Planning board turns down plan for access road into forestry plantation
An Bord Pleánala has overturned a decision by Mayo County Council to grant planning permission for the proposed development of an entrance and access road to a forestry located near Ballyhaunis,
In July 2023, the local authority granted planning permission to SLM Silva GP Ltd for the proposed development at Corraun, Ballyhaunis, which would allow access into an existing forestry plantation to facilitate the removal of timber.
An appeal was made to An Bord Pleanála by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in relation to the decision.
In its appeal, TII argued that the creation of a new access road on the adjoining N83 route (to Dunmore and Tuam) would cause additional road safety risks in this area. It added that the proposal would establish an undesirable precedent for the application of inappropriate standards for similar developments, which it said would be "a serious concern".
In making its decision to refuse permission, An Bord Pleanála said the applicant had not demonstrated that "exceptional circumstances" applied in the case of the proposed development.
In addition, it said the access road's location on a national route would be contrary to national roads policy outlined in the Mayo County Development Plan.
"The proposed development would therefore adversely impact on the capacity and efficiency of the adjoining national road, would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users," the Board said.
