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Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
New service station to be built outside Gorey despite appeal – ‘you have failed to identity the obvious potential safety problems'
Situated in Knockmullen on the R741 regional approach road to Gorey, an application to develop the service station was submitted to Wexford County Council (WCC) in July of last year by Mr Pat and Tom Redmond. WCC granted planning permission to the applicants on February 19, 2025 but did so only after approving the 'material contravention' of the Gorey Local Area Plan (LAP) so that a service station could be developed at this location. A material contravention occurs when a planning application significantly deviates from the objectives of the local development plan, but the planning authority (WCC) deems it necessary for the area's sustainable development. In its first planning report on August 26 of last year, WCC stated that the site is in 'an area zoned Business and Technology Park where a petrol station is not normally acceptable' and that, as a result, 'the proposal would therefore be a material contravention of the Local Area Plan'. However, following a request for further information including a revised road safety audit, WCC's updated planning report (December 17, 2024) stated that its roads department considered the development to 'be acceptable' and recommended that a material contravention be applied. Prior to planning being granted, the chief executive of WCC approved the development on the grounds that the service station will provide local facilities for car users on 'one of the main routes into the town', that it will 'provide ten electric vehicle recharging points which are currently lacking in the Gorey area', and a 'changing places' facility which will enhance the network of services that brings dignity for people with a range of disabilities'. The chief executive also noted the service station will bring 'additional employment opportunities and investment to Gorey' before the application was approved by local councillors. Opposing the development, Mr Oliver Lynn, who owns a property opposite the site, objected to the changes in road layout which will 'obstruct access' to his home and argued that the road safety audit had 'failed to identity the obvious potential safety problems within the scheme' and failed to provide 'recommendations to minimise collision occurrence and severity'. He also argued that the new road junction design would result in an 'increased risk of side-on collision for traffic turning right into the private laneway', 'increase congestion' beside his home and that a 'private commercial entity should not be allowed to supersede the rights of users of the private laneway to safely and without obstruction, access their lands and homes'. After planning permission was granted for the service station, Mr Lynn lodged an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, the national planning authority, on March 14 of this year. ADVERTISEMENT In his appeal, he referenced the material contravention and stated his belief that his concerns were not 'adequately highlighted' in the process. 'Given the Gorey LAP is eight-years-old, it is not in keeping with proper planning and development to make a zoning change of this nature prior to the development of a new plan,' read his appeal. Mr Lynn's appeal also referenced the size of the development, stating that it was in excess of 100m2 and thus contravened the Wexford County Development Plan. On the issue of road safety, Mr Lynn's appeal stated that existing issues will be 'considerably worsened' by the development of a service station and that 'inadequate provision is (being) made for traffic entering (his) laneway approaching from the Gorey direction'. Highlighting the presence of a recorded monument on the development site, Mr Lynn also stated that he had not been notified of WCC's decision to approve planning permission until he contacted its offices. In their response to Mr Lynn's appeal (April 14, 2025), Mr Pat and Tom Redmond said the development had been permitted by WCC following a 'transparent and lawful application of the material contravention procedure'. 'From the outset the planning authority considered the development to be appropriate subject to resolution of identified issues,' they continued. 'There is no legal or policy bases to suggest that planning applications should be withheld or curtailed during the life of an extended local area plan. In relation to Mr Lynn's concerns regarding road safety, the applicants said the proposed development has been designed 'in accordance with all relevant road and traffic safety standards and guidance' and the road safety audit did not raise 'concerns about the proposed site entrance to the broader road network or the ability of the R 741 to safely accommodate the development'. They also contended that, in accordance with the Local Area Plan, the subject site does not lie 'within or in proximity to any recorded monuments, newly identified archaeological sites or areas classed as historic town and archaeological interest'. In his assessment of the case, planning inspector with An Coimisiún Pleanála Mr Peter Nelson addressed the issue of the material contravention and the applicants' other properties in the area. 'The proposed service station will be accommodated on a section of the Business and Technology Park (BTP) zoned lands in this location and I consider that there is adequate space on the remaining BTP lands and on the existing Hatch Lab site for its potential expansion and for similar types of units which will provide office space for start-ups. 'I also note that there is a large section of undeveloped BTP zoned lands on the Courtown Road. The applicant has submitted a letter stating that as the owner/landlord of the M11 Business Campus, where the Hatch Lab is located, they have struggled to secure tenants for the space since its completion in 2017. "They state they have an addition c.2,800 sqm of commercial space in Gorey that they are having difficulty leasing. Having regard to all of the above I consider that the proposed development will not prejudice the expansion on the existing Hatch Lab or the development of similar type enterprises. I also consider that there are currently adequate zoned lands for BTP use in Gorey. 'While recognising that the provision of a service station on BTP zoned lands is a material contravention on the LAP, I consider that given the site is located on the main approach to Gorey, to and from the M11, I consider that in principle that this location is acceptable for a service station. Being on the edge of the town the service station, which includes the provisions of ten electric car space will provide a service for Gorey town. "I note that the planner in his report considers the site is far enough off the M11 so as not to attract motorway users which would create additional unnecessary traffic to the southern part of the town. I consider that this would be the case.' With regards to the road safety concerns highlighted by Mr Lynn, the inspector stated that the 'proposed entrance with the new signalised junction will significantly slow the traffic along this section of the R741' and that 'cars travelling from Gorey will have adequate visibility and will safely be able to turn right into the laneway'. 'I do not consider that the scale of the development will result in an excess number of trips in/out per day so as to cause concern,' he continues, adding that the proposed service station will 'not cause undue traffic congestion' in this location. As Mr Lynn and Messrs Redmond had a difference of opinion regarding the presence of a recorded monument in the site location, Mr Nelson sought to provide clarity on this issue. Referencing the National Monuments Service's Historic Environment Viewer, Mr Nelson says it describes a 'circular enclosure defined by a slight fosse or drain' which is visible on Google Earth. In addition, archaeological testing by Seán Shanahan in the area immediately to the east of the central enclosure recovered a pit. As a result, Mr Nelson stated that the 'implication of the proposed development on any archaeology needs to be assessed'. 'I recommend that a condition be attached requiring the applicant to engage a suitably qualified archaeologist to carry out an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) including an archaeological impact statement and mitigation strategy, to be submitted for the written agreement of the planning authority in advance of any site preparation works, groundworks and/or construction works.' Recommending that permission be granted and that Mr Lynn's appeal be dismissed, Mr Nelson stated that 'the proposed development would be acceptable and would not seriously injure the amenities of the area and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety'. However, he did recommend that a number of conditions be applied to the application including a stipulation that the 'total net retail sales space of the forecourt shop shall not exceed 100m2', that 'all proposed car parking spaces shall be capable of accommodating functioning electric vehicle (EV) charging stations/points', and that the developer shall engage a 'suitably qualified (license eligible) archaeologist to carry out an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) . . . in advance of any site preparation works and groundworks'. , Following Mr Nelson's report, three members of the Coimisiún na Pleanála board (Chris McGarry, Mary Henchy, and Marie O'Connor) met on July 9 to assess his recommendation. They chose to accept Mr Nelson's recommendation and grant planning permission for the service station.
Irish Independent
30-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
McEvaddys apply for cargo hub on lands beside Dublin Airport
In the plans lodged with Fingal County Council, DA Terminal 3 Ltd is seeking planning permission for four aviation-related cargo handling units to operate on a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week basis and ancillary office space on a 30-acre site. In a cover letter lodged with plans, Joseph Corr and Francis Whelan of CWPA Planning and Architecture, state that the proposed development is a first but independent phase within an overall longer-term aviation-related development proposal for DA Terminal 3 Ltd's landholding. 'These longer-term development proposals include the development of Terminal 3 and the overall development of the western campus,' they state. The overall landholding extends to 106.46 hectares (263 acres). They say DA Terminal 3 is also working with key stakeholders and landowners to advance the western access road, the delivery of which is a significant objective of the Dublin Airport Local Area Plan. The CWPA Planning & Architecture report confirms that DA Terminal 3 has engaged with Fingal County Council on their strategic vision for these lands and presented concept proposals which outlined the nature and scale of the development proposed for the lands. The report states that while concept plans have been developed for the lands, the details have yet to be determined, and finalisation of the Department's updated aviation policy should feed into this. 'The plans for the overall lands are a longer-term project, and it would not be appropriate to develop these further at this point, pending agreement at government level that a third terminal is required and that the subject lands are the most appropriate lands for such a development,' they state. On the planned cargo scheme, the CWPA report states: 'The project will deliver long-term economic and operational benefits for Dublin Airport and the wider region.' The scheme represents 'a relatively small scale first phase' of the development of the 106-hectare holding, according to the report. They say that during the two-year construction phase, 160 jobs will be created. During the operational phase, it will create 313 warehousing jobs and 130 office jobs. The planning report by CWPA Planning & Architecture states that there is currently a deficit in cargo handling and aviation-related logistics, and this will be further exacerbated if permission is granted for an application by DAA, the operator of Dublin Airport, that includes the planned demolition of 29,101 sqm of cargo handling and logistics infrastructure. A decision is due in September.
The Journal
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Developers of third Dublin Airport terminal lodge plans for cargo hub
THE BROTHERS BEHIND plans to develop a third terminal at Dublin Airport have lodged plans for a new cargo development for their lands on the western campus of Dublin Airport. They suggest that the development will employ almost 450 people when operational. In the plans lodged with Fingal County Council, Desmond and Ulick McEvaddy's DA Terminal 3 Ltd is seeking planning permission for four aviation related cargo handling units to operate on a 24/7 basis and ancillary office space on a 30 acre site. In a cover letter lodged with plans, Joseph Corr and Francis Whelan of CWPA Planning and Architecture state that the proposed development is a first but independent phase within an overall longer term aviation-related development proposal for D.A. Terminal 3 Ltd's landholding. They state that 'these longer-term development proposals include the development of Terminal 3 and the overall development of the Western Campus'. They state that this overall land holding extends to 106.46 hectares and that DA Terminal 3 Ltd is also working with key stakeholders and landowners to advance the western access road, the delivery of which is a significant objective of the Dublin Airport Local Area Plan. The CWPA Planning & Architecture report confirms that DA Terminal 3 has engaged with Fingal County Council on their strategic vision for these lands and presented concept proposals which outlined the nature and scale of development proposed for the lands. Advertisement The report states that while concept plans have been developed for the lands, the details have yet to be determined, and finalisation of the Department's updated aviation policy should feed into this. 'The plans for the overall lands are a longer-term project, and it would not be appropriate to develop these further at this point, pending agreement at government level that a third terminal is required and that the subject lands are the most appropriate lands for such a development,' the report says. On the planned cargo scheme, the CWPA report states that 'the project will deliver long-term economic and operational benefits for Dublin Airport and the wider region'. The report states that the scheme represents 'a relatively small scale first phase' of the development of the 106 hectare holding. It says that during the two year long construction phase, an additional 160 jobs will be created. This would be followed by 313 warehousing jobs and 130 office jobs during the operational phase. The planning report says that there is currently a deficit in cargo handling and aviation related logistics, and this would be further exacerbated if permission is granted for an application by the Dublin Airport authority that includes the planned demolition of 29,101 sqm of cargo handling and logistics infrastructure. A decision is due in September.
Irish Times
29-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
McEvaddy brothers submit outline plan to council for cargo development on land beside Dublin Airport
Des and Ulick McEvaddy's DA Terminal 3 Ltd has lodged plans for a new cargo development for their lands on the western campus of Dublin Airport that will employ almost 450 people when operational. In the plans lodged with Fingal County Council, DA Terminal 3 Ltd is seeking planning permission for four aviation-related cargo handling units to operate on a 24 hour, seven days a week basis and ancillary office space on a 30-acre site. In a cover letter lodged with the plans, Joseph Corr and Francis Whelan of CWPA Planning and Architecture, state that the proposed development was a first but independent phase, within an overall longer term development proposal for DA Terminal 3 Ltd's landholding. These 'include the development of Terminal 3 and the overall development of the western campus'. READ MORE They state that the overall landholding extends to 106.46 hectares (263 acres) and that DA Terminal 3 is also working with key stakeholders and landowners to advance the western access road, the delivery of which is a significant objective of the Dublin Airport Local Area Plan. CWPA's report confirms that DA Terminal 3 has engaged with Fingal on its strategic vision for the lands. The report describes the plan as a 'longer-term project, and it would not be appropriate to develop these further at this point, pending agreement at Government level that a third ][airport] terminal is required and that the subject lands are the most appropriate lands for such a development'. On the planned cargo scheme, the CWPA report states that 'the project will deliver long-term economic and operational benefits for Dublin Airport and the wider region'. . The report states that during the two-year long construction phase, some 160 jobs would be created. During the operational phase, the scheme would create 313 warehousing jobs and 130 office roles. A decision is due in September.
Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
‘It's as if the Wexford Borough ends at The Faythe' – Neglected roads and footpaths are an ‘absolute disgrace'
Today at 21:00 Although Wexford's new electoral borders were redrawn over seven years ago there remain parts of the county which are up for dispute. One such area, on the outskirts of Wexford town, is suffering from being part of the (relatively) newly-formed Borough District according to a councillor from the neighbouring Rosslare Municipal District (RMD). Speaking at the July meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC), Councillor Lisa McDonald said Sinnottstown Lane was not technically part of the RMD but was, traditionally at least, home to those whom she represents. 'Sinnottstown Lane is an absolute disgrace to the council, the barrier at the top of the road was knocked down by a car some months ago and it hasn't been fixed,' she said. 'It's going from bad to worse, you can't walk down that road, there's no footpaths, and yet all the financial contributions (for its upkeep) are coming from the businesses there. "It's as if the Wexford Borough District ends at The Faythe or thereabouts, but this is in the Wexford District and it needs investment badly, and at the moment it's not being addressed.' Senior planner Diarmuid Heuston informed Cllr McDonald that works were planned on Sinnottstown Lane in the future and that the area would feature prominently in the Wexford Town Local Area Plan which will guide the town's development up to 2040.
