Location of oil tanks freezes development in City

Date Published: 04-Apr-2008

A shop revamp plan on William Street — aimed at bringing Spanish retailer Zara to Galway — is the first planning application to fall foul of a new Health and Safety Authority freeze on all developments near oil tanks.

The ‘Seveso Directive’ was included in a report by the HSA to Galway City Council which aims to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and limit their consequences to people and the environment.

City developer Gerry Barrett had sought permission for major changes to the derelict Taaffe’s shop on William Street, which would have resulted in around 16,000 square feet of retail space for the Spanish retailing giant Zara, who were the successful bidders for a lease on the premises last year.

It is believed to be the first time a planning application has ‘fallen foul’ of Seveso.

Part of the plans involved a link being built between the shop and the developer’s adjoining Edward Square Centre, while there were also proposals to create a new shopfront, remove internal floors and partitions and an existing internal stairs.

“The proposed development is located in the vicinity of a site identified under the [Seveso Directive], an area where it is the policy of the City Council to prevent the risk of a major accident involving dangerous substances and consequent damage to human health or the environmental as identified by the HSA.

“[The application] is considered ………………….