Celebrity TV presenter defends against locals who say extension to her Waterford home is 'excessive'
Concept art for the proposed development.
Well-known television and radio presenter Mairéad Ronan has had documents submitted on her behalf to An Coimisiún Pleanála, which outline reasons why a planned extension to her home in Waterford should proceed, despite calls from locals to have it rejected.
The extension to the residence at Curraghmore Terrace, Dunmore East, is designed by celebrity architect Dermot Bannon. It has been planned by Mairead and her husband Louis since 2021, and was previously derailed following a string of appeals from locals.
Updated plans were finally approved by Waterford Council in January. However, four submissions of appeal were made by concerned locals and the development has been paused pending An Coimisiún Pleanála review.
The residents took particular issue with the “excessive scale” of the development, describing it as “big and distorting”.
In a response to the appeals, David Mulcahy Planning Consultants, on behalf of Louis and Mairead Ronan, said in their submission that the scale of the extension is respectful of the surrounding area.
“We submit to the Commission that the key issue raised by the appellants' is that of scale and design.
"We are of the firm view that the proposed development represents exceptional architecture and will make a significant contribution to the area.
"The architects were fully aware of the prominent nature of the site in devising the design and we consider that they have produced a contemporary design which in itself is striking and aesthetically pleasing whilst at the same time being respectful of the scale of existing development in the area."
The submission made on behalf of the Ronans asked the commission to uphold Waterford Council's decision to approve the development. The commission are due to decide on the matter by May 20.
