Planning approval granted for major upgrade of north Tipperary inner harbour amenity

A long anticipated upgrade of a key amenity in north Tipperary has moved a step closer after An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission for works at Garrykennedy Inner Harbour.

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Tipperary County Council had applied to the planning authority to carry out a range of improvements aimed at enhancing the harbour, improving safety and increasing accessibility.

The proposal includes the clearance of the inner harbour area, with the removal of abandoned boats that have accumulated there.

The plans provide for the removal of the existing boardwalk and its replacement with floating pontoons capable of accommodating 47 small boats. These will include facilities designed to enable wheelchair users to access the water.

Additional elements of the development include an extension to the existing welfare building to provide a changing places facility, which is intended to support people with complex care needs who require more space and equipment than standard accessible toilets provide.

Changes to the car parking layout are also planned, including the creation of four campervan spaces with power and water connections, updated accessible parking and new bicycle parking and charging facilities.

Permission has been granted subject to 12 conditions. Among them is a requirement for an otter survey to confirm the absence of breeding otters before construction begins.

Other conditions relate to ensuring that lighting from the development does not shine towards nearby woodland and to the preparation of a car park management plan governing the design and layout of the proposed parking area.

The approval was welcomed at the December meeting of Nenagh Municipal District, where it was described as positive news for the area.

The decision allows the local authority to move to the next stage of seeking funding for the project, which is expected to require significant investment and may be delivered in phases.

Local representatives noted that securing planning permission provides certainty for the project and expressed hope that the funding process would now progress positively.

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