An Bord Pleanala upholds refusal of new sports facilities in Oughterard

Plans for new sports facilities in Oughterard have been dealt a serious blow as An Bord Pleanala has refused permission.

The plans for a site at Lemonfield were originally rejected by county planners in late 2021, prompting an appeal.

As well as a new grass multi-sport pitch with lighting, the plans would have added lighting to the existing rugby pitch.

There would also have been 3 new ball courts, grass amenity areas, advertising boards, additional car-parking and facilities including meeting rooms, toilets and showers.

But the plans were rejected by county planners in December 2021 – and that decision has now been upheld by An Bord Pleanala.

Although an inspector initially recommended approval, the board agreed with the local authority that the development would present a serious traffic hazard.

The main reason is the distance of the site from Oughterard along a narrow road, and uncertainty about the provision of passing bays.