Mayo County Council has closed a road in the area affected by the recent landslides after a survey team reported signs of further movement of materials on Dooncarton mountain overnight. Liamy Mac Nally and Tom Shiel report.
The closure of three kilometres of the route between Pollathomas and Glengad was recommended by geologists after cracks were noted in Dooncarton Mountain in the area overlooking the harbour and McGrath's Pub.
A number of homes, including McGrath's Pub, have been deemed to be at high risk and several householders have moved out at the request of the local authority.
Mr Martin Keating, council officer, said they were taking the action as a precautionary measure. "Our survey teams reported signs of further movement of material on the mountain in the last 24 hours."
He repeated council advice to people to vacate their homes.
"We are still advising people of the potential risks of further landslides. Our advise at the moment is for people to vacate their homes. Gardaí have now closed the Inver to Pollathomas road in conjunction with Mayo County Council for a distance of about a mile and a half," he added.
Some 40 homes have been deemed to be in some danger and families have been requested to leave. But some householders are reluctant to leave immediately but say they would do so if heavy rain was forecast.
There is concern among some local people over the radar station on top of Dooncarton hill. The radar station provides air traffic control information to Shannon Airport.
A spokesman for the Irish Aviation Authority said a team of engineers has confirmed that the building and equipment have not been affected by the landslides. He said they are concerned about the situation and are monitoring the station around the clock. Back-up generators at the radar station were activated when power was cut off during the landslides last week.
The spokesman added that the closest landslide is "between 60 and 70 yards from the radar station's perimeter fence."
An Bord Pleanála has been praised for its decision in refusing to grant permission for the Corrib gas terminal in Bellanaboy, less than two miles away.
Ms Rosemary Steen for Shell/Enterprise Energy Ireland Ltd, the company promoting the Corrib gas project, said in a statement: "We have been in contact with the relevant agencies since Saturday and are being kept up to date on developments. We will consider any advice we receive from these agencies as we continue in our assessment of the future viability of the Corrib project."