Plans for Westside retail development presented at oral hearing

Inspector Derek Daly has been appointed by the higher planning authority to preside over the hearing which got underway this morning at the Westwood House Hotel in Newcastle.

This is an informal hearing intended to assist An Bord Pleanala in making a decision on the proposed retail development in the Westside of the city at Seamus Quirke road.

Following this process, Inspector Derek Daly will prepare a report for consideration of the board but the ultimate decision will be made by the higher planning authority.

Gus McCarthy of McCarthy, Keville, Sullivan planning and environmental consultants this morning gave a brief description of the development at Seamus Quirke road.

It involves the demolition of existing premises and construction of a large retail unit at the former T O' Higgins manufacturing facility.

The proposal also involves building a smaller free standing unit, a café restaurant, a public plaza and a new road linking the Rahoon road to the Seamus Quirke road.

Presentations were also made by Architect Joseph Doyle, while Eoin Reynolds of NRB consulting spoke about traffic and transportation considerations.

Galway city council granted approval for the development with 30 conditions in June of this year, but this is being appealed by the applicant T O'Higgins and company limited as well as several interested parties.

Third party submissions on the plans are expected to be heard later today.

Those present at the oral hearing include city council, An Taisce, and members of the Shantalla and Westside communities.