13 August 1997
By Tom Kelly
The long-running campaign for the provision of a £400,000 cable car link between Achill and Innisbiggle island has taken a new twist.
An Bord Pleanala had ordered an oral hearing into the erection of the facility. The move follows an appeal by Innisbiggle Community Council against the decision of Mayo County Council to refuse planning permission for the cable car. The application for the 400 yards link was turned down because it was considered likely to damage the amenity value of the area. Lack of adequate carparking was also listed as a reason for the refusal.
Mr. Chris Clarke, senior executive officer with An Bord Pleanala, confirmed the appeal would take place before January 14th next. The announcement has been welcomed by Mayo Dail Deputy, Mr. Jim Higgins. He said: "I believe the oral hearing is the fairest way of allowing all parties involved to make their case as forcibly as possible before An Bord Pleanala hands down its decision on the matter."
