News February 2012

NATIONAL NEWS Guidelines on Spatial Planning and National Roads 2012 Ministers Hogan and Varadkar published the Statutory Guidelines on Spatial Planning and National Roads on 31st January, 2012. The draft Guidelines were issues in September, 2010. The Guidelines are aimed at ensuring that local authorities, in their planning and transport roles work proactively with the National Roads Authority ensuring that transport and land use planning considerations are taken into account at the early stages of both development plan and development management processes. This is to ensure that future development in the vicinity of national roads is guided to the most suitable location and that development on the national roads network is planned for and managed in a complementary and integrated manner. The guidelines set out a clear national policy framework that local authorities will use in guiding development essential to Ireland’s economic recovery to the most appropriate locations. The guidelines highlight the need for early engagement and dialogue between the NRA and planning authorities in respect of devising appropriate policies and objectives for managing development within the broader context of the national road network and functions. These guidelines will primarily apply to the national roads network and set out policy with regard to planning considerations relating to development affecting national roads outside the 50-kph speed limit zones for cities, towns and villages. The guidelines are issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, thereby underpinned by statute. Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála area required to have regard to the guidelines in carrying out their functions under the Planning Acts. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Review Minister Phil Hogan, T.D., published a plan on 31st January, 2012 for the implementation of the recommendations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Review Group on the scope, mandate, structure and performance of the EPA, presented its report in May 2011. This report contains 58 recommendations across a number of different themes such as governance, resources and licensing. Some of the recommendations include: • completion of Ireland’s ratification of the Aarhus Convention; • clarification of the relationship between water authorities and the EPA, • minimising overlap and duplication, particularly in the area of monitoring; continuation and extension of the process of making licence performance and enforcement information available on-line; and • establishment of a specialist Advisory Committee on the interaction between the environment and human health. The report of the Review Group and the implementation plan are available on www.environ.ie. Registration and Inspection of septic tanks Following the signing into law of the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 at the end of January, 2012, Minister Hogan will shortly issue consultation guidelines on the registration and inspection of septic tanks. • Practical operational requirements that will be included in the guidelines: • Ensuring that roof water or surface water run-off is not allowed enter the treatment system; • That grey-water from washing machines and sinks is being treated in the system; • Are the pipe-works and vents of a system blocked or obstructed; • Are manhole covers and other components of the system of good working order or sealed where appropriate; • Any mechanical or electrical components of the system, for example pumps or alarms, are fit for purpose; • Recommendations will be included regarding the frequencies with which systems should be emptied or de-sludged To act as an incentive for owners to register early, the registration fee has been set at €5 instead of the proposed €50 for the first three months, i.e. before the 30th June 2012 and avail of the lower fee. The deadline for registration is March 2013. RECENT AN BORD PLEANÁLA DECISIONS OF NOTE National Paediatric Hospital PL29N.PA0024 The application by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board for the construction of a 392-bed in-patient plus 53 day care bed National Paediatric Hospital at Eccles Street, Dublin, including demolition of existing buildings, has been refused permission by An Bord Pleanála on 21st February, 2012 for three reasons as follows: The proposed Children’s Hospital of Ireland, by its nature, requires a substantial floor area, in excess of 100,000 square metres, to accommodate the operational needs of the hospital. However, the footprint afforded to the proposed development on the Mater Campus, (circa 2 hectares), has resulted in a proposal for a very significant building in terms of bulk and height, including a 164 metre long ward block, rising to 74 metres above ground. Notwithstanding the general acceptability of the proposal in terms of medical co-location on this inner city hospital site, it is considered that the proposed development, by reason of its height, scale, form and mass, located on this elevated site, would result in a dominant, visually incongruous structure and would have a profound negative impact on the appearance and visual amenity of the city skyline. The proposed development would contravene policy SC18 of the Dublin City Development Plan, 2011-2017, which seeks to protect and enhance the skyline of the inner city and to ensure that all proposals for mid-rise and taller buildings make a positive contribution to the urban character of the city. Furthermore, the development as proposed, notwithstanding the quality of the design, would be inconsistent with, and adversely affect, the existing scale and character of the historic city and the established character of the local area and would seriously detract from the setting and character of protected structures, streetscapes and areas of conservation value and, in particular, the vistas of O’Connell Street and North Great George’s Street. Having regard to the site masterplan for the Mater Campus submitted with this application, it is also considered that the proposed development, as configured, would constitute overdevelopment of the site. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The Board’s Inspector also recommended refusal for non compliance with the Phibsborough/Mountjoy Local Area Plan 2008, which provides for a children’s hospital on the Mater Campus, but the Board considered that the Local Area Plan was sufficiently flexible in relation to development options for this site and therefore did not agree with the Inspector that the proposed development would contravene this plan. The Inspector also recommended refusal on the basis of inadequate staff car parking, but the Board considered, given the central and accessible location of the site, that the quantum of car parking proposed, subject to operational management measures, would be acceptable. In assessing the proposed development, the Inspector commented that: The matter of whether the hospital in principle is necessary is not a matter which I consider is in dispute. I consider it essential that our country’s children are provided with a facility of exceptional standard, a centre of excellence. Dublin City Council considered that the compromise necessary to achieve development in inner urban areas is outweighed by the positive contributions which this scheme would make to the city centre. In my opinion, the necessary compromises in this instance should be made on the basis of the achievement of a world class paediatric hospital. However, I do not consider that the compromises necessary would be outweighed by the provision of the subject facility such are there significance. The proposal as it comes before the Board on the subject site would, in my opinion, give rise to a number of residual environmental effects of such significance in respect of their adverse impact that they cannot be reconciled with the need for the proposed facility. What appears key to me, in the consideration of this proposal, is that the application before the Board is the culmination of a process where the consideration of the impacts on the receiving environment have been second to clinical requirements and critical care adjacencies, particularly in respect of the residual visual impacts and impact on the setting of the historic city core. The suitability of the site in principle and the ability of the receiving environment to absorb the facility, the impact of which has emerged since the development of the model of care are two very different considerations and this, in my opinion, is the crux of the issue. Beamish and Crawford Site, Main Street, Cross’s Green, Cork PL28 .239383 10/34698 An Bord Pleanála granted permission to Heineken / Bam Property Ltd on 23rd December, 2011 for the redevelopment of the former Beamish & Crawford brewery site, South Main Street, Cork, including a 6,000 seat event centre, an eight-screen cinema, 46 student apartments, and c. 6,000m2 offices, bars, restaurants, shops and an exhibition area. A ‘brewery experience’ marking the history of the site is included, as well as a landmark glazed viewing platform. Key conditions attached by the Board include: 2. Prior to the commencement of development, the applicant shall submit for the written agreement of the planning authority, revised drawings showing the following alterations: (a) two floors shall be omitted on Blocks A2 and A3, from grid point 2.4 metres, northwards, so as the gable of the blocks shall approximately align with the northern gable of Block A1. (b) two floors shall also be omitted on Block A4, from grid point 3.2 metres north. (c) one floor on Block B1 shall be omitted between the malt-milling tower eastward to the Counting House to a maximum roof-level of 28.3 metres OD, and the reduction in height from the malt-milling tower westward shall be to a maximum roof-level of 25 metres OD. (d) the levels of Block B2, from above 14 metres O.D., shall be reduced in width by 15 metres. The glass in the tower shall be non-reflective and a minimalist roof detailing shall be provided, as agreed with the planning authority, prior to commencement of development. (e) revised drawings showing a refinement of the architectural relationship between the canted element of the Event Centre building (Building C1) and the glazed cantilevered element of Building C2. (f) the design of the ground floor interface of the event centre fronting the riverside amenity area shall be modified so that the intended kiosks on the quayside shall be relocated within the envelope of the building with independent ground floor access directly from the quayside; (g) the final base level of the site shall be agreed with regard to any conclusions of the Level 3 Flood study; (h) the soffit height of the canted projection of the Event Centre shall be increased to a minimum of five metres over ground level; (i) a locked and secured area with a minimum of 100 number bike parking spaces shall be provided for the office and apartments within the basement area. An additional minimum of 80 number additional spaces shall be provided through the public realm areas; and (j) full details and specifications of the alignment and finish (including height above AOD) of the bridges over the river. Reason: In the interest of protecting amenity, improving access and safety of the site, and enhancing the public areas in accordance with the zoning designation. 5. Prior to the commencement of development, a phasing programme shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the planning authority, to ensure full delivery of the refurbishment and reuse of the former brewery complex heritage buildings within the overall development Reason: In the interest of orderly development. 6. Prior to the commencement of development, the developer shall submit a full emergency evacuation plan for the event centre, cinema, and brewery experience. In the event of a failure to agree on any alterations required to public areas on or around the site, this matter shall be referred to An Bord Pleanála for final decision. Reason: In the interest of public safety. 14. Notwithstanding the provisions of the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004, with regard to the area surrounding the City Wall, the developer shall facilitate the planning authority in the archaeological appraisal of the site, and in preserving, recording or otherwise protecting archaeological materials or features which may exist within it. In this regard, the developer shall – (a) notify the planning authority in writing at least four weeks prior to the commencement of any site operation (including hydrological and geotechnical investigations) relating to the proposed development, (b) submit to and agree in writing with the planning authority revised proposals for the design of the foundation pads and piles. These shall be the subject of continuing review and full details of any revisions to the proposed location or levels of pipe caps, ground beams, service trenches or other subsurface works which shall ensure that the development will not cause avoidable disturbance to archaeological material and will limit any unavoidable disturbance to a negligible degree, (c) employ a suitably-qualified archaeologist who shall monitor all site investigations and other excavation works, and (d) provide satisfactory arrangements for the recording and removal of any archaeological material which may be considered appropriate to remove. Reason: In order to conserve the archaeological heritage of the site and to secure the preservation of any remains which may exist within the site. 22. The developer shall pay to the planning authority a financial contribution as a special contribution under section 48(2) (c) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 for an enhanced public realm scheme, including pedestrian crossing, on South Main Street, between the junction with Washington Street and Barrack Street, as agreed with in writing with the planning authority, prior to occupation of the buildings. Reason: It is considered reasonable that the developer should contribute towards the specific exceptional costs which are incurred by the planning authority which are not covered in the Development Contribution Scheme and which will benefit the proposed development. A judicial review of the An Bord Pleanála decision may be lodged by the National Conservation Heritage Group, who had appealed the scale of the development. The Group has also indicated it would appeal the decision to the European Parliament on the basis that it is a heritage site. A decision on Crimson Investments Ltd’s application for an events centre under application register reference 11/34944 is due 29th March, 2012. 16 Classroom Primary School, Ballynacorra, Midleton, PL04 .239209/ 10/5455 A 16 Classroom Primary School and all ancillary works by the Minister for Education and Skills at Ballynacorra East, Ballynacorra, Midleton, Co. Cork was refused permission by An Bord Pleanála on 16th January, 2012 for two reasons as follows: 1. The proposed development is to discharge surface water towards existing drainage infrastructure. Having regard to ongoing flooding problems at Carney’s Cross and adjacent areas, the Board is not satisfied, notwithstanding the attenuation and drainage improvement measures proposed by the applicant, that such an approach would not exacerbate existing problems. Therefore, the Board is not satisfied that the proposed drainage measures are acceptable, either on or off-site, would not exacerbate flooding problems in the general area and would not be prejudicial to public health. The proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 2. Having regard to the existing alignment of Carney’s Cross, a four-way staggered junction of two regional roads, the Board considers that the present road junction is unsuitable to carry the increased traffic as a result of the development. The Board is not satisfied that the interim proposals for pedestrian and cyclist safety are satisfactory and consider that these would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard. Furthermore, the proposed development is premature, pending a determination by the road authority of an improved road layout for the area and uncertainty as to when this may be implemented. Discount Foodstore, Inchydoney/Island Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork PL50 .239120 / TP50004/11 Lidl was refused permission on 2nd February, 2012 for a stand-alone store in Clonakilty for one reason: Notwithstanding the town centre zoning of the site, the provisions of the Clonakilty Development Plan 2009 and the appropriateness of the development of the site for retail use in terms of the orderly development of the town, the Board is not satisfied that the proposed development would not lead to serious traffic congestion at the junction of the N71/Inchydoney Road, which would obstruct the free flow of traffic on the road network in the area. The Inspector had suggested two further reasons, 2. Having regard to the importance of Casement Street (N71) for emergency vehicles, it is considered that additional congestion at the junction would give rise to serious access difficulties for the emergency services and would thus endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard. 3. The appeal site is located between an area designated as an Architectural Conservation Area in the Clonakilty Development Plan 2009 and a prominent protected structure, a three bay three-storey hospital registration number 20000183, and within the Town Centre 3 zoning, in which it is an objective that developments must be designed to complement the existing architecture, townscape and character. The proposed development, a single storey, single use structure with a substantial area of car parking to the frontage is considered to constitute an intrusive and excessively low density form of development within the town centre which is out of character with existing and permitted streets and buildings and would thus be contrary to the objectives set out in the Town Centre Strategy as set out in the Clonakilty Development Plan. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. However, the Board considered that the drawings submitted in response to the Board’s request for a revised design were generally acceptable and dealt with the Inspector’s reason for refusal in regard to architectural design. RECENT APPEALS TO AN BORD PLEANÁLA 25no. turbine wind energy development at Straboy, Meenalargan, Loughcrillen, Derk Beg, Glenties, Co. Donegal. PL05B.240166 / 11/3012715no. Third Party Appeals have been lodged against the decision of Donegal County Council to grant planning permission to Straboy Wind Energy Ltd on 19th January, 2012 for 25no. wind turbines, 4 borrow pits, substation, peat disposal units, clearcutting of conifer plantation. EigrGrid has recently lodged two pre-application consultation requests to the Board for the redevelopment of the 220/110 kV Killonan Electricity Substation at Milltown, Ballysimon, Co. Limerick (VC0063) and a new 110/38 KV Substation and associated development in the vicinity of Moycullen, Co. Galway (VC0062). N86 Dingle To Annascaul And Gortbreagoge To Camp Road Improvement Scheme (HA0035 and KA0023) Kerry County Council lodged a SID application with the Board on 5th January, 2012 for the N86 Dingle to Annascaul and Gortbreagoge to Camp Road Improvement Scheme Compulsory Purchase Order 2011. To date, 14no. submissions have been received on the scheme, and 2no. submissions on the CPO. The case is due to be decided by 26th June, 2012. CORK CITY COUNCIL Marina Park -Páirc Uí Chaoimh Cork City Council has prepared a Proposed Variation No. 7 (Marina Park -Páirc Uí Chaoimh) of the City Development Plan 2009-2015) and a Proposed Amendment to the South Docks Local Area Plan 2008). The proposed variation and the proposed amendment relate to the re-zoning of 6.82 acres of ‘Public Open Space’ to ‘Sports Grounds’ at the former Munster Agricultural Society Showgrounds in order to facilitate the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and an ‘all-weather’ playing pitch. The Variation and Amendment are currently on display until 4.30pm Friday 16th March, 2012. Cork Docklands Economic Proposition Report Consultants led by Colliers International, with DKM Economic consultants, Brady Shipman Martin and Mott McDonald are progressing the Cork Docklands Economic Proposition Report on behalf of the City Council, with a reporting date of June, 2012. Key outputs include: 1. A thorough economic assessment which will include the identification of the key employment sectors and functions from existing and emerging markets (indigenous and foreign). 2. Development of a branding and marketing strategy for the promotion of Docklands nationally and internationally as an investment location. 3. Consideration of key funding and financial issues associated with the rollout of the Docklands regeneration Project 4. A phased implementation strategy for an initial 5-10 year period and also for the long-term development of Docklands. CORK COUNTY COUNCIL Wind Turbines granted permission in Ringaskiddy Cork County Council has granted permission on 23rd February, 2012 under applications register reference 11/4944, 11/4945, 11/4946 and 11/4969 for the erection of a total of 6 no. wind turbines with hub height of up to 100m, blade radius of up to 50.5m and overall height from ground to tip of blade of up to 150.5m, upgrade of existing site roads, construction of internal site tracks and all associated works at De Puy (2no. turbines), Janssen Biologics (1no. turbine), Novartis Ringaskiddy Ltd (2no. turbines) and GlaxoSmithKline SmithKline Beecham Ltd (1no. turbine) Electoral Area Local Area Plans Final hard and soft copy versions of the Electoral Area Local Area Plans are now available from Cork County Council. Each of the Town Council Town Development Plans in the County are currently being reviewed in the context of the Core Strategy for the County. A decision on the appropriate statutory planning framework for Mallow has yet to be made. Spike Island Master Plan Scott Talon Walker lead a multi-disciplinary team awarded the tender by Cork County Council to prepare a Master Plan for the development of the 42ha Spike Island. The focus of the Master Plan will be to develop an island parkland, with a strong tourism focus. Potential uses to be considered include a visitor centre, museum, arts centre and restaurant, with outdoor activities and facilities to hold large national events. Floating pontoon and mooring system is also proposed. A draft Masterplan is currently subject to public consultation. Ownership of Spike Island was transferred to Cork County Council in 2010 to enable it to oversee its redevelopment. Irish Distillers Midleton, Co. Cork Cork County Council granted permission for the extension and expansion of Midleton Distillery on 20th February, 2012. Midleton Distillery straddles the boundary of Cork County Council and Midleton Town Council and a planning application and EIS was lodged to both Planning Authorities for the overall development. The development proposed included the erection of 24 no. tanks of similar scale and size to existing, provision of distillation column building to accommodate 6 new distillation columns; demolition of an existing warehouse to provide for new fire water retention pond; expansion of existing waste water treatment plant; and 8 no. ground water wells which will provide water for the proposed expansion. The proposed development will result in an increase in the volume of spent cooling water discharged to the Dungourney River and the remainder of the process water to be discharged will be treated in the proposed expanded waste water treatment plant prior to discharge to the existing industrial sewer. Access to the proposed development will be via the existing entrance on the Dungourney Road and construction vehicles will access via a temporary construction entrance from the Dungourney Road. The application was lodged on 2nd December, 2011 (two concurrent applications to Cork County 11/6531 and Midleton 11/56014). A time extension granted after the 8 weeks, during which time issues with the application were discussed between the applicant and the Council. Unsolicited Further Information was lodged during this time, OTHER N8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange Improvement Scheme The NRA has just published the preferred interchange improvement option for the N8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange Improvement Scheme. Projected to cost €100m, the preferred option includes the removal of the current signalised roundabout; the construction of a dedicated slip road from Cork City onto the N8 Dublin Road; a new junction to and from Little Island; and dedicated pedestrian/cycle facilities. Further details will be available on www.n8n25dunkettle.ie. Greater Dublin Drainage Project More than 10,000 submissions were received by Fingal County Council during the recent consultation for the Greater Dublin Drainage project. The Greater Dublin Drainage project will identify a suitable location for vital new wastewater treatment infrastructure in north County Dublin; a new regional wastewater treatment works, a marine outfall and an orbital sewer, with further details to be made available in the summer 2012. The new regional wastewater treatment works is needed to augment the Ringsend regional wastewater treatment works after 2020 and will be developed in phases, and is needed to protect the environment and secure the future economic, commercial, industrial and residential needs of the Greater Dublin Area after 2020. Urban Waste Water Discharges (EPA report, February, 2012) The EPA has reported that nearly half of Ireland’s wastewater treatment plants serving urban centres are failing to achieve national and EU standards. The main findings are as follows: 1. 46% of waste water treatment plants did not meet all waste water quality standards or EPA guidelines. 2. Eleven large urban areas do not meet the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) requirement to have secondary treatment in place. These include, for example, Bray and Ringaskiddy where the provision of treatment is now ten years overdue; Clifden, where the old plant is impacting on bathing water; and Moville where discharges are causing serious pollution to the River Bredagh. 3. Eight urban areas do not meet the UWWTD requirement to provide nutrient reduction in addition to secondary treatment for discharges to sensitive water areas by specified dates. Because these relate to more sensitive environments a higher level of treatment is required – in these cases, nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen have to be removed. Areas affected include the cities of Cork, Dublin and Kilkenny. 4. The EPA expects that by 2015 the necessary treatment will be in place for the large urban centres – work to be completed by the relevant local authorities. The EPA report is the first review of the operation of waste water treatment plants at 529 urban areas since they became subject to the licensing regime introduced under the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 being rolled out by the EPA. Since the last report, there has been significant improvement in the monitoring of waste water treatment plants. In 2007, 112 plants did not take sufficient samples; this figure has reduced to 38 in the current report. NTA tender for a report on the planning and development of large scale residential development areas in the GDA The National Transport Authority published a tender on 17th February, 2012 for the preparation of a report on the planning and development of large scale residential development areas in the GDA. A key concern on which the tender is premised is the desire by many developers to produce lower density development and to implement such development on an incremental basis, governed by market trends and funding issues. While this is driven by understandable financial concerns, the NTA is concerned that such an approach, if widely adopted in an inappropriate manner, could undermine the density of development required for good public transport provision, particularly rail-based, and put at risk the integrated land use and transport objectives envisioned in the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area and in the NTA’s draft Transport Strategy, as well as in various development plans at county and local level. If that high density of development is compromised, it is likely that it may no longer be economically feasible to support areas with the provision of high quality public transport. That clearly has long-term negative impacts on the achievement of public transport focussed development. The purpose of this study is to analyse this issue, identify potential approaches to address the current challenges and to give guidance to local authorities, developers and other stakeholders on methodologies and solutions that could be considered in addressing the problems associated with larger scale development areas within the changed economic circumstances. The closing date is 9th March, 2012 at 12noon. Further details are available from www.etenders.gov.ie. Draft Mid-West Area Strategic Plan 2012: A Planning, Land Use & Transport Strategy for the Mid-West Region Limerick City Council, on behalf of the four Local Authorities in the Mid-West Region, which also includes Clare County Council, Limerick County Council and North Tipperary County Council and working with the Mid-West Regional Authority, has prepared a Draft Plan which examines the future vision for the Mid-West Region. The Draft Mid-West Area Strategic Plan (MWASP) was prepared to secure the following overall objectives; a) Prioritisation of investment in the region; b) Strengthening the Limerick/Shannon Gateway as the core of the Region. The promotion of the existing city and environs (the metropolitan city) as the economic driver for the region; c) Strengthening the Limerick/Shannon Gateway, Nenagh and Ennis as the Hub in terms of population growth; d) Create and support a well defined hierarchy of settlement as defined in the Mid-West Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022 which will support the development of a series of rural economic nodes; such as Newcastle West, Thurles & Roscrea; e) Deliver the required transport infrastructure to meet the Plan objectives; f) Optimise the organisational structure to facilitate the delivery of the Plan objectives; g) Provide an economic review and direction for the region; The MWASP is a strategy to facilitate a regional population of 500,000 that has been set in a 20 year timeframe. An outcome of the strategy is a requirement for a significant public transport investment (€340M from 2012 – 2032), excluding the cost of land, buses or locomotives. The Strategy also outlines the strategic requirement for a series of road projects, both National and Non-National, to help achieve better competitiveness for the region. The document is available on www.mwasp.ie for public inspection from Friday 20th January 2012. Written submissions should be made to MWASP, Mid-West Regional Authority, Friar Court, Abbey Street, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, or by email tomwasp@limerickcity.ie, or online at www.mwasp.ie. The closing date for submissions is 16.00hrs on Thursday 8th March 2012. Dromquinna Manor, Sneem, Co. Kerry: Material Contravention Passed A decision to materially contravene the Kerry County Development Plan 2009-2015 was recently made by Members in respect of application register reference 11/7575 by John Brennan for the renovation of the existing manor hotel to include provision of 32 number tents ancillary to the manor, and the provision of 62 recreational vehicle stands, and all ancillary site works and landscaping at Dromquinna Manor, Dromcunnia, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. The proposed development would materially contravene the objectives of the Kerry County Development Plan 2009-2015 in particular the policy that direct access onto National Primary or National Secondary Roads will not be permitted to serve Camping/Caravan Parks as set out in section 13.15.1 of the Plan. A decision on the application is due on 2nd March, 2012. Development Plans update Galway County Council has formally commenced the review of the Local Area Plan for Gort. Pre-draft submissions are invited to 9th March, 2012. Further details on www.galwaycoco.ie. South Tipperary County Council has commenced the review of the Carrick on Suir Town Development Plan. Pre-draft submissions are invited to 10th April, 2012, Further details on www.southtippcoco.ie.