Councillor Michael KilcoyneMEMBERS of Castlebar Town Council have reacted angrily to claims that their criticism of Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s lack of delivery to the town is ‘whingeing’.

The Fine Gael leader made the remark when speaking to members of the local press at the unveiling of the new €12.5 million swimming pool and National Outdoor Pursuits Centre on a site adjacent to the Lough Lannagh Holiday Village.

He has come under attack at a series of meetings of the authority in respect of the delay in attracting a replacement industry to the vacant factory buildings at Breaffy Road as well as the downgrading of the Sacred Heart Hospital.

Now three elected representatives of the council have hit back at Deputy Kenny for his broadside.

Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said when he criticised Deputy Kenny when concerns were raised over local issues, he was merely reflecting the view of all the people who voted to the Castlebar TD on the basis of the promises he made on the lead-up to the 2011 general election.

“It’s our job to remind him of his commitments and it has nothing whatsoever to do with whingeing. I welcome the fact the progress is being made in respect of a new swimming pool in Castlebar and I hope the €3.7 million funding shortfall will not prove a stumbling block to the Fine Gael/Labour Party government.

“But I have no intention of giving up campaign to ensure Castlebar gets the delivery to which it is entitled. And I will continue to fight for the future of the Sacred Heart Hospital and Mayo General Hospital until I am satisfied with the assurances I receive from Deputy Kenny and his government. That’s what I was elected to do.”

Fianna Fáil Councillor Blackie Gavin said when Deputy Kenny sorts out the future of the two hospitals in Castlebar and delivers a major industry to the town, then he will back off in his criticism of the Fine Gael leader.

“When you at the head of government, you have to expect a bit of stick here and there. Deputy Kenny is in politics long enough and he knows that. There is pressure on him to deliver to Castlebar and the pressure won’t stop until he does so. Fine Gael received a massive endorsement in this constituency in the last general election and they have to fulfil the promises they made.

“Heretofore, that’s not happening in the county town, but the provision of a new indoor swimming pool in a good start. But Deputy Kenny has to remember the town council is giving €1.25 million towards the project.”

Independent Councillor Frank Durcan said Deputy Kenny owes a debt of gratitude to the people of Castlebar and it’s time he started replaying the gratitude.

“In respect of the swimming pool, I believe he should be delivering a 50 metre facility because the best young swimmers in this area are forced to travel outside this county ever weekend to do their training.

“There is also an onus on him to deliver jobs and stop all our young people from emigrating. He is in a position to do so and there will be massive disappointment if he failed to do so.”

Labour Party Councillor Harry Barrett told The Connaught Telegraph that he did not wish to become embroiled in a war of words with Deputy Kenny at this time and felt the Fine Gael leader was worthy of praise in respect of the swimming pool announcement