Minister ring to spearhead croagh patrick masterplan

THE Minister of State at the Department of Tourism Michael Ring is to spearhead a move to carry out urgent remedial works at Croagh Patrick.

Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph today in the aftermath of the unprecedented decision to cancel the annual pilgrimage of the Reek due to weather and treacherous underfoot condition, the Westport-based TD announced he is convening a meeting over the coming days of his department, the Office of Public Works, the church, Mayo County Council and other agencies ‘to address the issue of the mountain’s deterioration condition once and for all’.

Minister Ring said funding will be found to carry out the necessary remedial works ‘when ownership and responsibility issues are fully addressed’.

He stated: 'This debate had been taking place for a long number of years and it has now being brought to a head, as far as I am concerned. I am talking about protecting one of our greatest tourism assets.

'I have already been involved in preliminary talks over the past number of weeks with interested parties but it’s time for action now. If new legislation needs to be passed to address the problems at Croagh Patrick, then it will have to be done.'

Minister Ring confirmed the number of events being staged on the Reek on an annual basis will also have to be reviewed.