TD demands oral hearing on Westwood student beds proposal

Galway City Tribune – An Bord Pleanála has come under fire for refusing to hold an oral hearing into plans for nearly 400 student bed spaces on the site of the Westwood Hotel in Newcastle.

Galway West Independent TD Noel Grealish said he has written to the Chair of the Board of An Bord Pleanála demanding that the request be reconsidered.

He said residents must have an opportunity to have their say “on this massive change in their community”.

“I have already lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against the proposed demolition of the Westwood and I have now written to the Chairman of An Bord Pleanala, Dr Mary Kelly asking that the request for an oral hearing be reconsidered,” said Deputy Grealish.

He said he is totally opposed to the development on the grounds that the area was one with an ageing population which would be left devoid of a place for residents to socialise.

“The hotel is used regularly for family functions including weddings, funerals, christenings and confirmations as well as for local community meetings and other social and community events.

“This is a maturing area with almost one-third of the permanent population either retired, ‘looking after the home’ or unable to work due to sickness or disability, according to the Census. They need a facility like this within easy reach of their homes.

“That need is going to become more and more pronounced as our population further matures, and to rob them of a place to meet and socialise with their neighbours is shameful.

“Of course there is a great need for more student accommodation, but NUI Galway already has its own plans to build 900 new bed spaces on its extensive campus nearby, with potential scope for further development which would have no impact on the amenities of the residents of Newcastle/Dangan.”
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