Parking and public toilets needed for Mayo tourist town

KEY priorities set out in the latest Westport tourism survey, led by Fr Micheál Mac Gréil for Westport Tourism Organisation, have been presented to local councillors.

Fr. Mac Gréil discussed them in a presentation at the monthly Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting, which was held online.

They include the following:

The need to restore town councils, abolished in 2014. Pending this, a voluntary community council should be elected.

Architectural continuity - protecting the town's Georgian character when granting planning permission.

Maintaining Westport's infrastructure, which has provided favourably for both tourism and industrial/commercial development.

Parking and traffic, with a multi-storey car park recommended, as in previous reports, plus a shuttle bus from the Quay at peak visitor periods.

A street-side bus stop with seating and shelter - the current Mill Street shelter is inadequate and remote for elderly people.

Footpaths along the Leenane and Ballinrobe roads.

Public toilets to cater for a population that grows to 10,000 over the peak summer season and facilities for campervans.

New greenways - out to Louisburgh, and also connecting Westport with Leenane and Tourmakeady.

Painting of empty houses and buildings.

Finding a new home for Westport Heritage Centre in the town, for instance at the Wyatt market house on the Octagon, the old courthouse on Castlebar Street, the old barracks on James Street, or at the old convent site.

Strengthening the sand dunes at Bertra beach to address flood protection.

Councillor Peter Flynn said there was very little presented that he disagreed with.

The idea of a vountary community council should be given strong merit, providing a voice between the community and council.

He agreed there was insufficient parking in the summer and they needed to find somewhere on the outskirts of town where people can cycle or walk from to work or school. This would have a signifcant impact on the town centre.

Agreeing with the point about public toilets, Councillor John O'Malley said during the pandemic that was a real problem. The issue of waste facilities for campervans also had to be addressed.