Delgany JR Challenge Defeated

I can see your 500 houses from here…

he long-running challenge by Delgany JR over planning granted for 232 houses in the village has been rejected by the High Court.

The controversial Strategic Housing Development on the old Carmelite monastery grounds was approved in February 2021.

Within two months, the newly-formed DelganyJR had raised the €35,000 needed for a Judicial Review challenging that decision.

And that long battle was in the courts on Thursday, when the court ruled in favour of ABP and developer Drumakilla Ltd.

“While we are surprised and disappointed at Thursday’s decision,” said DelganyJR founder Alice O’Donnell, “we are discussing it further with our legal team and will provide a further update at the end of next week.

“It’s not over yet as there are further avenues to pursue. There is still a stay in place pending the bat licence derogation question.”

O’Donnell also reiterated the committee’s thanks to all the many people who have supported their challenge to the area’s latest housing estate planning approval. Cairn Homes are currently fighting just such a Judicial Review for their 586-house WCC-refused development in Blacklion. Both Drumkilla and Cairn have taken the Plan B approach of applying for smaller sections of their planned estates through the regular Wicklow Planning process, with the former being granted 155 houses in December whilst the latter failure’s to get permission for 98 houses made national news.

“We are very grateful for the continued support of the Delgany community. Our goal is to have a development on the site that enhances our local community. Delgany has expanded rapidly in recent years without the necessary facilities and infrastructure. We still don’t have a community playground or a community centre.

“We believe that Delgany deserves a better plan and we hope that we can achieve this.”