Proposed marina would 'put Mayo on the map'

A deputation from the Westport Marina Working Group attended the May meeting of Westport Belmullet Municipal District last week where they appealed to Mayo County Council to continue to support the development of a marina at Westport Quay, which has been in the offing for decades.

The group is calling for the project to be included in the proposed larger-scale Roman Island Masterplan in order to gain access to anticipated funding opportunities and stated that Westport urgently requires a marina; that Westport Harbour itself is under-utilised as an amenity; and that the development of a low-environmental-impact harbourside marina would significantly increase the attractiveness of Westport as a destination for visiting boats and marine leisure, tourism, fisheries and other commercial activities.

The deputation consisted of Damien Cashin, Alex Blackwell, Robert Kilkelly and Tom Bourke, and they told councillors that the group had got together in early 2022 to see if they could "put some shape or structure in place regarding the development of a marina in Westport".

"First, we looked at all reports the council had commissioned over the years and reviewed each of these, as well as a Westport Tourism Organisation report and the 2021 updated proposed Marina Westport Quay Report 2005," explained Damien Cashin. "We even came across one map from around the 1800s of a mooted development for Lord Altamount Harbour Plans, so it goes to show that people were thinking the same way about developing this area a long time ago."

They conducted various surveys and engaged with all stakeholders in the Westport Quay area, as well as Mayo Co Council, meeting with widespread support for the ambitious project. 

“The question now is how do we move on," said Mr Cashin. "We understand the Roman Island Masterplan will unlock potential funding avenues for the next phases of development in the area, and that environmental assessments, screening and design studies are all part of this. So we need to get beyond the report that shows it is a great idea.

“The coast of Mayo is an under-rated resource in terms of its tourism potential and its offering for those involved in the fishing industry and it is now a matter of getting it all out of the starting blocks.

“Westport House and the Hughes groups are one of the biggest landowners in the area and they are very supportive, as are the many people we spoke to. We tried to get as many views and stakeholders involved as possible.

“I think everyone is agreed that Westport Harbour and its future is untapped. All agree it needs to be utilised more for leisure, tourism fishery and other commercial activities and everyone wants to see that happen - and not just to read about it in another report on a shelf.”

Mr Cashin then outlined how the group was looking at two phases of development - firstly, to build a marina along the Quay Wall and Carrowbeg River that leads into the sea, which he said would be a "straightforward build, with a lock gate and hoist" that could be achieved with minimal impact on the environment and foreshore.

Phase two would be a much bigger development, constituting a large recreational lagoon along the area in front of the Towers pub, for which there was no great detail agreed just yet.

“Everyone we engaged with wanted to see a marina project in Westport, and for it to be done on a phased basis; and there is some frustration as to why it hasn’t happened already, following on from the original 2004/5 report for the marina project. But generally, it is believed the delay is due to economic reasons.

“Our ask today is to formally approve the marina in the Roman Island Masterplan, as we understand this will open it to accessing funding to progress the regulatory and design phase of the project; and also, to agree a high-level project plan with a specific timeline and relevant milestones to measure progress."

Welcoming the presentation, Cllr Peter Flynn said he hoped the marina would be included in the Westport Local Area Plan, which is currently being finalised. 

"It is worth noting that we would not have the pontoon in Rosmoney today unless some of you guys and voluntary groups made it happen, so we appreciate you taking the time to be here and I certainly give my commitment that it will be one of the top priorities for the whole West Mayo area because it offers huge potential. From Donegal to Clare, there is no marina in place. With restaurants, hotels, bars etc at a marina in Westport, it really would put Mayo on the map.” 

Cllr Brendan Mulroy agreed and said he hoped the council would work with the group on the project.

Cllr Christy Hyland said the marina "is a must-happen" for Westport. 

"This project could really bring the bounce back into our area again, for businesses and employers, because the town has gone a bit tired looking and we need a bit of resurgence."

Cllr Paul McNamara said he is familiar with boating facilities around the west coast and believed a marina was needed, not just in Westport but for the whole of Mayo.  

Director of Services Catherine McConnell stated: “I think a lot of the issues raised here will be addressed in the Local Area Plan. There is a sequencing approach of going from high-level objectives to much more granular developments and various environmental assessments needing to be carried out. But to include the aspiration of a marina as part of the Roman Island Masterplan will sit well, I think, because, as you said, it is something that could prove transformational, and we plan to keep it going.”