Core Refusal Reason
The site's shallow soil depth and proximity to limestone bedrock prevent the safe disposal of domestic effluent, posing a risk to public health and the environment.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site characteristics, specifically the shallow overburden and limestone bedrock close to the surface, mean that safe disposal of domestic effluent cannot be guaranteed in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice 2021.
- Granting permission would be prejudicial to public health and could lead to groundwater contamination in an area designated with extreme vulnerability.
- The proposed development is contrary to Objective WW5 of the Galway County Development Plan 2015-2021 and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective WW5Objective RHO 3Chapter 3Chapter 9Section 9.10.1Section 9.11Chapter 13Section 13.3Section 13.4
Decision Document Summary
This application proposed the construction of a dwelling, the rebuilding of a farm store, and the installation of a wastewater treatment system on a 0.28-hectare site in Eoghnacht, Inis Mór. Although the applicant established a local rural housing need, the site is situated in a high-sensitivity landscape near the Inishmore Island SAC. The proposal was refused because site investigations identified insufficient subsoil depth (0.40m) over karst limestone, which fails to meet EPA standards for eff...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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