Council refuses permission for cable-car

As Council refuses permission for cable-car

Mother warns end may be in sight for her island home

By TOM SHIEL

Inishbiggle mother Elizabeth Calvey has warned that the end is in sight for her island home unless immediate moves are made to provide it with a 400 yard lifeline.

On her three year old son Patrick's birthday yesterday (Tuesday), Mrs Calvey declared: Patrick and the other young children of the island have no future here unless a safe link to the mainland is provided".

Mrs. Calvey spoke out angrily following the decision by Mayo County Council to refuse planning permission for a £760,000 cable car link between Inishbiggle and Bullsmouth in Achill.

Damage to the amenity value of the area and the lack of adequate car-parking were among the reasons given by the County Council for the refusal.

In 1994, Kerry native Mrs. Calvey became the first woman on the island for ten years to give birth to an infant. Yesterday, Elizabeth was adamant the island has no future unless a cable-car link is provided. "We are reaching the end of our tether", she warned. "We are fed up with constantly being cut off by winter storms. February was a particular nightmare", Mrs. Calvey added:

"The population here is on the decline. Our national school has closed because there were so few children. The arrival of Patrick Michael gave us new hope for the future but I'm not sure we can remain here unless the access problem is finally tackled".

Patrick's education is now a worry for his parents. If there were a proper link with Bullsmouth, he would be able to attend classes there without any

problem. Island manager Pol O'Foighil says the Council refusal came as a "bombshell".

He explained: "We will be fighitng this decision tooth and nail. The reasons for refusal are blatantly biased and contrary to fair play.

"If necessary, I am prepared to go to the High Court to get planning permission for the cable-car", Mr. O'Foighil added.