Roads upgrade at historic Westport Demesne approved

AN internal roads upgrade at the Westport House Estate has been approved by council planners.

The works are part of a movement strategy to enable implementation of a conservation masterplan for Westport House and Demesne.

They will facilitate enhanced vehicular connectivity within the Demesne, and between the Demesne and Hotel Westport.

The upgrade involves an existing road, extending from the access to the established carpark at the coach house, linking to the walled garden, and on to Hotel Westport.

It will facilitate one-way vehicular access from Golf Course Road to Hotel Westport to connect with the existing two-way system between Hotel Westport and Newport Road.

Some 662 linear metres of the existing road will be resurfaced within the Demesne, as well as some widening to a uniform width of 3.7m.

Two stone piers and gates on the boundary of Hotel Westport within the Demesne will be relocated.

Permission was also sought to amend a previous grant, to relocate a roundabout to facilitate linking the upgraded road to that roundabout.

A conservation masterplan identified the lack of effective traffic management as a major threat to the historic character, quality and significance of the Demesne, a report submitted to Mayo County Council set out.

Upgrading the walled garden service road offered the possibility of an important vehicular link between Hotel Westport and the main visitor hubs within the Demesne.

The proposed improvement works were carefully designed in a manner that respects and protects the character and significance of the landscape. They would protect the future contribution of Westport Demesne in attracting visitors and enhancing the tourism function of the town, it was submitted.