2361219

for the construction of 39no. residential units on an infill development site in the townland of Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway. The development will consist of: •1 x type A block of 4no. 2 bed 2 storey terraced houses (4no. units), •2 x type B block of 3no. 2 bed 2 storey terraced houses (6no. units), •1 x type C block of 2no. 3 bed 2 storey semi-detached houses (2no. units), •1 x type C1 block of 2no. 3 bed 2 storey semi-detached houses (2no. units), •1 x type D block of 4no. 2 bed 2 storey terraced houses (4no. units), •1 x type D1 block of 4no. 2 bed 2 storey terraced houses (4no. units), •1 x type E block of 5no. 2 bed terraced houses (5no. units), •1 x type F block of 3no. 2 storey terraced houses, comprising 2no. 2 beds & 1no. 3 bed (3no. units), •1 x type G block of 5no. bungalow terraced houses, comprising 4no. 2 beds & 1no. 3 bed (5no. units), •1 x type H block of 4no. 2 bed bungalow terraced houses (4no. units). The proposed development includes; •provision for pedestrian & vehicular connection onto the R358 College Road, via the permitted/existing access road & junction to the south, •the proposed development includes for connection to public mains water supply & wastewater arrangements as agreed under connection agreements with Irish Water, public open space areas with a playground, private open space areas, footpaths, bicycle parking, public lighting, landscaping & boundary treatments, together with all associated site works & services

Granted

Core Planning Reasoning

The proposed development is premature due to the lack of capacity in the existing Mountbellew Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is currently operating above capacity and is non-compliant with emission limits. The proposed use of a temporary on-site treatment system (tWWTP) is considered unsustainable, contrary to national 'Taking in Charge' guidance, and poses significant risks to water quality and public health.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposal is premature pending the delivery of a new municipal wastewater treatment plant, which is not expected to be operational until Q4 2027.
  • The proposed temporary wastewater treatment arrangement, to be managed by a private company, is contrary to Circular Letter PD 1/08 and poses an unacceptable risk to the environment and public health.
  • The Natura Impact Statement (NIS) failed to adequately assess the operational and cumulative impacts of effluent discharge on the River Suck Callows SPA, meaning the Board cannot be satisfied that the project would not adversely affect the integrity of a European site.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Objective SS7 (Development of Rural Settlements and Rural Nodes)Objective PM8 (Character & Identity)Objective PM10 (Design Quality)Objective WW4 (Requirement to Liaise with Irish Water – Wastewater)DM Standard 2 (Multiple Housing Schemes)

Decision Document Summary

The application seeks permission for 39 houses on a 1.8 Ha site in Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway. While the site is located within the settlement boundary and near local schools and commercial amenities, the Inspector identifies a critical deficit in wastewater infrastructure. The existing municipal plant is overloaded and the Castlegar River, which receives its discharge, has shown deteriorating water quality. The applicant proposed a temporary on-site wastewater treatment plant (tWWTP) ...
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