One thousand jobs are to be created in the Mid-West in a €400m development of Shannon, the Limerick Independent has learned.

Artist's impression of the new Town Square.

The 90-acre town centre development proposal, which is been referred to as a 'Master plan for Shannon' to create up to 1000 jobs is due to be formally launched at a public meeting in the coming days.

"The completed Master plan contains an overall vision, planning framework and design guidance on the best potential development of the lands as an extension of the town centre area in Shannon", explained John Bradley, Senior Executive Planner, Clare County Council.

The major development seeks to guide and facilitate the future development of 90-acres of land in the centre of Shannon Town, as identified in the South Clare Economic Corridor Local Area Plan 2003. It is anticipated that the Master plan, which aims to create up to 1000 permanent new jobs, will be implemented in phases over an extended timeframe of up to 10-15 years.

Among the proposals set out in the newly drafted plan is the provision of a new Main Street, pedestrianised shopping precinct, Town Square, Civic Arts Centre, hotel, three-hectare Civic Park, Primary School, Medical Care Facility and School of Enterprise.

The plan, which promotes a series of energy efficient measures, also provides for a minimum additional population of 2,500-3000 and up to 25,000 sq. metres of residential and commercial floor area in the centre of County Clare's second largest town.

Murray Ó'Laoire Architects, in association with property consultants DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald and consulting engineers White Young Green have prepared the plan, on behalf of Clare County Council.

"The key objectives of the master plan include the provision of new civic landmark facilities for Shannon, the creation of an attractive and durable urban public domain of streets and squares, a town centre built on excellent public transport linkages, and a living town centre with residential development integrated with commercial and employment uses. The master plan also aims to diversify the range of commercial uses and activities, and support a vibrant town centre atmosphere daytime and evening," Mr Bradley said.

Shannon, the only twentieth century planned town in Ireland, was built in the 1960s on reclaimed marshland alongside Shannon Airport and Shannon Free Zone industrial estate. The town itself was intended as a home for the thousands of workers at the airport, surrounding industries and support services. It has, however, experienced considerable growth in population levels in recent years.

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