New public space for Mayo village ‘to create focal point for local community’
The creation of a public space in the centre of Cong village has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála.
The proposal by Mayo County Council includes seating areas, surface paving and kerbing, planting, and a courtesy pedestrian crossing along with all other associated site development services.
The site of the development is located at the junction of Circular Road and Main Street, both along the R345.
It is flat and is roughly triangular in shape with a stated area of 0.033 hectares. It is currently laid out in gravel with a gravel mound placed along the roadside boundaries and the site has become partly recolonised.
In order to lay the paving, it is proposed to excavate to a depth of c.250mm below existing ground level and the paving will be laid on a new build-up of compacted sand, hardcore and geotextile membrane.
The construction period is unclear but having regard to the nature and extent of the development proposed, it is likely to be of short-term duration.
Taking account of the mitigation measures proposed to protect water quality during the construction phase, the planning appeals board considered the development would not give rise to significant negative effects on the water environment.
And having regard to the limited nature and scale of the proposed development and the absence of any other significant environmental sensitivities in the vicinity, there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development.
Patricia Calleary, senior planning inspector, said the project will make a positive contribution to the village and its retail and service function, would enhance the visual amenities of the area and would provide a focal point for the community in a unique waterfront setting.
A number of planning conditions have been attached to the permission 'in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area’, which is within close proximity to the the Lough Corrib special area of conservation.