An environmental watchdog has lodged an official objection to the proposed €100 million ‘Bonham Quay’ offices and retail development planned for Galway Docks.
The Galway Association of An Taisce, in a 14-page submission to planners, warns that the development planned for the two-acres former Topaz Oil storage facility is “premature”.
An Taisce argues the development should be refused in its own right, because it does not contain a minimum 30% residential content.
The association also argues that Local Area Plans need to be drawn up for the Ceannt Station and Inner Harbour areas before a plan of this scale could be considered in that part of the city centre.
They also argue that the decision should be “refused or delayed” until An Bord Pleanála makes its decision on the ‘live’ application to extend Galway Harbour.
Gerry Barrett – the developer who exited NAMA two years ago when Edward Holdings’ loans were sold off at a discount – last month submitted plans to the City Council for a €100 million ‘urban quarter’ at Galway Docks.
It includes 26,000 square metres of office space in four blocks; as well as 2,000 square metres of retail space and restaurants with views over the Docks and Galway Bay.
He said the six and seven-storey buildings would create 500 construction jobs and office space for 2,600 workers.
Last week, in a separate application from the same development company, Mr Barrett lodged an application for a residential development in an adjacent area of the same site.
The plan for the ‘Queen Street Development’ student accommodation is for 345 en-suite bedrooms to begin adjacent to the United Methodist and Presbyterian Church in Victoria Place.
For further coverage of An Taisce’s objection, see this week’s Galway City Tribune. Buy a digital edition of this week’s paper here, or download the app for Android or iPhone.
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