Oral hearing told Galway's core businesses under threat from Westside superstore

James Barnes on behalf of RGDATA made the comments during his closing submission at an oral hearing on the plans which concluded today.

He urged An Bord Pleanala to refuse permission for the out of town retail development saying it would undermine the retail hierarchy for the city.

Applicant T O'Higgins is appealing a condition regarding a new access road, while several third parties such as residents and An Taisce are against the plans.

Resident Mary Cunningham of Mount Pleasant Drive said the project was unecessary, inappropriate, excessive in size and would be in contravention of the city development plan.

The Rahoon residents association and Derek Hambleton of An Taisce also made arguments against the supermarket.

Meanwhile, the team behind the project, McCarthy, Keville, Sullivan planning and environmental consultants say this is 'the right project and the right site' and is in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

In its closing submission, City Council urged An Bord Pleanala to uphold its decision to grant permission with 30 conditions attached.