Taskforce needed to rejuvenate Castlebar's main street

A COUNCIL-LED taskforce is needed to aid the rejuvenation of Castlebar's Main Street.

Independent local election candidate Harry Barrett said the council had done nothing to aid the rejuvenation of Main Street and he was calling now for a council-led taskforce to be set up to deal with it.

He said: “This council has been sitting on its hands for five years, not putting forward a single idea to assist in the rejuvenation of our Main Street.

“The closure of two local businesses this month is a sign that action is far overdue.

“Where is the action to deal with derelict sites in the town centre? Why has there been no discussion on rates? Why is the planning authority in Mayo County Council so slow to allow change of usage of a premises from commercial to residential? Is there a case now for pedestrianising Main Street? Where are the ideas?

“I am proposing that the new council, with proactive councillors, lead a taskforce to assist in the rejuvenation of Main Street. A very important conversation must be had to put together a plan that will rescue the main street.

“Sitting back on our hands and waiting for something to happen will not solve anything. The main street needs attention and it is the duty of the council and local elected representatives to be proactive.”