Ring's busy first day in his new department

NEWLY appointed Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring has made a double announcement for his native county on his first day in office.

The Westport-based TD confirmed that a new Coast Guard station is to be built on a site in Belmullet that has been acquired.

The Irish Coast Guard has received proposed drawings prepared by Office of Public Works’ architects for the facility and it is hoped to bring the proposal to the construction stage as swiftly as possible.

Minister Ring has also announced that a sum €55,275 is being allocated to 12 heritage management projects in Mayo. They are as follows:

Knock Museum - Conservation of 1932 Knock Apparition Statues (€1,875).
St. John’s Church, Ballycastle - Conservation Management Plan and Emergency/Enabling Works, Phase 1 (€3,000).
Louisburgh Development Company Ltd. - Restoration of windows in St. Catherine’s Church of Ireland (€6,000).
BirdWatch Ireland - Management to help vulnerable wildlife at Termoncarragh Meadows and Annagh Marsh (€3,600).
Islandeady Heritage and Arts Group - Conservation of obelisk at Raheen’s Estate, Castlebar (€4,500).
Jackie Clarke Collection - Conservation of documents dated 1917-1923, including correct and sufficient archival storage (€4,000)
Kiltane Cemetery Restoration Committee - Kiltane Church and Graveyard Conservation Management Plan (€4,000).
St. Mary’s Parish Westport - Conservation Management Plan for St. Mary’s Church, Westport (€7,000).
Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo - The conservation and management of Cill Ghallagáin mound (€1,300)
Parish of Oughaval per the Select Vestry of Holy Trinity Church - Conservation Management Plan for Holy Trinity Church Westport (€5,000).
Re-thatching and replacing doors and windows of traditional thatched cottage (€7,000).
Repairs to roof of Thatched Cottage, Owenwee, Westport (€8,000).