Castlebar Tidy Towns remember former chairman on 17th anniversary of his passing

Castlebar Tidy Towns has remembered former chairman, Liam Durkan, on the 17th anniversary of his passing.

A tribute on the organisation's Facebook page to 'a man of vision and our dear friend', stated: "Liam was deeply involved with the Castlebar Tidy Towns Committee from 1997 until his death in 2004.

"Indeed, Liam took over as chairman of the Tidy Towns Committee from Joe Butler in December 2000.

"Liam worked tirelessly on behalf of Castlebar on many projects including the redevelopment of Market Square, The Mall, and in particular the Lough Lannagh Enhancement project.

"It was through Liam's vision and passion for Castlebar that he initiated the Environmental Enhancement Scheme at Lough Lannagh in 1999.

"This project included the provision of a lighting scheme, construction of formed pathways and walks, nature trail and habitats, litter bins, seating and signage on wildlife.

"All this work in the early days was done on a voluntary basis with assistance and funding from many sources including Castlebar Tidy Towns Committee, South Mayo Leader Company, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, FAS Community Employment Scheme, Castlebar Town Council, Mayo County Council and several local businesses that contributed in terms of sponsorship.

"This project in later years was to become the centre piece of the town with a major input from Mayo County Council and Castlebar Town Council.

"It now stands as the “Jewel in the Crown” as the joint centrepiece attraction in the town with many visitors and residents spending a lot of leisurely time in the beautiful and relaxing surroundings.

"In recognition of this wonderful work carried out at Lough Lannagh under the leadership and drive of Liam Durkan, Castlebar Tidy Towns was the Regional Ireland West winners in the Green Towns 2000 project.

"Indeed the citation on the plaque, presented to Liam for the Castlebar Tidy Towns group, reads as follows: 'This Bronze plaque depicts a town and its environment. It symbolises the connection between nature and the environment and our need to sustain it. This plaque represents a partnership with nature and the community'.

"This reflects everything that Liam was about. We see today how the entire area of Lough Lannagh has progressed into one of the most attractive and peaceful areas of the town - much of Liam's early work has been upgraded and developed by Castlebar Town Council and Mayo County Council into an absolutely wonderful public amenity rich in wildlife, habitat, and diversity with wonderful walks that are user-friendly to all.

"A headstone and tree commemorating Liam’s contribution to Lough Lannagh is also on the right-hand side as you enter the Lough Lannagh car park.

"We ask that you remember Liam today as you enjoy a walk or cycle around the lake."