The community in Lecanvey have come up with a proposal that could see the wear and tear on the traditional pilgrimage path on Croagh Patrick halved. The West Mayo Municipal District held their march meeting in the Lecanvey Communty Centre and before the meeting got going, they were briefed on the proposal by members of the Lecanvey Community Centre Committee
Therese Staunton from Lecanvey Community Centre Committee told the members that under their idea, pilgrims would climb Croagh Patrick by the traditional route from Murrisk, but once they reach the summit they could traverse back down the mountain towards Lecanvey by way of a second ancient pilgrimage path that is already used by some people, before meeting up with a newly constructed path to bring them back to the statue of St Patrick on the Murrisk side of the monutain. She told the members that this pathway could be constructed cheaply through commonage lands on the mountain. She also outlined that the descent down the Lecanvey side of the mountain and the new pathway which would be on an elevated site, would still offer stunning views of Clew Bay for climbers.
There was great support for the idea from many of he councillors at the meeting with the committee being praised for coming to the council with a well thought out idea, rather than just looking for money for something without the ground work being put into such a level.
