Dundalk Grammar School appeals decision on outdoor sports development

Louth County Council's decision to refuse planning permission for a new outdoor sports and recreational development, as well as a new ecological park, at Dundalk Grammar School has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

The Board of Governors Dundalk Grammar School had applied to Louth County Council in July for planning permission for an outdoor sports and recreational development, consisting of an all-weather multi-use playing pitch that encompasses an eight lane running track; a covered spectator stand with maximum capacity 700 persons; a stand-alone single storey changing rooms building; three padel-tennis courts; two multi-use games areas; and an outdoor gym. 

They also sought planning for an ecological park in the southern part of the site which adjoins but does not form part of Balmer’s Bog. The proposed ecological park incorporated a viewing deck /bird watching observation hide orientated towards Balmer’s Bog. Car parking, cycle parking and a bus set down area are also provided within the site. 

Access to the planned development was proposed via the existing access off Hill Street/Dublin Road (R132), immediately south of Byrne’s pub. It was also proposed to adjust the existing R132 road carriageway lane width to 3.1m along a c. 70 m section of Hill Street to the north of the proposed access and extend the existing cycle lane along the western edge of the R132 Dublin Road /Hill Street as far as the site entrance. 

Louth County Council refused planning permission for the development on 20 September. Included in its reasons for refusing planning, the local planning authority said that: "The applicant has failed to demonstrate provision for an appropriate pedestrian/cycling route from the Grammar School to the development proposed or adequate provision for vehicular traffic and other road users from Hill Street/(Dublin Road R132) to the site that would not be prejudicial to the pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular traffic safety. 

"Furthermore, the proposal to provide parking spaces for adjoining residences in proximity to the access from the R132, in the absence of provision for turning movements would likely result in conflicting traffic movements in the vicinity of this junction which would be prejudicial to the safety of all road users. As such the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

The Board of Governors Dundalk Grammar School lodged an appeal against the decision on with An Bord Pleanála on 17 October. An Bord Pleanála is to decide on the case by 28 February 2025.