An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted permission for a 155-home residential development at Duckspool, Dungarvan, following an appeal lodged earlier this year.

Applicant S & K Carey Limited sought permission from Waterford City & County Council on February 20th for a development comprising 113 houses, 42 apartments, a creche, and a spine road linking the scheme.

The local authority granted conditional permission on April 16th – subject to 27 conditions – with several observations, objections, and letters of support submitted during the consultation period.

That decision was subsequently appealed, with concerns raised about the absence of a wider master plan for the lands, potential traffic congestion, and environmental issues. The appellant argued that development of this scale should not proceed without a framework to guide the future of the adjoining land bank.

Despite these objections, An Coimisiún Pleanála issued its final decision on August 22nd, granting permission subject to a comprehensive set of conditions.

Conditions

The inspector’s report, signed by Senior Planning Inspector Mary Crowley, sets out 25 key conditions to which the developer must adhere, including:

  • Phasing: The scheme must be built in phases, with the main access road constructed in Phase 1 and the creche delivered in Phase 3.

  • Housing occupation: New homes must be first occupied by individual purchasers or those eligible for social/affordable housing – restricting bulk purchase by corporate entities.

  • Environmental protections: Mitigation measures from the Environmental Impact and Natura assessments must be implemented in full, alongside strict construction controls to protect air, water, and biodiversity.

  • Traffic and transport: A new roundabout at the Burgery/N25 junction must be delivered, and the developer will pay a special contribution of €751,750 towards the works. Final road safety audits and cycle/pedestrian facilities must also be approved by the council.

  • Amenities and services: Public open spaces, lighting, EV charging infrastructure (20% of spaces), and underground service cables are required.

  • Archaeology: Site testing must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed archaeologist, with preservation measures in place if remains are discovered.

  • Part V housing: The developer must enter into an agreement with the council to provide social and affordable housing as required under planning law.

While An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision generally represents the final stage of the planning process, the ruling may still be open to judicial review in the High Court, should eligible parties choose to pursue that route.

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