Mayo amusement centre decision under appeal

THE continued use of an existing amusement and entertainment centre in Castlebar town, which was rejected by council planners, is now the subject of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

The refusal relates to a business at Duke Street, Castlebar, at the rear of Sports Direct.

Permission was previously granted for a period of three years, and so the application for continued use.

A similar application was refused by the council last year due to land use zoning for the area, a decision that was upheld by An Bord Pleanála.

Now the appeals board is being asked to consider the matter again after the council found that the continued use as an amusement and entertainment centre did not comply with the zoning matrix which says amusement arcades are 'not normally permitted'.

It would impact on the vitality, viability and environment of the town centre and would not provide for appropriate town centre uses.

The case is due to be decided before the end of June.