Killala row

Row erupts in Killala over survey

Áine Ryan

A ROW has developed in Killala over the integrity of a recent survey about the proposed new electricity plant to be developed at the former Asahi site.
In an exclusive report in last week’s Mayo News, it was revealed that over 82 per cent of those surveyed (500) in the north Mayo community had responded negatively to aspects of the mixed-fuel development. Claims have since been made that this survey was carried out without the formal imprimatur or knowledge of Killala Community Council.
The €140 million development was granted planning permission before Christmas, subject to 43 conditions, by Mayo County Council. This has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. Mayo Power Ltd is jointly owned by former TD and senator, Mr Myles Staunton of Westport and a subsidiary of American company, Rockland Capital.
In a statement, referring to The Mayo News article, the Treasurer of Killala Community Council and Chairman of the Council for the West, Mr Sean Hannick, wrote: “The basis for this report was a survey undertaken, to my knowledge, without the agreement of Killala Community Council or the Asahi Development Committee.”
He urged for the implementation of ‘an independent survey’ which would ‘result in an overwhelming majority in support of the project’. He also observed that he was ‘reflecting the views’ on the ground in both the town and surrounding areas. 
However, Ms Margaret McHale, a member of both Killala Community Council and the Asahi Development Committee – a sub-committee of the council – told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday) that both the community council and Asahi Development Committee had already decided that due process should be followed and the decision should be appealed to ABP before the survey was carried out.
“The survey was carried out as a result of concerns expressed by the community during the course of signatures being sought regarding another proposed development [the Killala Community Windfarm project]. All this was explained at our last meeting between Killala Community Council, Asahi Development Committee and representatives of Mayo Power Ltd,” said Ms McHale. She stressed that the council was always pro-development but must democratically reflect the wishes of its members
She said that since ‘time was of the essence’ (regarding the appeal), members of both the council and the committee had decided ‘to undertake the survey as quickly as possible’.
It now appears that it was this informal decision that has led to the row.
Meanwhile, Mr Hannick highlighted how ‘upfront’ and ‘open’ Mayo Power had been about the project from the outset.
“They had three meetings with local residents and Killala Community Council where they answered all questions to the best of their ability. Three times the American investor behind the project, Gerald C Crotty, has come to Killala himself to directly talk to people and to explain in detail all aspects of the project,” Mr Hannick said.
He noted the significance of the potential job creation (250) in light of recent Census statistics which showed a population drop of 12 per cent in the area since 2002. Mr Hannick also observed that the project – which will use peat, wood and coal – was consistent with Government policy on sustainable renewable energy and discounted rumours about the future siting of an incinerator at the site.
In a separate statement, Mayo Power Ltd acknowledged that Killala Community Council had lodged objections to ABP. “Mayo Power Ltd will now be studying in detail the objections lodged to An Bord Pleanála after which a further detailed statement will be made.” It also said that ‘at a number of meetings in Killala over the last 18 months, Mayo Power Ltd has attempted to answer, to the greatest extent possible, all the concerns raised by local residents and others’.
The contentious questionnaire, seen by The Mayo News prior to the publishing of last week’s article, stated: “This project is a very welcome development in the Killala area. Strongly Agree. No Opinion. Strongly Disagree.” Respondents were also invited to give reasons for their opinion. It also stated the survey was carried out by Asahi Development Committee, c/o Killala Community Council.