Urgent Appeal Filed Against Oughterard Sports Development Plans

UPDATE: An urgent appeal has been lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála against a significant sports development in Oughterard, just weeks after county planners granted permission for the project. This development, located off Pier Road, aims to enhance the local sports facilities by adding a new multi-sports pitch, lighting, and various upgrades to the existing rugby pitch.

The proposed project also includes several ball courts, amenity areas, and a new building equipped with toilets and showers, all designed to improve community access to sports. However, local residents are raising serious concerns about the potential impact on traffic and safety. They argue that Pier Road is unsuitable for two-way traffic, particularly given the anticipated increase in vehicle volume, including buses and emergency service vehicles.

This marks a pivotal moment for the community, as the original proposal for the site was rejected several years ago over similar concerns. Now, with revised plans finally approved, residents are taking action to halt the project, citing significant worries about road safety and congestion.

Local authorities granted permission for the development last month, but the higher planning authority will now review the appeal, with a decision expected in 2024. Community members are urging officials to reconsider, emphasizing that the current infrastructure cannot support the expected traffic influx.

The outcome of this appeal is critical, not only for the future of sports in Oughterard but also for the safety and quality of life for residents. As discussions unfold, the community remains on edge, eager to see how the planning authority will respond to their concerns.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the implications of the appeal could reshape the future of local sports facilities and community safety in Oughterard.