GAA plans for centre in chaos
Plans to build a new €3m state-of-the-art GAA centre of excellence in Longford were dealt a major blow last night (Tuesday) after An Bord Pleanala sensationally refused permission for its go-ahead.
Reasons outlined by the state's planning authority as to why the plans for the centre at Lyneen, Killashee were thrown out are not expected to be made until today (Wednesday) but documents seen by the Leader show the board made their ruling based on three main issues.
According to its final judgement, the proposed development contradicts guidelines contained in the Longford Development Plan 2009-2015. It states the proposed development which included three full sized training pitches, a two storey clubhouse and a series of other training facilities would "adversely affect the high amenity and landscape quality" of its setting.
Secondly, the board went outlined concerns over potential flooding issues at the site. "It is considered the site is unsuitable for the development of playing fields and by reason of the proposed raising of site levels would constitute an increased risk of flooding on adjacent levels," a statement read.
The third contributary factor dealt with doubts about the development's traffic management plans. The proposed centre would "endanger public safety" due to visibility issues, the board concluded.
The decision was made following the lodgement of an appeal with An Bord Pleanala six months after Longford County Council granted conditional planning for the development. The permission had 23 conditions attached at the time.
Two separate submissions were made to An Bord Pleanala following the Co Council's decision - although the submission from Seamus Quinn of Mastertech Consulatancy Bureau Ltd was subsequently withdrawn.
The other appeal was made on behalf of local resident, Bernadette O'Dowd by a local firm Vitruvius Hibernicus Limited.
Meanwhile, leading officials from within Longford's GAA Co Board have expressed their disappointment at the decision with one executive member describing the announcement as a "major blow" to the board's future plans going forward.
"I am shocked it has been refused," said PRO, John Duffy.
"I haven't had any official correspondence but if it is true then obviously I am very disappointed to hear that. It's a blow to Longford Co Board's plans and I am sure there will be meetings called over the next few days to discuss this. We will be getting our experts to look at it and all avenues will be explored."
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Weather for Longford, Ireland
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 5 mph
Wind direction: North west
