Mayo facing real challenges due to disparity
Business chief draws Taoiseach's attention to policy hampering the west’s growth
A LEADING Mayo businessman has made a direct plea to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin to examine government policy with a view "to actively discriminate in favour of the western region."
Owen Hughes of Westport Estate and Portwest said it must happen in order "to address disparity and unlock the full potential of our region."
Addressing Mr. Martin at the official opening of The Grace Hotel, Westport, Mr. Hughes stated the fact must be recognised that Mayo faces 'real challenges'.
He made the point that over the last 30 years, the population of Mayo has grown at half the national average.
"Despite being neighbours, Galway receives nearly five times as many international visitors as Mayo.
"This is a stark imbalance," he emphasised.
Mr. Hughes pointed to the scourge of emigration which has impacted on Mayo over the past 10 years with thousands of our young men and women going in particular to Australia.
"We need to get them home but we need affordable housing to have any chance of doing so."
He also referenced a former neighbour of his who purchased a home in Castlebar because she could not afford to do so in her native Westport. But when she was in a position to move back, she was told by the planning department of Mayo County Council that she did not demonstrate a sufficient need.
"This has to stop," he argued, a point on which Mr. Martin firmly agreed and indicated that imminent new planning laws would do so.
Turning his focus on greenways, Mr. Hughes said Westport has always been a place of vision.
"The Westport to Achill Greenway - the first greenway in Ireland - transformed tourism in this region. It brought thousands of active visitors to Mayo and breathed new life into towns like Newport and Mulranny as well as Achill island.
"And I welcome the fact that part of the current Westport to Achill Greenway goes through Westport Estate.
"For that reason, I warmly welcome the proposals for a new greenway between Westport and Lecanvey.
"However, I would encourage all sides to reach a compromise on the route - but it must be off-road if it is to be truly successful. If delivered properly, it will be a spectacular greenway and a much-needed boost to the local economy. We need it and we need it now.
"My hope is that this greenway will eventually be extended to Louisburgh, a town that is in need of a lift. The vision of a continuous greenway from Louisburgh to Achill is worth the effort - and it would bring thousands of additional visitors to west Mayo.
"We opened the gates to Westport House and now I ask people to open their minds to a spectacular greenway eventually linking Louisburgh to Achill."
Mr. Hughes said the new road between Westport and Castlebar is very welcome while Ireland West Airport is critical to the long-term success of the west.
"The Atlantic Technological University and NUIG are essential engines of growth. And the Westport-Castlebar axis will be central to the future development of Mayo.
"Political leadership in Mayo matters, and I welcome the fact that we now have two ministers from the county. But leadership is not just for politicians - it is for all of us.
"We must all put on the Green and Red jersey when fighting for investment in Mayo.
"I look at Carne Golf Club in Erris as an example of a world class facility that brings people to Mayo. I look at Kerry and they have four Carnes."