Objections to Breaffy housing plans

PLANS for two separate housing developments in Breaffy are the subject of local objections.

Recently, proposals for a 32-house development at Cottage Road have been submitted for planning approval.

Developers Tirawley Ltd. have lodged an application with Mayo County Council for the construction of nine single storey bungalows, six dormer/storey and a half, and 17 two-storey house types.

The plans include pedestrian and vehicular access to Cottage Road, and pedestrian/cycle access to Breaffy House Resort.

The company also has plans for a separate 11-house development on lands at Breaffy House Resort before the council for consideration.

A number of local objections have been submitted in respect of it and some touch on concerns about the more recent application for 32 homes.

Among the issues raised is concern about road safety and that adding more traffic will only make the situation in the village more dangerous.

The Breaffy community has been campaigning for a number of years now to have the speed limit reduced to 60kph.

On the 32 houses on Cottage Road, one submission, from someone who has farmed there for 50 years, said it was impossible as the road is a narrow, rural road, used by tractors and farm machinery, milk tanks and plant hire agents, as well as being a busy through road to Belcarra village.

It was submitted that Breaffy is a rural area and should be kept so. The demesne should be protected for its history and heritage with more native trees being added to protect the green spaces for future generations.

Said one observer: 'We cannot see many people wanting to escape to the west of Ireland to stay in a hotel located in a housing development.'