A Social Democrats elected representative has defended lodging an objection to plans for a new apartment complex in Knocknacarra – and insisted his opposition to new housing was consistent with party policy.

Galway City Councillor Alan Curran confirmed he lodged an objection to plans by Highcross Developments Limited – owned by publican John Mannion – to build forty apartments on a site at Clybaun Road and Western Distributor Road.

The objection, submitted on behalf of Hawthorn Place Residents Association, was signed off by Alan Curran, who is chairperson of the residents’ association.

Councillor Curran insisted he did not lodge an individual personal objection, or an objection in his capacity as an elected representative.

He said the objection signed by him reflected the views of the Hawthorn Place Residents Association, a mature estate of over 100 homes where he lives.

“The main objection from residents is that this development is too high. It’s six storeys high. The Clybaun Hotel (opposite) is three storeys high; this will be six. So the objection is not to housing, the objection is to the height. I’m the chairperson of the residents’ association and so obviously my name goes on the objection,” he said.

Cllr Curran said his personal view was also that “six storeys are too high” on this site.

“It is going to overlook residents (in Hawthorn Place) and as the chairperson of the residents’ association my job is to represent those residents, and to represent their views,” he said.

Cllr Curran said he was not opposed to high-density development, and he accepted the political charge of hypocrisy and NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard) would be thrown at him given the Soc Dems have lashed Government for years for not dealing with the housing crisis.

But Councillor Curran said he was being transparent in representing the views of his residents’ association, and he was not at odds with party policy.

“I’ve always talked about sustainable development, but sustainable development must fit in with the character of an area.

“I recognise the conflict that is there, but I’m representing the view of the residents’ association as chairperson. It’s not a personal objection but I do support them, because the scale of it is too much . . . We are all entitled to object. The question you have for me ‘does it reconcile with the view of the Soc Dems?’, I think it does,” Cllr Curran said.

Several points in the objection submitted by the Chairperson of Hawthorn Places Residents Association related to traffic concerns and road safety.

Pictured: The two-block apartments development planned for Clybaun Road, at the junction with the Western Distributor Road.