Go ahead for Renmore convent against residents wishes

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Plans for a new convent building in Renmore have been given the go-ahead despite an appeal from a local residents association.
An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead subject to revised conditions.
The application from the Sisters of Mercy sets out to demolish the existing single storey convent at Cnoc Mhuire on Ballyloughane Road and replace it with a new two-storey building.
This would include six one-bedroom apartments and two visitors’ bedrooms, as well as on-site carparking and realignment of the existing entrance gate.
City planners had granted approval subject to 11 conditions in March – however this was later appealed by Renmore Residents Association who argued that the development is excessive and out-of-character with adjoining family homes in the area.
An Bord Pleanála has approved the plans generally in accordance with the inspector’s recommendation stating that it would be an appropriate use of the site.
Of the eight conditions attached, one states that the number of parking spaces is to be reduced to six.
The proposed balcony to apartment six is also to be screened to prevent overlooking to the south.