VEC appeals Ratoath College extension refusal

Meath County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a 425-student extension to Ratoath College has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala by County Meath VEC.

Last month, the council shot down plans for the 3,288sq metre two-storey extension to the school over fears it could create a “serious traffic hazard” due to the extra traffic that would be generated, where the road network is constrained.

The proposed extension was to provide 25 new teaching spaces, a special needs unit and 14 car parking spaces at Jamestown, Ratoath.

Residents of Milltree Park had objected to the plans and have highlighted concerns over the speed and volume of cars going to and from school which make it dangerous and difficult to exit their houses in the morning.They fear that the dangers would increase rapidly due to extra traffic resulting from the extension.

The planning refusal was met by anger and disappointment from Meath VEC and local parents. The VEC’s CEO, Peter Kierans, pointed out that in its submission to the council, the VEC had undertaken to maintain the number of students travelling by car to school at existing levels, even though the school would grow.

The VEC lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against the planning refusal on Monday 15th April. A decision is due on the appeal on 19th August next.