Chapel Street, Swinford. Photo: Google Maps

Plea for economic growth cluster to bolster future of east Mayo

Area will 'wither and die away' unless support is forthcoming for all towns in the area

The decision of Mayo County Council to overlook the towns of east Mayo in its selection of economic growth clusters is destined to have a hugely detrimental impact.

That's the view of a former elected member of the authority, Swinford businessman Joe Mellett. He said unless support is forthcoming for the district, it will 'wither away and die'.

Mr. Mellett elaborated: “We may have Ireland West Airport and Knock Shrine in this region.

"But Swinford and the surrounding towns of Charlestown, Kilkelly, Kiltimagh and Foxford are located in what is better known as the ‘black triangle’, which is crying out for investment, having been starved and ignored when big projects are being announced.

“The proposed county development plan divides the county and its towns into various clusters and its settlement strategy splits them into five categories: rural villages, rural settlements, self-sustaining towns, self-sustaining growth towns and strategic growth towns, the latter which includes Castlebar, Westport and Ballina.

“Swinford is the only town in east Mayo to be included as a self-sustaining growth town but, having studied the proposals, I cannot see anything that would and could assist Swinford in growing to be a more self-sustaining town.

“Despite the plan outlining that Swinford is located within the Atlantic Economic Corridor region, no further support in its development is included in the document.

“I am therefore calling for a fourth economic cluster to include Swinford and the other towns in east Mayo together with the inclusion of Ireland West Airport.

“The airport, with its huge potential, can be developed as the kingpin in the revitalisation not only of the entire county but also the towns of east Mayo.

“The evidence is there to show the huge imbalance between east Mayo and the rest of the county in terms of jobs to work ratio, population, census figures and future projections.

“This matter needs to be revisited.”