Go-ahead for houses in Ballina

Concern over presence of Japanese Knotweed

Tipperary Co Council has granted conditional planning permission for 13 houses in Ballina, despite receiving numerous objections from local residents.

Lough Derg Marina Ltd applied for permission for 13 detached dwelling units on a four-hectare site at Lakeview, Cullenagh. The units are designed with optional basements, “which may/may not be constructed”. A substantial area of public parkland is included in the plan, together with associated site works.

The council received 14 submissions from local residents, in which a series of concerns were raised. Among them was the presence of Japanese Knotweed at the site. Several submissions voiced fear of the invasive species spreading to neighbouring properties.

One resident said they were “extremely concerned about the inadequate management of Japanese Knotweed that was found at part of the site”. They said the treatment could have led to the spread of knotweed across the site. “We are concerned that further development could cause it to spread further to existing houses nearby”.

Elsewhere, issues were raised over the size and style of the proposed houses, visual impact on the shore of Lough Derg, and traffic hazard. A number of those making submissions claimed the application did not adhere to the Cullenagh Master Plan, which has been guiding development of the estate since 2006, while further concerns were raised over the ownership, management and maintenance of the proposed public parkland.

Following a lengthy assessment of the case, the council granted planning permission subject to 21 conditions. Among these is a requirement for the developer to submit a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan prior to developing the site. The plan is to identify the most appropriate management option to eradicate the invasive species from the site.

The council has also informed Lough Derg Marina Ltd that development of the houses cannot commence until the ongoing upgrading works at Ballina's wastewater treatment plant are complete.

Agreement in principle has been reached to supply two housing units to the council in accordance with Part V of the Planning and Development Act.

Michelle McNamara of Lough Derg Marina Ltd undertook to supply two units “off-site” to meet the Part V commitment. The two units are part of another planning application from the same company, which was refused permission by the council earlier this year. The decision on this application, which sought the provision of a two-bedroom and three-bedroom dwelling over two storeys at Lakelands, has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. The case is to be decided on next month.

Lough Derg Marina Ltd previously received outline permission for the provision of eight detached dwelling units and a substantial area of public parkland at Lakeview, for which the council granted conditional permission in 2022.