New Mayo primary care centre facing planning hitch

THE provision of a much-needed primary care centre in Castlebar has struck a planning hitch.

The promoters of the facility, Abbey Álainn Limited, have raised concerns over the location of a recycling centre on an adjacent site at Moneen in the town.

A letter of concern circulated to elected members of the Castlebar Municipal District stated the juxtapositioning of a state-of-the-art health centre and a recycling centre ‘has to be of concern, especially for the patients and residents of the health centre, visitors to the centre and all persons living and working in the vicinity’.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said the letter submitted by Abbey Álainn Limited raised questions for Mayo County Council and its planning and enforcement division that needed to be addressed.

“Something has gone radically wrong here and I hope it does not place the health centre in jeopardy because it is badly needed in this town,” he added.

Councillor Thérése Ruane said the two proposals were not compatible on adjacent sites and she hoped a solution can be found in the short term.

Councillor Al McDonnell described the matter as ‘complex’. “I believe our senior officials need to monitor this issue closely from a planning perspective,” he argued.

Councillor Cyril Burke said he could not understand how such a situation was arrived at in the first place.

Councillor Blackie Gavin, chair of the Castlebar Municipal District, stated it is vital that investment in the town’s health facilities is not lost.

Paddy Mahon, town manager, confirmed he will address the concerns raised as a matter of urgency.