Three elected members of the Belmullet electoral area committee are demanding answers as to why the new submarine cable connecting North America with Europe will be landing in Killala and not in Belmullet as was expected.
Sinn Féin councillor Rose Conway Walsh said: “I want to know was there influence from the Taoiseach’s office and Mayo County Council on this decision, as the launch of the project was held here in Belmullet.”
Independent councillor Michael Holmes said: “This is a great loss to the Erris region, especially when it was expected to land here and be a boost to the local region. It’s very disappointing to see.” He asked: “Why Killala Bay and not Belmullet?”
Fine Gael councillor Gerry Coyle told the meeting: “From my understanding it was a company decision and the choice came down to Cork or Killala, and I for one am very glad it’s Killala and not Cork.” Director of services for Mayo County Council, Martin Keating said: “I’m disappointed too, but it is a private decision as it’s not public infrastructure. They have their own considerations to make when making this kind of decision.”
