Plans for new Mayo island helipad progressing

PLANS for a new helipad on Inishturk are progressing.

The helicopter landing pad and access road is to be constructed at Bellavaum, directly across from the island community centre, replacing the existing helipad which is located at the harbour.

A part 8 planning notice for the project was approved by councillors at a Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting.

The helipad will have a total diameter of 56.6m and an area of circa 2,515m2.

It will be concentrically divided into three sections, as follows: a 5.3m wide safety area on the western side of the landing pad periphery; a hard standing final approach and take-off area which will be 23.5m wide and surface dressed with chippings; and a touchdown and lift-off area in the centre of the landing pad comprising a circular concrete reinforced pad of 22.5m with associated ground lighting to assist landing and take off.