Celebrity TV presenter has Waterford home extension greenlit despite objections from locals
Television and radio presenter Mairéad Ronan has finally had her plans for an extension to her Dunmore East home greenlit.
The former host of Ireland’s Fittest Family and Today FM lunchtime host has been embroiled in a planning dispute since 2021.
The long running saga to secure permission faced significant delays due to further information requests and appeals from concerned locals.
In December 2024, Mairead and her husband Louis submitted new plans to Waterford Council for a two-storey extension to their property at Curraghmore Terrace.
The plans for the extension were designed by celebrity architect Dermot Bannon.
A number of residents in the terrace including the adjoining neighbour were opposed to the development.
One submission outlines that the scale of the development was overbearing, saying:
“I believe the proposal will detract from the special character of the existing terrace and is not suited to the surrounding streetscape especially when placed on such a small site.”
Others voiced concerns about the proposed construction of an entertainment area on the dwelling.
“The entertainment area placed as a viewing platform on the first-floor level will cause overlooking to our property and public spaces” one submission stated.
Designs submitted by Dermot Bannon Architects were subsequently altered over the course of the planning process, with a reduction in scale, bulk and massing.
Waterford Council granted permission; however the decision was brought to An An Coimisiún Pleanála for further review.
The recommendation from Senior Planning Inspector with An Coimisiún Pleanála, Suzanne Kehely, is that the local authority’s decision to grant permission be upheld.
“It is considered that the scale, form and mass of the proposed development would not unduly detract from the form and massing of Curraghmore Terrace” the An Coimisiún Pleanála report states.
The report also states that the proposed development would not seriously injure the residential amenities of property in the vicinity at this location, by reason of overlooking, noise or disturbance.
Permission has now been fully granted and the development can commence, subject to twelve planning conditions.
(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
