Core Planning Reasoning
The development requires mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening and Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment (AA) which were not provided, and the submitted noise and ecological assessments are outdated or insufficient to protect the Slaney River Valley SAC and local residential amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The facility cannot be considered temporary as it has already been in place for over five years, thus triggering mandatory EIA screening requirements for permanent motorized racing tracks.
- A Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is required due to the direct hydrological connection to the Slaney River Valley SAC and evidence of siltation entering watercourses from the site.
- The noise impact assessment is fundamentally flawed and outdated, failing to account for the recent felling of adjacent forestry which previously provided significant sound buffering for nearby residents.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective ED125Objective FRM07Objective FRM08Objective EM01Objective EM02Objective WQ15Objective N03Objective NH01Objective NH02Objective NH04Objective NH08Objective NH09Objective NH10Objective GI05Objective ROS28
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought the retention of a motocross training facility and a five-year temporary permission at a former sand and gravel quarry in Ballynabarney, Co. Wexford. While Wexford County Council granted permission, the Inspector recommended refusal on four main grounds. Firstly, the Inspector determined that the 'temporary' label was inaccurate given the cumulative 10-year duration, meaning the project falls under Class 11(a) of the EIA regulations. Secondly, the site is hydrologically link...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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