Urgent: Glenamaddy Ulster Bank Accommodation Plans REJECTED

UPDATE: Plans to convert the former Ulster Bank in Glenamaddy into self-catering accommodation have been officially REJECTED by county planners. This urgent decision comes as the historic three-storey building, closed for over a decade, will not see any transformation into residential use.

Earlier today, Galway County Council announced the refusal of Joscom Ltd’s proposal, which sought to create 9 bedrooms with a total of 31 single beds, along with five bathrooms and an external living area. The council’s assessment revealed that the work had already commenced prior to the permission request, indicating a need for retention approval rather than a new application.

Planners cited multiple concerns in their decision, stating that the design presented was substandard and unacceptable for residential purposes. Additionally, issues regarding the impact on the protected structure, as well as problems related to wastewater management and vehicle access, further influenced the ruling.

This development carries significant implications for the community, as the future of this long-vacant site remains uncertain. The refusal highlights ongoing tensions between preservation of historical structures and the demand for new housing solutions in small towns.

What remains unclear is the next step for Joscom Ltd and the local community regarding this key site. As discussions continue, residents are keenly aware of how this decision will shape Glenamaddy’s development landscape moving forward.

Stay tuned for more updates on this pressing issue as it unfolds.