Concerns over deteriorating condition of picturesque west Mayo tourist town river
A resident of Westport has become increasingly concerned about the deteriorating condition of the Mall river.
Tom Flynn of Horkan's Hill said the river is central to the economic and aesthetic values of the town and area and its presence contributes significantly towards its economic development.
In a letter to The Connaught Telegraph, he explained the reasons for his concerns.
Tom outlined: “The canalising of the Carrowbeg river which flows through the centre of Westport began around 1750- 1760.
“The redirected river flows on a cobblestone bed, some of which can still be seen at McGreevy’s on the South Mall upper. This route was chosen by the Marquess of Sligo, John Browne of Westport House, as being of intrinsic and aesthetic value to the new town of Westport which was designed by William Leeson.
“To complete the visual impact broadleaved trees were planted to grace both the north and south banks of the river. Together along with the carefully designed town centre the boulevard became a vista for locals and visitors alike.
“William Thackery wrote glowingly of this beautiful planned town with its global appeal. The new town of Westport was constructed in the Georgian architectural style and followed the medieval principles of urban design first introduced to Ireland by the Normans in the 13th century.
“As a tourist attraction, Westport was hailed as the jewel in the crown of Ireland west tourism. This major accolade contributed in no small part to the economic development of the town, embracing hotels, restaurants, pubs and retail outlets.
“Along with the economic development came employment opportunities and the stabilising of the town’s population. Among the many selling points for the town stood the Mall River.
“Its pristine condition and stunning vista from upper North and South Malls to lower reaches is life empowering.
“The addition of seating along the riverside paths proved a boon to elderly, families, children and tourists alike where they could rest awhile from their meanderings. How joyful it was to watch families with their children replete with fishing rods and nets trawl the river looking to hook a trout or catch sprats in their nets.
“I did it. My children did it. My grandchildren it.
“Today this once beautiful vista has lost its attraction as fouling from birds and ducks create that unwelcome atmosphere where families and children with fishing rods and nets no longer visit.
“Two hundred and seventy years after its birth the river is now in its death throes. The riverside trees once filled with the chirping of birds are falling silent. The supporting riverbank walls are starting to crumble.
“Weeds and briars literally crowd out the flowers in the hanging baskets. The river area stench with the odour of bird foulings.
“The ill-thought-out man-made bank from a few years past created by the dumping of tons of gravel into the river at the North Mall to facilitate a few transient ducks has done irreparable harm to river life.
“Today the North and South Malls upper, which once so pleased the eye, is no more. The man-made bank has impeded the natural flow of the river and presented an appalling vista to local and visitor alike.
“The build-up of fowl droppings has also contributed to an explosion of weeds foreign to the river.
“The once beautiful Mall River is now almost devoid of marine life as the deoxygenated water literally stagnates. Much is being promoted under the guise of biodiversity. In an area with tens of thousands of acres of fallow landmass how much more biodiverse do we need to get?
“A recent tourist's refrain described Westport as ‘Dull. Drab. Dreary. And ‘Oh, what have you done to your river’. As a true Covey of many generations, I want our once pristine river back.
"Save the Mall River.”