No holy water at Mayo sod turning ceremony

THE absence of holy water at a sod turning ceremony for a multi-million euro project in Westport is something councillors aren't happy about.

They want to see all religions represented at such events, like official openings, noting a trend of absence in recent times.

The sod turning on the new €13.5 million regeneration of the old convent site on Altamount Street was a proud day for local councillors who pulled together for the development of this iconic part of Westport.But Councillor Brendan Mulroy noted how holy water was 'lacking' from the occasion and he asked if Mayo County Council is going to leave out the different religious groups from such events going forward.

He felt all the different churches should be invited. There are people from different backgrounds in the community and they all unite together, he commented.

Councillor Johnny O'Malley said he would hope when the project, which includes a new library, community hub and council offices, opens in 2028 that it will be blessed then.

Leave no one out, he added, saying that a blessing is 'part of our tradition'.