Group Water Scheme plan rejected by An Bord Pleanála

An Bord Pleanála has refused an application for retention of a recently drilled borehole for the construction of a new treatment plant building in South Mayo.

Mayo County Council previously rejected the application by Funshinagh/Cross Group Water Scheme. This appeal relates to a rural site located within the townland of Castletown on the northeastern shores of Lough Corrib and c6km to the southwest of Cong and 4km south of the village of Cross.

The appeal site lies within the designated European Sites Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation and Lough Corrib Special Protection Area SPA.

The county council identified concerns regarding water quality within the scheme and has placed it on the ‘at risk’ scheme list.  The council was not satisfied that the Group Water Scheme could provide a potable water supply compliant with the EU Drinking Water Regulations.

An Bord Pleanála was in agreement with the local authority.

"The application has not demonstrated that the proposed development can supply a viable and sustainable supply to meet the requirements of the Funshinagh/Cross Group Water Scheme or that the proposed development would not impact negatively on the groundwater resource," said its inspector.

An Bord Pleanála said given the absence of a Natura Impact Statement, it cannot be satisfied that the project would not have an effect on the Lough Corrib conservation and protection areas. 

"In such circumstances, the board is precluded from granting permission."