Galway pumping station approved for additional storage development following protracted application
Approval for the development of additional storage capacity at a Galway pumping station has been granted, following a two-year-long application process.
An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the Merlin Park development on Galway’s east side after a series of delays, beginning when the initial application was submitted on May 31, 2023.
Permission was sought for an underground storage tank that will provide additional storage capacity to the already existing Merlin Pumping station.
That application was met with a submission from An Taisce disagreeing with the development highlighting inconsistencies in the planning application, particularly regarding overflow plans, outdated data, and the absence of any reference to the Drainage Area Plan, which had been in development for nearly a decade at that time.
The submission also marked the first mention of the adjacent affordable housing development, stating that there is “no mention as to whether the proposed Merlin Woods combined affordable/social housing scheme, adjacent to the Coillte Mhuirlinne estate, will be served by this pumping station.”
The application was subsequently withdrawn without explanation and re-submitted on July 11, 2024. Galway City Council approved the revised application a month later, but An Taisce appealed again on September 19, 2024.
The application has been sitting with An Coimisiún Pleanála since then until this approval decision giving the green light.
The delay prevented the Council from moving forward with the planned 107-unit affordable housing.
An Coimisiún Pleanála had already missed its initial June 6, 2025, deadline to issue a decision, and later issued a second delay notice, stating that “it has not been possible to meet that revised timeline” and that the case would be “determined as soon as practicable.” The delay was attributed to a backlog of cases.
Councillor Alan Cheevers called on An Coimisiún Pleanála at the end of June to prioritise the decision on the pumping station saying we “cannot afford to wait” on fulfilling a need for homes in Galway.
The final decision meeting was held on July 3, 2025, officially granting permission and stating that “the proposed would be in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”
Approval was granted under the same 11 conditions outlined in the original application.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Fund.
I Copied a Trillionaire's Daily Habit for 30 Days. I Wasn't Ready for This.
I Asked ChatGPT What Rich People Do Differently. It Gave Me One Word.
I Discovered Circular Lobbying in Brussels [Explore]
Tallinn: Who Funds Your Lobbyists [Read]
See Why The XC40 is So Affordable (View Offers)
Wait Until You See The New 2027 SUVs (Take A Look)
See The EVs With The Longest Ranges For 2027 (Take A Look)