Planning refused in major setback for Southern Gaels
Southern Gaels Hurling and Camogie Club has described the decision made by An Coimisiún Pleanála to refuse a planning application from the club for a new home at Knockanea, Ballydonagh, Athlone as a "setback".
Planning permission was initially granted by Westmeath County Council for the development in July, but subject to a third party appeal by David Bracken, care of Liam Madden of Convent Road, Longford, the case was referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála for judgement.
The club had proposed the development of a new playing pitch with floodlights, two goal ball stops, perimeter pitch netting, two dugouts and a groundskeeper's shed on a greenfield site of almost 13 acres close to exits 8 and 7 of the M6 motorway.
The proposed project in the Fardrum area also included a walking track with public lighting, car park facility, works to the existing site entrance, and signage.
In its decision to refuse planning permission, An Coimisiún Pleanála stated that the proposed development "in a rural area" would be "principally dependent on private car transport and would facilitate and exacerbate unsustainable travel and commuting patterns to and from the site".
The Commission also said that it "was not satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated that there are not more suitable locations in closer proximity to Athlone which would adequately serve the needs of the GAA Club".
"The proposed development is not considered to comply with the criteria of the Westmeath County Council Development Plan 2021-2027, which sets out that proposals for new social and community infrastructure are located within existing settlement boundaries within walking distance of local services, or in rural areas close to existing rural infrastructure where it is demonstrated that the development is intended to serve.
"The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," An Coimisiún Pleanála added.
Expressing their disappointment on the ruling, Southern Gaels said that while the news "was difficult to take" they want to assure their members that "this is not the end of our journey toward securing a permanent home for our hurling and camogie community".
"This is a setback for our club, especially after the huge amount of work that went into both the fundraising efforts and the planning process over the past year.
"We will be commissioning an independent review of the application and the decision to help us fully understand the issues and to guide our next steps," said the club.
"We remain committed to delivering a home for our club—maybe not as soon as it appeared possible this year, but we will get there," adding the club, also thanking members for their "continued support, hard work, and belief in this project".