Snippets
03 February 1999
Concerns over lake source for
proposed cement plant
By Tom Shiel
THE oral hearing into the proposed cement factory in
Tooreen is to re-open to discuss matters arising from a new
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted by the
developer Mr. Frank Harrington last November.
The developer proposes to abstract water from Lough Roe
(near Urlaur Lake) but the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board
has expressed concerns about this in a nine page submission
to An Bord Pleanala.
No date has been set for the resumed hearing which is
likely to be held in Castlebar.
Meanwhile, Frank Harrington Ltd has been refused planning
permission for a limestone quarry at Knockdangan near
Roscommon Town.
The reason for the refusal was that the development
"would endanger public safety by reasons of traffic hazard
and would constitute a significant obstruction to road
users".
Damage to vehicles in Castlebar
carparks
TWO youths have been arrested for questioning in
connection with damage to a large number of cars in carparks
throughout Castlebar
over the weekend.
Up to ten cars were broken into, according to Gardai. One
of the youths questioned was due to appear at Castlebar
Court today (Wednesday).
Sod turning for 58-house Castlebar
project
MAYO Dail Deputy Beverley Cooper-Flynn will perform the
official sod turning on a multi-million pound housing
development in Castlebar
on Friday (4p.m.).
T.J. Gaughan Construction will erect 58 larger than
average luxury dwellings at Meadow Park on the Westport
Road, beside the Manor Park development.
Four house type houses will be on offer ranging from
£73,000 to £140,000 and the sole selling agents
are Flannelly
Auctioneers, Castlebar.
Mr. Gaughan said: "This will be a major development and
we expect there will be great interest in the project."
Airport boss allays 'duty free'
fears
By Tom Kelly
THE CHAIRMAN of Knock
International Airport has rubbished claims that the proposed
scrapping of duty free from July 1st next could have a
devastating effect on the Mayo base.
Mr. Cathal Duffy said the airport was looking forward to
the new millennium with a confident mood.
"We have heard all the scare stories about how the ending
of duty free would sound the death knell for us. But nothing
could be further from the truth. The future holds no fear
for us."
The Castlebar
-based businessman said the removal of duty free may not
come into effect in any case as a major review of matter was
scheduled to take place in Brussels next month.
"There is a big lobby battling against this, and we are
hopeful of a positive result."
Mr. Duffy said the biggest fear was that job losses would
occur in duty free shops because of the new legislation.
"It is something we are looking at ourselves. But
alternative plans can be put in place to offset those
losses."
He stated in the event of duty free being lifted, it
would be phased in over a five year basis. However, there
was no truth whatsoever in claims that airlines would have
to pay the full rate for fuel, resulting in a higher price
for flight tickets.
"The only increase in flight prices will come about as a
result of the introduction of a departure tax which could be
as little as £5. This will not effect the demand for
flights from Knock Airport."
Connaught Telegraph - News &
Sport - February 1999
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