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Oral hearing to take place following objections to 100 million euro Galway Docks development
Galway Bay fm newsroom – An oral hearing is to take place following objections to a 100 million euro development at Galway Docks.
It’s after several appeals against the 100 million euro development described the proposed project as ‘overbearing,’ ‘unsustainable’ and ‘premature.’
A decision on the appeals was due tomorrow – but An Bord Pleanala has confirmed to Galway Bay fm news that an oral hearing is set to take place.
The future of the Bonham Quay plan hangs in the balance, as four appeals have been submitted to An Bord Pleanala against the City Council’s grant of permission.
The 100 million euro development would create a 26 thousand square metre office complex and public square in the heart of the city – that could accommodate almost 3 thousand workers.
The building of the complex across Dock Road, Queen Street and Bothar na Long by Gerry Barret’s company Edward Capital would also create 500 construction jobs.
In one appeal, An Taisce argues the proposed development’s lack of residential content contravenes the city development plan – and would also restrict public access to the waterfront.
It also claims the development is premature given the long term plans for Galway Harbour.
In a separate appeal, two residents of an apartment block at Forthill Street say the proposed project would be overbearing, and lead to overlooking and overshadowing of existing properties.
A third appeal by a Renmore resident outlines ten reasons why the project should be sent back to the drawing board.
These include concerns over sustainability and the lack of a master plan for lands around Ceannt Station and the inner harbour.
Finally, a fourth appeal by VP Motors Ltd at Forthill Street raises concerns over encroachment onto the company’s property, and right of way.
However, the car sales and rental firm says it is not objecting in principle to the proposed development.
An oral hearing is to be held to help the higher planning authority come to a decision on the development – and a date will be set shortly.
It’s not yet known if the hearing will also cover a proposed student accommodation development at the same location.
The death has occurred of the former Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora Martin Drennan, six years after he announced his retirement on health grounds. He was aged 78.
The Galway Diocesan Office confirmed the death this (Saturday) afternoon of the Bishop and Apostolic Administrator Emeritus, who oversaw the Diocese for eleven years.
Born on January 2, 1944 in Piltown, County Kilkenny, he studied for the priesthood at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, from where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1968. His brother Michael is also a priest.
Following his ordination, he continued his studies in Rome where he was awarded a Licentiate in both sacred theology and sacred scripture. He returned to Rome in 1980 to become spiritual director at the Pontifical Irish College for the next five years.
He became a lecturer in sacred scripture at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he continued to teach until his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin in 1997 with responsibility for East Wicklow and South Dublin.
Following the retirement of Bishop James McLoughlin, Bishop Drennan was appointed Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora and he was installed on July 3, 2005 in Galway Cathedral.
Outgoing Cllr Terry O’Flaherty (Ind) is on course to retain her City Council seat – and top the poll in City East.
With 33% of the boxes tallied, Cllr O’Flaherty is polling strongly, particularly in Renmore.
Michael John Crowe is ahead of his running mate Alan Cheevers for the Fianna Fáil vote, according to the early figures, although that could change when Doughiska and Roscam boxes are opened.
The Green Party’s Claire Hillery is on about 7%, with Fine Gael on 10% and Sinn Fein on 5%.
The opening of boxes for the local elections began at 9am this morning in Leisureland when the tallymen (and women) kicked into gear.
As regards the Galway County Council elections, the smaller areas are being opened first which means that the four-seater Connemara North boxes will be first in the pecking order.
It will be followed by Gort-Kinvara (5 seats), Connemara South (5 seats), Athenry-Oranmore (7 seats), Ballinasloe (6 seats), Loughrea (5 seats) and finally Tuam (7 seats).
The boxes in these areas will be opened and tallied in that particular order before being transferred to the Galway Lawn Tennis Club on Threadneedle Road where the counting will commence around mid-morning.
That is when the fun will really begin – although the tallies should give a good indication as to where most of the seats are destined.
As regards the city, the Galway City East boxes were opened first, followed by Galway City Central and finally Galway City West. These votes will be transferred to the Westside Centre by around 11am for counting.
There are 39 seats on Galway County Council to be filled with 18 on Galway City Council. The City Council count is expected to conclude on Saturday night but the County Council count – with seven electoral areas to be filled – could well go into Monday.
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