An Bord Pleanala's refusal to planning permission for more than 330 apartments at a site on the Western Distributor Road, and adjacent to Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, has been welcomed by local politicians.
Fianna Fáil Galway City West councillor, John Connolly called the decision "sensible", but the Green Party councillor for the same ward, Pauline O'Reilly, said it was "disappointing" that the building of homes was "compromised" by what she alleged were "inferior planning applications".
Cllr Connolly said the proposed site of the development "did not fit the criteria to be termed a central or accessible location" and he noted the lack of "public transport infrastructure" and services.
'It is a clear sign of the quality of that effort,' said Cllr Connolly, 'that An Bord Pleanala agreed with the concerns of the community'
Cllr O'Reilly agreed. "The transport links were inadequate, and there were no safe cycle-ways," she said. "The public transport would not have catered for the additional residents and this would be the very point at which an exit from the ring road would back up traffic."
Cllr Connolly accused those behind the proposed development of giving "very little consideration" to developing a "proper community facility", which, under the terms of the Galway City Development Plan, they were obliged to do.
Both Cllr O'Reilly and Cllr Connolly praised the efforts of local residents in raising concerns and issues with the proposed development. "It is a clear sign of the quality of that effort," said Cllr Connolly, "that An Bord Pleanala agreed with the concerns of the community."
