Refusal decisions · 17–23 Aug 2026

The applicant has failed to satisfactorily address the concerns raised by the Planning Authority in relation to the design, scale and massing of the proposed dwelling and garage/private store. By reason of its overall bulk, scale, visual complexity and proliferation of architectural features, the proposed dwelling would appear visually obtrusive and would not assimilate satisfactorily into the rural landscape. Furthermore, the proposed garage/private store, by reason of its size, scale and visual presence, is not considered subordinate to the proposed dwelling. The proposed development is therefore contrary to Policy Objective RH 9, DM Standard 1 (Qualitative Assessment Design Quality), DM Standard 6 (Domestic Garages), DM Standard 8 (Design and Layout of New Dwellings in Rural Areas) and Appendix V of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028. The proposed development would detract from the visual amenity and rural character of the area and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area 3 Footnote: An

1. The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the structure subject to this retention application constitutes a bona fide shed structure ancillary to the enjoyment of the dwelling house on site. Having regard to the scale, design and layout of the structure, the submitted plans and observations made during the site inspection, the Planning Authority is not satisfied that the structure is used solely for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling. The Planning Authority notes that the structure contains characteristics not ordinarily associated with a domestic storage shed, including extensive internal partitioning, domestic-style fittings, servicing infrastructure and facilities associated with recreational and habitable use. Accordingly, the proposed development fails to demonstrate compliance with Development Management Standard 6: Domestic Garages (Urban and Rural) of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
2. Development Management Standard 38: Effluent Treatment Plants of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 requires that the suitability of a site for the treatment of wastewater be demonstrated in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency Wastewater Treatment Manuals and that adequate wastewater treatment facilities are available to serve the development. The application form indicates that the retained structure is served by an existing Proprietary P10 Effluent Treatment System with associated percolation area. The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the wastewater treatment system serving the retained structure has the benefit of planning permission or that the suitability and capacity of the treatment system to accommodate the retained development have been satisfactorily demonstrated. Accordingly, the Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the proposed development would not be prejudicial to public health and therefore considers the proposal to be contrary to Development Management Standard 38 of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 and contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
3. In the absence of satisfactory documentary evidence from the provider of a suitable water supply to the subject site in accordance with DM Standards 36 and 37, and the details as contained in the application form, the Planning Authority consider that the proposed development would be contrary to the aforementioned provisions of the Galway County Galway Development Plan 2022- 2028, would be prejudicial to the health of those persons using the structure, and would thereby be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 3 Footnote: An

Accordingly, to grant the development as proposed would set an undesirable precedent for similar future development in the area therefore would be contrary to the principles of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 3 Footnote: An

1. Please see attached sheet for
2. To permit the proposal having regard to the following: - the lack of justification for the site selection and the unconventional site boundary configuration, - the development footprint traversing natural field boundaries and obliterating a significant segment of mature linear vegetation cover, - the suburban form and excessive scale and bulk of the proposed development, would result in a built form and use that would not fit appropriately or integrate effectively into this rural setting, and would contravene materially Policy Objective RH9 and DM Standard 8 of the Galway County Development Plan. Accordingly, to grant the proposed development would interfere with the character of the landscape, would detract from the visual amenity of the area, would militate against the preservation of the rural environment, would contravene materially development objectives and a development management standard contained in Galway County Development Plan and would be contrary to the Galway Rural Design Guidelines and to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
3. Having regard to the scale, extent and location of the subject development site and absence of an archaeological impact assessment being carried out to fully assess the impact of the proposed development on the archaeology in the area namely Recorded Monument GA-056-061, it is considered that the development would materially contravene Policy Objectives ARC 4, 5 & 10 of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 in relation to the protection of archaeology and therefore would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
4. To permit the proposal would be premature pending the determination of Strategic Infrastructure Development (PA07.319307) and would have further potential to contravene SPPR 2 of the Draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) with respect to the requisite set back distances from wind turbine infrastructure and therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 3 Footnote: An

1. Having regard to the information provided with the application, the lack of a satisfactory justification, the comments and observations received from the Environment Authority, and noting the proximity to the Ross Lake and Woods SAC which is downgradient from the subject site, the Planning Authority are not satisfied that the proposed development, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, would not be likely to have a significant effect on the integrity of the Ross Lake and Woods SAC in view of the sites’ conservation objectives and particularly during construction and operation phase of the development. Furthermore, a number of deficiencies were identified in the submitted Natura Impact Statement, and the Planning Authority is not satisfied that the information submitted is sufficient to enable a complete assessment of the potential effects of the proposed development on the SAC. Therefore, if permitted as proposed, the Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of a European site in view of its conservation objectives and would materially contravene Policy Objective NHB 2 and Policy Objective NHB 3 and DM Standard 50 of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
2. The proposed development is located along the N-59 National Road where the maximum speed limit applies. Based on the information submitted and having regard to the increased intensity of use of an existing entrance on a national road that would arise as a result of the proposed development, it is considered that if permitted as proposed, the development would interfere with the safety and free flow of traffic on the public road and would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard, obstruction of road users, or otherwise, and therefore would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 3 Footnote: An

Having regard to the following; • the deficit in respect to adequate in situ road infrastructure directly serving the site, • the implementation of necessary construction and augmentation works to facilitate for appropriate access provision being outside the planning unit and not being within the remit of the applicant. Accordingly to grant the proposal in light of the aforementioned lacunae would constitute disorderly and haphazard development and therefore if permitted would endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard or obstruction of wider road users and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 3 Footnote: An

Having regard to the following; • the deficit in respect to adequate in situ road infrastructure directly serving the site, • the implementation of necessary construction and augmentation works to facilitate for appropriate access provision being outside the planning unit and not being within the remit of the applicant, Accordingly to grant the proposal in light of the aforementioned lacunae would constitute disorderly and haphazard development and therefore if permitted would endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard or obstruction of wider road users and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 3 Footnote: An