Planners request further information on Galway GAA club's controversial pitch plans
Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club has been given six months to provide planners with more information about its plans for new pitches in Rahoon – including confirmation the development does not conflict with the proposed Galway Ring Road.
In response to the club’s planning application for the proposed sports development at Mincloon, Galway City Council this week issued a Further Information request.
Salthill Knocknacarra lodged plans earlier this year for two new grass pitches and one all-weather synthetic pitch, complete with dugouts, floodlighting and ball-stop netting.
They were publicly opposed by neighbouring clubs including St Michael’s, Rahoon/Newcastle and Cumann Peile Bhearna Na Forbacha who said sports facilities were necessary but they were fearful of losing members to Salthill/Knocknacarra GAA as a result of this proposal in Rahoon.
The Planning Department at City Hall this week gave the club six months to reply to its request for more information, or the application will be deemed “withdrawn.”
Planners requested Further Information on 13 points contained in Salthill Knocknacarra’s planning application submitted earlier this year. The Council sought clarity on many sub-sections within some points.
One area highlighted in the FI request was in relation to the design being “not consistent” with the Galway City Ring Road (GCRR).
“You are required to submit a revised proposal where inconsistencies in the proposed development design are changed to avoid conflict with the GCRR, ensuring that any revised proposal would remain within the original site,” the request said.
The club was also asked to demonstrate that the proposed floodlights at the proposed development, “has no impact on” the Ring Road.
Planners have also asked for a revised design for Mincloon Cross junction, and more information about access via a private boreen known as Kelly’s Lane.
The Council also asked for clarity on the intensity of use of the facility. It stated that the plans say pitches will be used for training and not matches but provide 172 covered seats in stands, which suggests “the pitches may be used for purposes other than training”.
In its request for Further Information, the Council said that the club would have to undertake an Archaeological Impact Assessment. It also asked for a “detailed assessment of any flood risk impacts” on Barna Stream, as well as a “Construction and Demolition Resource Waste Management Plan”.
The Council said Uisce Éireann pointed to “insufficient information submitted with the plans and particulars” and it has asked the club to provide more information about connections to water and wastewater.
It’s understood Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club officials met this week to discuss the Further Information request. It has until October to reply.