of a memorable
‘gateway’ to the town - using sculpture / landscape design /
signage etc.
Clare Abbey enjoys a purpose built access road with footpath
from this roundabout which subsequently links with a minor
access road, together affording a pleasant walk to the historic
Augustine Abbey.
There is however no signage to promote this amenity to the
visitor who might easily drive through Clarecastle completely
unaware of the Abbey’s presence.
2009 Satellite view of Clarecastle (Courtesy of Google earth)
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
17
Slip road entrance to and
existing access track to
Clare Abbey
Moving southwards through the Clareabbey roundabout, the
Ennis road forms the spine of Clarecastle. A mix of residential
housing styles, (predominantly 1950-70’s bungalows), flank the
roadway with generally well kept grass verges and gardens
creating a visually pleasant environment. The first major
institutional use encountered is the GAA County Headquarters,
which are accessed from the main road by a slip road. An
attractive planting area announces the access however low
quality (temporary) signage diminishes the overall effect.
Slip road & high concrete walls
Pedestrian access
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
The high concrete block perimeter walls of the GAA County
Headquarters present an austere feature, which would benefit
greatly from the addition of climbing plants at its base to soften
the visual impact. The GAA car parking area is largely screened
from eye level by a concrete wall frontage to the main road,
however the higher concrete walls to the rear are visible. There
is potential to plant appropriate species trees along the back of
this wall to further soften the austere visual impact of the high
concrete walls. Infrequent grass mowing at the pedestrian
entrance has meant that grass clippings do not mulch/rot easily
and end up lying on the ground and pathways looking unsightly.
A little further on, St Jospehs Terrace is formed around a
sizeable open ‘green’ which is simple but neatly maintained area
fronting the main road. In particular the whitewashed walls offer
a pleasant contrast to the green grass and tree planting creating
an attractive frontage to the main road. Elements within the
green such as seating and water pumps are also painted and
maintained creating a positive environment. Some of the trees
here and throughout the village have suffered mechanical
damage at the base of their trunks, (usually caused by grass
mowers). This damage facilitates the entrance of fungal disease
to the tree usually causing a reduced vitality or even death. By
simply spraying off a 1m radius of grass immediately around the
base of the trunk and applying bark mulch, this can be avoided
and has the added benefit of making grass mowing easier and
quicker.
18
The road south continues with varied residential housing styles
before opening up again on the eastern side with pastureland
facilitating medium to long range views. A little further on past
the national school St Michaels and St Maddens Terraces are set
back from the road behind open green spaces, combining to
create an open and visually attractive area. The distinctive and
consistent architectural style of both terraces stands out as a
very positive feature, with the consistent paint colour of St
Michaels Terrace having a particularly positive visual impact. St
Maddens terrace also has the potential to create a similar visual
impact through the use of a consistent and coordinated palette of
sympathetic colour(s).
Well maintained walls and furniture
Open pastureland adjacent to the roadway offers pleasant views
over the surrounding landscape to the east. A little further on, to
the west is situated the entrance to Clarecastle GAA club. The
club is accessed via a private side road either side of which there
exist large areas of open green space. These areas are not
currently being maintained to an adequate standard and are
attracting significant weed growth. This area would benefit
greatly from a more regular maintenance regime and suitable
avenue tree planting, with mown grass margins maintained
along the access road.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
St Michaels Terrace
St Maddens Terrace
Whilst Clarecastle is strongly linear in form, having largely
evolved in relation to the main Ennis road, a central area does
open up around the Centra car park area / the Church & car park
/ Old Road open green space. This area has the potential to
develop as a combined central core to the village – particularly if
the proposed ‘Hub’ community facility can be realised in this
location as planned.
19
The public park located to the rear of the Church adds further
weight to this area being a ‘central hub’ for the village, though
this area is not currently functioning as well as it might be and
has the potential to attract anti-social behavior. Strengthening
and enhancing existing pedestrian linkages between the village
and the park would encourage greater footfall through the park.
Areas of unsuccessful or porrly located planting should also be
addressed.
A short distance further south on Barrack Street the road turns
at right angle on to Main Street leading to the river crossing and
Clarecastle. The built form of both Barrack Street & Main Street
is consistent in style and scale creating a pleasant streetscape. A
prominent two storey building located is on the corner of Barrack
& Main streets and is critical to the appearance of the overall
streetscape. Although currently vacant this building is being
maintained externally which is critical to the overall impression
of the area.
The Church car park would benefit from some limited
maintenance work to the surrounding mature trees – removal of
epicormic growth from base of trunks and some canopy lifting
would visually open up the views from the Centra car park to the
church helping to create the feeling of a larger overall space.
Corner building
Barrack Street
Centra car park area / ‘Hub’ location
Public park to rear of church
Main Street
Church car park
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
20
Main Street could be said to form the historical core of the village
and is characterized today by a number of commercial premises
including a butchers, a restaurant, a public house and the village
post office.
A large scale development, stalled by the recent economic crisis,
is situated at the end of Main Street on the opposite bank of the
river to Clare Castle. Although screened with hoarding the
construction site is visible from the bridge and other viewpoints
and presents a potential long term difficulty for the village.
Castle & barracks from bridge
Harbour from bridge
Views of the historic harbour area are offered from the bridge.
This attractive and historic part of the village is accessed via
Main Street however no signage exists to alert the visitor who
might easily pass completely unaware of its presence.
Stalled development
Barracks & Castle
Clare castle and the adjoining barracks are located on the
opposite river bank to the stalled development and create an
impressive entrance feature for the village when approached
from the south. An impressive stone arched bridge was
demolished and replaced with a wider but significantly less
attractive road bridge in the mid 20th century. The railings of the
bridge are currently painted a bright turquoise colour, attracting
a lot of attention to what is a less than attractive feature.
Painting the railings a more neutral colour would diminish their
visual impact and enhance river views beyond.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
Well maintained and historic harbour area
The harbour and surrounding area offers not only an important
amenity for the village but also the potential to attract visitors to
‘stop off’ in Clarecastle. The wealth of maritime history
associated with the harbour, (the potential of which could be
realised through interpretive / interactive facilities), makes it a
21
prime location for visitors. Well laid out and maintained green
open space with car parking already exists to accommodate
visitors. Further potential exists in the concept of creating a
riverside trail linking this area in the south of the village to Clare
Abbey located north of the village, complimenting an existing
walking routes south of the harbour.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
22
3.4
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
A summary of Clarecastle’s main strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats are listed below;



Strengths






Strong active community group.
Significant historic attractions (Abbey & Harbour/Castle)
located strategically at opposite ends of village.
River Fergus runs parallel to village.
Well maintained public ‘greens’ associated with housing
areas.
Majority of housing / gardens well maintained.
Proximity and Connectivity to Ennis (Regional Hub)
Weaknesses




Linear development of village - lacking well defined
central village square or open space.
Small number of vacant / poorly maintained properties.
Unfinished properties.
Absence of clear signage to highlight attractions
Opportunities




Plans to develop ‘Community Hub’ facility (currently at
feasibility stage).
Reinforce / improve existing pedestrian linkages
throughout town.
Create a riverside pedestrian trail potentially connecting
Harbour with Clare Abbey.
Plans to develop playground facility at junction of Main St
/ Barrack St (currently at planning stage).
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie

Strengthen and unify streetscape through considered
palette of surface materials and buildings colour schemes.
Improve signage quality / property frontages where
possible.
Reconsider some elements of the public park that are not
functioning well -(e.g. unsuccessful or poorly located
planting / encourage more pedestrian movement through
park by enhancing existing linkages to village)
Visually unify green spaces fragmented by roads using a
coordinated approach to amenity tree planting.
Threats






Lack of cooperation / participation in vision for town
Public park not currently functioning well – potential to
attract anti-social behaviour.
Cluttered directional signage – lack of simple clear visitor
signage to key attractions in village.
Low quality signage and / or ‘cluttered’ signage
Vacant or poorly maintained property frontages.
Dominance of vehicular parking over open space -
23
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT
INTERVENTIONS
4.1
Urban enclosure and space making
Urban enclosure refers to a sense of containment, of being within
a defined space often associated with village squares. Whilst
Clarecastle currently lacks a clearly defined space such as this,
the potential to start creating a central core to the village does
exist between the proposed ‘Hub’ facility location / car park and
the Church and associated car park across the road.
Located on the main road through the village, the area or car
parking located outside the existing Centra shop is central to the
village and probably the most intensely used parking facility in
the village. It is not currently an attractive area but it is
functional and relatively tidy. It is, thanks to the surrounding
buildings, a strongly enclosed space and lends itself to
improvement.
The first stage of improvements might include a rationalisation of
the parking layout and circulation routes by the strategic use of
suitable tree and shrub planting. Such planting would not only
better define parking and circulation but also visually soften the
whole setting and create a positive visual impact.
Critical to the proposed locations development will be
implementation of the envisaged ‘Hub’ facility at the northern
end of the space - which if achieved will affirm the area as the
effective village core.
Plan view - illustrating opportunity for car park improvements through tree & shrub planting and possible
new surface treatment.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
24
View from road with indicative ‘Hub’ facility and improved car parking facilities
4.2
Functionality of public open space
The functionality of Clarecastles centrally located public open
spaces between the ‘Old Road’ and St Michaels Terrace is
currently undermined by a number of roads dissecting what is a
relatively large overall area, into a collection of smaller areas.
This has significantly reduced the potential of the overall space
particularly in terms of recreational usage.
The location of the public park to the rear of the Church is what
might be described as a ‘backland’ location – not an ideal site for
a park as it is lacking both in public road frontage / overlooking
adjacent properties and a high frequency of foot-fall. All of these
are ideally prerequisites for a public park location, in order to
afford a level of passive surveillance and accompanying sense of
security for potential users.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
Theoretically the
collective
green
open
space
(highlighted red)
between Church
Drive,
St
Flannans Avenue
and St Michaels
Terrace, including
the church car
park,
offers
a
better
located
area
for
the
development of a
public park.
This area could
incorporate
a
Aerial Image (courtesy of Google Earth)
centrally located
town square by converting the site of the existing Church car
park for this use, (perhaps retaining a limited number of parking
spaces for church / special needs use). A portion of the space
located immediately to the rear of the church, (currently part of
the ‘Peoples Park’), might then be redeveloped as a replacement
car park - potentially offering an overall increase in number of
available parking spaces.
This concept could even be extended further – linking to and
incorporating to the current Centra car park, (as highlighted in
yellow), with a shared surface raised traffic table arrangement
for traffic movement across the square/plaza. Similar shared
surfaces could also be used to physically link the green spaces
where necessary.
25
4.3
Pedestrian Walking Routes & Linkage
Clarecastle is served with some attractive walking routes that
deviate from the main thoroughfare of the Ennis Rd, e.g. through
the Peoples Park and around the harbour area as well as those to
the Abbey. There is however significant unrealised potential to
extend, upgrade, improve and most importantly link these
individual sections of walkway to create an overall loop route,
where ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts’. In
particular the possibility of creating a new walkway parallel to
the River Fergus, (with landowner & stakeholder consensus).
Linking Clarecastle Abbey to Clarecastle harbour holds great
potential for the village. The establishment of such a route would
create a major opportunity to increase visitor engagement with
the town through promotion of both the heritage, ecological and
possibly arts interests - for example provision of interactive
heritage information points, (which might also be continued
further throughout the town), bird/nature viewing facilities and
possibly sculpture piece(s) located at strategic points along the
route.
parking spaces – possibly using a simple gravel surface. This
would allow visitors to park up and walk to the Abbey. Waymarking signage and information boards might also be
incorporated here and elsewhere along the route. Whilst some
planting has occurred on the embankment as part of the road
scheme there is opportunity here to increase bio-diversity with
additional planting and possibly encourage a wetland habitat at
the entrance.

Floodlight Abbey.

Control of ivy and upkeep of stone walls.
Clarecastle has a number of old stone walls particularly
approaching the Abbey which are not only visually attractive but
contribute significantly to the historic character of the area. In
some areas excessive ivy growth is beginning to cover the walls
entirely and should be controlled to prevent damage to walls and
facilitate their maintenance. Removal of ivy should avoid the bird
nesting season (the period beginning on 1st of March and ending
31st of August).

4.4
Roundabout Entrance Feature
Other potential interventions

Promote & develop access to Clare Abbey
The roundabout at the north end of the village offers easy access
to the Abbey, but does little to encourage locals and visitors to
venture that direction. The existing overhead gates whilst
necessary are not attractive or welcoming – a more suitable
gateway or arch design (e.g. stonework piers) could be used to
‘advertise’ the Abbey whilst maintaining security. There is
sufficient room between the newly constructed access road and
the bottom of the embankment to provide a number of parallel
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
The roundabout at the north end of the village offers an ideal
opportunity to create a memorable entrance feature to identify
and announce Clarecastle. It might take the form of sculpture or
landscape design or a combination of both.

Opportunities for street tree planting
A number of individual opportunities exist along the main Ennis
Road for the introduction of street tree planting. Care should be
taken in selecting an appropriate species for the location.
26

GAA Facilities
Opportunities exist at County Headquarters, in consensus with
the GAA, to improve the appearance of the facility. Higher
quality signage should be encouraged, along with the potential
planting of climbers at base of bare concrete walls and possibly
trees behind road frontage wall.
Similarly an opportunity exists to greatly improve the Clarecastle
GAA club entrance on the Ennis Road, using tree planting, weed
control and grass maintenance measures.

Linkage – GAA to Park
The existing pedestrian linkage between Clarecastle GAA club
entrance on the Ennis Road and the Peoples Park should be also
be promoted through the use of signage, landscape planting &
maintenance, surfaces improvement etc. The feasibility of
lighting might also be considered.

Peoples Park
Improve park functionality by measures such as shelter belt
planting, removal of failed or poorly located planting, repair or
removal of boardwalk. Encourage access to both ends of Peoples
Park from Ennis Road using coordinated signage / information
boards. The feasibility of lighting might also be considered.

Village Core
Consider and investigate potential for long term development of
village core perhaps using pedestrian priority shared surfaces /
raised traffic tables to physically connect separate spaces cut off
from one another by roads.
Promote and pursue the
development of ‘Hub’ community facility in this location. Consider
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
short to medium term proposals to improve parking area
adjacent to Centra, and possibly long term aim of relocating
parking from front to rear of church. Works to trees at church car
park to lift canopies and remove epicormic growth from trunk
base to improve light and visibility.

Quays
Promote quays with signage from Main Street, (removing an
unnecessary existing signage to prevent clutter). Develop
information boards / interactive information based on historical &
cultural past of the locality. Promote and enhance existing
riverside walk, examine feasibility of extension (potentially
linking with Abbey along river bank). Encourage use of quays as
events area for village.

Bridge
Consider painting railings of bridge a less prominent colour to
harmonise with scenic setting, rather than compete against the
views.

Patrick Street
Seek to maintain and promote historic stone building, removing
corrugated sheeting from gates, tidying and maintaining interior
space. Replace failed street trees with suitable species such as
fastigiate Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’).
27
5.0 GENERIC PRINCIPLES & GUIDANCE
5.2
5.1
Shop frontages and commercial signage play a primary role in
defining the aesthetic appearance and character of the
streetscape of Irish villages & towns. If undertaken thoughtfully
and sensitively, e.g. using materials and colours appropriate to
the local vernacular and scale, the resulting visual impact can
have a hugely positive effect on a town or villages aesthetic
appearance and character.
Street signage & furniture
Both quality and consistent usage are critical factors when
considering street signage & furniture. The repeated use of a
single coordinated family of street signage & furniture e.g.
seating / litter bin / lampost / finger post signs can have a
visually unifying effect that provides a consistent thread drawing
a town together. Conversely an unplanned / piecemeal approach
to the provision of street signage and furniture will result in
visual confusion and disharmony. The choice of signage or
furniture type will depend heavily on the existing urban character
and budget.
It is not always necessarily the case that historic towns must use
‘traditional style’ furniture & signage – the contrast of simple
‘modern styles’ (particularly if they are fabricated from high
quality natural materials which echo the local vernacular e.g.
natural stone / steel / glass / timber) can often work well
offering a positive contrast. Whether traditional or modern style
products are chosen to compliment or contrast with the urban
character - simplicity and longevity are key factors to consider.
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
Business frontages & commercial signage
Conversely, if undertaken thoughtlessly or insensitively, e.g.
using low quality materials, inappropriate colour schemes and
scale - the resulting visual impact can be devastating for a town
or villages aesthetic appearance and character.
Consideration of contextual setting is critical – a low quality
plastic sign used in the setting of a historic village will always
look out of place regardless of colour and scale. Conversely clear,
simple signage using traditional materials will create a visual
compliment strengthening the localities aesthetic and character.
Whilst the use of traditional styles & fonts may further
strengthen the aesthetic character, it is also possible to achieve
the same impact using non-tradtional styles & fonts if handled
sensitively.
High quality sensitive blend of modern with
traditional
High quality traditional signage
28
5.3
Street tree selection & planting
Street tree planting has long been used as a method of adding
visual interest and structure to public streetscapes and open
spaces, whilst also bringing relief from the built environment.
There are some basic factors to consider when planting trees in
urban areas;

Is the tree species appropriate to the location & prevailing
conditions?
Consideration should be given to the likely size of the tree at
maturity in relation to the space available. Where large broad
trees are likely to come into conflict with adjacent buildings or
roadways, alternative species offering a smaller columnar form
should be selected. Where the site experiences a particular
microclimate such as being exposed to high winds - a species
tolerant of these conditions should be selected.

Damage commonly occurs around the base of tree trunks where
strimmers or mowers come into conflict with the tree. This can
easily be avoided by maintaining a grass free zone of 1m radius
around the base of the tree using mulch, (this also reduces
competition for water and nutrients further benefitting the
tree).
Cellular root zone system
Mulch protection
Can sufficient room for root expansion be provided?
The availability of good quality rooting medium is critical to the
establishment of a healthy street tree. Trees that are planted
into poor soil, compacted soil or a minimal volume of soil will
never flourish. There are a number of structural cellular systems
on the market designed to allow improved street tree root zone
areas, which combined with specialist street tree soils can
artificially create ideal rooting areas where poor compacted
soils exist.

even death of the tree. Trees cannot repair damage to their bark
and so it is critical to do everything possible to minimize the
likelihood of bark damage occurring.
Has adequate support and protection been provided?
Damage to a trees bark is a common cause of poor development.
If a trees bark is damaged it presents an opportunity for fungi
and disease to enter the trees system, resulting in the decline or
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
Tree support is critical to aiding successful establishment.
Supports may vary from simple stakes and tree ties to more
complex underground guying systems. It is critical, whatever
system is used that, that the support systems is secure and not
going to cause damage to the tree bark through abrasion.
Inappropriate methods of securing tree stakes to trees is a
common cause of bark damage through ongoing abrasion as the
tree moves with the wind and rubs against a stake.
29
Tree Grilles prevent soil compaction
Secure staking that will not damage tree
Compaction of soil around a trees root zone can be another
common cause of long term decline or even death, depriving the
tree of the oxygen required by its roots. This commonly occurs
where trees have been planted in areas of high traffic and or
footfall such as carparks. Protective measures may include the
use of tree grilles or simple low rails or bollards to prevent traffic
accessing the root zone area.
5.4
Walking routes & trails
Signage is a critical aspect of walking routes or trails, particularly
when trying to attract visitors to use the facility. Information
point(s) which simply and clearly illustrating the overall route(s),
highlight points of interest and provide approximate walking /
cycling times is ideal. This allows users to plan to complete the
overall trail or sections of the trail as time or fitness allow.
Longer distance routes should ideally have break off points or
loops incorporated into their layout to provide options for partial
completion of the overall walk. High quality long lasting materials
from professional sign makers should ideally be used, (perspex
enclosures do not age well).
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
Route information board
Way-marking signage
Additional information such as historic or wildlife interest can
also be added, but care should be taken not to overcomplicate –
additional information might be better provided at relevant
points along the route(s). Technology now also offers the
possibility for visitors to download information and ‘App’s’
pertaining to your route. If this opportunity has been capitalized
upon then signage may also include the relevant information to
utilise these options.
Within the realms of practicality, walking routes and trails should
ideally offer a stable even surface accessible to all including
wheelchairs, pedestrians and prams.
30
intermittently to allow overtaking. These may also serve as
pause points with the provision of seating or viewing points with
additional information boards.
Wetland boardwalk trail
Woodland boardwalk trail
Crushed stone footpath
Cycle & Walking trail
A variety of materials may be used to construct trails depending
on the use and setting. Elevated boardwalks offer the
opportunity to traverse wet areas or sensitive areas (e.g. to
protect ground flora and or tree root zones from excessive footfall). Crushed stone offers an economic material for long distance
paths & trails. A combination of materials may be used over the
length of a trail as circumstance requires.
Consideration should also be given to whether the routes would
benefit from an additional dedicated cycle path. Sufficient width
must be allowed to facilitate ease of movement in both directions
simultaneously, or where this is not possible refuges provide
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
31
6.0 MATRIX OF PROPOSED ACTIONS
X
X
X
X
X
Abbey to Quays riverside
walkway
Medium / Long Term
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Control of ivy and upkeep of
stone walls
Short Term
Roundabout entrance feature
Short / Medium Term
Street tree planting
Short / Medium Term
X
GAA County HQ
Short / Medium Term
X
Clarecastle GAA
Short / Medium Term
X
Linkages - GAA to Park
Short / Medium Term
Peoples Park
Short term
Roads &
Back Areas
X
Residential
X
Sustainable
Waste
X
Wildlife &
Natural
Short / Medium Term
Landscaping
Promote & develop entrance
to Clare Abbey / Abbey Walk
Built
Environment
Short – 1 to 2 years
Medium – 2 to 5 years
Long – 5 years plus
General
NOTES
Tidiness
TIDY TOWNS CATERGORIES
OF POTENTIAL RELEVANCE
Litter Control
PROJECTED
TIMEFRAME
Overall Dev’
Approach
PROPOSED
ACTION
Feasibility Study required
X
X
Potentially a joint project with Ennis
Tidy Towns Group.
X
X
X
X
X
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
X
X
X
X
32
Quays
Medium Term
X
X
X
Bridge
Short term
X
Patrick Street
Short term
X
Floodlight Abbey
Short / Medium Term
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
X
General
X
Roads &
Back Areas
X
Residential
X
NOTES
Sustainable
Waste
Medium / Long term
Tidiness
Village core
Litter Control
Short – 1 to 2 years
Medium – 2 to 5 years
Long – 5 years plus
Wildlife &
Natural
Landscaping
TIDY TOWNS CATERGORIES
OF POTENTIAL RELEVANCE
Built
Environment
PROJECTED
TIMEFRAME
Overall Dev’
Approach
PROPOSED
ACTION
In conjunction with Clarecastle
Community Development group
33
7.0
APPENDICES
7.1
Useful references







7.2
The
Clare
County
Development
Plan
2011-17
www.clarecoco.ie
Ennis
and
Environs
Development
Plan
2008
www.clarecoco.ie
“Buds of the Banner – A guide to growing native trees &
shrubs in Clare” (Published by Clare Local Development
Company)
Clare Rural House Design Guide www.clarecoco.ie
Clare
County
Council
Heritage
Plan
2011-17
www.clarecoco.ie
Design manual for urban roads and streets – Department
of Transport www.dttas.ie
Japanese Knotweed and other invasive plant species
www.invasivespeciesireland.com
Trees for housing estates;
Betula pendula (Native species)
Betula pubescens (Native species)
Prunus avium ‘Plena’ (Native species)
Sorbus aucuparia (Native species)
Sorbus aria
Trees for wide roads or open spaces;
Acer platanoides
Acer pseudoplatanus (Naturalised species)
Fagus sylvatica (Naturalised species)
Fraxinus excelsior ‘Westhofs Glorie’ (Native species)
Platanus x hispanica
Quercus robur (Native species)
Quercus petraea (Native species)
Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’
Trees for coastal sites;
Acer psuedoplatanus (Naturalised species)
Fraxinus excelsior (Native species)
Pinus nigra nigra
Pinus radiata
Tree Planting
The following list of trees is a non exhaustive selection of trees
commonly used / suitable for planting in the following urban
situations.
Trees for narrow streets;
Acer platanoides ‘Columnare’
Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’
Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’
Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’ (Native species)
Sorbus aucuparia ‘Streetwise’ (Native species)
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
Further information on urban tree planting can be viewed at
Greenleaf Ireland www.greenleafireland.com
34
7.3
Useful Organisations
Clare Local Development Company
Unit 1 Westgate Business Park
Kilrush Road
Ennis
County Clare
Clare County Council
www.cldc.ie
Tel: (065) 6866800
Clare County Council
New Road,
Ennis,
Co Clare.
www.clarecoco.ie
Tel: (065) 6821616
Architectural Conservation Officer – Dick Cronin
Biodiversity Officer - Shane Casey
Environmental Awareness Officer – Joan Tarmey
Heritage Officer - Congella McGuire
Irish Seed Savers Association
Capparoe
Scarriff
Co Clare
www.irishseedsavers.ie
Tel: (061) 921866
Clarecastle - Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy 2013
CUNNANE STRATTON REYNOLDS – Land Planning & Design
www.csrlandplan.ie
You can contact the Tidy Towns Unit at the Department of the
Environment, Community and Local Government at:
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Tidy Towns Unit
Teeling Street
Tubbercurry
Co Sligo
www.tidytowns.ie
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: (071) 9186 744 / (071) 9186 745