Planned development in historic Abbey Field rejected

Plans to develop a hotel and 136 houses in the historic Abbey Field site in Tyone, Nenagh, have been rejected by An Bord Pleanala.
This follows an objection lodged by a number of residents in Tyone and Knights Crescent who feared the plans would have a negative impact on the ruins of Tyone Abbey and increase traffic problems in the Tyone area.
The refusal will result in a setback for plans by the Town Council who aimed to levy the developer for funds to build a new road through local lands between Tyone and the Dublin Road.
The council had previously granted Tyone Developments permission for the development, which was to have included the 76-bedroom hotel with gym and leisure facilities.
The company was also hoping to build a crche, medical suites, ESB station and Eircom unit on the site, as well as a new access to the Thurles Road. Some 138 spaces were to be provided for parking.
Labour's Senator Kathleen O' Meara said the council should now buy the site with a view to developing a town park there. ÒIt would be an ideal site for a park because it is so close to the Nenagh River and in line with objectives set out in the Town Development Plan,' she said.
In refusing permission, An Bord Pleanala said the applicant company had failed to establish that the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact on the ancient ruins of Tyone Abbey, situated in the field.
The board said that evidence indicates the presence of substantial underground archaeological remains within the Abbey Field.
The board said the Environmental Impact Statement submitted with the housing application and specialist reports commissioned by the applicant did not satisfactorily establish that the archaeology on the site is appropriate for preservation for record only. The applicant had failed to establish that preservation work on the site would not be required.
ÒThe proposed development would injure or interfere with a historic monument, which stands registered in the Register of Historic Monuments under section 5 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1997 and is situated within an archaeological area associated with a National Monument,' stated the board.
As a result of this, the proposed development would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
On the basis of the submissions made, the board was not satisfied that the applicant had established sufficient legal interest over lands necessary for the construction of foul sewer connection to link with a main sewer line situated north of the nearby railway line. As such, the proposed development would be prejudicial to public health.
Peter Gleeson
© Nenagh Guardian