Lands are rezoned to facilitate new technology centre in Mayo town

Councillors in the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District have agreed to a material contravention of the Mayo County Development Plan to allow for the construction of a Technology Centre on lands zoned for agriculture.

The Technology Centre - comprising offices, meeting rooms, a digital hub and café - will be developed at Clare, Claremorris.

The planning office of Mayo Co Council recommended material contravention procedures so planning permission may be granted in this instance as the proposed development would be an employment hub for the technology and life sciences sector and is in a suitable location for such a development.

Speaking at last week's municipal district meeting, Cllr Richard Finn welcomed the material contravention.

“We always welcome developments and developers in Claremorris. Developers are being blown out for reasons I won’t say on this positive occasion,” he said.

“These lands being zoned for agriculture shows again the ludicrous situation with planning in Claremorris.”

Cllr Michael Burke seconded the proposal and said it was a positive development for Claremorris.

Cllr Patsy O’Brien wished the developers well with the project and "it was great to see these lands become part of the town again".