Car wash facility would ‘endanger’ public safety according to council

A CAR wash facility at the Old Bawn Shopping Centre in Tallaght would “endanger public safety” if it was granted retention permission, according to South Dublin County Council.

The council stated this in reaching its decision to refuse permission for the car wash facility.

In the application for retention permission submitted by Kevin and Veronica Hegarty last September, permission was sought for the retention of a car wash facility including a single storey portacabin office (10sq.m) with a covered car wash area (22sq.m).

Permission for the car wash facility was previously granted back in 2010 for a period of six years, and again in February 2019 for three years.

The Hegartys stated in their most recent planning application that the car wash site “is not highly visible” and is accessed through a wide gate, and there is no queuing at the car wash entrance “thus having no impact on car park circulation”.

On June 15, South Dublin County Council refused retention permission for the car wash on the grounds that it would cause a traffic hazard, thus endangering public safety.

“Based on the available information submitted, the proposed development for retention would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard due to the applicant not adequately demonstrating that safe vehicular movements can be carried out,” stated the local authority.

“As such, the proposed development is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”