Proposal to create a new town at Belleek to accommodate the increasing Mayo population.
Mayo County Council has officially adopted plans for a new town to be built on the outskirts of Ballina. The development is planned for the area around Belleek Manor.
Belleek, which straddles the River Moy, has been chosen as the site of the town which is to be built to cater for Ballina's expected population growth to 18,000 within 20 years.
Ballina currently has a population of seven thousand people. The proposals for the new town were required to reflect the high amenity nature of the Belleek area. The plan includes the retention of the gates leading to the Belleek estate, other features along the river Moy and the exterior of Belleek Manor.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 December 1977. The reporter is Dermot Mullane.
