A certain age cohort across Galway which reminisces about youthful nights of abandon at the Warwick and Oasis can now rest easy that they may perhaps return one day… in their dotage.
An Bord Pleanála granted permission for a 154-bedroom nursing home last week on the site of the old Warwick Hotel and neighbouring Oasis nightclub in Salthill. Both were nightlife hotspots during the 1990s, attracting major bands and DJs of international repute.
Galway city west councillor Michael Crowe said he fully supported the grant of approval for the planning application, which had been modified to allay local concerns.
“During the planning process valid concerns were raised by local residents and indeed I spoke with and met with some of these. It was very positive that the promoters of this project took on board these concerns and addressed them when the application was going through the ‘further information’ planning phase within Galway City Council. As a result, all the locals withdrew their submissions and objections. This was down to positive engagement by the promoters, and I welcomed this,” said Crowe.
During the planning process, supportive and critical submissions had been made by the HSE, Uisce Éireann, the Department of Local Government and Heritage, and local residents. Local concerns largely centred largely on height and scale issues, and staff carparking. In response, Dublin-based developer Bartra, headed by Richard Barrett, removed the top floor from its original five-storey application, although one objector referred the matter to an Bord Pleanála (now An Coimisiún Pleanála ).
“This made no sense to me,” said Crowe. “Regardless, the Bord has now given an order for permission and that is the most important thing. I would also like to thank the Bord for such a speedy decision as [it] only received the file a few months back. This speed was also very welcome as I know first-hand that these things can drag out for a long period.”
“New care home facilities are very rare these days. I have been assured by the backers of this project that there will be no delay, with commencement of the development expected to happen this year.
“While ‘The Warwick’ is long gone, it lives on in the memories of thousands of Galwegians!” he added.
