Galway Bay fm newsroom - A second attempt to build a penguinarium in Salthill has failed.
Galway Atlantaquaria was originally refused planning permission to extend the aquaria in Salthill to include a purpose-built penguinarium.
The company appealed that refusal to An Bord Pleanála which has upheld the decision of the city council.
The plans were for a penguin pool and beach areas with an enclosure wall and viewing points with seating just off the Promenade in Salthill.
The city council refused planning permission for the development stating that it would be unduly prominent in the area.
Galway Atlantaquaria appealed that decision arguing that the former tourism kiosk which would form part of the development doesn't offer any recreation or amenity value in the area.
An Bord Pleanála has ruled that construction of a penguinarium in Salthill would be incompatible with zoning for the area as it involves the provision of buildings which are unrelated to the use of the land for outdoor recreation.
Also the board believes that the penguinarium with its proposed high and expansive blank walls would lack sufficient quality for a prominent location in Salthill.
