Mayo Power project gets go-ahead

Mayo Power project gets go-ahead

Michael Duffy

HOPES are high among supporters of the substantial Mayo Power Ltd development in Killala, which was granted permission by Mayo County Council last week, that local concerns with regard to the development have been addressed by the 43 conditions attached to the planning permission.
The €140 million mixed fuel electricity-generating station, planned for the former Asahi site, has the potential to create over 250 direct and indirect jobs in the area. However, it will be at least another six months before work can begin on the plant if any objections are lodged with An Bord Pleanála over the next month.
A total of ten observations were lodged with Mayo County Council before they made their decision and one of the positive observations came from Killala resident and Chairman of the Council for the West, Mr Sean Hannick, who yesterday (Wednesday) said he hoped the concerns of residents in the area had been dealt with by the company.
“Due to the Christmas holiday, the news that permission has been granted is only getting out there now but anyone I have talked to so far has been delighted to hear the news.
“There were concerns expressed by some of the observers [four of the ten] to the Council but I know the company has been working very hard behind the scenes to try to deal with these concerns and I would hope personally that the application will not go before An Bord Pleanála,” said Mr Hannick.
It is estimated that 200 jobs could be created during the construction of the plant and if no objection is lodged with An Bord Pleanála there is a possibility that work could start on the plant as early as March.
“There is no doubt that this development has the potential to kickstart badly-needed job creation and investment in this region and the sooner it is up and running, the better,” added Mr Hannick.
The large facility will use a mix of peat, woodchips and a small amount of coal to generate 100 megawatts of power which would be sufficient to meet the entire electricity needs of the county.
Mayo Power Limited is a special purpose project company that is jointly owned by Rockland Mayo Holding Company, an associate of Rockland Capital, and Myles Staunton of Westport, the former TD and senator.