New Galway city hotel plan approved following neighbours appeal

An Bord Pleanála has approved planning permission for the development of a new hotel in Galway city centre.

The project consists in the demolition of two derelict buildings on Nun’s Island – buildings No 26 and No 34 – and the development of a three-storey over part-basement boutique hotel of 1239 sqm, containing a total of 34 bedrooms.

The hotel will include a balcony at first floor level to the rear façade accessed off Nun’s Island Street with secondary, pedestrian-only, access off the waterside laneway to rear, and with associated landscaping to include an internal courtyard.

The project was approved by Galway City Council in spring 2022, however, its decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by the owners of the building No 25, a property next to the chosen site.

In the appeal, they argued that the basement level of the new development would have a “serious impact” on the stability of their property.

They added that the project would “set a precedent for inappropriate postmodern buildings and architecture which are completely at variance with the style, tone and materials used in the street at present.”

Other issues raised included increased traffic and lack of car parking spaces in the Nun’s Island area.

In November 2023, An Bord Pleanála confirmed the council’s decision and approved the project with 21 revised conditions.

Among them, An Bord Pleanála explained that, in order to conserve the archaeological heritage of the area, the developer has to facilitate the archaeological appraisal of the site and “shall provide for the preservation, recording and protection of archaeological materials or features which may exist within the site”.

An Bord Pleanála added that a full architectural survey of buildings proposed for demolition has to be carried out and submitted to the planning authority prior to commencement of development.

Also, prior to commencement of development, “a construction methodology statement indicating the means proposed to ensure the protection of the structural stability and fabric of the house and common boundary treatment of the protected structure at No 25 Nun’s Island shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the planning authority.”

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