Flynn claims co-operation between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in Mayo delivered convent project

A MAYO councillor has praised the co-operation between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael councillors and TDs in ensuring the Westport convent project got the go ahead to proceed.

The official turning of the sod on the major redevelopment of the former Sisters of Mercy Convent Site in Westport was performed by Ballina-based TD and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.

The project which is to cost up to €25 million will involve the restoration and extension of derelict former primary school for a new public library as well as the restoration of laundry buildings to provide for a Community Hub and community facilities and the creation of a new landscaped public realm area. It is expected to be completed in 2028.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Peter Flynn, Cathaoirleach of the municipal district said that last year he was not optimistic the project would go ahead due to rising costs.

He said the project will be transformational for both Westport and the county and praised the co-operation between the Government parties along with department and council officials for getting it over the line.

“Peopel often criticise Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and the Government but if you ever want to see an example of councillors and TDs and ministers all working together to deliver a project for our county then this is the perfect example. We all pulled together and left our party jersey outside and worked in one direction to ensure the town and the county was the real beneficiary of it. It was a truly historic day for Westport and west Mayo and the county and thank you to everyone who played their part,” he said.

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The Fine Gael councillor thanked Minister Calleary and his officials for delivering the funding and also praised Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council for ensuring the funding was found.

The convent site was bought by the old Westport Town Council in 2008 and Cllr Flynn, who along with Cllr Brendan Mulroy, was part of that council said it was apt that they remember three former councillors – Margaret Adams, Martin Keane and Ollie Gannon – who have since died.

Cllr Mulroy described the sod turning as a fantastic day for Westport and seeing its completion will be the highlight of his political career. He too praised the co-operation involved in getting the project over the line.

“While we have our odd boxing fight here generally we all work well together and what I saw today [Monday] was two ministers [Dara Calleary and Alan Dillon] standing side by side for the betterment of Mayo and that was great to see. Today was a proud day for a lot of people in the county,” he said.