Furious exchanges over Westport housing criticism

ANGER Independent councillor, Christy Hyland.

Edwin McGreal

Criticism of the design of a Westport housing development has led to furious exchanges between local councillors.
The subject came up during the December meeting of the West Mayo Municipal District when Cllr Peter Flynn (FG) criticised the design of a new estate in the town.
He initially made a comparison that he later withdrew and asked the media not to report the comparison, clarifying his comment to refer to the estate as looking ‘like an industrial building’.
“We live in a heritage town where we design to the highest level. I don’t know who approved it or how it worked. It really is not appropriate for this town. The design is absolutely shocking.
“This is only my own personal view. We are all entitled to our opinion. In terms of design it really is not appropriate for a town like Westport,” he said.
He withdrew the earlier comparison comment following furious reaction from the Cathaoirleach of the district, Cllr Christy Hyland (Ind), who said people had just moved into these homes after long waits on social-housing lists.
“That’s an awful thing to say about people coming up to Christmas, they are after getting the keys to their home and to come out with a description like that … I take grave exception to it.
“That’s typical now. How dare you coming up to Christmas come out with a statement like that. People waited and waited. How dare you,” fumed Cllr Hyland.
Cllr Brendan Mulroy (FF) then asked Cllr Flynn to withdraw his initial comparison.
“It is nothing short of scandalous, and I am sure Cllr Flynn did not mean it in the way it is being taken now. The terminology does not resonate very well,” he said.
Cllr Flynn agreed to withdraw his initial comparison, clarifying: ‘I will say it looks like an industrial building’.
Director of Services Catherine McConnell was also critical of the commentary.
“I do think it is unfortunate that anyone would refer to anyone’s home as being an unacceptable design. It is not fair to the people who live there,” she said.