Scenic location in Mayo has been 'completely neglected'

A local councillor has called for a five-year plan to be put in place to develop one of the county’s most scenic locations, which he claims has been “completely neglected”.

Independent Cllr Harry Barrett told last week’s meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District that he had received a letter from the owner of a self-catering cottage who expressed serious concern about the lack of tourism infrastructure in Pontoon.

“This lady is trying to promote the area and ensure her visitors enjoy their time here but she finds it hard to get repeat business,” he said. “There is no hotel or place to eat or socialise locally and guests have told her there is nowhere to even get a cup of coffee from once you leave Castlebar until you get to Foxford or Ballina.”

“There are also concerns about the former Healy’s hotel and she wants to know what is happening with that."

Cllr Barrett said the woman also raised issues around road safety for pedestrians around Pontoon, the need to develop a greenway and further tourism infrastructure such as designated local trails and information boards.

“Pontoon is an area we have completely neglected,” said Cllr Barrett. “We need to think about bringing the area forward as part of a five-year strategy. It is a beautiful area, it should be front and centre and should be promoted.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.