Objections lifted against Doughiska school

The withdrawal of planning objections against two new schools for Doughiska has been widely welcomed.

Independent Cllr Terry O’ Flaherty is among those who have backed the construction of a new primary and secondary school for the area and said she is delighted that the objections submitted to An Bord Pleanala have been revoked.

The project had been delayed by objections by local residents to the construction of a roadway though the Tur Uisce estate and Cllr O’Flaherty added that it was “absolutely madness” to expect local residents to agree on a route so close to their homes, as there are over one hundred and forty houses in this estate.

“Numerous meetings have taken place with the residents in Tur Uisce, the Doughiska Roscam Ardaun (DRA) Residents Association, City Council Officials, CEO of the VEC and also the Councillors from the Galway City East Ward with the main issue being the construction of a roadway through the Tur Uisce estate to the schools, said Cllr. O'Flaherty.

“When these schools are fully functional, they will cater for almost twelve hundred pupils and staff and it is evident from other schools around the city that there would be major traffic complications, which would be impossible for residents to deal with.”

The Independent Cllr continued to say that the issue could have been resolved a long time ago when the residents made it clear that they would not accept the proposed road or the use of their entrance, as this would cause mayhem particularly in the mornings.

“Proposals were made to the City Council officials to consider constructing an alternative roadway adjacent to the bus corridor and to create a new entrance but remarkably this request was not a consideration whatsoever for the Council.

“Tur Uisce residents were left with no option but to submit an objection to An Bord Pleanala, when their pleas were not being considered and arising from this, the six councillors signed a motion to materially alter the City Development Plan to allow for the a new roadway and entrance to facilitate the new schools.”

Cllr O’ Flaherty went on to say that when this motion was placed on the agenda at the last City Council meeting, the officials involved “finally acceded” to their request.

“It is a great pity that this was left until the final hour and I hope that lessons have been learnt from this situation.”

Cllr O’Flaherty said that she had nothing but the highest praise for the dignified way all the residents organisations involved dealt with the issue.  

The local community can now look forward to the two new schools, which will cater for the growing population in the Doughiska, Roscam and the surrounding areas.