AN BORD Pleanála has been criticised for overturning planning permission granted by Waterford County Council for a €150 million development outside Tramore that would have acted as a “considerable economic stimulus” for the county.
More than 200 residents in the seaside town and surrounding area objected to the golf course, hotel and accommodation facilities planned at Garrarus and Kilfarrasy, about six kilometres outside Tramore, by local developer William Bolster of IslandiKane Developments.
It has been claimed the development would have created about 400 construction jobs locally and 150 long-term jobs in the area.
There was considerable opposition to the plan from residents as well as from An Taisce, Birdwatch and the Department of the Environment, while Waterford county councillors earlier this year passed a motion of no-confidence in An Bord Pleanála.
Objectors maintained the development would have an adverse effect on the coastal community and environment.
Traffic congestion in the rural area and a possible disturbance to chough birds were among concerns raised at meetings in Tramore.
A spokesman for the Garrarus and District Concerned Residents group, who opposed the proposed development, said: “It is not an inappropriate analogy to compare this site with sites of such environmental and geological significance as the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare or the Giant’s Causeway in Co Antrim.
“If such a development were proposed in either of these locations of special protection, there would be public outrage.
“Though this site is less well known than these examples, the designations protecting it are no less and as such it must be considered and protected similarly,” said the spokesman.
However, Tramore town councillor Anne Marie Power, also a Waterford county councillor, said the decision would result in a “major blow to our economy” that “really sends out a very bad signal about jobs.
“The €150 million capital expenditure would have been a huge fiscal stimulus, not just to Tramore but to Co Waterford.
“So, from everybody’s point of view . . . the stakeholders that are interested in improving our economic base and in providing jobs, this decision was most regrettable.”
In issuing its decision, An Bord Pleanála said: “It is considered that the proposed development . . . which is highly visible from the eastern coastline and the adjoining road network, would constitute a development out of character with the existing relatively unsettled and unspoilt coastal area.”
The development would also “seriously injure” the visual and recreational amenities of the area.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label Waterford planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Waterford planning. Show all posts
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Between a rock and a goat's place in Waterford
RESIDENTS OF Waterford city’s only high-rise neighbourhood, Bilberry Rock, are a tough breed. The area has a population of just 42, who are broad and stocky, walk on spongy, padded feet, sport long beards, and favour a hairstyle that involves a blonde fringe covering the eyes. The menfolk, known affectionately as “Billies”, are noted for showing off their strength to other males by shaking their heads and butting each other with their long horns, writes MICHAEL PARSONS
It sounds just like a Saturday night on the quays of the southeast’s big port city. But, in fact, Waterford’s famous wild goats never venture downtown these days and are unlikely to come to the attention of gardaí.
However, their head keeper, Martin Doyle, explains that their behaviour during this “rutting season” makes even the wildest bunch of partying “stags” seem tame by comparison. The goats stand facing the wind, fill their lungs to capacity, and then “urinate on to their own faces and noses” before exhaling a scent called “the love potion” to attract females. The odour, which he says “can travel up to six miles”, is “better than any after-shave and while it may not smell good, it’s a great aphrodisiac”.
Doyle (48) is standing on Bilberry Rock, high above the steep banks of the River Suir on a 14-acre commonage that is “home to the world’s only city-centre herd of feral goats”. It’s a far cry from his previous life working on the Orient Express, “looking after royalty and film stars”.
The Bilberry goats, grazing on their windswept summit – which is also a traditional courting spot for local couples – have been a feature of Waterford city life and lore for generations. Local people believe they were originally brought to Ireland by French Huguenots more than 300 years ago, and experts believe the breed is unique. Dr Raymond Werner, an internationally renowned expert on goats, is reported as claiming that the Waterford goats may be related to the central Asian Pashmina Down breed group.
The rock itself is named after a plantation of bilberry bushes laid down in the 18th century by a local apothecary who used the berries for medicinal purposes. At the end of the 1990s the wildlife habitat was threatened when plans were drawn up to build a housing estate on the land. The local community fought back and in the ensuing court and Bord Pleanála battles, the goats were represented by their own law firm – David Morris Co solicitors of Clonmel – a first in Irish legal history. As Doyle puts it: “Bord Pleanála ruled that a feral goat herd was incompatible with a housing estate.”
Since then, the developer’s plans have been shelved and the council has relented. The Bilberry Goat Heritage Trust has been established and the future of the goats seems secure.
Doyle expects more than “2,500 people to visit the site on Gracedieu Road during this week’s Heritage Week promotion. Among those visiting yesterday were Ian and Eimer Cheevers and their two sons, Jack (10), who said “I really like it; I love the goats and the scenery“; and Sam (4), who liked their “funny horns”.
Among the infectiously enthusiastic volunteer workers were Alberto Soteldo (29), a Venezuelan living in the nearby village of Kilmeaden, who “wanted to do something different” and finds the project “amazing and unique”. Mark Condon (12) spent his last summer before going to secondary school helping out and “really enjoyed it”.
The trust hopes to revive the lost tradition of goats’ cheese-making in Waterford and next year there will be 20 milking females producing 40kg of cheese a week. It believes that Bilberry Goats’ Cheese, once a Waterford delicacy like the city’s famous blaa (a type of bread-roll), could become a “luxury food item which would be sold in top-range shops and even be exported to Harrods”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
It sounds just like a Saturday night on the quays of the southeast’s big port city. But, in fact, Waterford’s famous wild goats never venture downtown these days and are unlikely to come to the attention of gardaí.
However, their head keeper, Martin Doyle, explains that their behaviour during this “rutting season” makes even the wildest bunch of partying “stags” seem tame by comparison. The goats stand facing the wind, fill their lungs to capacity, and then “urinate on to their own faces and noses” before exhaling a scent called “the love potion” to attract females. The odour, which he says “can travel up to six miles”, is “better than any after-shave and while it may not smell good, it’s a great aphrodisiac”.
Doyle (48) is standing on Bilberry Rock, high above the steep banks of the River Suir on a 14-acre commonage that is “home to the world’s only city-centre herd of feral goats”. It’s a far cry from his previous life working on the Orient Express, “looking after royalty and film stars”.
The Bilberry goats, grazing on their windswept summit – which is also a traditional courting spot for local couples – have been a feature of Waterford city life and lore for generations. Local people believe they were originally brought to Ireland by French Huguenots more than 300 years ago, and experts believe the breed is unique. Dr Raymond Werner, an internationally renowned expert on goats, is reported as claiming that the Waterford goats may be related to the central Asian Pashmina Down breed group.
The rock itself is named after a plantation of bilberry bushes laid down in the 18th century by a local apothecary who used the berries for medicinal purposes. At the end of the 1990s the wildlife habitat was threatened when plans were drawn up to build a housing estate on the land. The local community fought back and in the ensuing court and Bord Pleanála battles, the goats were represented by their own law firm – David Morris Co solicitors of Clonmel – a first in Irish legal history. As Doyle puts it: “Bord Pleanála ruled that a feral goat herd was incompatible with a housing estate.”
Since then, the developer’s plans have been shelved and the council has relented. The Bilberry Goat Heritage Trust has been established and the future of the goats seems secure.
Doyle expects more than “2,500 people to visit the site on Gracedieu Road during this week’s Heritage Week promotion. Among those visiting yesterday were Ian and Eimer Cheevers and their two sons, Jack (10), who said “I really like it; I love the goats and the scenery“; and Sam (4), who liked their “funny horns”.
Among the infectiously enthusiastic volunteer workers were Alberto Soteldo (29), a Venezuelan living in the nearby village of Kilmeaden, who “wanted to do something different” and finds the project “amazing and unique”. Mark Condon (12) spent his last summer before going to secondary school helping out and “really enjoyed it”.
The trust hopes to revive the lost tradition of goats’ cheese-making in Waterford and next year there will be 20 milking females producing 40kg of cheese a week. It believes that Bilberry Goats’ Cheese, once a Waterford delicacy like the city’s famous blaa (a type of bread-roll), could become a “luxury food item which would be sold in top-range shops and even be exported to Harrods”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Inventors' village and sustainable housing planned for pilot ecopark
An inventors’ village, an environmental visitors centre, sustainable housing and an eco-lodge are all features of an innovative project.
The project is the brainchild of Dunhill Rural Enterprise Ltd in rural Waterford.
It is hoped the project will create dozens of jobs and be a tourist attraction, while becoming a template for regeneration throughout Ireland and Europe.
As part of Phase 3 of the Dunhill Ecopark - which has just begun - the Copper Coast Eco-Lodge can provide community-owned accommodation for individuals, groups and schools visiting the area. Supported by Waterford Leader Partnership, the eco-lodge will be the first of its kind in the country and is due to open late next year.
Dunhill already hosts the Equality and Diversity Unit, supported by FÁS, which provides disability awareness training to help organisations and companies include disabled people in their workforces, while the multi-education centre provides a range of courses on an affordable, accessible basis.
The enterprise centre is home to 26 firms employing 85 people, but the existing 3,000 square metres of space will be complemented by an additional 7,000sq m enterprise building.
Among the innovations is an inventors’ village - 12 units of living and working space at initial rent discounts of up to 100% - to encourage inventors to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Dunhill secretary, Dr Senan Cooke said the project should be an example to the rest of the country. “It’s about jobs, it’s about getting more from less, it’s about getting a real return on investment. This is the kind of thing the Government should be looking at if they want to find a better way to help communities.”
Other projects include the restoration of Dunhill Castle and six surrounding areas, landscaping of a sensory garden, a heritage trail and trees of honour commemorating people who emigrated from the south-east to Newfoundland, artistic festivals, walking routes and housing aimed at active retirees.
Mayor of County Waterford, Cllr Tom Higgins said the Ecopark represented a community response to the declining rural population and the difficult economic climate of the early 90s. “The Ecopark will be recognised as a pilot model for economic, environmental, educational and social regeneration of rural communities across Europe and elsewhere.”
www.buckplanning.ie
The project is the brainchild of Dunhill Rural Enterprise Ltd in rural Waterford.
It is hoped the project will create dozens of jobs and be a tourist attraction, while becoming a template for regeneration throughout Ireland and Europe.
As part of Phase 3 of the Dunhill Ecopark - which has just begun - the Copper Coast Eco-Lodge can provide community-owned accommodation for individuals, groups and schools visiting the area. Supported by Waterford Leader Partnership, the eco-lodge will be the first of its kind in the country and is due to open late next year.
Dunhill already hosts the Equality and Diversity Unit, supported by FÁS, which provides disability awareness training to help organisations and companies include disabled people in their workforces, while the multi-education centre provides a range of courses on an affordable, accessible basis.
The enterprise centre is home to 26 firms employing 85 people, but the existing 3,000 square metres of space will be complemented by an additional 7,000sq m enterprise building.
Among the innovations is an inventors’ village - 12 units of living and working space at initial rent discounts of up to 100% - to encourage inventors to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Dunhill secretary, Dr Senan Cooke said the project should be an example to the rest of the country. “It’s about jobs, it’s about getting more from less, it’s about getting a real return on investment. This is the kind of thing the Government should be looking at if they want to find a better way to help communities.”
Other projects include the restoration of Dunhill Castle and six surrounding areas, landscaping of a sensory garden, a heritage trail and trees of honour commemorating people who emigrated from the south-east to Newfoundland, artistic festivals, walking routes and housing aimed at active retirees.
Mayor of County Waterford, Cllr Tom Higgins said the Ecopark represented a community response to the declining rural population and the difficult economic climate of the early 90s. “The Ecopark will be recognised as a pilot model for economic, environmental, educational and social regeneration of rural communities across Europe and elsewhere.”
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Claim serial planning objectors hindering job creation
SERIAL objectors to planning applications in Waterford have been urged to look at the bigger picture as the city faces a downturn in construction.
It was claimed that delaying or halting proposed developments had an impact on employment in the city.
The call came from Councillor Hilary Quinlan, chairman of Waterford City Council’s strategic policy committee on planning and economic development.
He reported to the council on a recent fact-finding trip to Wales where committee members saw, at first hand, the adverse impact uncontrolled out-of-town development can have on city centres.
Mr Quinlan said: “It is more important than ever in the current economic climate that Waterford plays as a united team.
“We simply cannot afford to continue sending out the signal that we’re not fully open for business,; effectively telling developers that they’ll face a tougher time here than in other Irish cities like Limerick, Galway and Cork that we compete with for investment.
“I know from my own terms as mayor of Waterford and meeting people in other parts of the country that the city has earned an unfortunate reputation among developers as a ‘tough nut to crack’ and somewhere that throws up an unusually high number of often frivolous objections and appeals that delay and —– in some cases —– kill worthwhile projects.
This is also evident from the number of Waterford developers now concentrating on other locations in Ireland and overseas.
“From meeting individuals and families around Waterford, I am very aware that the recession is already biting here.
“It is young people and those working in the construction sector or related industries that seem to be taking some of the worst hits in terms of job losses.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the social and economic future of Waterford depends on us attracting significant inward investment of the type envisaged by various schemes proposed for sites in the city.
“Rather than seeking to welcome and facilitate these once they comply with the wider vision for how the city should develop, a small minority of people seem intent on stymieing these projects in favour of the status quo. Some even seem to favour winding back the clock to what they see as the city’s glorious past.”
He said towns like Wexford, Clonmel, Carlow and Kilkenny will put pressure on Waterford’s place in the regional hierarchy.
“These and other locations in the southeast have all had significant retail, leisure and other development during the last five years or so and aren’t content to rest on their laurels or allow Waterford a free run.
“Indeed, some of the developments in south county Kilkenny and east county Waterford that attracted little or no attention from our planning zealots will have an increasing impact on our city centre which is already struggling to maintain its appeal.”
He added: “I have no difficulty whatsoever with people actively engaging in how planning applications are dealt with and there is a very clear pathway for them to do that.
“What I do, however, strongly oppose is the idea that we must have some kind of parallel planning process where those looking to invest in our city are forced through hoops by self-appointed, unelected and unrepresentative planning watchdogs seeking to win long-lost battles and score points for their own petty purposes.
“They seem to regard An Bord Pleanála as the obvious first stop for their grievances rather than a last resort for appeals in cases where there is a genuine concern that the planning authority has erred,” he concluded.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
It was claimed that delaying or halting proposed developments had an impact on employment in the city.
The call came from Councillor Hilary Quinlan, chairman of Waterford City Council’s strategic policy committee on planning and economic development.
He reported to the council on a recent fact-finding trip to Wales where committee members saw, at first hand, the adverse impact uncontrolled out-of-town development can have on city centres.
Mr Quinlan said: “It is more important than ever in the current economic climate that Waterford plays as a united team.
“We simply cannot afford to continue sending out the signal that we’re not fully open for business,; effectively telling developers that they’ll face a tougher time here than in other Irish cities like Limerick, Galway and Cork that we compete with for investment.
“I know from my own terms as mayor of Waterford and meeting people in other parts of the country that the city has earned an unfortunate reputation among developers as a ‘tough nut to crack’ and somewhere that throws up an unusually high number of often frivolous objections and appeals that delay and —– in some cases —– kill worthwhile projects.
This is also evident from the number of Waterford developers now concentrating on other locations in Ireland and overseas.
“From meeting individuals and families around Waterford, I am very aware that the recession is already biting here.
“It is young people and those working in the construction sector or related industries that seem to be taking some of the worst hits in terms of job losses.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the social and economic future of Waterford depends on us attracting significant inward investment of the type envisaged by various schemes proposed for sites in the city.
“Rather than seeking to welcome and facilitate these once they comply with the wider vision for how the city should develop, a small minority of people seem intent on stymieing these projects in favour of the status quo. Some even seem to favour winding back the clock to what they see as the city’s glorious past.”
He said towns like Wexford, Clonmel, Carlow and Kilkenny will put pressure on Waterford’s place in the regional hierarchy.
“These and other locations in the southeast have all had significant retail, leisure and other development during the last five years or so and aren’t content to rest on their laurels or allow Waterford a free run.
“Indeed, some of the developments in south county Kilkenny and east county Waterford that attracted little or no attention from our planning zealots will have an increasing impact on our city centre which is already struggling to maintain its appeal.”
He added: “I have no difficulty whatsoever with people actively engaging in how planning applications are dealt with and there is a very clear pathway for them to do that.
“What I do, however, strongly oppose is the idea that we must have some kind of parallel planning process where those looking to invest in our city are forced through hoops by self-appointed, unelected and unrepresentative planning watchdogs seeking to win long-lost battles and score points for their own petty purposes.
“They seem to regard An Bord Pleanála as the obvious first stop for their grievances rather than a last resort for appeals in cases where there is a genuine concern that the planning authority has erred,” he concluded.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 3 July 2008
€4m biodiversity park for Waterford
A €4 MILLION programme of works containing 50 acres of public park and nature reserve is planned for a bog and former landfill site in Waterford city.
To be announced by Waterford City Council this morning, the biodiversity park on the Tramore Road in the city will result in "one of the largest urban parklands in the country", according to a council spokesman.
Part-funded by the Office of Public Works, the works will see an extension of the St John's River Walk and the creation of a 50-acre public park and nature reserve in the areas of Kilbarry Bog and the former Kilbarry landfill site.
The park, also to include flood relief works on the Tramore Road, will "create an urban oasis" covering an area equivalent to greater than three times that of the People's Park.
Kilbarry Bog, a proposed natural heritage area, is important for plant and animal biodiversity, according to the spokesman.
The bog provides food and cover for mammals and birds along with plant and animal communities, moths and butterflies. The extension of the river walk will see the public pathway developed in order to reach the Tramore Road roundabout on the outer ring road, travelling through the bog, offering views of the "unique plant and wildlife there". The walkway, east of the Tramore Road, will be connected to the new parklands on the remediated landfill site where refuse was dumped for 30 years prior to its closure in 2005.
CIARÁN MURPHY
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
To be announced by Waterford City Council this morning, the biodiversity park on the Tramore Road in the city will result in "one of the largest urban parklands in the country", according to a council spokesman.
Part-funded by the Office of Public Works, the works will see an extension of the St John's River Walk and the creation of a 50-acre public park and nature reserve in the areas of Kilbarry Bog and the former Kilbarry landfill site.
The park, also to include flood relief works on the Tramore Road, will "create an urban oasis" covering an area equivalent to greater than three times that of the People's Park.
Kilbarry Bog, a proposed natural heritage area, is important for plant and animal biodiversity, according to the spokesman.
The bog provides food and cover for mammals and birds along with plant and animal communities, moths and butterflies. The extension of the river walk will see the public pathway developed in order to reach the Tramore Road roundabout on the outer ring road, travelling through the bog, offering views of the "unique plant and wildlife there". The walkway, east of the Tramore Road, will be connected to the new parklands on the remediated landfill site where refuse was dumped for 30 years prior to its closure in 2005.
CIARÁN MURPHY
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 18 January 2008
Waterford railway station gets green light despite objections
A €17m redevelopment of Waterford's Plunkett Station, by Iarnród Éireann, is set to go ahead despite objections.
Twenty conditions have been attached to the granting of planning permission which has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála. Iarnród Éireann are planning a major upgrade of the office building facade, an extension of passenger facilities and the provision of a new multi-storey car park with 328 parking spaces. Planning permission was granted by the City Council, last May, but that was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce and by Brendan McCann of 169 Viewmount.
An Taisce maintained that the multi-storey car park, because of its size, would not do justice to its natural setting.
It was also maintained that the ‘sheer size of the car park would overpower the adjacent signal box.
Issue was also taken with the materials to be used which An Taisce said would soon become dirty, polluted and would rapidly go out of fashion.
Other issues of concern centred on billboard advertising and it was stated that the development should be considered within the context of the larger landholding of the company. Brendan McCann who has been to the forefront in objecting to developments in the city also highlighted the ‘poor weathering characteristics of materials to be used on the car park building and in the cladding of the existing railway station.
His additional grounds of appeal outlined how the existing single storey red brick building as well as the platform canopies should be retained. If planning permission were granted it should be subject of a condition regulating the use of the multi-storey car park. "The proposal," added Brendan McCann, "ran contrary to the provisions of the Waterford PLUTS in that it precluded the proposal for a new rail passenger facility on the North Quays.
Last, but not least, "The proposal would create a potential traffic safety hazard by generating bus access directly onto the existing roundabout," Brendan McCann told An Bord Pleanála. Among the twenty conditions which have been set down by An Bord Pleanála is a specific stipulation on parking.
Prior to the multilevel car parking being brought into use there must be a written submission for the agreement of the planning authority a scheme indicating how a proportion of the 328 parking spaces shall be reserved and retained solely for the use of rail customers and passengers.
The reason for that stipulation is to ensure that the objectives of the development plan are met with regard to facilitating sustainable commuter travel opportunities on public transport.
A new fleet of trains is set to operate an expanded Waterford-Dublin service later this year with trains planned every two hours in each direction all day.
Work on the new station will get underway short-ly and will take some eighteen months to complete.
Marion O'Mara
Waterford News and Star
www.buckplanning.ie
Twenty conditions have been attached to the granting of planning permission which has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála. Iarnród Éireann are planning a major upgrade of the office building facade, an extension of passenger facilities and the provision of a new multi-storey car park with 328 parking spaces. Planning permission was granted by the City Council, last May, but that was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce and by Brendan McCann of 169 Viewmount.
An Taisce maintained that the multi-storey car park, because of its size, would not do justice to its natural setting.
It was also maintained that the ‘sheer size of the car park would overpower the adjacent signal box.
Issue was also taken with the materials to be used which An Taisce said would soon become dirty, polluted and would rapidly go out of fashion.
Other issues of concern centred on billboard advertising and it was stated that the development should be considered within the context of the larger landholding of the company. Brendan McCann who has been to the forefront in objecting to developments in the city also highlighted the ‘poor weathering characteristics of materials to be used on the car park building and in the cladding of the existing railway station.
His additional grounds of appeal outlined how the existing single storey red brick building as well as the platform canopies should be retained. If planning permission were granted it should be subject of a condition regulating the use of the multi-storey car park. "The proposal," added Brendan McCann, "ran contrary to the provisions of the Waterford PLUTS in that it precluded the proposal for a new rail passenger facility on the North Quays.
Last, but not least, "The proposal would create a potential traffic safety hazard by generating bus access directly onto the existing roundabout," Brendan McCann told An Bord Pleanála. Among the twenty conditions which have been set down by An Bord Pleanála is a specific stipulation on parking.
Prior to the multilevel car parking being brought into use there must be a written submission for the agreement of the planning authority a scheme indicating how a proportion of the 328 parking spaces shall be reserved and retained solely for the use of rail customers and passengers.
The reason for that stipulation is to ensure that the objectives of the development plan are met with regard to facilitating sustainable commuter travel opportunities on public transport.
A new fleet of trains is set to operate an expanded Waterford-Dublin service later this year with trains planned every two hours in each direction all day.
Work on the new station will get underway short-ly and will take some eighteen months to complete.
Marion O'Mara
Waterford News and Star
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 11 November 2007
Mussel farm puts €350m Wexford scheme in doubt
The future of a €350 million waterfront development in Co Wexford is in doubt, after a decision by the government to allow a firm to cultivate mussels on a nearby seabed.
Deerland Construction, a Kilkenny development company, had obtained permission to build a two million square foot development in Wexford town that would include a hotel, shopping centre, offices and leisure facilities. The scheme would ultimately employ more than 2,000 people.
However, the company believes that a decision by the Department of Marine to grant the Lett Group, one of the largest suppliers of mussels in the country, an aquaculture licence for the nearby harbour has thrown the scheme into jeopardy. The company appealed the decision to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB), the state appeals body for aquaculture licences.
However, the appeal was thrown out. Deerland has now initiated High Court proceedings in an effort to overturn the decision.
The company is seeking judicial review, claiming that it had already secured planning permission for the €350 million development. In order to build the development, Deerland needs to reclaim land from the harbour, and the company believes the aquaculture licence would prevent this from happening.
The company is taking the judicial review against the ALAB. Conleth Bradley, chairman of the board, said he could not comment on the case, while several other members of the board also declined to comment.
A spokesman for Deerland said it was unable to comment as the case was before the courts.
Around 600 people are expected to be employed on the construction phase of the Wexford project, while 2,000 people will be employed when the centre opens. Deerland Construction is headed by Derry McPhillips, and has been behind other town centre and retail projects in Waterford, Kilkenny, Mullingar and Dundalk.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
Deerland Construction, a Kilkenny development company, had obtained permission to build a two million square foot development in Wexford town that would include a hotel, shopping centre, offices and leisure facilities. The scheme would ultimately employ more than 2,000 people.
However, the company believes that a decision by the Department of Marine to grant the Lett Group, one of the largest suppliers of mussels in the country, an aquaculture licence for the nearby harbour has thrown the scheme into jeopardy. The company appealed the decision to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB), the state appeals body for aquaculture licences.
However, the appeal was thrown out. Deerland has now initiated High Court proceedings in an effort to overturn the decision.
The company is seeking judicial review, claiming that it had already secured planning permission for the €350 million development. In order to build the development, Deerland needs to reclaim land from the harbour, and the company believes the aquaculture licence would prevent this from happening.
The company is taking the judicial review against the ALAB. Conleth Bradley, chairman of the board, said he could not comment on the case, while several other members of the board also declined to comment.
A spokesman for Deerland said it was unable to comment as the case was before the courts.
Around 600 people are expected to be employed on the construction phase of the Wexford project, while 2,000 people will be employed when the centre opens. Deerland Construction is headed by Derry McPhillips, and has been behind other town centre and retail projects in Waterford, Kilkenny, Mullingar and Dundalk.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 4 June 2007
Permission granted for train station redevelopment
WORK on re-developing Plunkett Station in Waterford could begin in a number of weeks following the local council’s decision to grant planning permission.
Iarnród Éireann’s 17 million re-development plan has been given the go-ahead, subject to 20 conditions, and will get under way in the near future if there is no appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
The work is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
Local Green Party councillor Brendan McCann had objected to the proposal when it was submitted to Waterford City Council.
The project includes a 328-bay multi-storey car park as well as bus interchange facilities, a customer area, retail units, and a ticket office and toilets.
A mezzanine level will include staff toilets and a canteen.
Brendan McCann’s objection centred around the planned car park, while he also said that the red-brick facade of the building should be kept. He described the proposed building as “ugly” and “visually obtrusive” in his objection.
Plunkett Station’s current guise dates back to 1965 and, according to Iarnród Éireann in its renewal plans, new parking capacity and space were long overdue.
Increases in the amount of people using the rail service to and from Waterford and the ongoing investment in rolling stock and tracks also prompted the decision to try and upgrade the station, according to the rail company.
Much local concern centres on traffic problems in front of the station, with long delays experienced by motorists at the adjacent Rice Bridge at peak times.
A traffic consultant is reviewing the traffic problems at the problematic junction, as well as all of the N25 corridor, which sees an average of about 40,000 vehicles every day.
Much attention is focussed on the difficulties experienced by motorists coming out of Plunkett Station, into rush-hour traffic, and the delays faced by traffic coming from both directions on the N25, when trying to turn onto the bridge and into the city centre at the roundabout.
Irish Examiner
Iarnród Éireann’s 17 million re-development plan has been given the go-ahead, subject to 20 conditions, and will get under way in the near future if there is no appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
The work is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
Local Green Party councillor Brendan McCann had objected to the proposal when it was submitted to Waterford City Council.
The project includes a 328-bay multi-storey car park as well as bus interchange facilities, a customer area, retail units, and a ticket office and toilets.
A mezzanine level will include staff toilets and a canteen.
Brendan McCann’s objection centred around the planned car park, while he also said that the red-brick facade of the building should be kept. He described the proposed building as “ugly” and “visually obtrusive” in his objection.
Plunkett Station’s current guise dates back to 1965 and, according to Iarnród Éireann in its renewal plans, new parking capacity and space were long overdue.
Increases in the amount of people using the rail service to and from Waterford and the ongoing investment in rolling stock and tracks also prompted the decision to try and upgrade the station, according to the rail company.
Much local concern centres on traffic problems in front of the station, with long delays experienced by motorists at the adjacent Rice Bridge at peak times.
A traffic consultant is reviewing the traffic problems at the problematic junction, as well as all of the N25 corridor, which sees an average of about 40,000 vehicles every day.
Much attention is focussed on the difficulties experienced by motorists coming out of Plunkett Station, into rush-hour traffic, and the delays faced by traffic coming from both directions on the N25, when trying to turn onto the bridge and into the city centre at the roundabout.
Irish Examiner
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
New €200m shopping centre plan for city
A RETAIL centre, worth an estimated €200m, is planned for Waterford city.
Known as First City Quarter, the 32-acre development will include retail space, offices, leisure and sports facilities, and a cinema. It is expected that the development will bring more than 3,000 new jobs to the region in the retail and office sectors, as well as indirectly creating about 3,200 jobs.
Retail giant Marks & Spencer has confirmed that First City Quarter is the only site that can accommodate its plans for a 50,000 square foot store in the region. Opportunity
For the development to proceed, Waterford City Council needs to rezone the site as a 'mixed use opportunity site' in the city development plan.
Currently, two-thirds of the site complies with this zoning strategy, but one-third does not.
Up to 13 acres of the 32-acre site needs to be rezoned for the development to go ahead.
The Waterford city development plan, which will determine the level and nature of development in Waterford over the next six years, is due to be agreed in the coming weeks.
Sarah Murphy
Irish independent
Known as First City Quarter, the 32-acre development will include retail space, offices, leisure and sports facilities, and a cinema. It is expected that the development will bring more than 3,000 new jobs to the region in the retail and office sectors, as well as indirectly creating about 3,200 jobs.
Retail giant Marks & Spencer has confirmed that First City Quarter is the only site that can accommodate its plans for a 50,000 square foot store in the region. Opportunity
For the development to proceed, Waterford City Council needs to rezone the site as a 'mixed use opportunity site' in the city development plan.
Currently, two-thirds of the site complies with this zoning strategy, but one-third does not.
Up to 13 acres of the 32-acre site needs to be rezoned for the development to go ahead.
The Waterford city development plan, which will determine the level and nature of development in Waterford over the next six years, is due to be agreed in the coming weeks.
Sarah Murphy
Irish independent
Waterford developers seek help for plans
THE COMPANY behind a proposed €200 million retail centre in Waterford has launched a campaign to attempt to win public support for the project.
According to property developers Edward Holdings, the proposal at Airport Road would bring 3,000 jobs to Waterford and rejuvenate the city section.
Known as First City Quarter, the development includes retail space, offices, leisure and sports facilities and a cinema. Retail giant Marks & Spencer is set to be one of the anchor tenants with a 50,000 square foot flagship store.
For the development to proceed, Waterford City Council needs to rezone the site as a ‘mixed use opportunity site’ in the statutory Waterford City Development Plan. Currently, two- thirds of the 32-acre site complies with this zoning strategy but the rest does not.
The development plan is due to be agreed in the coming weeks.
Independent research was published at yesterday’s campaign launch in Waterford which indicated that 82 % of local residents are in favour of the proposed project.
The survey by Behaviour & Attitudes Marketing Research also highlighted the value of business being lost to the city, estimating that Waterford shoppers spend €19.2 million per annum in retail centres in Cork, Kilkenny, Dublin, Clonmel and New Ross.
The research also found that 72% of people say they want a greater choice of shops in Waterford, with 75% stating that they want more fashion shops. Two-thirds of people are in favour of retail developments both in the city centre and on the ring roads.
“We decided to carry out this research to determine the people of Waterford’s attitudes towards shopping and development in the region,” said Edward Holdings director Gerry Barrett. “The overwhelming response from the people of Waterford is that they are in favour of bringing jobs, investment and leading retailers, such as Marks & Spencer, to the city.”
He said that the company was now calling on the people of Waterford “to help us deliver” on the proposal for First City Quarter. “We need public support to ensure that part of the site is rezoned to allow us to proceed with the development without delay. First City Quarter will give the people of Waterford a much greater choice for retail and leisure. It will create jobs and benefit the local economy and it will facilitate the expansion of the regional airport.”
According to Mr Barrett, if the city council does not agree to rezone part of the site, Edward Holdings will not be able to proceed with this development, “and Waterford will lose out on a huge opportunity for the region”.
A website where the public can learn about the proposed development and vote for First City Quarter can be found at www.firstcity.ie.
Irish Examiner
According to property developers Edward Holdings, the proposal at Airport Road would bring 3,000 jobs to Waterford and rejuvenate the city section.
Known as First City Quarter, the development includes retail space, offices, leisure and sports facilities and a cinema. Retail giant Marks & Spencer is set to be one of the anchor tenants with a 50,000 square foot flagship store.
For the development to proceed, Waterford City Council needs to rezone the site as a ‘mixed use opportunity site’ in the statutory Waterford City Development Plan. Currently, two- thirds of the 32-acre site complies with this zoning strategy but the rest does not.
The development plan is due to be agreed in the coming weeks.
Independent research was published at yesterday’s campaign launch in Waterford which indicated that 82 % of local residents are in favour of the proposed project.
The survey by Behaviour & Attitudes Marketing Research also highlighted the value of business being lost to the city, estimating that Waterford shoppers spend €19.2 million per annum in retail centres in Cork, Kilkenny, Dublin, Clonmel and New Ross.
The research also found that 72% of people say they want a greater choice of shops in Waterford, with 75% stating that they want more fashion shops. Two-thirds of people are in favour of retail developments both in the city centre and on the ring roads.
“We decided to carry out this research to determine the people of Waterford’s attitudes towards shopping and development in the region,” said Edward Holdings director Gerry Barrett. “The overwhelming response from the people of Waterford is that they are in favour of bringing jobs, investment and leading retailers, such as Marks & Spencer, to the city.”
He said that the company was now calling on the people of Waterford “to help us deliver” on the proposal for First City Quarter. “We need public support to ensure that part of the site is rezoned to allow us to proceed with the development without delay. First City Quarter will give the people of Waterford a much greater choice for retail and leisure. It will create jobs and benefit the local economy and it will facilitate the expansion of the regional airport.”
According to Mr Barrett, if the city council does not agree to rezone part of the site, Edward Holdings will not be able to proceed with this development, “and Waterford will lose out on a huge opportunity for the region”.
A website where the public can learn about the proposed development and vote for First City Quarter can be found at www.firstcity.ie.
Irish Examiner
Monday, 26 March 2007
It’s ‘tyranny’ say residents and landowners
RESIDENTS and landowners opposed to the proposed new walkway along the old railway line from Dungarvan to Waterford, have accused the County Council of “tyranny” over 70 families they say will be badly affected by the plan.
The ‘Ballinroad to Kilmeaden’ group have branded the walkway as “stupendous” and say the Council appears to have lost all respect for the well-being of those living in the vicinity of the line. At a recent meeting, county councillors voted by a majority of 13 to 9 to proceed with phase one of the walkway from Ballinroad Cross to the level crossing in the townland of Durrow (on the Dungarvan end).
The vote came following a hour-long debate in the Council Chambers where nearly half the councillors - including Liam Brasil from Kilmac, Kieran O’Riain from Ballymacarbry and Kilmeaden’s Pat Leahy - voiced their stringent opposition to the plans based on the concerns of locals residents and landowners.
A total of 55 objections/submissions were received when the phase one plans went on public display.
Forty-two of those were from people purporting to be members of the ‘Ballinroad to Kilmeaden’ group either claiming ownership of part of the lands or expressing concerns about issues such as trespassing, fencing and insurance.
Following the outcome of the meeting, the group of residents and landowners have now lambasted the decision to proceed with the project.
They’re opposed to the walkway for an “abundance of reasons” they say.
Their safety, security and peace of mind would be at risk; anti-social behaviour would become a big problem; temporary caravan-type camp sites would continually be set up along it; the cost and maintenance would be
“enormous” and there could even be frequent confrontations between residents/farmers and walk-ers if “nerves became frayed”.
“Thankfully there are literally dozens of walkways in Co. Waterford at present which a lot of us avail of,” said the group’s chairman, Pat Fennell. “An additional and expensive walkway is not required and is against the declared wishes of the vast majority of people living on and adjoining the line.
He said the plan of the County Council was, in essence, a form of tyranny.
“Over 70 families will be badly affected by this. Most of it (the walkway) is concealed and concealed walkways are dangerous places.
Has the County Council lost all respect whatsoever for the wellbeing of these families? Did those council-lors who voted for the walkway not realise that this imposition is something that not only this generation of residents and farmers will have to cope with but so will all future generations.”
“How can any local authority be so reckless in the trampling on the rights and dignity of over 70 families - shame on you.”
“Double shame on you for pretending that tourists would come to Waterford to view the fields and fences of Durrow and Faha from a railway line.
Instead a fraction of the money earmarked for this stupendous walkway should be spent on the maintenance and upkeep of existing walkways which are overgrown and vandalised in many areas,” he said, adding that some local walking clubs had already contacted residents to assure them they would not be using the walkway in respect of their privacy.
At the Council meeting where the vote was taken, the Council’s Director of Community and Enterprise Brian White said the authority had made every effort to consult with residents and landowners and address their concerns.
Meanwhile, County Manager Ray O’Dwyer assured that the plug would be pulled on the project if it didn’t prove as successful as was hoped.
Jennifer Long
© Waterford News and Star
The ‘Ballinroad to Kilmeaden’ group have branded the walkway as “stupendous” and say the Council appears to have lost all respect for the well-being of those living in the vicinity of the line. At a recent meeting, county councillors voted by a majority of 13 to 9 to proceed with phase one of the walkway from Ballinroad Cross to the level crossing in the townland of Durrow (on the Dungarvan end).
The vote came following a hour-long debate in the Council Chambers where nearly half the councillors - including Liam Brasil from Kilmac, Kieran O’Riain from Ballymacarbry and Kilmeaden’s Pat Leahy - voiced their stringent opposition to the plans based on the concerns of locals residents and landowners.
A total of 55 objections/submissions were received when the phase one plans went on public display.
Forty-two of those were from people purporting to be members of the ‘Ballinroad to Kilmeaden’ group either claiming ownership of part of the lands or expressing concerns about issues such as trespassing, fencing and insurance.
Following the outcome of the meeting, the group of residents and landowners have now lambasted the decision to proceed with the project.
They’re opposed to the walkway for an “abundance of reasons” they say.
Their safety, security and peace of mind would be at risk; anti-social behaviour would become a big problem; temporary caravan-type camp sites would continually be set up along it; the cost and maintenance would be
“enormous” and there could even be frequent confrontations between residents/farmers and walk-ers if “nerves became frayed”.
“Thankfully there are literally dozens of walkways in Co. Waterford at present which a lot of us avail of,” said the group’s chairman, Pat Fennell. “An additional and expensive walkway is not required and is against the declared wishes of the vast majority of people living on and adjoining the line.
He said the plan of the County Council was, in essence, a form of tyranny.
“Over 70 families will be badly affected by this. Most of it (the walkway) is concealed and concealed walkways are dangerous places.
Has the County Council lost all respect whatsoever for the wellbeing of these families? Did those council-lors who voted for the walkway not realise that this imposition is something that not only this generation of residents and farmers will have to cope with but so will all future generations.”
“How can any local authority be so reckless in the trampling on the rights and dignity of over 70 families - shame on you.”
“Double shame on you for pretending that tourists would come to Waterford to view the fields and fences of Durrow and Faha from a railway line.
Instead a fraction of the money earmarked for this stupendous walkway should be spent on the maintenance and upkeep of existing walkways which are overgrown and vandalised in many areas,” he said, adding that some local walking clubs had already contacted residents to assure them they would not be using the walkway in respect of their privacy.
At the Council meeting where the vote was taken, the Council’s Director of Community and Enterprise Brian White said the authority had made every effort to consult with residents and landowners and address their concerns.
Meanwhile, County Manager Ray O’Dwyer assured that the plug would be pulled on the project if it didn’t prove as successful as was hoped.
Jennifer Long
© Waterford News and Star
Friday, 8 December 2006
Ferry Plan devised to alleviate traffic congestion
THE car ferry company says it has devised a plan to alleviate traffic congestion in Passage East until it can move its terminal out of the village.
Passage East Car Ferry Company MD Derek Donnelly said they were hoping to arrange a meeting with the district Garda chief, Supt. Dave Sheehan, and representatives of the protestors over the next week about their proposed traffic management plan.
In the meantime, Mr Donnelly said the company was continuing to lobby to secure the go ahead for the proposed access road to the new ferry terminal site it has earmarked about a mile upriver from Passage East.
We have had a very worthwhile meeting with Wexford Co. Manager Eddie Breen and his view is that any interruption of the ferry service would be an economic disaster for south Wexford. He is throwing his full weight behind lobbying the Department of Environment for funding.â€
Mr Donnelly said he was sorry the protests had flared up again and objected to the fact that they were in the form of blockades of the ferry service.
Having said that, I share the common interest of the protest group. We want to get the traffic out of the village as well.
Mr Donnelly said they were willing to fund some of the cost as well as pay for the installation of the slipway but it wouldn be economically viable or practical for them to pay for the entire project as advocated by Cllr. John Carey.
He dismissed Cllr. Careys argument that the road should be funded by the company and its main shareholder FDB Insurances on the basis that its purpose was to serve a private company.
The ferry was a vital part of the regions transport infrastructure and the cars that used their service paid €30m in road tax a year, said Mr Donnelly.
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