Development of New Private Housing Approved by Colm Croffy

By Colm Croffy

With the Creagh Social and Affordable Estates nearly fully occupied, and the Canal Harbour Complex nearing completion for autumn—where it is anticipated there may be some units released on the market—and three more bungalows being planned for River St, alongside the three that are being roofed beside Fred’s, there is further good news for house buyers.
A new housing development has been approved, with permission granted to Jacqueline Kenny to build 50 homes close to the town centre, despite some significant local objections.
The development fits with the Local Development Plan, under which there is capacity to build up to 850 new homes, and aligns with the Galway County Development Plan 2022–28, which defines Ballinasloe as a Key Town and earmarks it for substantial population growth.
The development will be built in the Poolboy/Dunlo area and comprises 46 two-storey houses (six two-bedroom units and 40 three-bedroom units), and a further four four-bedroom houses. The site is located approximately 750 metres south of the town centre, adjacent to the Dun Esker estate and with the Tesco superstore to the north.
Each unit will also include a garage with provision for electric vehicle charging. Garages will be attached to each house, with a 33.5m² private terrace built above the garage. Houses will also have a courtyard with space for additional parking. It is envisaged that there will be parking for 105 cars in total, with 11 spaces reserved for visitors and the remainder allocated to residents.
The development also includes associated roads and services, with internal roadways and cycle paths developed from the existing roundabout. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to walk or cycle from the new development to the town centre via the Dun Esker estate.
The developers will also provide just over one hectare of adjoining public open space, which will include walking routes, seating areas, a fitness area and an outdoor gym, a kick-about area, a playground, and landscaped areas including planting.
Sale of the houses is restricted to individuals and families, rather than corporate bodies. Twenty per cent of the development will be earmarked for affordable housing in line with the Part V obligation of the Planning and Development Act 2000, by which a percentage of each private development is designated for social and affordable housing.
Approval was granted subject to 27 planning conditions, including the addition of pedestrian access to Cluain Bui and Dun Esker, and the provision of pedestrian and cycle access to Beechlawn Heights.
The planners also requested that development take place in phases, with Phase One to include the development of the public open spaces between the site and Eiscir Riada.
There will also be a road safety audit by an independent auditor on completion of the development, and the developer will maintain the landscaped and open spaces for three years after construction is complete.
It will be the first private housing estate in the town in a considerable period of time.
Meanwhile, construction work is also starting on the 16 new residential units at Dooley’s Corner.