An Bord Pleanála's refusal to grant permission for a new link road and junction for the Parkmore business park should "focus attention on what is required" in any new application to deal with the area's chronic traffic problems.
This is the view of Independent Galway West TD Catherine Connolly. She was speaking following Monday's meeting organised by IBEC, with Galway West and East TDs, and representatives of Parkmore businesses. The TD described the meeting as "extremely worthwhile".
The IDA had sought planning permission for a link road and junction for the Parkmore site, but this was refused recently by ABP. Dep Connolly said that while ABP recognised the new link road and junction were "acceptable in principle", the design as submitted, "was not acceptable as it would endanger public safety".
She said the APB decision should now "serve to focus attention on what is required" in any new application to deal with the area's chronic traffic problems. "It is extremely important the applicant learn from the decision," Dep Connolly said, "and submit a new application which deals, in a sustainable way, with the safety issues raised for cyclists and pedestrians and other vulnerable road users as a matter of urgency."
Dep Connolly has welcomed the agreement, at Monday's meeting in the Parkmore West Business and Technology Park, for an "urgent follow up meeting", between the IDA and local TDs, to be arranged by Junior Minister, Sean Canney, and that "no further unnecessary delay should be tolerated given the urgency of the situation".
