An online initiative by Mayo County Council with the Western Development Commission (WDC ) will see millions of people in the global Mayo family get connected through an innovative and exciting online project, www.mayo.ie The new website launched by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, at The Museum of Country Life on Friday last, will bring together a wide range of information on all aspects of Mayo from business and social interaction to genealogy and local history.
The initiative is aimed at the three million people worldwide who originate from Mayo, along with those who currently live here, work here, or just have a love for the county. Mayo County Council and the WDC believe that www.mayo.ie will appeal to all ages and interests. “A love of Mayo will be the one thing that the global Mayo family share, and this fantastic new initiative gives them the chance to stay connected both locally and internationally,” said Michael Burke, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.
The website presents a unique opportunity for anyone with ties to Mayo to create and maintain valuable networks for businesses both at home and abroad. Equally it will be the perfect place for Mayo people all over the globe to update on local news.
“The aim of the project is to provide a platform for Mayo communities to connect, share information, and form linkages both within their own communities and with other Mayo communities worldwide and also to link all of those disparate communities back to their spiritual home here on the west coast of Ireland,” Peter Hynes, Mayo county manager, explained.
One of the unique elements of the website is the fact that current information on all the towns and villages of Mayo will be available. “In addition to the local communities we are also working with our international communities, recruiting international champions who will work with us to keep us up to date on what’s happening in the major cities around the world,” said Mr Hynes.
The website is also good news for Mayo businesses which can avail of a free listing by registering their business details on www.mayo.ie, giving their products and services exposure to the global family. An online shopping element will also be available on the site, which will see Mayo products become available for sale all over the world.
“We were delighted to partner with Mayo County Council on this exciting new initiative,” said Gillian Buckley, acting chief executive of the WDC. “Through LookWest.ie, the WDC’s online guide to living, working, and doing business in Ireland’s western region, we know the important role the internet and social media can play in helping build linkages with the Irish Diaspora. No matter where they are now based, people with links to county Mayo can play a key role in positioning the county and the wider western region for economic recovery. Partnering with Mayo County Council strengthens our work in attracting business, investment, and people to the west and we believe that this new initiative will reap great rewards for the county.”
People are invited to become members of the global Mayo community and to create their own personal profile, outlining where they are in the world, their interests and activities, and to discuss topics of interest with other members of this virtual global community. Registering as a member is free and can be completed in a number of simple steps on www.mayo.ie
