Creche plan for former Mayo pub property turned down

PLANS to convert a former public house premises in east Mayo into a childcare facility have been turned down.

The Bridge Inn in Ballymiles, adjacent to the N5 between Swinford and Bohola, has not operated as a pub for some years.

Little Nest Care Ltd. requested permission from Mayo County Council for a change of use to a creche.

Their plan was to provide a full day care service, catering for babies, toddlers, pre-school and after-school children, with indoor and outdoor play areas.

In a submission to planners they said they believe there is a growing need for a full day care service with long operating hours to provide a service to parents that need it.

Residential use, the planning file noted, was also to be retained.

In refusing planning, the council said direct access on the N5 national primary road was contrary to policies set out on the county development plan.

Traffic hazard was also raised as a concern, and there was insufficient evidence submitted to determine the possible effects on the environment, including the integrity of the Natura 2000 network.