asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to farmers, shopkeepers and traffic by fairs on the public streets of Loughrea; and of the many fruitless attempts made by the local marts committee to secure planning permission for a modern mart on a convenient site near the railway station; and, if so, if he will now indicate to the planning authority that he looks with favour on the fresh application of the marts' committee for permission to build a mart on the original site, in view of the fact that an additional right-of-way to the mart has been secured from the Carmelite fathers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Mart.
46.
I am aware of the traffic problems which may arise from the holding of fairs and markets on the streets of country towns. As regards the position in Loughrea a proposal for the construction of a mart on a site near the railway station was refused planning permission by Galway County Council and was referred to me on appeal. The proposers in their submissions adverted to the difficulty of obtaining a suitable site in the town. Having carefully considered all aspects of the proposal I was reluctantly obliged to refuse permission for the development. I considered that the location of the site in relation to the main street of the town and the inadequate access available to it would have given rise to traffic congestion and traffic hazard. The proposal would also have given rise to injury to residential amenity. The developers were advised that they should consult with the planning authority with a view to locating the mart on a more suitable site.
In view of my statutory function in relation to appeals it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any fresh application which may be made to the planning authority.