Opposition over sale of site in Crossmolina

A local councillor has expressed concern over the proposed sale of land owned by Mayo County Council in Crossmolina.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Loftus made his comments at last week's meeting of Ballina Municipal District after councillors were asked to approve the sale of approximately two acres of land at Knockalegan, Crossmolina to M. Carey Properties Ltd. The sale price is €180,000 and the matter will now be brought before the next meeting of the county council on June 9.

“I am not in agreement with this sale, it should be maintained as Mayo County Council property for an industrial site or as a Municipal District compound,” said Cllr Loftus. “An approach had been made by Crossmolina Community Council for this land but what was being offered does not match the current bid.” 

Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly said he supported his Crossmolina-based colleague.

“The site is currently in use by the council and I would want to see what the council’s alternative plan is for what the site’s current use is,” he said.

The council's Director of Services Catherine McConnell said the council had no use for the site.

“We were approached to see if we would sell this land to the Community Council and it was agreed so we put it on the open market,” she said. “The current highest bidder wanted to build an enterprise unit on the site and a fair price was offered and accepted on that basis. 

“It is not a good location for a compound where heavy machinery would move in and out and the area is zoned for enterprise.

“We have no use for it, we won’t be developing it and it is too valuable a land bank for a compound," Ms McConnell stated.

Cllr Loftus replied that he did not believe it was the right thing to sell the land.

The sale of another council-owned property at Dr Kathleen Lynn Lane in Ballina for €90,000 to Wurtsboro Trading Ltd, trading as Doctor Lisa, will also be discussed at the county council meeting on June 9. This property measures approximately 1,500 square feet.