Ambitious new strategies for Mayo are launched

Mayo County Council launched two new strategy documents at an event at the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park last Friday.

'Mayo: An Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030' and 'Mayo Maritime Strategy 2040' were both launched at the event, which also marked the launch of Mayo Day 2026, taking place across Mayo on Saturday, May 2nd with events spread out right across the county.

The launch of both strategies were presided over jointly by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD and Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail and Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD.

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey said at the launch: “We are here this morning to launch two very important strategies that will become cornerstones of Mayo’s growth in the years ahead.

“Mayo: An Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030 and the Mayo Maritime Strategy 2040 are different, but both are plans that will when enacted improve our county for everyone.” 

Minister Calleary stated: “I am delighted to be in Turlough House today to join with colleagues in launching the trifecta of the Economic Strategy, the Maritime Strategy and Mayo Day.

“Both strategies are vital bodies of work that set out the pathways for the county for the next five years. Both are ambitious and imaginative, and we should have it no other way. I look forward to representing Mayo at the Cabinet table to ensure we fully implement the actions contained in the strategies.

“As for Mayo Day - what can I say? In its 12th year it has gone from strength to strength. It fills me with pride each year and I wish all the very best for it and want to wish all of our diaspora a very happy Mayo Day."

Minister of State Dillon said: “These strategies set out a clear and ambitious vision for Mayo’s future that will help strengthen our economy, support local enterprise, and ensure our coastal and maritime assets are developed in a sustainable and responsible way. Mayo has always been a county of innovation, resilience, and opportunity, and these plans build on that proud tradition.

“I want to acknowledge the leadership shown by Mayo County Council and all other stakeholders in bringing two forward looking strategies that will guide investment, job creation, and community development for years to come. As we launch Mayo Day 2026, it is fitting that we also set out a roadmap that reflects the confidence and ambition of our people at home and across the world.” 

Joanne Grehan, Deputy Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, added: “Mayo: An Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030 is a roadmap that reflects our shared ambition for a vibrant and sustainable economic future for the county. It builds on the many strengths of the county over the years – a track record of business success, its outstanding natural environment, its rich cultural heritage and a resilient, forward-looking spirit that continues to define Mayo and its people.” 

She added: “The Mayo Maritime Strategy 2040 sets out a long-term vision to harness the ocean responsibly, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and community wellbeing out to 2040 to ensure a sustainable blue economy.” 

Speaking at the launch event, Martina Hughes, Head of Corporate Development and Communications for Mayo County Council, said: “Since its inception in 2015, Mayo Day has grown from a bold idea into a global movement, uniting Mayo people at home and across the world in a shared celebration of culture, community, and identity. Over the years it has showcased our enterprise, our innovation, our music, heritage, sport, and the extraordinary spirit of our diaspora. Mayo Day has become a symbol of pride, resilience, and possibility, and that is exactly why launching these strategies today carries additional significance."