BOB HILLIARD MEETING

Almost 100 people attended the December public meeting of Sustainable Clonakilty at The Quality Hotel, which had local developer, Mr. Bob Hilliard of Hillback Developments as guest speaker. During the two hour meeting, Mr. Hilliard outlined his plans for White’s Marsh, explaining his desire to make the development as sustainable as possible and through the use of slides, illustrated how parks and elevated walkways around the marsh would provide ideal opportunities for wildlife lovers to observe birds and animals up close.

He also explained that in his planning submission (which was recently rejected by Cork County Council on the grounds that it is not zoned for residential use), he wished to build 35 houses which would be targeted at the high end of the market, and plant extensive areas in trees. He had studied sustainability in detail on visits to Sweden. Mr. Hilliard revealed that this is the only way to make the project financially viable from his point of view.

He also revealed that he had extensive discussion with the County Council about building a modern sewerage treatment plant which would replace the present one and this was also part of the planning permission application. Part of the development also sees facilities being provided for Clonakilty AFC Soccer Club. During his talk, he also referred to other developments he has engaged in – e.g. Sand Quay Mill and Glebe House Gardens at Emmet Square and he spoke at length about his proposals for the G.A.A. grounds which he has purchased and received planning permission for. The subsequent question and answer session proved to be a lively affair where there very diverse views and opinions coming from the audience, ranging from outright opposition to 100% support.