Concerns over the proposal, which includes a high-rise apartment complex at Derg Marina, will be voiced at a public meeting in the Lakeside Hotel on Thursday, November 27, at 8pm.
The meeting is being organised by Ballina Marina Action Group, whic
h has been opposing plans for the development for some time. It comes following the lodging of a new application with North Tipperary County Council by Adrian Lannon and David Lehane.
"There is considerable unease here towards the marina development proposal. This project is masquerading as a marina development when it is, to all intents and purposes, a massive apartment complex rising to five storeys at its highest point. We are urging all those concerned with the developer's proposals to turn out in force at the public meeting," said Joe Cahalan, a spokesman for the action group.
Mr Cahalane pointed out that the deadline for acceptance of planning objections to the proposals was Friday, December 5.
"The design and scale is completely at odds with the sustainable development of a heritage town, and would be more at home in the Dublin Docklands than in the tranquil setting of Ballina and Killaloe. This marina is uniquely located in that it abounds a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a National Heritage Area (NHA) in a recognised heritage town," he said.
Mr Cahalane said that the local residents had asked for a detailed copy of the marina plans, but had never got one.
"We asked for a Environmental Impact Assessment – we never got one. Finally, the community was promised by the developers that a model of the proposed marina would be put on display – we never got one," he said.
The proposal involves a mixed use development consisting of the demolition of all existing structures on the site and building new structures, which include apartment blocks, marina facilities, restaurant, an education facility and car parking.
The developers agree that the wreckage of an 1833-built paddle steamer, Lady Lansdowne, lies under water within the site boundary, but point out that it is protected under National Monuments legislation.
