Move to establish timeline for work on new zone at Knock airport

A Mayo TD is seeking to establish the timeline in which Mayo County Council can commence work on utilities, services and infrastructure to develop the 95,000 square- metre strategic development zone at Ireland West Airport Knock.

Deputy Alan Dillon posed the question to Minister of State Peter Burke.

Deputy Burke outlined: "On 30 May 2017, the government designated 284 hectares of land at Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) under Section 166 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

"The preparation of a Planning Scheme for an SDZ is a function of the relevant development agency, under Section 168 of the Act. In this case Mayo County Council is the designated development agency.

"On 29 May 2019, Mayo County Council, published the draft planning scheme for the SDZ for public consultation for six weeks, closing on 12 July 2019, in accordance with Section 169 of the Act.

"The chief executive of the planning authority submitted a report on submissions and observations received during the consultation period for consideration by the council and on 9 September 2019, the planning authority made the IWAK SDZ Planning Scheme.

"Further to the making of the planning scheme, the planning authority must grant permission for any development which is consistent with the planning scheme, with no further appeal to An Bord Pleanála against the decision of the planning authority.

"As the planning scheme has now been adopted, delivery of this project is a matter in the first instance for Mayo County Council, as the designated development agency, who may engage as necessary with relevant departments/agencies in relation to available capital programmes, as considered appropriate."