Local Papers Commentary
The Connaught Telegraph 6 November 2002
By Declan Holmes
Nov 7, 2002, 11:58

Educational row gains momentum
Members of the Mayo Vocational Education Committee are to seek showdown talks with the Education Minister, Noel Dempsey T.D., over his announcement that the decision to proceed with a new secondary school in Newport had been reversed. The Minister stated that a review of second-level provision in the Newport area was being undertaken by the planning section of his department despite the fact that full approval had been given for the facility less than two years ago.

Mayo child psychiatric services hit by cuts
Child psychiatric services have been hit by an unexpected blow at Mayo General Hospital. Plans by the Western Health Board to appoint a second consultant at the centre’s child psychiatric unit have been put on hold due to the authority’s financial constraints. Dr. Sheelah Ryan, the board’s chief executive admitted it was one of the key areas losing out as a direct result of budgetary constraints.

Petrol Stations targeted in new plan submission
A number of radical changes have been proposed for the new County Development Plan which could have serious implications for commercial life. An Taisce, the National Trust of Ireland, made a detailed submission to Mayo County Council in respect of the plan with reference to a number of matter pertaining to the retail sector. One of the most controversial points is a call on the authority to ‘limit the range of retail goods available for purchase at petrol fitting stations in order to protect the vitaliy and visibility of existing retail premises.

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