Masterplan for west Mayo Quay will be a 'gamechanger' for the area
West Mayo councillors welcome funding commitment for a masterplan for Westport Quay
West Mayo councillors have welcomed confirmation that funding has been committed for a masterplan for the Quay area of Westport which they say will be a 'gamechanger' for the area.
Councillors in Westport were informed last week that Mayo County Council had committed to investing €100,000 for a masterplan for Westport Quay.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District on Friday, Cllr Brendan Mulroy, the Cathaoirleach of the municipal district welcomed the confirmation of funding which he said came following numerous discussions between local councillors and the executive of the county council.
“That is absolutely brilliant and it will be a gamechanger for the Quay area,” he said.
“Anyone who knows anything about Roman Island knows the amount of people who come into it on a daily basis. It is a unique and iconic spot and I want to place to the executive our thanks and to our council colleagues in this area. The people of Westport are richer for it.”
His sentiments were echoed by Cllr Peter Flynn who said that the Quay is used not just by people who go swimming but is also a social outlet for people in the town and surrounding areas.
“This masterplan will hopefully set up a transformation of the Quay. We have seen what a small bit of investment has done in terms of the point and the swimming area. It is not just the physical outdoor stuff, it is the social aspect which brings so many people in to meet their friends and family and it has become a real focal point,” he said.
While commenting that the number of people using the Quay area was incredible, Cllr Flynn also pointed out it was also a 'mess' and needed structure and called on the council executive to explore what grants are available to develop it.
Independent councillor John O'Malley expressed disappointment that a marina would not be included in the masterplan but welcomed the funding announcement.
“I live opposite the quay and have been looking across at it all my life and knew it was a place which could always be developed and a place where a marina could go into it. At least one development is going ahead and it will be great for the people that go down there,” he said.
Louisburgh-based councillor Chris Maxwell also welcomed the announcement saying he hopes there will be progress in the years ahead.