Loughrea Long Point Amenity Enhancement Project - Part 10 Planning Application

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 177AE(4)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Galway County Council proposes to seek approval from An Bord Pleanála to carry out the following development at Long Point, Lake Road (R351) in the townland of Knockanima, Loughrea, Co. Galway. 

The development will consist of the following: 

Repair works comprising: 

Repair of the existing pier surfaces. 

Repair of the existing slipway to provide safe launching point for kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. 

Demolition of an existing changing shelter to facilitate passive surveillance and views of Lough Rea.  

Alteration to existing toilet and shower building to provide storage, plant, and a changing places toilet (accessible toilet, shower and changing facility) (93 sqm). 

Provision of new changing, toilet and shower facilities in a single storey building (86 sqm) including sheltered outdoor shower changing area. 

Provision of a lifeguard station building (16 sqm). 

Provision of a circular viewing deck to the south of the existing pier. 

Provision of a totem sign extending to c. 4 metres in height.  

Alteration to existing beach area and provision of a deck, steps and ramp to water’s edge and beach area for access for all to the water.  

Provision of a shared active travel route along the sites eastern boundary adjacent to the Lake Road (R351) and the provision of designated bicycle parking spaces.  

Removal of 2 no. existing vehicular access points and alterations and junction upgrade works to the existing central access point, and provision of internal pedestrian crossings. 

Reconfiguration of and upgrades to the existing car parking areas to provide increased parking provision and to accommodate age friendly and set down spaces and trading bays, and the provision of 1 no. new car parking area which includes EV charging and accessible parking spaces. 

Provision of hard and soft site landscaping works, SuDS measures, pumping and water stations all connections, public lighting, PV panels at roof level, and site services.  

All ancillary services and associated site development works.  

A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.  

An Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report has been undertaken in respect of the proposed development and concluded that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report is not required. 

An Bord Pleanála may give approval for the development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development. 

Plans, particulars and the Natura Impact Statement of the proposed development will be available for inspection or for purchase for a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, for a period of 6 weeks from Friday 27th of September 2024 to Friday 8th of November 2024 at the following locations: 

• The offices of the Planning Department of Galway County Council (Public Counter), Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway during its public open hours and Galway County Councils Consultation Portal at https://consult.galway.ie/  

• The offices of Galway County Council Loughrea Area Office, Barrack Street, Loughrea, County Galway, H62 K065 during its public open hours 

• The Offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough St Dublin 1, D01V902, between the hours of 9.15 am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). 

An electronic copy of the Natura Impact Statement and the plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for free download on the consultation portal at https://consult.galway.ie/  from Friday 27th of September 2024 to Friday 8th of November 2024 

Submissions or observations may be made in writing during such period to The Secretary, An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 D01 V902 relating to the following: 

• The implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned, 

• The likely effects on the Environment of the proposed development, and 

• The likely significant effects of the proposed development on European Site if carried out. 

 A person may question the validity of a decision by An Bord Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. no 15 of 1986) in accordance with section 50 of the planning and development act 2000 (as amended). Practical Information in respect of the judicial review process can be assessed on the Boards website www.pleanala.ie or on Citizens Information’s Website www.citizensinformation.ie 

The deadline for receipt of submissions or observations to An Bord Pleanála is Friday 8th of November 2024 at 5.30pm. 

Signed:  

_________________________ 

Liam Hanrahan 

Director of Services