Council rejects proposal for carpark at former hotel site

Galway City Council has rejected a proposal to build a temporary carpark on the site of the former Sacre Coeur Hotel in Salthill, ruling it would devalue neighbouring homes.

Donegal father and son Colm O’Donnell Snr and Jnr of Rockport Limited – who also own the adjacent Caesar’s Palace casino – had sought permission for a Pay and Display carpark with 61 spaces for a period of five years, before redeveloping the site.

However, planners refused permission for the application on the grounds of depreciation of property values and an increase in traffic and noise.

“It is considered that the activities and impacts generated by a 24-hour carpark, and associated lighting and CCTV cameras, would not be a use which is considered and contribute to the zoning objective of the area.

“The proposed development would depreciate the value of nearby residential properties by way of nuisance and impact on adjacent and nearby rear gardens and residences, as the level of customer throughout, noise generated by the carpark and the associated increased traffic movements and hours of such activities would be in excess of what has been previously permitted, which would represent an unacceptable form of development,” the decision reads.

The Council added that the large signage was excessive for such a minor roadway and would detract from the existing architectural symmetry.

In their application, the O’Donnells said the carpark would be for five years only and it was their intention to “redevelop the site for an appropriate development”. They added that it is currently not viable to redevelop it.

“It is considered that the use of the site as a carpark for a temporary period as opposed to being left vacant does, in fact, protect the amenities of the neighbouring properties as it reduces the risk of anti-social behaviour,” the applicants said.