Rodent advice and objections to planned Laois service station
Stradbally is in line to see the return of a motor service station, but objections have been made to the Laois planning application.
A proposed motor service station in Stradbally in Laois has received objections by site neighbours, and a request to tackle rodents, by the HSE.
Laois County Council is about to make its planning decision on a proposed service station that would be the only one in the Electric Picnic town of some 1,500 residents.
A planning application has been lodged for a new filling station with a canopy, four pumps, EV chargers, a shop, a deli with seating and a car wash, by Niall and Ciaran Sheehy.
The HSE was asked to consider the application, and replied that while it has no comment regarding planning matters, it advises a rodent baiting programme for at least six weeks before site work starts.
Their reason is because the site is “in close proximity to residential properties”.
They have also sent advice for internal layout “with regard to food safety”.
Meanwhile two neighbouring households have objected.
One couple say it would “impact our daily living”, listing concerns for security and anti-social behaviour after closing times, bright lights, surface water runoff, the lack of a footpath, the danger of explosions or spillage of oil or corrosive chemicals, and finally ask for “reasonable open times “so as not to interfere with family living”.
“We hope these concerns will be considered in the interest of the general wellbeing of the people of Stradbally and others who may use this facility. We are not objecting to the need for the service station in Stradbally but we would like due consideration to our submissions and respect for the households in the area,” the couple said.
A second neighbour also lives across from the site and is concerned at “the overall effect of introducing a petrol filling station into a predominantly residential environment”.
“My concerns relate to the potential impacts on residential amenity, traffic safety, environmental risk, visual impact, waste management and the overall character of the locality.
“Recent events in Donegal have understandably heightened public awareness of safety considerations associated with fuel-related developments. I believe it is reasonable that the Council carefully examines all safety and emergency management arrangements.”
They asked for a traffic safety assessment, and whether staff will get safety training. They ask for mature planting to screen off the premises, and measures to prevent “late night loitering”.
The station is proposed on the Athy Road, and the application says it is a derelict site where “a historic facility ceased operation about 25 yrs ago.”
The applicants state that the proposed facility will provide additional part time jobs in the town where job opportunities are limited.
“Currently residents must drive to Ballylinan, Portlaoise or Ballyroan for fuel. The proposed facility will encourage sustainable travel patterns by reducing car trips for fuel alone and the facility will also provide EV charging stations which are lacking in the village,” they had said.
The proposed new filling station would also have separate truck and agricultural diesel fuel stations, outdoor solid fuel and gas storage, a goods store and staff facilities.
A decision is due by July 23 with the deadline now passed for further submissions.