Major Clara development moves one stop closer

Ambitious development plans for Clara have moved one step closer following the purchase by Offaly County Council of the parochial house and adjoining lands.

Included in the plans for the 25 acre site is the construction of a new home for Ard Scoil Chiarain and a social and affordable housing development, as well as a new town park.

The news has been welcomed by Deputy Barry Cowen, who worked with local councillors Frank Moran and Ken Smollen to convince Offaly County Council, Laois-Offaly ETB and the Department of Education to work collaboratively in ensuring the property’s purchase, said there was great plans in the pipeline for the land.

Deputy Cowen said: “Notwithstanding the huge national and indeed ongoing local effort to combat COVID19, I want to welcome some uplifting news for the Clara community.

“The Meath diocese has accepted an offer from Offaly County Council to purchase its property incorporating the priests house and lands of approximately 25 acres in Clara.

“Upon completion of contracts of sale we will then pursue the master plan of incorporating a new purpose built school for Ard Scoil Chiarain, off road parking facilities for adjoining Scoil Phrionsias and the Convent of Mercy primary schools, playing pitches, the provision of a town park to incorporate Chapel Hill, a social and affordable housing scheme and a new fire station.

“All in all, this is a very significant investment in our community which has huge potential. Having received the community’s endorsement in the recent election I will now work with Frank, Ken and others to ensure the master plan is part of our national recovery as we move beyond our present difficulties.

“Finally, thanks are also extended to the local Parish priest Fr Joe Deegan who recognised the community value of such a purchase, and to the professionalism of Andrew Dignam of DNG Kelly Duncan throughout the ongoing sales process,” he concluded.