Bye-laws governing the harbour in Westport are set to be introduced, local politicians were told this week. The bye-laws will tackle many issues include the ongoing issue of an abandoned vessel in the area.
The bye-laws for Newport harbour have been agreed and the Westport harbour laws will be based on the same template and will be drafted over the next few months.
Plans to develop a marina in Westport have been shelved due to the deteriorating economic situation, said Westport Cathaoirleach Myles Staunton at the bi-monthly meeting of the Westport electoral area committee. He said there has been quite a few public meetings at the Quay and a committee has been set up who are eager to work closely with the Harbour Board.
Cllr Margaret Adams suggested that proposals be brought forward about how small boats can moor at the Quay and she suggested the councillors should pay a site visit there themselves.
Cllr Peter Flynn criticised the way the changeover of the Harbour Board to Mayo County Council was handled saying the Harbour Commission hadn’t been officially notified that they no longer held a position on the Harbour Board. Some members of that commission have served in a voluntary capacity for over 30 or 40 years, he told Tuesday’s meeting.
He added that at the last meeting of Westport Town Council before the local election, it was decided that a civic reception be held in honour of the Harbour Board. Cllr Flynn added that while the tide was gone out on the marina project, there was still scope to restore the area as a swimming and recreation area without too much expense.
Cllr John O’Malley said he would welcome any development at the Quay/Harbour area where boats have to wait for the tide to rise to bring them in and out
