Seamus Conneely of Drinagh, Errislannen, Clifden, applied for planning permission to convert ruins on the Wild Atlantic Way into an agricultural storage unit, but instead turned it into a family home with decking. However, Galway County Council has since ordered him to return the ruins to agricultural use and remove all internal works making it habitable. Conneely has pleaded for time to lodge a fresh planning application, as his previous attempts were refused due to reasons such as potential flood risk and a threat to the water supply. Despite this, the court convicted and fined him €1,000, with the Council’s legal costs amounting to €3,500. This case highlights the importance of obtaining proper planning permission and complying with enforcement notices to avoid breaching planning laws.
