Search Results for 'Martin Keating'

The public have until Thursday December 19 to make submissions on the new regional waste management plan that is being put together following the reconfiguration of the country into three different regions. Mayo is part of the Connacht Ulster region, and Mayo County Council has been appointed as the lead local authority for the region, with Kevin Swift about to be appointed to the role of co-ordinator for the region. He will be based from an office in Castlebar. At the October meting of the Environmental Policy and Agricultural Strategic Policy Committee of Mayo County Council, the members of the committee were given a brief update on the progress of this plan.

Independent councillor Michael Holmes has called for an “umbrella” group to take responsibility for the Greenway in the county to ensure that its “use and maintenance” is taken care of by one body. The Mulranny based councillor said at the Belmullet Electoral Area meeting this week that “it’s brought in thousands of people this summer and the business in the area will tell you that. We need to protect it and ensure that it’s maintained to the highest of standards.” Holmes’ suggestion was backed by other members of the committee and director of services for Mayo County Council Martin Keating said that progress was being made in a number of areas, and he said: “I do agree with Cllr Holmes that some structure needs to be put on the usage of it.”

New Cathaoirleach

Not all of the 12 Blue Flag beaches in the county are patrolled by a lifeguard which has caused concern among locals according to councillor Michael McNamara.

Councillor Christy Hyland said that a manmade beach at The Quay would really set Westport apart from other towns and should be considered while enhancement works are taking place at The Quay under Smarter travel project funding.

Westport Town Councillors have postponed making a decision on whether the middle Mall should be reduced to one lane as part of smarter travel works for the town.

Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Councillor Ollie Gannon, said that the bank garden in Westport—an 18th century walled garden located behind the former Bank of Ireland building on the Mall—should be bought by the council as it would be a “huge attraction to the local, domestic, and international market” and would be a “shining legacy”.

Martin Keating said that the launch to make Westport the activity capital of Ireland is currently being worked on. The director of services said that a strategy has been developed and will start to be implemented this year. It will be outlined in detail at the next area meeting.

The removal of one lane of traffic flow at The Mall, Westport, was criticised by area councillor Peter Flynn. The Fine Gael councillor said he is disappointed that area councillors were not consulted about the traffic reduction on a county road.

Westport town councillors have shown support to the revival of bonfire night, which has been proposed by a group of local people.