Local Papers Commentary
The Connaught Telegraph - 20 August 2002
By
Aug 21, 2002, 16:49

Roadstone Reviewing its Future Operations in Mayo as Quarry Plan is Blocked
A multi-million-euro plan by Roadstone to develop a new quarry at Islandeady has been rejected by An Bord Pleanala. Roadstone, a leading manufacturer and supplier of building materials had been granted permission by Mayo County Council for the development for a period of 50 years. An Bord Pleanala overturned this decision. The planning appeals board upheld objections by a number of local residents against the project. Management at Roadstone were disappointed with the decision. It is doubtful that the company will consider a new application until the upgraded roadway between Castlebar and Westport is put in place which is likely to be more than seven years away; by then the Moneen facility will have shut down.

Man burned to death in Castlebar flat
The body of Mr. Jackie Heraty, a native of St. Bridget’s Crescent, Castlebar, was discovered after a fire broke out in a flat at Tara Court yesterday (Tuesday). The body was taken to Mayo General Hospital where a post–mortem was carried out. It is said there is nothing suspicious surrounding the death.

‘Indian Summer’ needed to rescue peat harvest
After this year’s wet summer, turf supplies for the Bellacorrick Power Station are running dangerously low and a month of ‘miraculous’ September weather is needed to ensure enough peat to keep the giant turbines moving. So far, Bord Na Mona has only been able to produce some 3% (9,000 tonnes) of its annual 350,000 tonne target, which has resulted in employees receiving meagre earnings throughout the summer. A member of Mayo County Council, Frankie Lenaghan thinks that employees’ jobs are in danger. However, Councillor Lenaghan said the ESB had given assurances that there will be no layoffs in the near future.

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