2460002
to apply for a 10-year permission for development at these sites (c.4.56ha combined total) in the townlands of Kilkee Lower and Foohagh, Kilkee, Co. Clare (no Eircode available); comprising two areas of land principally bound: Subject Site (A) to the north by residential dwellings at Victoria Park and Páirc na mBláth, to the south by agricultural land and residential dwellings at Victoria Park, to the east by Victoria Stream and residential dwellings at Victoria Park, and to the west by Haugh Mobile Park and residential dwellings at Páirc na mBláth (c.1.05a); Subject Site (B) to the north by agricultural land and the Dunlicky Road beyond, to the east by an un-named access road and agricultural land, to the south by agricultural land and a residential dwelling beyond, and to the west by agricultural land – this site also includes a section of the Dunlicky Road that is within the Foohagh Townland (c.3.51ha). The development will consist of: [1] The construction of a new Foul Pumping Station (PS) at Subject Site (A) comprising of: an emergency storage tank; surge kiosk; washwater kiosk; odour control building; control panel kiosk; standby generator; foul pumping station; petrol interceptor; potable water / break tank kiosk; gantry's for pump and cleaning system removal; installation of underground internal site pipework including surface water drainage and petrol interceptor; ESB building and Panel Room (c.36.2sq.m. GFA); 2.4m high wire mesh security boundary fence; replacement of existing chainlink fence; safety bollards; new signage; an access gate; temporary construction access including the demolition and reinstatement of a boundary wall at the existing Victoria PS site; temporary works area; permanent access off Victoria Park; and all hard and soft landscaping including screen planting. [2] The construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) at Subject Site (B) comprising of: 2 no. primary settlement tanks; MCC kiosk; outfall pumping station; picket fence thickener; return liquors pumping station; sludge / scum pumping station; odour control plinth; inlet works and grit chamber; potable water break tank booster set kiosk; storm holding tank; storm return pumping station; excess FFT chamber; FFT flow measurement chamber; PST flow splitting chamber; gantrys for pump and cleaning system removal; a control building (c.102.5sq.m. GFA); ESB building (c.36.2sq.m. GFA); standby generator and fuel tank; solar panels (c.250sq.m. area / c.3.5m high); ins
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused primarily due to the failure to demonstrate that it would not adversely affect the integrity of protected European Sites (Appropriate Assessment) and its significant negative visual impact on a sensitive coastal landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Mal Bay SAC and the Carrowmore Point to Spanish Point and Islands SPA, as the submitted Natura Impact Statement failed to remove all reasonable scientific doubt regarding potential impacts.
- The proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant, by virtue of its scale, massing, and prominent location in a sensitive coastal area, would be visually obtrusive and would seriously injure the landscape character and visual amenities of the area.
- The development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area as it fails to comply with the core objectives of the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 regarding the protection of natural heritage and coastal landscapes.