Planning board refuses permission for Galway clubhouse

Bord Pleanála has refused permission for the erection of a two-storey clubhouse, slipway and associated site works at the Dyke Road in Galway city.

The Galway Association of An Taisce had appealed to the planning appeals board the decision by the city council to grant permission for the Galway Rowing Club development and to give the go-ahead for a material contravention of the city development plan.

The bord refused permission for the clubhouse development on the grounds that the scale, height and extent of the proposed building and associated car parking would seriously detract from existing views towards and across the River Corrib from Dyke Road.

"The proposed development would, therefore, materially contravene the objectives included in the Development Plan for the area... seriously injure the visual amenities of the area and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," the report stated.

Association chairman Mr Derrick Hambleton said: " Many generations of Galwegians have contributed to the magnificent history of competitive rowing in Galway. An Taisce wishes to be able to contribute towards maintaining that future growth, but not at any price."