The new Chair of the Westport Electoral Area Committee is Councillor Peter Flynn, who was elected at the area meeting on Monday.
Cllr John O’Malley proposed Cllr Flynn to be elected as the Chair and this was seconded by the town council’s new Cathaoirleach, Cllr Christy Hyland.
Cllr Flynn said that even though the area agenda tends to be limited “we should try and focus on what is important for the area”. The Fine Gael councillor said that focusing on how to get people back to work and the creation of jobs is “the number one priority”. He added that tourism, agriculture and renewable energy should be supported, along with creating links with the Diaspora.
The councillor was congratulated by his fellow area councillors and by Senior Executive Officer Martin Keating
Outgoing Chair, Cllr Austin Francis O’Malley, who is now the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, was thanked for his year as Chair of the committee and wished well in his new role.
Dogs roaming on Greenway
Cllr John O’Malley criticised the car parking on Mill Street, saying those who go out on Sunday night park their car and go for a few drinks, only to find that they have been given a €35 parking ticket the following day which is a “very unfair situation”.
The councillor said “If you really want to collect money send the dog warden out to the Greenway, which is covered in dogs’ poo and dogs are roaming freely”.
Martin Keating said that car parking was considered by the town council and they took a “pragmatic approach” when making the parking by-laws, as parking on Mondays comes into effect from 10am, which is a “reasonable time”. As for visits by the dog warden to the Greenway, Mr Keating said that the warden does call to Westport and that this complaint will be followed up.
Walkway to be extended
Cllr Margaret Adams asked when the walkway, which was made along the West Road to Ardmore Road, will be extended to Belclare. The councillor was told that subject to funding this walkway will be extended.
