At MKO, our Planning Team is one of Ireland’s largest and most experienced planning practices, with experience across every industry and sector. We relish the challenge of large, complex projects. We have worked on the cutting-edge professional planning practice for more than a decade, acting as the lead planning advisors on some of the largest infrastructure developments in the state’s history. Have a read at a few of our exciting projects from 2022.
Colaiste Chamuis, Ros a Mhíl, Co Galway
MKO acted as planning agents for key extensions and alterations at Colaiste Chamuis, Ros a Mhíl, Co. Galway. The works were proposed under 3 no. planning applications which have been granted by Galway County Council. The works will provide for several new classrooms, resource rooms, student and staff facilities and circulation space. 3 no. bus parking spaces will be provided to ensure safe access for coaches transporting students to and from the campus. A key aspect of the project is the replacement and upgrade of the existing waste water treatment plant on site, which is approaching the end of its operational life. The proposed works will also consist of the provision of new staff accommodation and PV panels on the roof of the school building.
The rationale for the development at Colaiste Chamuis largely stems from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is envisaged that the permitted extensions and alterations will allow for new post covid work practices and distancing among students and teachers. The Irish college wishes to utilise the campus upgrades as an opportunity to adopt a new ‘Green School’ policy. Environmental awareness will be promoted by upgrading the existing wastewater treatment plant facilities, introducing rainwater harvesting, introducing new low-flush toilets to reduce water usage and introducing PV panels to utilise green energy sources.
Strategic Housing Development, Condell Road, Clonmacken, Limerick
MKO acted as the planning consultants for a Strategic Housing Development in the townland of Clonmacken, Limerick. The development consisted of 165 residential units, including 43 houses, 42 duplex units and 80 apartments, a creche facility and all associated works ancillary to the site. The scheme included a significant amount of communal public open space beyond the statutory requirements, which were designed to incorporate both formal and informal play areas and garden and parkland spaces. Excellent connection links were incorporated into the design, providing an accessible street network for vulnerable street users. These connections are sought to promote permeability through the proposed development and within the wider area, encouraging sustainable travel modes in the locality and minimising the need to use private vehicles.
The proposed development will assist Limerick City and County Council in meeting its commitment to provide for residential development and associated support development, ensuring the protection of existing residential amenities and contributing to sustainable residential neighbourhoods.
Mount Lucas Electrolyser, Co Offaly
MKO was appointed by Bord na Móna Powergen Limited to provide planning and environmental services for a proposed 2MW pilot-scale hydrogen electrolysis plant at Mount Lucas Wind Farm, Mountlucas, Co. Offaly. This project aims to produce green hydrogen using power generated by the existing Mount Lucas Wind Farm, particularly power that could otherwise be curtailed/constrained. This innovative project will complement the variability of the wind farm while at the same time contributing to both energy security and the decarbonisation of the energy and transport sectors. Furthermore, the project represents an opportunity to further Bord na Móna’s ‘Brown to Green’ strategy, contribute to the low carbon transition, support sustainable economic development and employment and contribute to the development of the green hydrogen sector. This is an exciting project to work on, as it is one of the first of its kind in the country and on the cutting edge of renewable technology and the low carbon transition.