SD23A/0324
Proposed Search and Rescue (SAR) hangar on lands forming part of Weston Airport, at Celbridge Road, Backweston, Lucan, Co. Dublin. The proposed development will consist of a part single and part two storey SAR helicopter hangar of 1,984.4 sq.m FGA to accommodate 2 no. helicopters, maintenance store, workshop and facilities, operations rooms and offices, staff kitchen and accommodation for on shift personnel. The hangar facility will also facilitate maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities for SAR helicopters only. A single-storey structure of 48.9 sq.m GFA facilitating ESB substation, switch room, and security room is also proposed. Permission is also sought for airside infrastructure comprising apron area to connect with existing apron, refuelling areas, service access area and a subdivided fenced compound to accommodate airside SAR support vehicles. The landside subdivision of the fenced compound will house a generator and water tank for firefighting purposes. Also proposed is the reconfiguration of existing emergency airside access from the R403 Celbridge Road to facilitate a dual emergency (airside) access route; pedestrian footpath and access to the proposed development; 20 no. car parking spaces including EV charging and disabled parking provision; 17 no. bicycle parking spaces; watermain and drainage works including foul pump station and rising main; landscaping including paving, planting, earth mounding, and SuDs, SAR facility wall-mounted signage, fencing and all associated site development works on a site area of 2.1112 Ha.
Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development would result in disorderly and piecemeal development of Weston Airport by locating an isolated facility on the southern boundary, separated from the existing northern airport cluster, thereby facilitating an inappropriate intensification of use.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- While the principle of a Search and Rescue (SAR) facility is acceptable under the RU zoning, the specific location on the southern boundary represents a disorderly expansion rather than consolidation with existing northern airport infrastructure.
- The applicant provided insufficient justification for locating the facility in an isolated southern position, which appeared driven by a desire to protect the development potential of northern lands for future general aviation.
- The proposal fails to adhere to previous Board recommendations that airport development should be assessed within a comprehensive, cooperative masterplan rather than through continued piecemeal modifications.