At the first in a series of Westport Town Council meetings to discuss submissions for the town’s draft development plan Fianna Fáil Councillor Brendan Mulroy commented that the “system is flawed” as elected members, “the voice of the people”, can make decisions about one part of the town but will not have a part to play until the end of the decision making process “in what goes on inside the wall of the Westport House demesne”.
Cllr Mulroy was irate that the Masterplan for the town was not ready so it could be discussed alongside the submissions for the town’s development plan — which relate to zoning, record of protected structures, the use of Colonel Woods and the convent and Bank of Ireland gardens. However town manager Peter Hynes said that he hoped that councillors will have a presentation made to them when the plan is ready so that their observations can be made.
Fine Gael Councillor Christy Hyland said that in relation to zoning and when changes are possibly made to people’s land, “not everyone might be up to speed” and therefore councillors should take the responsibility “and write to all those affected by the plan”. However the town manager said that it was simply not possible to write to everyone as, if one per cent of those whose land is being dealt with are missed, then this could lead to a complaint.
As regards the large volume of records of protected structures submissions for buildings to be removed from the list, Cllr Keith Martin said that a “perception should not be created that having your building listed is a bad thing” as there are many grants and benefits available.
The town council will reconvene to further discuss the matters before the October 9 deadline.
