Anger was building in the Taylors Hill area this week, as a major development on the Lenaboy Castle site was given the go-ahead.

Lenaboy Castle.

Despite over 70 individual objections to the development, Galway City Council has granted planning permission for the building of 128 residential units on the 11-acre site. Plans for the historic site, which is owned by the Sisters of Mercy, also include the construction of a five-storey apartment building and crèche.

Residents have vowed to continue their opposition on the grounds that the new development is inconsistent with the city plan and shows a blatant disregard for 'the existing pattern of development'. Concerns have also been raised that the building will not enhance the existing built environment and will not encourage environmental improvements to existing residential areas.

Locals have also claimed that it would affect privacy, impact of traffic on residents and local schools and would disregard archaeological and personal reports concerning the history of the site and its importance to Galway.

A spokesperson for the Taylors Hill residents group this week urged the council to resist "blanket development" for the benefit of the city.

"Various residential groups within this area have requested the council to have the courage to resist this kind of blanket development and purchase this last green area of Galway for the benefit of everyone in the city, rather than merely the owners and developers.

"Suggestions ranging from a study centre, park, or civic reception area have all been made. This is Heritage Week and Galway celebrates the week by allowing the concreting over of a significant part of its heritage. Is this something we should allow?"

Thirty-four conditions have been attached to the development and under the terms, €1.4 million must be given to the city council towards the cost of services for the area. €275,000 must also be paid by the applicant for junction improvements at Taylors Hill Road and Maunsells Road. The phasing of traffic lights at the Rosary Lane/Taylors Hill junction are also to be amended to an 80 second cycle to reduce queuing.

However, residents are now said to be considering appealing the development and a meeting is to be held to coordinate communications with An Bord Pleanála at 8pm on Thursday 4 September at the Ardilaun Hotel. All interested parties are invited to attend.

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