Social media posts condemned as land sale is approved

Mayo County Council has approved the sale of a plot of land in Westport town centre to a local hotelier despite some opposition to the deal. 

The green-field site, measuring two-thirds of one acre, lies adjacent to Westport playground. It is to be sold to the Wyatt Hotel for a sum of €670,000 with an additional contribution of €280,000 to be paid towards the co-development of an adjoining public amenity area.

The council noted the land was originally acquired from the late Jeremy Browne of Westport House Estate. The Wyatt Hotel intends to use it for an extension that will include 50 new bedrooms as well as an underground car park offering 106 spaces.

Up to 20 people filled the public gallery at last week's meeting of the local authority for the discussion. Westport Family and Community Resource Centre had expressed opposition to the deal in an online post, resulting in several comments by members of the public that were described by councillors as "misinformation".

Cllr Peter Flynn said members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District had expressed unanimous approval for the deal at their recent meeting, but since then they had heard online comments about "corruption, shady people and undercover deals”.

“A picture has been painted that this is an area of tranquillity and bliss where you would think there are hundreds of acres and people out enjoying themselves, but in reality, there is a playground where we put up fencing to try and reduce vandalism.” 

Cllr Flynn accused Westport Family Resource Centre of "causing a rift in our town” with "a social media campaign that led to a load of misinformation".

Cllr Donna Sheridan commented: “As a board member of a Family Resource Centre, I would be very concerned about state-funded organisations like this taking a position and supporting a side like this.” 

Cllr John O’Malley said the Wyatt Hotel planned to spend €4m on its expansion. 

Cllr Patsy O’Brien commented: “Westport is the jealousy of many towns and it would be a mortal sin if it was not to continue to be developed in harmony.” 

Cllr Brendan Mulroy said some of the comments were "libelous" and "people would need to watch what they put [online]".

Council chief executive Kevin Kelly said the council had followed the usual statutory process for the disposal of land in its possession.

"A lot of work has been done on this by both officials and members over a long period and it is important to state there is nothing untoward in this proposal or transaction. You are getting full market value for a property and significant community gain with additional finances as well as parking and bedroom spaces. To me, it is a no-brainer and it would be very regrettable if a good businessman in a town had any reflection cast on them for trying to better their business and better the town. As officials we are very happy to support this.” 

A majority of councillors voted in favour of the proposal.