Age-Friendly apartment proposal refused in Ashbourne amid parking and flooding concerns
A proposed 68-unit “Age-Friendly” apartment development in Ashbourne has been refused planning permission by Meath County Council, following concerns over traffic, parking, flooding risks, and the suitability of the scheme for downsizing residents.
The development, planned for Castle Street and Killegland Street, would have included two apartment blocks: a four-storey Block A with 35 units and a five-storey Block B with 33 units, incorporating one- and two-bedroom units, four studio apartments, and a range of communal facilities, including a GP consultation room, a community care room, a beauty suite, and bicycle storage.
The plan also involved the demolition of an existing two-storey dwelling and associated site works, including alterations to roadside boundaries and footpaths.
Despite the proposal being designed for residents aged 55 and over, Cllr Helen Meyer (SF) voiced concerns that it did not adequately address the housing needs of those looking to downsize.
“We really need age-friendly apartments that meet the needs of older people and those wishing to downsize. This proposed development did not do that. Back to the drawing board,” she said on a social media post.
“I am strongly in favour of Age-Friendly apartments. I frequently hear from constituents who wish to downsize or right-size due to health issues or the desire to avoid the responsibilities of maintaining a large house.”
"Many people prefer to live among others in similar situations, especially as they age. Building Age-Friendly housing will help free up larger homes for families. However, these developments need to adequately address the housing needs of people downsizing.”
Cllr Meyer highlighted issues raised by local residents, particularly the lack of sufficient parking, public transport, and healthcare.
She said while services proposed by the developer are “very welcome” and beneficial for Age-Friendly residents, they increase parking demand.
“Only 17 car parking spaces are being provided, which is far from sufficient to meet the demand. This situation will likely lead to chaos, especially considering the existing shortage of parking spaces in Ashbourne, which is evident daily.”
"These Age-Friendly apartments are intended for people aged 55 and over, many of whom continue to work until they are 66 and even older. As such, residents will need cars, which will exacerbate the parking problem, forcing people to park on surrounding streets.”
"This would overwhelm local roads and impede bicycle lanes because of the lack of parking,” Cllr Meyer said.
She also expressed concerns about public transport, noting that Ashbourne’s bus services are “inadequate.”
“I receive complaints almost daily about buses not arriving, bypassing Ashbourne altogether during roadworks, being full, and breaking down. With over 1,000 new housing units added in Ashbourne this past year, the bus services have not expanded to meet the increased demand.”
Healthcare access was another concern, with the visiting GP "insufficient” to meet all residents’ needs, as specialist services are located in hospitals outside Ashbourne.
Cllr Meyer added that the three-to-five-storey blocks would have been “out of character” with the surrounding streetscape and nearby Linear Park.
The Planning Authority refused the application on several grounds. Officials cited the “intensification” of development on a highly trafficked site with inadequate access and parking, which would endanger public safety and worsen the quality of the public realm.
They also noted insufficient bicycle parking, poor pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, and the risk of floodwaters being displaced onto neighbouring roads, as the site lies in Flood Zone B.
The council concluded that, in the absence of adequate flood risk assessment and mitigation, granting permission would be contrary to the Meath County Development Plan 2021–2027 and "prejudicial” to public health.