Key Mayo study seeks action on rural isolation and spatial imbalances
Six 'high level goals' identified to safeguard county's sustainability
A TOP level study has identified the key supports required to safeguard the economic and community development of Mayo over the next five years.
The analysis, which stretches over 100 pages, sets out six 'high level goals' to protect the county's sustainability up to 2030 and beyond.
The objectives are based on socio-economic data collected by Mayo County Council in collaboration with the county's local community development committee (LCDC).
Prepared with the help of a public consultation process, the dossier pinpoints 19 'challenges' in urgent need of addressing.
At the top of the list is 'the high levels of rural isolation and deprivation' - with much higher levels in the north and west of the county in comparison to the south and east.
The comprehensive study has identified internal spatial imbalances in respect of demographic and economic vitality, with the Belmullet area regarded as 'lagging considerably behind the rest of the county'.
Other issues highlighted include high dependency levels, a limited rail network, a relatively narrow economic base in rural areas, the distorting effects holiday homes are having on access to family homes, and the growing dependence on a declining pool of volunteers to provide community services.
It also focuses on weak demographic structures in Gaeltacht communities, lack of connectivity between towns and villages, the need to rejuvenate towns and villages, broadband connectivity issues and low levels of participation in the workforce.
Cited as 'threats' to the future of the county are 'notable gaps' between the county and the rest of the state on several demographic, social and economic indicators, the risk of implementation of renewable energy measures which damage Mayo's ecosystems, poor national grid capacity and lack of accommodation to meet growing and developing needs.
The six high-level goals, described as 'achievable and realistic' by the council's chief executive, Kevin Kelly, are designed to ensure that Mayo 'is an inclusive, resilient, innovative and forward-thinking county that enables people, places, communities and businesses to thrive - and where sustainability is at the heart of a prosperous future'.
The six high level goals are described as follows:
1. Mayo becomes a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and carbon neutral economy.
2. Communities in Mayo are active, healthy, safe and welcoming - and are empowered to adapt and thrive.
3. Mayo communities have access to essential infrastructure and services.
4. Education and life-long learning are innovative, creative and accessible to all.
5. Businesses in Mayo have access to the supports and services they need to develop, grow and thrive.
6. Mayo is a county that drives economic development and in which the social and circular economies are proactively enabled and supported.
The implementation plan consists of 63 actions which will be monitored and evaluated at the end of 2026.