Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is located within a designated flood plain of the River Brosna, where the filling and raising of land levels would remove natural water attenuation and increase flood risk to downstream areas.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is situated within a designated flood risk area as identified by the Office of Public Works and draft CFRAMS mapping.
- Raising the ground levels would result in the loss of natural flood attenuation, potentially funnelling additional water downstream toward Mullingar town and the Springfield tunnel.
- The proposal lacks a required Ecological Impact Assessment to address potential adverse impacts on protected European sites (Lough Ennell SAC/SPA) connected via the River Brosna.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027Chapter 5 Economic Development and EmploymentChapter 9 Rural Westmeath
Decision Document Summary
Sheever Developments Ltd proposed the creation of a deposition area for approximately 28,412 tonnes of surplus inert soil and subsoil on a 3.92-hectare agricultural site at Robinstown, Mullingar. The site is characterized as low-lying land adjacent to the River Brosna and is located within a designated flood plain. Westmeath County Council refused permission because the proposed land-raising would compromise natural flood attenuation and increase the risk of flooding in downstream urban areas. A...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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