Locals insist on pitches for new Oranmore development
Locals are insisting that playing pitches be included in the planned new housing estate in Oranhill, which will increase the population of the area by 50%.
County councillors have been lobbied by residents on the outskirts of Oranmore to complain about the lack of sports and playing fields contained in the plan for 212 homes.
They described as “incredible” and “shocking” the admission from Council officials that there would be no community gain element in the project, which was a private development.
The application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála under new ‘fast-track’ planning legislation for large-scale developments.
It will include a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, as well as apartments and duplex units, and a creche on a 21.5-acre site at Moneyduff.
Arlum Ltd, which is headed up by Padraic Rhatigan of JJ Rhatigan, has sought permission for the development.
Councillors and the public have an opportunity to make submissions in writing on the proposal up until close of business on July 31.
Galway County Council planner James Russell explained at the latest Oranmore/Athenry Municipal District meeting that this is the third time this fast-track legislation has been used in County Galway – one development in Barna was refused, because of low density, and one in Tuam was granted.
He said that the site, measuring 8.7 hectares is effectively landlocked and to the right of it is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) which forms part of the Galway Bay Complex.
There is agreement with the adjacent landowner to get access to the site via a new road, he said.
Mr Russell explained that there was no community gain, like in windmill developments, for example, but 21 of the homes will be handed over to the Council for social housing. These homes will be evenly dispersed throughout the estate.
Some 31% of the homes are to be two-bed units or duplexes; 52% are semi-detached three and four beds; 12% are terraced houses and 8% are detached.
County councillor Martina Kinnane (FF) said it was “incredible” that there was no community gain in the development.
Since 2006, the people of the area have been crying out for amenities and facilities, she said, and this was an opportunity to deliver playing pitches and a community centre along with the creche.
Residents have made it clear that they will not tolerate the homes being built without the road going in first, she said, and there must be a plan put in place for traffic calming if and when the estate is built, she said.
Cllr Jim Cuddy had concerns about the lack of public transport mentioned in the plan, about the lack of shop units, about the lack of public consultation, and the large number of two-beds.
“The quality of life of the people who are going to live there has to be the priority, not density,” he said.
Cllr Cuddy said there were 400 homes in that area already, and this development would bring it to 600 and there needed to be additional amenities provided.
All councillors’ concerns will be submitted in the Council’s report to ABP.