Council’s ‘no’ to Briarhill houses despite local school’s support

Galway County Council has rejected an application for planning permission to construct 43 residential units at Breanloughan, Briarhill – despite a letter of support from a neighbouring school lamenting the lack of housing for its pupils.

Martin Coyne had applied to construct three detached houses; 31 semi-detached units; and 12 apartments on a 1.6 hectare site adjacent to Briarhill School.

In turning down Mr Coyne’s application, County Planners stated that the development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

They believed the proposed development would be “premature” and would potentially be prejudicial to public health due to the “existing deficiency” in the provision of public sewerage facilities serving Briarhill.

Planners expressed concern that “satisfactory consideration” had not been given to the impact of the development on traffic movements outside of the site, “which is located in close proximity to two very heavily trafficked junctions and arterial routes to and from the city and county area” – namely Briarhill Junction and Carnmore Cross.

In advance of the Council’s decision, a letter of support had been submitted from Rita Keaveney, Principal of Scoil Mhuire, Briarhill, on behalf of the Board of Management and staff, stating their belief that the development would be of benefit to the school and the local area.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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