Main reasons

Climate change is a reality and Irish Architects Declare believe that a combination of climate mitigation and adaptation measures are critical to ensure that we as an island nation can combat the impending climate emergency.

The emerging circular and bio economy represent great potential for the economic development of rural towns and areas

To reduce light emissions, energy and meet with Mayo CC's own Strategy.

In line with Core Strategy of County Development Plan, Strategic Aims of same, and in line with all cross cutting themes of the plan, the proposal aims to improve and future proof the quality of life of those living in the area and provide for future growth.

It is a combined solution to both Energy and Waste Demands

Shortage of housing in Ballina

Beal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet) is the only Tier II town on the Coastal Corridor.

Through our research and from local knowledge we are aware of a very high demand for rental accommodation in Balla which is currently resulting in very high rental prices in Balla.

There’s great potential for a Joyce Country & Western Lakes UNESCO Global Geopark to help secure sustainable futures in the whole of County Mayo and the whole of Connacht as: a) more visitors are attracted to the geopark region to explore, experience and linger in a sustainable form of tourism; and b) the area develops as a more desirable place to live and do business.

Research is increasing showing the impact of light pollution on ecology. Example of research papers. Kamiel etc https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343913486_Artificial_light_may_change_flight_patterns_of_bats_near_bridges_along_urban_waterways Emma Stone https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2012.02705.x

To secure the future of the gold tier International Dark Sky Park in Mayo. To enhance built heritage of the town at night. To improve safety and wellbeing for residents and visitors to the town at night. To complement ecology and biodiversity in the area with sensitive, well designed and controlled lighting.

This Greenway is key to Ballycroy NP's offering as a tourist, visitor destination and as "Gateway to Erris"

Common sense

Will give a real outdoors experience to visitors to the National Park (a reason to travel on day trip from Westport) and will be a local amenity for recreation. Will help build momentum for the area and progress the wider Greenway Project.

Evidence of moving to part night lighting has no impact on crime or traffic incidents. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2015/jul/switching-street-lights-night-does-not-increase-car-crashes-and-crime https://www.cpre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Shedding_light_leaflet.pdf

Ireland West Airport supports the sustainable mobility, enhanced regional accessibility and connectivity plan within County Mayo in accordance with the National Strategic Outcomes of Project 2040 and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region

It is critically important that in a post COVID-19 environment, support for the airport through a comprehensive overseas marketing programme to promote the access direct into the region must form a key part of the tourism objectives of Mayo County Council.

The SDZ is of limited value unless a comprehensive package of financial incentives are put in place to attract businesses to locate within the zone and create employment at the airport and prioritisation must be given to the SDZ to work on a detailed action plan that will include the financial incentives package required as well as addressing the existing infrastructure deficits around the airport.

Public buildings have a responsibility to demonstrate best practice. Green Space principles are incomplete without reference to reduction in light pollution.

if Council are serious about adhering to their own policies and principles in encouraging active citizenship and building social capital, then there needs to be explicit reference to the above

Astrotourism is a growing market and Mayo should establish its position as a leading county in servicing this market. Preservation of biodiversity & ecology (in relation to Always on hubs)

There's a proposal for an affordable housing development at this location

Provide safe place to exercise for all residents.

Stop the waste of space with the closed rail track and get rid of the overgrown mess. We need a safe place to walk.

They are not eco friendly or green for the environment. They are not including everything in their analysis for categorising them as green. The tons of concrete, the machinery involved etc.

Current cabins are not fit for purpose.

The road is narrow and dangerous and has a lot of blind bends and only fit for single line traffic.

It is in reference to the draft development plan, and specifically the renewable energy sector, noting policy objectives and ensuring consistency in supporting all renewable technologies while considering the international/national policy amendments that I ask for the amendment to be made in description for Site.

Because not to do so would be a failure of local government and democracy.

Its a serviced site

The junction is extremely dangerous and needs to be addressed before someone gets killed there. There is not even ONE SINGLE SIGN up there to warn people that they are driving into on coming traffic when they are crossing the road.

Availing of the potential to develop cross-community visitor trails in North Mayo and a unique town centre community resource in Castlebar

Village and town development needs the synergy of collaboration between the local community and local authority and not have zoning decisions 'imposed' without their input realistically incorporated.

Environmental destruction and climate change is impending and dramatic and needs to be addressed in an urgent, ambitious manner. Our our local authority must set the lead and powerful example in how we can all ensure our children's world is not irreversibly damaged with fatal environmental, economic and human consequences.

Our native Woodland and hedgerows sustain a vital ecology which are being sacrificed carelessly by both local authority road maintenance and farming 'modernisation'.

Our built heritage is part of the unique cultural make-up of what makes our communities and environment special and feeds our cultural wellbeing. Our local vernacular buildings are neglected in favour of large 'glamorous' projects which may have merit in their own right but soak up the budget and focus which could be breathe life into smaller (and more numerous) heritage projects of conservation.

Research by TASC, the Think Tank for Action on Social Change, shows that people care more about community development than climate change. Therefore, communities have to see that their communities will grow and thrive as a result of climate action, not the opposite.

More environmentally sensitive, energy efficient, and will help to develop the area as a dark sky destination for scientists, astronomers and tourists

Greater elimination of waste is more cost efficient and effective than intensifying its later treatment.

Mayo County Council needs to take the local lead in promoting the exciting new Green transport opportunities in our post-Covid world while also facing up to the serious Climate change consequences for our present reliance on the petrol car.

Heritage project require the buy-in of local communities to cherish, care and promote them after they are developed by the local authority. Failing to engage with the local community in such developments will ensure they will not thrive, if not fail in their intentions.

The Covid Pandemic has changed everything and fast-forwarded opportunities for our communities to become hubs for remote working with a vivacious and inspiring street-scapes of thriving small businesses and enterprises.

Collaborative Planning At a macro level, Mayo County Council should oversee a collaborative planning context, incorporating the desired climate, environment and local distinctive heritage aspects for the defined geographical areas of continuity and shared community council districts. This can then become the local area context backdrop within which families and business can clearly work towards building or renovating their homes or buildings. Suggested structural plans could also be used as a template for engineers which gives comfort for planning ideas and also ensures a continuity of styles in local built structures. Minimum BER energy ratings for Public Builds We are concerned that there are no commitments in the housing policy on BER energy ratings. We would propose that all publicly funded new builds should have at least an A3 energy rating, and that there should be a road map with clear measures on when the council will bring all existing stock up to at least an B3 energy rating. More Ambitious Housing provision The Development Plan quotes the figure of 436 needing housing where mortgage or rental is not an option. However, there are currently 1,311 on the housing waiting list. The Plan is woefully under-ambitious in this area. The Mayo Green Party would like to see much stronger targets for assisting those on housing waiting lists. We would also like to see a greater mix in local authority supported housing available, for example, social, affordable and the provision of cost rental housing, providing safe, affordable and sustainable housing, at a cost that is commensurate with people’s earnings over time. Vulnerable groups In addition, we would like to see more detail on the provision of community appropriate housing for Travellers, not on the outskirts of towns, but within town environments. Mayo County Council also has an opportunity to take a lead in working with professional NGOs in the county to provide emergency accommodation in the community for survivors of domestic and sexual violence who need to leave their own homes. Under-estimation of the potential of Mayo The Development Plan sets out that 40% of the population of Mayo is under 25 years of age. Yet, in its population growth estimates, the Plan almost assumes that a significant number of these under 25s will not live permanently in Mayo. The Plan assumes that Mayo will have a continued net outward movement of young people. Covid-19 has also shown that it is possible to work efficiently and effectively from anywhere. Predictions are that while we may not continue to work solely on line after the pandemic, it is likely that work will not return to the old days of going into the office every day. Most predict a hybrid work balance in the future. Mayo should be taking advantage of this future to attract more people to live and work from Mayo – in fact even incentivise people to move to Mayo, as now vibrant, progressive and high-tech cities such as Tulsa, Oklahoma did successfully in the noughties. This means that the Development Plan must allow for this move of population to the West – not from the West. At the heart of this has to be a more ambitious plan and vision for housing for a population of younger people and families particularly - beyond the current predictions for the coming seven years.as above in comment

Communities need their agency honoured in local decision making by the local authority, creating a vital and energised local democracy.

1. Yearly Targets The Plan is by the nature of such plans, vague or even scant on detail. We understand that these large, projective development plans are largely visionary or aspirational in nature. Therefore, we look forward to the implementation plans that will bring the detail of this Plan to life. We would like as a minimum to see a stepped or phased approach to the Development Plan – to see yearly targets and measurable outcomes to realise the plan between 2021 and 2027. 2. Environmental and Climate Change “Tsar” As a very fundamental step, there needs to be an Environmental and Climate Change Lead or “Tsar” at a senior level within the Council. This role is as important as that of a Director of Services within the structure of the Council. Critically, the role of this Climate Action Director must be to ensure that the Climate and Environmental policy is being enacted within planning decisions and practice and with actual practical powers of levying of penalties or withholding of planning approvals/operations. 3. Real Community Engagement Mayo County Council should recognise Community Councils as the fundamental building block of local authority administration and local democracy. This means going beyond the PPN model of engagement with voluntary and community groups. 4. Meet Population and Housing Potential The vision and aims on housing need to be more ambitious, linked to a more expansive over vision for population and inward migration potential in Mayo (following Covid). There should be stronger targets for assisting those on housing waiting lists specifically. We would also like to see a greater mix in local authority supported housing available, for example, social, affordable and the provision of cost rental housing, providing safe, affordable and sustainable housing, at a cost that is commensurate with people’s earnings over time. 5. Smart Housing More specifically, there are no commitments in the housing policy on BER energy ratings. All publicly funded new builds should have at least an A3 energy rating. There should be a road map with clear measures on when the council will bring all existing stock up to at least an B3 energy rating. 6. Take Charge of E-working and Digital Hubs Given the impact of Covid-19, the Council must revisit the economic policy significantly to front-end the role and importance of remote working. The council can lead the way here by including remote "working pods' as part of county zoning, developing a standardised template for their design - based on best practice and current WDC initiatives. Our proposal is that the Council establishes a dedicated unit to make Mayo a national leader for e-working and the development of thriving and utilised digital hubs. 7. Reverse the Transport Hierarchy The current movement and transport hierarchy needs to be reversed, prioritising walking and cycling, public transport and then the private car. There is no need for any more motorway projects in the lifetime of this Development Plan. Roads will continue to be part of a transport infrastructure. However, they should be built to meet capacity only in the future. 8. Use Rail-lines We welcome the commitment to the Western Rail Corridor within the Plan. However, in the meantime, we support their conversion of other disused rail-line into greenways as per the proposals of the East Mayo Green-way Group - thus ensuring they remain in public ownership unlike what happened the disused Westport-Achill line. 9. Tree Towns Mayo County Council should include an obligation to plant native trees and edible plants around building developments (housing, municipal, industrial) as a core part of planning regulation to rebuild the county’s very low tree cover and as a fundamental and simple protection against the impacts of climate change. 10. End Barbaric Hedge-cutting The Plan should commit to ending the practice of destructive hedge cutting and tree cutting along roads. If there is a legitimate safety reason, there should be appropriate trimming. However, there is no need to continue with the current practice which is having a detrimental impact on bio-diversity, bird and animal life.

Saftey

Request for Mixed Use Zoning

Health, Saftey, Regeneration

Create sustainable local jobs, strengthen local economies and communities

Enhance my local area. Provide a safe walking/cycling space for people of all ages and abilities.

Help small businesses to survive and expand in the towns and provide a needed amenity for the residents and their visitors

Enhance the economic wellbeing of the East Mayo community. Encourage fitness and the physical and mental health of its users. Incentivize carbon-neutral activities.

Linking people with places in a healthy way.

Health and safety

Put an end to the waste of such a valuable resource by replacing the rail track with a Greenway which would bring so many benefits to the people of this area.

There are currently community facilities in Mayo that have no local involvement in their operation.

enhance opportunities in the town centre

To give the people a Mayo a new way to move around our county. To solidify the sense of pride that exists. To inspire future generations, when we stood up and shouted STOP. To give the people of Mayo a new way to meet and interact with each other. To provide a safe place for the most vulnerable people of get out of their houses and meet people. To give kids a safe place to play. To allow friends to meet without the need for a car. To allow visitors to our county experience the best we have to offer. To allow cafes, pubs, B&Bs and all businesses to benefit from reinvigorated vibrancy our of rural communities. To give everyone a safe place to train for sporting events. To give

Please see attached.

Our reasons are based on the following a) Safety of cyclists. 2) Love of cycling. 3) Provide a resource so that parents and children can explore the county by bike. 4) The development of cycle routes can only serve to boost tourism. We are based beside an International airport and together with all the other tourists attractions, we are satisfied that dedicated cycle routes will encourage cycling tourists to the area. There is no better way to get to know and enjoy what's in an area but by cycling and this also applies to some of the local younger generations who have missed out bike excursions which was part and parcel of growing up by the older generations.

Residential and road user saftey

Enhance cyclists safety and attract and boost much needed tourists to the area.

Its an asset to Ballina's Heritage tourism product, directly in the centre of Ballina and would act a catalyst to increase economic activity in the area by increasing visitor numbers in North Mayo.

Particularly for the section between Charlestown and Claremorris, for the purpose of new rail links because it will not facilitate such a link and the presence of state-owned Greenway would be no block to such a link, should it ever actually happen.

Overspend on Kiltimagh Railway project, poor management of project and no likely benefit of velorail to the community who want to see a greenway on the route. The people have been spun a yarn on this velorail and they tired of this spoofing.

All of the above.

In keeping with the stated policy of the North Westestern Regional Assembly Regional - Strategy RPO 5.18 under Regional Spatial Economic Strategies.

Need to comply with hierarchy of planning process

To attract 50,000 annual visitors to the North Mayo area.

don't look a gift horse in the mouth

A sustainable and long term marketing plan will lead to increased economic confidence and buy in from local communities with consequent increased investment by private sector.

Enhance environmental aspects and facilities in Newport town

The people of this area need this development.

The railway line north of Claremorris is not under any consideration to re-open at anytime in the near or even distant future, this fact is recognised by the minister and the department of transport

Current situation presents a depressing spectacle to the local people, their visitors and tourists to the area. The phycological boost for the people to hear that this project would go ahead would be felt by the councillors who support this project come election time!

The people of this area have suffered with the recent pandemic by not being able to exercise safely within their 5K limit unless they live in the town of Swinford. If the above plan had been implemented the scope for safe route for children to cycle or walk which would be of considerable benefit to the physical and mental health..

Listening to public opinion and policy of Irish rail, Sligo county council, department of transport and Waterford, Galway and Meath county councils

It is unarguably a necessity for the wellbeing of the local population. This is especially the case as it has been promised for so long.

Our number one priority has to be preserving the integrity of these sites above all else. Where possible, we need to find ways to raise awareness and promote local tourism. However, in the case of Slievemore, where sufficient excavations and surveys have not yet taken place, between the deserted village and the megalithic tombs, this project, in my eyes, can simply not proceed in its current form and I wholeheartedly object.

to adhere to Irish rail policy and in due consideration of public opinion and to enhance cycling tourism in east mayo

Democracy and common decency on the part of the council chamber. Government of the people, by the people, for the people. it is simple really politicians and civil servants alike need to listen to the people.

For our future and our childrens future

To protect our natural environment, fight climate change, reduce flooding, increase natural habitat, improve biodiversity

Traffic management and pedestrian safety

Make good use of a publicly owned facility which is going to waste for the health benefit of locals and visitors.

There's a proposal to connect these lands to Claremorris town centre by way of a foot bridge over the railway tracks neighboring Claremoris railway station and thereby in doing so revitalising Claremorris town centre. Therefore we see these lands as strategic in their location for the development of the said lands as Enterprise and Employment

To increase Tourism to our area and create much needed employment and to add to tourism product there- Ballycroy National Park & Dark Sky Park.

Job creation and the development of a sustainable industry.

• The land is inside the town boundary in a predominantly residential area • Bordered on two sides by existing residential • Has hard standing throughout and is therefore not suitable for agricultural use • No alternative potential use/demand for this land other than residential – long term eyesore if not addressed • Land had previous planning consent granted for the development of 14 houses (ref 072338) • Part of the land sits directly opposite proposed ‘Residential Low Density’ designated land • This land stands out as one of the very few plots within the town boundary which is proposed to be designated as agriculture