Refusal of Mayo creche facility is questioned

by Auld Stock

A large public house, the Bridge Inn, Ballymiles, a few miles outside Swinford, was run successfully by the O’Neill family for some years and was later purchased by Oliver Kelleher, Castlebar businessman.

However, the impact of coronavirus and the strict laws relating to driving meant the owner had no option but to shut up shop, a tough decision.

A hammer blow to the local area and those employed in the business.

A planning application to Mayo County Council to install a creche in the premises was turned down.

There was mention of the new development likely to have an affect on road safety in the area.

That’s one difficult to swallow.

There is adequate parking near the former licensed premises and how in the name of common sense could the traffic generated by the proposed creche create a problem.

There is much talk nowadays about bringing back people to live in rural Ireland.

Local people are angry at the refusal by the planners to permit a creche to be established at the former licensed premises in Ballymiles.

Like those people I am astonished.

I can add the words flabbergasted, amazed, disappointed.

What more can I say?

Dear Lord, give me patience!