Pub plan 'an asset for Knocknacarra'
The company behind what is being termed a “super-pub” in Knocknacarra has reacted to objections by resident by claiming it will be an important resource in a poorly-serviced area.
Highcross Developments Ltd. says that the development on the Clybaun Road will bring an investment of €5m to the local area, and will create nearly 200 jobs, between construction and staffing.
“The finished development will serve the Knocknacarra area and community and will include, as its primary focus, a top-quality licensed restaurant, seating 100 people, a small public bar, and office spaces for local businesses, as well as two retail and a financial services unit, over three floors,” said a spokesperson for the group which already runs Sheridans in Knocknacarra, The Dáil Bar and Brasserie On The Corner.
“Already, it has been welcomed by local people as an important resource in an area that is poorly serviced.”
However, Cllr Pearce Flannery – also Chairman of the Hawthorn Place Residents Association – says that public opinion against the “super-pub” is “considerable and growing.”
“Resident’s groupings have voiced concerns regarding the development, citing traffic congestion, parking, anti-social behaviour, and other issues as being central to their concerns,” he says.
A meeting of residents took place in the Clybaun Hotel – which is opposite the proposed development – at which a unanimous decision was made to commission a formal objection to this development.
“As a resident of Hawthorn Place, I do have serious concerns on the impact such a huge development on a constrained site will have on the area and our community,” Cllr Flannery added.
“Certainly, such a development on a major roundabout and on a major traffic thoroughfare, which will soon have at least four schools within striking distance, will have potentially serious consequences in terms of road safety in the area.
“As a parent with young children, I am very concerned about the scale and nature of this development and I foresee a significant opposition group emerging against it.”
Highcross Developments Ltd. says that the development will be delivered by an experienced project team.
They have already drawn up detailed project management, traffic management, and safety plans, to ensure that the planned development has minimal impact on the community.
“They will make the building plans available to the public in the coming week at a public forum, to allay any concerns,” the spokesperson said.
“The group behind the scheme has a track record of developing and managing top-class restaurants and bars for over 25 years in the Galway area. They will ensure that this establishment, which will be operated as part of the group, is of the same high standard.”
The planning application was lodged by John Mannion of Highcross Developments Ltd. on May 29, and submissions are invited at City Hall until next Thursday, July 2.