Mayo councillor calls for upgrade of road to Canadian PM's ancestral home

The road to the ancestral home of the Canadian Prime Minister in west Mayo is in a terrible condition and not fit to bring him along according to a local councillor.

There is a sense of anticipation in the west Mayo village of Aughagower outside Westport that the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney may visit the village later in the year. The speculation was heightened following an invitation by Minister Dara Calleary to do so during his visit to Canada for the St Patrick's Day celebration.

Mr Carney's grandparents Robert and Nora Carney were both originally from Aughagower outside Westport before emigrating to Canada in 1925.

However, speaking at the monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, Independent councillor John O'Malley said the road leading to his grandparent's home is in a terrible state and needs improvement before any potential visit.

“The road where the house is in dire need of repair and you couldn't bring that man up that road when surely he would like to see where his ancestors came from,” he said.

“It is not a very long road but it is terribly bad and we cannot let the Prime Minister come here and that road is not done. It is a dead end road but we cannot let him up that road unless it is done.”

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The Carrowholly-based councillor asked council officials if there was any emergency funding which the council can avail of if a visit is announced.

In response, Heather Gibbons, senior engineer with Mayo County Council said the 'if and when' there is confirmation of the visit they will address the issue ahead of any visit and 'review the situation'.