East Mayo velorail providing boost to local economy

THE boost to the local economy that visitors to the new velorail bring to Kiltimagh has been welcomed.

Local elected representatives Adrian Forkan and John Caulfield highlighted the positives of the project after a council colleague questioned the money spent on it.

Westport-based Councillor Peter Flynn, in a report, was told the council's contribution was €113,323, in a collaborative project with Kiltimagh IRD.

There is no agreement in place which imposes a future financial commitment towards the project by the council.

Councillor Flynn said the velorail had been delivered above the projected cost and timeframe. It had been stated that it would bring 80,000 people to Kiltimagh, a figure he said would never happen.

There were other community amenities, such as the Land of Giants and Bowers Walk, which are used by locals and visitors. But how many locals would use this, perhaps maybe once.

Councillor Caulfield said the velorail was the first of its kind in the country and was an opportunity to bring badly needed tourism to east Mayo. It is booked out and has brought national media exposure for the area.

The grant aid, he pointed out, came from Councillor Flynn's own minister.

One month into its opening could not tell what rewards will be reaped from it. Perhaps they might need to extend it into the future and would be back in looking for funding.

And he reminded his colleague of when they gave €50,000 for a Christmas tree in Westport as they didn't have any money for it.

Councillor Adrian Forkan said he welcomed any money spent in his home town.

Since opening last month, over 1,000 people have used the velorail. He agreed they are from out of town but when they visit they are spending money locally, in the two hotels, shops, pubs and eateries.

Any attraction in any area that benefits the community is to be welcomed, agreed Councillor Patsy O'Brien.

Councillor Damien Ryan said Councillor Flynn was coming at it from a cost benefit analysis approach. It will take time to evaluate it and have a full view of participation and numbers.

However, there has been a deficit with regards infrastructure in east Mayo. “What is good for Kiltimagh is good for the county,” he remarked. “I hope it will be the success it has started out as.”