Some concern over proposed sale of Mayo council land to hotel

THE proposed sale of public owned lands to a hotel business in Westport town centre has been met with some concern locally.

The sale of 0.2671 Ha. at Church Street, to Wyatt Hotel Unlimited, The Octagon, Westport, is on the agenda for final approval at Monday's meeting of Mayo County Council.

It was previously on the agenda for the June meeting of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District where it was approved by all seven councillors, before moving on to full council level for ratification.

The sale price is €670,000 and, in addition to the purchase price, the purchaser will provide a €280,000 contribution towards public amenities development.

The property recommended for disposal is described as being a grassed amenity space.

The Wyatt Hotel has indicated that it will be used for an expansion of the existing business.

A report circulated by Mayo County Council ahead of Monday's meeting said the property was not advertised for sale as an approach was made by The Wyatt Hotel, to Westport Belmullet MD, to acquire the plot of land to increase, in demand, visitor related accommodation to Westport.

A price of €670,000 is being sought for the plot, as recommended in a valuation report, and a further €280,000 has been offered to co-develop the adjoining public amenity area, contributing directly to the upgrade of accessible public amenities.

Recommending the sale of the lands, the report stated: 'The Wyatt Hotel development project represents a significant opportunity to revitalise a vacant site, provide economic stimulation and improve visitor numbers to the area.'

However, there is some concern among the public about the loss of green space and public amenity in the town centre.

Expressing its dismay, Westport Family and Community Resource Centre, in a social media post, said: 'It is one of the few remaining publicly owned green spaces in the town centre and the only playground.

'Community spaces like this are vital for recreation, for wellbeing, and for connection.'

They acknowledged the community members who have worked tirelessly to highlight the long-standing neglect of this area and the adjoining playground.

There has been an ongoing community campaign to have the playground and adjoining lands adjacent to the leisure centre developed and improved.