2460433
Permission for an outdoor sports and recreational development consisting of an all-weather multi-use playing pitch also encompassing an 8 lane running track; 1 no. covered spectator stand (maximum capacity 700 persons); a Stand-Alone Single Storey changing rooms building; 3 no. Padel-Tennis Courts; 2 no. Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA); and 1 no. Outdoor Gym. An Ecological Park in the southern part of the site which adjoins but does not form part of Balmer’s Bog is also proposed. The proposed Ecological Park will incorporate a viewing deck /bird watching observation hide orientated towards Balmer’s Bog. Car parking, cycle parking and a bus set down area are also provided within the site. Access to the proposed development is provided via the existing access off Hill Street/Dublin Road (R132) (Immediately south of Byrne’s pub). It is proposed to adjust the existing R132 road carriageway lane width to 3.1m along a c. 70 m section of Hill Street to the north of the proposed access and extend the existing cycle lane along the western edge of the R132 Dublin Road /Hill Street as far as the site entrance. The proposed development also provides for alterations to grounds levels within the site, a pumping station, site lighting (including flood lighting surrounding the pitch), landscaping and boundary treatments and all ancillary site development works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to inadequate and unsafe access arrangements, significant flood risk and loss of floodplain capacity, non-compliance with sustainable drainage (SuDS) policies, and failure to rule out adverse impacts on the integrity of European protected sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate safe and adequate pedestrian, cycle, and vehicular access, creating potential traffic conflicts and safety hazards at the site entrance.
- The proposal poses a significant flood risk to the site and surrounding lands, potentially reducing floodplain capacity and lacking necessary maintenance access for drainage infrastructure.
- The development does not satisfy sustainable drainage requirements (SuDS) and fails to rule out adverse effects on the integrity of the Dundalk Bay SAC and SPA.