NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO AN BORD PLEANÁLA FOR APPROVAL: TULLOW TOWN PARK REGENERATION, TULLOW TOWN PARK LOCATED WEST SIDE OF THE RIVER SLANEY, TULLOWBEG (TOWNLAND), TULLOW, CO. CARLOW

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 177AE OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (as amended) AND THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (as amended).

APPLICATION TO AN BORD PLEANÁLA FOR APPROVAL: TULLOW TOWN PARK REGENERATION, TULLOW TOWN PARK LOCATED WEST SIDE OF THE RIVER SLANEY, TULLOWBEG (TOWNLAND), TULLOW, CO. CARLOW.

Notice is hereby given that Carlow County Council intends to seek the approval of An Bord Pleanála under Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) for the proposed development to upgrade and enhance of the existing Tullow Town Park facilities/features, ancillary infrastructure and associated site development works, all at a site of approximately 1.13 ha in extent at Tullow Town Park located west side of the River Slaney, Tullowbeg (Townland), Tullow, Co. Carlow.

The proposed upgrade and enhancement of Tullow Town Park facilities/features development consists of:

• Construction of demarcated and enhanced network of cycle and pedestrian paths of asphalt surfacing and locally sourced grey stone aggregates, leading to a sequence of outdoor spaces laid out along the length of the park;

• Construction of partially sheltered concrete surfaced outdoor event/classroom space with feature designed shelter/canopy, centrally located feature concrete surfaced skate park, 2 no. feature hardwood decking viewing platforms/steps to the River Slaney, a kickabout soft landscaped lawn area which also facilitates land drain/swale and flood area, and a sport fenced enclosed multi-use games court to include football and basketball goals;

• Removal of trees of poor condition, where views into the park can be increased, and for facilitating the structural upgrade and enhancement works proposed; and

• Retention of existing trees described as riverbank due to the binding nature of the tree roots and the adjacent River Slaney riverbank.

The public realm upgrade and enhancement works also provide for upgrading of existing footpaths, demarcated natural stone aggregates feature paved areas, raised seating areas, raised planting areas, seats and benches, timber top ‘picnic’ table and seating facilities, a variety of soft landscaping features (grass lawn, native meadow, ornamental grasses and perennials), and all associated infrastructure/services and site development works above and below ground level, including sustainable urban drainage services (grasscrete, tree pit, land drain/swale and rain garden solutions, public lighting and closed-circuit television (CCTV) infrastructure.

Pedestrian and cyclist access to the proposed development will be maintained via the existing walkway access from Abbey Street (the N81 National Road) to the north, the existing walkway bridge over the River Slaney from Tullow Street to the east, and the existing walkway from Abbey Street (the N81 National Road) to the west adjacent to the Tesco Tullow Supermarket.

A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and accompanies the application to An Bord Pleanála for approval.

An Bord Pleanála may give approval to the application for development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development.

A copy of the Natura Impact Statement and the Plans and Particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection on the Council’s
website at https://consult.carlow.ie, and can be inspected free of charge or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy,
at the following locations from Wednesday, 3^rd April 2024 up to and including Friday, 17^th May 2024:

• The offices of Carlow County Council, County Hall, Athy Road, Carlow, Co. Carlow, R93 E7R7, during its public opening hours of 9:15 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public Holidays);

• The offices of Carlow County Council, Housing Department, Civic Offices, Tullow, Co. Carlow, R93 WP86, during its public opening hours of 9:15 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public Holidays);

and

• The offices of of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902, between the hours of 9:15 am and 5:30 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public Holidays).  Note: due to COVID-19, it is recommended that persons contact the Office to arrange viewing of the application in advance (Phone: (01) 858 8100 or Lo-call 1890 275 175).

Submissions or observations may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902, from Wednesday, 3^rd April 2024, and must be received no later than 5:30 pm on Friday, 17^th May 2024, relating to:

i. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned;

ii. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development; and

iii. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European Site, if carried out.

A person may question the validity of a decision by An Bord Pleanála by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No.15 of 1986) in accordance with Section 50 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

Practical information in respect of the judicial review process can be accessed on the Board’s website www.pleanala.ie or on the Citizens Information’s website www.citizensinformation.ie.

Wednesday, 3^rd April 2024

Michael Brennan

Director of Services, Housing, Community, Recreation and Amenity

Carlow County Council, County Hall, Athy Road, Carlow, Co. Carlow, R93 E7R7