So what's in it for Mayo?
Key issues to shape county's future need addressing
by Caoimhín Rowland
As the new government gets its feet under the table, here are some key issues likely to shape Mayo's future and where we can expect to see politicians posing for photos over the years ahead.
With three of Mayo’s five TDs returned to government benches, it’s worth reflecting on the promises that earned them their place in Dáil Éireann.
A Mayo manifesto focusing on major infrastructure projects will be crucial for the people of this county.
1. The Western Rail Corridor
The long-discussed Western Rail Corridor is poised for incremental not radical progress.
The Claremorris-to-Athenry link, set in motion by former Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, could see light development, but the remainder of the route faces intense scrutiny from government despite the laudable work by activists in Sligo and east Mayo.
Establishing a reliable link between Mayo and Galway is vital for the region's future, and I firmly believe that, together with the Clare-to-Galway route, passenger numbers will defy the scepticism of consultants and politicians who have dismissed demand for western rail.
2. Ireland West Airport
Equally critical is the strategic development zone at Ireland West Airport, which saw momentum last year with the appointment of a director to oversee its expansion.
Few things hold greater significance for the people of Mayo than Knock Airport, and its ongoing development is universally welcomed.
Former Taoiseach Simon Harris noted its importance with a campaign stop there in November ahead of the general election.
However, to unlock its full potential, visible progress is needed - companies breaking ground and, most importantly, job creation for the often-overlooked east Mayo region.
3. Representation in East Mayo
East Mayo now has a TD in Aontú’s Paul Lawless, who has continued in Dáil Éireann with the same blunderbuss he displayed in Áras an Chontae. Already, he has criticised the limited number of working days for TDs, likening them to junior infants.
Wednesday’s Dáil proceedings, marked by shouting across opposition benches and a visibly weary Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, bordered on farce and would embarrass even the cheekiest 5-year-old.
Aontú’s decision to align with Independent Ireland and Paul Gogarty instead of joining the regional independent group at the last moment has raised eyebrows. Perhaps it can be likened to Lawless’ decision to stand back from the independent technical group in Mayo and stand out on his own.
What is for certain is the heightening instability among independents between those who helped broker the programme for government and those who failed to get their elbows at meeting tables.
Dara Calleary emerged as the most senior Mayo figure in this government after the election.
The long-delayed Ballina ring road remains a critical project under his watch. Initially expected to break ground a year ago, the road has been mired in setbacks.
Traffic bottlenecks plague the town, with vehicles from the east of Ireland heading toward north Mayo encountering congestion around schools, bus and train stations, all leading to locals and travellers enduring extended rush hours.
The Greens’ reduced commitment to public infrastructure spending may open the door for progress on this project and could also resurrect discussions about upgrading the N17 - a development commuters would welcome.
The position of Marian Harkin and Sean Canney along with Dara Calleary and Alan Dillon in government must make it a more likelier proposition.
4. Town Councils Return?
One intriguing item in the government’s lengthy and vague programme is a phased plan to reinstate town councils. This proposal would appeal to sitting councillors already grappling with vast jurisdictions and limited authority.
Castlebar would likely be first in line for a new council, which could encourage political participation and community engagement.
However, whether the public will support an increase in the number of politicians remains uncertain.
For a government whose solution to every problem seems to involve creating new departments and more government, this move is at least consistent.
Fortunately for the Castlebar Municipal District it already appears to be a town council, for an electoral area the size of county Louth.
Last June, the people voted in councillors who overwhelmingly live on or near the Pontoon Road. Will they demote our sitting Castlebar councillors into a town council office and arrange for a more geographic spread to represent the wider region from Finney Bridge to Castlehill?
The proposal also hints at reining in unelected county managers and directors of service, perhaps a concession to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s local councillors.
Whether this plan translates from ink to action remains to be seen, but it’s worth monitoring closely.