Objections derail major Barna housing project

The developer behind the proposed construction of 197 residential units on the outskirts of Barna has expressed disappointment at the decision of local objectors to progress with a High Court judicial review of planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála.

The €50 million development was given the green light late last year and work was due to have started last month, but the decision of the higher planning authority has been challenged by Heather Hill Management Company CLG and Heather Hill (also known as Cnoc Fraoigh) resident, Gabriel McGoldrick. The estate is adjacent to the development site.

The development, by Galway property company Burkeway Homes, was fast-tracked under the new Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process – where plans for developments over 100 residential units are lodged directly with An Bord Pleanála following discussions with the local authority.

According to the developers, the plans had been “widely welcomed”, in particular by first-time buyers who were frustrated by the lack of supply of quality new homes coming to market in Galway.

They claimed the development would bring an “inevitable boost” to business and employment in the area – with the potential of employing as many as 250 workers at peak construction over a three-year period.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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