Mayo Power

Mayo Power decision deferred until July

Áine Ryan

A DECISION due yesterday (Monday) by An Bord Pleanála, on the future development of a power plant at the site of the disused Asahi complex near Killala, has been deferred until Tuesday, July 22 next. 
The €140 million development was granted planning permission before Christmas last, subject to 43 conditions, by Mayo County Council. Mayo Power Ltd is jointly owned by former TD and senator, Mr Myles Staunton of Westport, and a subsidiary of American company, Rockland Capital.
The project became enveloped in a row after a community survey showed 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 were later made that this survey was carried out without the formal imprimatur or knowledge of Killala Community Council. This was refuted by members of the community council.
Four parties lodged appeals to An Bord Pleanála against the proposed development: An Taisce, Asahi Development Committee, Killala Community Council and Michael O’Donnell.