Planning permission has been granted to Galway Rowing Club for a new two-storey clubhouse along the River Corrib to replace their existing inadequate premises. Michelle McDonagh reports.
The newly elected members of Galway City Council have voted in favour of a material contravention of the City Development Plan by granting permission for the new clubhouse and associated site works at the Dyke Road along the River Corrib.
The controversial planning application had been objected to by a number of groups, including Galway Environmental Alliance, on the grounds that it would impact on the natural heritage and river wildlife and its protected views.
However, planning permission was granted subject to 18 conditions, including flood prevention, orderly development, surface water, drainage, visual amenity and parking.
The director of services with Galway City Council, Mr Ciaran Hayes, stated that the impact on the protected views and the loss of an area of land of low ecological value to a water-based sporting facility was acceptable in this particular case.
The city councillors voted 11-3 in favour on the material contravention, with the Mayor, Cllr Catherine Connolly (Lab), Cllr Colette Connolly (Lab) and Cllr Niall Ó Brolcháin of the Green Party voting against it. Sinn Féin Cllr Daniel Callanan abstained from voting on the grounds that the heritage officer's report had not been provided.
Cllr Michael Leahy (FF), in supporting the contravention, pointed out that the existing facilities of Galway Rowing Club at Woodquay were inadequate. Cllr Declan McDonnell (PD) expressed his concerns in relation to the safety of children using the facilities at Woodquay.