The closure of the much-loved Misunderstood Heron sparked outrage among its fans on social media – but it has been revealed that the business at Leenane never had planning permission. And despite repeated requests from the Council to rectify this situation, the food vendor never made an application for planning.

Director of Services for Planning at County Hall, Liam Hanrahan, said in a statement to the Connacht Tribune that the Council had met with the landowners on several occasions, including as far back as 2019, about the potential for development of the site.

He explained that what started out as a food truck had expanded into a development, with a car park and fixed tables, and that required planning permission.

“A masterplan is being devised with Fáilte Ireland for the overall site by the owners which covers a significant land area, which Galway County Council would be feeding into. But that is at draft stage and is not a planning permission,” Mr Hanrahan said.

In relation to the backlash received online, he said: “The social media commentary has for the most part been poorly informed regarding the issues on site or the nature of how a planning complaint is made and dealt with.”

At a meeting of Galway County Council on Monday, Mr Hanrahan hit back at the claim that the Council had ‘shot down’ the business.

He reiterated that Misunderstood Heron never had or sought planning permission.

Caption: The Misunderstood Heron.

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