An Bord Pleanála gives go-ahead for Ballyfermot Dealz store

By Maurice Garvey

PERMISSION for a new Dealz retail store in Ballyfermot has been granted by An Bord Pleanála.

Receivers Tom Kavanagh, applied for permission to change the use of the former Gala bingo hall on Ballyfermot Road, into a Dealz retail store.

The Gala was operated by the Kearney family, and opened as a cinema in 1955.

Over the years it became a dance hall, a roller rink and operated as a bingo hall before receivers were appointed in early 2014.

Plans were approved by Dublin City Council last November despite objections from local businesses, who feel the proposed 120,000 sq m Dealz store will impact existing trade.

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh made a submission at that stage, calling for asbestos sheets on the roof of the building to be removed before any work takes place.

An appeal objecting to the decision by council planners was made to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) by a local business.

ABP overruled the recommendation of an inspector to refuse permission for the development.

The Inspector`s concerns were based on delivery access to the rear of the site on Blackditch Road, and the lack of a designated lay-by to the front of the building.

In making their decision to grant permission for the plans, ABP said the proposed development would “not seriously injure the character or amenities of the area or of the property in the vicinity.”

The Board said it would “return a vacant building to active use”, and would support the “vitality of the village centre” and be “acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.”

Conditions include no additional signage on the building other than that submitted in the plans.