Councillor Joe Mellett was re-elected as chair of the Swinford Electoral Area Committee on Monday.
Landscaping works for approach roads
The approach roads to Swinford will get a new facelift with landscaping works proposed.
Elected members were informed that there is no funding currently available for these works, however next year hopefully a LEADER application will be submitted and then Mayo County Council will contribute towards the project.
Cllr Eugene Lavin said that any improvements to the entrance of the town are welcome. Cllr Jimmy Maloney said that these works are “badly needed” on the approach roads. Cllr Gerry Murray said that first impressions of a town are very important and he hoped to see such works “rolled out in other east Mayo towns”.
Courthouse garden to be leased
Elected members agreed that a garden, which is located at the rear of Foxford Courthouse, should be leased to Lorcan Kilmurray (who runs a pub next to the premises ) for one year, at a rate of €1,000.
Estates to be taken over
The Rathunas Estate, Dun na Rí and Coill Abhann Estates in Swinford are to be taken over by the council.
Cllr Murray raised the issue of whether, when estates are taken over, the council is responsible for green areas.
Director of services Paddy Mahon said that estates are only taken over when they are of a high standard and the council are just responsible for the maintenance of services, not the green areas.
Work progressing towards SDZ for airport
Currently the council are dealing with completing a local area plan; strategic environmental assessment; habitat directive and a flood risk assessment of the area. It is hoped to have this completed by September and adopted at the October meeting. Once this plan is adopted then the focus will be on completing a Strategic Development Zone for the airport.
Pride of Place competition
Community and Enterprise officer Neil Sheridan said that two towns in the Swinford Electoral Area — Kilkelly and Kilmovee — are taking part in this year’s Pride of Place competition, with judging taking place this week.
