Land disposal at Asahi site not met with universal approval
MEMBERS of Mayo County Council based in north Mayo have noted a proposal to dispose of over 26 hectares of land at the former Asahi site, near Killala, to a Derry-based company, but have fallen short of endorsing the transaction.
The issue of poor communication between the council and the local community in relation to the deal was raised as a concern, particularly as commitment had been given by the local authority previously to develop a sports facilty at the location.
Councillors were being asked at a meeting of Ballina Municipal District today (Wednesday) to endorse the disposal of land, by way of an 'option' arrangement and at a value of approximately €2.5 million, of circa. 26.13 hectares at Tawnaghmore Upper, Killala, to Atlantic Gateway Ltd., with an address in Derry city, Northern Ireland.
However, Councillor Jarlath Munnelly, a native of Killala, said there was a pre-existing agreement with a local community group for sporting facilities at the site and the proposal over what was to be developed on the land now was a 'bit vague'. It wasn't clear what the land was being disposed for, other than suggestions it was for a data centre, he added.
“I propose that we note the report and underline the positives from it in that there is interest in the site, but I wouldn't be happy to go further than that.”
The other members of Ballina Municipal District agreed with Councillor Munnelly that the needs of community groups must be addressed before they would support the proposal.
The chairman, Councillor Michael Loftus, added that the lack of communication from the council to the local community disappointed him. “The community was waiting and waiting for information on this. It's a slap in the face to the local community to have gone forward with this proposal without even explaining to them what is to be done. It's an awful way of communicating.”
Marie Crowley, manager, Ballina Municipal District, who noted the concerns of the councillors, said the matter was due before a meeting of the full council on April 10 and there was scope in the meantime for discussions with community groups.