Knock zone is set to circumvent planning refusals

Mayo County Council is to begin the process of developing a strategic development zone (SDZ) around the Ireland West airport at Knock.

Local councillors have been asking council officials what can be done to prevent An Bord Pleanála refusing developments around the airport such as one by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. In June the board refused planning permission for the decentralised department office to be built on a site beside Knock airport.

The chief planning officer for Mayo County Council, Ian Douglas, has advised that "to avoid appeals of development to An Bord Pleanála, the most appropriate mechanism under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 is the establishment of a strategic development zone".

Mayo County Council is to begin the process of developing a strategic development zone (SDZ) around the Ireland West airport at Knock.

Local councillors have been asking council officials what can be done to prevent An Bord Pleanála refusing developments around the airport such as one by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

In June the board refused planning permission for the decentralised department office to be built on a site beside Knock airport.

The chief planning officer for Mayo County Council, Ian Douglas, has advised that "to avoid appeals of development to An Bord Pleanála, the most appropriate mechanism under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 is the establishment of a strategic development zone".

Mr Douglas explained: "Once the overall planning scheme for an SDZ has been approved by An Bord Pleanála, and planning applications comply with that scheme, there can be no appeal to An Bord Pleanála on that development."

Local Fine Gael councillor Joe Mellett has welcomed the suggestion.

"This proposal will go before a full meeting of Mayo County Council on Monday next and I'm sure it will be supported by elected councillors," Mr Mellett said. "The process could take up to 18 months to put in place, but it would be well worth it. While most people are happy that Minister Ó Cuív is now seeking a site in neighbouring Charlestown for the building of his new offices, nonetheless we are all anxious that no further development is hindered around Knock airport."

Teresa O'Malley
© 2007 The Irish Times