Refusing decisions for projects that would create thousands of jobs on the city’s east side, while granting permission for a ‘montrosity’ in a car park on Westside are reasons why planning decisions need to come back to local authorities.
That is the opinion of Cllr Alan Cheevers after he expressed his disappointment at Bord Pleanala refusing planning permission for an Aldi store in Old Monivea Road Galway.
Cllr Cheevers said it is extremely disappointing to see this decision given that planning permission had previously been granted by Galway City Council and passed by Galway City Councillors.
“I believe this really questions some of decisions made by An Bord Pleanala in the last three months.
“We have seen a three hundred million project refused on the Tuam Road which would have seen over three hundred residential units and a multinational investment which would have created thousands of jobs also residential units refused in Headford Road and Coast Road .
“But still they granted planning for a monstrosity of a seven story apartment block on a car park on Westside Shopping Centre.
“It really doesn’t make any sense.
“I believe An Bord Pleanala needs to be disbanded and planning decisions come back to local authorities. This decision on Aldi is a huge loss to the Eastside of the city which would have created many much needed jobs for the area,” he said.