Blow for GAA club’s new home plans

An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused a planning application by Southern Gaels Hurling and Camogie Club for a new home at Knockanea, Ballydonagh, Athlone, a decision which is a major setback for the club.

Planning permission was initially granted, subject to eleven conditions, by Westmeath County Council for the development in July, but resulting from a third party appeal by David Bracken, care of Liam Madden of Convent Road, Longford, the case was referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

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.

Contained within the third party appeal were concerns regarding floodlighting both on the appellant’s home and the M6, concerns regarding flooding on the site with the mitigation measures proposed not workable, concerns that the only justification for the proposed development is that ‘the club couldn’t find anywhere else’ and concerns regarding access, traffic safety and right of way.

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.

Despite the decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála, which the club said was "difficult to take" it said it "remain committed to delivering a home for our club".

Club chairperson Gearóid O’Duibhir said the planning board’s decision was "a major surprise", the reasons for the refusal "suggesting that those making the decision know little of Southern Gaels and its status in Athlone".

"The decision refers to ‘existing GAA facilities’ as if Southern Gaels owns a playing facility, which is not the case, as the club only has a license agreement with Athlone GAA to access to its grounds at Páirc Chiaráin.

“This license agreement is due to end in 2030 which is the reason the club is seeking to build its own grounds," he confirmed.

"An Coimisiún Pleanála also mentions that there was insufficient evidence that the club had looked for a site closer to the town, again taking no cognisance that the site in Fardrum is central to our catchment area as Southern Gaels draws on players from Athlone, Garrycastle, Caulry up to Glasson, Tubberclaire, Tang and down to Walderstown, Moate, Castledaly and Ballinahown.

"No request for information regarding our efforts to get alternative sites was received by the club but had An Coimisiún Pleanala asked we could have told that we looked at many sites in and around Athlone including engaging with the council to see could they facilitate us," Mr O’Duibhir said.

While the decision is "hugely frustrating", the chairperson said the club "remains undeterred" and will continue to "work tirelessly to fulfil our ambition and potential".

"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," Mr O’Duibhir added.

The chairperson stated that the club would be "commissioning an independent review of the application" and the "decision to help us fully understand the issues and to guide our next steps".

"Southern Gaels has had a tremendous year both on and off the field with both hurling and camogie successes bringing silverware to the club. Our fundraising for new facilities, wherever they may be, will continue unabated and after the unprecedented success of our LipSync event in November our membership are excited for the future and are determined to drive on," Mr O’Duibhir concluded.

Southern Gaels had, in the future, hoped to develop a second playing pitch on the site.