Galway city resident says approved development 'not welcome'

The green light has been given for a new five-block apartment complex in Mincloon on the Rahoon Road despite residents objecting to Leadlane LTD’s plans.

The three-storey duplex building development, with 48 own-door apartments, was approved by Galway City Council this week with 26 conditions attached.

These conditions included that “electricity, telephone and television cables will be laid underground in the interest of visual amenity”.

The development will be a mixture of two, three and four bedroom apartments with plans also in place to upgrade the entrance and nearby access road along Rahoon Road.

One resident who objected to the building strongly said: “We do not want this development to go ahead. It will block the natural light, will be an eyesore from our view and the noise of the development is not welcome.”

While another, who has been there for 20 years, added: “The scale, layout and positioning of the proposed development will significantly impede natural sunlight to neighbouring properties and result in a wholly unacceptable loss of privacy to excusing residents. The proximity and height of the development would directly overlook surrounding homes, adversely affecting residential amenity.”

Other concerns among residents in the area included impact on traffic, environment and wildlife.

A planned play area is also included as well as EV charging points and bicycle spots as part of the parking space areas.

To counter objections that the scale of one of the apartment blocks could be “excessive”, Leadlane said: “The rear gardens of adjacent dwellings are marginally higher than the proposed first floor level of Block 1.

“This significant level difference materially reduces the visual impact and perceived scale of the building when viewed from the adjoining properties.”