22566
to create a new centre of excellence for both soccer and hockey. The project is a joint junction between Galway United Football Club and the Connacht Hockey Association. The proposal is to create modern training facilities for both associations. The work entails the following: a) The widening, realigning and upgrading of the existing farmyard entrance onto the R347, b) Demolition of the existing agricultural sheds and farm yard, c) Construction of new internal roads, paths, street lighting, parking areas, three free standing shelters, fencing, landscaping, ESB sub-station, signage proprietary effluent treatment system and percolation area, d) Construction a single two storey sports centre including dressing rooms, gym, canteens, meeting rooms, offices, toilets', storage areas and ancillary rooms. e) The creation of a solar panel field and the erection of wind turbines to power the centre of excellence. f) The creation of three grass based soccer pitches and three astro based soccer pitches plus associated storage facilities and floodlighting, g) The creation of two hockey pitches plus associated storage facilities and floodlighting, h) The creation of two fully enclosed soccer astro pitches, I) The creation of a fully enclosed soccer dome including changing rooms and seating facilities, j) The creation of two multi purpose areas to cater for other sports eg tennis, volleyball etc. k) The creation of an embankment for hill training. Gross floor space of proposed works: 16,800 sqm. Gross floor space of any demolition: 138 sqm (sheds)
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed large-scale sports facility is located in an unserviced rural area lacking adequate transport and utility infrastructure, while posing significant risks to protected European sites and flood management.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is inappropriately located in an unserviced rural area remote from public transport, failing to serve a local catchment and contravening strategic policies for community facilities.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the local road network could safely accommodate the traffic generated, specifically regarding sight distances and the lack of a Road Safety Audit.
- Significant environmental concerns remain regarding potential impacts on the Galway Bay Complex SAC/SPA, pluvial flood risks, and the adequacy of proposed wastewater and surface water drainage systems.