The Land Development Agency has confirmed this evening that it will be appealing the refusal of permission for hundreds of new homes at Galway Harbour.
A major development of more than 350 homes was rejected by city planners, due to nearby fuel storage tanks and the danger they could pose.
This development earmarked for a prime site at Galway Harbour is known as Amharc Atalia and it's been in the pipeline for years, led by the LDA.
It would offer 356 waterfront apartments across four blocks, up to 13 stories high, as well as a new public plaza, coastal walk, gardens and retail units.
All the units would be cost rental or social units - making this a key strategic development in tackling social housing waiting lists and the wider local housing crisis.
But city planners have poured cold water on the project - because of nearby fuel storage tanks and the potential for a major accident.
This was previously flagged by the Health and Safety Authority as an unacceptable risk.
The Land Development Agency has now expressed its disappointment and signalled it will be taking an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
In a statement, it says given the strategic importance of the site to the regeneration and development objectives for Galway, it's important that the basis and methodology used to determine this decision is fully understood.
It adds the LDA has a robust track record of designing and planning developments, which are fully aligned to, and compliant with, all applicable policies, standards and guidelines.
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