Plans by a major corporation to construct a £40 million gas fired power plant in north Mayo will be opposed by local fishermen.
Reacting to the plan, the Erris Inshore Fisheries Association yesterday revealed that it is to lodge objections with the Environmental Protection Agency, Duchas, and any planning authorities involved in awarding such licences.
A spokesman for the association, Mr Eddie Dever, said that fishermen were extremely concerned that the water quality in Broadhaven Bay would be adversely affected by pollutants from a gas-fired plant.
Rolls Royce Power Ventures Ltd has applied to Mayo County Council to construct the plant next to the existing peat powered power station in Bellacorick, North Mayo.
This plant is due to cease operation by 2005. More than 200 jobs will be lost through the closure.
The proposed gas-fired plant would create at least 130 new jobs over the next two years. Generating up to 58 megawatts, it would supply electricity for the whole of Co Mayo, alleviating existing electricity supply problems in pockets of the county, and ensuring the area remains attractive to industrial investment.
Subject to planning permission, the plant would be completed by 2003 to coincide with the beginning of the gas supply from the Corrib gas field.
An environmental impact study will be on display at the Mayo Planning Office, Aras an Chontae, The Mall, Castlebar, Co Mayo.
A freephone inquiry line has been set up for anyone seeking information on 1800-509127.