Achill-henge High Court case adjourned

Achill-henge High Court case adjourned


Edwin McGreal

The High Court action taken by Mayo County Council against developer Joe McNamara over the controversial Achill-henge development on a hilltop near Pollagh, Achill has been adjourned for a further three weeks.
A full hearing on the matter was expected to commence last Tuesday, January 31, but counsel for Joe McNamara sought an adjournment last week and were granted a three week adjournment to Tuesday, February 21.
Mayo County Council have indicated they are seeking an order compelling Joe McNamara to take down the Stonehenge-esque development which he built over the course of one weekend last November.
The Council argue that the development, which consists of 30 concrete columns which form a circular structure, is an unauthorised development as it was built without permission.
However Mr McNamara has applied for the development to be exempt from planning permission because the circle of columns is unenclosed.
Mayo County Council refused that application earlier this month but Mr McNamara has since taken the matter to An Bord PleanΡla. That application was lodged on January 18.
Whether the High Court hearing can proceed before a decision is made from An Bord PleanΡla remains to be seen. A council spokesperson told The Mayo News yesterday that they were of the belief that the High Court case can go ahead.