Appeal for action to revive once-bustling Mayo lakeside community

A progressive community group in the heart of Mayo says they have been ‘left behind’ and are calling for immediate action to restore one of the county’s most scenic areas.

The Pontoon Enhancement Group, comprising local residents from the Pontoon and Cuing areas, has launched a renewed campaign to revive the once-bustling lakeside destination, which they claim has suffered years of neglect.

Pontoon, located between Ballina and Castlebar at the meeting point of Lough Conn and Lough Cullin, was for decades a landmark stop for visitors and anglers.

However, locals fear the area has been ‘forgotten about’ since the closure of local hotels and the decline in visitor numbers.

A key priority for the group is the creation of a safe walkway and cycleway linking Pontoon to Foxford, particularly in light of recent tree-felling work taking place in nearby Drummin Woods.

“Pontoon is a place of exceptional natural beauty, surrounded by lakes, woodland and protected habitats,” the group said in a statement.

“Yet it remains dangerously inaccessible. There are no footpaths or verges, and the narrow, fast-moving roads are unsafe for walkers and cyclists.

“People still come here to enjoy the scenery, but they’re risking their safety just to do so. This is unacceptable in 2025.”

The group believes the lack of progress is partly due to administrative boundaries, as Pontoon sits at the edge of three municipal districts.

The Pontoon Bridge marks the end of the Castlebar Municipal District, while the hotel site and main population centre fall under the Claremorris–Swinford area.

The group has been busy improving lay-bys and once-bustling viewing points over the past few months.

A spokesperson for Coillte confirmed that major recovery work is ongoing in Drummin Woods following damage from Storm Éowyn.

“Coillte’s staff and contractors continue to work hard on the recovery operation in Drummin Woods,” the statement read.

“Safety is our priority, and the woods will remain closed to the public as the clearance operation progresses. Managing windblown trees is a slow, difficult and dangerous process. Any future plans for the area will be assessed at a later date.”

Coillte thanked the public for their patience and reminded people not to enter storm-damaged areas.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said that while a feasibility study for the Ballina–Castlebar–Westport Interurban Greenway was completed in August 2024, no funding has yet been allocated for 2025 to progress the scheme.

However, the Pontoon Enhancement Group says the absence of any investment for their area is ‘disheartening’.

“We are at a critical moment,” the group said. “With Coillte actively clearing Drummin Woods, this change must be matched with meaningful investment in local infrastructure, a safe, accessible walkway and cycleway that enhances public access. Anything less would be unacceptable.”

They are now calling on Mayo County Council, Coillte and other stakeholders to meet with them and deliver what they describe as a long-overdue project for safety, accessibility and sustainable tourism.

“Pontoon has waited long enough,” their statement concluded.

“Our community is ready to move forward. We now need our public bodies to meet us there.”