Gardaí concerned jarveys will cause traffic congestion

The gardaí have expressed concern that the introduction of jarveys on the streets of Westport would cause traffic congestion. Bye-laws to allow for the introduction of jarveys have been adopted by local councillors in the West Mayo Municipal District.

Three submissions were received from members of the public in relation to the service. Only the local garda authorities expressed reservations about the horse-drawn carriages, concerned that they may cause congestion.

Westport Town Council received a proposal to operate a jarvey service last February, with management happy that it would be a positive addition to the town’s tourism product. The operator proposed a fixed route from the Octagon, around the town centre, travelling out to the heritage centre and the Quay.

In a report to councillors, it was recommended that the service would only operate between 6 and 10 p.m. during the summer months and that during the first year of operation the number of licencees would be limited to two.

Of the three submissions received, Karen Browne of Westport House voiced support for the project, as did Thomas A. King, Carrowholly.