Two new amenities opened in Mayo towns

MINISTER Michael Ring has today opened two important new facilities in Mayo.

He officially opened the Driver Theory Test Centre in Westport and subsequently launched seven brand new housing units for the Irish Wheelchair Association in Belmullet.

Speaking at the opening of the Driver Theory Test Centre, he said: “Having this Driver Theory Test Centre in Westport, one of only two in county Mayo, will help to make our roads safer for everyone. It is also an important investment in the town which will stand to it for years to come. In Westport, 1,427 tests were carried out in 2016.

“The driver theory test process is instrumental in creating safe, considerate drivers. The driving habits, hopefully good ones, that you develop through the learning and examination process stay with you for life. I am delighted that this new Driving Theory Test Centre will ensure that for years to come people will be coming to Westport for this important rite of passage.”

Speaking at the opening of seven housing units for the Irish Wheelchair Association at An Fraoch, in Logmore, Belmullet, Minister Ring stated: “This beautiful housing development, which cost €1.25 million to build, was financed by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government’s “Capital Assistance Scheme”.

Under this scheme, funding of up to 100% is available to Approved Housing Bodies - like the Irish Wheelchair Association - to provide housing for people with disabilities, the elderly and the homeless. This represents an excellent use of Government funding which will stand to community in Belmullet for years to come.

The minister added: “As local TD and Minister, I was glad to be able to support this great project and it gives me great satisfaction to see it come to fruition.

"These homes will really improve people’s quality of life and will give comfort and peace of mind to the families of those who live here. I commend the Irish Wheelchair Association for overseeing the creation of these wonderful homes and for the great work they do to support people with physical disabilities here in Mayo.

“I commend the Irish Wheelchair Association for having the foresight to locate the project close to its Community Resource and Outreach Centre in order to substantially facilitate the provision of support and services to the houses’ occupants.

“As Minister for Rural and Community Development an important part of my role is ensuring that my fellow Ministers deliver on the Government’s commitments to rural Ireland. I will keep doing that and will continue working to ensure that the benefits of the economic recovery are felt throughout rural Ireland.”