Green light given for new housing estate in Athenry

PLANNING permission has been granted for a private housing estate in Athenry which is set to deliver 136 new homes.

The project was approved by Galway County Council earlier this month, subject to the applicants, Athenry Luxury Housing Developments Ltd, adhering to the 31 conditions attached.

These included complying with several road safety measures, the provision for the charging of electric vehicles on site, the provision of water services and that 20 per cent of the central area of the proposed public open space be dedicated, developed and maintained as a pollinator zone.

The Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) is earmarked for a total site of 4.34hectares (10.7acres), located in the townlands of Raheen, Ballygarraun North and Ballygarraun South.

It will consist of 104 three-bedroom homes, 21 two-bedroom units, as well as 11 four-bedroom homes. A separate single-storey dwelling is already built on the site.

A number of submissions were lodged regarding the planned development. They included one from a resident of the area who voiced concerns surrounding potential flooding risks and the impact the development could have on the privacy of existing residential properties in the area.

Another submission objected to the development regarding the designs of the homes and claiming that they would generate increased traffic leading to excessive noise and light pollution.

The possible traffic disruptions in the area and the safety of existing residents during construction was mooted in another of the objections.

The greenfield site for the 136-unit LRD is located on the Raheen Road (L3103) and is connected to Athenry town via existing pedestrian walkways and public lighting.

The housing development will contain one vehicular entrance from the Raheen Road and two pedestrian and cyclist entrances. A footpath and cycleway will be placed at the front of the development as well as a raised zebra crossing on the Raheen Road.