€5.5m Achill retail and commercial project to begin in two weeks

€5.5m Achill project to begin in two weeks


Anton McNulty

CONSTRUCTION on a new €5.5 million development consisting of a number of commercial and retail units for the village of Achill Sound will begin in two weeks following An Bord Pleanala’s decision to grant planning permission for the development.
The proposed €5.5 million development in the Achill village was initially granted planning permission by Mayo County Council last October but was appealed to An Bord PleanΡla. However, after a long delay in making their decision, the board has decided to grant planning for the project as per the original plan, subject to 21 conditions.
The ambitious project, proposed by local developer Paul McNamara, consists of 34 mixed unit developments consisting of offices, commercial and retail units, apartments and two houses, along with a shoreline boardwalk.
Speaking to The Mayo News Paul McNamara said it was a great decision for Achill Sound and will see the demolition of old buildings and will change the streetscape of the village for the better.
“We are delighted that An Bord PleanΡla has granted planning permission not just for me but for the village which will allow the new to take over the old, it is a great decision for Achill Sound.
“We have been ready to go since last September and after finally getting it (permission) we are ready for the off. The delay was a worry but the application went right to the highest levels in An Bord PleanΡla and (they) were happy to give the planning. It was a logical decision because with the sewerage it will allow the village to grow,” he said.
The development is to be located adjacent to the Achill Sound Hotel and the application was appealed to An Bord Pleanala by hotelier Peter Connaughton who claimed that the layout of the plan will ‘generate activities in direct contrast to the tranquil private nature of backland private amenity which currently exists on site’. He also added that the proposed development is strongly out of character with the existing pattern of development in the area.
However, the planner, Paul Caprani concluded in his report that he considered that the proposed development to be appropriate in that it would not detract from the character of the village. The decision was welcomed by local councillor, MicheΡl McNamara who said the project will be a much needed boost to the area and will improve the character of the village.
“At this time it is very difficult to get jobs in the construction sector and I hope this goes ahead. There are a number of old buildings in Achill Sound and this will improve the streetscape and freshen up the village. This will create jobs in the short term through construction and hopefully in the long term it will create more employment. I wish the applicant all the best and I hope all goes well in the future,” he said.