Sunroom headache for pyrite homeowner

An Erris councillor has said there is "a need for artificial intelligence of a different kind" when it comes to planning matters in Mayo.

Cllr Gerry Coyle told the recent meeting of Mayo County Council that he was aware of a man whose home has pyrite. The man added a sunroom to the house but believes this structure also has pyrite. However, in order to knock and rebuild the house, he has been advised by the council that he needs to apply for retention for the sunroom first, as it was erected without permission. 

Cllr Coyle commented: “Sometimes I think there is a need for artificial intelligence such as in cases like this. They now have to pay fees to the council for retention for a house that’s going to be knocked.” 

Director of Services Tom Gilligan said one of the conditions of the enhanced Defective Blocks Scheme is that it “must not be [for] unauthorised development".

Chief executive Kevin Kelly added: “Cases like that must be looked at individually, it could have been a development contribution that was put on it. There are different fees set out in the regulations for retention.”

He asked Cllr Coyle to provide details of the case so that management could look into it.

• Published under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.