Tourists from France and Germany who visit Erris, Co Mayo come to sit looking out to sea for hours and hours in peace and quiet. They don't want to find the place overrun with people, according to an objector to the gas terminal proposed for the area.
Speaking on the third day of An Bord Pleanála's oral hearing into the proposed development in Ballina yesterday, Mr Jim McAndrew, representing concerned Bellanaboy residents, said the region was noted for its scenery. It boasted 30 per cent of the most scenic coastline and 15 per cent of the country's sandy beaches and probably 8 per cent of the bog in the country.
The proposed plant would be a massive industrial concern occupying 15 hectares of a site that was visible from all the main tourists routes in the area from Clifden, Leenane, Newport and Mulranny.
Commenting on the projection by Enterprise Energy Ireland that 500 people would be employed in the construction of the plant alone, MrMcAndrew said that there was also the question of security for the older generation who didn't like to see "new faces about".
"This is a Gaeltacht area of outstanding national beauty. People in Mayo are only custodians of this natural beauty, as is Mayo County Council. It is incumbent on all of us to preserve it for posterity", he stated.
In further submissions by objectors, references were made to the fact that the Corrib Gas Field was in fact not a Mayo resource at all and as such did not fall within the remit of the development plan for the county.
Ms Tracy Murray for An Taisce and local residents, said she had 62 clients who were ready to "pack their suitcases if this development goes ahead."Ms Brid Murphy for the Erris Inshore Fisheries Association said no consideration was given to the mariculture in Broadhaven Bay or the accumulated effects the development would have on it.Expert witnesses for Mayo County Council and EEI contended the development would have minimal visual impact in the area and would only proceed in accordance with the specifications of the Mayo Development Plan.
The hearing continues.