A decision is due from Galway City Council this week on whether to grant planning permission for a new 11 storey hotel by the Docks.
Summix BNM Developments has submitted plans for the construction of a 186 bedroom hotel on a site at the corner of Lough Atalia Road and Bothar na Long.
The project would involved the demolition of the unused coal yard industrial site next to Forthill Cemetery on the Lough Atalia Road, and the construction of a new hotel in its place.
This 11 storey building would include 186 bedrooms, along with a rooftop bar and function area, as well as a restaurant, and a coffee bar in the three storey pavilion area fronting onto the street.
There has been one submission received by Galway City Council relating to this project
The submission states that the proposed development is located in the “historic core” of the city where there are few buildings exceeding 5-6 storeys.
This development would create a “visually dominant feature” in a location where it would have an “overbearing impact” the submission goes on to claim.
“The proposed development does not reflect the narrow plot sizes in Galway City or the ambition of the Development Plan to reflect this through the development of narrow plot sizes on site, resulting in a mainly monolithic development on site.”
“The proposed materials are not in keeping with the area and as such create a loud, garish building in this location in a visually prominent location.”
The planning application states that the demand for hotel space in Galway is expected to exceed pre-COVID demand by 2023, but that there is a lack of options for places to stay in the harbour area.
The submission by the Harbour Hotel states that the justification assessment provided with the application does not take into account serviced apartments and aparthotels in the area.
When completed, the hotel will support 223 permanent jobs, and contribute €7.8 million to the local economy each year the application claims.
“The redevelopment of this brownfield vacant site and the delivery of a high-quality hotel will act as a local catalyst for further regeneration of the Inner Harbour Area and will support broader plans to transform this strategically located part of the city.”
Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by Wednesday, November 12 this week.
