Nine-house Carnacon development approved

MAYO County Council's plans to build a nine-house development in Carnacon have been approved by local councillors.

In proposing the adoption of a part 8 planning application, local Councillor Al McDonnell said the project was good for the community and particularly the local school.

Carnacon and other rural areas are suffering from decline in pupil numbers in their schools.

It was important to get it up and running and hopefully ready for September '23 enrolment.

Councillor McDonnell noted how reservations had been expressed by a neighbouring dwelling. He asked the architect and contractor to work with them to ensure their fears are allayed.

Councillor Cyril Burke said this was a great development for Carnacon. Other rural areas had also struggled with school numbers and it had a knock-on affect in communities, for sports clubs, for example.

For communities to survive, housing is needed, noted Councillor Blackie Gavin.

And Councillor Donna Sheridan agreed, saying developments like this rejuvenate whole communities. They also needed to look at providing serviced sites and affordable housing options.

Projects like this breath new life into communities, helping local schools and clubs in particular, said Councillor Ger Deere.