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RTÉ News
22-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
€5bn plan to turn Athlone into a green city unveiled
A €5bn master plan has been unveiled for a new green city in Athlone as a solution to Ireland's future population growth. The blueprint by Ballymore Group aims to cater for a population of 100,000 by 2040. The details were outlined by the groups founder and chairman, Sean Mulryan, who shared his vision for a sustainable planned 15-minute city with a wide range of stakeholders including Government ministers and opposition spokespeople, and with senior figures across the Irish education sector, industry, state agencies and local authorities. The plan, which Mr Mulryan spoke about it detail in the Business Post today, was later confirmed by his company. The plan proposes the expansion of the TUS university campus in Athlone to facilitate 25,000 students. The plan also proposes the construction of a 5,000 bed eco-friendly student village. Mr Mulryan's plan includes 20,000 zero-carbon homes as well as new health, educational, arts and sporting facilities to facilitate the population growth it estimates will reach 100,000 people. The plan also proposes that 5,000 hectares of surrounding land is allocated for rewilded wetlands, callows and rewetting of bogs. Mr Mulryan said the plan, which is seven years in the making, has been discussed with government ministers, opposition spokespeople and senior stakeholders in the education and industry sectors, as well as state agencies and local authorities. In a statement today, the company said that the plan for Athlone is "one that could be replicated to provide regionally balanced growth while enabling Ireland's green transition". he company said: "Athlone was identified as the ideal pilot as it has all the fundamental building blocks in place including the university, a town centre with room to expand and enable green transport and the natural resources to allow 90% of its energy to be generated from renewal sources and to support the national energy transition. "It's central location in the heart of Ireland and bridging the North-West and Midlands regions also ensure a wide economic benefit." Mr Mulryan said his company will do all it can to make the plan become a reality however "it needs to be driven from the top by government, by this administration and by the successor governments that take office in the years ahead, if it is to come to pass." Mr Mulryan has assembled a steering group to bring this new green city to life. The company wants to see the adoption of the National Planning Framework to allow for the delivery of educational, residential, commercial and biodiverse infrastructure. Athlone and the surrounding areas must also be declared as nationally important strategic, enterprise and biodiversity zones, it said. Ballymore hopes to secure private and public investment for the plan which it said is "a credible blueprint for addressing Ireland's demographic and environmental challenges, decarbonising and stimulating the economy, restoring natural habitats and rebalancing development away from the east coast"
The Journal
22-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Plans unveiled seeking to turn Athlone into Ireland's first green city by 2040
DEVELOPER SEAN MULRYAN has published a blueprint plan to make Athlone, in Co Westmeath, Ireland's first green city by 2040. The CEO and chair of Ballymore first detailed the plan in an interview today with The Business Post . The plans have subsequently been announced by his firm. Included in the plan, which he says has been in the works for seven years, are blueprints for a 5,000-bed student accommodation village in order to grow the population of Athlone TU to 25,000 students. It also intends to revamp the Shannonside town centre, turning it into a riverfront city, and create a road network suitable for electric vehicles, driverless busses, cyclists and pedestrians. New health, educational, arts and sporting facilities are also included in the plan, which works under the estimate that the population of the town will grow to 100,000. A total of 20,000 zero-carbon homes are also included in the developer's vision. Alongside development works, Mulryan proposes that 5,000 hectares of surrounding land is allocated for rewilded wetlands, callows and rewetting of bogs. Advertisement The plan estimates that the town's population will reach the 100,000 mark by 2040. Ballymore hopes to secure private and public investment for its plan. It has also called for the adoption of the National Planning Framework to allow for the delivery of educational, residential, commercial and biodiverse infrastructure. Athlone and the surrounding areas must also be declared as nationally important strategic, enterprise and biodiversity zones, the firm said. It believes the blueprints are credible to address Ireland's demographic and environmental changes, as well as developing away from the East Coast. The firm said the plans have already been presented to 'senior policy makers' on a local and national level. Mulryan has also put together a steering committee for the project. The steering committee includes Mulryan, former Revenue boss Josephine Feehily, chair of Global Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Adrian Jones, founder of private equity firm Alchelyst Joan Kehoe, former president of DCU Brian MacCraith, CEO of Irish Rail Jim Meade and deputy managing director of Ballymore Linda Mulryan-Condron. 'We are sharing that vision now with wider Irish society, and we will do all we can to help it become a reality,' Mulryan said. 'But this plan needs to be driven from the top by government – by this administration and by the successor governments that take office in the years ahead – if it is to come to pass.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Government hopes pace of housing announcements increases output
There may be no silver bullet to magically boost housing output, but the Government has certainly accelerated its own output on housing decisions. After a slow start, Minister for Housing James Browne has been making a raft of announcements in an effort to unblock problems and speed up delivery. There is no big bang, but the message now is on a constant flow of weekly actions. All this emphasises the pledge from Mr Browne that the housing crisis is an emergency and is being treated as one. Today brought three changes. Firstly, more powers and a broader remit for the Land Development Agency. Also, emergency legislation to quickly extend rent pressure zones nationwide. And the appointment of the former HSE boss Paul Reid to chair the new planning body, An Coimisiún Pleanála which replaces An Bord Pleanála. This comes on top of extensions to planning permissions, rental reforms, the establishment of the Housing Activation Office and the revised National Planning Framework. Also, there is a push to encourage local authorities to rezone much more land for housing. And there is more to come, with big announcements next month on the National Development Plan and a revamp of the current housing blueprint, Housing for All. In addition, it is clear that a downgrading of apartment standards is being examined to address the viability impasse. No surprise that the Opposition are underwhelmed with this spate of new measures. Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore told the Dáil that the Government may be taking decisions, but she said they were "the wrong ones". Opposition parties have slammed the rental reforms with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald labelling it the "Fianna Fáil rent hike bill". In particular, they have focused on the lack of protection for short-term renters like students who could face repeated rent hikes every time they move. For Mr Browne, it's clear that after a difficult start in the job, he seems to be on surer ground. But all acknowledge that any uptick in supply is some way off. What does success look like? Housing delivery takes years but before then, the direction of travel will be signalled by several strands of data. A Government source suggests that commencement figures are part of this, but they are not the only important piece of data. First up, ministers will be hoping to see a rise in planning permission applications, especially for large developments. Another important measure is how quickly these applications pass through the system. And if they end up in An Coimisiún Pleanála, how quickly are they dealt with. But trickier decisions loom, namely on potential tax breaks to stimulate private sector development. Builders have walked away from big projects citing the impossibility of delivering at a price buyers are willing to pay. Their solution is a tax incentive, perhaps on VAT. The political battlelines on such a measure are clear; Labour leader Ivana Bacik calling them "Bertienomics tax breaks". And there is already resistance within Government with Minster for Finance Paschal Donohoe publicly opposing them. Proponents of the measure in Government, claim these tax incentives would be different - narrowly drawn, time limited and targeted. Ministers know they will be a tough sell, but some believe they are necessary to deliver the big bang to scale up delivery.
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Perth Aldi store granted planning approval for third time
Perth and Kinross Council's Planning and Placemaking Committee gave its overwhelming support to the now £5.5 million development on Necessity Brae Perth and Kinross councillors have voted - against planning officers' recommendation - to approve a new £5.5 million Aldi in Perth, creating around 16 new jobs. It is the third time councillors have approved plans for the German-based supermarket chain to replace its Glasgow Road store with a larger, modern, fit-for-purpose store on Necessity Brae. On Wednesday, June 12 the Planning and Placemaking Committee convener Ian Massie moved for approval with the support of all bar one on the committee. Aldi has two Perth stores and, as part of a legal agreement, its new store at Pickembere, Pitheavlis would not open until the existing Glasgow Road store closes. Planning permission for the replacement Perth store was initially granted - by Perth and Kinross Council's (PKC) Planning and Placemaking Committee - in May 2022. But in February 2023, councillors were asked to re-assess Aldi's application taking account of the latest National Planning Framework (NPF4). Again, councillors voted for approval. But the approval was then subject to a judicial review - following a legal challenge by Tesco - and the Court of Session quashed Aldi's planning permission on April 26, 2024. Following the judicial review, Aldi submitted a revised application to PKC this year. There were 22 letters of objection - including one from Tesco, which has three Perth stores as well as a petrol station store in Scone . The rival supermarket submitted an objection on the grounds: it was not a small-scale neighbourhood retail development; the site was allocated for employment use, and the "limited benefits" were not "adequate to determine the application other than to refuse". Perth Community Flood Aid also objected, raising concerns about flood risk saying the area next to the site had flooded at least five times in recent years. PKC planners recommended refusal of the application - citing NPF4 policy 28 - saying it was "an out of centre location and is not allocated for new retail development" and "would encourage diversion of existing footfall and spend away from the city centre". There were 19 letters of support for the application, as well as a petition with over 800 signatures calling for the new Aldi to be built. Cherrybank resident Seamus Farren - who launched the petition - addressed the committee on Wednesday outlining the strong local support for the development. He said it would "greatly benefit" his neighbourhood, particularly elderly residents "who currently have to rely on public transport or taxis to reach the city centre for their grocery needs". Speaking on behalf of Aldi, Stantec flood risk engineer Gary Spence told councillors measures taken as part of the development would reduce flood risk. He said: "We've calculated the discharge rate into the downstream catchment of this area of land and our proposed system would restrict flows and provide betterment of 77 per cent at least." PKC's Flood team did not object to the proposal. Moving the plans for approval convener Ian Massie referred to the Court of Session decision following Tesco's legal challenge. He said: "The court concluded that the proposal did not meet the definition of small scale neighbourhood retail development under policy 28c of NPF4. "But I am satisfied this revised application has been carefully prepared in response to that ruling with a clearer and more comprehensive policy justification. "I'm also satisfied the proposal addresses all relevant technical matters including potential flooding and drainage issues." In March 2025 the committee voted by nine votes to two to grant Lidl permission to build a second Perth store on Crieff Road, also opposed by Tesco. They rejected council officers' recommendation to refuse the application, arguing the development would give residents "more choice" and supported the National Planning Framework 4's (NPF4) 20-minute neighbourhoods. Following the March decision, the committee's convener SNP councillor Ian Massie wrote to Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee saying the current national planning policy "lacks coherence" and "will not strengthen town centre High Streets". In his response, Mr McKee said: "As you will know, NPF4 and the wider development plan must be considered as a whole, then taking account of material considerations, when reaching a planning judgement." Using this direction from Scotland's Public Finance Minister, Cllr Massie argued Aldi's application "aligns with local and national policy objectives and makes effective use of an under-utilised site". He said the brownfield site had been designated for employment use on PKC's local development plan "but has remained undeveloped for over 17 years due to abnormal building costs and market conditions." He cited NPF4 policy 9a which "supports the reuse of such land to promote regeneration and effective land use". The Perth City North councillor said the development would support active travel "within a residential area" as well as "advancing the principle of local living and 20-minute neighbourhoods". Conservative councillor Keith Allan seconded the motion to approve. SNP councillor Ken Harvey attempted to table an amendment to refuse the application but got no support. He said: "I think it's contrary to policy 28 [of NPF4]. I think some of the other reasons are valid but I don't think any of them outweigh the characteristics of policy 28, particularly the 20-minute neighbourhoods. This kind of development was definitely not what was intimated on that." Cllr Harvey's amendment fell and the motion to approve the planning application - subject to planning conditions and a legal agreement - was approved. Following the meeting, Real Estate director for Aldi in Scotland Andy Doyle, said: "We are delighted that councillors have again backed the overwhelming support from the local community and approved our plans for a new store at Necessity Brae. "We look forward to delivering a larger store for our loyal customers in Perth, while creating new local jobs and bringing significant investment to the area. "We are grateful to everyone who took the time to voice their support, and look forward to welcoming customers to the new store." All existing Aldi staff will move from the Glasgow Rd store to the Necessity Brae Aldi with around 16-20 new jobs being created. According to Mr Doyle, the new store is expected to open around the end of 2026, beginning of 2027.
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Controversial plan to build new homes on greenbelt land near Airdrie kicked out by councillors
The massive Orchard Brae development, which proposed to build almost 1000 new homes on the Europark site, adjacent to Eurocentral, went before councillors on Thursday. A controversial plan to build hundreds of new homes on greenbelt land near Airdrie has been kicked out by North Lanarkshre councillors. The massive Orchard Brae development, which proposed to build almost 1000 new homes on the Europark site, adjacent to Eurocentral, went before councillors on Thursday. North Lanarkshire Council planners advised the 244 hectare plan should be rejected, with councillors voting to knock back the application with 42 against and 18 supporters backing it. Nine councillors withdrew after declaring a possible conflict of interest. The council report stated: 'It is acknowledged that the proposal has some benefits, but the need for additional housing land and the justification provided for the employment land are not accepted, and it is considered that the employment and economic benefits are likely to be substantially less than the applicant estimates. 'The benefits of the proposal are therefore not considered to be sufficient to justify such a significant departure from the development plan, and for this reason it is recommended that planning permission in principle should be refused. 'The proposal is contrary to National Planning Framework and to North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan Policies as the development would result in detrimental impacts upon a valuable area of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network. 'The development as a whole is inconsistent with the wider policies of the development plan and therefore its adverse impacts on the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network cannot be justified. 'It is not considered that any adequate justification, special circumstances or material considerations have been demonstrated which would justify a departure from these policies.' Opponents - including the Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig Conservation Group - believed the plans would destroy a historic area of greenbelt, damage wildlife and deprive residents of valuable outdoor space. At the meeting, objector Dr Ann Glen called on councillors to reject the plans. She said: 'Nature's condition reflects our values. Our mission should to be to foster a world where communities can flourish in harmony with nature. Not by destroying it, as the destruction of this greenbelt would imply. 'Nor should we be allowing it to be destroyed for speculative gain. That is completely unacceptable.' Politicians from all sides of the political spectrum spoke of their delight at the news. Central Scotland Labour MSP Richard Leonard said: 'When I first stood for Parliament in 2016 this was a rising issue. Almost a decade of campaigning led by local people has paid off. 'It has been a long hard 10 years but this is a victory for democracy and the people. We remain vigilant and ready to keep the campaign going for as long as it takes.' Airdrie South Progressive Change councillor Paul DiMascio said: 'Local democracy won through and the strength of feeling against building on the green belt had been made clear. Crucially, approval would have been a clear breach of national and local guidelines. 'Should Orchard Brae appeal to the Scottish Reporter it is imperative that they both know the strength of feeling which was apparent against this proposal and take full account of North Lanarkshire's position which was made clear and ensure that this development does not get the nod down the line on appeal, via the back door. Conservative MSP Graham Simpson added: 'It's fantastic news that the massive Woodhall and Faskine development has been rejected. 'It's been my pleasure and honour to work alongside everyone in opposing these plans.' Scott Gillespie, director for Orchard Brae, said the group were disappointed by the decision made by North Lanarkshire Council. He continued: "When officers published their report recommending refusal, despite a decade of discussions and the changes they asked us to implement in 2024 being made, it was clear that we faced an uphill task. 'I want to thank the 18 elected members who supported our proposals alongside our local partners who joined us at the hearing. Their support is very much appreciated. 'We remain fully committed to our vision for this landmark mixed-use development, which we firmly believe would deliver significant benefits to the local community and beyond including more than 2000 jobs. 'It is apparent at the hearing that these benefits cannot be readily delivered elsewhere in North Lanarkshire, so there is a threat that they may now be lost. 'We have taken on board feedback from the council and local stakeholders and shaped our plans accordingly, including a vibrant economic hub, much-needed housing, a medical centre, a state-of-the-art football facility, a new primary school, additional investment in surrounding secondary schools, and, notably, a nationally-recognised country park covering 64 per cent of the site. 'This proposal was never a choice between development and greenspace. It offered the best of both, delivering jobs, training opportunities, and high-quality, sustainable homes within an enhanced natural environment. 'Many within the local community have shown strong support for this balanced and forward-thinking approach. It is unfortunate that this was not reflected in today's decision. 'We will now carefully consider our next steps and how best to move forward with our proposals and long-term vision for the area.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
