Big shake-up on the way for Mayo's municipal districts

A RADICAL revision of the local government municipal districts in Mayo is in the pipeline.

The Connaught Telegraph has learned that the existing four areas – Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris and West Mayo – are to be carved up with the creation of up to two new areas.

A boundary commission is to be set up within the coming weeks with the objective of reducing large districts of up to seven and eight elected representatives to more manageable proportions.

Councillors in big geographical areas like Ballina and Castlebar, both with eight seats, have voiced their criticism over the difficulties in carrying out their duties in such large districts while the challenges for elected members in West Mayo, which extends from Belmullet to Louisburgh, are very frustrating at times.

The move, which has already been discussed with Fine Gael councillors by one of the contenders for the party leadership, Minister Simon Coveney, will see a return to smaller districts consisting of five and six seats.

The next local elections are due to take place in 2019 and the imminent changes are set to have far-reaching political implications across the county.