Warning that apartments plan will lead to roads ‘chaos’

From this week’s Galway City Tribune: Transport Infrastructure Ireland has said it is “critical” that public transport options, as well as walking and cycling facilities are maximised in the proposal for nearly 300 apartments as part of the new Crown Square in Mervue.

And local residents have voiced concerns that the plans will lead to further traffic chaos in the area.

In a submission to An Bord Pleanála on the application for Phase 2 of the 12.6-acre site, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) noted that there are 1,377 parking spaces provided for within Crown Square.

“It is expected that car trips associated with such extensive car-parking provision will present on the nearby national road and associated junctions.

“The Board will be aware that the National Planning Framework includes maintaining the strategic capacity and safety of the national roads network including planning for future capacity enhancement. Safeguarding to strategic function of the national road network represents official policy.

“TII considers it critical that public transport options and walking and cycling provision is maximised to mitigate the impact of traffic associated with the development proposed,” the submission reads.

Under Strategic Housing Development (SHD) legislation, Crown Square Developments Ltd has sought permission to build 288 apartments in three blocks ranging from five to eight storeys in height.

The proposal also includes a neighbourhood facility with restaurant and café, a local shop, pharmacy, retail units, creche, gym and medical centre.

Residents said that the proposed retail units in a block facing onto the Monivea Road would cause traffic and noise problems.

They said there are no specifics as to the proposed use of the units, which was a cause of anxiety for residents – they expressed concern that if one were a fast food shop, there is potential for antisocial behaviour.

Residents said that with the retail units fronting onto an already busy road, there would be more traffic and “haphazard and illegal parking”.
This is a preview only. For full details, see this week’s Galway City Tribune. Buy a digital edition of this week’s paper here, or download the app for Android or iPhone.