A Co Clare couple who received over €100,000 from a developer after withdrawing their objection to a €20 million housing development have now blocked a proposal for a retail development in a different part of Ennis.
Vincent and Ann Coffey of Clon Road, Ennis, have lodged an appeal to An Bord Pleanála against a plan by Galvin Construction Ltd to build a retail outlet on Francis Street.
Last year, it emerged that the Coffeys withdrew their opposition to a €20 million housing scheme at the Quin Road, Doora, by Luxury Homes (Galway) Ltd after the company paid them £85,000 (€107,930) and gave them two free sites.
A letter to An Bord Pleanála from the Coffeys stated that at no time did they approach the developers with the intention of securing payment of money, gifts, consideration or other inducement by any person. The housing scheme at Quin Road is close to a knackery yard business operated by the Coffeys.
Ennis Town Council granted planning permission for the retail proposal on Francis Street by Galvin Construction in spite of an objection lodged by the Coffeys who own property adjacent to the proposed development site. The couple have now blocked the development from going ahead by appealing the council's decision to An Bord Pleanála.
A decision is due on the appeal in February.
