A decision is due from the county council today on whether to allow the development of a €5 million sports grounds at Renville Park to proceed.
Plans were submitted back in October for a modern sports facility build on 34 acres of land at Renville Park in Oranmore purchased following fundraising in the local area.
The plans contain a wide range of sports facilities including three natural playing pitches, a synthetic all-weather pitch, and a looped walkway connecting it to existing facilities at Renville West.
The pitches will have a retractable netting system 30m long and 15m high behind each goal.
A covered terrace is for seating is included in the plans for one of the natural surface pitches.
To go with the main sports facilities, the plans also include public playground.
The multi-million euro sports facility will be served by 248 car parking space, 8 coach spaces and provision for internal access roads.
The RSA recommended that the speed limit on the local road serving the site be reduced from 80kmph to a maximum of 50kmph.
A total of 12 submission were made to the county council during the open period by concerned local individuals and groups.
An Taisce raised concerns about the potential impact of the site on the Galway Bay Special Area of Conservation.
The environmental group said the Natura Impact Statement does not provide enough information about measures to mitigate this risk.
They were also concerned about the volume of traffic that could be created during match days.
A number of submissions were also made by locals expressing serious concern about the amount of traffic the sports grounds would generate.
Several mentions were also made to the adjacent Rinville cemetery and how the sports ground would impact the atmosphere of the area.
The planning application is being led by the Renville Sports Project Committee, on behalf of Oranmore Maree GAA Club.
December 5 was given by Galway County Council as the due date for a decision to be made.
