Mayo school extension 'would not cause increased flood risk'

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the extension of a Westport national school.

Mayo County Council previously gave the green light for the project at St Joseph’s National School, Brackloon.

Planning permission was sought for the construction of a single storey extension to the rear (north) of the existing school buildings. The extension will comprise three classrooms and one special educational teaching room; a user-assisted WC, two special needs suite classrooms; connection to existing services, removal of existing wastewater treatment system and provision of new on-site wastewater treatment system; relocation of playing pitch and new boundary fencing; a bus and car set down area nearest the school building with a covered bicycle shelter to cater for 26 bicycles and an extended car park area further south-east within the site providing space for 45 cars; removal of existing prefabricated classroom structure.

A third party appeal raised flooding, watercourse, and wastewater concerns.

An Bord Pleanála ruled on the matter and paid particular attention to the project’s location within the Clew Bay Complex Special Area of Conservation. The board was satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the area in view of the site’s conservation objectives and that there was no reasonable scientific doubt as to the absence of such effects. That conclusion was based on a full and detailed assessment of all aspects of the proposed project including proposed mitigation measures and ecological monitoring. Also examined was potential in-combination effects with other plans and projects including historical projects, current proposals, and future plans.

Subject to conditions, An Bord Pleanála found that the extension development when “appropriately integrated with the receiving environment, would not increase the risk of flooding on site or within the adjoining lands or watercourse, and would not be prejudicial to public health or adversely impact on road safety".