Masterplan needed to put Mayo beauty spot back on the map
IT is time to put Pontoon back on the map.
It has become a forgotten jewel and Councillor Neil Cruise wants to see this changed.
In a motion delivered with passion at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, he asked for a tourism and sustainable development masterplan to be drawn up for the Pontoon area, with particular emphasis on Lough Conn, Lough Cullin and Drummin Woods.
It should be done in consultation with all stakeholders, such as all three adjoining Municipal Districts along the R310, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife, local development groups, farming interests, fishing interests, walking groups and tourism providers.
Councillor Cruise identified key projects that need to be progressed, including:
* Pedestrian and motorist safety and tree and verge management along the R310 and R318 regional roads.
* Development of the Foxford to Pontoon greenway.
* Development of the Knockmore to Pontoon trail and Pontoon to Castlebar greenway as far as the Healy’s Hotel site.
* The development of other parts of the many forest walks including those on the Foxford Way trails and looped walks.
* Refurbishment of the original six-arch bridge in Cuing Mór and the adjoining car park.
* Development of the beaches on the shores of Lough Cullin.
* Development of Pontoon Bay, Schoolhouse Bay, Healy’s Bay, Pontoon Bridge Lake access and the old road from Cuing Beg to Lough Cullin.
* Councillor Cruise also requested the council to apply to the EU for a LIFE Project, similar to the one underway at Lough Carra.
There are, he said, a lot of vibrant groups in the area, 'all itching to go'. But they need help to pull it all together.
It has been an area in decline but this is a fantastic opportunity and he would like to see Pontoon 'put back on the map'.
Full support for his ambition was forthcoming from his council colleagues who acknowledged the potential of the area and its impact for the county.
Councillor Alma Gallagher reflected on the fact there has been a 'county imbalance', with east Mayo left behind, and it requires a change of policy in areas such as active travel.