Pyrotechnics company appeals refusal for Mayo underground storage facility

A PYROTECHNICS company which provided firework displays for Taylor Swift concerts has appealed a decision by Mayo County Council to refuse permission for a storage facility in a rural area of north Mayo.

Rocket Pyrotechnics Ltd based in Avoca, Co Wicklow lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against the decision by Mayo County Council to refuse planning permission to install a 40 foot metal shipping container underground for the safe and secure storage of pyrotechnics in a field in Rathoma, Killala.

The site is located 5.5km southwest of Killala and 10 km northwest of Ballina and is accessed from the local road by an agricultural track. In making its decision to refuse planning permission, Mayo County Council planners stated that there was insufficient justification for the proposed development to be at this rural location and would therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Rocket Pyrotechnics Ltd has operated for 25 years and its company director Gary Breen is a native to the Killala area and his parents' house is approximately 250 metres from the site. The company specialises in fireworks displays and has worked on large scale events including the Rose of Tralee, Galway Arts Festival, Taylor Swift concerts, Leinster rugby matches as well as weddings and corporate events.

The polytechnics proposed to be stored at the location in Rathoma are defined as Hazard Type 1 Explosives and require a licence by the local authority for storage.

In setting out the appeal to An Bord Pleanála (ABP), MKO Planning and Environmental Consultants on behalf of the appellant, stated that the metal container will be located in an excavated bunker with an earth bank placed on top of the container and around its perimeter.

A similar application for a storage facility in Co Wicklow was refused in 2021 by both Wicklow County Council and ABP, and MKO stated that the Mayo application was one of several attempts to secure permission for a storage facility which they say is integral to the business's operations.

“The facility is not only essential to the business's viability but also to the continued provision of specialised services that benefit the broader economy. The recurring nature of these applications highlights the urgent and ongoing need for the facility, and the Board must recognise this in carrying out its assessment and in making its determination,” the appeal report read.

MKO stated that the assertion made by Mayo County Council in making its decision that the proposed development would 'seriously injure the amenities or depreciate values in the vicinity' was 'wholly unfounded'.

The appeal stated that Rocket Pyrotechnics Ltd employs up to 18 'highly skilled employees' and without a storage facility, the company will be unable to purchase supplies wholesale at 'competitive rates'. This will force the company to secure supplies from Northern Ireland on the day of an event and transport them directly to the location and this would be 'an unsustainable practice that jeopardises the business's competitiveness and future'.

MKO stated it is clear that the proposed development is best suited to a rural location and urged the Board to consider its planning arguments and overturn Mayo County Council's decision and grant planning for the storage facility.

The case is due to be decided by January 23, 2025.