A serious Mayo campaign is needed to revive its town councils
By Auld Stock
The abolition of local authorities was one of the most obnoxious decisions taken since the foundation of our state.
Over 100 years ago, when the populations of most towns was half what they are today, town councils were a major part of local democracy.
For example, Castlebar had little more than a population of 3,000 in the early 1900s. Ballina and Westport also had smaller populations in those years.
On the continent, towns with populations of 1,000 people have vibrant councils.
I visited Montalban, Spain (population 1,000), some years ago and was interested to learn the town has a council which is involved in the provision of housing, sporting amenities, local educational matters and other affairs such as invoking by-laws, as well as supporting the town band, cultural events and local festivals.
I visited the local authority office where I was welcomed by the mayor who spoke reasonably good English.
When I told him local councils in Ireland were abolished, he was amazed.
When I met the mayor of Maltalban, he proudly wore his chain of office.
A number of distinguished guests have been welcomed to Castlebar over the years and our mayors have highlighted the various attractions in Castlebar and surrounding areas.
For many years local councillors were paid a few bob which they donated to deserving local causes.
The allowance was later increased but it is true to say most councillors weren’t in local politics for the money.
Their main aim was to serve local people, meet them and listen to whatever problems they wished to highlight.
The urban areas in Mayo cater for thousands of people. Towns are the heartbeat of our communities.
Their residents’ fingers are on the pulse of local happenings and are acutely aware of problems affecting their people.
There is an old saying . . . you never miss the water until the well runs day.
It is the same with local politics.
Whilst members of the local municipal authorities do an excellent job, they are forced to look after vast areas and with the best will in the world, this is virtually an impossible task.
A number of political parties have expressed the view they will support the return of local councils.
From what I know, the local councils may be a watered down version of the original bodies.
This would be a time-wasting exercise, an insult to people living in urban areas.
Dáil deputies, senators and county councillors need have no fears with the return of local councils. Indeed the opposite is the case.
Local councillors can cooperate with members of the Oireachtas on a number of important projects.
Another matter that angers people is that monies collected in the large urban areas of Mayo are spent in different parts of the county.
It is time to bring back town councils and return local democracy to the people of our country.
In fairness to Councillor Blackie Gavin, he has consistently raised the question of reviving local councils and he has also raised the matter of Castlebar being given borough status.
The population of Castlebar has consistently increased over the years and next to Galway it is the largest shopping centre in Connaught.
Our Mayo deputies and senators should come together and make a case to have local authorities reintroduced in our county. They owe it to the people of Mayo.
Castlebar, Ballina and Westport want local democracy returned to their communities.
It is time our Oireachtas members took this matter seriously and put the necessary legislation in motion to bring back our town councils.
Voters in Castlebar, Ballina and Westport need to see some positive progress in this important matter.