West Mayo councillors put pressure on council to delivery Westport convent project

WESTPORT councillors have put pressure on the Chief Executive of Mayo County Council to ensure that funding is secured to deliver the development of the old convent site.

There is uncertainty regarding the regeneration project of the former Convent of Mercy building and site in Westport with the final cost of the project expected to be well in excess of the initial figure of €13 million.

The tenders for the project were due to be approved by the Department of Rural and Community Development for approval at the end of 2024 but the project is currently in 'limbo' according to local councillors.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Mulroy called on Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council to deliver the project.

“The onus is on the executive of Mayo County Council to make sure the project is delivered and delivered in a timely fashion. That whole site down there...people are aware of the value it has for the people of Westport.

“It is the biggest project we have in this area and it has been ongoing for a long time so I would ask the chief executive to come in and give us an update either in a workshop or in public,” the Fianna Fáil councillor said.

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He was supported by the new Cathaoirleach of the municipal district, Cllr Peter Flynn who asked that he wanted a clear picture of where the project stands at the July meeting of the municipal district.

Cllr Flynn told the meeting that things did not look good for the project but will be making it one of the biggest priorities during his term as cathaoirleach.

“We are hitting a critical stage and the next two weeks will determine in my view if this project will live or die. The word that has come back in the last couple of weeks has not been positive and it is very worrying.

“I hope that later this year we are looking at machinery in there and not looking at more years of neglect. In my view if the convent doesn't happen now it will never happen,” he said.

The regeneration of the former Convent of Mercy building in Westport will see the development of a new library, council offices, community rooms and social services headquarters while permission has also been granted for 18 'Age Friendly' apartments in the old church and sacristy.

Cllr Mulroy also raised the issue of the old Scoil Phadraig NS building on Altamont Street and stated he wants answers regarding the future of it.

“At this stage the Department of Education should hang their heads in shame on what is going on there. The onus is on the people to step up and ensure the right thing is done with that site,” he said.