One way system for
South Mall
At the monthly meeting of Westport Town Council last Thursday evening it was proposed to implement a one way system on the south mall, from a west to east direction — for a trial period of three months — commencing on Tuesday April 28.
Town Engineer, Patrick Corcoran said that letters were circulated to residents and businesses of the area about the proposal; it was locally advertised and an open evening was held, with no submissions received.
Councillors Peter Flynn and Tereasa McGuire proposed and seconded the new system with Town Manager Peter Hynes saying that the new route is “not set in stone” and can be reviewed.
Town Council ‘delivering above and beyond core function’
Cllr Peter Flynn raised the proactive work which has been undertaken by the town council in relation to the development of a stimulus package for Westport. Cllr Flynn said that alongside the Chamber of Commerce councillors were looking at the rents of the town and were also working alongside Destination Westport to build upon the promotion of the town.
Cllr Margaret Adams said that such productive work by the council needs to be “projected out there a little bit more”, with Cllr Keith Martin giving an example of positive work such as the huge return that film-making has given the town; that of half a million euro for the small investment of €5,000 set aside in the council’s budget.
The annual financial statement for 2008 was also analysed at the meeting with the town council being over half a million in profit. This tight financial management was commended by all councillors.
Town Manager, Peter Hynes, commented that the town council are “delivering above and beyond their core function” and said that three items which were on Thursday night’s agenda — Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Tourism Infrastructural Developments and the Town Hall Project — highlighted same.
Mairead Ní Mhaoilchiarain from Gnó Mhaigh Eo gave a presentation to councillors in which she outlined that the “vision and commitment” of the town council helped the organisation, which encourages the use of Irish in the business sector, to get off the ground and that since the establishment of Gnó Mhaigh Eo €5.7 million has been generated in the local economy. Mairead said that Gnó Mhaigh Eo will continue to “think outside the box” to create business and employment opportunities in the town and county.
Senior Executive Engineer Padraig Philbin also gave an insightful presentation into the tourism infrastructural developments in area, which concentrate on any sustainable tourism and help reduce carbon footprint. In 2008 €1.57 million was invested in such initiatives such as the National Coastal Walk, cycleways, and the upgrade of the Croagh Patrick carpark.
Town Hall fundraising drive
Simon Wall, Town Architect, explained that planning was secured for the Town Hall development in 2008 and that the project should go to tender in September of this year; with construction to begin in the first quarter of 2010.
Mr Wall said that the cost of construction will be €1.5 million and that €500,000 is needed to be fund-raised locally. Town Manager, Peter Hynes explained that the remaining balance will come from the town council, county council and central government and that the new Town Hall is one of the “key things the town needs” and will be a huge boost for tourism and culture.
