Major works for Westport Quay will start before Christmas

Major redevelopment  of Westport Quay will start before Christmas


Áine Ryan

A MAJOR redevelopment programme planned at Westport Quay is set to start before Christmas, The Mayo News can confirm. The much-awaited Smarter Travel funded redevelopment works will stretch from the gates of historic Westport House to the Towers Bar and encompass ‘the revamping of all hard and soft landscapes, including roads and pavements as well as the lighting system’, according to Simon Wall, Town Architect.
Mr Wall said yesterday that tenders for the works were presently being examined and he expected the works to start before Christmas. He also joined Minister Michael Ring in welcoming the announcement of a further €150,000 in funding, specifically for new marine tourism and leisure infrastructure, at the harbour.
The total cost of this element of the project, which will involve the building of a dedicated boat park, will be €200,000, €50,000 of which must be provided by Mayo County Council. The boat-park will  incorporate 27 hard-standing bays, car-parking facilities and will be serviced by water and electricity.  
Mr Wall praised the cooperation and help of all the local boat owners, particularly citing the support of Mr Arthur Gill. He also confirmed that there were also plans to upgrade the adjacent area to a tourism amenity park also and that negotiations were ‘at an advanced stage to build a state-of-the-art regional coastguard station at an adjacent site’.
Responding to the news about the funding, Mr  Ring said: “This funding will alter the harbour area and provide a much needed service for boat users.  There were many applications to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for funding so I am particularly pleased that this funding has now been secured for Westport Quay.”
He also praised all those involved in progressing this project.