Planning case 2660551

The council’s formal grounds for this decision. Planner assessment and later appeal outcomes are separate.

1. On the basis of the planning history of the site and the submissions made in connection with the application, the proposed development concerns a site, the use of which is unauthorised for camping. The proposed wastewater treatment system would facilitate the consolidation of this unauthorised development. Accordingly, it is considered that it would be inappropriate for the Planning Authority to consider the grant of permission for the proposed development in such circumstances. In addition to this, the unauthorised camping use is located in a remote rural area with no proximity to tourist amenities or demand, that is not serviced. As such the proposed development would conflict with Objective ECON O52 (Location of Tourism Accommodation) of the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028, which supports tourism accommodation where it complements the rural character and is appropriately located. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

   Official final decision · PDF page 2

2. Water is being abstracted from Kilbreedy Lake to serve the unauthorised camping site and the applicant has failed to provide evidence that this would not have an adverse impact on the water source, that measures are in place to protect the water quality of the lake or that the water supply would meet the required EU and national standards for water consumption. The proposal is therefore contrary to Objective IN O8 Private Water Supply of the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028 and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

   Official final decision · PDF page 2

3. Having regard to the information submitted with the application, the scale of the waste water treatment system and number of people it would serve in an area of land that is subject to extreme ground water vulnerability, it is considered that the proposal would be prejudicial to public health and would be contrary to Objective IN O11 Private Waste Water Treatment of the Limerick Development Plan (2022- 2028).

   Official final decision · PDF page 2

4. The waste water treatment system is located within an area of extreme ground water vulnerability and there is a direct hydrological connection from the lake to the Maigue River which is a potential pathway to the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (002165) and River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA (004077). In addition to this the site is located less than 1km from the Askeaton Fen Complex SAC (002279). As no details are included in relation to water abstraction from the lake on site, the fact that potential pathways have been identified and given the concerns raised regarding waste water treatment, the Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the proposed development individually or in combination with other plans or projects, would not result in adverse effects on the integrity of these named European sites and their conservation objectives. The proposed development is therefore contrary to Objective EH O1 Designated Sites and Habitats Directive and proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

   Official final decision · PDF page 2

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