Two controversial motions to rezone land on the Tuam and Dublin roads are likely to be part of discussions during the review of the Galway City Development Plan in April.
At last week’s city council meeting, two controversial rezoning motions were on the agenda to be discussed.
One motion, proposed by Independent Cllr Declan McDonnell and seconded by Labour Cllr Tom Costello, seeks to rezone the Riverside Commercial Estate and lands in the vicinity of the Trapper’s Inn, Tuam Road, from industrial to commercial. Cllr McDonnell also submitted a motion to rezone lands from residential to commercial at the former Corrib Great Southern Hotel, Dublin Road.
The city manager Joe MacGrath was known to oppose both motions. He felt the “variation process should only be used for meritorious proposals” and that there was “no merit” in either proposal.
However neither proposal came before the meeting. The manager asked to meet Cllr McDonnell and other interested parties explaining that a review of the Galway City Development Plan is due in April. As such, any re-zoning matters considered in advance would be unacceptable. He said during discussions on the plan would be a better time for considering them.
This was accepted and it was agreed to wait until the development plan review.
