Retirement homes plan for nursing home site

The footprint of Esker Rí Nursing Home in Clara could be about to get bigger, the latest planning lists show.

Kevin and Anna Marie Maher recently applied for planning approval from Offaly County Council to build 16 new single-storey retirement homes on the site of the nursing home at Kilnabinnia, on the Tullamore Road, a short distance from the town.

No other documents have been uploaded on the council website at the time of going to press, which would give further detail on the plans.

The nursing home can currently accommodate a maximum of 130 residents, according to the Esker Rí website.

Offaly County Council is expected to announce a decision on the proposal for the retirement homes by January 17 next year.

Meanwhile, in other planning news, the Board of Management at Gortnamona NS has submitted plans to build a new ASD classroom, central activities space and set room to the front of the existing school at Blueball, Tullamore. A new parking area and ball court is also proposed for the rear of the site.

A decision is due on the school project from Offaly County Council by January 18 next.