Eco Camp close to Waterford town refused permission for new finger post signage

The operator of an Eco Camp facility near Dungarven has been refused permission to erect a new finger post sign due to concerns it would create a hazard for motorists.

Permission had been sought by The Getaway, Eco Camp at Kilnafrehan East to affix the sign to an existing pole at a junction which is located on the eastern side of the main N25, Waterford to Cork road.  

"The applicant has proposed to affix their finger post sign to an existing pole advertising ‘Kilgobinet Sports Centre’. This is a fast busy section of the N25, with limited hard shoulder making it difficult to stop safely or to view the wording on the sign. The existing sign is not very visible, and it is noted that the bank is well vegetated," stated planning inspector Angela Brereton in a report which was prepared for An Bord Pleanála.

"There are a number of small advertising signs in the area, this would lead to a further proliferation of such," she added.

READ ALSO: Waterford residents set to benefit from €19m upgrade of Water Treatment Plant

Seeking permission, the applicant stated its decision to apply for permission followed a discussion with a representative of Bord Fáilte who, they claimed, was adamant that clear signage was required to assist tourists seeking to travel to the facility.

According to Ms Brereton, the applicant further submitted that the location of the post to which the proposed signage was to be attached "is well away from any other road signage and the only other sign on the post refers to the local GAA grounds, so the proposed signage will not be a cause of visual clutter or confusion for road users."

Having considered the matter including the inspector's report and the various submissions, An Bord Pleanála, decided to refuse the appeal. 

In doing so, members of the board said they agree with the planning inspector's view that the erection of the finger post sign "has the potential to impact on traffic safety".