DevelopmentThe population of Enniscrone, Co Sligo, could double now that An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for a new homes development. Fiona Tyrrellreports
A residential development which will see the seaside village of Enniscrone, Co Sligo grow by over 200 houses and apartments has been approved by An Bord Pleanála.
The planning board has granted permission for the 207-unit scheme despite stiff resistance from local residents who argued that it would "add to the extensive empty housing stock in Enniscrone, damaging the reputation of the town even further and adding nothing to its social fabric".
The board's decision to grant was also taken against the advice of its own inspector who said a housing estate of this size and scale "will damage the tourist industry in Enniscrone".
The village, located 15 miles north east of Ballina, has experienced significant growth in the last 10 years, driven by tax incentives to build holiday homes.
This has resulted in housing estates in Enniscrone sitting empty for 48 weeks of the year, according to locals.
An Bord Pleanála has upheld Sligo County Council's grant of permission for the development clearing the way for the Hannon Family of Scurmore, Enniscrone to build 207 units, including over 60 apartments, at Carrowhubbock South to the east of the village as well as a crèche facility and three retail units, subject to a number of conditions.
In granting permission the board went against the recommendation of its own inspector who said there was no evidence that the proposed housing estate could be filled by people wishing to live in Enniscrone on a permanent basis and would result in more empty houses in the village.
The Board argued that Enniscrone has been designated as a key support town in the Sligo County Council development plan and pointed out that the houses were proposed for permanent residential occupation.
The scheme had been strongly resisted by a number of residents.
Writing on behalf of over 220 locals Deirdre Quinn said in a letter to the board that there was no established residential need for the scheme.
"Enniscrone is a town of about 700 people. The development could house almost 600 people. The population would need to nearly double to fill this 'residential' development, a prospect which is as incredible as it is ridiculous."
Other critics included Fáilte Ireland who warned in a submission to the board that overdevelopment of the village could negatively impact on tourism.
Given the unquantifiable number of existing holiday homes that may be released onto the market in the coming years permanent residential developments must be seen as premature, Fáilte Ireland stated.
