An Bord Pleanála's decision to approve plans for a €200 million commercial development in Arklow has been welcomed in the Co Wicklow town, writes Mark Kennedy .
Objections had stalled developer Graham Quinn's plans for shops, offices, 100 apartments, a 77-bed hotel and an open amphitheatre in the town centre for more than four years.
One of the grounds for objection was that the development could interfere with the habitat of bats in the ruins of Ormonde Castle. Councillor Nicky Kelly said: "This development is badly needed in Arklow where the town centre has suffered much commercial devastation over recent years."
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label arklow planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arklow planning. Show all posts
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Arklow Town and Environs Plan 2011 - 2017 - Wicklow County Council
Closing date for submissions is 23rd of December 2009.
www.buckplanning.ie
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Arklow objectors fear risk to habitat of bats
OBJECTORS TO a planned €180 million commercial development in Arklow, Co Wicklow, have raised concerns about the likely impact of the development on a habitat of bats.
A long list of objections to the Alps project in the centre of the town has been submitted by four parties opposed to the plan.
In the last couple of weeks the town council has given the green light to the proposed development, incorporating shops, offices, apartments and a 93-bed hotel.
The scheme is now likely to go back to An Bord Pleanála for a final decision.
All four objectors live close to the proposed Alps development, off Main Street. In one submission they expressed concern about the impact it would have on bats. It is thought that the ruins of Ormonde Castle are now a habitat for bats.
An environmental impact statement showed no signs of bats or badgers but said the presence of such animals could not be ruled out. Appropriate mitigation measures for bats and badgers have been recommended as a precautionary measure to protect the possibility of these species using the site, it said.
An engineer’s report described the castle as crucial to the development. “There should be no interference with any portion of the castle and, in fact where feasible, the appearance shall be improved and exposed for visitors to the site.”
Dublin developer Graham Quinn, who is behind the Alps development, said the project would invigorate and energise Arklow’s town centre, which has been in decline in recent years.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
A long list of objections to the Alps project in the centre of the town has been submitted by four parties opposed to the plan.
In the last couple of weeks the town council has given the green light to the proposed development, incorporating shops, offices, apartments and a 93-bed hotel.
The scheme is now likely to go back to An Bord Pleanála for a final decision.
All four objectors live close to the proposed Alps development, off Main Street. In one submission they expressed concern about the impact it would have on bats. It is thought that the ruins of Ormonde Castle are now a habitat for bats.
An environmental impact statement showed no signs of bats or badgers but said the presence of such animals could not be ruled out. Appropriate mitigation measures for bats and badgers have been recommended as a precautionary measure to protect the possibility of these species using the site, it said.
An engineer’s report described the castle as crucial to the development. “There should be no interference with any portion of the castle and, in fact where feasible, the appearance shall be improved and exposed for visitors to the site.”
Dublin developer Graham Quinn, who is behind the Alps development, said the project would invigorate and energise Arklow’s town centre, which has been in decline in recent years.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Commerical units approved for Arklow
Permission has been granted for the construction of a new commercial and resdiential development on the Wexford Road in Arklow.An application which was lodged with Arklow Town Council in October of last year by Michael and Daragh Kavanagh includes plans for a basement car park with 90 spaces, 10 ground floor commercial units and 12 penthouse apartments with roof gardens and pri
Permission has been granted for the construction of a new commercial and resdiential development on the Wexford Road in Arklow.
An application which was lodged with Arklow Town Council in October of last year by Michael and Daragh Kavanagh includes plans for a basement car park with 90 spaces, 10 ground floor commercial units and 12 penthouse apartments with roof gardens and private access.
Conditional permission has now been granted.
Demolition work of the exisiting structures on the site must commence before any building work can progress.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Permission has been granted for the construction of a new commercial and resdiential development on the Wexford Road in Arklow.
An application which was lodged with Arklow Town Council in October of last year by Michael and Daragh Kavanagh includes plans for a basement car park with 90 spaces, 10 ground floor commercial units and 12 penthouse apartments with roof gardens and private access.
Conditional permission has now been granted.
Demolition work of the exisiting structures on the site must commence before any building work can progress.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Commerical units approved for Arklow
Permission has been granted for the construction of a new commercial and resdiential development on the Wexford Road in Arklow.An application which was lodged with Arklow Town Council in October of last year by Michael and Daragh Kavanagh includes plans for a basement car park with 90 spaces, 10 ground floor commercial units and 12 penthouse apartments with roof gardens and pri
Permission has been granted for the construction of a new commercial and resdiential development on the Wexford Road in Arklow.
An application which was lodged with Arklow Town Council in October of last year by Michael and Daragh Kavanagh includes plans for a basement car park with 90 spaces, 10 ground floor commercial units and 12 penthouse apartments with roof gardens and private access.
Conditional permission has now been granted.
Demolition work of the exisiting structures on the site must commence before any building work can progress.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Permission has been granted for the construction of a new commercial and resdiential development on the Wexford Road in Arklow.
An application which was lodged with Arklow Town Council in October of last year by Michael and Daragh Kavanagh includes plans for a basement car park with 90 spaces, 10 ground floor commercial units and 12 penthouse apartments with roof gardens and private access.
Conditional permission has now been granted.
Demolition work of the exisiting structures on the site must commence before any building work can progress.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Dempsey blasts sewage objectors
An Arklow Town Councillor has said that objectors to the proposed sewage treatment plant which has been at the centre of a saga for over 10 years should be blamed if the water supply scheme also does not go ahead.With the EU grant schemes changed since the funding was initially secured for both of the projects, Cllr. Peter Dempsey commented that if it had been done years ago, w
An Arklow Town Councillor has said that objectors to the proposed sewage treatment plant which has been at the centre of a saga for over 10 years should be blamed if the water supply scheme also does not go ahead.
With the EU grant schemes changed since the funding was initially secured for both of the projects, Cllr. Peter Dempsey commented that if it had been done years ago, when it was first planned, then there would be no issue regarding the funding today.
Due to these same objectors we now find that at least 33 per cent of the cost of the plant will have to be funded by the Town Council with the rest of the money coming from the Government.
Had the scheme gone ahead in the early nineties Europe would have funded 85 per cent with 15 per cent coming from the Government,' he pointed out.
Deborah Coleman
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
An Arklow Town Councillor has said that objectors to the proposed sewage treatment plant which has been at the centre of a saga for over 10 years should be blamed if the water supply scheme also does not go ahead.
With the EU grant schemes changed since the funding was initially secured for both of the projects, Cllr. Peter Dempsey commented that if it had been done years ago, when it was first planned, then there would be no issue regarding the funding today.
Due to these same objectors we now find that at least 33 per cent of the cost of the plant will have to be funded by the Town Council with the rest of the money coming from the Government.
Had the scheme gone ahead in the early nineties Europe would have funded 85 per cent with 15 per cent coming from the Government,' he pointed out.
Deborah Coleman
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 3 July 2008
75-unit scheme for Arklow
GANNON HOMES is about to apply for planning permission from Wicklow County Council for a 10-year permission for the construction of a new residential neighbourhood at Tinahask in upper Arklow.
The site is part of a mixed-use residential and commercial development on 39.8 hectares.
This planning application is for 75 three and four-bed houses in a mix of two and three storeys. Gannon Homes is also making a concurrent application to Arklow Town Council for the infrastructural elements in their jurisdiction.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The site is part of a mixed-use residential and commercial development on 39.8 hectares.
This planning application is for 75 three and four-bed houses in a mix of two and three storeys. Gannon Homes is also making a concurrent application to Arklow Town Council for the infrastructural elements in their jurisdiction.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
75-unit scheme for Arklow
GANNON HOMES is about to apply for planning permission from Wicklow County Council for a 10-year permission for the construction of a new residential neighbourhood at Tinahask in upper Arklow.
The site is part of a mixed-use residential and commercial development on 39.8 hectares.
This planning application is for 75 three and four-bed houses in a mix of two and three storeys. Gannon Homes is also making a concurrent application to Arklow Town Council for the infrastructural elements in their jurisdiction.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The site is part of a mixed-use residential and commercial development on 39.8 hectares.
This planning application is for 75 three and four-bed houses in a mix of two and three storeys. Gannon Homes is also making a concurrent application to Arklow Town Council for the infrastructural elements in their jurisdiction.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 30 May 2008
398 homes for Arklow site with no town sewerage plant in place
GANNON HOMES is about to apply for planning permission to Arklow Town Council for a new neighbourhood at Tinahask, in Upper Wicklow bounded by the Dublin-Wexford railway line and Arklow Golf Club.
The site is part of a 98-acre master plan, comprising 398 dwellings, in a mix of three and four-bed houses, duplexes and triplexes in 11 blocks ranging form three to five storeys.
The plan also includes 40 shop units, a supermarket, off-licence, 24 office suites and a financial service unit, seven medical suites, two pubs, a café, restaurants with hot food take-away, two betting offices, two crechès, two playgrounds and a park.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The site is part of a 98-acre master plan, comprising 398 dwellings, in a mix of three and four-bed houses, duplexes and triplexes in 11 blocks ranging form three to five storeys.
The plan also includes 40 shop units, a supermarket, off-licence, 24 office suites and a financial service unit, seven medical suites, two pubs, a café, restaurants with hot food take-away, two betting offices, two crechès, two playgrounds and a park.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Senator is criticised by Council over Arklow sewage plant
BRAY'S Senator Deirdre de Burca has been taken to task by Arklow Town Council for comments made about the long-awaited sewage treatment plant for the South Wicklow town.
The Green Party's unsuccessful General Election candidate was the target of much ire at last week's meeting of the Town Council.
According to Cllr. Peter Dempsey the Senator was being very evasive when questioned in a radio interview about the progress made in efforts to replace the current sewage system, which sees raw sewage still being pumped straight into the sea, but did however make a comment that the issue was almost resolved.
'What I want to know is, is there something in the pipeline that we don't know anything about and should we write to Senator de Burca to seek clarification?' he asked.
Town Manager Bryan Doyle said that the matter was not resolved as this stage.
'It is quite clear that we are winning but we are also losing,' he said, in reference to how the Council has won a number of court decisions, only to then see them appealed.
'We are being chased through hoops and there could be another challenge in the future,' he added.
Cllr. Nicky Kelly said that comments such as those of Senator de Burca are only building false hope for the people of Arklow.
Bray People
www.buckplanning.ie
The Green Party's unsuccessful General Election candidate was the target of much ire at last week's meeting of the Town Council.
According to Cllr. Peter Dempsey the Senator was being very evasive when questioned in a radio interview about the progress made in efforts to replace the current sewage system, which sees raw sewage still being pumped straight into the sea, but did however make a comment that the issue was almost resolved.
'What I want to know is, is there something in the pipeline that we don't know anything about and should we write to Senator de Burca to seek clarification?' he asked.
Town Manager Bryan Doyle said that the matter was not resolved as this stage.
'It is quite clear that we are winning but we are also losing,' he said, in reference to how the Council has won a number of court decisions, only to then see them appealed.
'We are being chased through hoops and there could be another challenge in the future,' he added.
Cllr. Nicky Kelly said that comments such as those of Senator de Burca are only building false hope for the people of Arklow.
Bray People
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Council has until April to purchase €2.2m site
Arklow Town Council has begun discussions on a potential new town hall, council office, library, courtroom and community facility on the old Tesco site on the Wexford Road.The council has an option to buy the property for the fire-sale price of €2.2 million, but the offer runs out in April.
Arklow Town Council has begun discussions on a potential new town hall, council office, library, courtroom and community facility on the old Tesco site on the Wexford Road.
The council has an option to buy the property for the fire-sale price of €2.2 million, but the offer runs out in April.
Bryan Doyle, Wicklow County Council director of services (environment), said the management from the county council, town council and library had met to discuss a possible joint venture.
He said the court service was also interested in the project.
Cllr. Dr. Bill O'Connell said the council should also look at a link-up with the Wicklow VEC, which is looking for new premises in Arklow, but is prevented from purchasing its own property.
The one-stop shop could be the perfect solution for cramped council staff, and will also satisfy traders and town councillors, who don't want the new council offices built on existing council land near the leisure centre.
Cllr. Donal O'Sullivan said the Tesco site (which he secured a council purchase option on after dropping an objection to the new Tesco store) was too good an opportunity to miss.
It would be absolute lunacy to pass on this,' he said.
We have funding coming in from the Eirgas acquisition and a substantial increase in out rates base (thanks to Bridgewater).'
The council would be forced to borrow the money to actually build the facility, which requires ministerial approval.
If we are not allowed to borrow the money, we should find whatever idiot in the department is responsible and bash his head against the wall.'
Mr. Doyle said the parties would continue to explore the issue before making a final decision before April.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Arklow Town Council has begun discussions on a potential new town hall, council office, library, courtroom and community facility on the old Tesco site on the Wexford Road.
The council has an option to buy the property for the fire-sale price of €2.2 million, but the offer runs out in April.
Bryan Doyle, Wicklow County Council director of services (environment), said the management from the county council, town council and library had met to discuss a possible joint venture.
He said the court service was also interested in the project.
Cllr. Dr. Bill O'Connell said the council should also look at a link-up with the Wicklow VEC, which is looking for new premises in Arklow, but is prevented from purchasing its own property.
The one-stop shop could be the perfect solution for cramped council staff, and will also satisfy traders and town councillors, who don't want the new council offices built on existing council land near the leisure centre.
Cllr. Donal O'Sullivan said the Tesco site (which he secured a council purchase option on after dropping an objection to the new Tesco store) was too good an opportunity to miss.
It would be absolute lunacy to pass on this,' he said.
We have funding coming in from the Eirgas acquisition and a substantial increase in out rates base (thanks to Bridgewater).'
The council would be forced to borrow the money to actually build the facility, which requires ministerial approval.
If we are not allowed to borrow the money, we should find whatever idiot in the department is responsible and bash his head against the wall.'
Mr. Doyle said the parties would continue to explore the issue before making a final decision before April.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 26 October 2007
North Quay traffic problems causing concern
Arklow Town Council have considered a moritorium on all future developments on Arklow's North Quay until a solution to the area's traffic problems is found.At their meeting last week, town councillors said North Quay, Mill Road and the Marina had only one acess point via the Bridgewater roundabout and North Quay.
Development freeze considered on quay
Arklow Town Council have considered a moritorium on all future developments on Arklow's North Quay until a solution to the area's traffic problems is found.
At their meeting last week, town councillors said North Quay, Mill Road and the Marina had only one acess point via the Bridgewater roundabout and North Quay.
Several North Quay developments have recently received planning permission including the Aldi store beside the Bridgewater Store, the Foudi development of 118 apartments near the marina, and the Joby development of 50 apartments and eight retail units, also on North Quay. Other North Quay developments are likely to follow.
Town councillor Donal O'Sullivan asked whether the council should freeze granting any more planning permissions in the area for the time being.Until there is some proper infrastructural access to the North Quay should we as a council grant any more planning permissions down there?,' he asked.
We have to have a long, hard look at the accessibility of that site.'
Councillor Pat Fitzgerald said a new access route to the North Quay area would have to be found.
Arklow mayor Sylvester Bourke suggested putting a freeze on future planning applications to see what happens with traffic'.
But Town Clerk Des Nicholls said there would be problems building a new access road to the quayside.
Seaview Avenue or Stringers Lane ar the most suitable points from which to build a new link road to the quays, but the council had made committments to local residents in the past to limit traffic flows there.
Mr Nichols said the Bridgewater roundabout had been designed to cater for shoppers as well as all other existing developments on the North Quay.
Wicklow People
Development freeze considered on quay
Arklow Town Council have considered a moritorium on all future developments on Arklow's North Quay until a solution to the area's traffic problems is found.
At their meeting last week, town councillors said North Quay, Mill Road and the Marina had only one acess point via the Bridgewater roundabout and North Quay.
Several North Quay developments have recently received planning permission including the Aldi store beside the Bridgewater Store, the Foudi development of 118 apartments near the marina, and the Joby development of 50 apartments and eight retail units, also on North Quay. Other North Quay developments are likely to follow.
Town councillor Donal O'Sullivan asked whether the council should freeze granting any more planning permissions in the area for the time being.Until there is some proper infrastructural access to the North Quay should we as a council grant any more planning permissions down there?,' he asked.
We have to have a long, hard look at the accessibility of that site.'
Councillor Pat Fitzgerald said a new access route to the North Quay area would have to be found.
Arklow mayor Sylvester Bourke suggested putting a freeze on future planning applications to see what happens with traffic'.
But Town Clerk Des Nicholls said there would be problems building a new access road to the quayside.
Seaview Avenue or Stringers Lane ar the most suitable points from which to build a new link road to the quays, but the council had made committments to local residents in the past to limit traffic flows there.
Mr Nichols said the Bridgewater roundabout had been designed to cater for shoppers as well as all other existing developments on the North Quay.
Wicklow People
Residents distressed' by Bridgewater traffic
Arklow Town Council acted quickly last week to assuage Ferrybank residents choked by Bridgewater Centre traffic, extending the double yellow lines of both sides of the Dublin Road to ease the congestion.But residents are looking for more action, last week's town council meeting was told.
Arklow Town Council acted quickly last week to assuage Ferrybank residents choked by Bridgewater Centre traffic, extending the double yellow lines of both sides of the Dublin Road to ease the congestion.
But residents are looking for more action, last week's town council meeting was told.
Councillor Donal O'Sullivan said some residents were very, very, very irate' at shoppers parking in neighbouring streets and that parking regulations and enforcement should be extended onto Ferrybank.
We have to extend our traffic management beyond the bridge,' he said.
He said Seaview Avenue should be residents' parking only. But he said a balance needed to be struck between parking restrictions and resident amenity, especially on Ferrybank, where the double yellow lines mean many reisdents can't park outside their own houses.
You have to remember that people live on Ferrybank and we want them to continue living on Ferrybank.'
The council also received two letters from local residents angry at the state of the traffic situation last weekend.
One Marina Village resident wrote that she was extremely distressed' to see cars exiting the Bridgewater car park being directed into Marina Village before turning back along North Quay to the main roundabout belching carbon monoxide outside our homes'.
Liam Keogh and Declan Fitzgerald from the Ferrybank Residents Association wrote that vehicles parking on the footpath, especially near the corner of Ferrybank and Stringer's Lane were a life threatening danger'.
This results in vehicles leaving Stringer's Lane having no field of vision...from either Templerainey or Bridge Street directions.'
Cllr Pat Fitzgerald said there is going to be someone killed there' one day.
Town Clerk Des Nichols said Bridgewater Centre management said they would not divert car park traffic through Marina Village in future.
Mr Nichols said the council was also considering installing barriers at the swimming pool car park, and opening up a space near the leisure centre for Bridgewater staff parking.
He said further parking enforcement on Ferrybank during peak weekend shopping times wouldn't be possible without extra funding to pay for traffic wardens.
Wicklow People
Arklow Town Council acted quickly last week to assuage Ferrybank residents choked by Bridgewater Centre traffic, extending the double yellow lines of both sides of the Dublin Road to ease the congestion.
But residents are looking for more action, last week's town council meeting was told.
Councillor Donal O'Sullivan said some residents were very, very, very irate' at shoppers parking in neighbouring streets and that parking regulations and enforcement should be extended onto Ferrybank.
We have to extend our traffic management beyond the bridge,' he said.
He said Seaview Avenue should be residents' parking only. But he said a balance needed to be struck between parking restrictions and resident amenity, especially on Ferrybank, where the double yellow lines mean many reisdents can't park outside their own houses.
You have to remember that people live on Ferrybank and we want them to continue living on Ferrybank.'
The council also received two letters from local residents angry at the state of the traffic situation last weekend.
One Marina Village resident wrote that she was extremely distressed' to see cars exiting the Bridgewater car park being directed into Marina Village before turning back along North Quay to the main roundabout belching carbon monoxide outside our homes'.
Liam Keogh and Declan Fitzgerald from the Ferrybank Residents Association wrote that vehicles parking on the footpath, especially near the corner of Ferrybank and Stringer's Lane were a life threatening danger'.
This results in vehicles leaving Stringer's Lane having no field of vision...from either Templerainey or Bridge Street directions.'
Cllr Pat Fitzgerald said there is going to be someone killed there' one day.
Town Clerk Des Nichols said Bridgewater Centre management said they would not divert car park traffic through Marina Village in future.
Mr Nichols said the council was also considering installing barriers at the swimming pool car park, and opening up a space near the leisure centre for Bridgewater staff parking.
He said further parking enforcement on Ferrybank during peak weekend shopping times wouldn't be possible without extra funding to pay for traffic wardens.
Wicklow People
Monday, 10 September 2007
Avoca is Ireland's filthiest river
It should be the jewel in the crown of the Garden of Ireland -- but Wicklow's main river is the filthiest in the country.
The Avoca, which runs through Arklow in County Wicklow, has been named by both the Environmental Protection Agency and members of the Garda Diving Unit as the most polluted in Ireland.
The lack of a sewage system means that the waste of the Arklow's 12,000 inhabitants is being pumped into the river.
A site for a proposed sewage treatment plant has been identified at Seabank in Arklow. However, it is the subject of an ongoing high court battle.
In the meantime, faeces and toilet paper can be seen floating in the water. The river is also still being polluted from the disused Avoca mines.
Independent councillor Peter Dempsey has launched a campaign to clean up the Avoca, placing placards on the river bed and collecting 8,000 signatures on a petition.
Cllr Dempsey says it is incredible that all the sewage is going straight into the river, considering Wicklow is former Environment minister Dick Roche's constituency.
He said: "He should be shot with a ball of sh**e. Wicklow people won't forget this."
The Department of the Environment said the Arklow Main Draining Scheme has been approved for funding, and will go ahead whenever the court approves it.
Spokesperson John Whelan said: "There is an urgent need for waste-water treatment facilities in the Arklow area, to meet EU and national regulations.
"However, the location of a plant is the subject of ongoing proceedings in the High Court. The reserved judgement is expected in October."
Irish Independent
The Avoca, which runs through Arklow in County Wicklow, has been named by both the Environmental Protection Agency and members of the Garda Diving Unit as the most polluted in Ireland.
The lack of a sewage system means that the waste of the Arklow's 12,000 inhabitants is being pumped into the river.
A site for a proposed sewage treatment plant has been identified at Seabank in Arklow. However, it is the subject of an ongoing high court battle.
In the meantime, faeces and toilet paper can be seen floating in the water. The river is also still being polluted from the disused Avoca mines.
Independent councillor Peter Dempsey has launched a campaign to clean up the Avoca, placing placards on the river bed and collecting 8,000 signatures on a petition.
Cllr Dempsey says it is incredible that all the sewage is going straight into the river, considering Wicklow is former Environment minister Dick Roche's constituency.
He said: "He should be shot with a ball of sh**e. Wicklow people won't forget this."
The Department of the Environment said the Arklow Main Draining Scheme has been approved for funding, and will go ahead whenever the court approves it.
Spokesperson John Whelan said: "There is an urgent need for waste-water treatment facilities in the Arklow area, to meet EU and national regulations.
"However, the location of a plant is the subject of ongoing proceedings in the High Court. The reserved judgement is expected in October."
Irish Independent
Saturday, 2 June 2007
Developer may face legal action over unfinished estate Town Council seek legal advice over Cré na Mara
Arklow Town Council is taking legal advice to resolve a litany of problems at Arklow's Cré na Mara housing estate.
The council has prepared a 10-point list of areas where the three-year-old estate does not meet the conditions of its original planning permission, including landscaping, road surfacing and traffic signage.
Town clerk Des Nicholls said the next step was possible action against the developer, Liam Mellon Construction, in the District Court.
The council issued an enforcement notice and the matter has now been referred to our law agents,' he stated.
Cré na Mara residents claim that they have been waiting for years for the estate to be finished and received no response to a recent invitation to meet with the builder to discuss the problems.
But Mr Mellon claimed this week that all outstanding work at the estate would be done by the end of June.
It takes so long to get the contractors,' Mr Mellon explained.
Residents' Association committee member Geraldine Hogan said problems included odours from sewerage pipes through the estate, poor road surfacing, no street signage and no landscaping.
Ms Hogan said that last year she was forced to move her children from the front bedroom of the house to a rear bedroom because the smell from the sewer had got so bad.
The 45 houses on the three-year-old estate are worth around €350,000 each.
We haven't even got a name sign for the estate yet,' Ms Hogan said.
Mr Mellon said he was not aware of any recent requests from the residents to meet with him.
We're in there on Monday,' he said this week.
There will be shrubs, tree planting, stop signs and ramps going in.'
Last year we went in and stood on our head for them getting seeding done before their open day,' Mr Mellon said.
He blamed weather, contractor availability and other factors for the delays in finishing off the estate.
Wicklow People
The council has prepared a 10-point list of areas where the three-year-old estate does not meet the conditions of its original planning permission, including landscaping, road surfacing and traffic signage.
Town clerk Des Nicholls said the next step was possible action against the developer, Liam Mellon Construction, in the District Court.
The council issued an enforcement notice and the matter has now been referred to our law agents,' he stated.
Cré na Mara residents claim that they have been waiting for years for the estate to be finished and received no response to a recent invitation to meet with the builder to discuss the problems.
But Mr Mellon claimed this week that all outstanding work at the estate would be done by the end of June.
It takes so long to get the contractors,' Mr Mellon explained.
Residents' Association committee member Geraldine Hogan said problems included odours from sewerage pipes through the estate, poor road surfacing, no street signage and no landscaping.
Ms Hogan said that last year she was forced to move her children from the front bedroom of the house to a rear bedroom because the smell from the sewer had got so bad.
The 45 houses on the three-year-old estate are worth around €350,000 each.
We haven't even got a name sign for the estate yet,' Ms Hogan said.
Mr Mellon said he was not aware of any recent requests from the residents to meet with him.
We're in there on Monday,' he said this week.
There will be shrubs, tree planting, stop signs and ramps going in.'
Last year we went in and stood on our head for them getting seeding done before their open day,' Mr Mellon said.
He blamed weather, contractor availability and other factors for the delays in finishing off the estate.
Wicklow People
Proposed development could mean a return to parking nightmare for Tea Lane resident Pensioner fears being blocked in own home
Years of parking misery have ended for an elderly resident of Tea Lane, Arklow, but he still fears the bad old days of being blocked in his own house by illegally parked cars could soon return.
Tom Kavanagh, 70, said after years of stress and worry, recent town council works had finally fixed the problem of cars blocking the narrow entrance of Tea Lane onto the Coolgreaney Road.
A yellow box has been painted and bollards erected to deter errant parkers.
But Mr Kavanagh fears a proposal for a three-story commercial development on the contentious corner could mean a return to the bad old days.
Arklow Town Council approved the development, even though it provided only two of the required 11 on-site car parking spaces, and Mr Kavanagh and another resident objected to An Bord Pleanála.
The Bord was due to adjudicate on the matter yesterday (Wednesday) but have pushed back their decision until June 22.
The council have done a good job but if this other building goes in it could get bad again,' he said.
My health and that of my wife has been ruined with the stress of the parking.'
If it wasn't for the doctor I'd be dead now over this.'
Mr Kavanagh said in the past he had been frequently blocked in and unable to leave his own driveway. He said he had also been threatened after confronting illegal parkers.
Meanwhile, another application for a two storey office development further along Tea Lane was this week rejected by Arklow Town Council, partly because it didn't provide enough parking spaces.
Four objections had been lodged to the development, which was submitted in the name of Tony Molloy. Mr Kavanagh, who was one of the objectors, welcomed the decision.
The council's work at Tea Lane has even earned envious praise from other residents' associations.
They've done a great job there and other associations should work with the council to see what can be done in their own areas,' said Ferrybank Residents' Association PRO Liam Keogh.
Wicklow People
Tom Kavanagh, 70, said after years of stress and worry, recent town council works had finally fixed the problem of cars blocking the narrow entrance of Tea Lane onto the Coolgreaney Road.
A yellow box has been painted and bollards erected to deter errant parkers.
But Mr Kavanagh fears a proposal for a three-story commercial development on the contentious corner could mean a return to the bad old days.
Arklow Town Council approved the development, even though it provided only two of the required 11 on-site car parking spaces, and Mr Kavanagh and another resident objected to An Bord Pleanála.
The Bord was due to adjudicate on the matter yesterday (Wednesday) but have pushed back their decision until June 22.
The council have done a good job but if this other building goes in it could get bad again,' he said.
My health and that of my wife has been ruined with the stress of the parking.'
If it wasn't for the doctor I'd be dead now over this.'
Mr Kavanagh said in the past he had been frequently blocked in and unable to leave his own driveway. He said he had also been threatened after confronting illegal parkers.
Meanwhile, another application for a two storey office development further along Tea Lane was this week rejected by Arklow Town Council, partly because it didn't provide enough parking spaces.
Four objections had been lodged to the development, which was submitted in the name of Tony Molloy. Mr Kavanagh, who was one of the objectors, welcomed the decision.
The council's work at Tea Lane has even earned envious praise from other residents' associations.
They've done a great job there and other associations should work with the council to see what can be done in their own areas,' said Ferrybank Residents' Association PRO Liam Keogh.
Wicklow People
Sunday, 27 May 2007
Outcry over discharge of raw sewage into river
A poster protesting against the discharge of raw sewage into the Avoca river in Arklow, Co Wicklow, and the lack of any sewage treatment facilities for the town, has been placed in the middle of the river.
The poster erected by Independent town councillor Peter Dempsey, shows a cartoon figure sitting on a toilet alongside the words: "Cut the crap, stop the objections, Arklow needs its sewage plant now."
A sewage treatment facility was originally planned for the town 14 years ago, but its development has been held up because of objections to the council's site selection.
An Bord Pleanála finally granted permission for construction of the plant at Seabank, on the coast near Arklow town, in January 2005; however, the decision was appealed to the High Court by Arklow Holidays Ltd, a company that owns a caravan park at Seabank.
The case will come before the court again on July 10th and work cannot commence on the plant unless the court decides against the appellants.
Mr Dempsey said the delays were unacceptable. "While this is being dragged through the court, turds are running down the river less than 30ft from people's front doors," he said.
The smell from the river was particularly bad during the summer months, he said, in addition to the public health risks posed by raw sewage.
"The stink is absolutely vile. We're going to have a typhoid epidemic on our hands unless something is done about this."
Olivia Kelly
© 2007 The Irish Times
The poster erected by Independent town councillor Peter Dempsey, shows a cartoon figure sitting on a toilet alongside the words: "Cut the crap, stop the objections, Arklow needs its sewage plant now."
A sewage treatment facility was originally planned for the town 14 years ago, but its development has been held up because of objections to the council's site selection.
An Bord Pleanála finally granted permission for construction of the plant at Seabank, on the coast near Arklow town, in January 2005; however, the decision was appealed to the High Court by Arklow Holidays Ltd, a company that owns a caravan park at Seabank.
The case will come before the court again on July 10th and work cannot commence on the plant unless the court decides against the appellants.
Mr Dempsey said the delays were unacceptable. "While this is being dragged through the court, turds are running down the river less than 30ft from people's front doors," he said.
The smell from the river was particularly bad during the summer months, he said, in addition to the public health risks posed by raw sewage.
"The stink is absolutely vile. We're going to have a typhoid epidemic on our hands unless something is done about this."
Olivia Kelly
© 2007 The Irish Times
Friday, 23 March 2007
Allegations that 'something dodgy' is going on Further delay to sewage plant hearing slammed
A further delay to a crucial High Court hearing on Arklow's long-awaited sewage treatment plant at Seabank has prompted allegations that 'something dodgy' was going on.
Environment Minister Dick Roche and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern were called upon to urgently intervene in the case, which has dragged on for the past 12 years.
The case was due to be heard before Judge Clarke in the Commercial Court this week, but the case has been put back until May 8.
'That is downright disgraceful,' barked Cllr Peter Dempsey. 'Who caused this adjournment?', yelled Cllr Bill O'Connell.
Cllr Nicky Kelly dubbed the case 'the major scandal in the (legal) system at the moment', saying 'the town has been held to ransom for the past 12 years'.
The lack of any town sewage treatments facilities has severely limited development in Arklow and caused it to be one of Ireland's worst culprits for raw sewage outflows into the ocean.
Councillors learned of the delay after a letter from the council's solicitors was read out at last week's meeting, prompting a seething reaction.
Cllr Pat Fitzgerald wondered whether the recent planning application for a rival private sewerage treatment plant at Ballyraine Lower (which would be capable of catering for the town's needs) had anything to do with the delay.
'There's something peculiar going on here. I hope this application up the river here (at Ballyraine Lower) is not being taken into account by the judge.'
Cllr Bernie O'Halloran agreed, saying 'It seems there's something dodgy going on here. Had the (Ballyraine Lower) application been run of the mill, a decision would have been made before our hearing date.'
Cllr Donal O'Sullivan said if council planners found the Ballyraine Lower site had any merit 'it blows us out of the water, because we say ours (Seabank) is the best site.'
Cllr Peter Dempsey urged council officials to 'get the barristers here' to explain the delay.
'We're getting it in the neck out there (on this issue).
Bertie should make a ruling on it. We have been waiting too bloody long and I can't see anything being done before the election'.
Cllr Nicky Kelly vented his spleen, saying 'I don't care if the senior counsel of An Bord Pleanala is sick (which caused another delay to the case late last year). Get somebody else.
'We have the Minister for the Environment in our own county yet we can't fix the thing that is ruining our local environment.'
He said with three days of hearings scheduled, the judge would almost certainly reserve judgement then there was a likely appeal to the Supreme Court.
'We'll be here next October,' he said.
Council Director of Services Bryan Doyle, responding to a motion by Cllr Donal O'Sullivan, said he would write to An Bord Pleanala 'impressing on them the importance of this case'.
Wicklow People
Environment Minister Dick Roche and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern were called upon to urgently intervene in the case, which has dragged on for the past 12 years.
The case was due to be heard before Judge Clarke in the Commercial Court this week, but the case has been put back until May 8.
'That is downright disgraceful,' barked Cllr Peter Dempsey. 'Who caused this adjournment?', yelled Cllr Bill O'Connell.
Cllr Nicky Kelly dubbed the case 'the major scandal in the (legal) system at the moment', saying 'the town has been held to ransom for the past 12 years'.
The lack of any town sewage treatments facilities has severely limited development in Arklow and caused it to be one of Ireland's worst culprits for raw sewage outflows into the ocean.
Councillors learned of the delay after a letter from the council's solicitors was read out at last week's meeting, prompting a seething reaction.
Cllr Pat Fitzgerald wondered whether the recent planning application for a rival private sewerage treatment plant at Ballyraine Lower (which would be capable of catering for the town's needs) had anything to do with the delay.
'There's something peculiar going on here. I hope this application up the river here (at Ballyraine Lower) is not being taken into account by the judge.'
Cllr Bernie O'Halloran agreed, saying 'It seems there's something dodgy going on here. Had the (Ballyraine Lower) application been run of the mill, a decision would have been made before our hearing date.'
Cllr Donal O'Sullivan said if council planners found the Ballyraine Lower site had any merit 'it blows us out of the water, because we say ours (Seabank) is the best site.'
Cllr Peter Dempsey urged council officials to 'get the barristers here' to explain the delay.
'We're getting it in the neck out there (on this issue).
Bertie should make a ruling on it. We have been waiting too bloody long and I can't see anything being done before the election'.
Cllr Nicky Kelly vented his spleen, saying 'I don't care if the senior counsel of An Bord Pleanala is sick (which caused another delay to the case late last year). Get somebody else.
'We have the Minister for the Environment in our own county yet we can't fix the thing that is ruining our local environment.'
He said with three days of hearings scheduled, the judge would almost certainly reserve judgement then there was a likely appeal to the Supreme Court.
'We'll be here next October,' he said.
Council Director of Services Bryan Doyle, responding to a motion by Cllr Donal O'Sullivan, said he would write to An Bord Pleanala 'impressing on them the importance of this case'.
Wicklow People
Monday, 26 February 2007
Permission sought to build new sewage facility at Ballyraine Lower Plans lodged for e35m sewage treatment plant
Mystery still surrounds a shock new plan to build Arklow's long-awaited e35 million sewage treatment plant on a new site in Ballyraine Lower.
A council-built facility has been earmarked for Seabank, but objections have delayed the project in the courts for the past 10 years.
But now a private developer has applied for planning permission to build a sewage treatment facility big enough to cater for a population equivalent of 45,000 on a new site.
The facility could then be leased back to the council, saving them the set-up costs of their own plant.
But Wicklow County Council officials say they know nothing about the development and are still committed to their own Seabank scheme, which comes up before the courts again on March 20.
Pipeline
'Our scheme has been in the pipeline for a long time and we have no intention of abandoning it,' said council spokesperson Phillip Duffy.
Mr Duffy said the planning permission documents and environmental impact statement had not arrived at the council by yesterday, and he did not know who was behind the application.
The planning permission application is in the name of a Dublin solicitor, but the Wicklow People has learned that the development team includes local man Greg Kavanagh.
He was keeping tight-lipped this week, though.
'I won't be commenting at all, it's just too sensitive at the moment,' he said.
The location of the intended sewage plant is the marsh behind the new St Anne's Halting Site on the Vale Road.
This land was recently sold to the developers and workers were busy on the site on Tuesday.
News of the facility took almost everyone in Arklow by surprise this week, with Arklow council officials and councillors saying they were in the dark beforehand.
One theory suggests that if the treatment plant is not intended to be used for the town's sewage needs, it could signal the arrival of a major new industry in the town with heavy wastewater treatment requirements.
A council-built facility has been earmarked for Seabank, but objections have delayed the project in the courts for the past 10 years.
But now a private developer has applied for planning permission to build a sewage treatment facility big enough to cater for a population equivalent of 45,000 on a new site.
The facility could then be leased back to the council, saving them the set-up costs of their own plant.
But Wicklow County Council officials say they know nothing about the development and are still committed to their own Seabank scheme, which comes up before the courts again on March 20.
Pipeline
'Our scheme has been in the pipeline for a long time and we have no intention of abandoning it,' said council spokesperson Phillip Duffy.
Mr Duffy said the planning permission documents and environmental impact statement had not arrived at the council by yesterday, and he did not know who was behind the application.
The planning permission application is in the name of a Dublin solicitor, but the Wicklow People has learned that the development team includes local man Greg Kavanagh.
He was keeping tight-lipped this week, though.
'I won't be commenting at all, it's just too sensitive at the moment,' he said.
The location of the intended sewage plant is the marsh behind the new St Anne's Halting Site on the Vale Road.
This land was recently sold to the developers and workers were busy on the site on Tuesday.
News of the facility took almost everyone in Arklow by surprise this week, with Arklow council officials and councillors saying they were in the dark beforehand.
One theory suggests that if the treatment plant is not intended to be used for the town's sewage needs, it could signal the arrival of a major new industry in the town with heavy wastewater treatment requirements.
Arklow harbour and river to be dredged
Arklow harbour and the mouth of the Arklow River is set to be dredged for the first time in 20 years.
Harbour officials have applied for a permit from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to carry out the work and dump the sediment in a specified zone off the Arklow coast.
Harbourmaster James Heaney said sand and sediment had built up and was affecting the usability of the harbour at low tides.
He said a removal of the sediment might also help to alleviate some of the flooding risk in the town.
If permission is granted it is estimated the work will take approxamitely a month to complete, depending on weather conditions.
Harbour officials have applied for a permit from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to carry out the work and dump the sediment in a specified zone off the Arklow coast.
Harbourmaster James Heaney said sand and sediment had built up and was affecting the usability of the harbour at low tides.
He said a removal of the sediment might also help to alleviate some of the flooding risk in the town.
If permission is granted it is estimated the work will take approxamitely a month to complete, depending on weather conditions.
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