PERMISSION for 46 houses in an extension to Athlone's Shamrock Lodge Hotel has been refused because of flooding concerns.
Despite an An Bord Pleanala inspector noting that a "large portion" of the site at Ballaugh, Athlone, Co Westmeath, was subject to flooding, permission for the scheme was originally granted by the local council.
Owner Paddy McCaul sought permission to build a gym, aerobics suite, swimming pool, health and beauty centre, creche, coffee shop and 142 apartments close to the hotel.
His consultants said the site was over 500 metres from the River Shannon and raising of ground levels to avoid flooding would have no effect on adjoining properties.
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board expressed concern while residents said the area flooded every year and three hectares of floodplain would be lost, which would affect neighbouring properties.
While permission for 142 housing units had been granted by the town council, An Bord Pleanala refused permission for 46 because of a flood risk. In doing so, it overturned part of its inspector's report, which said the whole scheme should be approved.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
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