Over 40 submissions received in west Mayo caravan park planning application
Planning application for proposed new caravan park on Achill Island has received 43 submissions for and against the development
Over 40 submissions have been received by Mayo County Council in relation to a planning application for a new mobile home and touring park on Achill Island.
A planning application was lodged by Achill Shores Ltd with Mayo County Council in August for the development of a new mobile home park on a 16 acre site in Keel village located across the road from the existing Keel camping and caravan site.
The proposed development is to consist of 61 mobile home pitches and 20 pitches for campervans as well as a site reception and office, communal building and toilets and shower block. One feature of the new park which will be new to Achill is the inclusion of an 'Aire' which is a designated, overnight parking spot for self-contained motorhomes and campervans.
This facility which is popular across Europe will allow motorhome users the opportunity to avail of electricity, fill up with fresh water and dispose of their grey water and chemical toilet in a safe manner.
The application appears to have divided opinion with 43 submissions received by Mayo County Council before the submission deadline date on September 19, with the majority expressing their objection to the proposed development.
A number of the objectors expressed concern regarding any negative environmental impact the proposed development may have on Keel Lake which is part of a Special Area of Conversation. An environmental impact assessment compiled by Dr Karen Taylor, Palaeolimnologist at the University of Galway which claims that the proposed development will pose 'significant environmental risks due to the site's location and physical connection with Keel Lough and the surrounding SAC', was attached by a number of the objectors in their submissions.
Other submissions expressed concern that the current water supply for Achill Island will not be adequate and the scale of the development will not be suitable for the location and it will lead to a build up of traffic through the village.
There were submissions in favour of the development with some people claiming that a 'modern well-planned mobile home park' will be a 'very positive addition to the area'.
Lisa Fitzsimons, a director of Achill Shores Ltd, who has been operating the existing Keel caravan park on the Keel Sandybanks for the last four years stated that the proposed park will be a separate entity from the existing park.
Galway-based planning and environmental consultants, MKO were employed to carry out a Natural Impact Study and other environmental studies of the site which is currently used for grazing by sheep and ponies.
The Natural Impact Study concluded that the proposed development will not result in any residual adverse effects on any of the European Sites, their integrity or their conservation objectives when considered on its own'.
The applicants stated in a landscape report that the project seeks to establish a 'resilient, nature-positive landscape that supports biodiversity, enhances visitor experience, and contributes positively to the long-term environmental quality of the area'.
Other key features of the proposed site include a proposed SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) wetland and biodiverse area, which will act as both storm-water infrastructure and the ecological heart of the site.
Recreational and communal amenities proposed include a playground, MUGA, communal building, seating areas, BBQ spaces, and bicycle parking integrated within the landscape setting. Two car parking spaces are proposed per mobile home unit along with 15 spaces for visitors and staff while there will be a total of 28 spaces for bicycle parking for visitors.
A decision on whether to grant or refuse planning for the proposed development is expected to be made by Mayo County Council in mid October.