Local Area Plan extension ‘could stagnate development in Ballymote’ - Cllr. Henry
Ballymote Councillor Keith Henry has expressed his concern that the Local Area Plan for Ballymote looks likely to be extended without amendment for another three years.
He made his comments at the recent meeting of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District where members were given a report from the Planning Department.
Local Area Plans set out the different zoning areas in a town and what type development can take place on any given site.
It also lists population targets and objectives for the town.
Ballymote’s current Local Area Plan was adopted in 2012 and was to run out at the end of this year.
Speaking at the meeting Cllr Henry said “I’m aware that a circular has come from the department to stall the review of local area plans until the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) are finalised by the Regional Authorities. As a board member of the Regional Authority I’m familiar with the progress of the RSES and it won’t be until 2019 before it is finalized meaning we have to review our County Development Plan first before the local plans”.
The Planning Officials responded by saying they envisage to review all local area plans at the same time in 2020/2021 after the changes have been made to the County plan.
Cllr Henry acknowledged that the Council’s hands appeared to be tied on it but expressed his formal objection on behalf of the people of Ballymote “not having a say for what now will be eight years on how they’d like to see the town develop.
“A lot has happened since the last plan was adopted in 2012 and residents and community groups have been approaching me over the past few years with items they’d like to amend or include.
“Unfortunately I will have to go back and inform them that we cannot make those changes for another three years and my fear is that it could stagnate development in the town.
“The recognition by the planning department that many of the aims of the current plan have not been achieved should be an indication that further support is needed for Ballymote”.
The planning department gave a commitment to Councillor Henry that if any group or individual wishes to discuss items relating to the current plan that they will be happy to do so.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Henry also raised a number of road matters. Cllr Henry had tabled motions in relation to the Templehouse road from Ballymote at Camross leading towards Eagles Flying and stated that “this road is like a rollercoaster at present and it doesn’t do anything to impress the large number of visitors that go to the likes of Eagles Flying on this road.
“Locals have complained to me about the surface and I would request that funding be made available”.
Cllr Henry was informed in his reply that this road would be included for future works with funding of €99,900 being made available for this work in 2019.
Cllr Henry also called for repairs to be carried out on the R296 road from the railway bridge in Ballymote to the graveyard at Carrownanty. “I’ve spoken to the engineer about this road previously and contact was made with RMS who carried out the surfacing a number of years ago and I wish to seek clarification on when the work will be carried out” the Ballymote based Councillor said. The council responded by saying RMS envisaged to carry out the work in early 2019.