Leisure centre in Westport needs to be supported
Manager of Westport Leisure Park, Dermot Langan, gave a comprehensive outline to Westport Town Council last Thursday night on the progress of the centre — which employs 10 full time and 15 part time staff, and has won numerous awards, particularly for the provision of disability services.
Mr Langan outlined that over the last nine years sales have grown 45 per cent and annually the centre contributes €50,000 to the local authority through rates and water charges, however operating costs have increased 25 per cent over the nine years.
Councillor Brendan Mulroy, who sits on the board of directors, said that it would assist if town councillors were circulated with a monthly manager’s report which would clear up misunderstandings about the state of finances at the centre.
Cllr Ollie Gannon said that the message sent out “should be loud and clear” that this project was taken on by Westport Town Council as there was a “demand in the community for it” and the “community should support it”.
Fine Gael Cllr Michael McLaughlin welcomed the “phenomenal amount of work” gone into the provision of disability services at the centre, as did Cllr Adams who said that it was “well worth the money” spent on disability services.
Town manager Peter Hynes said that this is a “fantastic project” which the “town should be proud of” and that the town “gets above and beyond” a normal public pool for broadly the same amount of money spent by other towns.
Westport praised in ITIC report
Councillors noted the recent report by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC ) in which Westport was commended for the integration of business, community, and public sector in developing tourism in the town.
The Cathaoirleach said what is important to note is that visitor numbers to the town were not dropping, even though their average spend was.
Smell at Quay ruining business
Cllr Mulroy raised the issue of a sewerage smell emanating around the Quay, which is particularly noticeable in the Quays pub, means that this business is “going down the swanny”.
The town manager said that the county council has looked into the issue of the smell before, however it is “no fault of the public sewer system”.
Work to commence on community facilities
Contractors will be on site at the beginning on January to commence work on community and recreational facilities at Golf Course Road.
Councillors were informed that the lowest tender went to a Sligo contractor, who will begin the six month project for the provision of a circular walking route, grass playing pitch, large grassed amenity area, and set down for parking.
The Department of Education intends to commence work on the adjacent school in February. A playground will be installed following the completion of the main contract.
Christmas parking
Over the Christmas period there will be one hour’s free parking in the Mill Street, James Street, and Leisure Centre car parks. The Mill/High Street car park will be free until January 6.
Cllr Martin welcomed back
Cllr Keith Martin was welcomed back by fellow councillors at the meeting after he was reinstated to the council at last week’s council meeting.
Minute’s silence
Cllr Mulroy proposed a vote of sympathy following the death of Noel Gill and Petie Geraghty. A minute’s silence was held at the end of the meeting.
