6 August 1997
By Tom Kelly
A decision on the controversial application for a £30m. cement manufacturing plant at Tooreen has been delayed. The applicant, Mr. Frank Harrington, has been granted a time extension until December 28th before a decision is made on the issue by Mayo County Council.
The proposed factory, according to Mr. Harrington, would employ 200 people and have an output of 350,000 tonnes per annum.
Tooreen Action Group have lodged an objection to the project because they claim the factory would emit eight poisonous gases as well as large amounts of airborne dust. They also dispute Mr. Harrington's claim that 200 jobs would be created and said that less than 100 would be a more realistic figure.
A spokesman for the group said there had been serious public opposition to the proposal and this was reflected in a large number of objections which have been lodged with the planning authority.
