Green light for controversial Killymooney development
APPEAL expected to be lodged
A controversial new housing estate planned for the edge of Cavan town centre has been given the go ahead.
Galetech Sustainable Living applied for permission to build 26 three-bed homes at Aghnaskerry last August, on a site overlooking Killymooney Lough.
The development was greeted with opposition by some in the local community and further afield, particularly as plans were lodged ahead of a proposed rezoning of the land under the new County Development Plan.
The site is currently zoned for residential development but, as it stands, this will change to Amenity and Open Space under the draft County Development Plan (CDP) 2022-2028, which comes into force in July.
However, as the plans were lodged ahead of the implementation of the new CDP, the previous land zoning applies, meaning the site can be used for residential development.
Galetech Sustainable Living had originally planned for 26 new houses to be built but this was later reduced to 24.
In considering the plans, Cavan County Council requested further information, including a visual impact assessment. Revised site layout plans dealing with public spaces were also submitted.
The company responded, reducing the total number of homes from 26 to 24, with extra public open space in their place and a redrawing of the plans to improve road safety within the estate.
A submission made on behalf of the ‘Friends of Killymooney Lough’ group noted the planned rezoning of the land. It also claimed the further information submitted by Galetech Sustainable Living did not “address or dispel the numerous concerns” highlighted by the group in its original submission to the council.
It contended the visual impact assessment does not fully outline the extent of the new housing development, with concerns remaining about road safety.
Another submission, from local residents Eithne and Seán Gurhy, said “it would be an extraordinary decision if Cavan County Council were to grant planning permission - against the wishes of democratically elected representatives”, given they had voted to rezone the land.
They also highlighted concerns over the visual impact assessment and the natura statement submitted.
A third submission, from Navan resident Gareth Talbot, claims An Taisce “misquoted” the Environmental Protection Agency in claiming the latter had tested the water in Killymooney lake and found it to be of poor quality.
Among a number of other issues, his lengthy submission also raises concerns about tree and hedge loss at the site and the design of the homes themselves.
A petition with 200 signatures of local residents opposed to the plans was also submitted to the council.
Cavan County Council granted permission for the houses, subject to 33 conditions. It’s understood discussions are taking place with a view to appealing that decision to An Bord Pleanála.
Local resident Séamus Galligan raised concerns about the proposed development when the application was lodged in August. At the time he criticised the plans, describing them as “making a mockery of councillors”.
He remains critical of the plans and the process.
“Personally, I feel it’s the wrong decision. I feel like Cavan County Council have overlooked a lot of the issues that had been raised, particularly environmental issues.
“I would have said before, particularly the Ardkeen road, is frequented by walkers. There’s already a large population of people living in that area.”
Séamus accepts there is a need for housing in Cavan and the county town in particular but insists this scenic site is not suitable.
“The waterway is connected to protected sites. We’ve never spoken more about the environment in this country. These things have to be upheld.
“I 100% know there’s a need for housing. I think the local authority has to look at housing in Cavan Town. I understand they’re under pressure as well but I think there’s enough greenfield sites around Cavan town that can be used.”
READ MORE