Councillor Keith Martin's website

Reminder about your invitation from Keith Martin

2012-02-14T10:32:00.001Z

This is a reminder that on February 9, Keith Martin sent you an invitation to become part of their professional network at LinkedIn.

Accept Keith Martin's Invitation

On February 9, Keith Martin wrote:

> To: [newseditor1.cllr@blogger.com]

> From: Keith Martin [councillorkeithmartin@gmail.com]

> Subject: Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

> I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.
>
> - Keith

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Community groups to be spared from big admin bills

2012-02-14T00:26:00.001Z

New legislation will lift the burden of large auditing and administration bills from the community and voluntary sector, Labour's Cllr Keith Martin has learned.

The Labour councillor has been told that the Dept of Jobs and Innovation is planning to greatly reduce the paperwork legally required by voluntary groups under the new Companies Bill. The Dept intends to exempt charitable organisations from the stringent audit requirements imposed on private companies.

According to Cllr Martin "This is good news for those people who run our sports clubs, help our youth, care for the vulnerable and generally make our communities better places to live, shouldn't be unnecessarily burdened with high cost legal and financial requirements. They need every cent they have for the valuable work they do."

The new Companies Bill, which is expected later this year, will introduce a new type of default private company to cover the charity and voluntary sector, known as a CLS or private company limited by shares.

Cllr Martin says the changes will provide "a number of tangible benefits aimed at reducing the administrative burden on our voluntary groups. The lengthy and complex legal documents needed to set up other companies will no longer be required. These new CLS companies can be incorporated using a single document possibly a page long,"

"In short it will be a great deal easier and less expensive for the voluntary sector to start, use and run such a company. It is a move that will benefit not just community groups but society as a whole,"

Smarter Travel must link Westport

2012-02-12T20:08:00.001Z

According to Cllr Keith Martin the recently announced €5 million
investment to transform Westport into a Smarter Travel Area, promoting
cycling and walking, public transport, and reducing car travel must
include plans to link areas like Sandyhill, the Ballinrobe road,
Carrabawn and the Leanne road to Westport town centre with new
Greenways.

The Labour Party councillor says such Greenways would "significantly
reduce the numbers of cars using the town by giving these areas
improved cycling ways, including safe routes to school and to key
business and workplace zones which would allow people to walk and
cycle, in safety, to the town."

"Currently areas like the Ballinrobe road, Sandyhill and the Leanne
road are virtually impossible to walk or cycle on because of the
volume and speed of the traffic, dangerous bends and impassible
railway bridges. If Westport Town Council provides the Greenways then
we will see a huge uptake in walking and cycling as we have already
witnessed in those areas now being served by the Greenway."

Sky high prices means planes are cheaper than trains

2012-02-09T23:55:00.001Z

Cllr Keith Martin says that Irish Rail should reverse its decision to increase fares on the Westport to Dublin route. Cllr Martin says the fares increases are disincentive to rail travel and will impact on visitor numbers to the town this year.

According to the Westport based Labour councillor "Rail fares are already too expensive, at €37 one way to Dublin one could fly to London or Rome with Ryanair for the same price. It is time we see rail prices cut and subsidised from carbon taxes. At the moment these funds go into the government's coffers when they should be used to promote sustainable transport such as train travel.

"It is far too expensive to travel by train in this country. On mainland europe rail travel is a cheap way to travel. Here in Ireland it is still charged at luxury prices. It is time that we had cheap train travel especially on intercity routes such as the Westport to Dublin line which are vital to our local and national tourism and business economy.

"Irish Rail have finally given us the extra services and new trains that we, as a community, have lobbied for. Now they go and ruin it by gouging rail users for more money during a recession.

"This increase is a mistake and should be reversed. I would urge consumers, businesses, councils and chambers of commerce to make their feelings known to Irish Rail. Train travel should be cheaper than air travel. Irish Rail need to rethink their business model along the lines of Ryanair and not the Orient Express."

Fairtrade Meeting

2012-02-09T21:58:00.003Z

Westport Fairtrade committee will be hosting a public meeting next
Wednesday at 8pm in the Wyatt Hotel. The meeting will be chaired by
Cllr Keith Martin and is open to existing members and members of the
public who wish to learn more or volunteer to support the organisation
or join the committee.

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local
sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the
developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices
(which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade
addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally
discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them
to improve their position and have more control over their lives

Fairtrade Ireland awards a consumer label, the FAIRTRADE Mark, to
products which meet internationally recognised standards of Fairtrade.
Supported by ActionAid Ireland, Amnesty International (Irish Section),
Christian Aid, Comhlámh, Concern, Friends of the Earth, Irish Aid,
Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Oxfam Ireland and Trócaire.

Westport's Fairtrade Steering Committee was established in early 2005
with the aim of making achieving Fairtrade status for the town. The
committee members were Edel Hackett, Mary Walsh, Roisin Moran, Sue
Minish, Brian Quinn, Cllr Keith Martin, Gemma Hennesy, Sheila
O'Donnell and Bríd McAuley. Westport became a Fairtrade town in
2006 and the committee have continued to lobby for the wider
availability of Fairtrade products in the town.

For more information please contact 086 0691182.

Mayo Labour Party meeting

2012-02-09T21:58:00.001Z

The Mayo Labour Party will be meeting on Thursday at 8pm in the Wyatt
Hotel in Westport.

The party will be electing its Constituency Council and discussing the
building of membership in the county.

There will be reports from Cllrs Harry Barrett and Keith Martin of
Castlebar and Westport Town Councils. The meeting will also be
addressed by Dr Jerry Cowley.

All existing and new members are welcome to come along. Membership
forms will be available on the night.

For more information call 086 0691182

Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

2012-02-09T15:03:00.001Z

From Keith Martin

Ireland

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

- Keith

Confirm that you know Keith

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Residents of 62 estates eligible for waiver of household charge says Labour Councillor

2012-01-17T17:46:00.001Z

Homeowners in over 60 unfinished housing estates throughout Mayo will be eligible for a waiver of the €100 household charge according to Westport based Labour councillor, Keith Martin.

According to Cllr Martin the new legislation "provides that an owner of residential property which is situated in an unfinished estate is entitled to a waiver from payment of the Household Charge in respect of that property for that year."

The wavier only applies to estates where the developer is still in place but is effectively inactive, or where the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents.

A national survey of unfinished housing developments was carried out in 2011 by officials from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with the Planning Departments of the various local authorities. As part of this survey, all unfinished developments were examined and categorised along the following lines:

Category 1: the development is still being actively completed by the developer;
Category 2: a receiver has been appointed;
Category 3: a receiver has not been appointed and the developer is still in place but effectively inactive; and
Category 4: the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents.

An owner of a residential property in an unfinished development contained in the prescribed list is entitled to a waiver from payment of the household charge in 2012. This prescribed list consists only of developments under Categories 3 and 4.

According to the Westport based Cllr Martin "A list of such estates has been published by the Dept of the Environment which has identified 62 such estates in Mayo.

This new charge, of EUR 100 per year in 2012, is unfortunately a condition of the EU/IMF bailout that was necessitated by the disastrous economic mismanagement of the previous FF/Green Government.

The charge will fund essential local services such as libraries, road cleaning, public lighting and so on that councils such as Westport Town Council and Mayo County Council provide to all citizens.

The charge has been carefully framed so as to make owners liable rather than occupiers. Social housing and houses of the elderly who are living in nursing homes etc are included in the exemptions. Those in receipt of mortgage interest supplement and in these particular unfinished estates are also exempt."

Westport
Cedar Park,
Cluain Abhain
Sli Na Misean

Castlebar
Carrabeg
Heather Vale
College Woods
Sean Abhain
The Waterway

Ballina
Belleek Manor
Church Manor
Friars Court
Glen Ri
Lansyn
Quignalecka
Quignalecka Apartment
Un-named estate Church Road

A full list of the qualifying unfinished estates is available at www.householdcharge.ie

https://www.householdcharge.ie/UHE/Mayo.pdf

WRFM News

2011-12-02T14:18:00.001Z

This Thursday The Clock Tavern bar is hosting a Fundraiser session for Westport's community radio station WRFM 98.2.

The session kicks of at 9pm and Tickets are just €5. There will also be a raffle.

The organisers promise plenty of criac and ceol from a host of Westport Session musicians.
All proceeds in support of WRFM.

Please come out and give us your support!

Journalists wanted!

2011-11-19T23:55:00.001Z

Westport's community radio station, WRFM 98.2 is looking for experienced and student journalists who are interested in producing news, current affairs and documentary programming on the station.

According to Station Manager, Stephen O'Brien, WRFM 98.2 has a mandate "to provide quality local news and current affairs to our listeners in Westport and over the web.

"Our sports programming and reporting, which is produced and presented by Brendan Mulroy and Michael Killeen, has been very well received.

"We are now looking to develop our news and current affairs department so that we can provide instant breaking local and national news, as well as in depth analysis and discussion of local and national issues and concerns, in a professional, fair and balanced manner.

"We will be providing our news department volunteers with training in the areas of production, technical work, presentation and documentary making.

"Currently we have a rotating set of presenters for our news and politics shows, all of them experienced and qualified journalists. We are now looking to add new talent (and voices) to WRFM 98.2's news and current affairs output."

WRFM 98.2's news programming goes out at 1pm on Saturdays and the Politics show goes out on Sundays from 10am till noon.

Anyone interested is asked to get in touch with the station on 098 24000 or by emailing info@wrfm.ie. More information is available on www.wrfm.ie.

WRFM 98.2 is Westport's community radio station and broadcasts to 2,000 listeners a week each and every Saturday and Sunday from 8am till midnight.

The station broadcasts from its studios in the courtyard on James Street and was established with funding from LEADER, Westport Town Council and the generous support of the people of Westport.

The station is run and managed by volunteers and is funded entirely by sponsorship by local businesses and donations by the Westport community.

Church Gate Collection Thanks

2011-10-30T00:03:00.001+01:00

The Westport Branch of the Labour Party would like to thank everyone
who gave so generously at their recent church gate collection in
Westport. In particular Cllr Keith Martin would like to thank the
person who donated a 90-year-old Colombian silver dollar to his
collection bucket. The coin, which is almost a troy ounce of solid
silver, will be sold to a coin dealer and the proceeds will go towards
the running costs of the Westport Branch of the Labour party.
The coin features the image of Simon Bolivar who is regarded in
Hispanic America as a hero, visionary, revolutionary, and liberator.
During his lifetime, he led Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru,
and Venezuela to independence from Spain, and helped lay the
foundations for democratic ideology in much of Hispanic America.
The coin was donated on the evening of Michael D Higgin's election as President.

Labour Party Branch Meeting

2011-10-26T17:40:00.001+01:00

The Westport Branch of the Labour Party will meet on Wednesday
November 8th at 8pm in the Wyatt Hotel. The meeting will be addressed
by Cllr Keith Martin who will update the members on the activities and
plans of Westport Town Council. The Presidential election will be
discussed as will plans for a trip to Dail Eireann by the members.
Also on the agenda will be recruitment and fund raising. Membership
forms are available from 086 069 1182.

Statement on Pinewoods walkway

2011-10-20T01:23:00.001+01:00

I am happy to confirm to you that the path in question belongs to Westport Town Council and is a public path and as such, is already, always has been and always will be, a public right of way.

As part of the granted planning permission the pathway adjacent to the Lidl site will be upgraded by Lidl, as a condition of their planning permission at their own expense. This is no way affects the ownership of the pathway.

The work on the Lidl section of the path was delayed by the recent industrial disputes on the site. This was outside the control of Westport Town Council but is now resolved.

The rest of the pathway is being upgraded by the Town Council with a €150,000 grant from the Dept of Sports and Tourism.

All the residents in the area recently received a written update and schedule of the works from me.

Both sections of the path will be upgraded to same standard as the Greenway and will be part of the 'Northern Greenway', to be maintained as part of the official Greenway, for pedestrian and cycle access.

All works on both sections of the pathway will be completed by the end of November when the pathway will reopen to the public.

I am very disappointed that it has taken Lidl so long to start work on the pathway. I know that my neighbours in St Mary's Crescent and the Pinewoods look forward, as I do, to the upgrading of the pathway.

Cllr Keith Martin

086 0691182

Residents of Pinewoods, St Mary's Crescent, Kings Hill, New Road

2011-10-09T23:49:00.001+01:00

Dear Neighbours,

I am writing to update you on the upgrading of the pathway to the Pinewoods from the New Road, past the Lidl development, through to the Pinewoods.

As part of the granted planning permission the pathway adjacent to the Lidl site will be upgraded by Lidl, as a condition of their planning permission.

These works have been delayed by the recent industrial disputes on the site. These were outside the control of the Town Council but are now resolved and Lidl plan to be open for Halloween.

The rest of the pathway is being upgraded by the Town Council with a €150,000 grant from the Dept of Sports and Tourism.

Both sections of the path will be upgraded to same standard as the Greenway and will be part of the 'Northern Greenway', to be maintained as part of the official Greenway, for pedestrian and cycle access.

All works on both sections of the pathway will be completed by the end of November when the pathway will reopen to the public.

Yours sincerely

____________

Keith Martin

Councillor

Submission

2011-09-14T02:16:00.001+01:00

I would like to make the following observations.

According to the Manager's Report there is a surplus of 7 times the
required zoning for residential development in the current plan.

With an excess of lands zoned for housing within the boundaries of
Westport Town Council it is inappropriate for any extra lands to be
zoned within the boundaries of Westport Town Council for residential
housing. Consequently the Manager's recommendation to zone such lands
north of Westport House estate on the Golf Course Road for residential
development to provide 90 additional units of housing on 6 hectares of
land is unsustainable and inappropriate, contrary to good planning and
practice and should be abandoned. The readiness of Management to
facilitate the above zoning and its disposal to private developers by
removing the phasing of the commercial core is contrary to good
planning and should be abandoned.

It is contrary to good planning, practise and land use to insert an
area of development into the area identified as the historic core of
the estate. It does not take into consideration proper environmental
and planning considerations such as the visual amenity, historical and
heritage importance of the estate or its proximity to Natura 2000
sites or impact on the listed buildings and structures and their
curtailage. The historic core is by its very nature in need of
preservation from development yet this plan recommends zoning lands
west Hotel Westport, within the historic core, as being suitable for
development of tourist related buildings. This is completely
inappropriate development in a very sensitive area of the estate.
Considering the lands removed from the estate by compulsory purchase
by Westport Town Council in the early 1950s this would constitute a
further invasion of the town core into the estate indeed into the
historic core of the estate. This is unsuitable and inappropriate and
should be abandoned. This historic core must be sterilised and
protected from any new development. Such a provision would impact
negatively on the fabric of the overall estate.

The proposal to allow stand alone buildings within the historic core
such as a theatre, conference centre, hotel, etc is contrary to good
planning and practise to zone for such developments. It does not
take into consideration proper environmental and planning
considerations such as the visual amenity, historical and heritage
importance of the estate or its proximity to Natura 2000 sites or the
listed buildings and their curtailage. Any such development would
destroy the purpose of the zoning of a historic core and would impact
negatively on the fabric of the estate.

It is good planning to facilitate the pedestrian links with the estate
and the town especially in the vicinity of Church Lane. It is vital
to the sustainability and viability of the estate that some form of
vehicular access be provided, on restricted dates, to facilitate the
smooth and proper development of the estate as a venue for concerts,
public events and meetings, festivals and fairs which are much more in
keeping with the estate and are sustainable and do not interfere with
the fabric of the estate, its heritage or historic value.

The development of a nursing home in the area known as Colonel's Wood
should be prevented. It is an inappropriate development in a woodland
and the access road is unsuitable. Any felling in the area must
result in replanting as the woodland constitutes an important visual
feature of the town.

The lands in Monamore/Drummindoo are not on the town sewerage scheme
or town water supply. The roads in the area are already substandard
and have no footpaths or street lighting. In the Town Development
Plan there are no lands specifically zoned for recreation/amenity.
This area would be best suited to meeting the very real need for such
lands zonings within the Westport area. Westport already has two
industrial estates. The zoning of the lands in Monamore/Drummindoo do
not reflect proper planning practice and are surplus to requirements.

Councillor Keith Martin
33 Pairc na Coille
Westport
Mayo

Letter to the editor

2011-09-14T01:15:00.001+01:00

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you to express my concerns in relation to the proposed zonings of Westport House Demesne which will permit tourism accommodation as well as a hotel or conference centre to be built adjacent to Westport House.

The proposals include allowing large single structure buildings i.e. a hotel. hostel or conference centre to be built near the house in the area of the front lawn and to allow holiday accommodation to be built inside the gates at Hotel Westport, down as far as the old zoo.

At the meeting of the 28^th of July I raised my objections to both these provisions but no other councillor shared my concerns or would second my motions opposing them.

As a result these proposals are now contained within the current Westport Town and Environs Plan for Westport which will be voted on by Westport Town councillors at a meeting later in the year.

I am concerned that there is a very low level of awareness of these proposals and am concerned also by the damage such proposals would do to the fabric of Westport House Demesne.

In the 1950s Westport Urban District Council acquired by compulsory purchase order a large section of the Demesne on the Newport Road, this was later followed by the development of what is now Westport Woods Hotel and more recently the development of Westport's waste treatment plant on the Golf Course Road. If we continue to allow elements of the estate to be parceled of for development there will be nothing left of the estate's great heritage.

There are many positives within the plan including a visitors' centre detailing the life of Granuaile, the revamping of the existing tourism facilities including new accommodation in the vicinity of the farmyard and campsites and the development of the estate as concert and public event venue.

However I would urge those who share my concerns in relation to protecting the historic core of Westport House to contact their local representatives and councilors and make their feelings known before it goes to a vote.

Sincerely

Keith Martin

Councillor

Westport Town Council

Westport House Submissions

2011-09-12T01:58:00.002+01:00

MAP OF WESTPORT HOUSE PLANS
Click above for a copy of the map

Submissions can be made by email to dkeane@mayococo.ie

Deadline 5pm Wednesday September 14th

Labour’s Cllr Martin is calling on Westport people to make submissions
on the new Town and Environ plan before the closing date of September
14th. The plan deals with Westport House, Knockranny/Colonel woods,
Westport Town and Environs.

Cllr Martin says the public need to be aware of what he calls “drastic
and controversial” zonings proposed in the plan.

Under the new zoning proposals for Westport House Demesne, a large
building such as a 140 bedroom hotel or a conference centre could be
built adjacent to Westport House. The plan also allows for tourism
development on the estate adjacent to Hotel Westport and for the
development of 90 units of housing in the Demesne on the Golf Course
Road.

Labour’s councilor Keith Martin has previously expressed his concerns
at these developments at the July meeting on the Zoning when he
proposed that no building be allowed near the house and that plans for
tourism development at the Hotel Westport gate be abandoned but his
motion was not seconded by any other councilor.

“I am very concerned that the estate is being dismantled piece by
piece for development. If we allow this to continue there will be
very little left of the estate to preserve for future generations.”

Cllr Martin did go on to say that he was encouraged by the plans for
the rest of the estate for a visitor’s centre, tourist accommodation
on the current campsite areas and new attractions but that his main
concerns where in relation to the further incursion of the town into
the estate and the proposal for building near the house itself which
would destroy the historic core of the estate.

“I was very disappointed that every other councilor on Westport Town
Council is in favour of cutting up more of Westport House Estate for
development. I thought that maybe we had learned from the past and
from the recession that housing and development where not stable or
sustainable development.

“I am in favour of facilitating Westport House as a venue for tourism
and for music concerts and public events and to that end we are
working with the residents of Church Lane to allow access for trucks
and Lorries for these events to access the estate from there. This
would only be a couple of times a year for a few hours and the access
would only be for equipment that cannot be brought over the bridge at
Westport House.

In relation to the Colonel’s Wood development I was the councilor who
lead the original opposition to the idea of a nursing home there. I
compared its design and location to something akin to the Furher
Bunker and I stand by that. I am glad that this development will not
be going ahead. The whole project was just a get rich quick scheme
for Coilte.

“In relation to the Town Centre, of course there is too much land
zoned for housing, there always has been, but I am not in favour or
reopening the whole issue only a year after we finalized the last
plan. That plan protected the Town Core’s heritage and I was able to
protect the Bank of Ireland garden. I don’t want to open that can of
worms again. The whole plan will be up for review in less than four
years and we can have a look then and see where we stand regarding
housing lands.”

“The real problem as far as I am concerned lies outside the town in
the Environs plan where almost all the environs are zoned for even
more housing on lands that are not serviced by Westport Town Council.
Its bungalow bliss out there and you also have the ridiculous
situation of lands like the former coursing field still being zoned
for development. Development that will never come!

Cllr Martin is calling on people to make submissions on the plan
before the closing date of September 14th. There is no fee and
submissions can be made in writing or by email to Ann Moore, Town
Clerk, Westport Civic Offices, Westport, Mayo.

Agenda for next week's meeting

2011-09-12T01:35:00.001+01:00

AGENDA

SEPTEMBER MEETING OF WESTPORT TOWN COUNCIL

TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 15^TH SEPTEMBER 2011 AT 5.30PM

01) To confirm Minutes of meeting of Westport Town Council held on

14^th July 2011;

02) To confirm Minutes of Special meeting of Westport Town Council held on 28^th July, 2011;

03) Planning;

04) To consider report dated 9^th September 2011 in accordance with Part 8

of the Local Government (Planning & Development) Regulations 2001 in respect of proposed Environmental Improvement Works at the Octagon;

05) Update on Roadwork's programme;

06) Tidy Towns Competition 2011;

07) Get Out There Festival 2011;

08) EU Mobility Week 2011;

09) To appoint Amenity Grant Committee 2011;

10) Conference;

11) Any Other Business

Make a submission on the future of Westport Co Mayo. Time is almost up.

2011-09-09T00:35:00.001+01:00

Next Wednesday September 14^th is the closing date for submissions on the Westport Town Plan & the Westport Environs Plan.

The lands in Monamore/Drummindoo are not on the town sewerage scheme or town water supply. The roads in the area are already substandard and have no footpaths or street lighting

In the Town Development Plan there are no lands specifically zoned for recreation/amenity; in the Environs Plan there are 5 acres. Any sort of football organisation would need a minimum of 10 acres to meet current and future needs

We have 2 industrial parks in town, one is virtually empty and the other one is at 50% capacity. Throughout the town we had numerous empty commercial building and shops.

There are 882 houses/apartments which have planning permission but have not commenced construction. Under the new planning legislation applicants can extend their planning timelines by 5 years even if the land associated with the development is rezoned.

Per the recent census one in four houses in Westport are unoccupied and the town had a population of approximately 5,500 people. Using a very conservative estimate this would equate to at least 750 houses. This does not take into consideration the 5 unfinished housing estates/apartment blocks in the area.

The proposed N5 from Castlebar to Westport will run directly through Monamore/Drummindoo. The cost of these lands will be significantly higher if the zoning is changed from "Agriculture" to "Commercial/residential" thus increasing the cost to the tax-payer in multiples of the real value

To see the full report in relation to the latest stage of the Town & Environs Plan please click on the following link:

http://www.mayococo.ie/en/Planning/PlanningNews/StoryIfNoFilesToUpload,16723,en.aspx

If you would like to make a submission please send an e-mail to dkeane@mayococo.ie by next Wednesday September 14^th at 5pm.

Submission on Zonings

2011-09-04T15:32:00.001+01:00

Labour's Cllr Martin is calling on Westport people to make submissions
on the new Town and Environ plan before the closing date of September
14th. The plan deals with Westport House, Knockranny/Colonel woods,
Westport Town and Environs.

Cllr Martin says the public need to be aware of what he calls "drastic
and controversial" zonings proposed in the plan.

Under the new zoning proposals for Westport House Demesne, a large
building such as a 140 bedroom hotel or a conference centre could be
built adjacent to Westport House. The plan also allows for tourism
development on the estate adjacent to Hotel Westport and for the
development of 90 units of housing in the Demesne on the Golf Course
Road.

Labour's councilor Keith Martin has previously expressed his concerns
at these developments at the July meeting on the Zoning when he
proposed that no building be allowed near the house and that plans for
tourism development at the Hotel Westport gate be abandoned but his
motion was not seconded by any other councilor.

"I am very concerned that the estate is being dismantled piece by
piece for development. If we allow this to continue there will be
very little left of the estate to preserve for future generations."

Cllr Martin did go on to say that he was encouraged by the plans for
the rest of the estate for a visitor's centre, tourist accommodation
on the current campsite areas and new attractions but that his main
concerns where in relation to the further incursion of the town into
the estate and the proposal for building near the house itself which
would destroy the historic core of the estate.

"I was very disappointed that every other councilor on Westport Town
Council is in favour of cutting up more of Westport House Estate for
development. I thought that maybe we had learned from the past and
from the recession that housing and development where not stable or
sustainable development.

"I am in favour of facilitating Westport House as a venue for tourism
and for music concerts and public events and to that end we are
working with the residents of Church Lane to allow access for trucks
and Lorries for these events to access the estate from there. This
would only be a couple of times a year for a few hours and the access
would only be for equipment that cannot be brought over the bridge at
Westport House.

In relation to the Colonel's Wood development I was the councilor who
lead the original opposition to the idea of a nursing home there. I
compared its design and location to something akin to the Furher
Bunker and I stand by that. I am glad that this development will not
be going ahead. The whole project was just a get rich quick scheme
for Coilte.

"In relation to the Town Centre, of course there is too much land
zoned for housing, there always has been, but I am not in favour or
reopening the whole issue only a year after we finalized the last
plan. That plan protected the Town Core's heritage and I was able to
protect the Bank of Ireland garden. I don't want to open that can of
worms again. The whole plan will be up for review in less than four
years and we can have a look then and see where we stand regarding
housing lands."

"The real problem as far as I am concerned lies outside the town in
the Environs plan where almost all the environs are zoned for even
more housing on lands that are not serviced by Westport Town Council.
Its bungalow bliss out there and you also have the ridiculous
situation of lands like the former coursing field still being zoned
for development. Development that will never come!

Cllr Martin is calling on people to make submissions on the plan
before the closing date of September 14th. There is no fee and
submissions can be made in writing or by email to Ann Moore, Town
Clerk, Westport Civic Offices, Westport, Mayo.

Welcome for new JLC proposals

2011-07-28T20:48:00.001+01:00

Labour's Cllr Keith Martin has welcomed the proposals published by the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation this afternoon in relation to the protection of lower-paid workers in the wake of the Feeney judgment on the JLC/ERO system.

The proposals, he said, lay strong foundations for the introduction of robust and effective legislation which will be prioritised early in the autumn.

The Feeney judgment, which found the JLC/ERO system to be unconstitutional, demanded a swift and imaginative response in order to secure and protect the rights and incomes of those workers in sectors of the economy governed by these wage setting mechanisms.

"These new proposals, particularly with reference to the adult rates and the Sunday working situation represent a substantial move to protect the interests of the lower paid.

"The proposals around the basic adult rates will permit JLCs to set a series of three adult rates to reflect years of service and/ or experience. This is important as this approach allows trade unions and employers, under the JLC system, the space to work out rates appropriate to specific sectors.

"The reliance on Sunday rates and the sacrifices made by those who work on Sundays will also be recognised and copper-fastened under new legislative arrangements. This welcome innovation will provide protection for those who work on a Sunday in the sectors concerned, and this protection is underpinned in legislation.

"A new Code of Practice, based on provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act (1997) will be given legal effect by the government in the new legislation. This Code of Practice will have the strength of enforcement at Labour Court level.

"Essentially, this will ensure that the JLC and REA systems are put on a safe and secure legal and constitutional footing and will allow for a strengthening of protective measures for those working in the JLC sectors."

Briefing Note on the Household Charge

2011-07-26T17:41:00.001+01:00

* The Memorandum of Understanding with the EU and IMF commits Ireland to the introduction of a property tax for 2012 and to an increase in the property tax for 2013.

* The introduction of the Household Charge is an interim measure and proposals for a full property tax will be considered by the Government in due course.

* The Household Charge will be €100 in 2012 (less than €2 a week).

* This charge is another step in reforming the way local authorities are funded; it follows the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences (NPPR) in 2009.

* Local representatives can prioritise services, making funding more efficient, transparent and relevant to their community.

* It will fund local services such as fire and emergency services, libraries, street cleaning, lighting, planting etc.

*Up until now the Exchequer has contributed to the funding of these services but given the current difficult Exchequer position, the funding now needs to be collected locally through the introduction of this charge.

* It is expected to raise some €160 million - based on the number of properties expected to be liable to the charge. The amount raised will be dependent on actual collection rates and the costs incurred in collecting the charge.

* Every effort will be made to keep administrative costs to the minimum.

* Owners not occupiers will be liable.

* Monies raised will be paid into the Local Government Fund and will be allocated back to local authorities by the Minister in General Purpose Grants – this will ensure authorities with low population figures will not suffer unduly as a result.

* The liability date will be January 2012 and households will have three months to pay. Late payment penalties will apply thereafter (€10 a month).

* If the charge remains unpaid, it will remain attached to the property - if a property is sold the new owner becomes liable for outstanding monies.

* This charge has nothing to do with water charges. There will be no flat rate water charge and the Minister will announce plans for the water metering programme in autumn.

Collection Methods:

* Collected by LGMA (Local Government Management Agency).

* Based on the principles of the NPPR charge and its successful collection method.

* Post or website (once off or direct debit four times a year).

* Four overriding principles:

1. Self declaration basis;

2. Administration costs to be kept to a minimum;

3. Late payment penalties;

4. If remains unpaid, charge will remain attached to the property - if a property is sold the new owner becomes liable for outstanding monies.

Exemptions:

1. Properties that are part of the trading stock of a business (not sold or not generated an income);

2. Social housing, including voluntary and cooperative housing units;

3. Owned by Government/Health Service Executive;

4. Owned by a Charity;

5. Properties where commercial rates apply;

6. Where a person is forced to leave their house due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).

Waivers:

1. Those in receipt of mortgage interest supplement;

2. Those in certain category 3 and 4 unfinished housing estates (building, planning, control issues and public safety issues or where developer not contactable and there are public safety issues).

FH responce

2011-06-29T19:45:00.000+01:00

Family fun day in Murrisk for Cystic Fibrosis

2011-06-27T01:07:00.001+01:00

The Feile Tir na nOg is back this year to raise funds for the
children's Cystic Fibrosis ward in Mayo General Hospital with a
fundraising family day out in Murrisk this Sunday July 3rd at 2pm.

There is a great line up of musical entertainment, face painting,
dance, wild birds, puppet shows, story telling and giant puppets.

Feile Tir na Nog is fundraising organisation established over 20 years
ago. Every five years or so it organises a family day of
entertainment in Murrisk Car Park to raise funds for worthy causes.
The group's patron is Dr Gabriel Fox FRCPI of Mayo General Hospital.

To date Tir na nOg has raised over €60,000 all of which has been
distributed to good causes such as €10,200 for St Anthony's Special
School in Castlebar, €10,400 for the children's ward of Mayo General
Hospital, €5,900 for the Child Leukaemia ward of the Children's
Hospital in Crumlin and €2,000 for the Chickuni Mission in Zambia.

The group has also made donations to many local charities and causes.
This year the committee aim to raise €8,000 for the children's Cystic
Fibrosis ward in Castlebar with another fun day out for all the family.

Please come out and support this worthy cause.

Westport Town & Environs Plan 2010-2016

2011-06-21T13:53:00.001+01:00

Labour's Cllr Keith Martin is urging residents of Westport Town and
its environs to make submissions on the proposed variations to the
Town and Enviorns Development Plan.

Cllr Martin says "The plan determines development in the area and is a
very important planning tool. If people want to have a say as to how
Westport develops now is their chance, this plan governs housing,
commercial and retail development and protects the environmental and
heritage aspects of the town. Westport people should make their
feelings known now."

The Westport Town & Environs Development Plan 2010-2016 was adopted by
Westport Town Council and Mayo County Council on Thursday 28th January
2010 and came into effect four weeks after that date. The plan
provides a framework upon which future development within the plan
area can be assessed. The plan consists of:

Westport Town & Environs Development Plan 2010-2016
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA Statement; Non-Technical
Summary of Environmental Report; Environmental Report)
Appropriate Assessment Conclusion Statement

The plan includes an Architectural Conservation Area. A number of
structures have also been added to the Record of Protected Structures
for Westport Town. Lists of Protected Structures for the plan area,
along with a description of the Architectural Conservation Area, are
set out in Appendix 1 of the plan.

However under new Ministerial guidelines issued by the Dept of the
Environment Mayo County Council and Westport Town Council propose to
vary the Westport Town & Environs Development Plan 2010-2016

Details of the proposed variation in context of the existing plan are
set out in the document entitled Proposed Variation to the Westport
Development Plan May 2011. The need for
environmental/appropriate/flood risk assessments are set out in the
other documents, along with a public notice on the proposed variation.

The Councils invite written submissions/observations to the proposed
variation to be submitted to Ann Moore, Town Clerk, Westport Civic
Offices, Altamont Street, Westport, Co. Mayo or e-mailed to
dkeane@mayococo.ie by 22nd June 2011, not later than 5pm.

Good news for electric car owner

2011-06-11T22:31:00.001+01:00

As part of the national rollout of charging points for electric vehicles,

ESB Networks and MCC wish to install a number of units in towns in Mayo. Initially two units are proposed for Westport. The proposed locations are at the Octagon and a second at the Leisure Centre car park, depending on location of suitable ESBN infrastructure. Additional units may follow in the depending on demand.

It is intended to start the installation in Westport within the next few weeks. The installation will consist of the following;

· An on street charging pillar of about 1m high with about a 200mm footprint

· An adjacent micro pillar, this is expected to be smaller that the

normal ESBN mini pillar

· Ducting and cabling between these items and a suitable

existing ESBN mini pillar

· Road marking of the car parking space

ESBN will carry out the electrical installation and will install the charging points. Westport Town Council will be required to install the ducting and mark the car spaces. Initially ESBN will not be charging the car owner for the electricity used to charge their vehicle, this is likely to change in the future as demand grows. The proposal by ESB Networks and Westport Town Council to provide charging points for electric vehicles in Westport is a welcome development and it will assist Westport in the promotion of sustainable travel.

Festivals in Westport

2011-06-11T22:19:00.001+01:00

The following festivals and events have taken place / will be taking place

in Westport in 2011;

Festival	Dates	Festival Description
Feile John McGrath	15^th – 16^th April	Commemorates aspects of Mayo's culture & heritage including music, language & folklore
Folk & Bluegrass Festival	24^th – 26^th June	Folk & Bluegrass Festival. In its fifth year. Fifteen acts performing in seven different venues around the town
Westport International Sea Angling Festival	24^th – 26^th June	Annual Sea Angling Festival incorporating a shore and boat competition
Pulse Westport Triathlon 2011	16^th July	Second Westport Triathlon 750m swim, 22.5km cycle and 5km run
Music Festival	5^th – 7^th August	Family orientated music festival – free nightly outdoor concerts
Heritage Day	7^th August	Display of Historical Artefacts, Craft display, entertainment & Traditional music
Gael Force	20^th August	Multi sport adventure race involving cycling, running, hiking & kayaking
Cannonball Run	10^th September	Charity 3 day fundraising event around Ireland involving supercar enthusiasts. Overnight stop over in Westport
Festival of Sport / Buzz Day		Local sporting organisations participate in Sports Fun Day. Opportunity for all to try out various sports – land & water based
Westport Food Festival	2^nd – 4^th September	3 day family friendly event to include food village, cookery workshops, demonstrations, tasting events and competitions
Meet on the Reek	23^rd – 25^th September	Singles weekend involving climb of Croagh Patrick and additional social activities
Horse Fair	24^th September	Horse Fair includes showing classes and a dog show
Arts Festival	30^th Sept – 9^th October	Ten day festival incorporating street theatre and performances, world music, classical music, jazz, traditional music and children's entertainment
Helm Skate	1^st – 2^nd October	Two day angling festival for common & other species of skate
Sea 2 Summit	12^th November	Two separate adventure races incorporating road running, cycling and a mountain hike
Rolling Sun Book Festival	12^th – 13^th November	Inaugural festival held in 2010 - poetry and literary readings, Workshops, recitals of songs & poetry and a Sunday symposium
Shop n Spraoi na Nollag	December, 2011	Traditional craft/food markets on the Mall. Full entertainment programme over the weekend.

Quiz night

2011-05-15T01:23:00.001+01:00

Thanks to all of you who came out and supported our Quiz Night for Westport's local radio www.westcoastfm.com

We raised almost €1,000 euro.

It is much needed and will be invested in equipping the station on James Street.

Thanks

Quiz Night, Friday MAY 13

2011-05-10T22:23:00.001+01:00

Another opportunity for you to come out and support your Radio Station.

Please get a team together and come down and have a bit of fun for a good cause on Friday.

Attendance at this Quiz counts as fundraising activity towards presenting and training! So please make yourself known at the door to Stephen and Karen so we can record your support!

You can also help out by donating or getting some spot prizes for the night. Please drop any spot prizes into the station tomorrow,

Thanks guys. I am asking you all for your support because you gave us your email and said you wanted to help out. If you want me to opt out let me know and I'll remove your email from the data base.

Thanks again and I hope to seeing you at 8 on Friday!

Keith Martin

Monster Quiz Committee!

Westport Community Radio Monster QUiz

2011-05-08T19:50:00.001+01:00

West Coast FM, Westport's Community Radio Station will begin broadcasting from 6pm to 12pm at weekends on the internet from June 4th, and after the initial month will broadcast seven days a week from 6pm to 12pm."

The station hopes to raise much needed funds this Friday May 13^th with a Monster Quiz being held in the Dome Suite of the Castlecourt Hotel.

There's a door prize, live music, raffles and great prizes on offer. Tadhg McNally will be the compare and quiz master on the night and it promises to be a fun night out.

A maximum of 6 is allowed per team and tickets are €10 per person. Anyone interested in being a presenter, producer or volunteer is urged to come along and support the station. The Quiz will start at 8pm and tickets are available on the door.

The studio on James Street is almost complete with two fully equipped studios ready to broadcast on line and on FM. Programming will begin on the internet and will also broadcast simultaneously on the FM frequency when a community licence is received from the BAI.

Westport Community Radio is supported by Leader funding via South West Development Company, Westport Town Council, local businesses and tradesmen and by the local community.

For more information on the Quiz or about making a donation or sponsoring programming call the studio on 098 24000 or visit www.westcoastfm.com or become a friend of the station on facebook.com/westcoastFM.

Westport Notes

A Monster Quiz night is being held this Friday (May 13^th) to raise funds for West Coast FM, Westport's community radio station in the Castlecourt Hotel at 8pm. Tickets are €10 each and teams of up to six are allowed. There is door prize, raffles, live music and great prizes. Please come along and support your radio station.

Martin felt mugged at meeting over parking charges.

2011-04-16T03:59:00.002+01:00

Speaking at last week's monthly meeting of Westport Town Council, on

the issue of on-street parking charges, Labour's Cllr Keith Martin

agreed with Fianna Fail's Brendan Mulroy who accused Fine Gael of

"doing a U-turn" in relation to the introduction of parking charges in

the town.

Having backed the provision of on-street parking charges in the budget

Fine Gael councillors along with Independent Martin Keane underwent a

dramatic "damascan conversion" and withdrew their support from the

byelaws, leaving council officials and Cllrs Mulroy and Martin bemused

and astonished at this sudden change of mind.

Speaking at the meeting in relation to Fine Gael's volte face Cllr

Martin told the councillors that "I myself feel like I've been mugged

and have ended up with two wallets!"

Cllr Martin and Cllr Mulroy were the only councillors to vote against

the 2011 Town Council budget proposals for on-street parking. The

budget, which included a €150,000 provision of income was passed by

all five Fine Gael Councillors and Independent Cllr Martin Keane.

In relation to allegations of "scaremongering" made by Cllrs Hyland

and Gannon in relation to the proposed charges Cllr Martin challenged

that "sometimes you should be scared!"

During the meeting Cllr Martin also promised that he and Cllr Mulroy

would be introducing a byelaw to enforce residents only parking in the

Crescent.

Cllr Martin went on say it was unfair of Fine Gael to point the finger

of blame in the direction of the Town Manager and his staff saying

that the executive "were only carrying out the wishes" of Fine Gael

who voted for the provision of on-street parking charges in the 2011

Budget.

Cllr Martin continued, "good town planning and good retail planning

dictate that parking charges are only introduced to facilitate the

free flow of traffic and to ensure the availability and turnover

parking spaces.

It should never be about raising revenue and should never be used to

implement a tax on car users.

Historically Westport is a retail town and steps have already been

taken to ensure parking turnover by reducing on-street parking from

two hours to one.

We have a number of large scale shopping centres with another about to

open shortly which provide free parking and the introduction now of

parking fees will detract from shopping on our main streets.

There are several towns throughout Ireland as Cllr Mulroy has already

pointed out where the introduction of parking charges has destroyed

town centre shopping so it is important to remember that these charges

are not 100% effective and positive as they have been portrayed by

management.

The arguments in relation to including the Crescent estate in the

parking byelaws are feeble at best. If the council was genuine in its

concerns for the residents it would have proposed to make the area

residents only by way of this byelaw.

That is a sure and simple method of protecting the residents of the

Crescent from the "errant motorists" parking there all day.

The Crescent is a housing estate and not a street and not a car park,

it should be protected by a byelaw in this manner.

The residents of the Crescent were already sold a lemon in the last

decade when they were promised parking permits. They bought their

permits but they were not backed up by byelaws or enforcement and were

not worth the paper they were written on.

In relation to comparing Westport with other towns with on-street

parking none of them are comparable to Westport which has a unique

welcome and is a unique tourism product.

Just because Tourists expect to pay is no reason to charge them for parking.

Charging for parking on Bridge Street is a tax on doing business on

Bridge Street that does not occur if you shop at any of the large

supermarkets in the area.

My opposition to on-street parking charges is about providing a level

playing field for all businesses. It's about protecting the residents

of the Crescent by prohibiting parking not by facilitating it.

That is why Cllr Mulroy and I will be introducing a byelaw before this

council to enforce residents only parking in the Crescent."

New park

2011-04-16T03:20:00.001+01:00

Was delighted to attend the opening of Westport's new skateboard and
multi games area on the Railway Line Walk.

Great to see all the kids out enjoying themselves.

Next big event will be opening of the new park on the Golf Course Road
with a 3/4 sized football pitch, parkland, walkway, two playgrounds
and two basketball and volleyball parks.

We will also be starting on a huge state of the art Community Building
for the Quay area in Springfield.

River wall danger near playground

2011-04-16T03:13:00.001+01:00

I have asked for this dangerously low wall near the playground to be
fenced off or raised. I will update you when I receive a reply.

Minimum wage to be restored

2011-04-13T22:55:00.001+01:00

Very happy that the Minimum wage is to be restored.

It was a disgraceful decision to reduce the wages of the working poor.

First step in the right direction. Looking forward to job creation scheme.

Join the Labour Party in Mayo

2011-03-12T23:25:00.000Z

We're having a party in a couple of weeks so now is a good time to join Ireland's 2nd largest political party!

Councillor Keith Martin
086 0691182
098 24852
www.councillorkeithmartin.com

Senate candidates selected

2011-03-08T23:36:00.001Z

A joint meeting of the Parliamentary Party and Central Council tonight selected the following candidates to select the Seanad elections on behalf of the Labour Party:

Cultural and Educational Panel:Cllr. John Gilroy, Cork North Central

Industrial and Commercial Panel:Cllr. Jimmy Harte, Donegal North East

Administrative Panel; Cllr. John Kelly, Roscommon/South Leitrim

Agricultural Panel;Susan O'Keeffe, Sligo/North Leitrim
Cllr. James Heffernan, Limerick

Labour Panel:John Whelan, Laois/Offaly
Cllr. Marie Moloney, Kerry South.

Mayo Delegates at Labour Conference

2011-03-06T19:19:00.000Z

Mayo Delegates at Special Conference

2011-03-06T15:55:00.000Z

Blocked drain in Pinewoods

2011-03-01T21:58:00.000Z

Letter to the Editor of the Mayo News

2011-03-01T14:02:00.001Z

Dear Editor,

I must take exception to your report in last week's Mayo News which had the subtitle "Labour's Rose Wilts in Mayo". The title gave the impression that Labour suffered a setback or decline here in Mayo when the exact opposite is the truth. Even when the piece went on to acknowledge the increase in Labour's vote this was immediately detracted by the writer's opinion that this was a "Cowley" vote.

What your paper must accept is that in Mayo Labour's vote increased 500% and that our candidate received votes in every ballot box in the county. Labour in Mayo was running at nearly 10% until the Blue tide of "Enda for Taoiseach" knocked Labour out of contention for a Mayo seat (this time).

Labour has doubled it's seats in the Oireachtas and is now the 2nd largest party in Ireland. Here in Mayo we are now seeking to build on the hard work of our candidate Dr Cowley and of our canvassing and election team to ensure that when Dr Cowley runs in the next general election that we secure a Labour seat here in Mayo.

Far from wilting, Labour is in full bloom and we will continue to go from strength to strength. We are now seeking new members and candidates to win seats for the party in the Town and County council elections of 2014. Meanwhile we prepare to elect a Labour President.

To quote Yeats "All changed, changed utterly" here in Mayo and nationally.

Labour will no longer wait and Labour will no longer be underestimated.

Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Mayo results

2011-02-28T18:45:00.000Z

It seems that in Mayo the Gilmore gale was washed back by the Blue tide of FG's unprecedented winning of 4 of the 5 seats here.

Labour increased it's vote five fold and our candidate won votes in every box throughout the county.

We are very proud of the result and will now go on to build towards winning a seat next time.

Join Labour in Mayo

2011-02-27T22:56:00.001Z

Labour Mayo party is looking for new members for branches throughout the county. Call 086 0691182 for more information.

Councillor Keith Martin
086 0691182
098 24852
www.councillorkeithmartin.com

Please give Jerry Cowley your Number 1 vote today

2011-02-25T00:12:00.001Z

Hi everyone,

I want to ask all of you in Mayo to give your Number 1 vote to Jerry Cowley today and ask those of you not in Mayo to cast your votes for Labour.

I know Jerry Cowley to be a hardworking and dedicated man who will make a huge difference in the Dail.

Strengthen your voice and help Labour help you.

Vote Labour, Vote COWLEY.

Michael D and Jerry Cowley with Mick Lavelle

2011-02-23T01:34:00.002Z

Green shoots for Westport Allotments

2011-02-23T00:48:00.001Z

Green shoots will soon be visible in Westport as Westport Town Council's allotment scheme finally comes to fruition. According to Cllr Keith Martin, a member of Westport Allotments Association and a driving force behind the project, the scheme should be up and running by mid April once a number of minor works are completed.

Ann Moore, the Town Clerk, updated councillors on the progress at the February meeting of the council following a request from Cllr Martin.

The allotments will be provided by Westport Town Council on council lands on the Lodge Road and the scheme will be administered and managed by the Westport Allotments Association. Currently Westport Town Council is carrying out minor works such as the provision of car parking on the site.

According to Cllr Martin "This scheme, when established, will allow Westport's citizens to develop sustainable and local foods for their own consumption and allow for food security and the combating of climate change through greater self-sufficiency. Allotments are also a logical response to recent food price inflation."

"Allotments will be ideal in Westport because of the large number of flats and apartments without any gardens and the number of houses with tiny gardens will mean that there are a large number of people who will welcome the opportunity to grow their own vegetables.

"But allotments are about so much more than growing your own food or flowers, allotments are also about exercise, teaching children about growth and nature, social interaction with neighbours and getting out of the apartment and having your own small bit of outdoor space on the ground.

"I called for an Municipal Allotments Scheme in my first submission on the Westport Town Development Plan back in May 2008 and have worked with the other councillors to ensure that it was adopted as council policy in the current 5-year Development Plan which is now in effect. This is another step forward in making Westport a greener and more sustainable town and it is to be warmly welcomed and a fine example of councillors responding to the needs of their constituents."

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Letter to the editor

2011-02-19T18:36:00.001Z

Dear Sir,

Fine Gael are making an issue of the role of Trade Unions and the
labour movement in general as a "vested interest".

Let's not forget that the very same vested interest brought us the
weekend, sick pay, holiday pay, employment rights and basic working
conditions.

Sincerely

Cllr Keith Martin
33 Pairc na Coille
Westport
Mayo

Warmer Homes in Westport

2011-02-18T00:40:00.001Z

Living in the Westport area? Clár I.C.H. is inviting applicants who
are over 65 or in receipt of fuel allowance who are interested in
having their homes insulated under the Warmer Home Scheme. Drop me a
line for an application form or for more information. My number is
086 0691182.

Fine Gael rates freeze is undemocratic

2011-02-15T22:31:00.001Z

Enda Kenny would be better off worrying about Fine Gael's plans to correct the national finances than sticking his oar into local government affairs says Westport Labour councillor Keith Martin.

Cllr Martin made his comments in the wake of Fine Gael's proposal to freeze or reduce local rates by central government dictat.

Rates are set by local councillors at the annual budget meeting though Fine Gael has promised to freeze them until 2012.

According to Cllr Martin this is nothing more than interference in local government affairs by Fine Gael.

"What FG are proposing is a return to central government rule, this flies in the face of Fine Gael's promises to reform local government. Local Government has already suffered huge cuts from central funding and now FG are proposing to cut even more by dictating to local councils what rates they can set.

Westport Town Council has always been business friendly and we have always done our best to keep rate increases to a minimum and to freeze or cut them when possible. The idea of TDs hundreds of miles away dictating to us flies in the face of local democracy. We need more powers not less, The people of Westport elect us to make these decisions on their behalf. Fine Gael can't have it both ways."

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Coillte Nursing home Knockranny

2011-02-15T21:50:00.001Z

I wish to tell you that Planning Application Ref: P09/39 in the name of Coillte Teoranta Ltd., Colonels Wood, Knockranny, has been withdrawn.
This is the end of the controversial nursing home application.

At the time Cllr Martin likened the proposed design to Hitler's Furher Bunker, Cllr Martin conceded the development of a new nursing home was a good idea since there is an obvious need in the locality for such a facility, but, however, the location was totally wrong.

Westport Town Council will now proceed with its masterplan for the area to ensure the best use of the woods for the town.

"The controversial application by Coillte to build a nursing home in Kockranny's Colonel's Wood was opportunistic and simply aimed to take advantage of now extinguished tax breaks."

"The location and design of what was proposed for Knockranny's Colonel's Wood was wrong on several counts, for example knocking down a large area of woodland to make space for a nursing home is wrong, considering a wood has been in that location for at least 172 years. Furthermore, the deforestation would affect the skyline and there were serious associated infrastructural problems, such as road and pedestrian access, traffic control and water pressure."

On-street parking charges "death knell" for small shops

2011-01-29T22:20:00.001Z

According to Labour Councillor Keith Martin on-street parking charges in Westport could sound the "death knell" for small shops in Westport town centre as Cllr Martin claims the new charge will encourage shoppers to use larger supermarkets such as Tesco and Supervalu which are able to offer free parking.

Cllr Martin continues "If we bring in on-street parking charges we end up penalising small businesses within the town core as we effectively encourage shoppers to avail of free parking elsewhere in Westport or even Castlebar.

"There is absolutely no point in reducing rates and then making it more expensive to shop in Westport town core. Grocery, butchers, florists and clothes shops are already finding it hard enough to keep their doors open without Westport Town Council driving away customers through an opportunistic parking charge.

"Car parking charges drive everybody mad, as on top of been charged a fortune for petrol, car tax, insurance and other car running cost, you also have to pay for the privilege to stop driving your car and park it somewhere! The car is a necessity in the west of Ireland where public transport is practically non-existent.

"In addition to this in order to bring in on-street parking charges they would have to place horrible plastic green ticket machines up and down our streets, taking away from Westport's beauty as a Heritage and Tidy Town.

"I shall be calling on Fine Gael and Cllr Martin Keane to vote against the bylaws when they come before the council later in the spring. It's time we shouted STOP!"

On-Street Parking By-laws may be defeated - Martin

2011-01-29T12:17:00.000Z

Attempts to bring in a "trial" of on-street parking in Westport for six months of the year are likely to fail according to Labour councillor Keith Martin.

Cllr Martin says he does not think that the proposal has the support of the majority of Westport Town Council, which is required in order to pass the necessary by-laws later in the year.

In early January, Westport Town Council voted to adopt a provision of €150,000 in its 2011 budget. A motion by Cllr Brendan Mulroy, supported by Cllr Martin, to defer any provision for on-street parking till after a traffic meeting to discuss the measures had been held was defeated by a 6-2 vote when the five Fine Gael councillors and Cllr Martin Keane backed the inclusion of the parking charges in the budget

This means as Westport Town Council has already struck a rate, that if the by-laws are not passed Westport Town Council will have to cut up to cut an additional €150,000 from its 2011 budget.

According to Cllr Martin "Cllr Mulroy and I have been very strong on this issue from the beginning; we are opposed to the introduction of on-street parking charges in Westport. We wanted a proper public debate on the issue before adopting the budget but we were voted down.

"Despite the fact that all the Fine Gael councillors and independent Cllr Martin Keane backed the budget provision for €150,000 in on-street parking charges I don't think they will back the parking by-laws as quickly."

Jerry Cowley Campaign update

2011-01-25T17:15:00.001Z

Vote 1 leaflets have been delivered to the following

Cedar Park Estate Westport

Fairways " "

Pairc na Coile " "

Michael Davitt " "

Rampart Woods " "

Pinewoods " "

Deerpark East " "

King's Hill " "

I have written up 24 further estates or areas ( Ie. Murrisk, Lecanvey ext ) That need to be done in the Westport area before the end of next week, we are convening a General Election meeting for Wesrport Branch next Wednesday to confirm progress and tasks to be done to this end. Need to know if you need Glenhest, Ballintubber, Islandaedy ext done .

I will delver the electoral register application / postal vote to you on Wednesday and I have ordered additional supply from Electoral Register's office which you should receive next Monday.

Election Rosettes have been ordered, as per instructions, we will have Friday or Monday at the latest.

@labour, 03/12/2010 11:22

2010-12-03T11:25:00.000Z

The Labour Party (@labour)
03/12/2010 11:22
In case you missed yesterday's Order of Business where Eamon said Labour would not be bound by IMF sell-out, its here http://bit.ly/fXB0H5

Councillor Keith Martin

086 0691182

098 24852

www.councillorkeithmartin.com

Labourforce One

2010-11-15T02:00:00.001Z

Labour party November meeting

2010-11-03T13:03:00.001Z

The November meeting of the Labour Party in Westport takes place this Wednesday evening at 8pm (Nov 10th) in Henehan's Bar, Bridge Street. Anyone interested in membership or helping Labour elect Dr Jerry Cowley is welcome to attend.

Church Gate Thanks

2010-11-02T18:37:00.001Z

The Westport Branch of the Labour Party would like to thank the parishioners of St Mary's and Holy Trinity churches who gave so generously at the Branch's recent Church Gate collection. Every penny raised goes towards supporting the Labour Party's activities in Westport and is greatly appreciated. For more information on the Labour Party in Westport or for membership queries call Keith on 086 0691182 or visit www.westportlabour.blogspot.com

Labour supporters

2010-10-29T18:27:00.000+01:00

Could do any mass for the Westport Labour Party this weekend? Sat at
6 or Sun at 10 and 11.30? Or all 3? Please let me know!

Councillor Keith Martin
086 0691182
098 24852
www.councillorkeithmartin.com

Labour conference in Castlebar

2010-10-16T12:18:00.000+01:00

Letter to Editor

2010-09-16T13:43:00.001+01:00

Dear Editor,

In these dark days of recession I notice an increasing tendancy among some to criticise the President's role and purpose as some form of expensive national window dressing in a country that cannot afford such a luxury.

They forget that dark night of 27 January 1982 when the only institution of this state to stand up to Charles J Haughey was the Presidency.

Haughey was able to intimidate all except the President and that is why we have a President, to protect us, our nation and our constitution from harm.

The Presidency is worth every penny.

God save Ireland

Councillor Keith Martin
086 0691182
098 24852
www.councillorkeithmartin.com

Labour will reform local government

2010-09-10T20:38:00.001+01:00

Labour has put forward far-reaching proposals to reform local government that will deliver genuine efficiency at local level. For example:

* Is our view that where an issue arises regarding a town council seeking rating status or dispute arises over the inclusion of an area in a council, the issue could be resolved either by plebiscite of the voters in that area or by recommendation of the Local Government Commission (Local Government Act, 2001)

* Government departments and State Agency should be examined to identify those functions which would be performed more effectively and appropriately at a local level.

* Councils should have the power to seek reports from service providers on a similar basis to Oireachtas Committees, and to question, in public, the appropriate managers on aspects of their service.

* The position of County Manager should be abolished and replaced by a Chief Executive of the Council.

* We believe that the distinction between county councils and the town should be rebalanced.

* Chief Executives should exercise a limited range of Executive Functions, similar to those which were originally intended in the City and County management Acts.

* Chief Executives should have no policy-making functions other than to assist and advise the elected Council in the making of policy.

* The power of the Minister to abolish a Council and to replace it with a Commissioner should be ended. Instead, where a Council fails to adopt an Annual Budget, the Council should stand suspended, and fresh elections be held to elect a new council for the remainder of its five year cycle.

* Rates should be levied on State owned property. There is no continuing justification for exempting State owned property from the rates regime which applies to privately owned businesses.

Local Government Reform can only be achieved in the context of a broader reform programme that not only involves National Government Reform but also a comprehensive reform of our public and state structures thereby providing a clear framework as to what functions as best suited to the differing levels of government.

ComReg calls on Eircom to reverse its minimum payment policy

2010-09-08T17:03:00.001+01:00

This is the ComReg's reply to my original complaint about Eircom's proposed €20 minimum payment policy.

Dear Councillor Martin

In relation to your query below I wish to advise you that ComReg is concerned that the change will affect consumers who have found, up until now, this method of payment the best way of paying their Eircom bill. In particular, ComReg believes that Eircom's decision may have a very negative impact on the most vulnerable of consumers. ComReg has called on Eircom to reverse this decision in light of the serious and well-grounded concerns voiced by many stakeholders.

Rgds

Una

Una Marnell
Contact Management Team Leader
Commission for Communications Regulation

22 jobs go at Westport factory

2010-09-07T12:55:00.001+01:00

Very upset to hear of the loss of 22 jobs at Skretting Ireland plant at Westport Quay. The closure will be a serious blow to the locality, which already has a seriously high unemployment rate.

Still the Government fiddle while Rome burns! Putting the 500,000 unemployed to work for their dole is not the answer, the answer is to create proper jobs for those half a million people so they are no longer unemployed!

Eamon Gilmore on winning the West

2010-09-06T13:56:00.001+01:00

The Winning The West Labour Conference which will be attended by Eamon
Gilmore has been scheduled for the weekend of the 16th October in
Castlebar. Full details to follow. All Labour Party members and
supporters are welcome.

Council meeting notes

2010-09-06T03:08:00.001+01:00

Still no result for the Sustainable Transport competition. Fingers crossed that Westport wins the €6.5 million
Westlands estate was taken over by the council
The Westport of the Worlds celebration takes place next week to mark 25 years

Eircom adopting "bully boy" billing says Cllr

2010-09-05T22:51:00.001+01:00

Labour's Cllr Keith Martin has written to the Communications Regulator to ask the regulator to take action following the latest plans by Eircom to hit those struggling to pay their bills.

According to Cllr Martin "The news that Eircom is to insist that their cash-strapped customers must pay a minimum of €20 towards their bill at a time is yet another blow to those on lower incomes. It has been good budgeting practice for those who struggle with their phone bills to pay off a small amount in regular instalments to avoid having to deal with one large bill at the end of the month. Many customers on low incomes have been paying of €5 or €10 each week to help manage their budgets. Eircom is now insisting on a minimum of €20 at a time, or the full amount if it comes to less than €20.

It is unrealistic and unfair of Eircom to set such terms especially during this recession. People are under enough pressure to keep the lights on and food on the table without Eircom adopting 'bully boy' demands on people who are already doing their best to pay the bills. Telephones are vital social links especially for the elderly and those living in remote rural areas. It is time the regulator flexed their muscles and clamped down on this kind of unreasonable, anti-social behaviour by a major company.

Eircom's proposals have been criticised by Age Action Ireland and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).

Golf Course Road Park and school plans

2010-09-05T21:54:00.001+01:00

Here is a copy of the layout of the new school and park on the Golf Course Road.

New public park on the Railway Line Walk

2010-09-05T13:31:00.001+01:00

Westport Town Councillors voted on Thursday night to develop a new 2 acre public park beside the Railway Line walk. The park will be designed by TV's Celebrity Gardener Diarmuid Gavin and will feature a Multi Use Games Area. The design and building of the park will be filmed and will be shown on RTE in the new year.

The park will be located in the triangular area between the two bridges which cross the Green way in Cloonmonad. Diarmuid Gavin has already visited the site and will now draw up his vision for the park. The project will also include Westport's first and long awaited skateboard park.

Cllr Keith Martin has warmly welcomed the development saying it is another excellent leisure feature for Westport.

"The park will provide a rest area for people using the Greenway and the games area will facilitate and promote sports and fitness activities. The park also ties in with sustainable transport as users can access it from the town or Quay via the Greenway. Because the park is overseen from both main roads and accessed from the Greenway we expect it to be very busy and popular and thus we expect there to be no issue with anti-social behaviour."

Clew Bay Disaster memorial

2010-09-05T10:53:00.001+01:00

Further to Any Other Business on the agenda for September's meeting of
Westport Town Council I have requested that Mayo County Council's area
committee for Westport ensure that the integrity of the memorial at
the Quay be respected by those using the area.

This should mean that any activities or inflatable recreation
equipment be kept at least 6 feet away from the memorail which marks
the Clew Bay Boating disaster of 1894 when 32 people drowned at
Westport Quays when their overloaded boat capsized.

New park

2010-08-23T02:28:00.001+01:00

New park for Golf Course Road. This is a photo of the 3/4 sized
football pitch. Two playgrounds and basketball courts to follow.

Passports

2010-07-19T17:58:00.001+01:00

Councillor wants Russian ambassador expelled over spies' 'Irish passports'

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Also in National News

Sunday July 04 2010

A COUNCILLOR has called for the expulsion of the Russian ambassador if allegations that false Irish passports were used by its spies are proved. "The abuse of Irish passports must stop," said Councillor Keith Martin of Clare County Council.

"We should close the Israeli embassy over the use of our passports by Israeli assassins and if the new allegations of spying against Russia are true, we should expel the Russian ambassador over the abuse of our passports by Russian spies," he said.

Ballina Branch Labour Party

2010-07-07T22:47:00.001+01:00

> Murphy's on the Moy 8.30pm Wednesday July 14th
>
> The Labour Party will be establishing a Ballina Branch at their
> first monthly meeting in Murphy's on the Moy on Wednesday July 14th
> at 8.30pm.
>
> Dr Jerry Cowley and members of the Labour Party in Mayo will be in
> attendence.
>
> All are welcome to attend.
>
> Contact Sean Sammon on 086 837 2792 with any questions
>

Mid West Radio

2010-06-17T12:18:00.001+01:00

Keep an ear out for me on Mid West Radio this week.

I'll be on about

The Flying Saucers at the Octagon
Car Parking charges at Murrisk (Yes, again!)
My script writing win

Labour Party Survey

2010-06-17T12:17:00.001+01:00

Was out last night with Chairman Sean Sammon in Westport taking up a Labour Party Survey on issues and concerns. Had a great response, had a great chat on the doors. People are annoyed and will punish FF. Survey results will be published in early July.

Email me if you'd like a form to complete!

Cancel Pay to Pray Charge for Murrisk's Sake!

2010-06-17T01:06:00.001+01:00

Labour's Cllr Keith Martin has repeated his call on Mayo County Council to abandon its planned introduction of car parking charges at Murrisk Car Park.

Cllr Martin repeated his call in the light of Mayo County Councillors' decision to press ahead with the charges, which range up to €2.50 for eight hours car parking.

Cllr Martin has been critical of the introduction of the charges as he has previously described the parking fees as a "tax on tourism" in Murrisk and has expressed concerns that the charge will promote increased parking along the main roadway, in front of businesses and private residences, down boreens and around the Abbey and Graveyard.

Cllr Martin says that the proposed parking charge are still more expensive that parking in Westport Town. "Eight hours in Westport Town centre will cost you €2. In Murrisk you'll pay €2.50. People are just going to park on the roadway rather than pay this new charge.

"The pay and display system is unworkable in that no traffic warden from Mayo County Council is going to travel to Murrisk to enforce the system. It would simply cost too much. Therefore the system will be more 'Catch me if you can" than "Pay and Display'.

"Contrast the parking at the Reek with that at Knock, where the council provides a huge, well maintained and free car park. It's just not fair to charge for the same in Murrisk. There should always be free parking at the Reek, which is and has been, a centre of local and national religious significance for centuries. Neither should anyone have to pay to park to visit the National Famine memorial.

"Car Parking charges should be used to ensure a turnover of car parking spaces in busy areas, they should never be used as simple revenue collection system and should never be used in isolated villages like Murrisk.

"A voluntary contribution towards parking would be are more civilised approach in helping Murrisk Development Association in its work.

"I genuinely fear that introducing a car parking charge at the height of the greatest recession in history is going to be bad for Murrisk's tourism. I fear that people will continue on to destinations like Old Head and Louisburgh rather than stop at Murrisk.

"Ireland lost 1 million visitors in 2009 at a cost to our economy of nearly 1 billion euro. This year the figures are down by 12% overall and down by 17% in the west of Ireland. Now is not the time to bring in car parking charges at the Reek.

"For the dedicated pilgrims from Mayo and further afield this is a "Pay to Pray" charge and I appeal to the Westport Electoral Area Councillors to drop this now before any damage is done."

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Murrisk car parking charges; the facts.

2010-05-25T18:40:00.001+01:00

Croagh Patrick has been a centre of local and national religious significance for centuries.

There is Free Parking at the huge car park provided and maintained by Mayo County Council at Knock Shrine.

It will cost twice as much to park in Murrisk as it does in Westport Town. Murrisk will charge €1 for first hour and 50c for every subsequent hour. Westport Town charges 60c for first hour and 20c for every subsequent hour with one hour's free parking

It will cost €2.50 to climb the mountain if your car is parked for four hours in the car park.

The pay and display system is unworkable in that no traffic warden from Mayo County Council is going to travel to Murrisk to enforce the system. It would simply cost too much. Therefore the system will be more "Catch me if you can" than "Pay and Display".

A voluntary contribution towards parking would be are more civilised approach to helping Murrisk Development Association in its work.

Car Parking charges should be used to ensure a turnover of car parking spaces in busy areas, they should never be used as simple revenue collection system and should never be used in isolated villages like Murrisk.

Murrisk's Car Parking charges will only lead to increased parking along the roadway, in front of businesses and private residences, down boreens and in and around the Abbey and Graveyard.

Mayo County Council budget last year was over €400 Million, an investment of €150,000 in Murrisk car park is a drop in the ocean and is a stealth tax on provision of public services (such as car parks) and on tourism.

There is no final agreement between Murrisk Development Association and Mayo County Council over an actual percentage of the fee going to MDA or on whether the charge should be hourly as proposed by Mayo County Council.

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Murrisk car parking charges; the facts.

2010-05-25T18:36:00.001+01:00

Croagh Patrick has been a centre of local and national religious significance for centuries.

There is Free Parking at the huge car park provided and maintained by Mayo County Council at Knock Shrine.

It will cost twice as much to park in Murrisk as it does in Westport Town. Murrisk will charge €1 for first hour and 50c for every subsequent hour. Westport Town charges 60c for first hour and 20c for every subsequent hour with one hour's free parking

It will cost €2.50 to climb the mountain if your car is parked for four hours in the car park.

The pay and display system is unworkable in that no traffic warden from Mayo County Council is going to travel to Murrisk to enforce the system. It would simply cost too much. Therefore the system will be more "Catch me if you can" than "Pay and Display".

A voluntary contribution towards parking would be are more civilised approach to helping Murrisk Development Association in its work.

Car Parking charges should be used to ensure a turnover of car parking spaces in busy areas, they should never be used as simple revenue collection system and should never be used in isolated villages like Murrisk.

Murrisk's Car Parking charges will only lead to increased parking along the roadway, in front of businesses and private residences, down boreens and in and around the Abbey and Graveyard.

Mayo County Council budget last year was over €400 Million, an investment of €150,000 in Murrisk car park is a drop in the ocean and is a stealth tax on provision of public services (such as car parks) and on tourism.

There is no final agreement between Murrisk Development Association and Mayo County Council over an actual percentage of the fee going to MDA or on whether the charge should be hourly as proposed by Mayo County Council.

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Murrisk car parking charges; the facts.

2010-05-25T18:32:00.001+01:00

Croagh Patrick has been a centre of local and national religious significance for centuries.

There is Free Parking at the huge car park provided and maintained by Mayo County Council at Knock Shrine.

It will cost twice as much to park in Murrisk as it does in Westport Town. Murrisk will charge €1 for first hour and 50c for every subsequent hour. Westport Town charges 60c for first hour and 20c for every subsequent hour with one hour's free parking

It will cost €2.50 to climb the mountain if your car is parked for four hours in the car park.

The pay and display system is unworkable in that no traffic warden from Mayo County Council is going to travel to Murrisk to enforce the system. It would simply cost too much. Therefore the system will be more "Catch me if you can" than "Pay and Display".

A voluntary contribution towards parking would be are more civilised approach to helping Murrisk Development Association in its work.

Car Parking charges should be used to ensure a turnover of car parking spaces in busy areas, they should never be used as simple revenue collection system and should never be used in isolated villages like Murrisk.

Murrisk's Car Parking charges will only lead to increased parking along the roadway, in front of businesses and private residences, down boreens and in and around the Abbey and Graveyard.

Mayo County Council budget last year was over €400 Million, an investment of €150,000 in Murrisk car park is a drop in the ocean and is a stealth tax on provision of public services (such as car parks) and on tourism.

There is no final agreement between Murrisk Development Association and Mayo County Council over an actual percentage of the fee going to MDA or on whether the charge should be hourly as proposed by Mayo County Council.

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Murrisk Car Parking Charges are Stealth Tax on tourism

2010-05-12T17:17:00.001+01:00

Labour's Cllr Keith Martin has condemned the introduction of car parking charges at the Reek Car Park in Murrisk as "backward and short sighted" saying they will only discourage visitors to Murrisk and lead to dangerous parking along the side of the road.

Cllr Martin added that he was very surprised that the introduction of charges was unanimously backed by local County Councillors and said the car parking charge was just a stealth tax on Murrisk Tourism.

"I'm surprised that this backward and short sighted move is being fully supported by all the local County Councillors given the precarious situation in relation to tourism in Murrisk. Murrisk has a lot to offer given his beauty and historical and religious significance and charging for parking detracts from this. In effect visitors will now be charged to climb Croagh Patrick, visit the Abbey or contemplate at the Famine Memorial.

Murrisk Development Association and the people of Murrisk have put huge efforts into making their area beautiful and welcoming. These charges are a real set back to those efforts.

Introducing car parking charges at a site of international religious importance and natural beauty is also questionable behaviour at the best of times, introducing those charges in the middle of the worst recession in history, when tourism is threatened by everything from travel costs to volcanoes smacks of stupidity.

I'm amazed that this received the support of local County Councillors. I condemn these charges completely and urge the councillors to reconsider. These charges could kill Murrisk's tourism and lead to dangerous parking on the main road..

The justification of these charges, namely that the council must re-coup the money spent improving the car park is facetious as the council spends millions on improving roadways but does not turn them into toll road s to re-coup the costs. This car parking charge is just a stealth tax by Mayo County Council on tourism in Murrisk.

The idea that Mayo County Council can afford to hire a traffic warden to enforce these charges is laughable and would cost more than the car parking charge would generate. Even part time the costs involved in hiring and dispatching a warden to Murrisk car park every day is a joke. It's only a pity that this car parking charge isn't a joke too."

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

May Day photo's

2010-05-03T13:39:00.001+01:00

For the 4th year in a row the Labour Party commemorate the life and work of Michael Davitt with a wreath laying ceremony at the Michael Davitt memorial in Westport.

Letter to the Editor

2010-04-27T23:04:00.001+01:00

Dear Editor,

Now that a contractor has been appointed to construct the new Gaelscoil building on the Golf Course Road in Westport it is timely to remind ourselves of the facts relating to the selection of the site and the construction schedule since then.

Shortly after the local elections of 2004 my fellow councillors and I meet with a large deputation from the Gaelscoil who asked us as a council to lobby for a new building. I was present at that meeting and was able to give the parents and guardians my full support.

At a later meeting of the council there was unanimous support from all sides of the chamber for our council to proceed to lobby the government on a non-partisan basis for a new school.

When further assistance was requested from the school as to sourcing a suitable site for the school, Westport Town Council answered the call and identified a suitable site on council land on the Golf Course Road.

This proposal was put to the nine councillors for consideration and again in non-partisan approach councillors voted unanimously in 2005 to sell the site to the Department of Education to facilitate the building of the school.

In January 2006 the Department of Education gave the go-ahead for the architectural planning of the school and granted funding for the new ten classroom school with a completion date of mid-2007.

There it waited, in limbo, for two years in the stage of "advanced architectural planning" while the nine councilors of Westport Town Council joined all the other parties in lobbying for an actual date for a contractor to be appointed.

Imagine my surprise when, TWO YEARS later, Batt O'Keeffe, Minister for Education, held an unadvertised sod turning ceremony on the site weeks before the Local and European Elections of June 2009.

No contractor had been appointed, only the Cathaoirleach, the Fianna Fail members of Westport Town Council and a few representatives of the parents and staff of the school were invited.

The five other councillors from Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Fein, who had all lobbied and fought for the school, and who had voted to make the land available for the school were not informed or invited to this so called sod turning.

It soon was very, very obvious that this was just a pre-election political stunt and so, to highlight it as such, I pulled a political stunt of my own and posted the very same sod back to Minister O'Keeffe.

Despite a lot of spluttering and mock indignation from the Minister and his colleagues on Westport Town Council there was no contractor appointed. In fact when Batt O'Keeffe left office the Gaelscoil was no far along than it was before he was appointed.

This week I was wrapping a brick to post to Minister Mary Coughlan to celebrate the anniversary of my posting the sod to Minister O'Keeffe when I learned of the good news that, finally a contractor had been appointed, ONE YEAR after the so called sod turning.

If it were not for the guardians, parents and teachers of the school this project would never have happened, but it is important to remember that this project was facilitated greatly by the nine members of Westport Town Council, acting in a non-partisan manner.

It was a shame that the Fianna Fail's Minister, TD and local councillors sought to snub and ignore the role played by all nine councillors in serving their community. In my opinion it reflects poorly on them even now.

As for my brick, its still wrapped up and if the school is not delievered on time I will use it as I see best to get the job done.

In the meantime I look forward to the REAL sod turning, with a contractor!

Yours sincerely

____________

Cllr Keith Martin

Leas Cathaoirleach

Westport Town Council

Sean Sammon, Chair Mayo Constituency Council

2010-04-21T20:52:00.000+01:00

At the 2010 Labour Party Conference in Galway

Conference Photo

2010-04-19T11:34:00.001+01:00

My Address to the 2010 Labour Party Conference in Galway on Youth Unemployment

2010-04-18T14:07:00.001+01:00

Video

2010-03-25T23:53:00.001Z

Northwoods paths to be repaired

2010-03-12T00:46:00.001Z

I'm just back from March meeting. I have gotten a commitment for repairs to the Northwoods path and drainage.

-- Post From My iPhone

Withdrawal of SNAs may breach Constitutional requirements of Dept. of Education

2010-03-04T01:14:00.001Z

Cllr Keith Martin says Minister Batt O'Keeffe may be in breach of the Government's constitutional obligations if he removes Special Needs Assistants from St Anthony's and St Brid's schools for children with special needs.

Cllr Martin has written to the Minister pointing out the Dept. of Education's requirements under the Constitution to provide free primary education to all children.

According to the Labour Councillor the Constitution insists that the state must provide education and the facilities necessary for education. Cllr Martin says this includes the education of children with special needs until they reach the age of 18.

Cllr Martin says "Article 42:2 of the Constitution states clearly that 'the State shall provide for free primary education and shall endeavour to supplement and give reasonable aid to private and corporate educational initiative, and, when the public good requires it, provide other educational facilities or institutions with due regard,'."

According to Cllr Martin "This can only be interpreted as obliging the state to make available 'reasonable' facilities and help which is required to educate the children of St Anthony's and St Brid's. Special Needs Assistants are a 'reasonable aid' to the children's education and as such the Minister is constitutionally obliged not to remove them from the schools.

"I have written to the Minister to remind him of his Government's constitutional obligations to provide for these children, to remind him of his commitment to protect the most vulnerable in society and to warn him that he leaves his office open to action in the Supreme Court if he withdraws these vital Special Needs Assistants from our schools.

"We cannot and will not turn our backs on these vulnerable children and we must ready ourselves to fight these cuts all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary."

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

3 SNAs to go at St Brid’s Special School in Castlebar.

2010-03-03T19:48:00.001Z

Cllr Keith Martin says he has learned that St Brid's Special School in Castlebar is to loose 3 of its 13 Special Needs Assistants in June. St. Brid's Special National School, Castlebar, Co. Mayo caters for almost 25 children with severe/profound and moderate learning difficulties and children with autism and who require care on an almost continual basis.

This week the school has been informed, informally, that they can expect of cut of 3 Special Needs Assistants by the Department of Education.

Cllr Martin says he is disgusted by this double blow to special needs education in Mayo with cuts also threatening St Anthony's School.

"I am disgusted and appalled at the proposal for cuts at both schools and I have requested that the Labour Parliamentary Party take this issue up with the Minister in the Dail.

"Special Needs Assistants are not just class-room helpers, they are trained and experienced in their work and they cannot be withdrawn from special schools willy-nilly just to help Batt O''Keeffe and the Government balance their books"

"In the case of St Brid's school those Special Needs Assistants feed some children through tubes into their noses or stomachs, this is complicated and detailed work which cannot be done by a teacher or a volunteer. What's more some of those children require total supervision at all times from a Special Needs Assistant as they are totally dependant on others for their safety and well-being.

"This FF/Green government promised it would protect the vulnerable when dealing with the country's finances. Its seems to me that in the case of St Brid's and St Anthony's that they are specifically targeting the vulnerable as a 'soft touch' to save money.

"I want the Minister to answer this question, 'If St Brid's needed 13 Special Needs Assistants when the finances were good then how do these children require less help in a recession?'"

"The Minister must reverse this policy of cutting SNAs immediately. I am sickened and upset at this and my heart goes out to these children and their parents. Parents who are only asking that their children receive an education. Is that really too much to ask in Ireland in 2010?"

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Allotments on the news!

2010-03-03T19:09:00.001Z

For those of you who follow this blog but may not follow the local media I was on Mid West Radio last week welcoming allotments progress.

I praised the efforts of the Westport Allotments Association in driving the issue forward and mentioned that I have been pushing for allotments since early 2008 as a councillor and as someone interested in availing of the scheme.

The closing date for expressions of interest from landowners expires tomorrow and then we will see where we go from there.

I will keep you all posted!

-- Post From My iPhone

Warm welcome for Allotment call

2010-02-23T13:59:00.001Z

Cllr Keith Martin has warmly welcomed the publishing of an advertisement seeking land for the provision of allotments by Westport Town Council.

According to Cllr Martin this "is the first step towards realising the aim of a Municipal Allotments scheme here in Westport and there is sure to be great interest in the scheme.

"This scheme, when established, will allow Westport's citizens to develop sustainable and local foods for their own consumption and allow for food security and the combating of climate change through greater self-sufficiency. Allotments are also a logical response to recent food price inflation."

"I called for an Municipal Allotments Scheme in my first submission on the Westport Town Development Plan back in May 2008 and have worked with the other councilors to ensure that it was adopted as council policy in the current 5-year Development Plan which is now in effect. This is another step forward in making Westport a greener and more sustainable town and it is to be warmly welcomed and a fine example of councillors responding to the needs of their constituents."

The Office International du Coin de Terre et des Jardins Familiaux (OICTJF), a Luxembourg-based organization representing three million European allotment gardeners since 1926, says allotments allow a better quality of urban life through the reduction of noise, the binding of dust, the establishment of open green spaces in densely populated areas and provide meaningful leisure activity and the personal experience of sowing, growing, cultivating and harvesting healthy vegetables amidst high-rise buildings and the urban jungle.

Other benefits according to the OICTJF are
for children and adolescents a place to play, communicate and to discover nature and its wonders;
for working people relaxation from the stress of work;
for the unemployed the feeling of being useful and not excluded as well as a supply of fresh vegetables at minimum cost;
for immigrant families a possibility of communication and better integration in their host country;
for disabled persons a place enabling them to participate in social life, to establish contacts and overcome loneliness;
for senior citizens a place of communication with persons having the same interests as well as an opportunity of self-fulfillment during the period of retirement.

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Chief Whip Pat Carey to replace O'Dea?

2010-02-19T16:34:00.000Z

Is Pat Carey TD, pictured above going to replace Willie O'Dea, pictured here

Golf Course Road go-ahead

2010-02-17T22:46:00.001Z

Golf Course Road resident and Leas Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Cllr Keith Martin, has warmly welcomed the signing of the contract for the new public park on the site of the Bog Field. The new park on the Golf Course Road will provide a playing pitch, a park area and cycling and walk way.

According to Cllr Martin, "This is great news for the area and not before time, the children and residents of the area will greatly benefit from having a safe area to exercise and play. The park will be completed to the highest standards and is only possible due to the sale of a portion of the area to provide a site for the new Gaelscoil building.

"This is only the first stage of the project, later stages will see two play-areas for children, and the final stage of two basketball/volleyball parks will be realised when the Gaelscoil is completed.

"This is great news and this park will set the model for areas like the Quay and will greatly add to the quality of life in our town. I have supported this project from the beginning and I am delighted at the progress made. An official sod-turning ceremony will take place shortly."

Wait continues for Westport Gaelscoil

2010-02-17T19:34:00.001Z

Westport's Gaelscoil is to begin construction at its new site on the Golf Course Road sometime between April and June of this year according to Minister for Education and Science's Batt O'Keeffe. This is despite the school's non appearance on the Departments' Schools Building Project list for 2010.

Minister O'Keeffe was responding to a Parliamentary Question posed in the Dail by Labour's Education Spokesperson Ruairi Quinn at the request of Westport Town Councillor Keith Martin.

According to Minister O'Keeffe "The project to which the Deputy refers was recently tendered. The Design Team is currently addressing a number of post tender clarifications with the preferred bidder. When this process is complete and assuming that no further issues arise the project will proceed to construction. It is anticipated that the project will commence construction in Quarter 2 of 2010."

Cllr Martin who has long been an advocate for the school and who famously posted back a sod turned by Minister O'Keeffe on the school's site in the run up to last year's local election says he is adopting a "wait and see" approach to the Minister's promises.

According to Cllr Martin "This school has been promised for too long and too many promises have already been broken for me to take this news at face value. The school has been waiting almost 15 years for a building of its own. It has proved its success and the pupils and staff deserve their much promised building.

"However the story of this school is a series of disappointments by Government. The school was promised in early 2006 with a delivery date of mid-2007. It remained in planning limbo for two more years until out of the blue in May 2009 Batt O'Keeffe and Beverly Flynn fly into Westport accompanied by local FF councilors to throw a sod in the air!

That sod soon landed with a thud back on the Minister's desk when I posted it back to him. Its ten months since he threw the sod and there's still no school. I take the Minister's latest commitment with a tablespoon of salt! No-one will be happier than I to see that school begin construction but I'm not holding my breath."

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

2010-01-27T19:28:00.001Z

Observation on planning application …………………

Date 27/01/2010 17:34:08

Cllr Keith Martin, Westport Town Council, 33 Pairc na Coille, Westport, Co. Mayo

2 Pages and 2 Maps
I would like to make the following observations in relation to this application

1.1

That there are serious infrastructural problems in this area such as no pedestrian pathways, a very poor road surface, the service road narrows to one lane in places and there is very poor water pressure in the area.

1.2

That this woods is listed as a protected woodland in the 2003 Town Development Plan

1.3

That this woods is listed as a protected woodland in the soon to be finalised 2009 Town Development Plan

1.4

That this woods is listed as a local bio-diversity area in the soon to be finalised 2009 Town Development Plan

1.5

That the area is to be zoned K Woodland in the soon to be finalised 2009 Town Development Plan (under this zoning a nursing home would be prohibited under the K Woodland Matrix)

1.6

That this development would impact of the Town's skyline in a very detrimental manner

1.7

That a woodland has been in situ in this exact same site for at least 172 years. Attached are copies of the Ordance Survey 1838 map and a more recent Google Earth satellite photo of the woods which shows its occupies exactly the same boundaries.

1.8

This plan does not take into account how far from the town centre and inaccessible such as nursing home would be for its residents, where unlike the residents of the town's existing nursing home, the MacBride Home, they would not be within walking distance of the shops, churches or library. Residents would be isolated and reliant on motorised transport to take them in and out of town.

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Letter to the Editor

2010-01-23T16:56:00.001Z

Letter regarding controversy over Colonel's Wood

33 Pairc na Coille

Westport

Co. Mayo

January 23, 2010

Dear Editor,

I would like to add my voice and support to the campaign against the building of a nursing home in Colonel's Wood.

Anyone who will have studied the plans, as I have, and taken them into the context of the wood's location, history and potential will clearly conclude, as I have, that it is the case of the right idea in the wrong location.

There can be no doubt that Westport needs an additional nursing home so that people from Westport can avail of that kind of care, yet still live in their own area. Already, there are cases of those in need of nursing home care in Westport, who have to take beds in places as far away as Ballinrobe, far from their families, friends and homes.

But the location and design of what is proposed for Knockranny's Colonel's Wood is wrong on several counts, for example knocking down a large area of woodland to make space for a nursing home is wrong, considering a wood has been on that location for at least 172 years, also the deforestation would effect the skyline of the area and there are serious infrastructural problems associated with the area such as road and pedestrian access, traffic control and water pressure.

This plan does not take into account how far from the town centre and inaccessible such as nursing home would be for its residents, where unlike the residents of the MacBride Home, they would not be within walking distance of the shops, churches or library. Residents would be isolated and reliant on motorised transport to take them in and out of town.

Finally the design and layout of the home and its car park are reminiscent of Hitler's Furher-Bunker or his Alpine Wolf's Lair retreat, as the nursing home and car park are to be hacked into a hillside with huge 2 and 3 storey retaining walls to ensure their foundations and are designed to remain completely isolated from the town and community around it. All that is missing is some camouflage netting and anti aircraft guns to complete the illusion.

This nursing home application is not the result of careful consideration and planning by the owners of the wood but rather is a rushed effort to take advantage of the now extinguished tax breaks for nursing homes.

Colonel's Wood should only be developed where by such development enables a better enjoyment of the woodland for all and which makes the wood a greater asset for the town. I appeal to Coilte to withdraw this application and to enter into a public discussion on the future of the woods.

To this end as part of the process of drawing up the new Town Development Plan, which will come into effect shortly, I proposed the zoning of Colonel's Wood as "K" Woodland (which does not allow the development of Nursing Homes, Holiday homes or Hotels) and included in my motion was a special objective for the area, which is written as follows, that, "any development at Colonel's Wood would be subject to a design brief agreed by the elected members (ie Councillors) and following a period of public consultation, the design brief would be brought before the Council for final agreement. If ratified, a binding agreement would be entered into with Coilte".

The zoning and special objective, which I proposed, ensures a partnership approach between all parties for the proper development of the area and was seconded by Cllr Ollie Gannon and received the support of the Cathaoirleach Cllr Staunton and Cllrs Hyland, McLaughlin and McGuire.

It is my hope that the current application for the nursing home is refused and that we can then proceed with "partnership" approach to the future of Colonel's Wood in the best interests of all stakeholders and concerned parties as outlined in my motion.

Yours Faithfully,

Cllr Keith Martin

Leas Cathaoirleach

Westport Town Council

FF starts infighting,

2009-12-12T01:47:00.001Z

The rats have left left the sinking ship, now those remaining are starting to attack each other.

MAYO FIANNA FAIL DEPUTY BEVERLEY FLYNN HAS ACCUSED HER COLLEAGUE THE JUNIOR MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE TONY KILLEEN OF MISCHIEF MAKING IN RELATION TO THE RETENTION OF THE TEAGASC OFFICE IN WESTPORT.
DEPUTY FLYNN MADE THE COMMENTS AFTER SHE SPOKE ON THE CLOSURE OF THE TEAGASC OFFICE IN CASTLEBAR ON THE DAIL ADJOURNMENT LAST NIGHT. DEPUTY FLYNN SAYS THAT THE MINISTER SPOKE ON THE CLOSURE OF THE OFFICE IN CASTLEBAR AND MADE COMMENTS IN RELATION TO THE IMPACT THAT WOULD HAVE ON THE WESTPORT OFFICE AND MAY LEAD TO IT’S CLOSURE ALSO.
DEPUTY FLYNN SAYS THAT THIS WAS MISCHIEF MAKING ON THE MINISTER’S BEHALF AND THAT SHE HAS RECEIVED ASSURANCES FROM THE BOARD OF TEAGASC THAT THE WESTPORT OFFICE IS NOT UNDER THREAT DUE TO THE HINTERLAND IT SERVES.

-- Post From My iPhone

Best Christmas Present!

2009-12-10T15:38:00.001Z

I am delighted at the result, it's the best Christmas present I could have hoped for. It has been a long and stressful three months in limbo but it is great to be back in my rightful place as Councillor and Leas Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council.

I would like to thank Helena Boylan and Co and Mr John Jordan BL for their hard work, good counsel and professionalism.

I would like to thank the Cathaoirleach Cllr Myles Staunton and my council colleagues for their support and solidarity with me over the last couple of months.

I would like to thank all those supporters and well wishers who stuck with me over the three months but I would most like to thank all those who voted for me in June and whose voice was silenced for the last three months.

Their voice will be heard once more in the chamber and it will be heard loud and clear as the council conducts its business.

I would also like to thank my family for all their support.

I am delighted to be back in time to help finalise the Town Plan for the coming five years and to see out 2009 as a councillor and as Leas Cathaoirleach.

It is an honour to serve the people on Westport Town Council and I look forward to the next four and a half years of service. There are tough times ahead but I will be part of the solution not the problem.

I bear no grudge or malice towards anyone; the officials involved were only following the rule of law to its conclusion. It is the law itself with which I take issue and I intend raising my situation with the Law Reform Commission in the New Year.

No councillor should be removed from office with the stroke of a pen for being late for paperwork, no-one should be presumed guilty and required to go to court to clear their name and no punishment should be so disproportion to the offence.

This is contrary to natural justice and the Irish sense of fair play and I am determined to have the law changed so that no one else goes to through the stress, expense and undemocratic and unfair procedure that I have had to face since September.

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

Agenda for Town Council meeting

2009-12-09T13:24:00.001Z

AGENDA FOR TOWN COUNCIL MEEETING

THURSDAY, 10^TH DECEMBER 2009 AT 5.00 p.m.

(01) To confirm Minutes of November meeting of Westport Town Council held on 12^th November 2009;

(02) Planning;

(03) Presentation on Westport Leisure Park;

(04) To note ITIC Report "Review & Outlook for Ireland's Domestic Travel Market";

(05) Update on Roadwork's Programme;

(06) Report on Development of Community and Recreation facilities at Golf Course Road;

(07) Update on Casual Vacancy;

(08) Report on Limavady Twinning Meeting;

(09) Update on Traffic Management

(10) To agree date for Budget Meeting;

(11) To agree date for Development Plan Meeting;

(12) Conference;

(13) Any Other Business

It's good to be back!

2009-12-09T08:19:00.001Z

Thankfully the Circuit Court in Castlebar has removed my disqualification from serving in local government and I am back in my rightful position of Westport Town
Councillor and Leas Cathaoirleach of Westport.
It has been a long and stressful 3 months since I was informed I was disqualified from office for being late with my paperwork.
Thanks for all your support.

-- Post From My iPhone

Circuit Court hearing tomorrow

2009-12-07T18:58:00.000Z

My motion to remove my disqualification from office goes before the Circuit Court tomorrow. Stay tuned to my blog or Twitter account for live updates and the result! Fingers crossed!

-- Post From My iPhone

Submission on town plan

2009-12-02T17:33:00.001Z

Submission on Town Plan

Keith Martin

33 Pairc na Coille

Westport

Co. Mayo

Tuesday, 01 December 2009

Inserting the word "sustainable" into the town plan, here and there, does not make it a plan for a sustainable town. Specific provisions for park and walk, allotments, increased bus links within the town and with towns like Castlebar, encouraging walking to school and work, bicycle parking, cycling lanes, dedicated cycle and walking lanes, the use of renewable power in public buildings and the proper insulation of existing and future buildings are issues which make a sustainable town.
EO-05 should be removed. The industrialisation of Roman Island is an eyesore and a mistake, removing EO-05 will not affect the existing jobs but will end the possibility of further industrialisation of an island at the heart of Westport's contact with the Clew Bay SAC. No other jobs are protected in such a manner in the town plan and it is poor practise to do so in this instance.
CFO-07 remove "subject to demand and logistics" as this could be applied to any other provision of the Town Plan and is a given in any event.
TO-05 allows for the "watering down" and weakening of the council's case in enforcing the preservation of the town's protected structures. This has not been an issue in the past and should not be an issue in the future. The change to "a high conservation standard" should be struck out and the original phrase allowed to stand.
3 INDUSTRIAL ZONING in the case of the Newport Road/Golf Course Road should be shielded off by evergreen trees.
Proposed amendments to the Proposed additions to the RPS should be postponed and meeting sought with the Minister for the Environment to outline what grant supports will be made available to property owners in Westport in the event that their property is to be listed.
Zonings ZA-07,ZA-08 and ZA-09 are un-necessary and very inappropriate as they throw the whole town plan out of balance from being one which seeks to develop a town core to one which seeks to open up huge strips of land outside the town and on the edge of the town to large scale commercial development. It is my belief that if this zoning goes through as is that it will be overturned by the Dept of the Environment and that advise from the Dept should be sought in advance of any decision.
ZA-18 should be zoned for Marine and not Industrial. It should be an objective of the council to encourage Marine related tourism and commercial enterprise on Roman Island and not perpetuate the mistake of allowing it to be industrialised.
ZA-22 How was this site developed a sports pitch when it was not properly zoned? Could this be explained to me in writing? I am happy with new zoning to go into place though there have been complaints of noise from residents in the area.
ZA-28 is an absolutely disastrous example of poor planning by a local authority. It is an attempt to please everyone which fails to satisfy anyone. Since the garden was closed it has been allowed to stagnate, while zoned Town Centre for over a decade at the hight of the planning boom it was left undeveloped. Suggestions that by zoning it Open Space now could leave it to "stagnate" further are spurious. You cannot carve up the Bank Garden into two zonings as it is contrary to idea of it being protected curtilage and would only destroy the area as a walled garden by removing the walls. In any event the amount zoned Open Space would have to be open space for any residential aspect of development in the garden. The Town Council tried to purchase this garden when it first went on the market. It is time for Westport Town and Mayo County Council to purchase it as a park for Westport and as a tourism attraction. The Garden must be zoned Open Space in its entirety.
This plan fails to regularise the issue of Quarry Lane. It should be determined as to exactly what the lane is capable of off and if any further development should be allowed to take place accessing it. In my opinion Quarry Lane has been over developed and is not capable of carrying any more traffic.

Faithfully

Keith Martin
086 0691182

--
Faithfully

Cllr Keith Martin
086 0691182

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