Welcome Message: From the County Manager
Des Mahon, County Manager
Des Mahon, Mayo County Council's County Manager
Whether you are a native of Mayo or have never had the pleasure of visiting our county, we hope these pages give you a glimpse into all that Mayo has to offer. We also hope it reminds Mayo people that they have many reasons to celebrate. We aim to ensure that Mayo is attractive to work in, live in and invest in.
Mayo is a county of contrasts with busy towns like Ballina, Castlebar and Westport boasting internationally important industries, side by side with areas of exceptional national beauty.
"Mayo has something for everyone."
The industrialist will find high quality infrastructure, reliable services and a highly educated versatile workforce. Mayo is well served by a good and improving road network, rail and bus services and Knock International Airport.
The person considering making Mayo their home will be faced with endless possibilities in choosing where to live and work because Mayo has a network of attractive towns and villages and excellent employers covering all disciplines.
Visitors to County Mayo will not only be captivated by the scenery and friendliness of the people but will be amazed by the number and quality of attractions in County Mayo like Ceide Fields, Turlough Park House, Foxford Woolen Mills and Knock Shrine. These coupled with opportunities for walking, swimming, fishing, and golf, make Mayo the ideal choice for holidays.
Mayo County Council is part of the county's success story. We have made much progress, particularly in the provision of essential infrastructure, social and affordable housing, environmental improvements and support of industry. The Council is continuously endeavoring to enrich the lives of people in County Mayo through investment in the arts, heritage, libraries and community initiatives.
The National Development Plan covering the period 2000-2006 is the bible that will guide our activities over the next number of years. It provides for an investment of 40 billion pounds (50.8 billion Euros) and we are availing of opportunities for County Mayo to improve infrastructure, attract industry and address educational disadvantage and social exclusion.
"Local government is at an important stage in its development."
We are striving to build a more efficient, more accountable and more democratic system of local government.
Mayo County Council is developing partnerships with local interest groups and community represenatatives through Strategic Policy Committees and the County Development Board. These new structures will provide elected representatives with a better focus and enhanced capacity for involvement in policy formulation and will allow local communities to have a real say in their development.
Mayo is fortunate to have many natural advantages together with a forward thinking and progressive Council, a dedicated staff and a supportive community. By harnessing the initiative and imagination of all sectors of society, we can maximise the benefits presented by the National Development Plan, improve the quality of life for all the people who live in County Mayo and make the county an even more attractive place in which to invest, work or visit.