2360759
for development to include: construction of 72 no. residential units comprising of: (i) 30 no. houses (8no. two storey two bed residential dwellings, 19 no. two storey three bed residential dwellings, 2 no. three bed courtyard houses, 1 no. four bed courtyard house) (ii) 42 no. apartments units–(including 22 no. two beds & 20 no. one bed apartment units) set out in 9 no. two-storey blocks. Creation of new vehicular and pedestrian access from/to the existing Prospect Road, provision of a new footpath on the existing Prospect Road, demolition of a two-storey residential dwelling (221 sqm), provision of storm water attenuation measures, provision of information board & buffer area around Recorded Monument (GA084-111); & provision of communal open space, private open space, site landscaping & boundary treatment, car parking, bicycle parking, bin stores, pedestrian, cycle & vehicular links throughout the development & all associated development works
Core Refusal Reason
The development fails to provide safe and satisfactory pedestrian and cycle connectivity to the wider urban network, leading to unsustainable mobility patterns and potential hazards for road users.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The Inspector determined that while the site is now appropriately zoned for residential use under the 2024 Athenry LAP and the proposed density aligns with national guidelines, these factors do not override fundamental connectivity flaws.
- The proposed pedestrian links along Prospect Road were deemed insufficient and technically uncertain, as the applicant failed to demonstrate legal consent or technical feasibility for the necessary off-site infrastructure.
- The development remains 'disconnected' from the town center, meaning it would fail to support sustainable movement patterns and would pose a risk to public safety by forcing residents onto substandard road networks.