Concern over decline of town's showpiece

MARKET Square in Castlebar is falling apart. . . slowing but surely.

A section of the showpiece location has already been sealed off to prevent pedestrians from tripping over.

But nothing else has happened since the barriers were erected.

Now Councillor Michael Kilcoyne wants to know exactly what's going to happen to fix the problem of loose paving stones.

He will raise his concerns at Thursday's meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District.

The work was carried out in 2000 after funding was set aside by members of the local town council the previous year. A part 8 motion was required before work proceeded.

It was a major improvement on the previous square that was outdated and far from attractive.

Over the past number of years, it has become a focal point for public meetings and gatherings as well as outdoor entertainment.

Councillor Kilcoyne said it is important that works get underway as early as possible to repair the damaged section of the square.

He said the situation has not been helped by trucks being allowed to access it during casual trading days of Friday and Saturday.

“The area needs restoring well ahead of the summer season when it will be used far more frequently. The people of the town would like to know when this is going to happen,” he added.