Retail and residential units plan for Headford Road

One of the country’s biggest developers is behind plans for the construction of new retail units and apartments on the site of the former Esso station on the Headford Road.

A company – which is ultimately controlled by developer and hotelier John Lally and members of his family – has sought permission to build on the site, which is currently a temporary carpark.

The four-storey building would include 2 two-storey retail units, with 4 duplex residential units overhead, along with a roof terrace.

According to the applicant company, Cleverson Ltd, the future development of the Headford Road area – which may include the widening of the road and a link to the Dyke Road and Quincentenary Bridge – has been taken into consideration.

“Ahead of the drafting and publication of this Local Area Plan (LAP), our design approach to the site seeks to anticipate and respect likely future scenarios that may emerge as part of the LAP.

“The result of such an approach being that this proposed development should not prejudice any future plans for the area, and can adapt as necessary into the future. It is assumed that within any future LAP the existing Headford Road will remain as a main transport artery lining to the city centre,” the application reads.

This may include:

> Widening of the Headford Road to accommodate additional lanes and cycle paths and a tree line.
> A link road between the Headford Road and Dyke Road.
> A possible new street
> Addition height – the building could be adapted in the future.

It also takes into account an approved four storey retail, office and apartment development on an adjacent site, which is owned by the Barry family, who own Galway Retail Park.

John Lally owns the Glenlo Abbey Hotel, the Harbour Hotel and Barnacles Hostel in the city, as well as operating Kylemore Abbey in Connemara under a management agreement.

A decision on the application is expected in mid-November.