2250239

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW 27M MULTI-USER TELECOMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT STRUCTURE CARRYING 10 NO. ANTENNAS AND ASSOCIATE REMOTE RADIO UNITS, 5 NO. COMMUNICTION DISHES, 3 NO. LIGHTNING FINIALS AND 10 NO. OUTDOOR CABINETS ALL ENCLOSED WITHIN A SECURITY COMPOUND WITH A 2.4M HIGH PALISADE FENCE WITH 4M ACCESS GATE. SITE ACCESS AND SITE WORKS TO INCLUDE CULVERTING IN PART OF THE EXISTING WATERCOURSE.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The Planning Authority initially refused permission based on the demolition of structures attendant to a protected structure, inappropriate design typologies, flood risk concerns, and road safety. However, the Board's Inspector recommended granting permission, concluding that the demolition was justified as 'exceptional circumstances' to facilitate site regeneration and that all technical issues regarding flooding and traffic had been adequately mitigated.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The demolition of the ruinous coach house is justified under 'exceptional circumstances' as it is essential to provide safe vehicular access and facilitates the comprehensive restoration and community reuse of the primary protected structure, Athenry House.
  • The proposed design and layout represent a high-quality, contemporary urban expansion that successfully integrates with the medieval town walls and the Architectural Conservation Area while providing a sustainable mix of residential and commercial uses.
  • Technical concerns regarding flood risk, traffic safety, and car parking shortfalls have been resolved through revised site layouts, detailed hydraulic modelling, and the application of flexible parking standards appropriate for a town-centre location.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Policy Objective AH2Policy Objective AH4DM Standard 44DM Standard 22Policy FL4Objective FL 1Table 15.1 (Residential Density)Table 15.5 (Car Parking Standards)Policy PM 1 (Placemaking)Policy PM 2 (Regeneration)Policy PM 4 (Sustainable Movement)Objective ED4 (Athenry LAP)

Decision Document Summary

The application seeks permission for a major mixed-use development on a 3.24-hectare site in Athenry, Co. Galway, comprising 59 residential units, a supermarket, a café, and the rehabilitation of the protected Athenry House for community use. The site is of high historical significance, located within the medieval town walls and adjacent to the River Clarin. While the Galway County Council originally refused the project on five grounds—including the loss of heritage fabric and flood risk—the Ins...
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