Mayo County Council Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Land Sale

Mayo County Council is under fire for its recent sale of a site in Westport to The Wyatt Hotel Unlimited for €670,000. Critics allege that the council failed to follow established departmental rules and the Public Spending Code, prompting a public protest outside the council offices last week. The site, located in the town centre, was reportedly not advertised for sale, and only a single valuation was conducted prior to finalizing the agreement.

A motion to postpone the sale until a public consultation could occur was defeated during the council meeting. In response, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne has called for an immediate halt to the transaction, arguing that the local authority acted hastily and did not comply with legal protocols. He expressed his shock at what he described as a “rush” to sell the property, stating, “I am utterly shocked that the council didn’t comply with the legal requirements.”

Under a circular issued in 2016, public authorities are mandated to register lands on the State Property Register before proceeding with a sale. This process enables other agencies to express interest in the properties for various uses, including housing. Councillor Kilcoyne contends that the documentation provided to some elected members last month did not meet the standards required for a business case, as stipulated by the Public Spending Code.

When questioned about whether the Westport site had been registered as required, a spokesperson for Mayo County Council stated that it was “satisfied that the proposed disposal was conducted in accordance with relevant guidance.” Despite this assertion, Councillor Kilcoyne highlighted the pressing need for housing in the region, noting that there are over 200 individuals in Mayo currently in emergency accommodation. He emphasized, “I was just amazed that it wasn’t considered for housing.”

Council’s Defense and Community Concerns

During the council meeting, Councillor Peter Flynn defended the process, dismissing allegations of “corruption and shady deals” as unfounded. Chief Executive Kevin Kelly also stated that there was no obligation for the land to be advertised, asserting that “there is nothing untoward in respect of this proposal or this transaction.”

A council spokesperson elaborated on the benefits of the sale, describing it as “a significant opportunity to revitalise the area,” which would provide economic stimulation and draw increased visitor numbers to the locality. They noted that in addition to the purchase price, The Wyatt Hotel Unlimited has committed an extra €280,000 for the co-development of the adjoining public amenity area, demonstrating a collaborative effort to enhance local infrastructure.

The council maintains that a business case was circulated to elected members from the relevant municipal district last month, which preceded the agreement on the sale of the land.

As the controversy unfolds, the implications for the local community and the governance of public property transactions in Mayo continue to draw scrutiny.