Local residents of scenic seaside Waterford village object to plans for 39 homes

Michael Ryan applied for planning permission to Waterford City and County Council on December 15, 2023, to build 51 houses at Duffcarrick, Ardmore, Co Waterford. The council requested further information on February 14, 2024, and this was received on July 24 this year.

The council planning granted planning permission on October 11, subject to 27 conditions, and for 39 houses, not 51.

The permitted development consists of 16 semidetached two-storey three-bed houses, seven semi-detached and terrace two-storey two-bed houses, two detached two-bed bungalows, six semi-detached two-storey two-bed plus home office houses, six detached two-storey four-bed houses, and two detached two-storey three-bed houses.

Planning permission was also permitted for all site works, connections to services including the existing drainage system, and a new vehicular entrance off the existing R673 Dungarvan Road incorporating the adjustment of an existing layby, as well as estate signage and boundary treatments, including a pedestrian access point to an existing right of way to Ardmore beach.

The plans attracted about 20 submissions and observations. Local resident Derry Cotter objected to the plans, maintaining that they were "in direct contravention of the Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022 – 2028."

Mr Cotter wrote that Ardmore "doesn't need more holiday homes".

"On Census night 2022, there were 180 vacant holiday homes in Ardmore. Incredibly, this was more than the 175 homes that were occupied by permanent residents," said Mr Cotter in his submission.

"What Ardmore needs most at this time is the provision of houses for permanent residents with young families. Approval should only be given for each new house on condition that it will be occupied by someone with a housing need. As most of the proposed Duffcarrig development will fail to satisfy this criterion, the application should not be approved.

"In summary, the proposed development will do nothing to enhance Ardmore as a jewel in the crown of Ireland's historic south east coastline. In fact, it will trigger the unprecedented desecration of Ardmore's coastline.

"I hope that people walking along Ardmore beach will never have to look up at houses towering more than 26 feet over the coastline. Should this development be approved, rarely, if ever, will so much be taken from so many in order to benefit so few," added Mr Cotter.

Anne Lawlor objected, on the grounds that the project represented "excessive development."

"Looking back from the Cliff Walk into Ardmore, the first glimpse will be these high-rise houses. We do not think this is what Ardmore is about. It is about its beauty with the sea and the open space and its historical side, which needs to be kept."

Other concerns centred on privacy, and a proposed route change to Bothar na Trinse. "The developer intends to make this road one way thus restricting our entry – exit from our property to R673," wrote Ms Lawlor.

"The developer also states that this road is only used by three houses which is totally incorrect. It is used by locals and visitors as a turning point to re-enter the village, as a parking facility for the farmers markets and beach, (and) is used by children walking to the local GAA club and the pilgrim walkers.

"This is included in one of the historical parts of Ardmore (St Declan's Way) and now is being compromised by this excessive development."

Concerns were raised over water pressure, traffic congestion, the cost of housing, the size of the associated social housing, conservation and wildlife, and coastal erosion and flooding.

"As anyone can see this is happening in Ardmore especially at the beach side of Brownes Caravan Park. With this proposed development this will further exacerbate this situation with the run off of rain waters," added Ms Lawlor.

The council decision to grant permission was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála on November 5 by Derry and Carmel Cotter, Anne Lawlor and others. An Bord Pleanála did not give a clear date by which the case is due to be decided.