Green light for Clara rain garden

Clara Tidy Towns Association has been granted conditional planning permission for the construction of a rain garden at Clara Community and Family Resource Centre.

Offaly County Council granted conditional permission on June 17. The works will include the removal of the existing hard surface and the construction of rainwater planters and water intake sculptures to the south of the existing building. The proposed development is within the curtilage of Clara Community and Family Resource Centre, which is the former Charlestown Catholic Chapel, and a protected structure.

An Architectural Impact Statement carried out as part of the application found that the proposed development would have a minimal impact on Clara Community and Family Resource Centre.

The report stated: "The addition of a rain garden at the former church site would be a great improvement for Clara Community and Family Resource Centre. This building is in the heart of the town and has been an important community space for many years. The proposed rain garden would enhance the area, making the town centre more attractive, and offer a vibrant space the community."