Ambitious list of objectives in Mayo economic strategy

An implementation plan for the newly-adopted Mayo Economic Development Strategy was outlined to members of Mayo County Council's Economic and Enterprise Development SPC at their meeting earlier this month.

The plan includes an ambitious list of at least 25 actions designed to make Mayo “a world class place to do business”.

Head of Enterprise John Magee itemised the planned actions as follows: promoting a policy of positive discrimination for the region; delivering a roadmap for the Strategic Development Zone at Ireland West Airport Knock; leveraging strategic landbanks to attract investment into the county, (for example with expressions of interest currently being sought for the Westport Industrial Park); submitting applications to the Smart Regions Scheme (for programmes such as entrepreneur development) and creating a circular economy hub in aviation, in relation to Ireland West Airport Knock; promoting a culture of enterprise through initiatives such as the annual Mayo Business Awards and Mayo Enterprise Week, alongside work centred on driving digital transformation and getting businesses ready for exporting, rolling out energy efficient grants and looking at an electric vehicle (EV) charging strategy for the county; developing small-to-medium enterprise hubs in strategic locations; and developing the Mayo brand under a banner of promoting it as a world class place to do business.

Additional actions include preparing a renewable energy strategy and a Mayo Maritime Strategy; securing funding for town centre-led initiatives around dereliction, town and village renewal, outdoor recreation and travel amenities; continuing to develop a pipeline of urban and rural regeneration projects, in tandem with delivering current key projects such as the Castlebar Historic Core project, the Westport Convent of Mercy Site redevelopment, the Ballyhaunis Community Enterprise Hub and Visitor Centre as well as the visitor centre for Ballintrubber Abbey.

Work on a new Mayo Tourism Strategy will also commence from early 2026, Mr Magee reported, while a Mayo Outdoor Recreation Plan has been agreed, with work also underway on a Mayo Sports Plan. Related projects include the Céide Coastal Path, due to be completed in 2026; a sustainable visitor programme in relation to Keem beach and Murrisk; all-weather changing facilities at Keel and Carramore beaches, Lough Lannagh outdoor pursuits and Sports Campus and the Moore Hall Master Plan. Cultural projects underway include new library buildings for Westport and Ballyhaunis; the rolling out of an audio-visual programme for Mayo and ongoing efforts to continue to engage with the Mayo Diaspora.

“All of these items have been approved by the council so now the focus switches to action," he said, adding that progress updates will be provided throughout 2026.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.