Extension plans for Galway city mosque approved but extra parking spaces axed
Improvements to Maryam Mosque in Ballybrit, Galway city, have been approved, allowing for extensions to its community facilities on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Ireland.
Planning permission for the mosque was first granted in 2009, with a number of subsequent enhancements approved in the years since, including additional space and signage.
The mosque is located toward the southern end of Monivea Road, in Galway city east.
A recent planning application to Galway City Council sought permission to “accommodate current activities and provide improved facilities for the congregation.” While attendance numbers have remained steady since 2014, the application stated that upgraded spaces were required to better support existing uses.
The proposal included an extension to the existing ground-floor cultural and meeting room, as well as an extension to the first-floor area above it. The first-floor space is intended for recreation and indoor sports and will include toilet facilities.
Four additional car parking spaces were also proposed as part of the development. However, planners recommended refusing these spaces, stating they would infringe on “private amenity” space associated with The Cottages and would be inconsistent with the Minimum Private Open Space Standards for Houses under the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities.
Galway City Council accepted the planners’ recommendation, refusing permission for the additional parking spaces but granting approval for the extension works to the place of worship, subject to six conditions.
One of the conditions restricts the use of the development to before 10pm daily unless otherwise agreed by the planning authority, along with the imposition of noise limitations at the site.