A triumph for commonsense in south Mayo town

by Auld Stock

BORD Pleanála has reversed a decision by the planning department of Mayo County Council to refuse a major planning application for a housing development in Claremorris.

Good news.

Some time ago a planning application for a number of houses in Castlebar was turned down.

Shameful. There was consternation at the council’s decision.

Castlebar is crying out for houses.

A recent survey showed there are hundreds of people working in Castlebar who live outside the town.

Castlebar was recently chosen as the town in Ireland where most families would wish to live.

Surely this is something our planners should take into consideration when planning applications are being discussed.

Regrettably, our elected representatives have no say in planning matters. A disgraceful situation which has thrown local democracy out the window.

Councillor Richard Finn spoke for many people at a council meeting when he was highly critical of the decision to reject the planning application for Claremorris.

In the end justice prevailed and the planning application was granted.