Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a substantiated rural housing need under Policy Objective RH 2, specifically because they already own a residential property in Galway City, coupled with concerns regarding traffic safety and potential risks to public health due to the concentration of wastewater systems.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant has not established a genuine rural housing need as they already own an urban dwelling in Galway City that could be adapted for their medical and care needs.
- Adequate sightlines have not been demonstrated for the proposed entrance on a narrow, poorly aligned road, creating a significant traffic hazard for the area.
- The development would result in an excessive concentration of domestic wastewater treatment systems in an area with extreme groundwater vulnerability, posing a risk to a regionally important aquifer and public health.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective RH 2Policy Objective RC 2Policy Objective RH 9Policy Objective LCM 3Policy Objective WW 6Policy Objective WW 10Policy Objective FL 2DM Standard 11DM Standard 28DM Standard 37DM Standard 38DM Standard 47DM Standard 68Appendix 5: Design guidelines for the single rural houseAD 2 Agricultural Lands
Decision Document Summary
The proposal seeks permission for a storey-and-a-half style dwelling and a wastewater treatment system on an irregularly shaped agricultural field in Barranny, Co. Galway. While the applicants provided extensive documentation of their long-standing social and historical links to the community, the Inspector noted that they currently own a residence in Galway City (John Coogan Park). Under the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028, specifically Policy Objective RH 2, housing need is typically ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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