Concerns grow over 'lopsided' development of key Mayo town

There are concerns over the ‘lopsided’ nature of housing development in Castlebar.

A large number of major housing projects in the county town in recent years have been clustered in the Rathbawn and Garryduff areas as Castlebar strives to meet its housing need.

Mayo County Council recently refused planning permission for a 41‑unit housing development at Garryduff Park North in Snugoboro.

The project fell foul with planners after concerns were raided over vehicular access and the impact on neighbouring residential estates.

Local residents warned that additional traffic would pose risks to pedestrians, noting that the existing road is already too narrow for two-way traffic when cars are parked along it.

Concerns were also raised about the overall increase in traffic congestion, the loss of green space, and the increase in noise, dust and disruption during construction. While acknowledging the need for new housing in Castlebar, residents said their objection was in relation to the suitability of the site, rather than the development itself.

The development is part of a a wider masterplan to construct 164 homes across three sites in the Garryduff area. Local authority planners have sought further information on the other two sites.

If approved, Site One at Garryduff Park East would comprise 55 units on a 1.71‑hectare while Site Two at Garryduff Park West would deliver 68 units on a 2.24-hectare site. Local councillor Michael Kilcoyne believes other areas of the town that are suitable for housing development are being largely ignored.

“All the industry is on the other side of the town, the likes of Baxter and other industries. I don’t know why there isn’t development there. If you take from the roundabout at Cathal Duffy’s and scan right across there to Breaffy and across to the N5 there are no housing estates being built there. That side of the town is where all the industry is, the major schools. It (housing development) is a bit lop-sided."

Local councillors have previously raised the issue of traffic congestion at Gallows Hill junction which will be exacerbated by the new homes being built in the area.

“The traffic is going to be chaotic there,” said Cllr Kilcoyne.