Objection to disposal of council land in Mayo town for €180k
THE cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District, Councillor Michael Loftus, told colleagues at that he is not in favour of the proposed disposal of a piece of council property in Crossmolina.
Councillor Loftus and his colleagues were asked to note the sale of land at Knockalegan, Crossmolina, before it's placed on the agenda for a full meeting of Mayo County Council on June 9 next.
The parcel of land – 0.8 of a hectare – is not required by council, though is currently being used as a compound for storage.
A sale price of €180,000 is under consideration.
Stated Councillor Loftus: “I'm not in agreement with this. I feel it's wrong. It should be maintained by Mayo County Council as a compound or as an industrial site for the future. I do not believe it's correct to sell it.”
Councillor Jarlath Munnelly backed his colleague's concerns, saying they should support the local man in an issue like this – a sentiment echoed by other members, though
Councillor Annie May Reape said the matter should have been 'thrashed out' before it apeared before them as an agenda item.
Responding to his colleagues, Councillor Loftus said it wasn't that he knew best, but he felt it was wrong to sell the land when it was ideal for developing a proper compound.
Catherine McConnell, director of services, said the council was approached about the parcel of land in the first instance by Crossmolina Community Council.
They considered it and decided to put it on the open market because the area is zoned and developed for enterprise purposes.
The highest bidder said he intended to build and enterprise unit.
A more than fair price was offered for it, she continued, adding she suggested it's not a good side for a compound. “It's zoned enterprise,” she said, “and we've no budget for a compound. We will not be putting a compound there. It's too valuabe a land bank for economic development purposes.”
Councillor Loftus reiterated that he didn't feel it was the right decision to sell it and said he would be objecting to it at the council meeting in June. “I would ask my fellow councillor to object to it too,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, a second parcel of land – this one location at Kathleen Lynn Lane in Ballina – also came before Ballina MD members for consideration, with the proposed sale on this occasion getting full support.
The piece of land, under consideration for €90,000, had been unused by the council for a number of years, the meeting was told. “It would be good to see it brought into use,” said Councillor Annie May Reape.