Stalls area in Mayo's marian village needs a rethink

THE stalls area in Knock needs a rethink.

Many are no longer occupied, with just a couple of businesses operating there now in stalls that are privately owned but on council ground.

The stalls area needs to be revamped, Councillor Deirdre Lawless told a municipal district (MD) meeting, and she suggested it could be developed as a playground amenity.

Knock is renowned worldwide but when people park and come up through the stalls area, it is almost like a 'little shanty town'.

There are only a couple of businesses left operating there, with the rest not used, she said.

Her understanding is that the council own the ground but the stalls are privately owned.

Municipal district head Padraig Flanagan said it is not managed now from the MD. The stalls were originally provided by the council and have long-term leases on them. The ground is owned by the council.

The whole area needs to be redone, said Councillor Lawless.

She highlighted how the playground is too far from the village, exposed to cars going by, and it could be moved up to where the stalls are, and develop a play area, a green area, and extra restaurant facilities.

The existing playground doesn't have facilities for children with disabilities. A lot of sick children and those with disabilities come to Knock for healing and hope, but there's no equipment in the playground that is disabled friendly, she highlighted.

Councillor Lawless asked that the matter be placed on the agenda, saying it would be a massive addition to Knock.

The stalls are at the end of the line, agreed Councillor John Caulfield, and there are no new people taking them up. The council should look at buying back those who have a lease on them.

He suggested a sensory garden for the space, adjacent to the plaza which is a lovely area.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme