Concerns mounting over future of major project in Mayo town

A Westport councillor has raised concerns about the future of a high-profile multi-million euro project in the town.

Cllr Brendan Mulroy made his remarks at last week's meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District after councillors were presented with a report on capital projects in the district. He noted that no progress was reported on the former Convent of Mercy site at Altamount Street, which is slated to be redeveloped as a library, civic offices and community hub under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

Instead, the update stated: “Tenders were returned Q4 2024. The final business case, seeking approval to proceed to award the main works contract, has been submitted to the Department of Rural and Community Development.” 

Referring to the status update, Cllr Mulroy stated: “Straight up, I am getting very concerned about that project and the cost. It should have been done and dusted years ago. It is going way out on the cost. My fear is it will be put in the background and forgotten about because of the cost. We are relying on the Department to come back with funding on this and it is substantial and my fear is it may not happen.” 

Cllr Peter Flynn said he shared the concerns of his Westport colleague.

“This is not just about the convent project but also the 18 housing units in the overall development. Just as a reminder, this was signed, sealed and delivered, with planning and funding and everything in place back in April 2021.

“Nobody in this room is responsible for it but others in the executive of Mayo County Council have sat on it far too long and now the cost has doubled, from the original €13 to €14 million to €27 to €28 million, I understand.

“If this was the private sector, heads would roll. Somebody would be held accountable for what has been allowed to happen with this project, and not just the delays.

“We have actually lost probably two decades on this project, but what has happened over the last three years since it was finally approved is criminal.

“You hear about the waste of taxpayers’ money, this is just another example. And if this is rejected, there is every chance we will have a permanent derelict site in Westport, a historic site. Even the parish priest brought it up in a sermon some years ago.

“We have to apply pressure at every juncture to start this project. Construction is ready to go. It is not just about the new library, civic offices, social services and the communal hub, but the 18 homes are also at stake and they need to be at the forefront.” 

Turning to the head of the municipal district Seamus Ó'Mongáin, Cllr Flynn asked: “Are we optimistic this will get approval?”

After a lengthy pregnant pause, Mr Ó'Mongáin finally commented: “Well, I’m optimistic.” 

Cllr Flynn said he noticed that the Director of Services Joanne Grehan, who was attending the meeting online, was “silent”.