An Irish Planning Students Blog

Controversial plans for a €50m shopping centre and discount foodstore in Carrick-on-Suir, together with a new river bridge, have been rejected by An Bord Pleanála.

The major retail development, which was to include an anchor supermarket and 12 smaller outlets, was turned down on Thursday in a judgment that reversed the local Town Council’s approval of planning permission.

The planning appeal board’s decision has prompted a strong reaction from both supporters and opponents of the project, which was expected to bring up to 150 jobs to the area. While one public representative described the decision as “a major blow”, a group representing business people said it was “a great opportunity for Carrick-on-Suir”.

The plans put forward by Limerick-based Riussuir Developments included an anchor supermarket, 12 retail and commercial units and 326 parking spaces, as well as a separate discount supermarket with 142 parking spaces on a 3.45 hectare riverside site, next to Seán Healy Park on the Clonmel Road.

Also included in the plans were a new roundabout on the N24 and a new road bridge spanning the River Suir, which would link the Clonmel Road with Coolnamuck on the Co. Waterford side of the river.

An Bord Pleanála rejected the proposed development on the grounds that it would be located on a flood plain and would also be detrimental to existing businesses in the town centre.
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AN BORD Pleanála has overturned the decision of Meath County Council to allow the construction of a business and technology park in the grounds of Carton House, one of Ireland’s most important Georgian mansions.

The joint venture between NUI Maynooth and Glashrooneen Ltd would “seriously injure the setting of Carton House” and would be contrary to the proper and sustainable development of the area, An Bord Pleanála said.

In its ruling An Bord Pleanála describes Carton House and its estate as “one of the most important elements of Ireland’s architectural, cultural and historic heritage” and as having “international significance”.

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