GAA ignores call to revise Pearse Stadium floodlights plan

The GAA has ignored Galway City Council requests to revise their plans for floodlights at Pearse Stadium in Salthill, claiming there is “no justification” to scale back proposals.

In a submission to planners, the County Board also refused to omit a proposed lighting mast at the centre of the stadium on the Dr Mannix Road side.

The Council had demanded a series of revisions to the plans, including the reduction of the height of the floodlight masts, and that one be omitted entirely.

Meanwhile, the GAA says it has secured almost 4,500 parking spaces at the Aras in Salthill, Scoil Einde, Colaiste Einde, St Mary’s, T O’Higgins in Shantalla, South Park, Moneenageisha, Thermo King, Trappers Inn, Mervue School, GMIT and Castlegar Hurling Club.

“We believe that planning permission should be granted in this instance. The lighting proposed is within acceptable levels in terms of light spill, sky glow and glare.

“There is also no justification for an alternative lighting arrangement to be provided. We believe further that there is no justification for reducing the height of the southern columns,” the GAA said.

They added: “The limit on the total number of occasions that the lights will be used are extremely generous. There will be no more than 12 occasions per year that the lights will be used.”

The lights will not be used during training, or after 10pm.

The submission adds that the middle ‘column’ on the Dr Mannix Road side is required to keep light spill to “reasonable and acceptable levels” for residents on the road, and could be erected and taken down for each match.

“We do not believe that the local authority’s request that the southern mast be lowered is justified for any reason, not least for spill or visual intrusion purposes.

“More than enough carparking is now proposed to meet expected demand for floodlit matches. The proposed excess in parking provision is now complemented by a proved and successfully operated Park and Ride system,” the submission reads.

Planners previously expressed “serious concerns” about the plans and the ability of the site to absorb the impacts of floodlights, and that the proposal to erect and dismantle a mast is “impracticable”.

It came as the owners of three nearby carparks withdrew their offer for them to be used on match days – amid claims by local residents that the GAA deliberately provided false information to secure usage consents.

The application is for three 30.5 metre high columns and two 36.5m high columns, each of which will have between 33 and 40 lighting fixtures.