Councillor urges protection for West Mayo monument

A plan to transfer ownership of the Bohea Stone on the Leenane Road in Westport to the Office of Public Works (OPW) appears to have been stalled, according to a local councillor.

Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn raised the matter at last month's meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, noting that "something must be done urgently" to protect the 6,000-year-old national monument. Cllr Flynn urged Mayo County Council to let the OPW take it in charge. 

“A recent article in The Irish Times highlighted the damage being done to this monument. It is being damaged every year. A house owned by the council next to it is a disgrace. The Office of Public Works is willing to take it in charge and do whatever is necessary to protect it. Mayo County Council was to transfer it over, but it seems to be stuck.” 

Cllr Flynn said the council bought the house next to the stone to use it as a centre a decade ago but no plans were put in place and the property is now derelict. He added that the OPW had stepped up to say it would take responsibility for the monument but the council had failed to move on this to date.

Cllr Flynn has called on the council to provide an update for the next meeting in September on what is happening with this transfer.

"We must protect what is a national monument," he remarked.

The Bohea Stone, also known as St Patrick's Chair, is located approximately eight kilometres outside Westport and lies along the Tochar Padraig trail to Croagh Patrick. It contains ancient unique carvings and is also known for reflecting a rolling sun phenomenon at Solstice occasions such as on August 24th last.

An update on the situation is expected at the September meeting of the council.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.