Green light for new Ballinasloe plaza

By Rebekah O'Reilly

A large new Applegreen service station plaza, off the M6 motorway in Ballinasloe, has been given the green light.

The planning application was submitted by Petrogas Group Ltd to Galway County Council last September, with permission granted by the local authority, subject to 15 conditions, on June 30.

The site is located off Junction 15 of the M6, east of the Garbally Roundabout, on lands to the east of the R446 at an existing service station in Mackney, Ballinasloe.

Plans for the major new development include a retail unit and off licence, two restaurant areas, coffee dock, fuel pumps, and toilets. The project also includes an outdoor exercise area, play area, and picnic area.

The development will incorporate a new EV charging hub for 36 vehicles beneath a 3.22m-high canopy fitted with solar panels, along with four HGV EV charging spaces without a canopy.

A drive-thru lane will be provided for one of the food outlets, while parking spaces include provision for 13 buses or heavy goods vehicles, as well as 86 car parking spaces, 16 bicycle parking spaces and five motorcycle spaces.

A new vehicular entrance is proposed from the Garbally Roundabout, along with a new roundabout junction that will also facilitate future access to lands to the north.

The plans also provide for the demolition of all structures associated with the fuel element of the existing filling station. The existing buildings containing the shop and storage facilities will remain in place.

Planning documents state: "The proposed Applegreen Motorway Service Area at Ballinasloe provides an opportunity to deliver a modern, well-designed and high-quality roadside facility at a strategic location on the M6 motorway network.

"It will replace the existing outdated filling station on the R446 with a purpose-built development that offers a safe, accessible and attractive environment for motorists, professional drivers and the local community."