Apartments plan at former Ó hUiginn site in Shantalla

Plans for a major apartment development in Shantalla – on the site of the former O hUiginn hardware stores – have been submitted to Galway City Council.

Property developer Walter King is behind the plans for the €25 million construction of 86 apartments, along with a crèche for up to 50 children and a coffee shop on the disused 1.5-acre site.

The Ó hUiginn business – which moved to a new site on the Rahoon Road four years ago – continues to operate and is not affected by the plans.

Sean Talamh Development Ltd has sought permission to demolish the existing stores and build 21 one-bed apartments, 59 two-beds and 6 three-beds in a U-shaped block ranging in height from three, four and five storeys. There will also be parking for 97 cars (including 11 electric vehicle charging points) and 194 bicycles.

“The proposal includes to relocate the vehicular access for the basement carpark further away from the existing junction, to create a continuous pedestrian footpath along Rahoon/Shantalla Road, with a set down area for three cars adjacent to the creche, along with widening the Red Lane,” the plans read. The vehicular access will be midway between Maunsells Road and Shantalla place.

Red Lane will be upgraded to provide a pedestrian path, as well as a 2.5m two-way cycle lane and 1.5m green verge.

To meet social housing requirements, the applicant is proposing to transfer a total of 16 apartments (eight social and eight affordable) to the City Council.

An Ecological Impact Assessment submitted with the plans concluded that the development “would not result in any significant effects on the biodiversity, flora and fauna” in the area.

A Natura Impact Statement concluded there would not be residual adverse effects on any protected sites.

Members of the public have until July 17 to make submissions on the proposals to the Planning Office at City Hall.

The directors of Sean Talamh Development are siblings Martin and Amanda King and siblings Michael and Maeve O’Higgins – the latter have told the Council they are the owners of the unregistered lands.